Child of the Kindred, page 61
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“I am only here to tuck you in. I feel after this evening, you could use a little time to yourself,” Aiden remarked in a warm voice, walking her to the bed.
After Marina was under the covers, Aiden leant down and kissed her lovingly, being careful not to be overwhelming.
“Goodnight darling. Sleep well, and know that I am so very happy you are here,” Aiden whispered, as he kissed her forehead before standing up.
“Goodnight Aiden. I am very happy to be here, as well,” Marina whispered back, reaching up and touching his face.
He smiled and walked over to the fireplace, adding more wood.
“I shall see you in the morning, dearest. I greatly enjoyed our evening together,” Aiden remarked, his voice warm and comforting.
“I did also,” Marina whispered back, as she watched him smile then turn and quietly close the door.
Sari stood on the dock, shivering involuntarily as she watched the Naphtalie assassin walk towards her and her lover as they waited to be escorted to the ship. She had always feared them, their feline appearance made them difficult to read, a skill that she excelled at, except with them. This particular Naphtalie frightened her even more, as Bashan was resistant to the “medicine”, the Master had the Dark Ollams implement in controlling the unpredictable and dangerous race of beings. Bashan walked up to them in the fluid grace the Naphtalie were known for, seemingly motionless one moment, then moving in a deadly fury the next. His face stoic and emotionless, except for the thinly veiled contempt he held in his eyes when looking at Sari.
“You have been expected for over a day, what has kept you?” Bashan asked with a hiss.
Before Sari could answer, her lover stepped forward pulling his hood back, revealing a charming smile, his short cropped brown hair sprinkled with grey. His hazel brown eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, as he continued to smile at the Naphtalie, making his otherwise ordinary features more appealing.
“The roadways have been heavily travelled with Gwenlais Guards and Sentinels, of late. This has occurred since the end of the siege. We had to travel mainly at night, so as not to be noticed,” Sari’s lover explained in a calm and relaxed manner.
“For your sake, I hope your excuse is enough to satisfy Gruffudd and the Ollam. Now come with me, Falconer, and bring the woman with you, her presence was requested by Gruffudd,” Bashan said with disdain, as he turned and walked back towards the ship.
Once on board, Sari and the Falconer were led directly to the spacious and luxurious cabins below deck. As the three of them walked in the first cabin, Gruffudd and Mistress Lasair were seated at a heavy table, enjoying a sumptuous midday meal.
“So, you have finally arrived. Please sit down Cormac and Sari. Tell me now, how did this siege take place that I was told about by one of the harbour masters?” Gruffudd asked in a calm manner, though his eyes revealed his irritation.
Mistress Lasair looked coldly over at the couple as they sat down, not giving them a greeting, as she sipped her wine. Cormac, the falconer, went on to explain how Tramaine had hired Warrick to employ the services of more than five hundred mercenaries and slavers, as well as assorted criminals. He then went on to explain, how Warrick had betrayed Tramaine and declared himself the new ruler of Gwenlais. He told them of Warrick murdering his own sister, and instead of keeping Laurel in the castle, imprisoned her in the tower, thus making her a victim to her people and incurring the wrath of Heathwin. The assassination of the two Princes, was unsuccessful because again, Warrick had not followed the plan to have them ambushed by more men. The help from the Rabkins had also not been considered and was a complete surprise. He then went on to explain of how Tramaine was nearly killed by Prince Caleb, but then was dismissed and sent back to his home, no longer having the favour of the royal family or the Higher Nobles.
“I feel, however, Tramaine can still be useful to us for the time being. I have encouraged him to stir up trouble and rumours amongst the lesser Nobles, to discourage the people from having any confidence in their newly crowned Queen. I am told that it did not sit well with some of the Nobles that she left so abruptly, and has since made her counsellor Phineas, the Regent. Many view her as no more than a puppet, in the hand of Heathwin. It has been rumoured her husband, the Prince, is most boorish and she fears him. Hence her reason to go along with any decision he makes concerning Gwenlais,” Cormac, explained, taking a drink of wine that was offered.
