Child of the Kindred, page 31
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
There was a brief, awkward pause in the conversation, as Logan, Sara and their parents, all looked and smiled at each other, still not quite believing what had just transpired.
“Congratulations Logan and Sara. Though I do hope you realise, those of us amongst the Guards who enjoy the grouse hunting will be descending upon you all at once,” Deaglan spoke up with his usual easy grin.
“And you shall all be welcome, as there is more than enough room,” Logan replied back, laughing along with everyone else.
The evening ended on a relaxed and happy note, Sara thanking Laurel several times, becoming emotional each time. Laurel smiling warmly, reminding Sara, they would be notified in only a few days, when the staff had the house ready for their arrival.
Caleb and Laurel had just gotten comfortably settled in their room when there was a knock on the door. Caleb looked over smiling at Laurel knowingly, as he got out of the bed to answer the door.
“I have a feeling I will be leaving you for a few moments mo stor,” Caleb stated with a grin, reaching for the door handle.
Upon the opening the door, there stood Aiden with a slightly annoyed smirk on his face.
“I have already said goodnight. What could you possibly need now?” Caleb asked drolly, as Laurel laughed at his question.
“Yes, you are most amusing. Apparently, I am not reading the story as properly as you do, the little hooligans informed me. So, if you wish to be able to rise at dawn to bring Deaglan to meet the Rabkins before our departure, I suggest you come with me. The sooner they fall asleep, the sooner we can,” Aiden replied, as he turned to leave.
Caleb smiled back at Laurel, telling her he would return soon.
There was an insistent knocking on the cottage door. Sari rose from her bed, unsheathing her dagger as she went over to see who it was. When peeking out of the darkened window, she caught a glimpse of a hooded figure standing outside in the glow of the twin moons. Opening the door quickly, she ushered the figure in then embraced him. She stood back, as she sensed an uneasiness in her lover’s embrace, looking at him questionably.
“What is it, my love? I was so worried about you, as it has been over a week since we have been together,” Sari asked, in a trembling anxious voice.
“As you may have guessed, the siege is indeed over, but I regret that I bring worrisome and disturbing news. The grey falcon has returned to me, just this morning. The Master has sent word to us, with no explanation as to why this event is occurring,” the man in the hood replied in a quiet but troubled voice.
“What is it? What will be happening? Does he wish for us to return?” Sari asked, her voice and hands shaking.
“No, not at this time. He is, however, sending Gruffudd and your former Head Mistress, Lasair, to Achzib. We are to await word of their arrival, and then meet with them there. That is all I know at this time,” he replied, placing his hands on her arms and drawing her closer. “Do not worry my love, I am sure we will simply be assisting them with a new plan. If our presence were required before the Master, we would already be told of this. Come now, I will not be missed for a couple of days. Let us enjoy our reunion,” he whispered, pulling her into his embrace, as she kissed him passionately.
“What of Tramaine?” Sari asked with a sigh, as he kissed her neck.
“Do not speak of that fool now. Come, it is time to show me how much you have missed me,” he smiled as he loosened the laces of Sari’s nightgown, pulling it off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor.
The chill of the early morning could be felt, even though the heavy cloaks that the group wore as they quietly made their way into the forest. Caleb raised his hand, signalling for everyone to halt, the breath from the horses rising up in steamy wisps, in the chilly air. Caleb dismounted, then the eight others in the group, consisting of three Sentinels, three Guards, with Aiden and Deaglan, followed suit.
“They are just ahead of us. We shall see them in a moment,” Caleb explained in a hushed voice.
As if on cue, the Rabkins suddenly appeared. They walked out of a dense outcrop of trees, over to where the group stood in a partial clearing. Deaglan looked at the towering figures of the six Rabkin warriors, fascinated as well as slightly apprehensive, being in their presence. The Rabkins that lived in the Kingdom of Gwenlais were never considered a threat, but as they were very elusive and seldom seen, their mysterious and unfamiliar existence still made the citizens of Gwenlais uncomfortable. Caleb stepped ahead a few paces to meet the Rabkins, his arm outstretched in the usual greeting of the male Rabkins.
