The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 168
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Yes. I came back to claim my Bride,” Caleb said, with a charming smile.
“Caleb, you do not believe the Rabkins killed Father, do you?” Laurel asked, her voice suddenly serious and tearful.
“No, my love I do not. Think of it no longer at this time. I will find out what has happened mo stor. Try to rest now dearest, there will be much to do in the coming days,” Caleb said softly kissing her head.
“I am most happy to see how close Tulla has grown to Ellos, Marina and the children. Ellos herself told me they would be lost without her,” Laurel mentioned with a tired smile.
“I am most happy to hear that Laurel. Try and rest now my sweet girl, you look so pale and tired, close your eyes dearest, lie against me. Shh, just rest now,” Caleb’s deep rich voice soothing and comforting in the warm dark room, the only light coming from the flicker of the flames burning brightly in the wide hearth.
The next morning Caleb and Aiden brought Laurel back to the castle, all the family was waiting in the small private dining room. The mood was still subdued, but not as sullen as yesterday, as everyone was happy to see each other once again.
Caleb informed Laurel there were a few things he, Aiden and Deaglan would be checking on, then would return shortly, and that Owain would remain with her. Laurel kissed him, as she and Owain walked with the other family members, out to the back terrace to enjoy the morning sun. Caleb then had Deaglan bring him into the sunroom, to look upon the body of King Garron. Phineas had also joined them, telling Caleb it was not in Laurel’s best interest to see her father, as his body had been viciously damaged in the attack. When lifting the coffin lid, Caleb and Aiden shook their heads sadly, while Deaglan had to look away for a moment to compose himself.
“These wounds were not inflicted by a Rabkin, Phineas. They are far too haggard and random. When a Rabkin warrior inflicts a death blow it is usually only two perhaps three at the most, and very precise, with the exception of the Rabkins from the eastern realm. They do not use weapons of metal or iron, only wood, stone or their own claws. We need to question the guard,” Caleb said, in a low and tense voice.
“He is waiting in the Guard house, just in the back of the city square. I will take you to him now,” Deaglan answered as they made their way to the courtyard.
“I shall remain here with Laurel, Caleb. I shall see that she is kept as calm as possible,” Phineas said with a kind reassuring smile.
Thank you Phineas. We shall return as soon as possible,” Caleb replied hitting Phineas lightly on the arm. Then they walked quickly outside, mounted upon their horses and rode down the hill towards the city.
Phineas as promised, kept the day as quiet as possible for Laurel and the rest of the family. Laurel and Lady Ellos took a walk together to the back rose garden, as Lady Ellos wished to share something private with Laurel. After they had sat down on a comfortable bench Lady Ellos held Laurel’s hand and smiled at her tearfully.
“I wished to share news with you my dear Laurel that I have not yet shared with anyone, not even Marina,” Lady Ellos spoke in a voice barely above a whisper.
“What is it Ellos?” Laurel asked with concern, sensing her hesitation.
“I am with child Laurel. I am to give birth in the late Planting season. I have worn very loose tunic dresses to hide my state. I have told no one, dressing before anyone sees me. Only my dear Garron knew,” Ellos said, as she raised her hand to her mouth to stifle her tears.
Laurel looked at her, at first in shock, then in sympathy, as she leaned over and embraced her, causing Ellos to sob openly.
“Was he happy Ellos? Was Father happy?” Laurel asked smiling, with tears streaming down her face.
“Yes. Yes he was Laurel. He was most happy. And you? How do you feel concerning this?” Ellos asked, with some apprehension.
“I will look forward to sharing with my new sibling, all that I can about our Father,” Laurel replied, smiling and holding her hand.
“Oh, thank you dear Laurel. Thank you so much. I only wish our child would have known his or her Father,” Ellos mentioned becoming tearful once again.
“They shall Ellos, between us all they shall,” Laurel said warmly, holding her hand tightly for a moment.
“Well…thank you Laurel for allowing me to share this with you. I must however go and lie down for a bit, as this has all been a bit much for me of late,” she stood up looking now very pale and weary.
“Of course Ellos, I shall walk with you,” Laurel said as she entwined her arm through Ellos’ and walked with her up the stairs.
Embracing once more, Laurel then made her way back downstairs to find the castle suddenly in an uproar, servants running in all directions, rushing about, attempting to bar the heavy front doors of the castle. Owain came running up to her, his face looking agitated and fearful.
“Come with me Laurel, we have no time,” Owain said in a frantic voice grabbing her hand, and running with her towards the back garden, where she had just been.
Laurel found it difficult to keep up with his long strides as he hurried her along, ignoring her questions until reaching the garden.
“Owain please! Tell me what is going on,” Laurel implored in a frantic voice as she forced him to stop running.
“Mercenaries have entered the city Laurel. They have fought with, and killed many of the guards and sent the others retreating. They have closed the city gates and forced all the merchants to lock their doors. They are making their way to the castle, and they are being led by Warrick, Laurel. I need to get you to the Lodge now! Please come with me,” he begged taking her hand again.
