The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 7
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Queen Alana and Queen Milna had become dear friends soon after Queen Milna’s marriage to King Garron. Milna was not of nobility, she had been an Ollam for several seasons, when she was called upon to help care for King Garron, after his receiving a grievous injury from a hunting accident. King Garron fell in love with Milna’s loving and compassionate nature. Her beautiful soft grey eyes always filled with warmth and happiness, whenever he spoke with her. After his injury had healed, King Garron could not stop thinking about her. He would visit her quite often at the House of Healing, which always caused a stir of excitement. His parents had been older when Garron was born, and he was an only child. Considered one of the tallest men in Gwenlais, elegant and refined in appearance, but having a stubborn nature and quick temper, like his father. He was married for only a brief time to the daughter of a wealthy nobleman. It was an arranged marriage, and even though they got along well enough, they did not love each other. His wife and newborn son died tragically in childbirth, which left him in shock and miserable, especially for having lost a male heir. His parents were deeply grieved and they soon passed away, shortly apart from each other, thus leaving Garron heartbroken and forlorn. He became bitter and reckless, hence his injury. But upon meeting the lovely and kindhearted young Ollam, he fell in love with her almost instantly. They married soon after, and when introduced to the rulers of Heathwin, they too were taken with her kind spirit and beauty. Queen Milna and Queen Alana’s friendship did much to help heal the uneasiness between the two Kingdoms. The fact that even after becoming Queen, Milna still served as an Ollam, endeared her to the people of both Gwenlais and Heathwin, becoming known as the ‘Queen Ollam of Gwenlais’ to all. When Laurel was born, it added to her parents love and joy for each other, as she was the first daughter born to the royal line of Gwenlais in ten generations, though Garron was secretly disappointed he was not given another son. Now with Queen Milna’s sudden and tragic passing, many wondered, how this might affect the relationship between the two realms.
“Your former wife,” Queen Alana spat out, “was the first to give us the grievous news of Milna’s passing. She then informed us that she renounced her marriage pledge to you and wished to have the rest of her things sent to her father’s home,” Queen Alana said, with unhidden contempt. “Please tell me you accepted her decision in giving you back her necklace,” she continued in the same tone.
Caleb did not speak, simply pulled the necklace from his pocket and showed it to her, with a bitter smile.
“Good. Be sure and show that to her arrogant father,” the Queen stated with frustration.
“Yes Mother, I am aware of what needs to be done,” Caleb replied in a weary voice.
“You did not take long to accept her decision,” King Fergus stated, with a sad smile.
“There was no reason to take any time. Her unfaithfulness to me is no secret, whether she admits it or not. After her contemptible display and lack of respect for me in front of the Patrol, and how she treated Laurel, I will not take her back. It is not poor Laurel’s fault she has lived a sheltered and quiet life. That is not a reason to treat her with such disdain,” Caleb said, his eyes flashing with his anger.
“What did she do to poor Laurel to make you say she was heartless? Not that I am surprised,” Queen Alana inquired angrily.
“She yelled at Laurel, saying she was blubbering and dishonoring her mother’s memory, as Laurel sat on the ground crying and holding her mother’s body. So as I said, the woman does not have an ounce of compassion in her,” Caleb replied bitterly.
“Oh, the poor dear girl. I will go to her first thing in the morning,” Queen Alana said tearfully, bringing her hand up to her mouth, to stop her lips from quivering.
King Fergus reached over and took his wife’s hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it gently. Caleb and Aiden, as well as all present, looked at the Queen with sad and sympathetic faces. Aiden sat thoughtfully for a moment, then reached over and lightly hit Caleb’s arm, smiling at him sardonically, before speaking. Caleb looked at him with wry bemusement, wondering what he was up to.
“Now, if you wish to speak of a woman with compassion, I would like to point out the lovely Elsa, at the Blue Dragon. Now there is a lass with compassion,” Aiden said grinning wickedly, with dancing eyes, at mentioning the very well-known tavern wench of the busy town of Welstone, in Heathwin.
