The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 69
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Would that not be deliciously ironic?” Laurel asked laughing happily at the thought.
“Indeed it would,” Phineas replied smiling at Laurel warmly. “Before I take my leave, I am also here to inform you, Imagin, that Queen Alana wishes you to be ready to depart with her in an hour. So please be sure there is nothing else Princess Laurel requires before you take your leave of her,” Phineas said to Imagin with kind authority.
“I will Master Phineas,” Imagin said smiling at Laurel.
“I will take my leave of you, your Highness. I bid you good day,” Phineas said with a satisfied smile, knowing Laurel was in good hands.
Soon after Phineas left, two servants entered the room to clear away the morning meal. Laurel made it a point to tell them how much she enjoyed the meal and to let the cooks know how much she appreciated the effort that went in preparing it. The servants were quite happy and very pleased with Laurel's gracious demeanor. They left all smiles, telling her they would inform the cooks of her approval and appreciation.
“I have never seen the staff so happy to clear dishes,” Imagin said with a laugh.
“One thing I have learned to appreciate since becoming a doe med, is all good work deserves to be recognized. No matter how humble the task may be. Believe me Imagin I have done some very humble tasks. That is why all the attention I have received since coming to Heathwin, has been wonderful, but at times a bit overwhelming. Your family, especially my dear Caleb, have been spoiling me terribly. I will not know how to act when I return home,” Laurel said smiling warmly at Imagin, her eyes luminous with emotion.
Imagin was so moved by Laurel’s admission she hugged her affectionately.
“You should probably get ready to meet with Queen Alana, I would not want you to keep her waiting,” Laurel said as she released her embrace.
“Very well Laurel. Have a lovely day with Ione,” Imagin said quietly, still a bit emotional from Laurel’s words.
Laurel relaxed for a time before Ione returned as exuberant as she had been that morning.
“I have gone to the stables to have the horses ready for us. Are you sure you feel well enough to ride? I do not want you to rush yourself,” Ione asked with some concern.
“I am sure. I have been feeling quite restless. I am still a bit sore, but that is to be expected. I am not used to lying about and doing nothing. I have been looking forward to this all morning,” Laurel replied to Ione reassuringly, as she walked up to her.
Ione did notice that Laurel walked very carefully and deliberately as if she were trying not to jar herself too much as she moved. She did admire Laurel’s determination to not let her injuries prevent her from doing what she wished.
“Well, let us be on our way,” Ione said enthusiastically with another dazzling smile. They made their way carefully down the main stairway and went out the large entrance, the sentries at the main entrance acknowledging their presence by wishing them a good day. The two Princesses returning the greeting, smiling charmingly. The stables were only up a small hill and took just a few moments to reach them. The stables were a replica of the Great Lodge only smaller, with the second level being an immense hayloft.
Hay was a precious commodity and was delivered twice a year from Gwenlais. The ceilings were high and vaulted, allowing light and ventilation. The Westerners loved and revered horses, and the construction of the royal stables showed this. The floors were clean and bright, each stall was spacious and well bedded. The stable hands and groomers would often brag how they could easily live in the stables as it was so clean and comfortable. They found their horses ready for them, in the large front area. Laurel was impressed and happy with how well her mare had been cared for. Her coat was groomed daily, and she was often walked about or ridden gently to keep her conditioned. Caleb insisted she be given her own personal groomer, so as to have the same consistent care and for the groomer to become familiar with Laurel’s horse.
“How lovely you look Aghna. They treat you very well here,” Laurel murmured softly to her mare, gently stroking her head.
The sweet horse nickering back to her mistress. Ione smiled at this exchange. She was impressed with Laurel’s attachment to her mare, as those that lived in Gwenlais were not known for their horsemanship. Caleb had told Ione several times that Laurel was a better than average rider, as the standards for equestrian knowledge and abilities in Heathwin were quite high. Ione’s own horse was like Caleb’s, a very large and spirited stallion, though his coat was a rich wheat gold, with a flowing black mane and tail.
