Child of the Kindred, page 30
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
His only comfort, when he watched her being given in marriage to the King of Gwenlais, was knowing that the King loved and adored her like no other. Phineas was instrumental in helping the friendship between Queen Alana and Queen Milna grow and flourish, as he knew the regal and proud Queen of Heathwin would appreciate Milna’s sweet and humble nature. When Laurel was born, the first time he was able to hold the lovely infant in his arms, and her eyes met his, he smiled, knowing he would love and protect her as if she were his beloved daughter.
“I swear to you my little one, I will do everything in my power, to never let anyone hurt you,” Phineas had whispered to Laurel, then laughed lightly at her smiling and cooing back at him.
That was the beginning of their long and close friendship.
“Well now, let us escort the Queen to meet with her subjects, shall we?” King Fergus announced, walking over and embracing Laurel warmly.
The ride over to the Gwenlais Lodge was unhurried and peaceful, as Caleb insisted Laurel not be rushed. They departed through the garden gate, wishing to arrive at the Lodge through the back entrance that was not accessible to the public.
They had decided they would spend their last night in Gwenlais at the Lodge, holding the intimate dinner with only family and friends there as well. Caleb also feeling it would be easier for the children to leave in the morning, if not in surroundings that would evoke painful memories. After relaxing for an hour, they all made their way to the front terrace where the coronation would take place. When coming out of the Lodge, Laurel was surprised and moved, to see the enormous crowd that had gathered. Nearly every Ollam, with of course, Mistress Gavenia, and all of the Harvest Masters and Nobles being present, with the very obvious exception of Sir Alistair and his wife. Aiden and Marina, as well as the children, walked over with King Fergus to the small seating area reserved for family and guests of honour. A few moments later, Tulla and Owain, as well as Deaglan and Phineas, joined them. The Elder Scribe took his place at the beautifully built archway on the spacious terrace. It had been constructed using willow branches, and the last of the dark orange and gold foliage that remained in Gwenlais this late in the season. To Laurel’s surprise and delight, the Pipe Players of Heathwin had remained, as they had asked to play for Laurel’s coronation.
“Caleb, I cannot believe how many people are here. Even more than were present at Father’s funeral,” Laurel whispered to Caleb, as he walked her down from the Lodge steps.
Her small hands grasping the sleeve of his black riding coat, as they stopped just before approaching the terrace.
“Why do you sound surprised my love? Of course, your people wish to see their new Queen. When the Elder Scribe finishes his speech, we will walk over to the archway. Do not be nervous mo stor. This is who you were meant to be, my darling. This will give your people peace and comfort from all they have lost. It will also make the transition of our Kingdoms being united, easier for them to accept. At some point in time, we will be ruling them together, as will our children. This is just the first step to that happening. The Pipe Players have begun, it is time for you to made Queen, mo ghra,” Caleb said in a quiet, soft voice, drawing a finger down the side of Laurel’s face, feeling her tremble against him as they both glanced over at the Elder Scribe and he smiled at them.
Caleb took Laurel’s hand and led her over to the Elder Scribe, leaning down to kiss her once more, then made his way over to take his place next to Aiden and King Fergus.
The Pipe Players concluded their melody, then in unison, stepped back in a straight line, turning to face the crowd. Wendell then walked over, in a dignified and regal manner, to hand the crown to the Elder Scribe. Laurel, at this time, turned to face the crowd, her eyes looking forward though not focusing on anyone.
The Elder Scribe then stood behind Laurel, his hands holding the crown just above her head.
“By my authority as Elder Scribe, of the Kingdom of Gwenlais, I do now with this crown, anoint you Princess Laurel, to be Queen Ollam of Gwenlais. Citizens of Gwenlais I present to you, your Queen,” the Elder Scribe spoke in a loud, clear and ceremonious tone, as he gently placed the crown on her head. Wendell then stepped forward to hand Queen Laurel the royal sceptre, which she then raised up.
