Child of the Kindred, page 2
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“A husband who would never make you Queen. My sister, reduced to nothing more than the King’s consort,” Warrick spat out venomously.
Lady Ellos narrowed her eyes as bitter tears flowed freely down her cheeks, reaching out swiftly, slapping Warrick sharply across his face.
“You will not speak of my late husband with such disrespect, or of me. This madness will end now Warrick. The Sentinels will soon overcome you and your hired ruffians. They will kill you all, and I will be helpless to stop it. Leave now and save yourself. For I cannot save you, or forgive you,” Lady Ellos stated in a small soft voice, uttered with anger and grief.
Warrick looked into her eyes, his, at first filled with sadness and pain, then suddenly with hate and savagery. He grabbed Lady Ellos by her arms again, slamming her viciously into the garden wall, causing her to cry out in pain and shock. Placing his hand at her throat, Warrick moved closer, his face only inches from hers.
“I gave you the chance to finally have respect, and you spat it back in my face. We would have ruled Gwenlais together. The Princess would be ours to control, and with her, all of Gwenlais and Heathwin. Your husband was in the way of my vision, which is why I had him disposed of, and now the barbarians as well. You have sealed your fate, my dear sister, for I cannot forgive you either,” Warrick hissed, as Lady Ellos eyes grew wide with terror and the realisation of what he had done, then with pain.
She cried out for only a heartbeat’s moment and then went limp as Warrick let her crumble to the ground. He stood over her in alarm, realising fully what he had just done, looking down at his bloodied hand holding the dagger. Ellos looked at him one last time, her final breath leaving her, as she closed her eyes. Warrick fell to his knees, sobbing pitifully for a few moments. Then looking all around him, picked up Ellos’ body and placed her underneath a small plum tree. His face became contorted with anger, as he coldly wiped his bloody hands on her dress, then stood up, giving his sister one last look of contempt.
“You should have listened Ellos. You should have helped me. This was your fault, and you have paid for it. Now they all will,” Warrick spoke aloud, his mind now fully overtaken with the madness that had waited patiently to consume him.
He then slowly turned and walked unhurriedly back into the castle.
Caleb looked over at the approaching group of twenty-five ruffians riding menacingly towards them, a smile of cold disdain on his face. The six Sentinels with them, with swords drawn, had already moved their horses in a defensive half circle, patiently waiting for Caleb’s command.
“Seasta mo dhearthaireacha,” Caleb said to them in a low, calm voice, as Aiden looked over at Deaglan intensely, but confidence showing in his eyes.
Then a pompous but no less filthy thug, rode forward, keeping just out of a sword’s length away from Caleb, looking at him with arrogant defiance.
“So here be the great warrior Prince of Heathwin. What say you now your Majesty? Any last inspiring words before we end you and your brother’s grand lives?” the ruffian asked with a mocking laugh, as the other mercenaries joined him in their mockery.
“Why am I not surprised to see you, Cuddy? This had the stench of you, and your worthless brother, all over it. And where would he be? Finally, get killed, did he? Shame I could not have done it myself, but you both ran away like frightened little girls, to leave your fellows to die in your stead. I intend to make sure that does not happen this time,” Caleb replied, grinning wickedly as Aiden and the other Sentinels laughed back, causing Cuddy to look about him, with anger and loathing.
“Proud words from an arrogant fool! We have you outnumbered, or cannot “The Hawk of the West”, count? You will be the frightened little girl, begging me to end your life. I shall very much enjoy killing you, slowly, then bringing your head back as was requested,” Cuddy retorted back, moving just a step slightly closer.
No sooner had Cuddy finished his threat, then did a low hum begin to sound all around them. The noise growing steadily louder, as the very air seemed bursting with it, filling the mercenaries with dread as they looked nervously about.
“What is that sound? What trickery is this?” Cuddy asked, his voice betraying his fear as he looked around, the noise seemingly crushing his chest.
“The last sound you will ever hear before I end your miserable life,” Caleb spoke in a low threating voice, his eyes flashing with his anger, as he slowly unsheathed his broadsword. “Only you and your scum would be stupid enough to try and blame the Rabkins for the King’s death. Now you will pay for it. They do not take being dishonoured lightly,” Caleb relayed, in a dark and threatening voice.