The ride to the Gallery was relaxed, and as Ione promised, was only a short distance on horseback. The gallery was placed in a wooded glen. The building was built to fit in with the natural surroundings. The outside walls were allowed to naturally weather, the front of the building had beautifully ornate doors, with the shapes of luxuriant trees carved into them. Laurel could not helped but be impressed with how beautiful Heathwin was. Though she did find Caleb and Aiden as well as others, a bit rough and course at times, she began to admire their love of beauty and art.
Ione led her inside and was once again impressed with the spacious and simplistic beauty of the building. The first thing to greet them was a beautiful wooden sculpture of a horse rearing on its hind legs. It was carved out of an immense tree trunk, the horse seemingly emerging from the center of the tree. Laurel walked up to the sculpture, gingerly touching it, her eyes wide in admiration of its beauty.
“Inspiring is it not?” Ione asked, watching Laurel’s expressions with amusement.
“It is breathtaking,” Laurel answered softly, still touching it carefully.
“My Aunt Glenda, she is the widow of Shamus, she was much younger than him. She is the daughter of Chieftain Argon. After her harsh treatment from Shamus it was no surprise she vowed to never marry another warrior, no one blamed her, not even King Fergus. After Shamus was killed, she married the artist who carved it, his name is Brecon. He also made the doors of the Gallery. In fact all the wood carvings were either made by him or are of his design. He made all the wardrobes in the Great Lodge. He is a very kind and quiet man, not like Shamus at all. Which is why I am sure Glenda married him,” Ione said thoughtfully. “Let us go into the room that was given for Kerrie to use for her work, I think you will be impressed,” Ione said with pride in her voice as she spoke of her sister.
As they walked through the Gallery, Laurel noticed other works of art displayed around them. There were many beautiful paintings, weavings, as well as pottery and ornate metal sculptures. Laurel was suddenly saddened at the idea that many people in Gwenlais thought the residents of Heathwin to be crude and without eloquence, her father being one of them. She vowed to herself that with her marriage to Caleb, she would change that opinion. They turned to a room on the left of the Gallery, the small and modest entrance, belying the expanse and beauty of the room as she entered it. The ceilings were higher than any room she had seen so far, with the exception of the Grand Hall. Windows were placed strategically above, to allow just the right amount of light into the immense room, to flatter and enhance the art around them. Laurel then noticed surrounding her were paintings, and drawings, of everything that lived in Heathwin, including its people. She was utterly entranced by the many different impressions that Ione’s sister had of her home. Some were vivid and bright, others were more subdued and tranquil. The drawings and sketches of people were done with love and sensitivity. All were brilliant and mesmerizing. Suddenly her eyes were drawn to a sketch of a Rabkin. Its fierce eyes cold and penetrating, its claw like hands reaching out to grasp viciously at whatever was in front of it. Laurel looked over at Ione, with tearful and questioning eyes. Ione smiled at her sadly, walking over to grasp her hand.
“When we were children, we witnessed the aftermath of a raid on one of the villages. We were returning with our mother from Welstone. Kerrie saw one of the Rabkins turning to stare at us, before it disappeared into the forest.
She was tormented for weeks with nightmares, from seeing the bodies, the smell of blood, and the cold eyes of the Rabkin before it left. Mother told her to draw a picture to rid her heart and mind of the images. After she did, the nightmares stopped. She has been painting and drawing ever since,” Ione explained, in a soft sad voice.
“Ione, I am so sorry. So sorry for what all of you have suffered. No wonder Morene resented me so much. My life seems so sheltered and simple compared to what all of you have had to deal with,” Laurel said her voice trembling with emotion.
