The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 55
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Are you able to tell us whose Scimitar this is Rian?” King Fergus asked, his voice barely containing his anger.
“Each Scimitar is assigned a Trainer, male or female. The females are finally assigned a Keeper. Seeing as this is a male it would only be assigned a Trainer at the time it is weaned. All Scimitars are given a mark in the paw pads, every Trainer has his own individual mark,” Rian explained as he lifted the cat’s huge left front paw, and turned it over to examine under the paw pad.
As Rian carefully examined the animal’s paw, his eyes suddenly widened in surprise. He lowered his head slightly in despair at his finding. Aiden and his father, as well as Aaron, noticed his reaction and looked at each other knowingly. Aiden reached over and put his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“You know who it is, do you not?” King Fergus asked quietly.
Rian paused for a moment, his eyes cast downward, before answering.
“Yes Sire, I have a very good idea. I however cannot tell you, as I am bound by the code of Honor of my Guild, to not reveal the name until Chieftain McCullan himself has seen and validates the mark,” Rian said tensely.
“I am aware of the code Rian. Very well then, let us prepare to head back to Heathwin,” the King said, as he stood.
Rian then secured the Scimitar in the tarp and a stretcher was made from heavy branches to place the animal’s body on it. It would allow the horse pulling it, to do so easily without causing damage to the body.
King Fergus then walked over to hold Imagin and help to calm her down.
“It is alright my dear Imagin. Our Princess will be fine. As soon as she is well enough to receive visitors you may see her. Now I need you to help me with something. Are you aware if Laurel was missing anything, such as an article of clothing or anything else of a personal nature?” King Fergus asked gently.
“Um....yes! Yes, there was. Just this morning when we were getting ready to leave, she said her shawl was missing. It was a cream colored shawl. Why?” Imagin asked, with tear filled eyes.
“It is of no concern my dear, only to help us with our inquiries. Thank you. Now let us return home shall we?” King Fergus asked, directing her towards Owain who was waiting for her by his horse.
“Owain when we arrive back in Heathwin, take your sister home immediately. Also, this is very important. Neither one of you are to discuss with anyone what you have seen and heard here today, not your mother, not a servant, no one. Is that perfectly clear?” King Fergus asked emphatically.
“Yes Sir,” Owain and Imagin said in unison.
“Very good. All that I wish you to say is that Laurel had a mishap on the way to Welstone and she is at the Infirmary just as a precaution, which is all that need be said for now. I must stress again how important this is for Laurel’s safety,” King Fergus said, with the same intensity.
“Yes Sire. We will say nothing more. I promise you,” Owain said, giving Imagin a meaningful look, as she nodded her acknowledgement.
King Fergus nodded his approval and smiled at them both warmly, as everyone then began to mount up, to head back to Heathwin. A shop keeper then walked up to the King, after he had gotten on his horse, he held several brightly colored shawls over his arm.
“Please Sire. For her Highness. She was admiring them before she was attacked. Please, give her mine and my family’s kindest regards. She.... she led the beast away from our children Sire. We will never forget this,” the shopkeeper said, in a voice filled with gratitude and emotion.
Just then several other shop keepers appeared with gifts as well, the children brought over flowers they had picked for Laurel. The King smiled graciously as he accepted the gifts in Laurel’s behalf, thanking them all, they then headed back to Heathwin hurriedly.
“What do you mean you cannot let me pass?! You ignorant, pathetic sops! Do you not know who I am?! Step aside before I start busting heads!” Chieftain McCullan shouted, as he tried to make his way into Laurel’s room.
Caleb and Phineas came rushing out, upon hearing the Chieftain’s angry shouting. After telling the soldiers it was acceptable to allow McCullan access, they brought him inside and directed him to be quiet.
“The soldiers have been instructed to let no one, but my parents, Aiden, or Phineas to enter without my permission,” Caleb explained firmly but quietly.
“Oh. I see. Well that is understandable my lad. How is the little lass? She looks quite the sight, forgive me for saying. Her pretty face all bruised up. It breaks my heart to think one of our own had anything to do with this,” the Chieftain said, his voice now low and somber as he slowly approached the bed.