The humming then turned into one deep guttural sound, almost musical in tone, and in a heartbeat’s moment, there was a sharp whistle, of something rushing through the air. Eamon’s breath releasing in a hiss, as a wooden staff pierced his chest, sending him falling backwards off his horse. The mercenaries began to yell out in shock and panic, as one of them was pulled off his mount, into the depths of the forest canopy behind him, his screams heard briefly above the din.
“Ionsai!” Caleb then yelled out, the command to attack.
The Sentinels dashed forward, swords brandished as they rushed the mercenaries, who were briefly overcome with the shock of Eamon’s sudden death. Caleb rode straight at Cuddy, who was looking about frantically as the chaos ensued, not noticing Caleb. He struck Cuddy with the hilt of his sword, knocking the mercenary off his horse, rendering him unconscious.
“Leave him for me!” Caleb shouted the order, as two Sentinels looked over.
The forest suddenly exploded, with a rage that filled the very air. Over twenty Rabkin warriors, suddenly burst out and attacked the mercenaries, with swift and deadly efficiency. Only one Rabkin warrior fell, an arrow from one of the mercenaries’ crossbows, pierced the Rabkin’s chest hitting his heart, and killing him instantly. Aiden released several arrows from his crossbow, each time finding his mark. He began using his bow as a weapon, swinging it with deadly accuracy, as two of the mercenaries rushed him. Another one came swiftly upon Aiden, wielding his sword clumsily, as he was not accustomed to actually fighting with it. This particular group was more accustomed to pillaging defenceless villagers, not fighting with highly skilled warriors. Aiden was caught off guard. He had just dropped the bow and was drawing his sword as the mercenary struck out, grazing Aiden’s arm. Deaglan suddenly appeared, striking the mercenary with his sword, hitting him in the neck, his blood a crimson fountain, before falling lifelessly to the ground. Aiden looked over at Deaglan, a mirthless smile on his lips, as he nodded his thanks. The onslaught soon ended with all of the mercenaries, save Cuddy, dead. All that could be heard was heavy breathlessness and the nervous nickering of horses as Caleb, Aiden and Deaglan, along with the others, stood silent for a moment. Caleb then urged Lorcan forward, holding his arm out as he stopped in front of one of the tall and noble looking Rabkin warriors.
“Much thanks to you friend Elfyn. A life debt be owed you and your valiant warriors,” Caleb spoke in a tone, not hiding his respect and gratitude.
“No debt owed friend Caleb. We Rabkins fight for the honour of the Kindred people. Fight for our friendship with you. We knew you would never dishonour us, or mistrust us. We will stand with you, and help to rid Gwenlais, of the evil that has come upon her. Much strength and loyalty in the men with you. This will be needed to rid us of the evil ones,” Elfyn replied, looking at the Sentinels present, his arm placed on the top of Caleb’s in the usual greeting.
“Did you witness the death of the King of Gwenlais?” Caleb asked with concern, as he lowered his arm.
“I did not. But my Kindred brother, Trhaearn, saw the King and his Guards die. He will explain,” Elfyn gestured over to a solemn, but seemingly younger Rabkin, his neck frills not as prominent.
Trhaearn stepped forward to speak to Caleb, inclining his head slightly, before he spoke.
“I stood only a few strides away, in the forest. The King was with his men to begin the hunt. The Guard that lies on the ground, signalled, and then the evil ones came out of the forest. They surrounded the King and the two others with him and struck them down. They took a metal claw and then a staff, cutting the dead King and his men. They laughed as they did this. It was when they left, I walked over to look at the men, and saw how the wounds were placed. I knew then, they be trying to blame the Kindred people. When the Guards returned, I watched them weep over the King and his men, I knew they were good men. Much like you, friend Caleb, and your brothers from the west,” the Rabkin spoke, in sad sing-song tone.
