The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 58
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Excuse me Prince Caleb, but do you really find it necessary to lie in the bed, while here at the Infirmary?” he asked, in an obvious annoyed manner.
“Yes I do. Can you not see how comfortable Laurel is?” Caleb asked, as he kissed the top of her head.
“I think she would be far more comfortable if she did not have to share the bed with you at this time. How do you feel your Highness?” Phineas asked, sounding more riled.
“I am fine Phinny,” Laurel smiled, and answered in a soft drowsy voice.
“You see, she is fine Phineas. Now stop your useless prattle and let her sleep or I will have the guards drag you back to the Lodge,” Caleb said in a low threatening voice, as he looked over at him frowning.
“I feel the need for threats completely unnecessary,” Phineas replied in an injured tone, with a scowl.
“Well obviously not, because you are still talking,” Caleb remarked, as he closed his eyes and kissed Laurel’s head again, noticing she had fallen asleep.
Aiden laughed as he looked over at Phineas’ insulted expression, then continued enjoying the plate of food he had brought with him.
Phineas awoke several hours later, hearing Caleb talking softly. He looked over and saw Caleb now out of the bed, leaning over and gently brushing Laurel’s hair back. Aiden was standing next to him, with a concerned look on his face, as he looked down at Laurel. Phineas then sat up and leaned across the bed taking Laurel’s hand. To his dismay, Laurel turned and looked at him, her eyes filled with tears, looking clearly distressed.
“We will be back in a moment Phineas, I have to speak with Agnes and the attending Physician. Laurel is in a great amount of pain. Look after her while we are gone,” Caleb said with a worried voice, as he and Aiden left the room.
“I am so sorry my Lady. I wish I could do more for you. I have no doubt you are feeling pain after what that hideous beast did to you,” Phineas said, holding her small hand in both of his.
“You saw the bruises Phinny?” Laurel asked tearfully.
“Yes, my Lady. I did indeed. I feel you are bearing up so bravely. Prince Caleb would be quite beside himself if he saw how extensive they were. I have no doubt though that the Physicians will give you some relief very soon. I only ask that you not be so brave. Tell us when you need something. We are all here to care for you,” Phineas replied, as he smiled benevolently at her.
“I will. I am not feeling so very brave at this time,” Laurel said, through her tears.
“My dear Princess Laurel. After what I heard you did at the village in Welstone, I feel you are truly one of the bravest persons I have ever known,” Phineas said to her, his eyes filled with emotion.
“Thank you for that Phinny,” Laurel replied weakly, trying to smile.
“Not at all. I am only making an honest observation,” Phineas said softly, squeezing her hand lightly.
“You have not told Father yet, have you?” Laurel asked in a worried tone.
“No your Highness. I will not inform him until you are well enough to return to the Lodge. Then I will send an envoy, but only until you are able to let me know what you wish for me to relay,” Phineas assured her with a warm smile.
“Thank you for that Phineas,” Laurel replied, squeezing Phineas’ hand.
Caleb and Aiden returned to the room, with Agnes and another attendant as well as a Physician. They approached Laurel smiling, but unable to hide their concern.
“Good evening your Highness. My name is Redmond. I am the attending Physician. Prince Caleb tells us you are in pain. Would you like me to give you some pain medicine at this time?” the young tall Physician asked, with a kind smile.
“Yes. I am afraid I can no longer bear it,” Laurel said, with a soft shudder.
“You do not have to your Highness. That is why we are here. I also have a very soothing salve we can put on your bruises. It will help a great deal and will allow you to sleep,” Redmond said, with a gentle voice, as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I am familiar with the plant and herb based medicines of the Ollams your Highness, I have read up on these extensively. I have a pain tonic as well as a salve that are all herbal based. I will give these to you as it is something you are comfortable with. I feel you will find them more agreeable and less harsh on your system. I will go and get them and be back in only a moment,” he said smiling, and looking reassuringly at Caleb.
Laurel smiled tearfully and nodded her acknowledgement.
“Thank you Redmond,” Caleb said gratefully, his face full of concern.