They both stopped and turned as the sound of screaming and fighting could be heard in the lobby. Then came the sound of ruffians trying to force the back gate open. Owain placed Laurel behind him and drew his sword.
“No. No Owain, follow me,” Laurel whispered as she led him to a secret entrance just behind the chime willow.
It was and old stone door covered in the climbing vines of the roses. Laurel quickly tore them away, and pushing a small flat round surface that opened the door. Owain grabbed her hand to lead her out, but she resisted, he looked at her in shock and confusion.
“No, my dear Owain. If I leave they will kill everyone in the castle to find me. I will not let them suffer because of me,” Laurel said in a tearful whisper.
“I will not leave you Laurel!” Owain’s eyes filling with tears of frustration.
“Yes you will. I am your Princess and you are my loyal guard. They will kill you in a heart-beat Owain. They will however, not harm me. I am too valuable at this time. They are mercenaries Owain, and Warrick lives for money and all the evil it will buy him. They will hold me ransom. You must go now and find Caleb, the Sentinels will be here soon. These scum know if they have my life to bargain with, they will keep the Sentinels at bay for a time. So I am ordering you as your Princess to go…and bring back my husband,” Laurel spoke with such conviction, Owain knew he would not win.
“Laurel…please,” Owain entreated tearfully.
They both looked over once again, as they saw the back gate almost ready to give way. Laurel held Owain’s face in her hands and kissed him for a moment.
“Go my dear brave Owain. You wish to save me, then save yourself. This door leads directly into the forest, they will not see you. Bring back Caleb, Owain,” Laurel said in one final tearful plea.
He looked at her once more and slipped through the door instantly disappearing into the forest. Laurel quickly closed the door, then taking a breath, stepped away and walked towards the middle of the garden, facing her attackers with her proud and brave demeanor, which caused them to stop and stare at her in surprise for a moment.
“You would dare attack my home and dishonor my family in this way? Which one of you would be so stupid so as to lead your filth, to invade my home and disrespect the wife of Prince Caleb of Heathwin?” Laurel asked, in a dignified and unwavering voice.
“That would be me,” a snide voice could be heard answering, as Laurel turned to face Warrick
“I always thought you to be mad, but I did not think you were that stupid Warrick,” Laurel answered, with unhidden contempt.
“Why thank you my Lady. Throw her contemptable counselor they call Phineas in the brig, unless he has already been killed, and find that idiot Tramaine. Leave us, I need to have a few words with the Princess,” Warrick ordered as he walked up to Laurel, leering at her in such a way it made Laurel’s skin crawl, as they all walked past them.
“Well my dear. Did you miss me?” he asked grabbing her waist, and pulling her roughly to him.
“Do not touch me wretch!” Laurel yelled as she went to strike him, only to have Warrick grab her wrist and squeezed it painfully, causing her to catch her breath.
He pinned her other arm behind her back, and moved his legs to prevent her from once again defending herself.
“I do believe you owe me a kiss my Lady,” he said mockingly as he took her mouth in violent possession.
When he finally released her from his assault, Laurel gasped, trying to catch her breath, her face filled with revulsion and hatred, as she spat on the ground.
Warrick just smirked, then said, “Now my Lady, I feel there are a few demands I must ask of you,” he spoke with a mocking insolent tone.
“I will give you nothing. And when my husband comes for me, I will not ask him to spare your miserable life,” Laurel spat out in disgust.
“My dear pathetic little Princess. I have already taken care of that matter. He will not be returning for you. I have taken care of him, the same way I took care of your father,” he said with an arrogant hateful tone.
Laurel’s eyes went wide at his words.
“You animal!” she screamed as she raked her nails across his face.
Warrick yelled out in pain and rage, then struck Laurel with the back of his hand, sending her falling to the ground. He was instantly upon her tearing at her dress as she fought back with all her strength, screaming at the top of her lungs. He placed his hand roughly over her mouth, leaning down only inches from her face.
“You will not resist me any longer your Highness,” he hissed at her as he reached upward and began tearing at her dress.
“Sire! Wait!” a young woman’s voice could be heard from behind.
Laurel’s eyes went wide when she saw that it was Tulla. Warrick looked at her in amusement, a sneering smile forming on his lips. He stood up, pulling Laurel roughly up by her hair to stand with him.
“And just who would you be my dear?” Warrick asked in a cold and sardonic tone.
“I am Tulla sire. I am a much underappreciated member of the staff,” Tulla answered in a silky voice that Laurel had never heard her dear friend use before.
“And what brings you here my lovely Tulla?” Warrick asked her, his eyes roving over her.
“I feel sire you are truly wasting your attentions on the wrong woman. Everyone knows that the barbarian from the west has reduced the Princess into nothing more than a whore. All know of their reputation. They are uncouth, unkempt, it is said they copulate in their own stables. I however, have never known the pleasures of a man. I feel a man of your dignity and power would truly be an honor to offer myself too,” Tulla replied, smiling at him seductively, reaching over and lightly touched his gold curls.
