New Day - Chapter Five

  
 
 

"I Wish You'd Stay"
Kingdom of Abertawe
Lady Faedyn Jesseth-Callaghan
Sir William Callaghan, Knight of Fire
Location: Melrose-Durham Estate
--
 
[OOC:  This is a back post that takes place a week before the current situation in the simm.]
 
Sir William Callaghan walked atop the outer wall of the Melrose-Durham estate, dressed casually in a simple pair of black riding breeches and white blouse, the sleeves pushed up to just passed his elbow.  He stared off in the direction one of the guardsmen pointed.  About fifty yards away were three dead horses... their horses.  "Have they been looked at?" he asked the Jesseth guard.
 
"Yes, Sir... looks like wolves again," the guard told the High Knight.
 
"Alright, see to it," Callaghan said as he walked back along the top of the wall and down the ladder.  Wolves had become a problem lately and William had told the Melrose guards to inform him when another attack was spotted.  He mounted his horse and started back through the gate of the inner wall of the estate.  The estate had been given to him and his wife, Faedyn, from her parents shortly after their marriage.  William still found himself often wondering how he came to obtain all of this, and Faedyn especially.  He certainly didn't deserve it.
 
He dismounted his steed when he reached the steps leading up to the large manor.  He'd been out all morning with estate business, which he would never get used to, and he wanted to see his lovely wife.  It didn?t take him long to find her.  She was in the parlor just off the foyer.  He flashed her a smile as he entered the room and walked over to her.  "How are you feeling, darling?" he asked her sweetly as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
 
She smiled up at him and placed the letter she was reading away.  "I am fine, love.  How are you?" she asked.
 
"Fine," he told her.  "What?s that?" he motioned to the letter she'd been reading.
 
"Mother," she said.  "She and father are enjoying relaxing in the mountains," she said.  "How was your ride?"
 
"Didn't go for much of one," he said as he sat down beside her, placing a hand on her rounded belly.  She was due to give birth soon, his first children.  The midwife had said it was twins.  He was swelling with pride at the fact.  "Wolves killed three of our horses," he muttered.  Those were the first horses the wolves had gotten to.  They'd killed a total of eleven head of cattle before then.
 
"The wolves seem to be more of a problem now-a-days," she said.  "We might have to start hunting them...?
 
"I already told the guard of the watch to see to it.  They've been hunting them for the past week,? he stated.  He sighed as he leaned back, relaxing in her presence.
 
She nodded.  She took his hand and placed it on her stomach.  The twins kicked.  "They are active today," she said with a smile.
 
William turned to look into her eyes and gave her a gentle smile as he felt the babes.  "Yes... eager to come," he grinned.
 
"Please do not give them any ideas," she said with a smile.  "I do not want to give birth right now."
 
A shocked expression crossed his face as he leaned his head forward in a bow, before resting his head on her breasts.  "You must forgive me, my dear lady," he joked.
 
"Hmm, I'll think about it... if you will send Elhana for some berries," she said lightly stroking his hair.
 
"Now?" he muttered in a drowsy state.  He turned his lips to the exposed area of her chest at the neckline of her dress, kissing her softly.  He knew he probably should not put them in a position to be caught in an intimate moment with his wife, but he didn?t care at the moment.
 
"Hmmm," she murmured.  "It... can... wait."  She slid her hands into his hair a bit more.
 
William's lips traced a hot path along her neck and eventually found her lips.  His relentless tongue gently pushed through her lips as he kissed her deeply.  Suddenly, a yell was heard from the corridor.  "Sir Callaghan!  A rider for you!" one of the guards shouted in an alarmed tone.  The yell caused William to pull away from Faedyn abruptly.
 
"I'll be back," he told her irrately before standing up and walking out into the corridor to find the guard.
 
She sighed and lay back against the cushions.  Darn that guard.  She quickly rearranged her dress so it looked proper and called for her maid... and those berries.
 
Once William found the guard, he walked with him out of the manor to see a messenger standing alongside a weary horse and the foot of the steps leading up to the entrance.  William walked down the steps after assessing the rider.  The dispatcher bowed his head before saying, ?Lord Iowerth has sent for you, milord.  I left two weeks ago, but had difficulties getting here,? the guard spoke quickly, noting the cold gaze of the High Knight.  "You have been called in service to the King... there is a battle at the Sanglet estates," the man told Callaghan, handing him a missive.
 
Sir Callaghan gazed at the man a moment before looking down and reading the missive.  The Sanglet estates were a week?s ride from the Melrose Manor.  He looked back up at the realization of what was gong on there.  One of his squires, Gavin, came running towards them.  "Start getting my things together Gavin... Find Kynan and Dafydd immediately."
 
"Yes, Sir," Gavin replied before running back toward the guardhouses to find the other two squires.
 
William turned to the guard that had accompanied him out.  "Get eight men ready to ride.  If there is a battle, I want men ready to fight."  With that, William turned on his heal and jogged back up the steps, taking them two at a time.  Already worries were running through his mind.  Faedyn was eight months pregnant...  He stopped in the entrance to the parlor.  He didn't want to tell her he was leaving... he didn't want to leave her, but it was his duty.  The expression on his face was enough to tell Fae that something was wrong.
 
Fae looked at him worriedly.  She pushed herself slowly to her feet.  "William?" she asked.  "William, what's wrong?" she stepped towards him.
 
"I have to go..." he told her quietly.  He did not want to worry her with details.
 
"Go?  Go where William?" she asked closing the distance between them.  "Go where?"
 
"The King has called for me," he said, looking down into her eyes.  The missive had said the battle could last for months...  God he didn't want to miss the birth of his children...
 
"Called to you the capitol?  But William, we have not been there for months, why back there now?"
 
"Not to the capitol, Fae," he sighed, realizing he would have to tell her.  "There is a battle," he said as he took her hand.  "I will be back as soon as I can," he told her gently.
 
She went pale.  He was being called to war.  Now?  Of all times?  "Now?" she managed to get out.  ~Oh please no, not now~ she thought.  "William..." she broke off, the words not coming out.  "Where?"
 
"The Sanglet estates... it's a week away," he said to her.  He touched her face softly.  "Please, do not worry, Fae.  You have our children to worry about."
 
"How... how can I not worry?" she managed to get out.  She raised her eyes to his, her blue eyes filling with tears.  It would be the first time they would be apart since their marriage.  "Oh God, William," she managed as she reached out to hug him.
 
He embraced her securely.  "It is my duty, Fae.  You knew this when we married..." he told her gently.  "I've done this my whole life.  Do not worry," he said to her.  He thought back to when he'd been ambushed... months ago now.  That was probably why she was so worried.
 
She nodded and buried her face in his chest for a moment.  Then he heard words, muffled by his shirt. "Promise me you'll come back..."
 
He smiled.  "I promise... and I am not leaving for a couple of hours.  The men are getting gear and supplies ready," he told her gently, touching her face softly again.
 
She nodded and took his hand.  "Come with me then," she said softly.  "I want to show you something."
 
William wiped her tears away with his free hand before saying, "Certainly."  He gave her another gentle smile.  He didn?t want her worrying over him this late in her pregnancy.
 
She led him out of the parlor and up the stairs to the second floor, then along a narrow hall past their bedroom and the new nursery and to the small door that lead to one of the turrets.  She opened the door and led him inside and up the stairs to the small watch room.  One she had personally cleaned and decorated... it was basically a room with shelves of books, candles and on the floor were a large pile of cushions and blankets.  She drew him inside and said.  "Stay here with me at least until you have to leave?"
 
William looked around, startled at the room.  He hadn?t even known it was there.  "Did you do this?"
 
She nodded.  "Yes... I wanted us to have a place where no one would disturb us..."
 
He looked back at her, his heart beating heavily in his chest.  "Of course I'll stay with you," he said softly.
 
She leaned up and kissed him gently.  "Good."
 
William pulled her into him and kissed her fully.  He did not want to leave her, almost frightened at how she?d softened him.  He trained with the guards and his squires every day, but it wasn?t the same.  He didn't want to leave his children without a father and his wife without a husband.  Before he'd married he wouldn't have had to worry about this... but now he was in love, and love did drastic things.  He needed her now.
 
Fae kissed him back and clung to him.  She had known this day would come but had never thought it would come so soon.  She ran her hands through his hair, pulling it free from his braid.
 
