Child of the Kindred, page 50
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Aiden, I need to speak with you about a serious matter that has just been brought to my attention,” Caleb said in a serious tone, as he brushed by him.
“What is it?” Aiden asked. “Is that what all the noise was about?” he said with concern, as Caleb stopped in front of his desk.
“I was very surprised when I was told, as it is so unlike Marina to do something like this,” Caleb looked at him with a tight smirk.
“Marina? What did she do? Was she not at the luncheon with Mother and Laurel?” Aiden asked, with a perplexed expression.
“Yes, she certainly was, which is where the incident took place. I still cannot believe she did it. Maiwen, just now, grabbed me, hysterical and covered in wine, before she left the hall in a huff. If Father and Argon had not told me the same story that Maiwen did, I would not have taken it seriously,” Caleb shook his head, still grinning with surprise.
“What, Caleb? Would you just tell me what she did, this is getting tedious,” Aiden demanded, sounding annoyed and concerned.
“Well, it seems, that during the luncheon, Maiwen was her usual charming self and was teasing and being rude to one of the young maids at the luncheon. The girl accidentally spilt a small amount of wine on Maiwen. So, of course, she started to yell at, and berate the girl for this. It appears that Marina was quite upset with her actions towards the young servant girl. She stood up, called Maiwen a heartless swine, and then began to yell, and tell Maiwen how horrible she and her kind were, to insult and berate people because they felt they had the right to. Marina then purposefully picked up Maiwen’s wine glass and threw the wine in her face. Marina then told her, “now you have a real reason to be angry,” and called her a miserable, pompous old nag. Needless to say, Maiwen becomes frantic and leaves the room in a frenzy. Now, Chieftain Phariss is in an uproar because Maiwen is hysterical, claiming she is now on her deathbed because of the “attack” on her and she is utterly humiliated. Father has asked me to deal with this, but I felt I should talk to you about it, as you are now courting her,” Caleb stated with a droll grin.
During the retelling of the events that had happened, Aiden had returned to the other side of his desk. Now as Caleb finished his account, Aiden sank heavily into his chair.
Looking up at his brother, he said, “I am truly speechless. I do not know what to say.” After a brief pause, he continued, “It sounds more like something Orrie would do,” Aiden said with a surprised expression.
“Orrie would have just thrown the glass at her,” Caleb laughed lightly. “Phariss is insisting we deal with Marina accordingly, and also that she publicly apologise to his wife in front of all the other wives,” Caleb said shaking his head.
“What does he intend by, “deal with her”? Also, no! She most certainly will not apologise in front of everyone. I will not have her humiliated in such a way. All the things that Maiwen has said or done to others over the seasons, she has quite a bit of gall to expect that,” Aiden replied in an angry tone.
“I agree. I have already informed Father and Argon that I will not have Marina do that. As far as Phariss’ demand, you know exactly what he means. This indiscretion has caused quite a bit of issue, Aiden. Argon himself is not amused and feels Marina should not get away with it, as she both assaulted and humiliated the wife of a Chieftain. Being that she is my ward, and soon to be, betrothed to a Prince of Heathwin, I felt you should know about this first. So I am going to forewarn you, that as her guardian I am obligated to deal with this situation,” Caleb told him seriously.
“How exactly will you deal with it?” Aiden asked him with a heavy sigh.
“I have told you, this is a serious charge and not just a childish prank. Others are already comparing Marina to Morene. Phariss and Maiwen are insisting I give her a sound thrashing, or they will formally charge her with assault. I do not feel that is called for, as she was obviously in a state of near hysterics when it happened. I will have her restricted to her room the rest of the evening, that will be enough for today. I also do intend to withhold her monthly allowance and have her limited to the Lodge for a week, then I will have her write a letter of apology to Maiwen. We will tell Phariss we have dealt with her, but she will not publicly apologise. The letter will suffice, and Maiwen will just have to be content with that,” Caleb replied with the same serious tone.
“This could seriously affect how they treat her when she has to meet with the Chieftains, am I correct?” Aiden asked with a scowl.