“Our sources tell us, the young Ollam is with child. Is this true?” Mistress Lasair asked curtly, looking over at Sari.
“Yes, Mistress. She announced her pregnancy to all, at her coronation,” Sari replied, her eyes and face unable to hide her trepidation.
“Well, this is most distressing. Her influence will only grow stronger. As far as her being afraid of her husband, I do not believe it. Bashan told us of how the Prince reacted to the smuggler Clust and hearing how the foolish Rabkin had revealed to him that the Master wished for her demise. There is no such devotion or passion given to a mere pawn. This makes her even more dangerous. Her influence will not only grow stronger over the barbarians of the west but quite possibly with the Rabkins of their region, as the Barbarian clearly holds their favour. She must not survive to give birth to her child. We cannot destroy the unity from within if she remains alive to tie them all together. The child will only strengthen the unity that they all share. The breach must continue, and be deepened if we are to be successful,” Mistress Lasair remarked emphatically.
“Which now leaves the two of you, to finish what the insipid Tramaine could not do. It is obvious that this will not be accomplished in winter. I fancy having the Ollam killed just before she is to give birth. It would be much more devastating and leave a lasting impact. I have brought Rabkins from the eastern islands to help you accomplish this,” Gruffudd related with a sinister smile, his long tongue flicking quickly between his teeth.
“No disrespect intended, Gruffudd, but how would the Rabkins from the east be helpful, if they are already not trusted by the others?” Cormac inquired, becoming frustrated with the thought of once again having to deal with the Rabkins from the islands.
He had already brought them into Gwenlais when they were used to attack the river village. They were highly volatile, untrusting, and unsure of their surroundings. They were fearful of the Ogmore and Cydros Kindreds.
“The one thing the Master has been able to teach the Rabkins of the east, that the others are unable to grasp, is the art of deception. They will lie, by telling the Kindreds here, they wish to make peace, and to help guard the Ollam. They will tell of their plight and that they want to free their Kindred of the Master’s grip. The gullible Kindreds here will believe them because it is what they always do, then allow them passage. They will earn the trust of the others, get close enough, and then swiftly, snuff the Ollams life out as if a small flame in the wind. The barbarians will blame the Rabkins, they will fight amongst themselves again. You will then instruct Tramaine to spread the word in Gwenlais how Heathwin cannot be trusted, and then it will all come crashing down around them. Those in Gwenlais will blame Heathwin for the death of their Queen, and they will start fighting. They will no longer wish for an alliance or unification, the unity will be broken, and we will begin to move in, starting with Achzib,” Gruffudd explained in a haughty and pompous voice, taking a bite of melon from his plate.
“Do you still wish for me to kill Tramaine when we are ready to begin taking Gwenlais over?” Cormac asked with a slow smile.
“No, I will leave that task to our lovely Ollam, here. Be sure, that his end will be most grievous, my dear,” Gruffudd replied with a low laugh.
“It shall be an honour to serve you this way, Gruffudd,” Sari smiled back at him deviously, her deep lavender eyes flashing as she spoke.
“Well then, perhaps my dear, you may serve me also, by gracing me with your company this evening,” Gruffudd spoke softly, as he reached over and slowly drew his long finger down her cheek.
Mistress Lasair, taking another drink of wine, looked away uncomfortably. Cormac, clenched his jaw, looking at Sari for a moment, then casting his eyes downward, swallowing hard in his turmoil.
“Yes, of course, Gruffudd. It shall be my pleasure, as always,” Sari replied, expertly forcing herself, to smile back at him.
11: THE FAMILY GATHERING
The morning arrived earlier for some at the Lodge. Oriel and Jamison were up and about shortly after dawn, excited about the Family Gathering. They went to Marina’s room and were surprised to find Aiden with her. They had spent the evening talking and reading to each other from a book Aiden had found for her. It was an old book about some of the legends and myths surrounding the different realms of Rienfield. Aiden was quite reluctant to leave Marina and ended up falling asleep with her. The younger children jumped on Aiden as he lay peacefully sleeping next to their sister. He yelled out in surprise.