“Tulla, no” Laurel whispered with trembling lips.
Tulla looked over at Laurel, and for a brief moment, lost her concentration.
“You see sire. She feels I am not worthy,” Tulla countered back, with an indignant air.
Warrick smiled at her wickedly and let go of his grasp on Laurel, shoving her to the ground, Tulla looking at her again for a breath’s moment, losing her concentration again. She then looked up at Warrick, returning his smile.
“You are worth at least six of her kind my dear…Tulla. I feel you do indeed deserve my…special attention,” Warrick replied as he leaned down and kissed Tulla’s neck, as she desperately tried to compose her trembling and fear.
Laurel looking at her crying and shaking her head.
“Murdoc!” Warrick yelled out causing both Tulla and Laurel to startle.
“Yes, Sir Warrick,” a large filthy brute of a man came walking in with an attitude of annoyance and impatience.
“Throw the Princess in the tower. She is not to be given food or water until she decides to be more appreciative, like my dear Tulla here,” Warrick said, as he pulled several strands of Tulla’s dark copper hair through his fingers.
“Oh fine. Come on you,” Murdoc said rolling his eyes, as he grabbed Laurel by her arm, roughly forcing her to stand, and dragging her out of the garden.
“Tulla! Tulla please! Do not do this!” Laurel pleaded, as she was dragged away.
“Now my dear, shall we find a quiet place to get know each other a bit better?” Warrick asked Tulla, with an evil grin.
As the group rode deeper into the forest, Caleb began to feel the unmistakable presence once again, saying nothing, only glancing around from time to time, which was not missed by Aiden.
“This is where it happened Sire,” the guard Eamon said as they stopped in a small clearing amongst the trees.
“I do not see any signs of a struggle Eamon,” Caleb questioned him warily.
“You will Sire, at any moment now,” Eamon replied, with a slight smile.
Within moments Caleb, Aiden and Deaglan and an escort of six Sentinels, suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of filthy, savage looking thugs.
“Eamon! What have you done?” Deaglan asked in shock and dismay.
“What I was paid to do Captain,” Eamon answered smugly.
Caleb looked around again, the presence growing ever stronger.
“Well then I hope you were paid handsomely and enjoyed it. For it shall be the last payment you ever receive,” Caleb said smiling coldly, as Aiden retuned his smile.
“Open the door you idiot! I was sent specifically by Sir Warrick himself to see if the Princess has had a change of heart. Now do as I say!” Tulla yelled angrily.
“Fine then. I shall open the damned door. That dandy is not paying me enough to put up with the likes of you,” Murdoc said angrily as Tulla walked into the tower room.
Once inside and the door was shut, Laurel and Tulla ran up to each other embracing tearfully.
“Oh my sweet Tulla. Why did you do this? Did he hurt you?” Laurel asked, stepping back a bit to look at her, moving her hair aside and noticed bruises on her neck and shoulder. “Oh Tulla, I am so sorry,” Laurel sobbed wretchedly, embracing her faithful friend once again.
“Do not be sorry my Lady. I could not let him touch you. It…it does not hurt that much,” Tulla replied her eyes filling with tears.
“Owain! Owain escaped and has gone to find Caleb. He will return for us dear Tulla he will save us from Warrick,” Laurel said, through her tears.
“I know he will my Lady. I cannot stay much longer, he has no idea I am here. I have brought you bread and a jar of water. I will try to come as often as I can. There are those left of the guards that still remain in the castle, they pretend their loyalty is for Warrick. One will come to protect you as soon as he can convince these swine he has turned,” Tulla spoke in a low voice, handing Laurel the bread and water.
“I cannot let that bastard touch me Tulla. I…I, think I am with child Tulla,” Laurel told her with trembling lips.
Tulla embraced her once again.
“I swear to you my beloved Laurel, I will kill him myself before I let him touch you. Do not worry, your Prince will return for you,” Tulla said kissing Laurel’s cheek and then walked up to the door loudly demanding to be let out, turning once more to give Laurel a fleeting smile.
Laurel sat down on the pile of straw given her as a bed, and drank a small sip of water and took only one bite of the small loaf, not sure when she would be given more.
“Oh my Prince,” she whispered. “Where are you?” she asked, as a tear fell down her cheek.
This concludes the first installment of The Rienfield Chronicles, Book 1
The Treasure of Gwenlais.
Come back and join us once again for the continuation of the epic saga of Princess Laurel and Prince Caleb and all the other residents of the Kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin. If you enjoyed the epic journey kindly leave a review https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015IQ0LW2
Look for Book 2, Child of the Kindred on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07286SYTR
Thank you mo chairde! And visit my author page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/therienfieldchronicles/
M T Magee, The Treasure of Gwenlais