McCullan’s eyes softened and his face became sad as he looked over at Laurel in the large bed. Agnes was gently dabbing her face with a cool cloth, as Laurel had developed a fever. Agnes had reassured Caleb that it was a normal result from the stress and trauma Laurel had suffered. Caleb stood beside McCullan, his face filled with concern.
“I am sorry Caleb. I will do whatever must be done to find out who is responsible and make them accountable. This is an insult to my Clann and all of Heathwin,” the Chieftain said in old speak, angrily.
“Thank you McCullan. I greatly appreciate your help and concern,” Caleb replied in kind, giving McCullan a friendly pat on his massive shoulder.
“Tell your father I have contacted the other Chieftains. Have the Scimitar’s body brought to the Sentinel Headquarters. We will all meet him there. Do not tell anyone about this Caleb. If we hope to catch the wretched bugger who did this, we need to be careful. I only hope it is not too late,” McCullan said, his voice still hard and angry. “Please keep me informed as to how the lass is faring,” he mentioned, as he turned to leave the room.
Caleb then took his place back to the chair by the bed, as Agnes stood to move the basin of water, to a nearby small table.
“Her fever has gone down a bit Sire. It is nothing to be overly concerned with. Her body is just fighting to calm itself. It may rise a bit in the night, as that is also a normal occurrence, but we are all here to look after her. If I may take my leave for a moment, I wish to send word to my husband and children that I will be remaining here tonight. I would not feel well about leaving until she awakens,” Agnes said, with a calm smile.
“Thank you Agnes. You have been a great comfort to us both,” Caleb replied his eyes filled with emotion, as he then looked back over at Laurel, taking her hand and caressing it with his thumb.
Agnes smiled once more, placing a hand on Phineas’ shoulder before leaving the room. Phineas smiled and walked over sitting down in the opposite chair. Caleb looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before speaking.
“You have not sent word to her father yet have you?” he asked with concern.
“No, not as yet. I wished to have better news to relay to him other than, his daughter was attacked by a vicious animal and lays unconscious in the Infirmary,” Phineas replied bitterly.
“Good. We do not need him here at this time. He would be impossible to deal with. Insisting she be brought back to Gwenlais whether she was fit for travel or not,” Caleb answered, shaking his head.
“I regrettably agree with you. He would be ridiculous in his stubborn demands. No, I will not send word until I am happy with her condition, and when I have spoken with her myself. Her father gives her very little choice in making decisions, Laurel has the right to say what she wishes for me to relay to him,” Phineas spoke, in an impatient tone.
Caleb smiled at Phineas, admiring and respecting him even more in his loyalty towards Laurel. He looked back at Laurel’s fevered face, then stood up to once again retrieve the basin of water. Putting it carefully on the bed, he began to gently dab her face and forehead with the cool cloth. Phineas looked up at him smiling at his devotion and gentleness. He had known Caleb most of his life, had seen him in the heat of battle. Had witnessed how intimidating he could be when questioning unsavory types for information. Yet his gentle and calm side was not often seen by others, only family members, and close friends. Since being with Laurel however, he saw this side of the Prince more often.
“She has always loved you Caleb. I felt you should know that. No one has ever held her favor the way you have,” Phineas said, reaching over and holding Laurel’s hand.
“She actually told me that last night Phineas. After she had her fill of the Festival, we were sitting together in my room. I have never felt such happiness as when I heard her say that to me. I will not let the person who did this to her escape justice Phineas. I will hunt them down if I have to,” Caleb said, with fierce conviction.
“I am sure it will all be brought to a satisfactory conclusion, Sire,” Phineas said, smiling wryly at him, knowing well Caleb was not jesting.