William gently pushed her toward the cushions and laid her back on it, falling over her and kissing her intensely.  He knew they could do nothing in her condition, but he needed her closeness.  She kissed him back deeply, her fingers curling in his hair.  She did not want him to go, but as he had to, she wanted to get as much of him into her memory as she could.
 
William suddenly stopped, knowing if they went on this way much longer, he wouldn't be able to control himself.  It was dangerous this late in her pregnancy.  He pulled his lips away from hers.  "Fae... we cannot..." he said breathlessly.
 
She moaned and looked up at him wistfully.  "I... know" she said sadly.  She wanted him badly.  "I miss you."
 
"And I you," he whispered, smoothing her hair away softly.  With him so close, she could feel how much he wanted her, but he was controlling himself.  Not wanting to risk anything, he got off of her and lay down beside her.
 
She closed her eyes for a moment, struggling to get her control.  "God, William, I need you," she said suddenly, the raw need and lust in her voice, shocking her.
 
William was startled.  He had never seen her this way before... this bold about it.  He reached over and stroked her cheek softly, a feral look in his eyes.  He could not bring himself to say anything.
 
She reached up and touched his cheek.  Slowly she raised her head and kissed him; deeply, passionately.  She really did not care about the consequences anymore.  He was leaving, going away for God knows how long and she wanted him one last time before he left, so she could hold that to her when it was dark and she was alone.
 
After a long moment, William was finally able to pull away.  "Faedyn... please..." he pleaded with her in a faint whisper to stop.  He did not want to hurt her...
 
"Why?" she breathed softy.
 
"I do not... do not want to hurt you...  It isn't supposed to be done this late..." he managed to get out.
 
She groaned and whimpered.  "William..."
 
William knew he was going to have to take control of the situation.  He took Faedyn and brought her into him as he laid on his side, her back to him.  He wrapped his arms around her and said, "Just lay with me, Fae..."
 
She sighed and curled into his arms.  "Okay, love," she whispered back.  She forced her desire down.  She rested her head on a cushion and added, "I am going to miss you," softly.
 
"I am going to miss you, too, darling..." he told her gently as he smoothed her hair away from her face and touched her face.
 
She looked up at him silently.  "Months ago you said our child would not grow up without his father... now... promise me that our children will have a father, love," she said softly.
 
He stared into her eyes a long moment before saying, "I promise."  He'd hoped she wouldn't take it this hard...
 
His promise seemed to help her a bit and she nodded and snuggled down in his arms again.  William held her securely.  He was almost sure he was going to miss the birth of his children...  He felt horrible.  "I'm sorry, darling," he said gently.
 
"It's not your fault," she said softly.
 
William buried his face in her hair.  He wanted to imprint her scent on his mind.  He knew he needed to go get ready, but he wasn't ready to leave her yet.
 
She shut her eyes and took his hands and placed them over the spot where their children grew.  She sent up a silent prayer for William to come home safely.  "I am going to be terribly bored," she said softly.  "Without you around to keep me from mischief."  She was trying to lighten the atmosphere.
 
He smiled at her comments.  "You will have our children to keep you company soon."
 
"It's not the same and you know it," she said.  "I mean I know Roger, he won't even let me out of my room if he had the choice.  Better where he knows where I am instead of out making trouble."  She gave a very unladylike snort.
 
"You shouldn't be up and about right now anyway, darling," he said softly.
 
She turned her head.  "I'd be bored silly and you know it," she said with a smile.
 
"You can talk with Elhana," he suggested.
 
"I'd like to be alive when you get back, not dead from total boredom," she said.  "Elhana will not hold a proper conversation with me even if I order her to.  All I get is 'yes ma'am' and 'no Milady'" she said in perfect imitation of her maid's voice.  At sixteen Faedyn did not have any friends of her own age nor her own sex.  She considered Gavin a friend and Roger and some of the men at arms who were not scared of her husband as friends but other than that...
 
William sighed as he ran his fingers through her soft wisps of hair.  "I'm sorry..." he told her again.  "I'll be back as soon as I can."
 
She nodded.  "I'll hold you to that," she said softly.
 
"I need to go get ready..." he said to her in a whisper.  He rested one of his hands over her belly one last time.
 
The babies kicked his hand as if telling him off.  Faedyn nodded sadly.  "Okay.  I understand, love."
 
"Meet me in the parlor?" William asked her as he slowly released her, sitting up and fixing his hair back.
 
She nodded.  "Yes.  I will."  She sat up and watched him.
 
He finished and looked back at her with a smile.  He leaned towards her and kissed her lips softly.  "I love you," he told her when he pulled away.
 
"I love you, too," she said softly.  She pushed herself to her feet slowly and looked out the window at the afternoon sun.  "You sure you can not stay until tomorrow?"
 
William stood, watching her.  "I cannot Faedyn.  They need me..." he said.  He walked over to her and gently pulled her hair behind her shoulder, kissing her neck before he turned and left the room.  He knew if he did not leave now, he would not be able to.
 
She heard him leave and after a few moments of silent contemplation she followed suit.  She walked out and then down the stairs and out into the main house and then down the main stairs and into the parlor where she sat and waited for William.
 
--
 
William met with Gavin and Dafydd in the main hall.  Both were carrying his armor and gear.  "The men should be ready in half an hour," Gavin relayed.  Callaghan nodded and led them into a side room.  It only took a few minutes to fasten his armor and surcoat on.  He did not put on his chain mail or all of his armor, wishing to ride light until they got closer to the Sanglet estates.  It would be a long trip.  Shouts of men were heard throughout the house as men prepared to leave, gathering equipment and supplies.
 
Sir Callaghan finished with putting on his cloak and sword.  He walked outside to see a line of horses ready to go.  He spotted one of the stable boys and called him over.  "Get the messenger a fresh horse," he ordered the boy.
 
"Yes, milord," the boy said quickly before running off to fetch another horse.
 
Callaghan walked down the wide steps to the sergeant in charge of the men accompanying him.  Most of the men were already standing ready next to their mounts.  "Are we ready?" William asked the man.
 
"Aye, milord.  The last of the men are coming now with supplies and equipment," the sergeant told him.
 
Callaghan nodded and turned around, walking back up the steps and into the parlor.  His imposing figure appeared in the entrance of the parlor.
 
Faedyn looked up at him.  A sad smile flirted around her lips.  She stood and walked towards him.  She did not know what to say to him.  She took in him in his armor and cloak.
 
William brought her closer to him.  "They're ready," he said sullenly.
 
She nodded.  "Okay," she said softly.
 
He managed to give her a gentle smile.  "Talk to me," he said as he touched her face softly.  When she said nothing, he suddenly and unexpectedly fell to one knee, placing his ear to her rounded belly.  "Tell them their father loves them and will be back," he said quietly.
 
She touched his head gently.  "I... I will," she said softly.  She took a breath to stop herself from bursting into tears there and then.  "William, I love you. Come home safe," she whispered as she struggled for control.
 
"I will," he told her steadily.  He turned his head and placed a gentle kiss on her belly before standing up with the clank of his sword against his armor.
 
She nodded softly and took his hand gently in hers and turned it over and placed her family pendant in it and then closed his hand over it.  She then pressed her lips to his knuckles.  William took the pendent and placed it in a small pouch attached to his sword belt.  He then reached behind Faedyn?s neck and removed the necklace she always wore.  He took off his family crest ring and slipped it onto her necklace before gently fastening it back around her neck.  It was the first time he?d taken off the ring since she?d known him.
 
She took the ring in her hand and looked at him questionably.  "William?" she asked softly.
 
"Keep it," he told her gently, touching her face.
 
"When you get home..." she said.  "I'll give it back."
 
He nodded and leaned forward, kissing her cheek.  "I must go now," he told her as he held her close.
 
She nodded and kissed his cheek gently.  "Take care," she whispered.
 
"I will see you soon," he told her before he released her.  Saying goodbye seemed too final, so he didn?t.  He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.   He finally pulled away from her and turned, walking down the foyer and outside.
 
Faedyn followed at a short distance and stood in the doorway watching as the men mounted up. She so badly wanted to run to him and beg him to say no and to stay at home but she did not. She stood there holding onto the ring he had placed on her necklace and watching with sad eyes.
 
William mounted his steed and turned the restless horse back to face her, watching her as she clenched the heavy ring in her small hand.  He finally roughly turned his horse toward the gates, spurring his horse into motion.  The string of mounted men followed as they started off at a quick pace.  William vowed to himself that he would come back to her.

Faedyn watched them ride off and then turned silently back into the house and headed for the upper room where she stood and watched until the dust of their parting horse's hooves could no longer be seen, then she sank to her knees and cried.