The crowd gave voice to a powerful cheer, their voices joined together, as one joyous, triumphant shout, that echoed throughout the valley. Laurel glanced over at Caleb, her eyes filled with emotion, as her breath caught for a moment, while he stood smiling at her lovingly, his face not hiding his pride. Laurel looked at the people over the heads of the Gwenlais Guards and Sentinels that stood in front of them as sentries. Laurel then swallowed hard to control her emotions, raising her hand, in a silent request for silence. A few moments later the crowds conceded to her. Standing quietly, looking back over at Caleb once more, Laurel took a deep breath, then turned to speak to her people.
“People of Gwenlais. I stand before you, humbled and honoured by your outpouring of love and support. I also stand here, feeling heartbroken and saddened, by what has befallen our dear city. We have lost our beloved father and King, and have seen our people and our devoted Guards, senselessly killed or grievously injured. Our fair city decimated, in what seemed but an instant. I wish I could tell you, that it will all be repaired soon, and without any notice to the damage,” Laurel spoke in a voice filled with sadness, as she shook her head, and paused for a thoughtful moment. “But, I cannot. For it shall be a long and arduous road to recovery, just as one recovers slowly from a significant and life changing injury. So it will be with Gwenlais. For there are buildings and structures that have stood in our city for over a hundred seasons, that are now gone, or only broken remnants of them remain. The face of our city will never be the same. There are people we have loved and lost, that can never be replaced. I will not fill your hearts with empty words that have no meaning, and emotions that cannot be related. I will, however, tell you this, we will indeed recover, though we will not be the same. We will be stronger, more resilient, more aware of who we are, and our strengths. We will rebuild a new city; a new face will emerge in Rienfield. People will once again come to the Merchant’s Square, and they will say, yes, they have indeed risen from the ashes and the rubble and ruin. They will see the joint efforts of the United Kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin. They will see the results of our union, and unlike the Kingdoms of old, we will not be torn apart again,” this comment caused the crowd to give a hearty round of applause and hurrah.
“My people, I bring you joyful news, I not only stand before you as your Queen, but also the mother of your future ruler,” Laurel said, her eyes filled with tears, her voice strong and triumphant, as murmurs of surprise rose up amongst the crowd, that quickly grew to a cry of elation. Laurel then laughed and cried at the same time, bringing her hand to her mouth as another thunderous cheer came from the crowd. She composed herself then raised her hand once again, asking for silence. The throng of people taking a bit longer this time, to accommodate her request.
“As you all know, I will be returning with Prince Caleb to Heathwin. With that in mind, I do hereby make the following pronouncements. I call Master Phineas, will you please come forward?” Laurel requested, as Phineas smiling at her, stepped over to her. After asking him to, Phineas lowering himself on one knee in front of her. Laurel then touched the royal sceptre to his shoulders and declared.
“By my authority as Queen of Gwenlais, I thus appoint you, to the position of Regent over the Kingdom of Gwenlais. You may rise Sir Phineas,” Laurel said as Phineas stood up, and took his place at her right side.
“Captain Deaglan, will you please step forward and also kneel?” Laurel requested of him as he walked forward with his easy grin, and like Phineas went to one knee.
“By my authority as Queen of Gwenlais, I hereby appoint you, to the position of Commander of the Gwenlais Guards and the Army of Gwenlais. You may rise Commander Deaglan,” Laurel spoke in a voice filled with warm confidence.
Deaglan then stood up, taking his place at her left side, his mother and sister smiling with pride. Laurel then looked directly in front of her at the Guards who stood in attention, her eyes resting on Logan.
“Lieutenant Logan, will you please come forward,” Laurel requested in clear, strong voice, smiling at him kindly.
Logan hesitated for a moment, unable to hide the surprise in his eyes, as he glanced over at the Guards on either side of him. He stepped forward, standing directly in front of Laurel, swallowing nervously several times. Sara, as well as her parents and in-laws, all looked at each other with astonished and bemused faces.
“Lieutenant Logan, in recognition for your selfless bravery and personal sacrifice in protecting me during the siege, I wish to assign you a promotion in rank. Kneel please,” Laurel requested of the very surprised and moved Guard, as he got down on one knee in front of her.