“Good sunrise to you, friend Caleb. Most happy to see Gwenlais warrior be in agreement to meet with the Kindred people,” Elfyn spoke in a low humming voice, placing his arm over Caleb’s.
“He was indeed happy to meet you as well, and considered your request an honour,” Caleb replied, which caused Elfyn to turn and smile back at the warriors with him, as they nodded in agreement, the humming sound more pronounced.
Caleb turned and gestured to Deaglan, who stepped forward to be introduced.
“May I present to you, Deaglan, the Warrior of Gwenlais,” Caleb said formally, presenting Deaglan to Elfyn and the other warriors.
Deaglan reached out with his arm as Caleb had instructed, Elfyn returning the gesture, by placing his long powerful arm over the top of Deaglan’s. Elfyn then kneeled down, gesturing for Deaglan to do the same.
“What is he doing and why does he want me to kneel?” Deaglan asked Caleb, unable to hide his trepidation.
“Because, my friend, it is most likely that is how you would end up. Sharing is a very intense experience for humans. When I shared as a boy, I was shaking and crying for some time, and when I returned home, I fell asleep for the rest of the day. Laurel herself, was rendered unconscious and also slept all day, not waking until nearly dusk. It will seem like hours, but it will only last for a few moments. Keep in mind, they live a very long time. Elfyn is considered young still, even though he is nearly eighty seasons. You will experience sharing his entire life in those few moments, and he yours. Trust me, my mo chara, it will be well worth it,” Caleb explained reassuringly, placing his hand on Deaglan’s shoulder.
Deaglan just nodded his acknowledgement, smiling slightly as he then kneeled in front of Elfyn. Elfyn appeared to smile and nodded his head, then lifted his hand up, palm side facing Deaglan and motioned for the young Commander to do the same. Deaglan raised his hand and put it against the Rabkin warrior’s palm and closed his eyes. The feeling of complete calm enveloped him, as Caleb said it would for a moment, and then the sudden rush of images filled his mind. Voices, events, both happy and tragic, all rushing to him, overtaking his heart and mind at once. Deaglan scarcely had time to process one image, when another came bursting forth, demanding his attention with each of Elfyn’s memories that he experienced. The very volume and magnitude of what he was seeing, was astounding. Deaglan could also feel Elfyn reliving his memories as well. The first time he had gone with his father to meet the Sentinels and King Fergus at the Gwenlais Lodge. Joining his father once again on the security rounds of the castle grounds. Befriending Caleb and Cahir, and later on Aiden. Holding his father in his arms in the field the day he died, promising him he would care for his mother and sister. Sitting with Laurel on the terrace, the sadness of her telling him she could not accept his marriage proposal. The trip to Heathwin, watching with pride, as Laurel walking down the aisle to be given in marriage to Caleb. Meeting the lovely and alluring Kerrie for the first time, and fighting to reclaim Gwenlais. The peace and elation he felt, with kissing Kerrie at the Gwenlais Lodge and in his home. Then suddenly, it all stopped, Deaglan finding himself with his hands on the ground, to stop from falling forward. Breathing deeply, as if he had been running, looking up to see Elfyn smiling at him.
“Much respect I have for your bravery, and loyalty to family and homestead, friend Deaglan,” Elfyn said to him, placing his hand on Deaglan’s shoulder.
“Much respect I also have, for you and the Kindred people, friend Elfyn. There is much we can learn from each other,” Deaglan replied with a tired smile, finally able to catch his breath, as he stood up slowly with a hand from Caleb.
Deaglan was filled with wonder, at not only being able to understand the strange and complicated language of the Rabkins but to also be able to speak it as well.
“The Kindred people have noticed changes how the humans behave and move about. Many more of the evil ones come from the eastern borders, from the city you call Achzib. We watch for the strangers to return as well. There be much unrest,” Elfyn explained, his tone calm but with a hint of concern.
“Indeed my friend, we must work together to keep our people safe from the new dangers that threaten us,” Caleb remarked, in a serious tone.
