Child of the Kindred, page 19
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Rest now, mo chailin milis. Everything will be dealt with as it needs to be. You are my foremost concern. We shall take each day as it happens. At this time, I only wish to hold you. Shh, no more questions, rest now,” he whispered, holding her closer as she began to inquire further of other matters.
Laurel closed her eyes and sighed deeply, as she felt Caleb’s strong arms press her closer against him, knowing he would not answer any more questions. She smiled wearily, allowing herself to give in to the comforting warmth of Caleb’s embrace.
Shortly before they were to depart for the Ollam meadow for the funeral services, Laurel walked with Marina and the children to Lady Ellos’ private study. Laurel had suggested they bring something of their mother’s, to help them feel close to her, as they were not able to say goodbye at a proper viewing service.
“I have decided to wear my mother’s shawl and my father’s ring,” Laurel explained, holding out her right hand, displaying the ornate silver signet ring.
They quietly walked through the small lovely and elegant room. It had been arranged to showcase all of Lady Ellos’s private furnishings, artwork, and personal items, such as some of her jewellery, which was kept in a beautiful chest on the dressing table. Marina walked over to it and opening it carefully she called Oriel over to her.
“Here Orrie. You always loved wearing Mother’s glass beads. She would want you to have them,” Marina said, as she placed the beautiful necklace over Oriel’s head.
Oriel touched the delicate beads carefully, admiring again the tiny blue flowers that had been painted on each smooth bead. Marina reached in the chest and pulled out a bracelet of silver with emeralds, one that King Garron had made for Lady Ellos, as a wedding gift. She wore it proudly to all social functions, but could not bring herself to wear it every day, as it was very expensive. Marina decided however, she would wear it each day as not only a remembrance of her mother, but to show others that her mother did indeed have the King’s heart. Laurel smiled at the two girls sadly, as they hugged each other talking quietly of their mother. Laurel then looked over at Jamison, who appeared lost and heartbroken as he glanced about the room. He had spent quiet moments alone with his mother in this room. She would hold him on her lap, reading or just talking quietly to him, on the small couch. Jamison had always been small for his age. A fever as a young child, had caused him to convulse badly, bringing him to the brink of death. He recovered, but it left him with a limped gait, and frail health. His intelligence however, far exceeded his physical limitations. Jamison learned how to speak, read and write, earlier than most children his age. His mother had always told him, when he would become sad at once again falling ill over the winter, that he was far stronger than he realised. He barely remembered his father, Lord Moran, only images of a kind older man, who always laughed at he and Oriel’s antics. Jamison had no real male role models in his life, as his uncles and then King Garron, were either outright uncaring or as in King Garron’s case, too preoccupied to pay him any mind. When meeting Caleb and Aiden for the first time, he was enthralled not only with their overwhelming physical presence, but delighted in that they took an interest in him. He found Aiden’s personality amusing and his skill with the bow, captivating. Caleb however, he found the most engrossing. Caleb’s warm smile, and caring nature, left Jamison feeling safe and wanted. When Caleb had helped him with his overly starched shirt, and then taught he and Oriel how to play Pass the Boar at the wedding, Jamison began to realise what it felt like to have a father figure in his life. He had mentioned this once to his mother, saying he wished he had a father like Caleb. But sadly, in his innocence, he had no idea why it made her cry.
“And what shall you bring Jamison?” Laurel asked as she walked over, reaching out to caress his soft gold curls.
“I am not sure,” Jamison replied in a small voice, sniffing back tears as he rubbed his hand across his nose.
He looked around a few moments more, then slowly hobbled over to the small plush couch he and his mother would sit on. Thrown over the back of it, was the small lap blanket that his mother would cover him with when they sat together. It was a soft knitted woollen blanket, of pale grey and was his favourite. He picked the blanket up bringing it to his face, the scent of rose water still could be detected. It was Lady Ellos preferred scent, and she wore it every day, being very happy with the abundance of roses in Gwenlais.
“I shall bring this. I t was our blanket,” Jamison mentioned in a shaking voice, as Laurel walked up to him.