That's It...He's Never Touching Me Again
Lady Faedyn Callaghan
and introducing
Lord Kendall Price
Lady Kaitlyn Raelin Callaghan

  
"That is it HE IS NEVER TOUCHING ME AGAIN !!" were the first things that met Lord Rhyss Jesseth's ears as he and his wife ran into the Caer of Melrose. It was obvious that his daughter was in labor.
 
"Making Love is not worth this AGONY!!"
 
He winced and his wife smirked. "I agree with her" she smirked at her husband as they ran up the stairs to hear the next scream of pain and the words that followed.
 
"And the BLASTED BA**&^&%&^%$#*" "'FAEDYN!'" cried her Maid shocked cutting her curse off. "You kiss your mother with that mouth?"
 
"Well he isn't here so I am defiantly cursing him Elhana now GET OFF MY CASE!!"
Elhana rolled her eyes as the midwife just shrugged. "The lady is in pain. Its her right to scream about the man who put her in this position." The midwife said calmly.
 
"She only has herself to blame" Elhana muttered as Faedyn screamed again with a contraction. "She snuck out and slept with him." "ELHANA!! SHUT UP!!" Faedyn yelled before falling back on the pillows and shutting her eyes. ~William.. God come home..~ She screamed suddenly. 
 
"The contractions are quickening up." Stated the Midwife.

"OH QUIT STATING THE *&^%&%&^$$*^(_ OBVIOUS!!"

Elhana reached for a small pain stick. ?Next swear word out of you young lady and I am sticking this in your mouth!?

Fae glared at her friend. ?I have been in labor for 7 hours. And you expect me to be nice about it??

"You do not have to be nice.." She was cut off by another scream. "Just do not swear!"

***
Nearly 9 hours later the midwife was worried. The contractions were nearly 1 minute apart and Faedyn was exhausted she had run out of curses and swear words hours ago and was now down to whimpering for her husband. She wanted him there.

Her mother and father had visited her briefly before being shooed out.

She cried through the next contraction and the midwife looked even more concerned, she was weakening. 

*** 2 hours later the midwife was able to deliver the first babe, a boy who screamed his way into the world.
 
"Kendall Price Callaghan" Faedyn managed to whisper to Elhana before crying out as another contraction hit her. Blood had began to flow from her after Kendall's birth but the midwife waved the concerns away.

Nearly another three hours later Kendall?s sister Kaitlyn Raelin Callaghan was born, followed by a rush of blood. Faedyn cried out in pain. 

"There is too much blood.. she is hemorrhaging!" the mid wife yelled as she began to try to stop the bleeding.

Faedyn fell unconscious as they worked. A maid lifted her head and forced a herbal potion down her throat to help clot her blood. 

2 hours later they had stopped the bleeding and gently moved Faedyn from the laying room back to her own room and lay her on clean linens.  The babes, though small, (They were almost 1 ½ months early) and Kaitlyn was smaller then her brother were lain in cradles and placed beside Faedyn's bed. Faedyn slept for the next 18 hours, resting and regaining her strength. 




A Future Found
Evrain Llyr
An old unnamed crone

Evrain Llyr had ridden many a weary mile through the highland passes that 
separated his home from Abertawe and he still had many leagues yet to go.  
The way had been lonely for rumours of war and distant strife had thinned the 
casual traffic out and when each village and hamlet had been left behind 
Evrain had been thrown upon his own company.  Now, as the sun's rim began to 
touch he peaks ahead of him, he began to think of seeking shelter for the 
night.  Up here, in these highlands the nights had a chill of their own and 
Evrain's horse blankets were no match for it.   For the next few miles he 
cast about for signs of habitation but saw none and then, just as darkness 
began stealing over the land he spotted a glimmer of light away in a copse to 
his left.  Turning from the track Evrain urged his mount along a faint path 
hoping that at the end would lie a farm where at the very least a warm barn 
might be made available to him.  His hopes sank somewhat as he emerged into a 
clearing about which grew rank weeds and whose centre was occupied by a low 
mound from which the light and a trickle of smoke emerged.  Dismounting 
Evrain walked about this squat circular structure until he located what he 
took for the entrance.  A place where the turf and heather gave way to a 
horse skin crudely slung across a gap.  "Is anyone home to a lone traveller?" 
He called and as he did so the horse skinh quivered and a being emerged.

Evrain was somewhat shocked at the sight as an old crone, dressed all in 
black and clutching a stick made of writhing vine stems tottered into the 
clearing. She looked about, snuffing the air and then as if having located 
Evrain by his scent she turned towards him.  "Good sir you are expected!" she 
replied and using her staff she flung back the horse skin door.  "Enter!  I 
have made all ready for you!"  Evrain made to enter, tying the horses reins 
to a protruding branch.  "Nay good sir!" scolded the crone " He must enter 
too lest you wish him to fill the belly of a wandering bear!"   Evrain picked 
up the reins again and ducking his head led the horse into the hovel.  Inside 
the ground had been excavated to make a circular pit so the head room was 
better then would at first appear.  In the centre a turf fire smouldered upon 
a hearth stone but what took Evrain's eye was the very number and jumble of 
bones, feathers, curious shaped stones and animal skulls that festooned every 
space.  The old crone noted his glances and cackled " Aye!  I am one who 
reads the signs!  But you knowest that!   Come!" she urged " Sit upon this 
fur and let us first sup and then to business."
"To business?" enquired Evrain as he lowered himself on to the wolf skins 
that were strewn about the fire.  "Why the business you are upon!" replied 
the old one enigmatically as she busied herself with pots and pans.  For all 
her odd appearance and the disconcerting nature of the habitation the old 
woman could cook and Evrain was happy to fill his stomach with the tastey hot 
food she laid before him.  

When they had finished and all was cleared away the woman drew forth a clay 
pipe, filled it with leaf and proceeded to light it.  As the smoke rolled 
over Evrain he noticed it had a soft yet pungent aroma quite unlike the stuff 
smoked by anyone he knew.  "Now to business!" declared the old lady and 
rummaging about her person she extracted from the layers of filthy rags that 
she wore a pouch.  Opening the pouch she extracted five bones and lay them 
upon the floor.  "Here we have the finger bones of a virgin who pined away 
for want of love" she informed him " And there are none finer for lifting the 
veil."
"Lifting the veil?" asked Evrain a little perplexed.
"The future!" snapped the old lady " I read the bones 'an they tell me what 
lies in the future!"
Suddenly Evrain found himself becoming interested, if not a little excited 
and apprehensive in equal measure.   For Evrain was always one to want to 
know what he might next aspire to.  "But first" said the woman massaging her 
fingers and the joints cracked like firewood, "Let us read the palm and learn 
of the past!"  She grasped Evrain's hand and turned it palm up.  She lowered 
her face until her nose brushed his palm, muttering all the while to herself. 
 Then she cast down his hand, drew upon her pie and as the smoke was exhaled 
she said " You are of a noble line, though many shadows lie between you and 
the fountain head.  You have found lowly employment and are wed with one 
bastard to your name."  Evrain felt the colour drain from his face as the old 
crone so accurately detailed his life thus far.  "And the future?" he managed 
to whisper.

"Hmmm" said the old woman and picking up the bones cast them upon the floor 
before getting down on all fours to observe their lie.  " I see you amongst a 
great throng, you are carrying a package that you must deliver and then a 
chance encounter with one who will change all."  The woman sat back and 
looked keenly at Evrain  "You will prosper, a title, land and wealth are 
yours" she paused as if debating some further information with herself. 
"What?" demanded Evrain " Tell me all!"  The woman sighed and swept the bones 
from the floor " I may not have cast them aright she said defensively .
"No!" said Evrain seizing her arm, which was light, leathery and very thin, 
"Tell me all!"
"Very well!" snapped the woman " You have a doom about you and your greatness 
will fall, your wealth evaporate and your life blood flow upon the floor  whe
n the one who is begat by a white swan draws his sword against you."
It took a moment for the message to register and then Evrain began to laugh, 
" One begat of a white swan?  What cygnet will draw a sword? Why I am 
invulnerable!"  and joyful in this news Evrain made his bed and slept a night 
filled with the dreams of what his wealth and power might bring him.


