Child of the Kindred, page 97
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Agreed,” Caleb continued, “until that time arrived, we must start to take steps to monitor the situation in Achzib, so as not to be caught off guard again. We need to be forewarned of any threats if we are to protect our people. So to that end, Deaglan, I feel that you need to implement a continuous, rotating schedule of patrols to the area near the city to keep a sharp eye on the goings on there.”
“I wholeheartedly concur with that plan, Caleb,” Deaglan stated.
“I also agree with you completely, mo chaired. But I feel that it will take a bit to convince the Nobles of the need for stirring up Achzib. They are of the mindset, to leave well enough alone. It has been brought to my attention, that several of the Higher and Lesser Nobles, are still more than apprehensive about the Unification. It has even been whispered, that Her Highness is no more than a puppet for Heathwin. That she has no real influence or power as a ruler. Caleb, it has been rumoured she fears you, as you have beaten her into submission,” Phineas relayed in a cautious tone, as all in the room looked over at Caleb expectantly.
Cahir grinned humorously at Caleb’s brooding expression brought on by Phineas’ statement.
“Is that so? What very unfortunate fool dare start this rumour?” Caleb inquired, in a low, dangerous voice.
“That fool is Sir Alistair,” Deaglan replied with a wry grin.
“I am not all that surprised. When I meet with the Nobles, I will not bring this rumour up, at this time. Instead, I will wait until my beloved has fully recovered from giving birth. I will let her decide, how she wishes to deal with this slanderous rot. Allow the speech to continue, and keep track of where it comes from, as I have no doubt Tramaine is the prime instigator in this. He and his lackeys will be allowed just enough rope to hang themselves with. I can assure you, Laurel will not take this matter lightly. Mo stor still has a temper, and this will cause it to ignite. She has little regard for the Nobles and even less for Alistair. As far as Tramaine, his days are now officially numbered. Regarding Achzib, however, I will indeed be bringing it up. I will though, directly appeal to the Nobles’ greed and feelings of being treated unfairly. We shall see how quickly their mindset changes, when they realise Achzib has not been paying their fair share in taxes for the last ten seasons,” Caleb grinned back at Phineas, taking his last sip of port.
The next day the group to escort Kaveh had finally reached the other side of the Great Marsh. Though they had begun the trip at dawn, it was well into the late afternoon when they had arrived. Kaveh stood before Angus, taking the cloak off and handing it to him.
“No, I wish for you to keep it as a token of our friendship,” Angus said warmly, handing the cloak back.
“I would like to keep it, but the guards would notice, and wonder where I had gotten it from. Perhaps you could return it when you come and free us from the mine?” Kaveh asked in his soft but inhuman voice.
“I promise you, Kaveh, I shall indeed be there to return the cloak. Not much longer will you and the others have to wait,” Angus stated with conviction, bringing what appeared to be a jagged smile, to Kaveh’s face.
Handing Kaveh a small sack of bread, cabbages and potatoes, Angus shook his clawed hand in farewell. The Golan then scurried away quickly, turning once to wave goodbye, then disappeared into the dense brush.
“Safe journey my friend,” Angus uttered, smiling solemnly, as he and the group of Guards and Sentinels began the trip back to the city of Gwenlais.
Caleb spent the night in the Village of York, as the residents practically begged him and Cahir to stay. They were very gracious and hospitable, the two young brothers had become very emotional at times, at the retelling of the horrific conditions they had witnessed and endured. Their mother often weeping when they related their experiences. The oldest brother Nigel, was the one who had decided they would escape with Kaveh, as they were the youngest of the group that had been captured. They spoke of his bravery and sacrifice in protecting them and the others in their group. He became well liked and respected by the other captives, often sharing his water and rations with the weak and sick. They also spoke highly of the Golan, surprised and moved by their compassion and kindness. Doing whatever they could to help them survive, by sneaking in extra food and water, and on a rare occasion helping one or two to escape. No attempt had ever been made to rescue them, so most feared those who escaped had become lost and perished from hunger and exposure. Caleb and Cahir praised the residents for their efforts in learning to defend themselves, taking whatever training they could from visiting Patrols. As the evening progressed, a hearty meal of rabbit stew, boiled cabbage and skillet bread, was served and shared by the entire village. They asked Caleb many questions about Heathwin, and Laurel’s role as the new Princess of the West. Caleb was more than happy to indulge their curiosity, as it seemed to help them escape from their grief for a time. By morning, after a simple breakfast of fried eggs and bread, Caleb and Cahir, along with an escort of Guards, returned to the Gwenlais Lodge.
