The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 62
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“I have found you a worthy opponent, Caleb. Agnes is quite proficient,” Aiden said, in a hushed tone, smiling wryly at her.
“Thank you Sire. My husband and I play Tablut quite often,” Agnes said, smiling back at him.
Caleb smiled, as he glanced again over at Laurel.
“How was her morning?” he asked softly.
“She had a nice warm bath, and the Queen indeed gave her a fine session of pampering. With all the lovely and luxuriant things, we women so adore,” Agnes said, with a warm smile.
“She actually ate all of her breakfast, and shortly after, Agnes gave her a bit of medicine and then she drifted off,” Aiden replied, smiling as well.
“That is wonderful. I am happy her morning was so pleasant. Thank you again Agnes for your care and concern. I will see that you are given the rest of the week off with payment, so that you may be with your family. I have no doubt they miss you,” Caleb said to her, in an appreciative warm voice.
“Thank you Sire. Yes, they do indeed. I do not know who was more pathetic, my youngest child or my husband,” Agnes mentioned with a light laugh, as she stood up to leave. “Please let me know if you require my services. I will be back the beginning of next week to check on her Highness. Good day to you both,” Agnes said smiling warmly, as she left the room noiselessly.
“So how did it go?” Aiden asked, looking at Caleb expectantly.
“I did not kill him, if that is what you mean. I do not wish to discuss it at this time Aiden. I am exhausted, as you must be as well. I just want to bathe and fall asleep in my own bed, with my sweet girl, for the rest of the day. I will tell you and Father everything, in the study later,” Caleb answered, rubbing his eyes with his hand tiredly.
“I am actually relieved to hear you suggest that. Yes, I too am exhausted. So I am going to collapse in my own bed as well. I shall see you later on then,” Aiden said smiling wearily, as he lightly hit Caleb’s arm and left the room.
Caleb grabbed some clothing out of his wardrobe, and then entered his bath, noticing the fire was still lit, with the copper kettle still having water in it.
He smiled, thanking Lucas silently. Only partially filling the tub, he bathed quickly, and drying and dressing hurriedly, entered his room again. He walked over to the bed and carefully got in, taking Laurel gently in his arms, she opened her eyes, looking at him with a sleepy confused expression.
“Shh. Go back to sleep dearest. I am here, with you. It is alright, go back to sleep. Ta ghra agam ort,” he whispered, softly kissing her forehead.
In a moment he heard her breathing in sleep once more. Smiling and sighing deeply, Caleb gave in to his exhaustion, and comforted that she was home with him, fell asleep as he closed his eyes.
13: THE TRIAL
The next morning Laurel woke early, feeling achy from turning on her back in her sleep. Opening her eyes she looked over and saw that Caleb was still asleep, she smiled at how peaceful and handsome he looked. Laurel then reached over and softly glided her hands through his hair, causing Caleb to suddenly open his eyes and then smile at her.
“Good morning mo stor. How are you feeling?” Caleb asked, in a drowsy voice.
“A bit sore and tired, but I am most happy to be back here at the Lodge. I enjoy sleeping in your room Sire,” Laurel answered smiling sweetly at him, as she continued to run her fingers through his hair.
“I am so very happy you are here as well my love,” Caleb replied, as he placed his hand to her waist and drew her closer, kissing her with tender affection. “We shall relax and have a quiet and peaceful day together. It is still very early, I can tell by the pale sunlight. Let us go back to sleep, unless of course you need something,” Caleb enquired, his voice showing his concern.
“My back and shoulders hurt a bit. Agnes brought the salve for the bruises from the Infirmary, it is in the bath. Would….would you put more of it on my back and shoulders?” Laurel asked, in a shy voice.
“Of course my love. What else do you need? I could send for some tea, or perhaps something to eat? You did not eat dinner last night,” Caleb expressed with unease, as he placed his hand on the side of her face.
“The salve is more than enough my dear Caleb. I only woke because of turning on my back,” Laurel replied, with a benevolent smile.
“I would feel so much better if you would let me get you some tea. There are sweet rolls in the kitchen. I know how fond of sweets you are,” Caleb mentioned, as he leaned over to kiss her face several times, causing Laurel to giggle at his affectionate gestures.