"Arrival"
Kingdom of Abertawe

Sir William Callaghan, Knight of Fire
NPC - Gavin Tresthyn, Squire
NPC - Dafydd Ryalld, Squire
NPC - Kynan Evandloss, Squire

Location: On the road to the Sanglet estates

--

The party of thirteen men rode at a steady gallop toward the Sanglet estate, Sir Callaghan and the sergeant of the Melrose guard in front as they rode in two columns down the rocky road.  William had pushed them hard, and they were to get there a day early... that very evening.  It was heading into late afternoon, and Callaghan decided it was time for the last break for the horses, before the last stretch.

They veered off the stony road, toward a flowing stream.  Gavin, reading his knight's mind, came around with the other two squires and William?s armor.  William dismounted while one of the Melrose guards took his horse for water.  Sir Callaghan pulled on a thick leather padded vest over his light undershirt, and then a coat of mail.  Gavin and Kynan fastened on his breast plate and back plate before William pulled on his white surcoat, which bore his family crest.  Lastly, he pulled over it a long black jerkin with a straight collar and reached just below his knees and had no sleeves, and it was open.  He fastened his sword belt over his surcoat.

Once he was finished with that, he fastened on his armor for his legs, over his thighs and shins, and then over his knees.  It was nothing more than thick dark leather with tightly sewed metal links.  He hated plate armor and only wore it on his chest, back, and arms.  He pulled his gauntlets over his leather riding gloves before returning to his horse.  He took a flask from the horse and walked to the stream, kneeling down and filling it up.

His mind was blank right then.  He always cleared his mind before going into battle, or combat situations... or tried to most of the time at least.  When he was finished, he stood and took a drink from the flask before tying it back to the end of his saddle.  Sir Callaghan took his shield from Dafydd as he mounted his steed.  He fastened on the straps, one around his forearm and the other around his hand.

The shield was just over a foot and a half wide, and a little over two and a have feet long.  The top of it was flat, and the edges rounded down to a point at the bottom.  The field of the shield was black with a silver crackle.  From the top center, a thick bold red line extended halfway down, before it branched off into a chevron, looking like an upside down Y.  The line also bordered the edges of the steel/iron shield.  On the center of the shield was a silver plate, shaped almost the same as the shield, but a bit squarer.

The family crest of the Callaghan family and symbol of the Knight of Fire were on the plate.  The Callaghan family crest was a guardant eagle, its head turned to the right with outstretched wings.  Hanging from the eagle's claws was a bushel of roses.  Flames came out from behind the eagle, and two swords were also crossed behind.  It had all been painted and sealed.  Silver coated trimmings, running the length of the thick border, were at each corner at ninety degree angles for the top two corners, and then a V trimming for the bottom one.

The crest of the Callaghans symbolized a long line of great knights.  Sir Callaghan looked like the quintessential patrician High Knight as he sat atop his steed and ordered them to move out.  He was definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The rest of the men mounted up and they found their way back to the road.  William's steed's barding had been strapped on while he was getting on his own armor.   The symbol of Melrose-Durham was on the saddle blankets of the other horses.

Two hours passed before the procession came within view of the camp.  Soldiers paced about camp restlessly while others guarded.  Sir Callaghan held up his hand to halt them.  He turned to face the sergeant of the guard.  "Take your men and report yourselves in," he told them.  He turned to Dafydd and Kynan.  "Take our supplies and settle in somewhere... Gavin, come with me," he finished.  He spurred his horse forward toward the command tent to report in to the general, Gavin following close behind.


The Vile Dog"
Kingdom Of Abertawe
Lord Iorwerth
Seth
Nwython
Sir Gwynne Hawley- Crest of Topaz
Sir William Callaghan


The attack came fast and furious. The wedge of men cut a clear path to the
gate and then through it. Desperate men make a furious weapon. No one on the
wall could see anyone really in command of this force. They had one intent,
the flag of Iowerth flying over
his tent.

It had taken Iorweth by surprise. As it was a suicide action, and Sanglet
didn't seem the kind of man for sacrifices. By the time he was armed, the
enemy had reached his tent. the general had just had time to send his pages
to get him help in the meantime he started to defend himself. Fighting for
all he was worth.

The men who had managed to reach the tent were vicious in their intent. Most
of Sanglet's men were engaged as they were intercepted in their route. But
these ten were better then most of the rest and had their objective firmly
set.

Iorwerth realised he would be in trouble if help did not reach him soon.
Some of his advisaries had already been able to nick him. And the last of
his squires had just been killed before his eyes.

Seth entered the tent and swung furiously at the nearest man. This had not
been an attack of honor but a murder mission and it was clear to anyone that
had been able to watch the attack. He had been on the outer bailey wall and
had been forced to fight his way here.

He soon made it Iowerth's side. Bronwen had not been sent home yet. He would
not allow her to be taken or his father-in-law to fall here. From the rear
of the tent, the blades of several swords pierced the canvas, slicing the
fabric from the roof to ground level.

Iorwerth was glad for the support, yet his heart missed a beat when he saw
that it was only his son-in-law. Now the boy too was in terrible danger, and
the general was fighting even harder, not for his own life, but for that of
the young man next to him.

Seth fought for his life and the life of his father by marriage. He wondered
where the rest of Iowerth's best were. His guards already lay dead outside
his tent. He narrowly parried a thrust and then sliced the man's side open
wide. He watched as his eyes widened with the realization he was dead. He
glanced at Iowerth just in time to see a man about to skewer him from
behind. He jumped forward with a shout and shoved the thrust aside, but took
another one from a different assailant in the lower left of his back. The
pain was immense and he gasped as he dropped reflexively to his knees.

He was kicked roughly to one side. The attacker who had stabbed him turned
his head, only to be met face first with the leading edge of a white shield.
His skull crushed from the front, he fell backwards to the ground, already
dead. Seth's apparent saviour pivoted in a calculated movement, hacking
through the armour of Iowerth's original attacker. He lost all power to the
lower half of his body and collapsed at his feet, his hands making a vain
effort to stem the flow of blood and other viscera.

At the same time, Iowerth's view was blocked by men who had come around from
behind, shielding him from the rest of his assailants.

Nwython, both sword and shield now stained with blood, took a hold of Seth's
armour at the shoulder and dragged him towards Iowerth. His folllowers
parted to allow him through. Sanglet's men now realised that the certain
victory they had been promised, was evaporating before their eyes. For half
a dozen better armed and armored men and women of the Church stood before
them.

And it looked like they meant business.

Iorwerth most panting. He was hurt himself, although he had no idea how
seriously. The boy at his feet looked severely wounded, yet there was no
time to look at that now. He nodded his thanks to Nwython, and saw more of
his own commanders coming towards him finally.

"I want Sanglet!" He said almost out of breath.

Gwynne had been fighting a few remnants of Sanglet's men when he looked over
to see that the general was okay. It was then that he heard Iorwerth yell
for Sanglet. He surveyed the ground quickly, and the snake was nowhere to be
found.

There was only one place Gwynne thought Sanglet would go- the cabin just a
few miles from here, where he had rescued Jolene. Gwynne, killed the last
man that attacked him and made his way to the General, "Sire, I know where
Sanglet has gone, or at least I have my suspicions. I can direct you there
milord if you desire?" Gwynne asked in a stately, courtly manner.

It was not long after Sir Callaghan entered the camp grounds of the
general's men that he realized the command tent was under attack.  He looked
back at Gavin briefly before spurring his horse quickly towards the tent.
>From the side he was coming at, he could see inside the shredded canvas.
Men whom he assumed were Sanglet's were still trying to get inside, but it
looked as if it was subsiding.

The High Knight did not slow down as he neared, but drew his sword and
rushed them from behind, slicing two men across the back of the neck before
jumping from his horse and running one more through.  Once the way was
clear, Callaghan ran into the tent in time to hear another knight mention to
the general something about Sanglet's location.  He briefly wondered what
had delayed the messenger so long.  He could have been here a week ago.

Iorwerth wiped some blood of his face. "Show the way."  He growled.  This
was going to end now.

"Aye my lord, right this way," Gwynne didn't hesitate he had his page fetch
his horse and was on his saddle in mere minutes. "He's up this road to the
north, there's a cabin through some thick bushes and trees, hidden from the
main road. He's stashing his wealth there, if Sanglet put his wealth in this
hideout, the vile dog is sure to follow."

And with those words, Gwynne led the way to where they could find Sanglet.



"Taking Stock"
Lord Sanglet.
Sir Hexlor

The battle was raging inside and outside the walls. Hexlor had tried 
repeatedly to warn Sanglet against going to war to soon, but he would not pay 
any heed to the experienced tactician. Sanglet had just asked him to get the 
cannon ready, but the fool didn't understand the training it needed.
 