The next day was quiet and unhurried as the Patrols began to ready for their missions. Caleb started going over the list of subjects he would be bringing to the fore with the Nobles, as well as Marina’s list. Cahir and Quinlan chuckling at Caleb reading her list out loud to them while having their breakfast in the large study.
“Blue jewelled slippers, green and pale yellow dress with dark green trim, blue dress with silver bodice, and well the list goes on. Can you honestly picture me standing in front of the girls’ wardrobes and looking that closely at the details of each dress? No, I will just give the list to Milo and instruct him to have the maids pack what they can in a few trunks and hope for the best. I asked the silly girl for a list, not a detailed inventory of all their belongings. There are a few personal items they wished to have that belonged to their mother. I will make sure they have those, but other than that, they will just have to be content until they can choose the rest themselves when we all arrive back here for the Unification,” Caleb said, rolling his eyes and taking a drink of tea.
“I have no doubt Father will be returning with us when we come to free the captives in the mine,” Cahir mentioned taking a bite of sausage.
“Oh, he will insist on it. I am hoping, however, to convince the King to remain in Gwenlais when we travel to the mine, but we shall have to see about that. He will be quite disturbed when he hears how much the captives have suffered. I do feel that his presence here, when the prisoners are freed, will do much in making the citizens of Gwenlais even more receptive to the kingdoms rejoining, despite what misgivings the Nobles may have,” Caleb remarked, putting the list aside as he began eating his breakfast.
“I have no doubt that will be a subject brought up in the villages we encounter on Patrol. I have been informed by Logan, the story of the two brothers and Kaveh, have been told throughout Gwenlais. Is there anything, in particular, you wish for Cahir and I to address when we approach the villages?” Quinlan asked as he finished his meal.
“Make sure they are all implementing whatever training they received, as well as night watches and guard duty being put in place. It still completely escapes me, how these things have never been done before now. How long did Tramaine poison Garron’s mind into thinking all would remain well and quiet? I cannot speak of him too often, or I will end up killing him before I leave,” Caleb sighed in exasperation.
“The lecherous traitor will show his missteps at some point. It has been noted he leaves at various times and meets with a man who remains cloaked or hooded. We all know Tramaine is behind the rumours, and in time those he has conspired with will turn on him. We only need wait a bit longer. When Laurel returns to Gwenlais, angry at what has been reported and whispered among the Nobles, they will all be scrambling and pointing fingers at each other. None them will wish to face her, and Tramaine’s name will come up. I hope she strips him of his title and properties,” Cahir replied with a smug grin, taking another bite of his breakfast.
“That is actually a brilliant idea. I will suggest that to her at some point. Have him become desperate, and we will most likely see who his other cohorts are even sooner. Yes, that could definitely work in our favour,” Caleb grinned wickedly, sitting back and drinking his tea.
“You will have to convince Uncle Fergus of that first,” Quinlan reminded them with a smirk, to which they both shrugged, not really worried it could not be done.