All the men in the room laughed at Aiden’s comment, all aware of his fondness for Elsa and her companions, at the Blue Dragon Tavern.
“She has shown me compassion on several occasions,” Aiden continued, as Caleb smirked at him, hitting his brother roughly on the arm, as the laughter continued.
The laughter suddenly ceased when Queen Alana cleared her throat and looked at Aiden with a disapproving glare.
“I do not find it funny one bit Aiden that you bring up your favourite wench at this time” Queen Alana said, with a low and angry tone.
“I am sorry Mother. I meant no disrespect. I was only trying to bring levity to this grievous situation. I also find it ridiculous that Elsa would indeed have more compassion than the soith olc, Caleb was briefly married to,” Aiden replied, in an angry and sad tone.
“Yes, about that,” Queen Alana said standing up suddenly, as she looked over at her husband. “Did I not tell you Fergus that this is exactly what would happen? That Morene would do nothing but cause Caleb and this family grief. And for what? To just appease the bickering between you and the miserable woman’s father? I hope Chieftain McCullan is happy now. He has still not gotten his way, and now his daughter is more unruly and disrespectful than ever. You forced our eldest son to marry a woman he clearly did not love, or even like for that matter, just to have it end this way. Her actions towards Laurel are inexcusable, and her father had damn well better apologize to Laurel and Garron for it, or I will have a few words to say to him myself,” Queen Alana said in a scolding and bitter tone. “I am exhausted and I am going to bed,” she stated angrily, before storming off to her room.
“Yes my love, I will be there shortly,” King Fergus called out sheepishly.
Hearing the chamber door slam in the distant corridor, caused King Fergus to moan softly in exasperation, as he rubbed his temples with his hands, and everyone else just looked at each other in surprise and embarrassed amusement.
“By the Maker, I shall never hear the end of it,” King Fergus spoke with quiet defeat. “I truly am sorry you suffered this way Caleb. It was never my intention to have you go through this,” he said, looking up at Caleb woefully.
“I know Father. I feel though, now is not the time to worry about me or Morene’s situation. Laurel and Garron need us right now, that is all I wish to concentrate on. So I say we all get some rest, as tomorrow will be both busy and unpleasant,” Caleb replied, smiling sadly at his father.
“I agree. I shall see you all in the morning. Good to see you again Deaglan, and goodnight,” King Fergus said as he rose up slowly, and walked tiredly out of the room.
“Thank you Sire, and goodnight,” Deaglan replied smiling kindly.
When King Fergus was well out of hearing range, Caleb reached over and punched Aiden, hard on the arm, causing Aiden to jump slightly in surprise.
“What were you thinking by mentioning Elsa, you brainless twit,” Caleb asked him grinning wryly.
“I told you, I was trying to lighten the mood,” Aiden replied laughing jokingly, and rubbing his arm.
“Oh you lightened it all right. They heard Mother slam the door back at the castle,” Caleb replied, as the others laughed.
As the cold, pale light of dawn crept up the walls of Tramaine’s private quarters, he sat at his desk, his mood dark and sullen as he stared straight ahead at nothing.
How dare that contemptible little wench humiliate him that way, at the dinner with the nobles and the Princes of Heathwin. If only the wretched Rabkins had succeeded with their mission. Then he finally would be rid of the presence that threatened to ruin his plans and the plans of his powerful acquaintances. He would have to put the other scheme into action, though it was much more of a risk. No bother, it would be worth it as no one would suspect, so long as the right threats and motivations were in place. Soon, no more would he be serving the fools of Gwenlais. Soon he would be the one to be reckoned with. He would make the barbarians of Heathwin bow to do his bidding, if they intended to eat and survive their wretched winters, Tramaine thought as he sat in the dark room.
A knock at his door took him away from his bleak and self-regarding thoughts.
“Come in,” he said brusquely, as a small and nervous-looking man in a hooded tunic entered the room.
“A new message just arrived Master Tramaine,” the man spoke in a nervous low voice as he shut the door and walked up to the desk.
“From which falcon?” Tramaine asked with trepidation.
“The grey falcon sire,” the man answered licking his lips nervously as he handed the message to Tramaine.