None of the men Sanglet had issued him had had any time to learn how the 
machine worked, and though, in the short time they had been with him, Hexlor 
had tried to explain it's mechanics, it seemed that all five men were 
bufoons, who had as much brains as their master. 
 
Nevertheless, there was no more time. Sanglet had already attacked and 
Iowerth was approaching with more men. A troop of soldiers had been sent to 
fetch the cannon, and guard it as it was brought into battle along with its 
operators, and Hexlor only had a minute to run over the details of its 
operation before the soldiers began rolling it out of the foundry.
 
Hexlor ran about it frantically as he tried to make sure no one damaged it. 
If he had had more time he could have improved upon it, and made it stronger, 
but Sanglet had been typically rash.
 
Sir Hexlor turned the cannon towards the knot of men that 
led this treachery.  Smiling with satisfaction, the fuse was lit.  The cannon
had been tested multiple times as the crew trained and it had not failed.  
What Hexlor did not know is that an error in the casting had been created.
Each time he had fired the cannon, it had weakened slightly.  When the blast
sounded, everyone in the battle dropped to the ground at the horrifying 
deafening sound.
When the smoke cleared, the cannon had stood, there was a smoking pile of 
debris, body parts and metal.  The secondary blast from the powder kegs had 
put a hole in the ground
and many about became crying out that a witch was among them.   Many 
surrounding the area were littered with flying splinters of metal and wood.

Sanglet watched as disarray and disbelief played out before him.  His
men were totally unorganized. He turned to the trumpert. "Order them
back within the Caer."  He knew that it would be difficult for Iowerth
to force his men out.  They had already removed wooden shutters and pulled
flamables away from windows. The large stone manse had one main tower 
structure
The tower had one entrance from outside and one from the main manse.  both
closed with stone constructed doors that he had prepared for a internal 
seige.
They would not fall to a battering ram easily.  

The trumpet sounded and men that were able quickly fought their way back in 
to doors.
Sanglet was forced to sacrifice almost twenty-five to shut the doors.  Their 
valiant
death's kept the invaders from preventing the shutting of the tower door.  
Immediately,
every window was filled with an archer and arrows soon reigned down on the 
attackers
from the top of the tower and the every open edificie.  

Burke was shouting orders when he took an arrow in  the shoulder that knocked 
him 
from his horse.  His men pulled him to oneside and he continued to bark 
orders while
at the same time, cursing at the man trying to remove the arrow.  "Leave it, 
ye bastard!"

HIs men were still flooding inside the gate now that there was no resistance. 
 When Gwilym rode through, Burke saluted him from the wagon he had been 
forced behind.  Arrows
were still raining down as if the very skies had opened up.  "I am sorry, 
milord, I could not keep him from shutting the door."  Burke's face was pale 
and while the wound did not seem to be bleeding, he was having problems 
breathing.


"To Seige the Tower"
Lord Burke,
Lord Gwilym

Gwilym rode into the compound leading his men. Several of Sanglet's men fell 
to his sword and those of the rest of the troops as they finally reached the 
castle, happy to find it still opened. Gwilym glanced around to assess the 
situation and found Lord Burke behind a wagon with an arrow in his shoulder. 
Gwilym dismounted as Lord Burke spoke and nodded, "You have done the kingdom 
a great service, Lord Burke." Gwilym looked to the tower that Sanglet and the 
rest of his forces barricaded themselves within. "There was nothing you could 
do to prevent them from entering that place. It is not a tower ... it is to 
become a tomb."
 
Gwilym stood and looked to his men around him and those of Lord Burkes. 
"First, get this man to safety as we have healers back at the camp. I do not 
fear that more of Sanglet's troops will attack. Make him a stretcher and get 
the Lord there as soon as possible trying to keep it as easy as possible to 
ease his pain." Gwilym spoke that as an order not a request and ignored the 
look of protest that came from Lord Burke's eyes.
 
"Second, send a rider with all due speed towards Iowerth and give him an 
assessment of the situation as well as to bring down the catapults. Let the 
General know that we have time. I want the rest of these men to set camps 
around the perimeter of this tower but out of the way of the volley of arrows 
that continue to come from it. Every man is to stay on alert keeping watch 
over the tower. With Sanglet barricaded in their, we will be here a while, 
quite possibly months." Gwilym wished there was a way he could get to the 
traitor.
 
"Get every captive and create a prisoner location on the outskirts of this 
estate away from the battle. Put your best interrogators on every one of them 
and learn whatever information you can about this tower and it's defenses." 
Gwilym wasn't sure that interrogation would do any good, but he had to try.
 
"Last, bring me the soldier with the loudest voice to me here on the double." 
Within minutes a large soldier with a dep booming voice that reminded him of 
his giant friend Niall, made his way towards Gwilym. "I am the liudest voice 
in this militia, Sir. How can I help." The large man said confused.
 
"I want you to yell this out every thirty minutes until I order you to stop: 
To the men in the tower, sanctuary will be provided to all who aid us in this 
final peril. You have lost and have no where to go. After time, your food 
will run out, and you will begin to starve. The Forces of the rightful king 
Hawk, only want Lord Sanglet. Swear loyalty to the true king and bring us 
Sanglet. I swear upon my all that is holy that your lives will be spared. No 
more lives need to be lost in order to bring this man to justice. The choice 
is yours." Gwilym had a conscript right out his words and hand them to the 
soldier. "Every thirty minutes I say. Do you understand?"
 
"Yes Sir Lord Gwilym. As you command." The soldier took up spot behind the 
wagon to maintain safety from the arrows and began his thirty minute routine 
belting out from the top of his lungs:
 
"To the men in the tower, sanctuary will be provided to all who aid us in 
this final peril. You have lost and have no where to go. After time, your 
food will run out, and you will begin to starve. The Forces of the rightful 
king Hawk, only want Lord Sanglet. Swear loyalty to the true king and bring 
us Sanglet. I swear upon my all that is holy that your lives will be spared. 
No more lives need to be lost in order to bring this man to justice. The 
choice is yours!"
 
Gwilym smiled in satisfaction. This was a common ploy as the men in the tower 
would begin to lose sanity with lack of sleep and food. It would take much 
time for it's effects to kick in, though, and Gwilym was all too aware of 
that.
 
"The rest of you, set up areas for the catapults. Find rocks big enough to 
thud against the side of the tower without bringing the structure down. We 
are going to continually bombard them to keep them awake and drive their 
insanity with a lack of sleep." As the men dispersed, Gwilym waited patiently 
for General Iowerth to arrive.



"Surprise Visit"

Kingdom of Abertawe
Lady Faedyn Jesseth-Callaghan
Lord Roger Jesseth, 3rd cousin of Faedyn
Lord Evan Callaghan
Lady Ariana Callaghan
Location: Caer of Melrose

--

Lady Faedyn Callaghan sat in a comfortable chair in the front sitting room, 
staring at her cousin Roger.  "Lord Evan Callaghan," she managed to get out. "Coming here?"

Roger nodded.  "Yes... He wants to see William... but as you know..."

"I know... My husband is with the king... did you tell him that?"

"Before we could they had already set out; he, his wife and 20 good 
soldiers."

Fae wanted to die.  She had only just been allowed out of bed and barely 
allowed to walk more then a few meters because of the birth... and now she 
had to play hostess to William's Uncle and Aunt, just perfect.  "When can we 
expect them?"

"Today."  He dodged his cousin's dagger as she flung it at him.  It embedded 
in the wall behind him.

"And you are telling me NOW?" she snapped.

"You were in pain Fae...  Besides, Elhana has already gotten things ready, 
they will be staying in the west wing... which as you know is the farthest 
from you and the twins... and Fae, I barely think they will stay long once 
they discover William has been sent to the battle..."

"You want to pray they don't.  That man and I are not going to get along... 
that I can foresee.  I will be civil and polite... but if he expects me to 
simper... he has another thing coming.  Do my parents know?"

"Yes..." he broke off as a man yelled from the ramparts. "Riders 
approaching."

Fae groaned.  "I hope they do not mind me in this dress."  She motioned to 
the pale blue dress that was of rich fabric, yet of simple design.

Roger smiled.  "Your dress is fine... your hair... however."  She groaned, 
but Elhana ran in with a brush, "Your timing as always Elhana is perfect,? Roger said with a smile.  The maid just nodded and once she had finished with Fae's hair Roger helped Fae to her feet, and helped her to the large main doors, where they would await the Lord and Lady Callaghan.  After they left the sitting room, Elhana quietly removed the dagger from the wall.

