The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 99
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Put your arm out in front of you dearest. It will be alright, as this is a common greeting,” he whispered reassuringly.
Laurel swallowed hard and did as Caleb instructed, her arm still shaking.
The Rabkin Elder then placed his arm gently over Laurel’s, his long fingers resting lightly on the top of her shoulder.
“We most honored to meet child Ollam. Have great sympathies for loss of Queen Ollam,” Bleddyn said in a quiet and calm tone, as he lowered his arm.
Caleb then related to Laurel what had been said, speaking loud enough for Aiden, Phineas, and Owain to hear as well. Laurel then looked at Bleddyn, smiling with trembling lips.
“Thank you very much. I appreciate all that you have done in trying to keep me safe. It is an honor for me as well, to meet you,” Laurel replied, as calmly as she could.
Caleb smiled and then translated to the Rabkins, Laurel’s words. They looked at each other nodding and murmured what sounded to be words of approval. Eira then stepped forward to greet Laurel. Her greeting was different than that of Bleddyn, as she was female. Eira slowly reached out and placed her hand on the side of Laurel’s face, her long graceful fingers going past the top of Laurel’s head. Eira’s expression was kind and patient, sensing Laurel’s nervousness.
“I most happy to meet child Ollam. Wishes to express sadness for loss of birth she. Has great respect for Queen Ollam,” Eira said in a soft tone, her eyes conveying her feelings clearly.
Caleb then translated to Laurel her words of condolence.
“Birth she?” Laurel asked Caleb curiously.
“It is their word for mother. It quite literally means, the one that caused your birth,” Caleb explained.
Laurel then smiled at Eira, feeling more relaxed in their presence.
“Thank you Eira. It is most kind of you,” Laurel said in a small voice, but no longer shaking.
After Caleb translated what Laurel had said, Eira smiled then gestured to the young Rabkin to step forward. It appeared to be a young male, his eyes also kind and very curious, as he reached out and gingerly took Laurel’s hand. He then lifted her hand up to his face as he bent down, and closing his large eyes, brought her wrist to his nose. He softly pressed his nose to her wrist and breathed in deeply. Laurel’s eyes went wide in surprise and wonder at his gesture, as the two older Rabkins, smiled in approval. Laurel became startled and began to pull away slightly, as the young Rabkin, pressed her wrist closer to his nose.
“It is alright dearest. Do not be afraid, he wishes to remember you, so he is taking in your scent. It seems we all look very similar to them. This is quite the compliment my love,” he explained to Laurel, again loud enough for Phineas, Aiden and Owain to hear.
At this explanation Aiden and Owain chuckled softly, while Phineas stood looking alarmed and swallowing nervously. After the young Rabkin was finished, he then gently released Laurel’s hand and bowed his head slightly. Eira then spoke to him and gestured towards the pouch made of woven reeds, which the young Rabkin had over his shoulder. The young Rabkin appeared to be smiling broadly as he reached in the pouch and pulled out a leather bag. He then handed it to Laurel. Laurel gasped in surprise, holding out her trembling hands to receive her mother’s lost Ollam bag. Laurel looked at them smiling as tears ran down her face. Opening the bag with shaking fingers she found her mother’s precious Ollam diary still wrapped in the protective oilskin, only slightly damp, from the river. Hugging the bag to her chest, Laurel was overcome with emotion and began to weep openly, her head bowed slightly. Caleb placed his arm around her shoulders tightly, as he looked up at the Rabkins curious expressions.
“Child Ollam is most happy. Our females sometimes weep when joyful,” Caleb explained, smiling at them warmly.
“How did you find it?” Laurel asked, as she desperately tried to compose herself.
“My youngling finds it at river’s edge, while fishing. He brings it to me, I see it has Ollam symbol on bag. We knows child Ollam at river camp. It is most special, so child Ollam must have lost it,” Eira explained, after Caleb translated Laurel’s question.
“Thank you. Thank you so much,” Laurel said, with gratitude as she reached over and placed her hand on the young Rabkin’s arm, and then on Eira’s.
“Most welcome child Ollam,” Eira said warmly, not needing a translation from Caleb to understand Laurel’s gesture, as Eira again placed her hand on the side of Laurel’s face.