“I will spank you both if you do not get off of us!” Aiden scolded, quite irritated. “It is barely dawn, go back to bed this instant! Stop laughing! If you make me get out of this bed you will regret it,” Aiden said threateningly, causing the youngsters to run out of the room, shrieking with laughter.
Marina lay laughing at Aiden’s reaction, as he turned and smiled at her wryly.
“They are quite annoying at times love. How have you put up with them?” Aiden asked her in a soft voice, reaching over and holding her in his arms.
“I am used to their silliness. They would wake me up this way quite often,” Marina replied, smiling beautifully at him.
“You are far too sweet mo daor. If they decide to wake up Caleb and Laurel this way, this early, especially with Laurel still feeling a bit ill in the morning, well I do not have to tell you how it will be for them,” Aiden said with a knowing grin, as he closed his eyes once again.
Just as Marina and Aiden began to drift off, they suddenly heard Caleb’s voice in the corridor.
“I do not care if you are not tired. You will stay in your room until someone comes to bring you to breakfast. You have more than enough toys to keep you occupied. You are both very fortunate, Laurel told me not to spank you, after jumping all over us the way you did. You are quite aware, she still does not feel well early in the morning. Do not even think, of arguing with me, Oriel,” Caleb could be heard saying in a very frustrated voice, noisily closing the door of their room.
Aiden and Marina began to laugh at what had just transpired. Within moments there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Aiden said mockingly, causing Marina to laugh even more.
Caleb came in, walking over to the bed with a scowl on his face.
“You could not put the little hooligans back in their room?” he asked Aiden in a deep voice, not disguising his irritation.
“I told them to go back, they refused to listen,” Aiden replied, grinning broadly.
“My dear Marina, however, did you put up with this? Oriel informed me that Aiden and I are quite grumpy, as they wake you up this way all the time,” Caleb asked her smirking.
“I have just grown accustomed to it,” Marina answered, in a soft, drowsy voice.
“I told her she was too sweet,” Aiden said, kissing her forehead.
“Yes, she is. Seeing as how she puts up with you as well,” Caleb replied in a riled tone, shaking his head as he turned and left the room.
“I have to say Aiden, I am a bit surprised Caleb was not more annoyed with seeing us together this way,” Marina mentioned, sounding a bit anxious.
“We have both taken the vow dearest. He knows I will keep my word. Though I dare say, he will not want me in here every night. “You cannot do any more than I did,” that is what he told me. So as long as I respect that, he will not say much,” Aiden said, smiling at her reassuringly.
It was quiet and peaceful once again, only occasional laughter and giggling could be heard from the children's room as they played happily, taking Caleb’s word seriously. Three hours later, Imagin came into Jamison and Oriel’s room, smiling as they were playing quietly with wooden blocks in the midst of making an impressive fortress, while their beloved Edin looked on with a wide grin in the middle of it all, humming happily.
“Good morning you two. Are you ready to come to breakfast?” Imagin asked them cheerfully.
“We have been ready for hours now,” Oriel said with a deep sigh.
“Well come along then,” Imagin said with a light laugh, holding out her hands to them.
She brought them to the dining room, where everyone was already sitting at the table. Edin strolled in silently, taking his place under the table.
“I do not want to hear any whining, sassing or complaining from either one of you today. You were up far too early. So, after breakfast, you need to go to your room and just play quietly until the family comes to the Lodge,” Caleb said to the children, with a low but firm tone.
“Do we have to stay in our room all day Caleb?” Oriel asked, taking a bite of poached egg.
“No, Orrie. You do, however, have to stay upstairs until someone brings you down. You do not need to be in the way as the Hall is getting prepared,” he answered her with a kind smile.