Fae leaned heavily on Roger's arm.  As they watched the riders enter the 
courtyard.

The procession of men from the Caer Callaghan from Dan-yr-Coed was headed up 
by two armed soldiers riding side by side in the front, then the carriage 
bearing the Lord Callaghan and his wife, and then the rest of the men 
following in the rear.  The rigid and strictly professional persona William 
always had was seen in each and every one of soldiers... it was easy to see 
where his training had come from.

Two soldiers came around to the large carriage and opened it.  Out came a 
man that had similar facial features than William, but his age was settling 
in.  His dark hair had streaks of white and though his face had the hard 
lines of age, it was still a proud one.  The blue eyes of William?s seemed 
to be a similar trait of the Callaghan men.  The man turned once he was out 
of the carriage and helped his wife emerge.  She was still a lovely woman 
despite her age, with a tender and loving face.

Patrician barely described these people.  The man walked with his wife up 
the steps of the Caer, two soldiers following close behind.  Even the 
soldiers were intricately dressed.  Both man and wife bowed once they 
reached Faedyn and Roger, of course wondering where William was.  "I presume 
you are my nephew's lovely wife?" he asked her.  His voice seemed sharp, but 
it was evident that he did not use it to be rude... it was a voice the man 
was used to using.  His wife gave Faedyn a gentle smile.

Faedyn straightened as best she could.  "Yes, I am Faedyn Jesseth-Callaghan," she said, dropping a curtsey.  "This is my cousin, Lord Roger Jesseth.  Please, come inside.  I am sure you are tired after your journey," she said as stable hands moved about helping with the horses.  One of Roger's men was supervising.

Lord Callaghan nodded before following Faedyn into the manor.  "I'm sorry we 
came on such short notice...  Where is William?" he asked as they walked.

"Sir Callaghan was called to the battle at the Sanglet estates," Roger 
replied as they led the way into the sitting room.  "He has been gone, two 
and a half weeks now."  Fae motioned for them to sit and Roger helped her 
back to her chair.  Elhana brought in a tray of refreshments.

Fae looked at her uncle-in-law.  "Your visit, though unexpected, is quite an 
honor.  We do not get many visitors this far north.  I am sure William will 
be pleased to see you when he returns if you can stay that long..."

Lord Evan suddenly chuckled.  "Perhaps," he said as he looked around the 
room.  "I'm sorry we came while he was away."  He looked over at Faedyn.  
She seemed like a frail one.  He wondered if she was ill.  "I must ask... 
are you alright, milady?"  His wife had already taken a seat across from 
Faedyn, but he remained standing.

"That is quite a rude question, Evan," Ariana said to him.

Fae gave a small smile.  "It is okay, Milady, no offence taken...  I am 
recovering from giving birth to William's heirs," she said with another 
faint smile.

A smile spread across Ariana?s face.  "Oh my...  He never told me you were 
pregnant in our recent letters!"  She paused.  "How old are they now"  Was 
he able to be here??

"They are only a week old now," Faedyn said.  "He left before they were 
born, but he knows of them.  I wrote and told him."  She ignored the part 
about the letters.  Her husband had many secrets, and it was not that 
surprising to find out that he wrote to his aunt.

"They must be precious..." Ariana told her.  "You are quite a lovely woman, 
and with handsome William they must be," she said, still smiling.  She 
seemed very proud.  William was like a son to her, and it was easy to see.

Fae smiled.  "If you would like you may see them... They are in the nursery 
right now..."

"I would love to," Ariana told her.  She looked over at her husband.  "Come, 
Evan... let us see your nephew's children."

Fae stood slowly.  "I'll show you where it is," she said with a smile.

"It is hard to imagine William a father," Evan smirked as he moved to his 
wife's side when she stood.

Ariana shook her head.  "I don?t think so at all."

Roger glanced at Fae who gave a minute shrug and led them towards the door.  
Roger was worried Fae would over do it and he kept close as she led them 
into the foyer and towards the central staircase.

"What did you have?" Ariana asked Faedyn kindly, trying to ease the tension 
her husband was causing.

"One boy, Kendall and one girl, Kaitlyn," Faedyn replied as they moved up 
the stairs slowly.  "William picked the girls name before he left..."

"It is not surprising that you had twins," Evan said as they got to the top 
of the staircase.

Fae gave the man a puzzled look.  "William was very pleased when he found 
out I was carrying twins."  She led the way towards the east wing.

There was a pause before anyone spoke again.  "He must have become a great 
knight to be a High Knight now," Evan stated.  "I wouldn't settle with less 
than perfect out of him when he was under my training," he smiled.

Faedyn nodded.  "He is a great Knight.  And he takes his duties to the king 
very seriously."  She stopped at a door and opened it.  "They are in here," 
she said revealing a light and large room with big windows and two cribs at 
one end.  It had a table and many comfortable chairs and a large chest of 
draws.

The older couple followed Faedyn over to the cribs.  Another smile came 
across Ariana's face as she watched the sleeping children.  "They are 
beautiful," she said quietly.

Faedyn gave a smile in response.  "They do not do much more then sleep right 
now... but I am sure when they get older they will have William running in 
circles trying to keep them out of trouble."

Ariana simply smiled as she watched them.  "Congratulations to you both... 
I'm so happy for you... and happy William has settled down.  He has been 
through a lot," she said.

"Nothing that he couldn't handle," Evan said arrogantly, knowing his wife 
had always disapproved of the ways he raised the boy.

"William seems very happy with this life... and I know he has been through a 
lot," Faedyn said, her eyes, almost guileless as they fell on the older man. 
  She then looked back at the twins.  "He has so many plans for them," she 
said with a soft smile.

"So... I'm sure you and William plan on following tradition and sending 
Kendall to page in a few years?" Evan asked, though it wasn't really a 
question.  The man clearly expected it.  Every son of the Callaghans had 
become knights and their history was a great one.

Faedyn looked taken back.  "Actually we had not discussed it," she said.  
"Though I am sure when the time comes, William will make the right decision 
for Kendall," she said diplomatically, while thinking ~No child of mine will 
be fostered out like some... excess baggage~

"Hmm... I would have thought William to have decided this before the child 
was born," Evan stated plainly.

"Well if he did, he did not tell me of his intentions," Faedyn said.

"That is a shame... I'll have to discuss it with him.  I'm sure his father 
would not be pleased either," Evan said as he looked at the boy.

"That's enough, Evan," Ariana suddenly snapped at him, though her voice 
remained quiet.

Faedyn just considered her responses.  Finally she said, "Unfortunately, 
William's father's say has very little bearing on this situation.  My family 
has traditions as well that I would like to see upheld and William respects 
that.  If and when my son is fostered it will be a joint decision between 
his father and myself, and no one else."  Her voice though calm, had the 
edge of steel beneath it that had Roger, still standing in the doorway, 
smirking.  The Jesseth stubbornness was definitely going to be shown.

"And we will not intrude on that," Ariana responded coolly, though she was 
more addressing her husband.  "Isn't that right, love?" she asked him.  Evan 
only smiled.

Faedyn in no way liked that smile, but if he thought for one moment she 
would allow her child to be shuffled off to the likes of him he had another 
thing coming.  Instead of saying those things she looked at Roger and Roger 
taking his cue cleared his throat and said.  "Miladys, Milord, Elhana has 
prepared a light afternoon snack for you down in the sitting room.  Lord 
Callaghan, Lady Callaghan your rooms are being prepared as we speak."

"That sounds wonderful," Ariana said as she led the way over to Roger.  She 
was clearly a master at diplomacy... she had to be with a man like her 
husband.

Roger gave a gracious smile and said, "This way, milady."  Faedyn held back 
her smile at her cousin's antics and followed silently behind the older 
couple.

Once they got to the parlor, Evan turned to Roger.  "I presume you are head 
of the estate until my nephew returns?" he asked him.

Roger's lips twisted into a semi smile.  "No, that would be Faedyn.  But 
while she is under the weather, I am in charge.  You see, my cousin and her 
husband run this place together."

"Oh... well, I believe we should leave the ladies to talk.  Come with me, 
good man... I have some suggestions about your Melrose guard," Lord 
Callaghan stated as he walked out of the parlor.

Roger looked at Faedyn and rolled his eyes at her.  She shrugged and then 
turned to William's aunt with a smile.  Roger followed the man out, praying 
for the strength NOT to kill the man.