“It most certainly could, except for McCullan of course, who dislikes Maiwen immensely for insulting his lady friend,” Caleb answered with a wry grin.
“Allow me to speak with her about this Caleb. I agree this is indeed a serious matter. I too, feel she should not get away with it, as it reflects on both you and me, our whole family, even our Clann. The last thing I wish is for her to be formally charged or to be compared to Morene and her obstinacies. I will also withhold my allowance from her. Do you feel if we handle this accordingly, it will help in smoothing things over with the Chieftains?” Aiden asked sadly, sighing in frustration.
“Father and Argon felt it would, which is why Father requested for me to handle this immediately. Look at it this way, by the laws, she is considered my adopted child, and she is only in her eighteenth season. They all expect us to act on this, anyone would,” Caleb grinned at him knowingly. “There is no need to be harsh with her, Aiden. We only need to make a point. However, Marina will need to know we are serious, she needs to think long and hard before she does anything like this again,” Caleb said, his tone becoming serious once again.
“I will talk to her about it also, and I will make her realise how serious an offence this was. Do not expect to see us at dinner,” Aiden replied with a heavy sigh.
“No, of course not. I did not expect Marina to face everyone tonight, which is why I said she will stay in her room. I need to speak with Father and Argon about all of this nonsense. After this is over, take your time coming back to the Lodge,” Caleb said in a quiet calm voice, as he smiled at Aiden’s sad demeanour.
Aiden sat thoughtfully for a few moments, thinking how he should treat this new development. Marina’s temper was beginning to show from time to time. While his father had stated this was only natural, as she was feeling more comfortable in her surroundings, Aiden was trying to think of how he could help her reign it in.
Caleb and Aiden both turned when they heard a Sentinel walk in.
“Miss Marina is here to see you, Sire. Should I send her in?” he asked Aiden with a broad grin.
By now, everyone at the Headquarters had heard of the incident that took place across the hall.
“Yes, Jaren. I suppose we need to get this over with. Heard what happened, did you?” Aiden asked him with a slight smile.
“Yes Sire, we all did. We actually find it quite amusing,” the young Sentinel replied with a light laugh.
“Yes, well I wish everyone else did,” Caleb answered, grinning back tiredly.
A few moments later, Marina walked in, looking over at Aiden and Caleb with a nervous smile.
“Come in dearest, shut the door. It appears you had quite the interesting experience at the luncheon, love,” Aiden stated in a calm voice, smiling at her wryly.
Marina looked at them anxiously, her cheeks blushing at his remark.
“You have heard already?” Marina asked in a shy voice, her cheeks blushing even brighter.
“It would appear everyone has heard,” Caleb answered with a frown.
“I…I am sorry Caleb. I do feel badly. I was just so angry,” Marina spoke with a quivering voice as she tried to explain her actions.
“I have no doubt you were, that however, is not a good enough reason for what you did. The staff is well aware of Maiwen’s rudeness, and for the most part, ignore her. Are you aware of how serious this is?” Caleb asked her with a sombre tone.
“Yes, I think so. That is why I feel so badly if I upset Mother or Laurel,” Marina replied with quivering lips.
“You feel bad for possibly upsetting Mother or Laurel, and not for what was done?” Aiden asked her, shaking his head and laughing lightly.
“No, I do not, Maiwen deserved it,” Marina answered in a slightly riled voice, her eyes, though, flashed with anger as they caught a glimpse of where Oriel’s temper came from.
Aiden smiled slightly as he realised that Marina could very well have been just as bold and fresh as her younger sister, but she had been far too busy growing up, tending to her sibling’s needs, then having time to get into any kind of mischief. He was suddenly filled with heartbreak at knowing she really had no idea how serious losing her temper was.
“Did you actually think Marina; you would be able to get away with this?” Caleb asked with the same expression, surprised by this side of her personality.
“Well, at that time I was not thinking about it at all, then afterwards…I thought maybe…I thought that seeing as I am your ward, that perhaps it would be overlooked,” Marina explained hopefully.