“By my authority as Queen of Gwenlais, I do appoint you to the post, Captain of the Guards of the Kingdom of Gwenlais. You may rise, Captain Logan,” Laurel said, her eyes filling with unbidden tears, at Logan’s emotional expression.
“Thank you, my Lady,” Logan whispered, choking back tears.
“You are most welcome,” Laurel whispered back, smiling at him with trembling lips. Logan then took a deep breath and stood next to Deaglan, who smiled at him knowingly.
“Did I not tell you, she would reward you?” Deaglan asked quietly, still looking forward.
“Yes, but this was more than I had anticipated,” Logan answered back, in a soft voice.
“Just you wait, my friend,” Deaglan countered back, grinning in amusement at Logan’s bemused expression.
Laurel then called out to Crayton to have him come forward, doing so with a proud smile, not needing to be asked to take a knee.
“For your many seasons, of dedicated and faultless service to both Gwenlais and my family, as well as, for your exceptional bravery and steadfastness, by my authority as Queen of Gwenlais, I appoint you Magistrate of the Kingdom of Gwenlais. Rise, Sir Crayton,” Laurel announced, as Crayton stood up, taking Laurel’s left hand, and brought it to his lips kissing it tenderly.
He then took his place next to Phineas.
“You are all aware of the unwavering loyalty of these men, to both my family and to you people. Know that anything they expect of you is what I expect of you. They will be my voice while I am away, to return to you in the Harvest Season when you shall meet your future ruler, the child who will be the very heart and embodiment of both our Kingdoms. These men have all proven to me, to the King and Princes of Heathwin, their loyalty, courage and devotion. I expect you, as my people, to honour my decision as well as their positions of authority that I have placed them in. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to you, and to my father. But know, that I carry back with me to Heathwin, the pride and love of my people. We are indeed a Kingdom of farmers; proud, brave, resilient, irrepressible, people of the earth. People who will rise above the pestilence of hatred and violence and greed, because that is what we do. We wipe the dust from our hands, and we set the plough forward. For there will be another harvest, another gleaning of the fields. Though we will not be the same, we will be stronger, we will be triumphant, and as our Regent said several days ago, we will be known once again as the green jewel of Rienfield,” Laurel concluded, taking a deep breath, and lowering her eyes for a moment.
Suddenly stepping forward, Crayton drew his sword, raising it above his head, cried out, “What say you people of Gwenlais?! Our Queen has spoken! Long live the Queen!” Crayton shouted out to the crowd.
They answered him in unison, thundering out several times, “Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!”
Their voices shaking the ground, as Laurel looked on in surprise and wonder, tears streaming from her eyes, as she smiled over at Caleb. Aiden and King Fergus looked over at Caleb with proud smiles.
“Long live the Queen,” Caleb said in a low, soft voice, smiling at Laurel with complete adoration.
Caleb walked up to Laurel, kissing her warmly, causing the crowd to cheer with renewed elation. Laurel waved to the crowds one more time, then Caleb escorted her back into the Lodge followed by the rest of the family. Phineas stepped forward to address the crowd briefly, concerning how work would begin the next day in the rebuilding and rehoming efforts of those who were displaced. The construction of more secure and weather resistant shelters would be the priority and be completed before the cold winter rains began. This notice caused the people to become more jubilant and encouraged. He further stated, that the Winter Festival would still take place but would be held in the Ollam meadow, inviting as many merchants and vendors as could, to participate. He encouraged the local artisans as well as the citizens themselves, to offer any wares, harvests, skills, or pastimes, to the festival for all to enjoy. The people then began to talk happily and loudly amongst themselves, as Phineas and the others in his company, turned and made their way into the Lodge.
Tramaine looked at the crowd with complacency, hidden amongst the masses, then glanced over once again at the Nobles. He smiled to himself, at the noticeable absence of Sir Alistair and his wife, wondering if this was something he could use to his advantage.
