The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 94
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“May I ask something of you Caleb?” Laurel asked shyly.
“Of course dearest, what is it?” Caleb inquired of her, looking into her eyes intently.
“May I spend the night here, with you? I am too distraught to return home at this time,” Laurel asked in quiet voice.
“Did you really think I would be able to let you leave now? Of course you may stay mo ghra. Come with me, let me help you to bed, you feel chilled and are still shaking,” Caleb said lovingly.
He walked with her over to the large bed, and drew back the coverings. Helping her with her cape, he then placed it over a chair as Laurel slipped off her boots. She got into the bed and turned over on her side, as Caleb lay down next to her. He took her gently in his arms and kissed her softly, holding her face in his hands.
After kissing her, he smiled at her lovingly and was delighted she smiled back at him.
“There it is. I have missed that lovely smile. I was without it for over a week. Sadly I have still not seen it all day,” Caleb said to her, in his rich deep voice.
“I know, I have not had much to smile about, but I am feeling better now. Thank you for the roses you sent to my room,” Laurel said softly.
“You are very welcome my darling. Again mo ghra, I am very sorry I was upset with you. I do hope you understand it was mainly out of concern for your safety,” Caleb replied, as he gently kissed her forehead.
“I do, it is only I am not accustom to your anger being directed at me. It took me by surprise. I would never openly defy you Caleb. It would serve no purpose. I feel that I can disagree with you without being defiant and hostile,” Laurel said pointedly, her eyes looking serious and intense.
Caleb smiled at her thoughtfully, more than a bit impressed with her words and confidence in their understanding of each other.
“You most certainly can dearest. I do not wish for a mindless pretty face, or a frightened waif. I do not want you to feel you cannot speak your mind. I promise you, I will work very hard to not have my anger be directed at you. I regrettably admit my temper does get the better of me sometimes,” he looked at her his eyes warm but sad.
Laurel smiled at him again, reaching over to lay her hand on his face.
“A trait we have in common, is it not?” Laurel asked smiling at him impishly
“Yes I am afraid it is,” Caleb laughed at her lightly.
Laurel reached over to stroke his hair, before speaking again.
“Caleb, Father said that we would be leaving for Heathwin in two days. Is this true?” she asked quietly.
“Yes it is dearest. In light of everything that has happened I feel that this is the right thing to do,” Caleb said to her with a serious tone, though his eyes were still warm and loving.
“So it is safe for me to assume then that you will not change your mind about this?” Laurel asked him softly.
“No I will not, mo ghra. I do not wish to cause you any distress, but I stand firm with my decision. We will leave in two days. If you are unable to pack all of your things, you can either have your family bring them when they come for the wedding, or I will have then brought over during the Planting season. If there is anything you should need, you know that I will be more than happy to get it for you when we arrive in Heathwin,” Caleb said smiling at her, as her stroked her hair.
“I understand. It was not really my intention to change your mind. I simply needed to ask you, and now that I have, I do not wish to speak of it any longer,” Laurel said in a quiet, by determined voice.
Caleb smiled at her, knowing she only asked this because of her father more than likely pressuring her to do so.
“Of course Laurel. We have much more pleasant things we can talk about. Is there anything that is on your mind that you wish to discuss?” he asked her warmly.
“No, I just am feeling overwhelmed by how the day went. I am finding it difficult to relax, my stomach and chest feel all fluttery. I still cannot understand why someone would want to end my life. Why am I such a threat to someone?” Laurel asked as she bit her lip, trying not to cry.
“You truly do not understand who you are, do you mo stor?” Caleb asked her, as he gently caressed her face, his heart breaking at the bemused expression in her eyes. “You are the first female child born to the Kingdom of Gwenlais in ten generations. Because of you, our Kingdoms will be united as one, the breach of mistrust and prejudice will be healed. You will cause our two Kingdoms to be more powerful than they have ever been.
My love, you are the treasure of Gwenlais. It is written, the female child to be born to a Queen of Gwenlais, would unite the torn Kingdoms and heal the breach between us and the Rabkins. And she would hold the heart of Heathwin. You are that child Laurel. The Rabkins of our Kingdoms know this. I am blessed not only because I will be your husband, but because I love you with all my being. Those who do not wish for the union of our Kingdoms, find you terrifying. Which is also why I will do anything to protect you,” Caleb said to her, with passionate conviction.