“No, mo daor. This is something too serious to be ignored. If Oriel had done this, what do you think I would do?” Caleb asked her in a low intense voice.
Marina’s eyes went wide when she imagined what he was implying.
“But…Oriel is a child,” she tried reasoning.
“Yes, she is. You, however, are the one who did this. You did something that was very childish, rude and disrespectful. Now, as my ward and soon to be betrothed to Aiden, you cannot get away with this. You deeply insulted and offended a Chieftain’s wife, who happens to be a very prominent member of the community. Whether she deserved it or not, is not the point. I am also very disappointed in you. And now I must deal with you accordingly,” Caleb said, as he walked over to her.
“What…what do you mean?” Marina asked as she looked up at Caleb with trembling lips.
“It has been demanded by both Chieftain Phariss and Maiwen, that I punish you for humiliating a Chieftain’s wife. As it is their right to demand this, for what was done was considered a minor assault on the person of someone of rank amongst the Chieftains. They intend to bring formal charges of assault against you if I do not take care of this. This is a serious charge, mo daor, as the punishment is a public thrashing, which we will not allow. So as I said, I will take care of this between us, and tell them it has been dealt with,” Caleb explained, in deep, intense voice.
“But…but how will you convince them you have…dealt with it?” Marina asked tearfully.
“I am going to return to the meeting room and tell them I will take full responsibility for your actions. Maiwen, will more than likely demand some type of compensation, and I will pay it. You will not receive your stipend from either myself or Aiden this month. You will be restricted to the Lodge for a week, that means no shopping trip to Welstone with Kerrie. If something else is deemed necessary, I will tell you when I return,” Caleb explained with a weary tone, as he turned and left the room.
Caleb informed his father he wished to speak with the Chieftains, as they once again assembled in the large meeting room adjacent to the open hall in the headquarters. Phariss was still wearing a scowl on his face, not feeling the need to talk any further about the incident. Chieftain McCullan, on the other hand, was all smiles after hearing what Marina had done.
“I fail to see the reason to further discuss this again Caleb. Give her the thrashing she deserves and be done with it so I may tell Maiwen you have handled your ward accordingly. Or I promise you, we will be charging her formally with assault, and demand the public punishment,” Phariss spoke with disdain.
“I am indeed sorry for whatever embarrassment Maiwen may have suffered from Marina’s sudden bout of temper, but you are still in no position to be threatening me, with how my ward will be disciplined,” Caleb replied back in an officious tone. “I have dealt with her in a way that is sufficient. If Maiwen had not been as rude and callous to the staff as she always is, I can assure you, Marina would not have acted in that way. You have to understand too, how much the children have suffered, Phariss. They have only been here in Heathwin for just over a month now,” Caleb informed him, trying to sound reasonable.
“That is no matter to me. The girl’s ridiculous behaviour is going to cost me a week or more, of hearing Maiwen’s constant complaining,” Phariss answered back coldly.
“Is that all that matters to you Phariss? I can assure you, it was most unlike the poor girl to raise her voice, let alone spill wine everywhere. Caleb has made a valid point in saying how much the children have suffered,” King Fergus spoke up, his voice indicating his annoyance with the Chieftain’s demeanour.
“That, again, is not my problem. Maiwen will not be happy until I tell her that Caleb has punished her accordingly, and she then apologises publicly for her assault,” Phariss said, his voice becoming more agitated.
Caleb looked over and glared at him, as he began to lose his temper with Phariss’ complete lack of compassion and reasonableness. Before he could reply, Chieftain McCullan suddenly stood up.