The last days Caleb spent in Gwenlais were busy and filled with tedious meetings and inspections. He would not have thought them quite so monotonous if he had not found himself always thinking of Laurel and how she was faring. Quinlan telling him, that being more anxious for your first child was normal, did not help ease his anxiety. The day before he left to return to Heathwin, he did have a feeling of satisfaction with convincing the Nobles that addressing the issue of Achzib was the right course. He did not tell them of the details concerning the Ishachars, still not sure which of the Nobles had ties with Tramaine. When hearing that the city of Achzib had not paid their fair share in taxes for the past ten seasons, they were very indignant. Caleb had been correct in his assumption, this would convince them to see that confronting Achzib directly was a good idea after all. Having one last meal with Deaglan, Logan and Phineas, they discussed the details of sending the scouting party to the hidden valley. He had spoken earlier with Fraoch, who suggested two of his relatives go with the party to guide them through the inhospitable area, as they were more familiar than the Sentinels and Guards with that region. When Caleb had suggested that Fraoch could be a part of the rescue mission himself, playing the role of messenger to the Golan and captives, the Kedesh merchant was flattered and excited to have Caleb consider him. Fraoch suggested his young nephew accompany him, as he was fluent in common, as well as a skilled fighter.
“My nephew, Dhoire, will be the perfect guard to me and would be overjoyed to know he was of service to you, Sire. He has always admired the Sentinels and considers you his hero,” Fraoch mentioned with a toothy grin.
“Is that so? Well, I look forward to meeting him when I return in three months’ time. Ask any contacts you may have in Achzib, to look at the movements and goings on of the people known as the Ishachars watched closely. A storm is brewing my friend, and it will begin there. Now, what suggestions do you have for presents, that I can bring back with me?” Caleb asked with a friendly grin, patting the Kedesh on the shoulder as they walked about the Merchants’ Square.
The day had arrived for Caleb to return home to Heathwin. He felt satisfied with the meetings he had with the Nobels, Tolemais indeed being a useful member of these meetings. The Nobles were accustomed to his presence and with his relaxed manner. Caleb felt comfortable with all he had assigned for Tolemais, as well as Cahir and Quinlan to do. Deaglan had already begun arranging the scouting mission towards the mine, and the increased patrols to Achzib. Milo eagerly arranged for the children’s things to be put in a separate waggon, to be brought along with the early harvest supplies that would go to Heathwin. The few personal things the children requested, he brought back with him in his saddlebags. The night spent at the river camp was relaxing, and word had been sent that Caleb had returned earlier than expected. Much to his surprise, when having a light breakfast at the fire with the other Sentinels at the camp, Aiden and Owain arrived.
“Is everything alright?” Caleb greeted them with concern, as they approached him.
“Everything is fine, nothing to be concerned with. When we were informed late last night you were returning earlier, Owain and I wanted to have you be abreast of all that has transpired,” Aiden explained grinning wryly, while Owain chuckled at his remark.
“You are certain I have nothing to be concerned with?” Caleb asked further, with an expression and tone clearly showing he was not convinced.
“Quite certain. I will begin with how you would be most proud of your Princess,” Aiden began, as he sat down by the fire across from Caleb.
“In this case, I would say, Queen,” Owain interjected, taking a mug of tea from one of the Sentinels.
“Yes, you are right, Queen would be more appropriate,” Aiden replied, also taking an offered mug of tea.
“Do go on, you are doing nothing to calm my concerns,” Caleb grumbled impatiently.
“The very next day after your departure, we were visited by Redmond and Master Elphin. It seems two of the Lead Physicians had a formal complaint with Master Elphin concerning Laurel. They were not happy with her wishing to instruct attendants as doe meds, or encouraging an exchange program with the House of Healing. Master Elphin, of course, defended her and said he took no issue with her ideas and if they had a problem, they should take it up with her themselves. He did not expect them to, but that is exactly what they requested. They informed Master Elphin they would be formally requesting a private audience with Laurel,” Aiden explained, grinning at Caleb’s stern expression.
“How interesting they wait until I leave to do this,” Caleb said in an irritated tone.
“Yes, is it not? Well, as I said, they did request a private audience with Laurel, and sent a page to make it official, just as Redmond and Elphin arrive. Laurel is resting at home when this is all taking place. Mother is livid, and Father is none too happy either. He tells everyone present they will most certainly not have a private audience with Laurel and sends them all on their way. Laurel, later hears of this, and just sits quietly for a moment in thought, then suddenly has the most adorable devious grin on her face. She then requests to Father if the east wing could be opened just for the meeting with the Physicians. He, of course, said it could be, and at this time we are all intrigued and amused as to what she has planned. Laurel then goes on to explain, if they wish to have an audience with her, it shall be as the Queen Ollam of Gwenlais. At this point we are all game,” Aiden related, as Caleb laughed in relief and delight.