“I have never seen myself in that light Caleb. My parents certainly never discussed things in this manner, with me. The only thing Father ever mentioned was he would never give his daughter to just anyone. I always felt it was because so many depend on Gwenlais for food and trade, to give that responsibility to just anyone would be foolish,” Laurel said without guile.
“No my love, it is not responsibility, at least that is not how others see it. It is power. Most feel that with our marriage, Heathwin will have tremendous power. As we will then control what is grown and how it will be distributed. Those who have read the Olden Scribes writings, feel that power will come, because the one you marry, will control you. Some welcome it because of what the Sentinels do for the realms, others resent it, feeling no one deserves that power. There are those who feel the marriage was unnecessary, that we should have taken Gwenlais with force. Though that would certainly not solve anything. The distrust and prejudice would be intensified and the people would certainly not wish to farm and work under duress,” Caleb paused for a moment to gently caress Laurel’s face. “I also would not be with the one I love more than all things, or most likely our marriage would be forced upon you. You would most assuredly see me in a different way,” Caleb said softly, his eyes looking pained at the thought.
“If that were the case, I know that at some point I would still come to know and love you for who you are Caleb. So you see, you would still control my heart, as I would hold yours,” Laurel replied softly, as she smiled at him warmly.
Caleb returned her smile and kissed her lovingly holding her close.
“Worry no more of what others think or feel my sweet Laurel. Soon we shall be back in Heathwin, and I will be able to keep you safe there. Your future subjects love you. Love what your compassion and mercy did for Leland and his family, it is still talked about quite openly and often. Three days after we arrive, a celebration with the family is planned to welcome you back to Heathwin. It will be a feast of one night. The Grand Hall will be opened to all our relatives, and there will be music and dancing. It will not be as grand as our wedding of course, as only the relatives will be there. Simply your new family, welcoming your return. I see that you wear the bracelet I gave you. I had Violet make it for you. She was quite happy to do so, as she is very fond of you,” Caleb said softly his eyes filled happiness, as he lifted her arm to kiss her wrist just under the bracelet.
“Yes I love it, I was very surprised when Phineas gave it to me. I look forward to seeing the family very much. I look forward to our new life together Sire,” Laurel said, her lips trembling with emotion.
Caleb noticed her expression and gently kissed her lips, holding her in his arms, and caressing her back, to calm her trembling.
“Shh. It is alright mo ghra. Close your eyes and take a breath, yes just breathe deeply,” Caleb said softly, as he could feel her sighing shakily. “I will arrange everything for you in the morning. All you have to do is pick out the things you wish to be able to have access to at the camp. I will take care of the rest. I wish for you to sleep in tomorrow. I will have breakfast brought for you in my room. Please rest as long as you can, do not feel obligated to hurry yourself. Try and relax now Laurel,” Caleb said softly, as he could still feel her tremble from her frazzled nerves, in his arms.
“I am trying Caleb. It is just every time I close my eyes, I can see them. I can see them in the castle. Are you sure none of them escaped?” Laurel asked in a shaking voice, filled with fear.
“Yes Laurel. I am very sure, and I will tell you why,” Caleb said in a reassuring calm voice.
He held her tighter as he began to explain how it was the Ogmore kindred themselves who assisted Caleb in finding the Rabkins from the East. How they looked at Laurel as their hope for the future, in healing the wide gap that long existed between their two peoples. That they considered it their right and privilege to help in protecting her. How they had been watching her for several months, and ‘felt’ her kind heart, from observing her interaction with others. Laurel began to relax as Caleb explained more about the strange race of beings, that to her, only represented death and mayhem. She was both frightened and curious by the fact that they had been watching her and felt the need to protect her. His explanation was done calmly and without resentment towards the Rabkins that had assisted him in finding the ones that were called 'the strangers'.
“How is it Caleb that you have this understanding of the Rabkins that no one else has? Why do they trust you so much?” Laurel asked curiously, finding herself intrigued.
Caleb smiled at Laurel warmly and kissed her forehead, before explaining, happy that her curiosity was helping her to relax.