“Now listen here you heartless, hen-pecked sop!” McCullan nearly bellowed out. “I was there when that miserable, insane wretch, held the Princess and those children captive. I can say in all honesty, the poor babes suffered as much as, and more, then any child in Heathwin has. The poor lass Marina, found her own mother’s body in the garden, being told Laurel was dragged away to the tower. Then had to sneak away in the night to hide in the camp of the Kedesh, for fear her murderous uncle would kill her and her brother and sister as well. It took us almost two days to gain control of Gwenlais, for fear of the Princess being harmed. So I will ask you, how much have your sons suffered, aside from perhaps not having their favourite ale, or wenches available to them? And why is it, when the Great Horn was blown, and the King alerted us of what had happened, not even your own sons volunteered to come to the aide of our King and his sons? I had a good dozen Keepers and Trainers with me, and their Hunters and Scimitars. Argon sent his whole Clann Army of warriors from the villages, and Remy had sent at least that many. Gavin with his Village Militia of more than a hundred, crazy, face painted, kilted, big buggers, were there as well. Now you sit here and demand the Prince himself, punish his ward. All because your nagging shrew of a wife could not act like the proper lady she should be, and sent the poor child in a tizzy. You should be ashamed of yourself, and your wife. She drinks more than she should, and you cannot deny it,” McCullan stated in an accusing tone, as he then sat back in his chair, and folded his arms, looking at Phariss, with a deep frown.
The rest in the room just looked over at McCullan with amused, surprised expressions, and then at Phariss who just sat quietly, looking very put out and shamed faced.
“I wish to thank you McCullan, for defending, and also understanding the reason behind Marina’s actions,” Caleb said graciously, as McCullan smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement.
“You must understand Caleb, I cannot go back to Maiwen and say the Prince of Heathwin does not follow the very laws he represents. She will demand justice before the Tribunal, and your ward will be found guilty of assault, upon the wife of a Chieftain. I honestly do not wish for that to happen any more than you do,” Phariss explained in a defeated tone.
“You assume much Phariss, as Marina’s state of mind would also be considered. She would most likely, not be found guilty, but compensation would be expected. That particular law was made to protect the family members of the Chieftains, during the feuding, over fifty seasons ago,” Argon interjected, looking over at Phariss with increasing annoyance.
“I can assure you, Marina is not going unpunished for her actions. She will not receive her monthly stipend from Aiden or me, and she will be restricted to the Lodge for a week. I will also be having her assist the maid, that was also mistreated, for that week. She will not give a public apology, as it will only cause her more distress. I will, however, have her write a letter of apology to Maiwen, instead. Marina was in a hysterical state, brought on by Maiwen’s abusive attitude towards the staff. I, in turn, intend to have formal charges of abuse brought against Maiwen on behalf of our servant, if she does not pay the girl that she was abusive to, double her wages for the week. Maiwen expects my ward to be punished for her behaviour, yet she does not expect to be accountable for her own? So, what say you, Argon?” Caleb inquired of the Chieftain, who was not only head of security procedures, but Heathwin’s Magistrate as well.
“I feel we have heard enough. The punishment, in my opinion, has been deemed more than sufficient. Prince Caleb, you will pay the compensation of one hundred silver pieces to Maiwen. Chieftain Phariss you will pay the serving girl, double her allowance for the week’s wages. Are you in agreement Sire?” Chieftain Argon asked King Fergus.
“I am in complete agreement,” King Fergus replied with a satisfied grin.
“Chieftain Phariss, are you in agreement?” Argon asked, in a stern voice.
“Yes…yes, I will not contest the mandate,” Phariss answered, still looking surprised.
“Good. I shall return in a moment,” Caleb said as he stood up, leaving the room quickly and returning to Aiden’s study.
He walked back to his study, to find Marina still crying and upset sitting on Aiden’s lap as he sat in his chair behind the desk. Caleb looked at Aiden meaningfully, with a sad smile.
“Shh, it is alright, it is over,” Aiden spoke softly, as he held her close, her body still shuddering from her sobs.
“I am so sorry Caleb. You must be horribly ashamed of me,” Marina wept, as she wiped her eyes, trying to catch her breath.
“Of course I am not ashamed of you. I am well aware of how infuriating Maiwen can be, and I made sure everyone knew of my anger at her for upsetting you like this. I will admit, I am disappointed you acted this way, your behaviour is something that you will have to pay closer attention to from now on. In addition to what we had already decided, you will also be assisting the maid for the week that you are restricted to the Lodge.” Caleb replied, walking over and stroking her hair lightly.