She hugged Jamison for a few moments, then kissed the top of his head.
“It is a wonderful choice dearest. All of what you have chosen is lovely, and I am sure dear Ellos would be very happy with what you have chosen to remember her by. Now we must go and meet Caleb and Aiden downstairs. It is time now to say goodbye,” Laurel remarked in a soft trembling voice.
Caleb and Aiden looked up at the staircase, smiling sadly as they watched the woeful little group make their way slowly down the stairs. When reaching the bottom of the stairs, Caleb leant down and picked Jamison up, as he appeared to be limping more pronounced than usual.
“What do you have here mo buachaill daor?” Caleb asked warmly, as Jamison hugged the blanket closer.
“It is Mother and I’s favourite blanket,” Jamison replied with trembling lips.
“A very good choice. It is time for us to leave now as everyone is waiting for us in the courtyard. I know that this will be a very sad, hard and difficult time for all of you, but we will be here for you. I promise we will have the ceremony finished, as quickly as possible. Then we shall all return to the castle and have a nice quiet relaxing time together. You will not have to speak with anyone at the ceremony that you do not wish to,” Caleb said, addressing them all but lastly looking at Marina, perceptively.
“Thank you, Caleb,” Marina replied, her voice breaking with emotion, as Laurel reached over and squeezed her hand.
“Come mo cheann daor,” Aiden said in a soft voice with a gentle smile, taking Marina’s hand as he led her out of the entrance.
The royal procession rode down the hill at a relaxed pace. When approaching the Ollam meadow, Laurel’s heart swelled with both pride and love, at seeing not only the meadow full but many of the people standing at the roadside. They called out to her as she rode by, many of them crying as they waved to her. Laurel waving back to them, tears in her eyes, as she realised most of the citizens, in spite of all the suffering that had occurred, had come to bid their King goodbye. Once in the meadow, the group dismounted, with the King and Queen of Heathwin and Phineas leading the way towards the seating area for the members of the procession. Both the Sentinels and the Gwenlais Guards, stood in attendance on either side of the crowd, giving the ceremony a regal and dramatic intensity. Ione and Rian standing in attendance together, held their hands out slightly as Laurel made her way to the couple, touching them as she walked by. The citizens bowed as Laurel walked past them, she looked around her in surprise, then at Caleb, who smiled at her understandingly. Everyone took their seats, the younger children sitting between Laurel and Caleb, with King Fergus and Queen Alana sitting at the front of the seats of honour, for King Fergus would be the foremost guest to speak.
The other family members from Heathwin, with Gavin and Chieftain McCullan amongst them sat in the row of seats behind. Gavin reached over placing his hand on Caleb’s shoulder, while Kerrie stood up briefly, and hugged Laurel and Marina from behind. Phineas stood up, walking over to a small raised platform, he stepped upon it then turning to face the guests, as well as the crowd in the meadow. He raised his arms for a moment, signalling that he wished to speak. As the crowd was hushed, Phineas began to speak in a loud voice.
“My friends. We come together, to sadly bid our beloved King, and his new wife Lady Ellos, goodbye. So much pain and so much sadness, has befallen Gwenlais in such a short time. We all ask ourselves, can we recover, will we survive? My answer is, yes, we will. We have been called “a Kingdom of farmers,” something our dear late King was most proud of. “Do not take that remark as an insult,” King Garron once said to me. He also went on to say, that there is no one more resilient, more capable of overcoming hardships, than a farmer. For when their crops fail, or their livestock die or are killed by predator or disease, what do they do? They wipe off the dust and dirt and begin again. For there is always next season, always a chance to begin anew. That is exactly what all of us can do. We will wipe off the dust from this horrible time, we will come together and work hard. We will begin anew, and honour our dear King’s memory. We will show our beloved Princess and show all of Rienfield, that we will do more than just survive and recover. We will flourish, and rise above the misery and the heartache and the rubble. We have lost many friends and loved ones; many Guards fell in service to Gwenlais. We will honour their memories by not just surviving, not just rebuilding, but by claiming victory over our oppressors and rising to new heights that will be written of by the Scribes and poets themselves. We will once again, as in olden times, be known as “the green jewel of Rinefield.” What say you my friends? What answer do we have for our much loved Princess, our Treasure of Gwenlais?” Phineas asked the crowd in a loud, impassioned voice, as he gestured towards Laurel.
