The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 61
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
The staff that had cared for her during her stay came to her room to wish her well, Redmond and Master Elphin were among them as well as Agnes, who wished to accompany Caleb and Laurel back to the Lodge, with the other Sentinels. Laurel was still wearing her nightgown, but was also given a warm hooded cape. Roisin helped her put in on, and then Caleb gently took her in his arms, insisting on carrying her, as he felt the walk to the horses would be too taxing. Laurel was glad for the hooded cape, as it was not only warm, but gave her privacy, from all the concerned onlookers around them.
Placing her carefully on Lorcan, Caleb then sat in front of her, his arms holding her close, as they made the slow ride back to the Great Lodge.
“How are you feeling dearest?” Caleb leaned forward, and asked Laurel quietly.
“I am fine Caleb, just a bit tired still,” she replied, in a small voice.
“It will take a little while to reach the Lodge Laurel, why do you not rest mo ghra? I have you, just close your eyes and rest,” Caleb said, placing his arms around her tighter.
Laurel laid her head against his chest, and smiled to herself.
“Laurel. We are home dearest,” Caleb said to her, in a low soft voice.
Laurel opened her eyes, and raising her hands lowered the hood, from her face. Aiden stood in front of Lorcan, smiling at her, raising his arms to help her down. After placing Laurel gently to stand, Caleb dismounted and then took Laurel in his arms once again, carrying her up the stairs of the Lodge entrance. When entering the Grand Hall, Laurel was surprised to see so many guards present, who all just stopped and stood still as Caleb, Aiden, as well as Agnes continued walking, and went up the staircase to the private rooms. Two guards stood at both the bottom and top of the stairs as well as several guards in the corridor. Caleb walked into his room, and waiting for them was, Queen Alana, Mauve and Stella, Agnes walked into the room as well, as she would be staying with Laurel for the day. Caleb gently placed Laurel on the edge of the bed, as the Queen sat down next to her and carefully placed her arm around Laurel's shoulders.
“We are so happy to have you back home with us dear,” Queen Alana, said warmly, smiling kindly at her.
“Thank you your Highness. I am very happy to be back,” Laurel replied smiling, but looking tired and drawn.
“We have a very lovely bath waiting for you dear, so as soon as your devoted betrothed leaves, we shall bring you in and give you a needed time of pampering. Then you can rest your bruises in the nice warm tub, and come back and have a rest in Caleb’s ridiculously large bed. I shall have breakfast brought in for you after that,” the Queen said, as she looked over at her attendants, who smiled at Laurel warmly.
“Well, then I shall take my leave so as to not delay your pampering any longer,” Caleb spoke, in warm soft voice, walking over and kissing Laurel tenderly. “I shall be back soon my love. Enjoy your morning and get some rest. Allow Mother to spoil you,” Caleb said, kissing her once more before he left the room with Aiden, who looked over and smiled at her warmly, as he turned and closed the door behind him.
“Will we be headed to the House of Detention, at this time?” Aiden asked, as he looked over at Caleb’s serious expression, as they walked back down the stairway.
“I will be heading over at this time. I would prefer if you did not go Aiden. I know how difficult it was for you to bring Leland into custody. I would rather you to remain here with Laurel. Have breakfast with her, and see that she rests. It would do much, in giving me peace of mind,” Caleb said, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, smiling at him, watching Aiden’s reaction.
“I do not feel you should go alone Caleb,” Aiden said, looking at him with concern.
“I know Aiden,” Caleb said smiling warmly, putting his hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “I do feel that this is something I must do alone. I need to hear him myself. I need to hear his reason, no matter how ridiculous,” Caleb said, in a calm and reasonable voice.
Aiden looked at him thoughtfully, and then smiled slightly.
“Very well, Caleb. I shall look after Laurel. Take care and do not let him bait you,” Aiden said with concern.
“He failed. Nothing he can say will change that,” Caleb smiled at him wryly, and turned to leave for the House of Detention.
As Caleb arrived, he saw Owain outside of the building talking to one of the guards casually. Owain smiled sadly as he saw Caleb approach him.