“I will be at your service whenever you wish to speak with me,” Deaglan said, as he reached out his arm again to bid the Rabkins farewell.
“You will always know when we be near. If you should need us, all you must do is come to the forest, we always be watching,” Elfyn said as he lowered his arm, a hint of what appeared to be a knowing smile on his oddly striking face.
“I wish to offer you and the Ogmore Kindred, much thanks in helping us to free the child Ollam from her captors. We look forward to introducing our youngling, to the Kindred people in the Harvest Season,” Caleb expressed with heartfelt sincerity, extending his arm out in farewell to Elfyn.
“We look forward to it as well, friend Caleb. Your youngling will be most special to the Kindred people, both Ogmore and Cydros,” Elfyn replied, smiling for a moment before he and his group turned and disappearing back into the mist of the forest.
The men remained in the clearing, sitting and talking quietly until Deaglan was able to recover enough from the sharing experience, to ride back to the castle. After an hour or so had passed, Deaglan informed everyone he was ready to return.
“So what heightened abilities should I anticipate from this?” Deaglan asked with his usual easy grin, causing Caleb and Aiden to laugh.
“I really cannot say. I suppose it all depends on the individual. You may not even be aware of it for some time,” Caleb replied, reaching over and patting Deaglan’s shoulder.
As they had reached the Gwenlais Lodge, they saw that the Sentinels who would be returning with them to Heathwin were already assembled in the courtyard.
“We all at the ready, Sire. I have just spoken with Her Highness and Sir Phineas, everyone has finished a light breakfast and will be ready to leave within the hour. It seems, Her Highness was ill again so it may be slower going to reach the camp than normal, should we need to stop occasionally for any reason,” Tolemais remarked smiling knowingly.
“Thank you Tolemais, I appreciate your understanding of our circumstances,” Caleb answered with a grin, hitting his arm good-naturedly.
“I both understand and have personal knowledge of the circumstances, Sire. My dear Myra could hardly rise any earlier than midday, in the earlier days of her pregnancy. The smell of ale or wine made her quite ill. Needless to say, she was not the only one to abstain from drink while she carried my boys,” Tolemais explained, laughing lightly.
Caleb laughed back, giving Tolemais a friendly pat on the back as they all walked back inside the Lodge. Upon entering, the group saw that everyone was seated comfortably in the large open room, waiting for the time for them all to depart. Caleb looked around for a moment and then asked, “Where are the children?” looking over at Laurel and Marina.
Marina and Laurel smiled at each other, as Owain chuckled lightly, reaching over and squeezing Tulla’s hand, who giggled in amusement.
“They are saying goodbye to Jamison’s friends,” Laurel answered in a tired voice.
“Jamison’s friends? I was unaware Jamison had any other acquaintances,” Caleb replied with a surprised grin, that turned to one of curiosity when met with everyone laughing.
“I shall show you his friends Caleb. It is most unusual,” Owain replied, standing up and gesturing for Caleb and Aiden to follow him to the kitchen.
When they walked into the room, Owain led them to the rear door, opening it slowly. They all looked out onto the terrace that overlooked the large kitchen garden. The sight they were met with, left Caleb and Aiden with very surprised smiles, as they were not expecting to see Jamison and Oriel sitting on the terrace floor, laughing gleefully. Two small red squirrels were climbing all over Jamison quickly, yet still allowing him to hold and pet them. They would climb on Oriel as well, but she did not touch them, only laughing shrilly when they would climb on her head, pulling at her hair.
“Amazing, is it not? They have been playing that way for almost an hour now. All Jamison had to do was go and sit down and make a sharp whistle, a few moments later these two little fellows show up,” Owain explained, speaking softly with a wide grin.
“I have never seen anything like it, except amongst the Rabkins,” Caleb replied in a quiet tone, shaking his head in disbelief.
“How is he able to do this”? Aiden asked incredulously.
“We really do not know. It is something he has always been able to do,” came a soft voice from behind, as they all turned and saw Marina standing in the kitchen.