They looked up at Caleb and smiling, suddenly turned to leave. Laurel noticed this and then realized what she had to do.
“Wait, please,” Laurel spoke out, causing the Rabkins to stop and turn around. “Caleb. I will do it. I will share with Eira,” Laurel said quietly, looking up at Caleb intently.
“Are you sure dearest? You do not have to,” Caleb asked her, in a calm voice.
Laurel looked over at Phineas, who was smiling at her warmly with tears in his eyes, he nodded at her understandingly.
“Yes Caleb, I am sure. It is the least I can do for all they have done for me. As long as you are with me, I shall be fine,” Laurel said, holding his hand tightly.
Caleb smiled at Laurel, his heart bursting with love for her. He kissed her forehead and smiled at her adoringly.
“Of course my darling. I shall be right next to you the whole time. There is nothing to fear. You will not be left with memories that will not leave. It will only be a glimpse of her life, as she will also glimpse yours as well,” Caleb explained patiently.
Laurel nodded her acknowledgement as she then looked over at the waiting
Rabkins, knowing Caleb would be translating her decision.
“Kindred people, the child Ollam, wishes to share with Eira,” Caleb stated simply.
They smiled at each other as Eira stepped forward, then kneeling down, placed her hand towards Laurel her palm facing towards her. Caleb helped Laurel to kneel as well, as he too kneeled down next to her, holding her other hand.
“Place your hand against hers Laurel, then close your eyes and take a deep breath,” Caleb murmured softly into the side of her face, his lips brushing against her temple.
Laurel did as he instructed and after placing her hand against Eira’s she suddenly felt a strong sense of peace envelope her. Closing her eyes, Laurel smiled slightly, as she released her breath softly. Then suddenly just as Caleb had described came a rush of images in her mind. She could see Eira as a youngling, gathering plants and flowers, with who seemed to be her mother. Suddenly Laurel felt overwhelmed with fear and dread as she saw men seated on horses, running towards them, swords drawn and shouting. She saw a tall Sentinel who looked almost like King Fergus, younger, angry and stern, his eyes filled with hate. Then she saw Eira’s mother viciously cut down by the man, as she could hear Eira screaming and feel her running frantically, hiding under thick undergrowth, waiting for the men to leave. The image flashing back looking upon the broken and cut body of Eira’s mother, hearing Eira’s mournful wailing. Then another scene rushing to her, seeing Bleddyn taking Eira as his mate. Watching Eira heal the wounded of her Kindred. Then to Laurel’s wonderment, seeing her mother as a young doe med, being approached by Eira, handing her mother a strange looking blue fern. Her mother unafraid as she took the fern, then she could see how Eira turned and walked back into the forest. Then the rush of fear and terror once again, as she saw yet another attack upon the Rabkins, their Homestead slaughtered without any mercy being shown, even to the younglings. Laurel could feel the intense despair of Eira, as she held a dead youngling in her arms, her first child. Laurel could then sense that Eira was also seeing her memories. Meeting Caleb and Aiden for the first time. Walking through the fields and forest of Gwenlais, gathering herbs and plants with her own mother. Visiting her mother at the House of Healing, as she tended to the sick. Caleb spanking her at the stables, then the image of him smiling and presenting her with the new bridle and saddle she had wanted. Then the horrible image of Laurel holding her mother’s torn body as she wept over her. Another image flashed of her being held by Caleb after her attack by the Dragon’s tooth. The memory of them dancing together at the Festival. Caleb whispering he loved her, at the Lodge. The terrifying attack by the Scimitar. Her pleading for Leland’s life before the Tribunal. The pain and pride on Caleb’s face as she did this. The beauty and wonder of the fire swallows’ return. Helping to deliver a child for the first time. Another image of her and Caleb’s passionate encounter in her room. Her argument with her father, and falling into the river. Then suddenly as it began, the images stopped.
Laurel’s eyes flew open, as Eira’s hand was no longer against hers. Laurel found herself, shaking uncontrollably, as Caleb held her tightly in his arms. She found it difficult to catch her breath, as she felt tears streaming down her face. Looking up she saw Eira smiling at her warmly, with what appeared to be tears in her eyes, as the Rabkin once again, gently placed her hand against Laurel’s face.