“It is my pleasure Sire,” Redmond replied, and then left the room quickly.
“I knew you would like Redmond your Highness. He has a great amount of respect for the way the Ollams practice healing,” Agnes remarked, as she held Laurel’s hand. “Your Majesties, Master Phineas, I must ask you all to leave for just a few moments, as we will need to remove, her Highness’s gown in order to apply the salve to her back and shoulders,” Agnes said, respectfully but firmly.
Caleb looked over at Laurel, his eyes filled with unbidden tears, as she tried to smile bravely at him. Aiden put his hand on his shoulder.
“Come Caleb. Let us give our Princess a bit of privacy. We will only be gone a moment,” Aiden said to him in a quiet voice, as he looked over at Phineas.
“Come Sire. We shall come back in and open that bottle of cordial afterwards,” Phineas said, with a friendly smile helping Aiden led him out of the room.
“I will be just outside the room mo stor,” Caleb said in a mournful voice.
“I know. I will be waiting,” Laurel answered, still smiling bravely at him.
As the three men left the room, Redmond reappeared, turning to smile at them before shutting the door. They stood glancing about, the guards present, offering their sympathies to Caleb, who only smiled in acknowledgement. Suddenly Caleb looked up towards the door, his face becoming tense and grief stricken.
“What is it Caleb?” Aiden asked him, knowing Caleb obviously heard something they could not.
“She is crying. I can hear her crying. They are applying the salve to her bruises. I can hear them whispering they are sorry, that it will only hurt for a moment. She is asking for me,” Caleb answered, in a choking whisper, swallowing hard as he spoke.
Phineas looked away as he was overcome with emotion. Aiden walked up to Caleb and hugged him warmly. Aiden then pulled away to look at him.
“They are only trying to help her Caleb. You must be strong for her, she will not be able to endure it if you become angry or too emotional in front of her. You can do this Caleb. Her pain will not last forever,” Aiden said with compassion.
“I know. I will do whatever I must to help her get well,” Caleb said with quiet determination. “Redmond is coming back out now,” Caleb announced.
Redmond stepped out as soon as Caleb finished speaking.
“She will be ready for you in just a few moments Sire. The medicines will indeed help her with the pain. It will be hard for her for a few days, but I feel she should be ready to return with you to the Lodge in two days or so, depending on how quickly she responds to treatment. I am most impressed with her Sire, as I sure you are as well,” Redmond said, putting a hand on Caleb’s shoulder.
“Thank you Redmond. I am indeed,” Caleb said, trying to muster a smile back.
“I shall return in an hour to see how she is faring,” Redmond said kindly, as he walked away.
Agnes then walked out of the room and up to Caleb.
“She is ready for you now Sire. Expect her to be.....a bit emotional. She will more than likely not want you to leave her next time. She asked for you, as she wanted you to hold her hand, when we applied the salve. We did our best not to hurt her, unfortunately that was not possible. But it will become easier each time it is done,” Agnes said, her eyes filled with emotion as she placed a hand on Caleb’s arm.
“Thank you Agnes. I do appreciate all you have done for her,” Caleb replied, squeezing her hand before walking back into the room.
As Caleb entered he saw the young woman who was the attendant adjusting the covers for Laurel, then smiling at her and giving her a careful hug around her shoulders, and then smiling at Caleb, left the room. Laurel was now lying on her side, as the pillows were adjusted around her head. Caleb walked to her bedside sitting in the chair and leaning over kissing her tenderly on the lips and brushing back her hair.
“Ta brom orm, mo chailin milis. Ta ghra agam ort,” Caleb said with heartfelt emotion in old speak, knowing she did not understand all he was saying.
Tears still in her eyes Laurel smiled at his speaking, only understanding the last phrase.
“I love you too,” she whispered back, as she reached over to hold his hand.
“I promise I will be here for you the next time. I am sure they can find a way to apply the salve without removing your gown. I will turn away for a moment if you wish, but I will not leave you again,” Caleb said softly, as he kissed her hands, that he held in his.