“When I was fifteen seasons, shortly before my encounter with the Dragon's Tooth, and shortly after the death of my uncles and grandfather, I was riding through the forest, I had ridden ahead of my body guards, and I came upon a lone Rabkin. He had been shot by a crossbow, and was dying. I got off my horse and went over to him, for some strange reason, I still cannot explain why, I was not afraid. Perhaps it was his eyes. They held no malice, only sadness and pain. I crouched down next to him, as he was speaking softly in their sing song way that they do, and then suddenly he took my hand. It was not vicious in any way, he simply reached over and took my hand in his. Before I knew what was happening, I could see his memories as if they were my own. I could feel his fear and pain, and could tell he was seeing all that I remembered as well. Watching my grandfather die, seeing the aftermath of a raid on one of the Clann villages, but I also saw the death and sadness he too had suffered through. Then it stopped as quickly as it begun, he smiled at me, and then died. I was shaking and sobbing for some time, before my guards found me kneeling down next to the dead Rabkin. They were very upset and brought me home immediately. I told my father what had happened and of course he was understandably concerned, my poor mother was beside herself. I was not able to get the Rabkin’s memories from my mind, I had no peace or sleep for almost a week. It was not until an older Scribe had advised that we try and seek out a Kindred that lived in the nearby forest. My parents were of course against it, so I sought them out myself, to rid my mind of the images I could not escape. When I finally found them, they as well as I were surprised, I could understand their speech, that I could feel they were nearby,” Caleb told her, in a soft far away tone.
“What did you do? Were you afraid?” Laurel asked quietly, her eyes wide with emotion, as she was mesmerized by his account.
“No, I was not. I told them what I had gone through with the Rabkin I had found. Their healer, a female, came up to me. She knelt down so as not to appear so tall and overwhelming. She opened her hand and placed her palm towards me. ‘Touch my hand, man prince’, she said to me. I placed my hand against hers and then the memories came rushing back again, vivid and intense as the first time. They stopped suddenly, leaving me sobbing and shaken once again. But then I noticed, I finally had peace, the images were gone. She smiled at me and touched my face. She told me I had experienced 'sharing'. The Rabkin I shared with was a young male, the son of one of their Elders. He had wanted to let his father know he died in peace and not alone. The Rabkins consider it a great tragedy to die alone. My father and some of the Sentinels found me moments later, I refused to let them harm the Kindred I was with. It was shortly after that time, a dialogue was opened, as they would only speak with me, and continue to do so to this day,” Caleb smiled as he ended his account to Laurel.
Laurel’s eyes were filled with tears as she looked at him in amazement.
“It is no wonder you try so hard to make peace with them, to understand them. Was I wrong to think of them as vicious mindless monsters?” she asked sadly.
“Of course not dearest. The Rabkins you encountered were. You have not had the chance to see them in any other way. Perhaps someday you will, as they find you very special and are quite fascinated with you,” Caleb said calmly.
Laurel pressed herself into Caleb’s side holding on to his waist tighter.
“I hope that someday we will have peace with them Caleb, truly all that you went through was not for nothing,” Laurel said, with heartfelt conviction.
“It is my hope as well, mo ghra. Let us try and rest now, nothing will disturb us tonight. No harm will befall your family. The harm has been gotten rid of. Close your eyes and rest,” Caleb spoke in a reassuring soft voice, as he gently kissed her forehead, and held her closer.
She sighed deeply and found herself unable to keep her eyes open.
“Shh. Close your eyes mo chailin milis,” was the last thing she heard before falling asleep.
When Laurel opened her eyes, she saw that it was still dark, the fire continued to burn warmly, casting a soft glow in the room. Turning her head slightly, she could see that Caleb was asleep, his arms still around her. Laurel shifted in the bed, which caused him to move and draw her closer, kissing her forehead lightly.
“What is it Laurel?” Caleb asked drowsily.
“Oh...I am sorry. I did not mean to wake you,” Laurel whispered.
Caleb smiled at her apology “I am a very light sleeper dearest. It comes from all those seasons of Patrol duty. Is something wrong? Did you have another dream?” he asked, still keeping his eyes closed.
“No. I just woke up, I am feeling a bit restless, I suppose,” Laurel said in a soft voice.
Caleb opened his eyes and looked at her, lightly caressing her face. Sitting up slightly as he turned on his side, he smiled as he looked down at her.
“Is there anything you need? Shall I get you something to drink?” Caleb asked, the sleep gone from his voice.