“So sorry child Ollam. So sorry for loss of birth she,” Eira said with empathy.
Just as Caleb as told her, she found herself being able to understand Eira’s words. Laurel suddenly knew how to answer Eira back in her own language.
“I sorry as well friend Eira. So sorry for all your loss and suffering,” Laurel said, through her tears.
“You now be called friend of Kindred people, child Ollam. Eira bond with you. Life friends now. Our youngling bond with you also one day,” Bleddyn kneeled down, and explained to her.
“I look forward to that day Elder Bleddyn,” Laurel replied, in a tired and shaky voice.
“We leave you now man Prince Caleb. Leave child Ollam to rest. Our eyes will behold each other again child Ollam Laurel,” Eira said, as she and Bleddyn stood, and then walking into the forest, the three Rabkins disappeared from sight.
Caleb then helped Laurel to stand as she was still shaking from the intensity of the experience.
“How are you feeling dearest?” Caleb asked her, as her held her against him.
“I am fine....only very tired,” Laurel answered, no longer crying.
Aiden, Phineas and Owain stepped forward, with broad smiles on their faces.
“That was truly the most amazing thing I have ever beheld Laurel,” Owain said, in a voice full of admiration.
“I am so proud of you my Lady,” Phineas gushed.
Aiden only placed his hand on her back and kissed the top of her head, smiling tenderly at her, feeling no need for words.
“Thank you all, my dear friends. Caleb, I feel the need to lie down, I am so very weary,” Laurel said, in a soft voice.
“Of course mo stor. Let us go back to the tent,” Caleb spoke in a loving tone, as he held her hand and began to lead her back.
They took no more than a few steps when Laurel moaned softly and crumpled almost to the ground, as Caleb caught her. Taking her up in his arms he kissed her temple and whispering words of love to her in old speak, carried her back to the tent. Phineas was understandably alarmed and began to inquire of her condition frantically.
“She is alright Phineas. She is only very tired. Sharing can be an exhausting experience, but not harmful. She needs to sleep for a bit,” Caleb said, in a calm reassuring voice, as he walked back into the tent.
All the Sentinels looked in their direction, most shaking their heads and talking quietly, others just smiling and looking at each other in wonder at what they had just witnessed.
“I will give the lass much credit. I would not have done it,” Tolemais said to Rian.
“Aye, me either. I do not care how handsome Caleb is,” Rian said, with a sly grin, as Tolemais and the others within hearing range laughed.
Laurel opened her eyes to find Caleb lying next to her, holding her close and gently brushing the hair from her face. He smiled adoringly at her as she blinked her eyes sleepily and smiled back at him.
“How are you feeling dearest?” Caleb asked, in a soft deep voice.
“I feel as if I have just awoken from a very long dream,” Laurel replied in a small tired voice.
“I am sure you do. It is well into the afternoon. Supper will be ready soon,” Caleb smiled at her, as he kissed her forehead.
“I cannot believe I have slept so long,” Laurel said with surprise as she looked about the tent, then noticing the sun was indeed not as bright as when she had first gotten up. She looked at Caleb thoughtfully for a moment before speaking.
“At Mother’s grave site, someone planted a strange blue fern there, next to the roses. I told the gardener to let them remain, as it looked like it was done with much respect. No one has ever claimed to have done this. I now know where they came from,” Laurel related in a soft whispery voice.
“How do you know mo stor? Did you see something concerning this when you shared with Eira?” Caleb asked, as he gently caressed her cheek.
“Yes. I saw Eira handing my mother, when she was only a doe med, the same blue fern. It looked as if Mother was standing at the edge of the forest and Eira stepped out for just a moment and gave it to her. Mother was not afraid, only curious. Mother never spoke of this experience, or of the Rabkins often, but when she did it was never in a negative way. They are really not as different as we are. They have the same feelings of love and loss and joy as we do,” Laurel said, her eyes filled with emotion.