“Dear Laurel, please do not feel that way. It is not your fault we suffered hardships. Your life has not been without tragedy. Morene’s heart was cold and bitter. She resented anyone who was loving and kind hearted. She was horrible to Caleb and I hated her for it. She would brag about his prowess as a lover just to make us uncomfortable. Though she was not faithful to him my dear Laurel. I knew of her lovers, for I saw her with them at different times. I sparred with her once, and was overly, let us just say, enthusiastic, in my actions. She chose never to spar with me again. She was also a bit nicer to Caleb for a brief time,” Ione said with a wicked smile that reminded Laurel of Aiden. “Enough talk of sad things. I wish to show you the family gallery, it is sculptures of the likenesses of the children of all three Princes. I dare say you will enjoy it,” Ione said brightly.
Walking into yet another room, of the same design and ambiance as the last, Laurel let out a small gasp of surprise as she beheld the beautiful life size sculptures in the room. The first to be seen was a sculpture of a tall and slender young woman, her hair blowing behind her by a seemingly gently breeze. Holding in her long graceful hand a brush, as if painting on an unseen canvas.
“This is my sister Kerrie and yes it is a perfect likeness,” Ione said smiling warmly at the statue.
“She is utterly beautiful Ione. I look forward to meeting her,” Laurel replied her eyes bright and happy.
“She looks forward to meeting you as well, it may be as soon as tomorrow. The entire family with the exceptions of my Aunt Glenda and Adele, all live within walking distance to the Great Lodge. Now that Caleb has officially announced your betrothal, do not be surprised to meet quite a few family members before your return to Gwenlais,” Ione mentioned with a grin. “Now, I know you recognize this dashing rouge,” Ione smiled drolly, as she brought Laurel over to the next likeness.
It was a remarkable life like statue of Aiden, standing with one leg on a rock holding his long bow in front of him. His smile was as charming on the likeness as in life. Laurel could not help but smile back at it.
“He of course did not mind one bit posing for it,” Ione and Laurel both laughed at her comment.
Laurel then looked over and was drawn to the likeness of a beautiful, tall, young woman, her long hair cascading down her back, wearing a flowing gown that draped gracefully off her shoulders, showing just a hint of her full breast. Her smile was seductive and mysterious. Laurel looked at the beautiful statue for a moment longer and then looked over at Ione, who was wearing the same smile.
“Ione, it is so beautiful. Truly people who come to see it must be captivated by it,” Laurel spoke in a quiet voice, as she looked again at the lovely likeness.
“I feel the sculptor was a bit enamored with me. I think he embellished a bit,” Ione replied humbly.
“No, not at all. I believe he captured your beauty remarkably,” Laurel answered smiling warmly at her.
Ione lowered her eyes and lead Laurel over to another likeness of another young woman and a young man standing together. The young woman was holding what appeared to be a fire swallow in her hands. The young man held a book, with scrolls under his arm. They were both smiling sweetly, sharing the same charming facial expressions.
“This is my cousins Addis, who I mentioned earlier, and Bebhinn. They are twins. The children of Shamus and Glenda. Bebhinn holds a swallow, because she has a beautiful singing voice. She will more than likely sing at your wedding, as a gift. Addis holds a book and scrolls as it is his wish to be a Scribe. He also has a wonderful sense of humor, and loves to tease Caleb. Caleb rewards this by shoving him around roughly, though he loves Addis dearly, and would never let anyone hurt him. They are very close to their mother and are quite fond of their young half-sister and stepfather,” Ione said smiling fondly at the likenesses. “Now I will show you the pride and joy of the family gallery, though the subject of the next likeness will completely disagree,” Ione smiled knowingly as she led Laurel over to the far side of the room.
Laurel stood looking at the likeness standing in front of her, took her breath away, looking up at the face she loved and knew so well. She walked over to the statue and put her hands on the likeness lovingly tracing her fingers gently across its surface. She smiled adoringly up at the face, surprised to see the smile that so few see, on his likeness. Caleb’s statue stood in the center of the open space that was made for it. His likeness was atop of his beloved large roan stallion, as he looked forward into the unseen distance.