“Very well Sire. If you wish, you may get me tea and sweets rolls, as long as you have one with me,” Laurel conceded, with a light laugh.
“Yes, I most certainly will. Now sit up and adjust your gown and I will go into the bath and fetch your salve for you. Where would it be?” Caleb asked, as he got out of bed and walked over to the other side.
“On the dressing table, in a small clay bowl, it has a wooden cover,” Laurel instructed, wincing when she sat up.
Caleb made a pained expression when he watched Laurel move in order to slip the nightgown off her shoulders and back.
“Dearest, here allow me please. Turn this way and loosen your gown,” Caleb patiently instructed, as he placed his hands on either shoulders very carefully.
He moved her hair over her shoulder, and waited for her to turn her back to him.
After seeing that Laurel had unlaced the front of her nightgown, Caleb gently slid the gown down her arms and back, his face once again making the pained expression, as he saw the deep heavy bruises on her back and shoulders. He only took comfort in seeing the scratches from the Scimitar’s claw were beginning to heal.
“Lie on your stomach mo stor, take your time,” Caleb said softly, as she moaned trying to move warily.
Laurel let out a ragged sigh as she laid down, turning her head to face him, as she tightly grasped the large pillow on either side. Sitting down on the bed next to her, Caleb then gently loosened the tight hold she had on the pillow, by caressing the tops of her hands with his thumbs. He carefully leaned down, and began to very tenderly, kiss the back of her neck, moving slowly to her shoulders and then her back. He did this for a few moments until Laurel’s breathing was relaxed and no longer holding in her breath. She let out a long soft sigh, as Caleb kissed her shoulders twice more.
“My poor sweet girl. I am so very sorry,” Caleb whispered, leaning down to kiss the side of her face.
“I will be fine Caleb, it is only bruises. The pain from the Dragon’s Tooth was much worse. At least I am able to walk on my own,” Laurel replied trying to be reassuring, hearing the despair in Caleb’s voice.
“I shall be back in just a moment,” he said softly, as he stood up and walked into the bath.
Caleb returned in no time, sitting on the bed carefully once again. He placed the clay bowl down on the bed and after removing the cover, placed two fingers lightly into the ointment and then very gingerly applied it to Laurel’s shoulders and back of her neck. She whimpered slightly, trying her best to control her reaction, not wishing to upset Caleb any more than he was.
“I will be very careful my love. I am sorry that it is still so painful,” Caleb spoke in a soft deep voice, as he slowly and thoughtfully moved his fingertips to her back.
When he had finished Laurel slowly turned on her side her hand holding up the front of her nightgown. Caleb placed the cover back on the clay bowl and looked down sadly into her face, heartbroken at seeing tears in her eyes. Leaning down, Caleb lovingly kissed her lips and stroked her hair back gently.
“Please Caleb, do not look so sad. I will feel well soon. I am resting much better here at the Lodge,” Laurel said quietly, as she reached up and placed her hand on the side of his face. “I am ready for my tea now,” she said with a trembling smile.
“I shall see who is about, otherwise I will go and fetch your tea and sweet rolls myself. I shall be back in a few moments mo stor,” Caleb explained kissing her once more, before he placed the ointment on the bedside table and then left the room.
As he entered the corridor he noticed the guards were just changing as the morning began to approach. Caleb acknowledged them as they all quietly spoke in the corridor for a short time, reassuring Caleb that all was quiet, and nothing out of the ordinary had been reported. Caleb then made his way down the long staircase speaking to the guards briefly as they related to him the same as the other guards, nothing unusual going own, two of the guards felt the more visible presence of added security made the city itself even quieter than usual, especially around the Great Lodge grounds. Caleb felt calmer and satisfied with what he had just been told, and then made his way into the kitchen. Only a few, of the early morning staff were in the kitchen, beginning the preparations needed to eventually begin the morning meal. They looked at Caleb in surprise, the oldest staff member inquiring of his needs, so early in the morning. When mentioning tea and sweet rolls the older woman sent a young scullery maid to fetch Caleb’s requested items quickly.