“YES WE WILL!!” The reply filled the air, as the crowds thunderously cheered. Laurel became overcome with emotion, as Caleb reached over smiling and holding her hand, helped her to stand and face the crowd. As she waved to them, there was a renewed round of cheering for her. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind, at the conclusion of Phineas’ speech, who Laurel would be naming as Regent.
After a moment, Laurel took her seat again, then Phineas introduced King Fergus as the crowd fell hush, once more. The handsome, tall and regal King of Heathwin stood in Phineas’ place, looking out at the crowd with a sad smile before speaking.
“I am both greatly saddened, and greatly honoured, to stand before all of you, at this time of sorrow. King Garron, was not only a man I respected and admired, but he was also a dear friend. Yes, we had our differences, we did not always see things in the same light, but by the day’s end, he was still someone I enjoyed having in my company. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit and was not above laughing at himself at times. He was most proud of his Kingdom and his people. He was especially proud, of his beloved daughter, and for good reason. He will be truly missed by both our Kingdoms and he will be forever known, as a great friend to Heathwin. I also wish to share my great admiration and respect, for his precious departed wife, Lady Ellos. Yes, she was indeed beloved by the King, a sentiment he shared with me at my eldest son’s wedding, to Princess Laurel. He told me how Lady Ellos had done much in healing his broken heart, after losing his cherished Milna. How moved and grateful he was, for Lady Ellos understanding his heartbreak, for not demanding she be made Queen. “I know I can never fill her place Garron, so I will not insist on doing so.” That is what King Garron told me she had said to him, just before their wedding. I found her to be a most charming and intelligent woman, who dearly loved her children and her adopted homeland. So much so, that she took it upon herself to confront Warrick, to try and put an end to the violent siege. Lady Ellos paid the ultimate price for this courageous and selfless act, she paid with her life. She died at the hands of her own brother to save her children, your Princess, and all of you. For this reason, Princess Laurel has decreed, Lady Ellos will be laid to rest in a place of honour, here, beside her husband,” King Fergus stated, in a strong voice, as the crowd at first looked around in surprise, then began to applaud and cheer.
Marina looked over at Laurel, her face registering her amazement, then burst into tears as she embraced Laurel. The younger children became overwrought, watching their sister break down, in gasping sobs. Caleb reached over and took Jamison, placing him on his lap and holding him, as Queen Alana moved over and embraced Oriel, to help her to calm down. The reaction amongst the Nobles was a mixture of both surprise, smiles, and even a few looks of resentment. Some amid the Nobles, never accepted Lady Ellos as one of them, her first husband’s family included. Lady Ellos’ former in-laws applauded, out of decency, but continued to look at each other with disgruntled expressions. Especially with seeing how caring and concerned the royal families were towards the children. King Fergus looked over at the children, Queen Alana smiling at him sadly while continuing to embrace Oriel. King Fergus returned her smile, then once again faced the crowd in the meadow.
“Before we have the Elder Scribe come up to offer a prayer, and to lay our loved ones to rest, I wish to extend to all the people of Gwenlais, especially our most beloved Princess Laurel and the children of Lady Ellos, the heartfelt sympathies and condolences from all of the Kingdom of Heathwin. I personally pledge, we will help you to rebuild your fair city and to regain her former dignity and beauty. You are no longer considered our allies, but our brothers, our family. Tomorrow will be a day to lay to rest, those who lost their lives so senselessly. But it will also be a day of assessment and planning for the future of Gwenlais, and we will be there to help the healing begin. I wish you all peace and comfort tonight. We will now conclude the services with the Elder Scribe offering a prayer and finally with laying to rest, King Garron and Lady Ellos,” King Fergus finished.
As he walked back to his seat, the Elder Scribe was taking his place.