“Have you read it yet Falconer?” Tramaine asked, not putting his hand out to take the offered message.
“I have indeed Master Tramaine,” the man replied in a soft uneasy voice.
“Then just tell me what it says. My head is pounding, and I am not able to read at this time,” Tramaine demanded tiredly as he leaned forward on his desk, with his head in his hands.
“They simply wish to know if the plan succeeded, and if not, why?” the Master Falconer informed him.
“You can tell them, that the mindless Rabkins they sent succeeded in killing every woman in the village, including the Queen and her pathetic Ollams, but NOT the intended target!” Tramaine exclaimed with rage as he pounded the desk in frustration.
“Do you really wish to reply in that manner sire?” the Master Falconer asked with a warning tone and look.
Tramaine leaned back in his chair with a deep sigh, rubbing his temples for a moment before replying.
“No….I think it would be best to pass blame on the contemptible barbarian from the West. If he had not shown up we would be well on our way with our vision. What were the cursed Sentinels doing at the camp in the first place?” Tramaine asked himself, rubbing his finger against his lip thoughtfully. “You know it is rumored he can communicate with the Rabkins? Our acquaintance is not the only one. The Rabkins in this area must have helped him in some way,” Tramaine mentioned distastefully with narrowed eyes.
“The rumors would be concerning who?” the Master Falconer asked carefully.
“Prince Caleb you fool! Have you not been listening to anything I have told you?” Tramaine spat out haughtily.
“Forgive me sire, I am but a simple bird keeper,” the Falconer said with a soft and humble voice.
“Hmm. Yes. Well, give me until later in the afternoon and I shall have a return message ready to send. Prepare the white and brown falcon as well. I will have a new message sent to our other acquaintance. We will have to get the new plan underway soon, as it will take some time to have it fully executed,” Tramaine explained to the Master Falconer.
There was another knock on the door, and Tramaine gestured for the Falconer to step out of sight as he walked over to answer his door. Upon opening it, there stood a short, smiling man of about fifty seasons, with kind brown eyes.
“You sent for me Master Tramaine?” the man asked in a friendly but reserved manner.
“Yes Milo. Please inform King Garron that I will not be attending the breakfast with the King and Queen of Heathwin. I have a pounding headache and will not be at my best this morning. If he should need to speak with me, I shall be available later in the day. I am sure that Phineas is more than adequate in his ability to flatter and grovel to the rulers of Heathwin,” Tramaine said with blatant disdain.
“Very good Master Tramaine. Will there be anything else?” Milo asked politely.
“Just have my breakfast sent up at the usual time and make sure you apologize for my absence. Is that clear enough for you?” Tramaine replied with haughty disregard as he rudely shut the door in Milo’s face.
“Not as if they would miss you anyway,” Milo grumbled under his breath, and rolled his eyes, as he walked away to inform the kitchen staff of Tramaine’s request for breakfast.
Laurel lay awake in her bed, going over the arrangements she would have to see to. She still had not been able to bring herself to see her mother, as she lay in state in a spacious and sun-filled room off of the main lobby. The old gardener had the room filled with the Queen’s beloved silver roses, as well as large and decorative pots filled with rosemary and lavender, which were the Queen’s favourite herbs. The King and Queen as well as the Chieftains of Heathwin, along with the citizens of Gwenlais would all come today at various times to bid farewell to the Queen. Laurel hoped she would be able to say her goodbyes in private, not wishing for others to see her grief. She could not forget how cruelly Morene had spoken to her when she had first seen her mother’s broken and battered body at the river village. She then smiled sadly to herself as she remembered how quickly Caleb had come to her defense, and how loving and compassionate both he and Aiden had been to her. She looked forward to seeing Queen Alana, but was saddened at knowing how heartbroken the Queen would be, for she was quite aware of how close the Queen of Heathwin and her mother had been. Laurel sat up in her bed slowly, as her muscles felt tight and stiff from having a restless night filled with troubling and sad dreams. There was a soft knock at the door, Laurel smiled again, knowing it was Tulla.