She returned in only a few moments, as the tea was already prepared on the hearth side warming stone, the rolls brought out from the pantry. Caleb smiled kindly at the maid when she handed him the tray, telling her he would bring the tray up himself. As he walked back to his room, he looked about the Grand Hall, watching the morning staff entering to start their duties. Caleb smiled to himself as everything began to take on the familiar feel and appearance of normalcy. As he entered his room he was happily surprised to find Laurel waiting for him at his desk, a pillow placed on the back of her chair, to make it more comfortable with her bruises.
“Here you are my love. A nice warm cup of tea, with extra honey, and a sweet roll. Are you sure you would not rather sit up in bed?” Caleb asked, in a concerned tone.
“No, I am fine Caleb. I am sure I will be in bed more than I wish to be today,” Laurel replied, with a knowing smile, as she sipped her tea.
“Yes, you more than likely will,” Caleb answered back with a smug grin. “You will need to rest as much as possible today mo stor. I shall not be with you very much tomorrow,” Caleb mentioned, his face and voice taking on a more serious expression.
“Why would that be Caleb?” Laurel asked with a bemused smile, as she took a bite of roll.
“Tomorrow is the trial dearest,” Caleb answered, reaching over and holding her hand. “Father’s cousin Gavin, who is the village Elder, for the town of Ardara, will be arriving sometime today, as he will be the final member of the Tribunal. He will wish to meet with you before this takes place,” Caleb explained smiling warmly, at the apprehensive look on her face. “No mo ghra, he will not have to see your injuries. He will simply read over the testimony the Scribe wrote down. I already asked Father if that would be enough and he felt it would be. Gavin will just wish to meet with you. He is a very dynamic and ostentatious character. He is taller than I am, and very broad, with a huge booming laugh. He was Aiden and I’s bodyguard when we were very young. He runs a pub in Ardara with his family. You will like him Laurel, he is quite warm and affectionate, I know that he will love you,” Caleb said with a charming smile, as he leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Caleb smiled at her sadly as he watched Laurel take only a small sip of tea and just a nibble of her roll. Her eyes looking tired and nervous, as she glanced nervously about the room.
“Take a few more sips of tea dearest, and then we will lie back down for a short while. I will have breakfast brought to my room, you are not ready to go to the dining room as yet,” Caleb spoke in a deep soft voice, as he reached over and held her hand, lightly brushing his thumb across the top, feeling her tremble slightly with her rising anxiety. “This will all be over soon mo stor. You will not have to be at the trial. Owain and Imagin will be staying with you all day,” Caleb mentioned, trying to sound encouraging.
“That would be nice. I have been worried for poor Imagin. She must have been completely terrified that day,” Laurel said with tear filled eyes, as she looked at Caleb.
“Yes, she was badly shaken of course, but she is doing much better now. She and her mother have been spending time together and Adele always dotes on her. This will all be over soon Laurel, and then you will be able to put this behind you. Come, let us go and lie back down my darling,” Caleb gently directed, as he took her hand and helped her to her feet.
They walked over slowly to the bed, Caleb had Laurel lie down first, then very carefully took her in his arms, as she lay her head against his chest. Laurel let out a long soft sigh and found herself unable to keep her eyes open. Feeling Caleb gently stroking her hair she smiled, before drifting off once again.
Laurel awoke to the sound of voices in the room. Opening her eyes she glanced down at the foot of the bed and saw Aiden and Caleb sitting together at his desk. Caleb looked over as he was suddenly aware of Laurel watching them, smiling as he stood up and walked over to the bed.
“Maidin mhaith, mo stor,” Caleb said softly, as he reached over and caressed her face.
“Good morning Sire,” Laurel answered sleepily, smiling warmly at him.
“Breakfast will be here soon. Allow me to adjust the pillows for you dearest,” Caleb said, as he reached over and began moving the pillows behind Laurel.
“I can sit at the desk Caleb,” Laurel rolled her eyes at him, sitting up slowly.