“Picture this Caleb, Laurel in all her regal, pregnant glory, wearing her crown and sitting on King Niall’s throne, surrounded by all the ladies dressed in all their finery. Flanked on one side by Aiden, and a dozen Sentinels, while on the other side was me, plus another dozen Sentinels, in our formal uniforms of course. Wendell, dressed in his formal robes leading them in. We made sure to tell him to be very pompous and rude to them, and he was brilliant!” Owain narrated, laughing at remembering the dramatic scene.
“That is brilliant! I wish I could have seen it,” Caleb expressed, laughing even heartier, the Sentinels looking at each other and chuckling as well.
“Then Laurel tells them to address their concerns and to be quick about it, as she was in no mood for their “ridiculous and trivial concerns and demands”, as she so beautifully put it. They begin sputtering and muttering, speaking all at once, when Wendell falls into character once again, telling them to be quiet and pick one of them to address her Royal Highness. So there are four of them, and they all look over at this one sop,…what was his name?” Aiden asked in a distracted voice.
“Bumblesnort, I believe,” Owain answered casually.
“Bumblesnort!?” Aiden questioned back, as raucous laughter ensued from all those sitting or standing around the fire, as a large group had now formed.
“I believe it is Physician Bumfrey, Sire” one of the Sentinels offered, as the laughter continued.
“Yes, that was it. Bumblesnort indeed. Anyway, this Bumfrey fellow begins to pathetically defend the reasons they feel Laurel should not train others as doe meds and such, and Laurel is just watching him, very intently for a moment. She then suddenly speaks up and asks him why is he so concerned, as it is obvious this was really not of his doing. He goes a bit pale, then admits it really was not his idea. She then looks over at this other fellow and watches him for a bit until he begins to sweat and then confesses it was his idea, but not entirely. She demands he explain himself and then he says he is also the husband of the royal midwife. Well, then Wendell jumps in again, berating him and telling him how dare he attack her Royal Highness, all because she chose not to employ his wife’s services. Then he said that you would hear of this and most likely have them all thrown in the House of Detention, as that is what he would advise you to do,” Aiden animatedly continued, with Caleb having to put his mug down from laughing so hard.
“So now Wendell is my personal counsellor?” Caleb laughed, shaking his head.
“Well, they certainly believed it. They all then began to apologise to Laurel, all at once. The first sop saying, they obviously overstepped their bounds and would not do so again, and could we put this all behind them, blah, blah, blah. Oh, it was a grand day,” Owain recounted, shaking his head and grinning broadly.
“That was utterly the best thing I have heard all week. My little queen showed them she is indeed a force to be reckoned with,” Caleb sighed wearily from his laughter.
“The thing I found most fascinating, was how Laurel seemed to know what they were feeling. Almost as if she could feel their apprehension. I did not have the chance to ask her about it. Also, the next few days were chaotic enough,” Aiden said, as he rolled his eyes and took a drink from his mug.
“Oh, well this apparently involves the children,” Caleb surmised, with a perceptive smile.
“Yes, the children and my wife. The day after our fun with the Physicians, Orrie and Jamison are in our room. Marina is busy working on her project of copying the scroll. Oriel gets too close and wants to know when Marina will stop and play Pass the Boar, even though I have already been doing this. Marina tells her in a short while, but Orrie is not happy with that answer. Orrie continues to fidget around Marina, who tells her to step back. Orrie then becomes all huffy, and because she is not caring or paying attention, spills the inkwell all over Marina’s book she has worked so hard on. Marina is completely beside herself and slaps Oriel on the arm, who in turn begins to yell and cry and slaps Marina back. They are both crying and hysterical, shoving each other, yelling for me to do something about the other one. Jamison begins to cry, and I have no idea what I am supposed to do,” Aiden explained in a weary voice, with Caleb looking shocked and Owain and the other Sentinels snickering.