Caleb looked over with a slight smile at Deaglan, who watched him speak to the Rabkins, with fascination. Caleb thanked the Rabkins, then made his way back over to the mercenary, who was now conscious, on his knees with his hands bound behind his back. Caleb dismounted and walked up to Cuddy, looking down at him with contempt.
“Was it worth what you were paid Cuddy, to kill the King? We shall return and thwart the plans of the one who hired you, and your body will rot here in the forest like the filth you are,” Caleb said in a cold and threatening tone.
“It was worth it, knowing you will suffer greatly when you return to the city. Do you think you would be truly victorious?” Cuddy spit out with a deep mocking laugh.
“What are you talking about?” Caleb asked him, a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.
“Your Princess, Sire,” Cuddy replied with a mocking sneer. “You may not want her back, after the dandy Warrick has had his way with her. He was very detailed as to how he was going to enjoy himself with your wife. Who is it to say, oh Prince, she may even like it,” Cuddy said, with a vicious laugh.
Caleb could not hold back his rage as he yelled out, cursing at the mercenary he raised his sword arm, as the two Sentinels moved out of range, Caleb struck down, cutting the thug’s head off with one blow.
Caleb sheathed his bloody sword and leapt upon Lorcan, turning him quickly in the direction of the city. He looked over at the Rabkins as they waited expectantly.
“My friends, we must leave at once for the city. I fear for the child Ollam’s safety,” he informed them, in a voice not hiding his fear and anxiety.
“My Kindred brothers and I will wait for you there. We will be just outside of the city gates. We will be there after the sun’s setting,” Elfyn replied, as the group turned and disappeared into the forest, bringing the body of their fallen warrior with them.
“We must hurry! Keagan! Bag that swine’s head. I plan to use it to convince whoever is at the gates to do as I demand,” Caleb directed one of the Sentinels who had detained Cuddy.
The group began to hurriedly make their out of the forest, back onto the main roadway to Gwenlais, only to be met by Owain and the young sentinel Seamus, galloping towards them. They stopped abruptly, surprising each other.
“Owain! What has happened? Why are you not with Laurel?” Caleb asked with rising panic.
“Sire, Warrick, with hundreds of mercenaries, overtook the castle and the city. Some of the Guards have been killed trying to stop them. I had brought Laurel to the garden to try and get her out the back gate. When we saw that it was already in the hands of the ruffians, Laurel showed me a secret door in the wall of the garden and told me to leave. I tried to make her come with me, but she feared the others in the castle would be killed. Laurel did not believe that she would be harmed herself. When I refused to leave without her, she ordered me to find you. She was afraid the ruffians would kill me if I stayed to defend her as I wanted to. I went to the Lodge as quickly as I could, to gather the rest of the Sentinels, but we were unable to re-enter the castle as they threatened to harm her. Angus, and at least one hundred Sentinels, remain at the back gate,” Owain explained, his voice breaking with emotion.
Caleb looked down for a moment, then looked over at Aiden and Deaglan’s worried faces.
“Laurel was correct in her thinking. They would have killed you as soon as they saw you. They may threaten, but they will not kill her, she is far too valuable,” Caleb stated, in a low, pained voice.
He then looked over at Owain's agonised expression, moving Lorcan forward to place his hand on Owain’s shoulder.
“You did the right thing Owain. Nothing would have been accomplished with your death. Come, we need to make our way back now quickly. Tell me what you can about what has taken place on the way,” Caleb said, as they began the long ride back.
It had taken them till mid-day to reach the place where Cuddy and his band waited in ambush. It was now well into the afternoon, Caleb and the others listened with troubled and heavy hearts, as Owain and Seamus explained how the Sentinels were unable to storm the castle, for fear Laurel would be harmed. Tolemais directed they not take the chance, as they had no way of even knowing where Laurel was, or how real the threats to her life were. He ordered one of the companies of Sentinels be placed at the garden gate and two at the main gates of the city, as only three companies of Sentinels were present in Gwenlais. Tolemais had also immediately sent riders to the river camp so they could sound the alarm to Heathwin. They rode as fast as the horses could physically allow, so as to reach the city gates by sunset.