“No, mo stor this is fine. I wish for you to rest as much as possible today,” Caleb replied with a soft deep voice, as he leaned over and kissed her lips tenderly. “Gavin has just arrived. He apparently began his ride here at dawn. He is most anxious to meet you. I asked him to please wait until you have had your breakfast,” Caleb smiled at her warmly, stroking her hair gently.
Just then Aiden opened the door to allow in two maids from the kitchen, who brought up breakfast for all of them. Caleb looked over at his desk, then smiled at Laurel as he stood up and walked over to arrange Laurel’s plate. A few moments later both Aiden and Caleb brought over chairs and plates with food, sitting down next to the bed. Caleb carefully placed the plate he was holding on the bedside.
“Help yourself mo stor. Just eat what you can. When you are finished you can relax in the bath for a bit, I informed Lucas to have the staff ready the bath for you, as you can hear,” Caleb informed Laurel with a smile, as they all looked over towards the sounds behind the bath door.
“I spoke to Gavin before coming to your room Laurel. He is looking forward to meeting you,” Aiden said, with a wide grin.
“Yes, Caleb told me he would be meeting with me today. He sounds like quite the character,” Laurel replied, returning Aiden’s smile.
“That is putting it lightly,” Caleb remarked, he and Aiden both laughing. “As I mentioned earlier, he was our bodyguard when we were living in the village of Ardara, at the time. One of the things you will notice is he still wears a kilt at all official functions, as our grandfather required it. Father did not, when he became King, he was the one to institute the long black coats we wear now. Gavin however, still prefers the kilt, as most in the village do. He is also quite loud and well…..wholehearted, in his manner of speaking and overall demeanor. I think you will find him most amusing mo stor,” Caleb explained smiling broadly, as Aiden chuckled at Laurel’s expression.
“Father told Gavin how small you are Laurel, so he is going to make remarks concerning that when he meets you. I cannot wait to see how he is with you,” Aiden chuckled, as Laurel looked over and smiled, with raised eyebrows at Caleb.
After they had finished their breakfast, Mauve knocked on the door to inform Laurel that she had placed clean clothes in the bath for her. Thanking Mauve, Laurel then carefully and slowly walked into the bath, turning and smiling at Caleb and Aiden, just before closing the door. Laurel relaxed as long as she felt she should, not wishing to make Gavin have to wait too long. Mauve once again knocked on the bath door just as Laurel finished dressing, offering to brush and braid Laurel’s hair, which she readily accepted. When she had finished with all her preparations she walked back into Caleb’s room, wearing her favourite nightgown and matching white robe. Caleb was still there waiting for her, sitting at his desk and smiling warmly as she walked softly up to him, opening his arms to her. She carefully sat on his lap as Caleb held her gently and softly kissed her forehead.
“Mo stor milis. I am so grateful you are beginning to feel better. How it pains me to see your lovely face bruised, and your small body battered, from the horrible attack you endured,” Caleb mentioned in a sad quiet voice, as he caressed her cheek.
“Let it concern you no more my Prince. It is only bruises, and yes, I am beginning to feel better. Soon, as you mentioned, this will all be behind us and we will have our future wedding to look forward to,” Laurel replied smiling at him lovingly, as Caleb leaned forward and kissed her lips tenderly.
Just then there was another knock, which Caleb replied to, the door opening without delay. Aiden and Phineas walked in first, along with Queen Alana, then following right behind them entered King Fergus and Gavin, a virtual giant of a man.
“Did I not say this is how it would be? We would walk in and he would have her on his lap, holding her to him like a boblin holds a newly found trinket, so no one else will touch it,” Aiden remarked upon entering the room, while everyone laughed, Gavin’s booming hearty laugh heard above all the others.
“What is a boblin?” Laurel asked, with a light laugh.
“They are wretched, thieving, little mischievous creatures. They enjoy ransacking camps and stealing whatever they can carry away, which is no easy task as they are no bigger than an infant when full grown. They are also ridiculously fast and it is impossible to catch them,” Caleb explained to Laurel, with an amused smile at her intrigued expression.
“You would not want to catch them. The little thieving vermin are ugly and they smell disgusting, and they always run in packs. They are utterly loathsome creatures,” Aiden replied, with complete disdain.