Lady Ariana had a seat.  "You must forgive my husband...  Dealing with the 
Callaghan men is something I?ve had to learn to do," she said with a small 
smile.

"He is certainly different from the Callaghan man I know," Faedyn said with 
a smile, though she could see where William got much of his... strictness.

"Yes, William is of a different breed," she said as she smoothed her dress.  
"I have no idea where it came from," she laughed lightly as she took the 
proffered cup of tea from Elhana.

Faedyn took her cup and nodded.  "Maybe it is because William had someone to 
teach him that being perfect was not the be all and end all," she watched 
the woman carefully.

"Well I certainly tried... but I'm afraid I cannot take credit for it.  He 
was almost exactly like Evan when he left us," she told Faedyn before taking 
a sip of the tea.  "He has changed, and it was for the better."

Faedyn nodded.  "What was William like as a boy?" she asked.  "He... does 
not say much about his childhood... sometimes it feels like he knows more 
about me then I will ever know about him."

Ariana shook her head.  "He is not a talker... never was.  He was a quiet 
boy.  He kept to himself a lot," the older woman told her.  She wondered if 
she should tell Faedyn all of it... the woman was his wife.

Fae gave a small sigh.  "Then he has not changed that much, it seems.  He 
rarely talks about his past.  I think he is very determined to make sure his 
future goes well."

"More so for his family than himself," Ariana clarified before she took 
another sip of tea.

Fae nodded.  "I know.  He was so protective of me while I was pregnant.  I 
could not walk to get myself a drink without him hovering.  It got 
annoying... even if it was sweet of him."

Lady Ariana laughed lightly.  "It does sound like him.  I remember when he 
was about ten, there was a little girl at the Caer that he adored... he 
would rush to do everything for her.  It was really quite cute," she said.

Faedyn smiled. "I think poor Kaitie is not going to be let out of his sight, 
nor Kendall for that matter.  It is just a shame he could not be here for 
their birth.  I had so many things to say to him about the agony he caused 
that I am going to have to wait for next time to say them to him.  But 
knowing my luck he will be away then as well."

"Perhaps it is safer for him," Ariana kidded.

"Yes probably is," Faedyn smiled.  "I do not think he would be able to 
handle what I would have to say to him on that subject while in pain... 
might shatter a number of his illusions where I am concerned."

"Unfortunately, I cannot sympathize... I was never able to have children.  I 
always thought of William as a son, and he was a blessing to me, despite 
what he had to go through with his uncle," she said solemnly.

Fae gave her a soft look.  "I... only know a little of what his childhood 
was like, I gather the Lord Callaghan was very strict.?

?He was the worst,? Ariana shook her head, setting her tea aside.  ?William 
had to be the best because he was a Callaghan.  The poor boy kept to himself 
so he could work on his skills and win the approval of Evan, but nothing was 
ever good enough.  He was also subject to horrible teasing from the other 
boys.  Evan never did anything to stop it.?

Faedyn paled, though it explained much about William.  ?I see...? she said 
softly.  ?And does he have his approval now do you think?  William is the 
High Knight of Fire.  He is married, with an heir and a home...?

Ariana looked out of the window.  ?Evan is indeed proud of him now, I 
believe, though he will never show it.  It is impossible to tell with him.  
I tried to protect William as a boy, but there was only so much I could do.?

Faedyn really wanted to know more but she did not want to pry.  Surely there 
was a reason to why William kept these things from her.  She just nodded.  
?Well I am sure he is grateful to you for that.?

The older lady looked back at Faedyn and smiled.  ?He loves in his own 
way... as I?m sure you have learned.?

Faedyn nodded.  ?Yes.  To the people who do not know him he seems harsh and 
cold, but I do know that the family and I see a different side of William.?

Ariana shook her head before saying, ?Yes... and do not worry about your 
dear Kendall.  William will do what is right.  After what he?s been through, 
it would have only made him better fit to be a father.  He would not subject 
his son to the same things he was.?

?I do not think William will want to send Kendall away... I mean he never 
talked about it and he seemed very determined to give the twins what ever 
they wanted...  He loves them and he has never seen them... I cannot think 
he will want to send them away...?

?Well that is something you will have to discuss with him upon his return 
then,? Ariana smiled, not wishing to worry the young woman that her nephew 
would send their son away.  She doubted it was something he would do also.

?Oh I fully intend to,? Faedyn said with a smile.

?And that sweet little girl will just melt his heart away,? the older woman 
grinned.  ?She?ll have him wrapped around her finger in no time.?

Faedyn smiled at that.  ?Indeed she will.  My father is already doting on 
her.  When he first saw her he would not let anyone pick her up for fear she 
would break.?

?That sounds like a man,? Ariana laughed.

Fae nodded with a smile.  She knew it was her father, trying to make up for 
lost time, which he had never had with his own daughter.  ?He spoils them 
both.  I am sure when they are older William and my father will be competing 
to see who can spoil them the most.?

?And the children will just love that,? William?s aunt said, still smiling.  
She was sure that it was this girl that had changed William.  He must have 
fallen hard.

?I am sure they will delight in it,? Fae replied.  She found herself 
relaxing a bit more now with Ariana, now that her husband had gone.

Ariana sighed as she smoothed out her dress again, sitting perfectly.  
?Well, I suppose I should leave you to your rest.  You?re probably exhausted 
after delivering those beautiful children... you should rest while they 
sleep,? Ariana said as she stood up.

Fae gave a small smile.  ?It?s okay... I do not mind... besides, I do not 
get much company these days... not since we left the capitol.?  Fae stood 
though.

?We still have plenty of time for more talks,? Ariana assured her.  ?Do you 
know when William is due to return??

Faedyn shook her head.  ?No.  We do not know.  It could be months... 
depending on how long Sanglet holds out.  If you wish I will have Elhana 
show you to your rooms??

?That would be lovely, dear,? Ariana smiled.  ?Thank you for being such an 
elegant hostess,? she commented.

Fae gave a very shy smile and called for Elhana.  When she arrived, Fae 
said, ?Elhana, could you please show Lady Callaghan to her rooms??

Elhana smiled and dropped a curtsey.  ?Yes, Milady.?

Fae turned to William's aunt.  ?If you need anything do not hesitate to 
ask.?

?Thank you, my dear,? Ariana gave a smile and a graceful bow.  ?It was 
wonderful talking with you,? she said before following Elhana to her rooms.



"One day in the Woods..."
- Princess Rowena
- Thosa (npc)
- The Raven (npc)

***

Rowena wandered along the path, her eyes sharp for the plants she had
been pressed upon to gather.  She liked this part of her duties, it was
private and in the woods.  Her search led her along a beautiful stream.
She wandered slowly from plant to plant.  Finally she sat down at the
waters edge and just watched. Thosa was close by and she had grown
used to his presence and his chatter.  He never seemed too far from
her.

The water was cool and crystal clear, with a transparency that magnified
the pebbles which lined it's shallow bottom. Thosa's darting eyes
scanned along it's length, searching for the sleek and slender shape that
signalled a fine lunch for himself and his charge. As he picked out a fine
and fat looking trout, he continued to talk to the Princess, a banter that
she had long ago learned was friendly yet frantic. It seemed his mind
was faster than his hand, something she could not have believed possible.

"Wouldst thou not already miss the cold walls of Alban, miss? Tis
surely warmer, smellier and louder than the forests we pass through!
Perhaps the druidess could be convinced to allow you to return to
Alban, if not to cruelly remind thee of the comfort thou has foresaken
to be our seer!" Said with mirth, Thosa did not hesitate an inch as he
stalked their lunch. Spear sharpened and raised, he had the
unsuspecting fish in his sights, but it seemed he was holding back, as
if waiting for something.

Rowena watched him as he fished. "I do not miss the walls nor
comforts of the Caer, Thosa. But I do miss my mother and my brother.
I miss them so very much."  Rowena had found two of the plants she
needed to mix the herbs to help her see home. She needed one more
and so far it had elluded her. So she had not been able to reach Hawk.
"I worry that they are well for I cannot see them in my dreams." She
sounded some what wistful.