“Yes dearest. That is very true. I myself never realized this until I experienced sharing as you did. Thank you Laurel for doing this. Perhaps now we can finally begin to put an end to all the fear and pain our two peoples have caused each other,” Caleb answered as he caressed her cheek.
“I hope we can as well. Too many lives have been lost from both sides. I will help you Caleb, I will help you to do this, in whatever way I can,” Laurel spoke with soft voice, but still filled with conviction.
“Of course you will mo stor. You are the Treasure of Gwenlais. The Kindred people know this. I have believed this for some time. Now more than ever,” Caleb said warmly, as he leaned down and kissed her deeply.
The next morning proved to be busy, as everyone began to ready for their departure to Heathwin. The wagons and two dozen Sentinels were sent ahead the day before, as the heavy wagons required more time to arrive. Only the sturdy wooden frames of the tents would remain, as it was seldom, that travel between Heathwin and Gwenlais would happen after the harvest supplies were received. Four tents would remain in the camp to accommodate Laurel’s family and the escorts accompanying them for the wedding. After the family returned to Gwenlais the camp would then be closed down for the winter. Caleb had Owain take Laurel for a walk around the camp perimeter and by the bank of the river, as a diversion while the camp was being disassembled. Owain told her of how happy the family would be to see her again, especially his young sister Imagin.
“If you do not mind my asking Laurel, what was it like to share with the Rabkin? You did not appear to be in pain, but it most certainly appeared to be an intense experience. Caleb has never related his experiences with me, or to many others for that matter, only to the King and Aiden,” Owain asked with a curious smile, as they walked about.
“It was very intense at times. I saw Eira’s life and some of her most painful memories. It was beautiful and tragic, much like a story we may have read as children. She saw parts of my life as well. I do not feel I was harmed in any way from sharing with her, but in a way, I feel different. I feel a small part of me has changed,” Laurel spoke in a faraway thoughtful tone.
“In what way Laurel?” Owain asked her, with mild concern.
“I cannot explain, as it is all still new. Only that it is different,” Laurel replied, smiling at him warmly.
As they continued to walk along the river bank, Laurel suddenly stopped when she noticed a short but lush looking plant, with small red, heart shaped blossoms. She knelt down and gingerly touched the red flowers, their soft and delicate texture, just a whisper of a sweet scent released as she touched them. Owain smiled at her curiously, wondering what she found so interesting about this, what appeared to him, a weed.
“Owain! I know what this plant is!” Laurel looked up at him, smiling with bright enthusiasm.
“And why does this make you so happy dear Laurel?” Owain asked in amusement as he knelt down next to her.
“Because yesterday, I did not know what it was! The Rabkins call it gwaed y galon. They use the flowers to treat deep cuts and to stop bleeding and infection. Oh I wish I could take it with me,” Laurel, sighed as she touched the flowers once again.
“Here, I shall help you with that,” Owain replied with a smile, as he took out his dagger and began to dig away at the plant.
Laurel smiled at him warmly and also used her hands to help clear away the dirt, until she was able to lift it carefully away. Owain stood up and holding out his hand, helped Laurel to her feet. She stood holding the plant carefully in her hands, as they then began to walk back to the camp. Laurel found several other plants she suddenly became aware of and took snippets of branches from them as well.
“What is this one?” Owain asked curiously, as he smiled charmingly at her, pointing at a large scraggly looking bush.
“It is nothing, just a weed,” Laurel replied, matter of factly.
As they walked back towards the camp, Caleb who had been busy with arranging Laurel’s things and sending out two Sentinels ahead to assure him all was secure, smiled in curious amusement at seeing Laurel holding the plant carefully in her hands. Laurel walked up to him smiling in delight as she showed him the plant.
“What do you have there dearest?” Caleb asked, with a light laugh.
“Caleb I have just discovered a new plant, well at least it is new to me,” Laurel gushed animatedly, as she went on to explain her excitement. “So you see, it is only since sharing with Eira, that I have been able to recognize all these new plants. Do you feel it has something to do with this?” she asked in wonder.
“I do not see any other reason for it mo ghra. I am very happy that something so important to you happened as a result of your sharing experience. What however do you wish to do with the plant? We will be leaving shortly,” Caleb explained, still smiling at her enthusiasm.