Marina walked hesitantly down the staircase, waiting and listening for any signs of her uncle or the ruffians she had heard throughout the day. The main lobby was unnervingly quiet, as no one was seen walking about. As Marina reached the bottom of the staircase, she looked about once more, then removing her shoes quietly ran down the main lobby to the back terrace, her light steps barely echoing through the stillness of the long open corridor. Muirgen had informed her that Lady Ellos and Warrick, were last seen heading for the garden. As her mother, had not returned, Marina grew increasingly worried. Having Muirgen stay with the children, Marina then ventured out in search of her mother. As she came closer to the garden terrace, she could hear the mercenaries still taunting the Sentinels behind the gate. Marina crept closer and could see at least six of the ruffians around the bend. Placing her body as close as she could against the wall, Marina silently made her way to the back garden, venturing away from the wall when she was sure she was out of sight. After placing her shoes back on, she walked about cautiously, then suddenly stopped in dread, her breath catching in her throat, as she saw a pool of blood on the stone terrace floor. She began to shake uncontrollably, forcing herself to follow the trail of blood, leading further out into the garden.
“Mother?” Marina called out quietly, the sound of her own voice surprising her, as it broke the dead silence.
Marina slowly moved forward, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid, as she continued to follow the grisly trail. Suddenly in the grass ahead, under the plum tree, her eyes caught a glimpse of colour. She stopped walking for a moment, her mind desperately trying to grasp, the sight that lay in front of her.
“Mother,” Marina said in a gasping whisper, as she then ran forward, falling to her knees.
Her panicked heart-wrenching sobs, shook her body, as Marina called to her mother again. She turned her mother’s body to her, then pulling her hand back in shock and terror, as she saw it was drenched in blood. Her screams were quickly silenced by a hand covering her mouth, another hand on her arm, turning her around. Marina’s wide, terrified eyes were met by the soft, but intense eyes of Crayton.
“Shh, my child. You must be quiet or the ruffians at the gate will hear you. Shh, come with me quickly, it is not safe here,” the older man whispered intensely, as he helped Marina to her feet. “Do you understand me? I know you are in shock, but you must keep silent, for it means your very life. You need to trust me, Marina. Alright?” Crayton asked her.
Marina tearfully nodded her head. Crayton slowly removed his hand from her mouth, and placed his arm protectively around her, then led her further out into the garden towards the potter’s shed. He carefully looked all about before opening the door and hurriedly stepped inside with Marina following shakenly. Walking over to the farthest side of the shed, Crayton then directed Marina to sit on the floor, behind an old cupboard, that had been placed there, then he knelt in front of her.
“Crayton what has happened to Mother? Who did this to her?” Marina asked, in a frantic sobbing whisper, her mind still unable to comprehend what had happened.
“I am so very sorry my dear girl. Your mother took it upon herself to try and convince your uncle, to cease his murderous rampage. She paid with her life to do this. Now, we must do all that we can to secure the lives of you and your brother and sister. I know that this is more than you can bear, my child, but you must help us. Do not let your beloved mother’s sacrifice be in vain. You must stay here, and keep the children quiet and safe until I return,” Crayton answered back, in a low calm voice
“What of Mother? We cannot just leave her there…please,” Marina pleaded, her voice becoming more frantic.
“I promise my child, she will be taken care of and treated with the utmost respect. Now, I know how hard this is for you, but I feel it best to not tell the children at this time, what has happened to your dear mother. It will be too much for them to deal with at this time. Keeping them quiet is dependent on the safety of all of you,” Crayton explained patiently, in calm warm manner.
“But where are Oriel and Jamison now?” Marina asked, desperately trying to control her panic.
“They should be here at any moment. Milo is attempting to bring them quickly without being seen,” Crayton replied, when as soon as he finished speaking there was a soft knock on the door.
Crayton stood up, drawing a long dagger from his belt, and quickly walked over to the door, carefully opening it but a crack, then opening the door only wide enough to barely allow Milo and the children access. They were ushered in hurriedly and brought over to Marina as she opened her arms to them. The frantic and confused whispers of the children, overwhelming, as they both spoke at once.