“Maidin mhaith, Owain. I assume you are here escorting your Aunt?” Caleb asked, in a friendly manner.
“Maidin mhaith, Caleb. Yes I am. She is with him now. Chieftain Argon came and spoke with her last night, and well....she was most distressed at the thought that others might feel she had anything to do with it, or knew anything concerning Leland's actions. She and mother did not sleep all night. Mother of course as you well know, is also quite beside herself. She is very uncomfortable with the presence of guards around the house. I explained to her, Argon did as well, that was normal security protocol,” Owain replied sounding tired and weary.
“Well I shall wait outside then, I do not wish to make her feel rushed to leave. As far as it being protocol, it unfortunately is. Until Argon is finished with his investigation, we cannot rule out her involvement in some way, even if all it involved was her knowledge of it,” Caleb explained, with a serious expression.
“How is Laurel? Imagin and I are very worried about her. With your permission, I was hoping to bring Imagin to the Infirmary to see Laurel, later today,” Owain asked sheepishly, still concerned with Caleb’s reaction.
“Laurel, I am happy to report, was deemed well enough to be brought back to the Lodge. She is recovering as well as can be expected. She is under heavy guard and will remain so until after Argon’s investigation. It would be better if you and Imagin waited for the trial to come and visit with her. In fact I was going to assign you as Laurel’s personal guard until after the trial, as I will be on the Tribunal,” Caleb mentioned, watching for Owain’s reaction.
“It would be my honor Caleb. Thank you for trusting me with this,” Owain said, trying his best to hold back his emotions.
“Of course, Owain. Your Captain tells me how hard you work and how seriously you take your position in guarding the Lodge grounds. I also am aware how comfortable Laurel is with you. You being her personal guard until all of this nonsense is over, is the best choice,” Caleb remarked, with a wry smile, hitting him on the arm.
“Again, thank you for this chance to do something to try and, well make this up to you and Laurel. Oh, I see my Aunt Ealish is headed this way. She looks terrible,” Owain spoke in a hushed voice, as she drew closer.
Ealish looked up, her eyes swollen from crying, her face pale and exhausted, even more so with her long dark hair falling loose around her shoulders. Ealish was considered very beautiful, not as regal and serious looking as her sister Adele, but lovely and sweet, with large, deep blue grey eyes, that her eldest son shared. However, now going without sleep for days, had taken its toll on her. She looked frail and drawn, and thinner than usual. She approached Owain and Caleb visibly shaking with nervousness, at seeing the Prince.
“Good day Sire,” Ealish addressed Caleb formally, in a small and shaky voice, her large eyes imploring him to be merciful towards her.
“Good day Ealish,” Caleb replied in a calm, but impersonal tone.
“May I enquire of her Highness wellbeing?” she asked, keeping her eyes averted.
“She is recovering nicely thank you. In turn, I wish to enquire of your boys. How are they faring?” Caleb asked, his voice sounding kinder, as he found her appearance and demeanor pitiful.
Ealish looked up at him suddenly, in surprise, she saw his gaze was softer and calmer. Her eyes filled with tears, she then swallowed and cleared her throat before replying.
“They are upset and confused, as of course you can imagine. Beacam, being only eight seasons, has no understanding. He only wants us all to return home. Ardal of course, having just turned twelve seasons now, is fully aware of everything. He has not spoken in two days, and will only drink tea, refusing all that is put in front of him,” Ealish put her hand to her mouth, to stop her lips from trembling.
“If there is anything that you or the boys require, let Owain know and we shall see to it right away. We do not wish for you or the children to suffer any more than you already are,” Caleb said to her, in a kind soft voice, though still not touching her.
Ealish was only ten seasons older than Caleb, and being the Queen’s cousin, they saw each other often when he was growing up, Ealish had been he and Aiden’s governess for a time while they were young children. It pained him, to find himself having to be distant with her.
“Thank you Sire. My only concern now is that of my children. I only wish for them, to someday heal from this horrible travesty, that has befallen our families,” Ealish said, in a trembling voice.