“Is it not a perfect likeness Laurel?” Ione asked smiling warmly at her.
“Yes it is. I remember the first time I saw that smile. I was seventeen seasons. I rode out with my horse to meet the Sentinels before they entered the gates. He smiled at me that same way as I approached. It was then that I knew I loved him, yet my heart was crushed as he had just married Morene,” Laurel spoke with a sad smile, still looking up at the statue.
“Now it is all behind you, as a bittersweet memory. No one else holds the space in his heart that you do. Soon we will see your likeness here,” Ione replied holding Laurel’s hand.
“I cannot imagine that happening,” Laurel said laughing.
“Oh Laurel, I would not be surprised if Caleb had your likeness commissioned at any time now,” Ione said smiling at her charmingly.
“However did the sculptor capture Caleb’s smile? I cannot imagine him posing for this,” Laurel asked, smirking at Ione.
Ione began to laugh before she answered.
“You know your love very well. He hates the statue. He claims it looks nothing like him. He refused to pose for the sculptor, much to his mother’s frustration. The sculptor was then forced to follow him about the city for a bit before Caleb threatened to put his sketches in a very unpleasant place,” Ione and Laurel both laughed. “It took my sister to ask Caleb if she could sketch him, and of course he would not refuse her. That is how the sculptor was able to capture his smile,” Ione said smiling slyly.
“Thank you for showing me this beautiful Gallery Ione. And for sharing this exquisite likeness of Caleb. I wish I could take it back with me to Gwenlais.
We have already spoken of how we will miss each other dearly until he returns for the Harvest collection,” Laurel mentioned with a voice filled with melancholy.
“Well you will most definitely have to meet my sister before your return,” Ione spoke with a secretive smile.
Phineas approached the comfortable home, a smile on his face. He got off his horse and walked up to the beautifully carved door. He knocked several times, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for an answer. As the door opened, he smiled warmly at the one answering it.
“Oh my dear Phineas! How I have missed you,” the soft female voice greeted him.
He took his love in his arms and kissed her passionately.
“I have missed you my darling. Come, let me show you how I have longed for your sweet presence,” as he kissed her again.
They both walked into the house still in a passionate kiss, closing the door behind them.
15: THE BANISHMENT
When the King and his sons arrived with the squad of fifteen Sentinels at Leland’s home, they were surprised to find him waiting outside with his wife and sons and the guards that had been assigned to him. King Fergus had mercifully allowed Leland to spend his last night in Heathwin, at home with his family, while being under guard. Owain had requested to be one of those guards. The faces of all were solemn and the mood sad and quiet.
“It is time to say goodbye Leland,” King Fergus said gravely.
Leland nodded his acknowledgement and embraced his wife and sons.
“You will remain in my heart forever my love,” Ealish said tearfully, as she held Leland close.
“Then you have forgiven me Ealish”? Leland asked her, tears of gratitude filling his eyes.
“Yes my darling, I have. You will leave with the peace in knowing you have our forgiveness,” Ealish spoke quietly, through her tears.
“No man could be more blessed with having a family such as this. I truly am so sorry I could not see it until now,” Leland said, weeping openly as he kissed his wife and sons.
“Ardal my son. You are now the man of the house. Take care of your mother and brother. Remember what I told you. Do not make the mistakes I have made. Do not hold ill will towards the King and Prince Caleb. Remember what the Princess did for us. Grow to be the man I could not be. Continue to make me as proud of you as I am right now,” Leland said to his oldest son, as he placed his hand on the boy’s tearful face.
“I will Father. I promise,” Ardal said bravely, through his tears.
Looking down into the face of his youngest son, Leland smiled warmly as he picked the boy up into his arms, holding him close.
“Listen to your mother, and respect your brother my sweet Beacam. Know that I shall always love you and think of you every day. I too am very proud of you. You both will be the proud legacy I leave behind,” Leland said, as he wept and kissed his son’s face tenderly.