King Fergus approached the threshold of the city, when he was met by Chieftain McCullan, on his way to the Sentinel Headquarters. King Fergus then instructed Owain to bring Imagin home, reminding them once again not to discuss what had happened. A Sentinel as well as Ella and Gawain were sent to the Infirmary. King Fergus, Aiden, Rian, and Aaron, as well as the rest of the Sentinels then stopped to discuss the events on the roadside with Chieftain McCullan. They all quickly dismounted and the entire assembly walked to a wide clearing. The Scimitar’s body was laid out in the middle of the clearing. As several Sentinels removed the tarp, Chieftain McCullan approached Rian.
“Have you had a chance to examine the body lad?” McCullan asked gravely.
“I have Chieftain,” Rian answered respectfully.
“Whose Scimitar is it?” McCullan asked.
Rian leaned over to whisper the name to him. McCullan’s eyes widened and then he sighed deeply.
“I shall verify it,” he said despairingly as he knelt beside the Scimitar’s body to examine the huge paw. He sighed deeply again then looked up at Rian. “You are correct lad. It is indeed who you thought it was,” McCullan said shaking his head in disbelief.
“Who is it McCullan?” the King asked, in a low and serious voice.
“It is Leland, Sire,” McCullan said, with despair.
At the mention of that name there were several gasps made.
“By the Maker! Father! How are we to tell Mother, the husband of her cousin, is behind the attempt on Laurel’s life?” Aiden asked, with obvious shock.
“Plainly and truthfully. Your Mother will be obviously upset, but she is a strong woman, she will accept what must be done,” King Fergus said, pausing before he spoke again. “Aiden, take a squad of Sentinels with you and bring Leland into custody. Have him placed under heavy guard in the House of Detention. Be as discreet as you are able to be. His family need not suffer any more than they are about to. No one is to mention Leland’s name to Caleb. We are all aware of what he is capable of at this time. He does not need to know who it is until he is thinking clearly,” King Fergus directed, in an authoritative and strong voice.
“Sire, allow me to accompany Aiden in taking Leland. I feel as the Leader of both his Guild and Clann, I should be there,” McCullan mentioned, with a remorseful tone.
“Of course McCullan, it is more than acceptable. I will ask you to leave now. I would rather we not have a manhunt on our hands,” King Fergus replied, looking at him pointedly.
McCullan nodded and got upon his horse quickly. Aiden as well as the squad of Sentinels were already seated on their horses and ready to leave. Aiden nodded over to his father and then urging his horse forward galloped away with the squad thundering down the path closely behind him.
King Fergus and the remaining soldiers and Sentinels accompanied him to the Sentinel Headquarters, bringing the Scimitar’s body with them, as evidence for the trial that would take place. The other Chieftains Argon, Remy and Phariss, were already summoned and would soon be there.
When all had arrived, King Fergus related to them what had happened and who was responsible, they all stood for a moment in silence. Chieftain Argon was the first to speak up.
“King Fergus, let me offer my sincerest sympathies in behalf of us all. The Princess is a lovely and charming young woman, who did not deserve such a horrendous act of violence to be put upon her,” Argon said with compassion, as he reached over and placed his hand on the Kings shoulder.
“Thank you Argon. The timing of this crime is also a heart wrenching act in itself. It will probably come as no surprise to any of you, seeing how they were together at the Festival. Both Caleb and Laurel have agreed to a Marriage Alliance. My son is completely in love with her Highness. I do not wish for him to know who will be in custody soon. I feel Caleb’s emotions will cloud his judgment at this time,” King Fergus replied, rubbing the back of his head.
“I will have extra security around the Princess until we are completely sure there is no one else we need to be concerned about. I will question Leland myself when he is brought into custody. He will be heavily guarded at all times, should Caleb find the need to....visit him. Leland will have his trial Sire. He will however be held accountable,” Chieftain Argon said with certainty.
“I must leave you now gentlemen. I need to go to my family. I will keep you all abreast of Laurel’s condition. Thank you all again for your consideration,” King Fergus said graciously, as he and his escorts left for the infirmary.