Deaglan, Crayton, Logan and all the Gwenlais Guards, walked up to the caskets, joining the Ollams who also took their place there.
After the prayer had been concluded, the Elder Scribe stepped up to Laurel, bowing his head in respect and offering her his condolences. The family members then stood up and walked over to the coffins to say their goodbyes. The wind began to pick up, and the clouds moved in, indicating it would soon start to rain, as it had threatened all morning. Laurel placed her hand upon her father’s coffin, tears falling from her eyes.
“Goodbye Daidi, I shall miss you” she whispered tearfully, leaning down for a moment, running her hands slowly across the casket’s smooth surface. Laurel then turned and placed her hand upon Lady Ellos’ casket, “Goodbye dear Ellos, and thank you,” she whispered, then turned and embraced Marina and the children as they approached their mother’s casket.
It was then, that the younger children became overwhelmed with emotions once again. Queen Alana insisting they be brought back to the castle, without delay.
“They have suffered enough, they cannot be expected to go through any more formalities, at this time” the Queen stated in old speak, her voice and face full of concern as she embraced them both.
“I agree my dear. Caleb, we shall bring them back to the castle at this time. For Laurel’s sake, do not let the Nobles keep her here for any great length. She looks as if she is ill,” King Fergus mentioned, as he looked over at Laurel being embraced by Deaglan.
“I concur Sire. I will handle the Nobles. After H er Highness says her goodbyes to the Guards and the Ollams, she should leave. I will meet you all at the castle shortly,” Phineas remarked, as he glanced over at Laurel making her way down the line of Guards, who were all more than happy to offer their sympathies.
“Thank you, yes. I agree with my parents as well Phineas. It is most perceptive of you Father, as Laurel was ill this morning. She sat at the small table in our room as breakfast was brought in, and a moment after her first bite, she rushed to the bath, becoming sick. Now that it is starting to rain, the children should be brought home, so they do not become ill as well,” Caleb looked up at the sky, as the wind increased, swirling the brown fallen leaves all around them.
With Caleb’s mention of Laurel being sick, Alana and Fergus smiled at each other knowingly, as they had discussed what Alana had questioned Laurel with, the night before they had left for Gwenlais.
“Come along my darlings. Fergus and I will be taking you home now, do not worry, your sister will join us shortly. We shall go to the sitting room for tea and cake, and I shall read you both a lovely story,” Queen Alana spoke in a warm and caring tone.
King Fergus picked up Jamison, with Queen Alana leading Oriel, along with their guards, went to their waiting horses. Caleb then looked over to see Aiden standing with Marina, his arm around her waist. A look of unfriendly indifference on his face, as Caleb saw, what he assumed were Marina’s uncle and his wife, talking to her. He then glanced over to see that Laurel was now engaged in conversation with Mistress Gavenia and the other Ollams. Though she looked pale and tired, Laurel did not appear to be distressed, as she even smiled from time to time, as the Ollams continued to embrace and talk with her. Marina, however, seemed anxious and flustered, as her relatives continued to speak with her. Aiden looked over feeling Caleb’s eyes watching them, giving him a meaningful look.
“If you will excuse me, Phineas, I feel my presence is needed at this time,” as he gestured over to where Aiden and Marina were standing, still by her mother’s casket.
“I have no doubt it is Sire. Your brother could not look anymore irked,” Phineas remarked, placing his hand on Caleb’s shoulder.
“Well done, by the way, mo chara. A most inspiring speech,” Caleb replied, hitting Phineas lightly on the arm, then making his way over to Aiden and Marina.
“So my dear, if you feel the need to have us close by to offer our support, do not hesitate to send for us,” Caleb heard Marina’s uncle say to her, as he walked up to them.
Lord Maran’s brother, was a man full of self-importance. He too was one of the lesser Nobles, his wealth meagre, in comparison to the others. The only reason for him owning two elegant homes and the unimpressive amounts of land, was his refusal to allow Lady Ellos and her children to rightfully keep their home. He and his wife and sisters had been very insulted, with King Garron for not inviting them to the wedding or any other social gathering.