“No....no thank you. I simply have too much on my mind, and I am finding it difficult to relax, even in my sleep,” Laurel answered, her voice sounding weary but nervous.
“I shall help you relax. Turn over on your stomach and I will show you,” Caleb requested, smiling at her warmly.
“Show me what?” Laurel asked him suspiciously.
Caleb laughed at her tone and the expression she had on her face.
“Laurel, you silly little thing. You ask me, in that tone, while in my bed, in your nightgown. You should know me enough mo stor, that if I was determined to have you, it would have happened already. There would be no need for pretense or games. Do you not remember that night in Heathwin, when I asked you to marry me then? You would give yourself to me my love. I would not have to trick you into it,” Caleb replied his voice becoming serious, but still warm and loving.
“I am sorry Caleb. I did not mean to sound that way. It is just....” Laurel began to explain, her voice becoming emotional.
Caleb stopped her by leaning down and kissing her lips for a moment tenderly, holding her face in his hand.
“Shh. I know that you are feeling very anxious right now. Which is why I want to help you relax. I respect your vow mo stor and I will not try to convince you to do otherwise. If I wish to show you my love, or help you to relax, I know how far to go and when to stop. Only one more day, and we will be leaving for Heathwin, mo ghra, then all the preparing will finally be at an end. Now lie on your stomach and let me help you relax,” Caleb replied, in a soft reassuring tone, smiling at her lovingly.
Laurel smiled back at him, as she turned over, and putting her arms on the pillow, turned her head sideways, laying on her arm.
Caleb sat up on his knees, taking Laurel’s head and turning it gently.
“I know it feels a bit strange, but put your face in towards the pillow, you will see in a moment what I am doing,” Caleb instructed.
A moment later Laurel could feel Caleb’s hands on the back of her neck, his fingers lightly pressing into her skin in a rhythmic motion. She winced as she felt a twinge of pain, going down into her shoulder. Laurel moaned into the pillow, beginning to hold her breath.
“Caleb...stop it hurts” Laurel said, in a shaking voice.
“I know it does dearest. Your neck and shoulders are very tense, let out your breath, and let me continue for a bit more, and then it will no longer be uncomfortable. I am moving to your shoulders now. My poor sweet girl, just let it go dearest, I am here for you, it is all right,” Caleb replied, his voice warm and loving as he felt her body tremble with quiet sobs.
Caleb continued to gently massage her neck and shoulders for a few moments more until her felt her skin become more relaxed and pliable under his touch. Laying again on his side, he turned Laurel towards him and held her in his arms, kissing her face lightly, tasting her tears on his lips.
“I do not know why I am crying,” Laurel said in a shaking voice.
“It is just the tension leaving your body. You will feel better in just a few moments,” Caleb whispered. “There now, how is that?” Caleb asked, as he saw and felt her exhale deeply.
“Much better. Where did you learn this?” Laurel asked, her voice calmer and no longer crying.
“I was Patrolling the Northern borders of Heathwin last season, just before winter. Lorcan was startled by a tree falling after a storm. He threw me and I landed quite hard as I was not expecting that reaction from him. An older woman in the village we were in, saw what had happened. I was clutching the back of my neck when I stood up. She was smaller than you, so I was not sure what she meant by helping me, so I just agreed out of courtesy. The next thing I knew she began to massage the back of my neck, and believe me, it was very painful at first, but within a few moments the pain began to lessen. We were there for several days, as they were troubled by raiders. So she would come to our camp the end of each day and massage my neck as before, and the pain just went away. I was so impressed I asked her to come back to Heathwin with us for a time, to show me and some of the Physician attendants, how she did this and she agreed. My mother suffered from debilitating headaches for a time, and she was able to help her with these. So she taught me and Aiden and all of the Sentinels who are Physician attendants a few simple techniques, and then she wished to go back home. Mother begged her to stay offering her a small cottage and a generous salary, but she said she was needed at home, so we reluctantly brought her back. Aiden is actually better at it than I am, so Mother asks him to help her with her headaches, that she only gets rarely now. He has also used it to his advantage in other ways, the dog,” Caleb said with a wry grin, which caused Laurel to laugh. “I am glad you are feeling better dearest,” Caleb spoke smiling at her warmly.