A short while later, King Fergus was brought to Laurel’s private room, and smiled as he saw what Queen Alana had done to make the room more comforting and warm. Extra chairs as well as Laurel’s personal bedding and an abundance of flowers were put in the room. On a large table on the far side of the room, Lucas had dinner brought over. The gifts the villagers had given Laurel, were brought over by the Sentinel that accompanied Ella and Gawain. Queen Alana was sitting in a chair at the foot of Laurel’s bed, working on her embroidery. Caleb was sitting next to Laurel, reading aloud softly, the book he had read to her last night. Caleb and the Queen looked up at him expectantly as he entered the room, smiling warmly.
“I see that you have added some personal touches to the room, my dear,” King Fergus said leaning down, and kissing his wife tenderly.
“I felt it might help Laurel recover easier if she had some of her own things in here for her,” Queen Alana replied.
“How is she doing now?” King Fergus asked with concern, as Laurel was whimpering softly, and looking flush.
“Her fever is returning, Phineas has gone to enquire of Agnes and Master Elphin. I have been bathing her face and forehead with a cool cloth, but it does not seem to be helping as it was,” Caleb said, his face showing his concern, as he reached over to caress her forehead.
“Once the fever breaks she will feel much better. It may raise a bit before that happens. She is a fighter Caleb, this is not necessarily a bad sign,” King Fergus stated quietly, as he walked over to lightly touch Laurel’s forehead.
“Her injuries are not that grave. Mainly bruises and scratches. Of course that wretched black eye,” Caleb grumbled, as he again caressed the bruise under her eye.
“Yet still, such a pretty little thing she is. She shall give us beautiful grandchildren Alana,” King Fergus said, smiling wryly at the Queen, as Caleb smiled, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
“Oh Fergus really. That was most inappropriate,” Queen Alana,” said, as she smiled at him slyly.
“May I speak to you for a moment mo ghra,” King Fergus asked his wife quietly.
“Of course dear,” the Queen answered, as she stood up and then taking the King’s hand as he led her out of the room.
Caleb watched them walk out of the room, and then leaned over to kiss Laurel’s fevered brow. After some time had passed King Fergus came back into the room, Caleb was applying another cloth to Laurel’s forehead. Her fever was indeed rising, as her whimpers and moans were increasing. Caleb’s face looking more anxious.
“So? Do you have the bastard who did this, in custody?” Caleb asked his father angrily.
“Not as yet. But it will happen very soon, Caleb. Your brother is working on that now,” King Fergus answered him, in a calm and low voice.
“Who is it Father? It is obvious that you know,” Caleb asked again, his voice becoming more intense, his eyes flashing with anger.
“Who it may be, is not important at this moment. You will know when the time arises,” King Fergus answered trying to keep his voice calm and even.
“Do you not think I am capable of finding out if I choose to? I will go to the House of Detention myself if I have to,” Caleb spoke, as he walked over to his father, his voice rising with his temper.
“I am more than aware of your capabilities Caleb, but I must ask you. Do you really intend to leave her now, when she needs you more than ever? Do you really wish her to wake and not find you here, because you had to satisfy your need for vengeance? What do you think you will accomplish?
You know I will not allow you to carry out your earlier threat. You are the Prince of Heathwin, and Heir to the throne. You are supposed to not only protect the laws, you are to represent them. You will not help her by leaving her now,” King Fergus exclaimed in an impassioned tone.
“I do this for her! For what was done to her!” Caleb yelled out, in his frustration.
“No! You do this for yourself and you know it!” King Fergus yelled back, as he was losing his patience.
“Both of you, stop this at once! You are both forgetting yourselves! Do you not remember where you are?” Queen Alana suddenly spoke up, as she as well as a very surprised Phineas, Agnes and Master Elphin appeared in the doorway.
Laurel without warning began to tremble uncontrollably, and cried out, with her rising fever. Everyone turned in her direction, Caleb rushed over to her side, sitting down in the chair next to her, once again taking her hand. Her eyes suddenly flew open, looking dazed and frightened.
“Caleb,” she said in a small weak voice.
“Yes, dearest I am here,” Caleb answered with tear filled eyes, as he caressed her face.
“Caleb. I am sorry I jumped off the cliff. I had no choice. I did not mean to upset you,” she said, her voice weak and delirious.