“Come in,” Laurel answered quietly.
“Good morning my Lady. I hope that you slept well. I have just been informed by Milo, that the King and Queen of Heathwin arrived late in the night and would be joining you for breakfast,” Tulla said with a melancholy tone, as she walked over to Laurel’s bedside.
“Thank you Tulla. I am afraid I did not sleep well, I have no doubt my face shows this,” Laurel smiled wearily.
“It is to be expected your Highness,” Tulla replied smiling back sympathetically.
“Is that the dress I requested?” Laurel asked, as she looked down at the item Tulla was holding.
“Yes my Lady, or at least I hope I have chosen the right one. I know you requested your Mother’s favourite when she was not at the House of Healing. I do believe this is the one you wished for,” Tulla said handing Laurel the dress.
It was a long and flowing, soft pale blue trumpet-sleeved dress, with a fitted bodice and underskirt of shimmering silver. Queen Milna wore it often, when the dignitaries of Heathwin would visit.
“Yes Tulla this is indeed the one,” Laurel replied softly bring the dress up to her face and breathing in softly. “It still smells of Mother’s favourite lavender soap and scented water,” Laurel stated with glistening eyes.
“Are you sure my Lady, that you wish to do this? Will it not just add to your heartbreak?” Tulla asked in a shaking voice, as she reached over and held Laurel’s hand.
“Yes, my dear Tulla. It will be my own way of saying goodbye and honoring her memory. I will wear her dark green dress tomorrow at her funeral,” Laurel answered standing up and holding the dress up to her. “Come Tulla, help me to dress, so that I may be ready for when Phineas comes to escort me to breakfast,” Laurel said with a soft sigh.
After Laurel dressed, Tulla placed Laurel’s hair in a long loose braid down her back. Tulla stepped back for a moment to look at Laurel, her eyes shining with tears and her lips trembled as she tried to contain her emotions.
“What is it Tulla?” Laurel asked with concern as she looked up from smoothing out the front of her dress.
“It is just….you look so much like her my Lady. It is….quite moving,” Tulla explained, as tears began to run down her cheek.
Laurel then walked over to the full-length gilded mirror and stood in front of it, her breath catching for just a moment.
“I…I truly never realized until just now, how much I do,” Laurel’s words caught in her throat as she looked at the image staring back at her.
Just then came another soft knock at the door. Tulla dried her eyes and went to open it. Phineas stood smiling in the hallway, as Tulla opened the door wider for him to enter, giving Phineas a meaningful look. Laurel stepped away from the mirror to walk towards him.
“Good morning your Highness I….” Phineas stopped short as he looked at Laurel in stunned silence for a breath’s moment. “I am….here to escort you to breakfast my Lady,” Phineas continued in a low soft voice.
“Good morning Phineas. I am ready,” Laurel replied with a cheerless smile, as she entwined her arm through his and allowed him to lead her out the door.
“You look most lovely this morning my Lady,” Phineas told her in a subdued tone filled with emotion.
“Thank you dear Phineas. I wished to wear this in Mother’s memory,” Laurel said looking over at him. “You loved her. Did you not Phineas?” Laurel asked him after a short pause, as they began to walk down the stairs.
“Yes…yes, Princess. I loved her very much, and I always shall,” Phineas replied, smiling at her with tears in his eyes.
As they reached the lobby, several servants were milling about including Milo, who all stopped and stared in wonder and surprise as Phineas and Laurel made their way into the dining room. Phineas acknowledged their expressions by giving them a knowing smile.
“By the Maker,” an older maid declared softly holding her hand to her mouth, tears streamed down her face, watching Laurel walk into the dining room.
“Yes, my dear Muirgen. Tis as if she is still with us,” Milo replied, putting a kind hand on her shoulder, watching Laurel walk away.
As Phineas and Laurel entered the dining room, all present stopped talking and stared at them in surprise. King Garron, put a trembling hand to his mouth, his eyes filling with tears.
“Milna?” he asked in a shaking voice.
Laurel smiled at him benevolently, with kind empathy.
“Good morning Father,” Laurel replied softly.