As evening approached, the large open room of the Gwenlais Lodge, took on a warm and friendly ambience. Candles and lanterns were lit, and a warm fire burned brightly in the large fireplace, emitting a comforting, soothing aroma from the fragrant woods. Oriel and Jamison were intrigued by the Lodge, exploring and running about the many rooms, walking in on the group of Sentinels who were taking their evening meal in the large bunk room. They were greeted kindly and asked if they were looking forward to their trip to Heathwin. The children were shy at first, answering only vaguely, but the Sentinels were sympathetic and patient.
“Why do you not go see if it is time for your supper? I am sure Prince Caleb will be wondering where you have gotten off to,” Angus suggested with a friendly smile, as the children then said goodbye, and made their way back to the main room.
The dinner that had been planned was a comfortable and relaxed affair, with everyone seated at the large table. Sara and her mother were so excited to have been invited to dine with the royal family, and over Logan’s promotion to Captain, that they were not the least bit disappointed to not be dining at the castle. The food prepared was hearty and plentiful, with Logan’s father, Anaradon, contributing by having a large prime rib of beef and a rather fat goose brought to the Lodge early in the morning. The conversations were lighthearted and friendly, everyone enjoying the antics of Sara and Logan’s infant, Sadie.
“I am so happy we kept our sons’ cradle, or Sadie would not have anything to sleep in,” Logan’s mother said, as she smiled over sadly at Sara who was holding Sadie on her lap.
Caleb and Laurel looked over at each other with knowing smiles, before Laurel spoke up.
“Yes, well concerning that. I wish to show our gratitude to you, Logan and Sara. When Caleb mentioned how you had lost your home as a result of the siege, I knew that I wanted to help you both, to rebuild your lives,” Laurel began, as Logan and Sara looked at her with surprise, Sara reaching over slowly to grasp Logan’s hand. “My grandfather had a very spacious and lovely home built, about an hour’s ride from the castle. He and my father would often go there during their hunting trips. Mother and I would go with Father during the Growing Season on holiday. I have not been there in over three seasons and certainly have no need for it now, so it is to be yours. The caretakers live there all the time, I have already contacted them, and the full staff will be returning within several days. It is fully furnished, in fact, there would be more than enough room for you, including Sara’s parents to live there. The caretakers were most happy to hear of little Sadie, as their children are now all grown,” Laurel related happily, as Logan and Sara looked at each other, and back at Laurel in stunned silence.
“My Lady…I am without proper words to say at this time. I am aware of the home, as I have been there on two different occasions. It is…beyond anything, I could ever imagine Sara and I living in. I do not feel we can accept your most generous gift, for it is far too much” Logan stated in quiet disbelief, as Sara looked at both of them, her lips trembling.
Caleb smiled then laughed lightly as he took a drink of wine, reaching over to squeeze Laurel’s hand, as she looked equally surprised by Logan’s statement.
He then stood up and walked over to where Logan and Sara sat, placing a hand on their shoulders.
“I appreciate and understand your reasoning Logan. Please understand, however, our reasoning for offering this to you and Sara. As I have mentioned, “anything you asked for would not be denied,” but we soon realised you were not going to be asking for anything. So we merely took it upon ourselves to act on your behalf,” Caleb stated in a kind voice, giving Logan a hearty pat on the back then returning to his seat.
“Logan, you must accept it. I, by no means, feel it is too much. If not for you, I certainly may not be alive. The house is only a small token compared to what you did for Caleb and me. As I stated, I will have no use for it. My home is in Heathwin now, and when we return to Gwenlais, we will be staying at the castle or here at the Lodge. Please, you must accept it, I insist,” Laurel replied with an impassioned tone, becoming emotional.
Logan smiled at her warmly, then looked over at Sara, who was wiping the tears from her eyes. Placing his arm around Sara’s shoulders, he then looked back over to Laurel and Caleb.
“Thank you then, Your Highness. We will accept your generous gift most appreciatively, but please understand, it was not only an honour but also my sworn duty to protect you during the siege. I would do it again without hesitation,” Logan stated, without pretence.
“I am well aware of that Logan and thank you. I look forward to visiting you and Sara when we return for the Unification Ceremony,” Laurel answered, smiling back happily with hearing Logan’s pronouncement.