“Owain perhaps now it would be best for you to escort your aunt back home,” Caleb directed, giving Owain a meaningful look.
“Yes, Caleb of course. Come Aunt Ealish, let us go home now,” Owain said gently, as he helped her to her horse.
Caleb nodded at him, and then turned and left quietly, into the House of Detention. The guards all stood at attention as Caleb entered the building.
“Maidin mhaith, Sire. I have been expecting you. Of course you know, I must ask you, to leave all weapons here at the entrance,” Doolin, the Warden of the House, informed Caleb with a knowing grin.
“Yes, thank you Doolin,” Caleb smiled back wryly, taking off his long riding coat, handing it to a waiting guard. “I have only brought my dagger,” he replied, handing that to the guard as well.
“I shall escort you myself Sire,” Doolin said, as he walked with Caleb to Leland’s cell, in the farthest part of the building.
“His wife was just here to see him. I have to admit, I did indeed take pity on her. The poor wretched woman, was quite beside herself,” Doolin, remarked in a low voice.
“Yes I know. I spoke with her briefly before I came in. I cannot let my feelings concerning her or the children, affect my judgment however,” Caleb said, in a determined tone.
“Of course not Sire, you and the Tribunal, will do what needs to be done,” Doolin replied. “The people of Heathwin trust you Sire. They know you will do the right thing. He is after all, still alive to have his trial,” Doolin smiled dryly, as they turned the corner and walked down the long and narrow corridor.
The bright sun shining through the windows on the opposite wall. Guards stood at attention as Doolin led Caleb down to the end of the corridor where Leland was kept. His cell was large and had double entrances. Two guards stood on the outside of the first barred entrance, while Caleb stood in front of the doors, looking in at Leland. Leland looked up from his bunk against the wall, his hands and feet shackled. Caleb looked at his bruised and still swollen face with surprise, which Caleb only revealed for a moment. Leland looked back at him with a contemptible smile. As the doors were unlocked, and Caleb began to walk forward, Doolin took his arm and held him back for an instant.
“Remember Sire, the guards will always remain in front of his cell. They are not just here for your protection,” Doolin looked at him intently, speaking in a low voice.
“I am aware Doolin. You have nothing to be concerned with,” Caleb answered him back, in a calm low voice. “I am aware of my responsibilities,” he said dryly, looking back with the same intensity.
Doolin released his arm and Caleb then walked forward, stepping into Lelands’s cell. Caleb looked around and grabbing a stool, brought it over to sit a few feet in front of him, looking at him intensely for a moment before speaking. To his surprise Leland spoke first.
“Have you come to finish what your brother started?” Leland asked, with the same hostile grin.
“No, Leland. I would much rather have you see justice, then make you a martyr,” Caleb answered back calmly, but his voice not hiding his contempt.
“It was not my intention to be a martyr,” Leland laughed lightly.
“So what were your intensions? What did you find in her that you despised so much, you felt compelled to kill her? What did she do, to make you want to have her torn apart by a Scimitar?” Caleb asked, leaning forward, his eyes flashing with his anger.
“That is all you can see? I do not hate her at all. In fact I have no ill will against her personally. It is not the Princess herself, it is what she represents. It is what she will give to you, to your family that I despise. When she was born, she was always a threat. The only female child from the royal line of Gwenlais in ten generations. You being first in line for the throne, it was obvious the idea of a union between you would be mentioned at some point. No one expected your marriage, to that shrew Morene, to last. Your family would then control all of Gwenlais, and all the wealth and valuables that come out of it. You, your heirs, forever. Heathwin would no longer be looked upon as the protector of the realms of Rienfield, we would end up being nothing more than farmers and vendors, to everyone. Our Kingdoms united, and for what? To give the ruling family, immeasurable amounts of wealth, while you hold us all in derision. Holding us captive to your will, by controlling our very lives by how many crumbs you decide to throw us?” Leland spat out, with open hostility.