“Our mother had an uncle with this same ability. We discovered Jamison could do this when he was only three seasons, playing with squirrels and birds in the garden. He continued to play with them and sometimes bring them into the house, until our uncle’s gardener threatened he would trap and cook them. Poor Jamison was so distraught, he stopped playing with them. He has only just started again a few months ago. The staff at the castle found in amusing, well unless Jamison brought them in, of course. He did this a few times, until Deaglan scolded him for it, as he had to help catch one in the kitchen one day,” Marina explained with a melancholy tone, smiling sadly as she watched the children still playing.
The three of them looked at each other with perceptive smiles, noticing Marina’s demeanour.
“Why do we not begin to gather the rest of the saddlebags, and let Caleb see to the little hooligans, dearest. It is going to take Owain and Tulla a bit of time, just to help her grandmother onto a horse,” Aiden suggested, giving Owain a wry grin as Aiden led Marina back out to the front room.
Owain and Caleb then turned their attention back to the children who were just beginning to stand up.
“They are going to have a difficult time when they fully realise their loss. I remember how hard it was for me when I finally accepted my father would not be coming home. I still had my mother, so I dare say, it will be harder for them,” Owain mentioned in a thoughtful way, continuing to watch the children.
“Yes, I have no doubt it will be, but we will help them get through this. They are young, and children are amazingly resilient, especially if loved and well cared for. They will lack for nothing, love, attention or material things. I do feel, however, the hardest thing for them to adjust to will being expected to behave themselves. From what I have seen myself, they have been allowed to basically do whatever they wish,” Caleb remarked, looking over at Owain with a slight smile.
“Yes, but remember Imagin was as well, and eventually she learnt to behave herself,” Owain replied chuckling, and nudging Caleb with his elbow.
“True. I hope it does not take Oriel and Jamison as long as it took Imagin,” Caleb remarked with a wry grin.
When the children saw that Caleb and Owain were standing in the doorway, they smiled and began to walk towards them.
“Are you ready to begin our journey back to Heathwin?” Caleb asked them, with a warm smile.
“Yes, but I shall miss my friends here,” Jamison answered, looking over as the squirrels ran up into a tree.
“Well, you shall have no problems finding more friends in Heathwin. In fact, the back garden is full of those little red furry imps. Now let us join everyone else, I am sure they are outside with the horses by now,” Caleb directed, leaning down and picking up Jamison.
“Caleb, are we still going to say goodbye to Mother?” Oriel asked in a trembling voice, her eyes filling with tears.
“Yes, we are darling. We will go there first before we leave the city. No one else will be there, so it will be very quiet and private,” Caleb answered in a warm, caring voice, taking her hand and leading them through the Lodge.
When they reached the large open room, only Laurel remained waiting patiently for them. She smiled at the children, noticing their sad and anxious faces. This would indeed be a long day, she thought to herself.
A short time later, Caleb, Laurel, Aiden and the children made their way to the Ollam meadow. The rest of the company began to make their way out of the city, where they would wait just outside of the gates. Caleb helped Jamison off Lorcan, while Aiden helped Oriel down from his horse, as Oriel would be riding with Aiden the entire trip. They walked with the children over to the new gravesites, Laurel smiling at the lovely flower arrangements that had been placed on the graves of her parents and Lady Ellos. Marina and the children knelt down, Marina reaching over and gingerly touching the silver roses that had been placed at the head of her mother’s grave.
“Goodbye, Mother. We shall miss you and think of you every day. We know you would want us to be safe and cared for, and we shall be. Thank you, for all that you tried to do for us. We shall try to make you proud, by being as brave as you were. Goodbye, Mother…we…we love you,” Marina said, as she became overwhelmed by her grief, bowing her head and crying, holding Oriel and Jamison close to her.
The two younger children began to sob pitifully, Laurel too started to cry, as she leant into Caleb and he placed his arm around her. Aiden kneeled down in back of Marina, putting his arms around her, as he glanced up at Caleb sadly for a moment.
Caleb allowed them to grieve for a few moments longer, then kissing Laurel’s temple, he released her from his embrace and knelt down beside the children, touching their heads and stroking their hair softly before speaking.