“No, I do not want you to. Please stay with me Caleb, while the pain is still new. I cannot do this without you. My own gowns slip very easily off my shoulders, I would not have to take them off,” Laurel spoke in a weak soft voice.
“You will not have to go through this without me mo ghra. I will only leave to bring you a change of clothes, that is all, and I promise you will never be alone,” Caleb said, quietly as he leaned down and kissed her again.
“I will go and get your nightgowns my Lady. I shall leave first thing in the morning,” Phineas said walking up to the bedside, smiling warmly at her.
“Thank you Phineas,” Laurel said smiling in a small voice, her eye lids becoming heavy.
“Is the medicine beginning to work dearest?” Caleb asked, as he caressed her face.
“Yes it is. It is something we use quite often in Gwenlais. It will not give me the horrible dreams the last medicine gave me,” Laurel stated sleepily.
“Well that is good to hear, then you can at least sleep peacefully. Just close your eyes now my love. Go back to sleep,” Caleb said gently, still caressing her face.
“Will you lie down, so that I may lean against you? It is comforting when you hold me,” Laurel requested as, her eyes became too heavy to stay open.
“Of course dearest,” Caleb replied, as he carefully got back in the bed, partially sitting up, allowing Laurel to place herself against him.
She whimpered softly as she adjusted her body to become comfortable, then after placing her arm across his waist she sighed and then fell asleep. Caleb pushed his head back against the pillows, stroking her hair and staring at the ceiling absently, trying to calm down. He turned to look to his left as something caught his eye. Aiden sat smiling at him, sitting in the chair Caleb otherwise occupied, handing him a glass of cordial. Caleb sighed and smiled slightly as he took the glass.
“I am not surprised how difficult it is for her. The bruises the beast inflicted upon her are horrible. How did she ever get away from it?” Phineas asked, from the chair at the foot of the bed, sipping a glass of cordial as well.
“My brother is the best archer in Heathwin,” Caleb answered smiling, taking another sip from his glass.
“Well not the best. Definitely one of the best however. Do not forget Aaron was there also, and always found his mark as well,” Aiden mentioned, looking over at Caleb.
“And Gawain. That was truly one of the bravest things I have ever seen. He actually stood between Laurel and the Scimitar, Phineas. He allowed her to run away from it. I meant what I said that he will be rewarded for what he did. All he need do is ask. Does anyone know how he is doing? He was injured for his bravery,” Caleb asked with concern.
“Yes, I was able to speak with him briefly as he inquired of her Highness before he left. He did sustain scratches and bruises. He needed a few stitches. The Physician who tended him wrote a letter to say he required at least a week from duties. He did go home however, as he did not need to stay at the Infirmary,” Phineas answered, reassuringly.
“He can take as long as he needs. He will be in good hands at home. He has a very loving family. He is the oldest of six. His sisters and young brothers adore him. I have no doubt they will all dote on him,” Caleb said with a smile, as he thought of Gawain receiving all that attention.
“His father will be bragging about him at the public gatherings in the Grand Hall for weeks. Do not be surprised if his mother comes to see Laurel, bringing her some treat she baked. Lizzy is known as quite the baker. Before each Patrol mission she bakes the entire Company a batch of sweet rolls. It takes her and her daughters several days to do this,” Aiden remarked laughing lightly.
“Yes, since Gawain was assigned to my Patrol it has now become a tradition to have a sweet roll and a mug of tea at the Headquarters before we leave. I was not sure about allowing it at first, but it is so heartfelt and kind, and the poor things wake up well before dawn to do this, I could not deny them. The Sentinels all look forward to it now,” Caleb smiled again, at recalling the event.
“Father has requested her rolls be brought to his morning departure meetings as well. He gives her all the supplies and she bakes for his Company also. Cahir and Tarron are the only two Captains who have not conceded to it yet. I think it is only a matter of time though,” Aiden added, with a wry grin.
“I have to admit Price Caleb, I am surprised that both you and your father have allowed this...little tradition,” Phineas said, smiling in amusement.