Caleb knew the children would have a difficult time not being tempted to go down to the Hall. The staff would be preparing the Hall for the family to spend not only the entire afternoon but the night as well. The only family members who would not stay would be Chieftain Argon and his wife, Adriana. Chieftain Argon preferred to sleep in his own home, whether offered a guest room or not. Cahir and Evan, as well as Ione and Rian, had homes adjacent to the Lodge, so they too would not need to spend the night.
The day progressed quickly as preparations for the annual gathering commenced. Queen Alana was the busiest of the family members, as she went down to the Hall and kitchen quite frequently to check on all the goings on of the staff. She was very excited to be offering additions to the menu, as well as more activities designed with the younger children in mind. This would be the first Family Gathering for both Laurel and her step-siblings. Queen Alana wanted it to be enjoyable and memorable for all of them, especially with everything they had been through. She enjoyed the presence of children in the house once again, and she respected and admired how her son had taken on the role of the children’s guardian so seriously. Though she did find herself having to refrain from saying anything when Caleb would get after the children for misbehaving or bickering. She and King Fergus enjoyed observing Caleb and Aiden playing games with them in the sitting room. They also enjoyed peeking in as Caleb and Laurel would sit in Oriel’s bed with them, as Caleb read them bedtime stories. Queen Alana’s heart was overjoyed with the thought that she would soon have her first grandchild. She made her way downstairs to meet with the minstrels as well as the jugglers she had arranged to come and entertain the children. Queen Alana had Wendell meet her in the Grand Hall as well, she wished to have him record this season’s Family Gathering, as it would be unlike any of the others. She was impressed how Wendell encouraged others to speak freely about their feelings and enjoyed his vivid descriptions of all he observed.
Oriel and Jamison lay on the balcony floor, as they held on to the wooden railings and looked out into the Hall, watching all the activities that were going on in preparation for the evening. Edin laying down next to them, humming and smiling as usual.
“Jamison, come with me I need to speak to Caleb,” Oriel said in an excited voice, as she helped her brother stand up.
They both went hurriedly into Caleb and Laurel’s room, rushing in without knocking. Caleb looked up from his desk as he was reading, while Laurel was napping in bed.
“Caleb,” Oriel said his name excitedly, before being hushed by him.
“Shh! Oriel, lower your voice, Laurel is taking a nap,” he said sternly.
Oriel and Jamison looked over at Laurel still sleeping peacefully, as they walked over to Caleb.
“May Jamison and I go downstairs to the Hall? Maimeo is talking to the jugglers,” Oriel said, in hushed excitement.
Caleb smiled at their expressions, their eyes bright and filled with anticipation of the night’s events. They were both feeling a bit restless, as their usual lessons had now ended until the early Planting Season. Winter was now fully upon Heathwin, and all schools were closed so as to preserve firewood, and also to not have the children of Heathwin and the villages, travelling for lessons in the snow and cold.
“I know you are both excited, but it is not the time for you to go down yet. Where is Imagin now?” Caleb asked them quietly.
“She is bringing us some tea and biscuits,” Jamison answered.
“Alright then. Have her bring your tea to the Library. I shall be there shortly, and I shall read to you for a bit. Afterwards, you both should take a nap, it will be a very long night for you,” Caleb instructed, smiling at their expressions when a nap was mentioned.
“Naps are for babies, and little children, Caleb,” Oriel said protesting, with a slight whine to her voice.
“Laurel is taking a nap, and she is not a baby,” Caleb countered back, with a smirk.
“But she is going to have a baby,” Jamison said, trying to sound very reasonable.
“Yes, yes, she is,” Caleb answered with a light laugh. “I would like you to at least rest quietly in your room after I read to you. All the fun will begin before you know it. Now, go and see if Imagin has returned with your tea and biscuits, and I shall be in the Library in a few moments,” Caleb instructed, smiling at them warmly.
The children left hurriedly to find Imagin, Caleb sat back in his chair watching them, smiling in amusement at their excitement. It was an event that he and Aiden and his many cousins, enjoyed as well when they were children. He felt a sense of satisfaction with the fact that they both had begun to adjust to their new home. He then looked over at Laurel, who was stirring in bed and stood up and walked over to join her.