“Do you truly believe my family, myself, could do this to our people? I have fought and served Heathwin since I was sixteen seasons. It is all I have ever known. Do you know how much I sacrificed for the good of our people? My union with Laurel will only add security for all of Heathwin. We will no longer have to negotiate trade agreements and renewed alliance agreements. All that we require, no, all that we need and wish for, will be ours, because of her. Have you not read the Olden Scribes words, how the female child finally born from Gwenlais, will heal the torn Kingdoms....” Caleb was then cut off by Leland.
“Do you honestly believe that?” Leland spat out.
“Yes! Yes I do! There is no reason not to,” Caleb said, with fierce conviction.
“I only believe that your family will become unjustly wealthy, and use it against us all. There are those who do believe the Scribes words, as you do, and still do not welcome it. They do not wish for the unity of our Kingdoms, as it will destroy their own agendas. Laurel will always be a threat to them,” Leland sat back against the wall, in clear frustration.
Neither man spoke for a few moments, their minds absorbing all that was said.
“Am I to believe you were part of the attack on the river side village?” Caleb finally asked, in a low voice.
“I was aware of it, but not part of it. I know you only think of me as a monster, but why do you think all the children were spared? I mentioned to those who arranged it, the children would have to be spared, or their plans would be made known. No one counted on you being warned of the Rabkin’s presence by the Cydros Kindred themselves. Your freakish abilities to communicate with them, was overlooked. All that was known is that the Princess would be there. As we all look alike to the Rabkins, all the women were killed, the Queen and other Ollams were simply in the way. Laurel was always the target. You reached her Highness at just the right time. As far as Welstone, again it should have worked. I gave the command to the Scimitar, and then left. I had complete confidence, it would accomplish its task, as it was being driven mad to do so. The stone would continue to give the command to kill, until it was done. I truly underestimated her, I expected her to stand in terror, as any quarry would have, and it would be over. I also underestimated your feelings for her, as well as those of your brother and the men with you. By all counts it should have succeeded. I had no idea that you loved her. I felt she was nothing more to you, than a pleasant romp in your bedchamber, and money in the royal treasury. So, my mistake will cost me. I have accepted that. I have nothing more to live for anyway, as my wife has informed me, she will not allow our sons to see me, or bring them to the trial. She herself is only coming because she feels obligated to do so,” Leland looked away, his eyes filling with tears.
“Who is it that convinced you to do this Leland? Who convinced you to sacrifice all that you love, for their agenda? They lied to you, and twisted your thinking. Tell me who they are, and I will end their miserable existence,” Caleb insisted, trying to reason with him.
“I cannot, as my family will not survive the season. I will not have their lives destroyed because I failed. I will accept my fate, but I will not have theirs decided, because of my mistakes,” Leland said firmly. “I will only tell you, it was no one else in Heathwin. The foolish maid was nothing more than a pawn, easily manipulated. The people remain loyal to you and your family. I hope you appreciate that,” Leland said, with emotion.
“I always have. That will never change. Heathwin will always be my home,” Caleb said pridefully.
“I have nothing more to say to you Caleb. I have told Argon, all I have said to you. Go back to your Princess. I have nothing more to offer you,” Leland said, as he then lay on his bunk staring at the ceiling.
Caleb stood up and called out to the guards to open the door, he turned and looked at Leland once more before leaving.
“I hope your sons forgive you for this one day Leland,” Caleb said quietly, as he walked out of the cell.
He made his way out of the House of Detention quickly, leaping upon his horse and galloping towards the Great Lodge.
His only thought now, was to see Laurel, and hold her in his arms, no, he would bathe first.
The idea of touching her, after being so close to the one who wished to end her life, repulsed him. Then he would rest with her and feel and smell her soft warm body against him, calming his heart and mind. He reached the Lodge fairly quickly as he had galloped the entire way home, Lorcan needing little urging, as he could sense his master’s anxiety. When Caleb entered his room, he found Aiden and Agnes sitting quietly at his desk, playing Tablut, smiling at him. Caleb glanced over and found Laurel sleeping peacefully in his bed, looking small and lost in its enormity.