“I feel the biggest reason for allowing it, is Gawain’s father Byron. He served as a solider for twenty seasons, before his injury forced him to retire. When Gawain was admitted to the Sentinel training, they were very encouraging of his efforts. Lizzy’s kind gesture, is just the family’s way, of showing their support and loyalty to the Kingdom. Which makes what has happened to my sweet girl all that more disturbing. The people of Heathwin have always been known throughout all of Rienfield, as a loyal people, especially to my Father. To know that one of our own has done this.....it is most unsettling,” Caleb said bitterly.
They then just sat quietly for a while sipping their cordial when Redmond reentered the room, as promised.
“I see the medicine has helped her to relax. Very good. The salve Agnes and Roisin applied will help with the pain as well. I will be back again at dawn before I take my leave, and give Master Elphin a full report, so that her Highness will continue to receive the same medication. Also Sire....I am reluctant to remind you, because this was an act of violence, the Chieftains as well as the King, will have to view the Princess’ bruises. In order for it to be used as evidence at the trial, Sire. I am sorry. I shall recommend it not be done until she has gone back to the Lodge. It will probably feel less intrusive that way,” Redmond said, with sad eyes.
“Yes, thank you Redmond. I do realize this. We shall do our best to make it as dignified as possible for her,” Caleb replied, as he began to stroke Laurel’s hair once more.
“Well, I shall begin my rounds now, and shall see you in a few hours. I hope you are all able to get some rest,” Redmond said, as he turned and quietly left the room.
Caleb then leaned over and kissed Laurel’s forehead, sighing deeply, with a forlorn expression.
“To think, all I had wanted to do, was take her to Welstone and spoil her a bit,” Caleb remarked, in a soft sad voice.
“Let us all get some rest, old man. It will be a long day tomorrow,” Aiden, said, as he took Caleb’s glass from him.
They all got as comfortable as they were able, and soon, all drifted off in an exhausted sleep.
Agnes and Roisin arrived back in the room at dawn with Redmond to reapply the salve and see if Laurel wished to have her pain medication once again. Laurel requested they wait until she had her own nightgown, at that point Phineas left for the Lodge to go and bring her one of her favourites. He was back as quickly as he could be, as he did not want to delay Laurel’s treatments. He, Aiden, and Redmond left the room, Caleb as promised did not. He smiled at Laurel, just before turning around, as Agnes and Roisin, removed her infirmary gown and helped her with her own. Caleb then came and sat back down in the chair next to her bed, and held her hands, as she slid her gown off her shoulders and back for Agnes to then once again apply the salve. Laurel leaned her head into Caleb’s chest, as tears silently slid down her cheeks. Caleb said nothing, but he could not hide the shock and then the anger at seeing the deep almost black bruises on Laurel’s upper back and shoulders. The minor puncture wounds from the tips of the Scimitar cat’s claws could also be seen. Agnes softly spoke as she applied the salve, telling Laurel how the swelling on her skin had indeed gone done, and that she would be finished with the application very soon, as she gave Caleb a sad and meaningful look.
“There we are, all finished now your Highness. Perhaps you would like a cup of tea with your pain tonic?” Agnes asked, slipping the nightgown back on Laurel’s shoulders.
Caleb helped Laurel lay back on her side, as he gently wiped the tears from her face, and kissed her forehead.
“Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you Agnes,” Laurel answered weakly.
“I shall be back in just a moment,” Roisin said, cheerfully as she left the room.
At that time Phineas, Aiden and Redmond returned, smiling and trying to appear encouraging, noting Caleb’s serious expression.
“Well your Highness, allow me to give you a bit more of the pain medication. I am very happy that it allowed you to get some rest,” Redmond spoke, in a kind and soft voice.
Redmond then handed Caleb a small vial, which Caleb held to Laurel’s lips, helping her to drink the medicine. He was happy to see that Laurel was able to drink it easily, as it apparently did not have the extreme bitterness, the last medication Laurel was given had. She sighed deeply and then smiled over at Caleb as he smiled back, tucking her hair behind her ear once more and lightly kissing her cheek. He murmured words of endearment to her in old speak, and then stood up, handing the vial to Redmond.