He snapped his arm forward, a full motion through his shoulder that
was a blur to Rowena's eye. The spear skewered the water with
almost no splash, and Thosa retrieved the spear by pulling back on
the haft promptly. A fine trout writhed on it's point, impaled through
the midsection just below the dorsal fin. Thosa clucked his tongue to
the roof of his mouth in appreciation. "Thanks to ye, Mother of all, for
such a sacrifice will be a meal worth remembering," he intoned
proudly. Moving quickly, he jogged away from the water's edge and
plopped his catch in the crevasse of several rocks nearby. "Perhaps
then we will find the last of thy herbs," he said by way of continuing
the conversation. "But I warn thee again miss... do not allow Elianor
to know what you plan, for she will be displeased. Tis a method
frowned upon for one so young." He tapped the rock next to the fish
with the haft of his spear. "I will go and gather some wood for the
fire." Without waiting for another word, he vanished into the trees.

Rowena looked at him and frowned.  She had not told him what she
was about and still he warned her again.  She sat lost in thought.  A
rustle of brush did not disturb her, she was used to Thosa moving about.  

"Well met, princess." A woman's soft voice said.    

Rowena's eyes shot up in fear. She knew that voice.  She saw the
woman she had come to think of as the Raven.  Her heart trembled
with fear.  She stood and clutched at the beads around her neck.  "I
am sorry, I do not think we have met." She managed to say loudly, in
hopes Thosa would hear.  

"No nonsense, come along, your guardian is being taken care of even
as we speak." Morgan snarled.  

Rowena spun about. "Thosa, watch..." Her mouth was clamped shut
and she was pulled roughly against the woman who had caused her
such fear in the past.

"Now that won't do. Besides, I doubt he can hear you at any rate."
Morgan stroked the child's hair.  "You have given me a great deal of
trouble.  But you and I both know that we are destined to meet more
then one time.  This time, you will come with me. I know that you will
fly, but not for awhile, I think." 

Rowena tried to bite Morgan's hand and was cuffed alongside the
head for her efforts. "None of that."  Morgan roughly forced a foul gag
between Rowena's teeth. She then bound her quickly.  Once she was
satisfied with Rowena's gag and hands, she tied a long rope around the
loop of her arms to make sure she did not lurch away to far.  "Now
there, poppet, you can fight the lead all you like, but I am your mistress
now." 

Morgan turned, expecting to find her followers. Instead, she was
confronted with the point of a spear. Thosa stood in front her, covered
in the sweat of exertion and his robes torn and slashed in several places.
However instead of showing any discomfort, he wore a satisfied grin.
Like a cat that had eaten the pail of milk from a full days work. "'Tis a
fine fight your folk gave, my lady. But I have lived my life to fulfil this
role, and I cannot be denied." He made a jabbing motion at her.
"Unhand Miss Rowena, and I shall not harm thee."

"She is mine." Morgan jerked the rope and Rowena fell to her knees
in between the two of them.  A knife appeared swiftly in Morgan's
hand and at Rowena's neck.  "If I cannot have her, neither shall
Elianor." Morgan hissed.  Her eyes had a touch of madness to them,
sparkling in the afternoon sun.

"My lady, I am sure thou art a wiser woman than to to kill a seer
without an opportunity to parlay," said Thosa quickly. He pointed the
spear away carefully, taking his right hand off the haft. He stared at
her intensely, watching for any sign of movement.

"What is there to parlay. There is you, me and the child." She stated
with a laugh. She pulled Rowena up slowly with the blade of her knife.
Strangely, there did not seem to be much fear now in Rowena's eyes.

"The only issue I see here is that ye have two choices. Thou leavest
here alive, without the seer. Or I kill you if my request is not met."
While he was not pointing the spear directly at Morgan, Thosa was
moving it around erratically as it pointed to the ground. He was still
prepared to strike in a flash. And the predatory shine to his eyes had
brightened. "You have a choice, my lady. Do not consider throwing
your life away here and now."

"I will just return for her even if I were to lose her. If not me, then
another and another.  The sect means to have her."  Morgan warned
him. Her eyes watched his spear warily. She tightened her grip on
Rowena and Rowena was forced up on her tiptoes to keep the knife
from biting into her neck.  

Rowena watched Thosa curiously.   She knew how this would end,
but she did not know the path it would take to do so.  She knew her
life was not truly at risk at the moment, though injury was possible.
The realization that she could see her own path at times was more on
her mind than the knife at her throat.  Her hands hurt horribly with the
ropes so tightly bound. She wondered if she would be able to feel
them later.

"My lady," answered Thosa. "Thou has a fairness that surely does
not end with the skin. Do not waste thy gifts at the urging of others.
If another should come in thy place, I will stop them as surely as I
will stop ye now." He slowly drew the spear point up and out to his
left. To Morgan, it appeared as if he was going to gradually bring the 
spear haft to a vertical rest on the ground next to him. But her
senses warned her that something wasn't right.

Rowena pulled against the ropes, causing Morgan to look down. 
She did not wish to accidently cause the girl injury.  They were at an
impasse and the lack of reaction from the seer concerned her.  She
relaxed her grip slightly as her eyes came back up to check where the
man's weapon was.

Her right shoulder snapped back from an unknown impact that sent
pain screaming down her arm and accross her chest. She cried out
involuntarily, her arm convulsing and the dagger springing loose from
her hand as she stepped away. The bone handle of a dagger
protruded from her flesh, carved in the shape of what appeared to
be a stylised spirit or nymph. As she looked up again in shock, she
was abruptly shoved  backwards: Thosa had closed the gap between 
them in an instant and shouldered her away from the seer. He
dragged the young Princess several metres away, his back shielding
her from Morgan.

Rowena shivered in shock as she looked up at Thosa. She wanted
to whisper a warning, but couldn't find words.  She had yet to notice
the blood streaming down her neck and shoulder, where the knife that
Morgan had held had sliced as she fell.  Fortunately, the movement
had been reflexive or her throat would have been truly slit.  

Morgan sat on the ground in shock, her other hand freed her dagger
from her waist.  She flung it at the Ranger and then got to her feet
and fled. She doubted it would injure him enough to kill him, her aim
was not as good with that hand. However, it should slow him down
enough to let her slip away.  

Thosa felt the blade whistle past his arm as he twisted away, still
dragging the seer with him. He saw Morgan turn to flee, and let her
go: the blood that covered his hands was more important than the
opportunity to apprehend the Raven. He quickly laid Rowena
down and frantically tore several strips of his robe away, mopping
up the crimson fluid in panic. "There ye are, there ye are, just a light
cut that's all it is," he said, more to reassure himself than the young
princess.

The gag prevented Rowena from answering him.  She felt kind of
numb, as if everything happened slowly.  The pain seemed kind of
far away as well.  Her gaze took on a far away look.  

.............The Hawk soared before her eyes, magnificent and
beautiful. It seemed as if nothing could threaten him.  A beautiful
hawk soared with him. She knew without question that it was his
mate.  They moved with a grace and beauty that was awesome to
see. Suddenly, a net sprung up as the male soared through the trees.
Entangled, he cried for his mate. She soared around him, trying to
see how to help when an arrow brought her down.  A Raven
cackled in a nearby tree as the vision faded.... 

Rowena looked blankly up at the worried expression of Thosa,
unsure of where she was or what was happening for the moment.

Thosa had tied cloth firmly around her neck, but not tight enough
to choke. Only when he was sure that the bleeding was beginning
to slow, did he remove the gag and untie her. "We should not tarry,
miss," he said, the fear heavy in his voice. Rowena was sure it
wasn't concern for his own safety. "She may bring others if she has
them nearby."

"She goes for the King." Rowena whispered.  "I have to go home.
She is going to go after my brother,  the King." Rowena struggled
to her feet.  Her face was pale and she looked small and lost.  Her
glance  at Thosa was filled with confusion.  

"I will take thee to Elianor first," he said, sweeping her up onto
his back. "Then we will deal with the King. We cannot risk 
staying here any longer."

"My sack." Whispered Rowena. Her head felt strange and she
was scared, but she did not want to lose what she had worked
so hard to obtain.  "Don't leave my sack."  She was having
troubles thinking for the vision still was impinted firmly in her
mind's eye.

Those paused to snatch up the small sack of herbs that
Rowena had spent many painstaking hours searching for.
Then they began the long trip back to the druid village.

***



?Upholding Traditions?
Kingdom of Abertawe

Lady Faedyn Jesseth-Callaghan
Lord Evan Callaghan, NPC
Location: Caer of Melrose

--
The old Lord Callaghan walked leisurely down the corridor of the second floor of the Caer.  It was easy to see that he was still a strong man.  He?d remained fit over the years, and he still had a handsome aura about him for his age.  He was going to find his nephew?s wife and wondered where the young mother was.  She was probably with her children of course, he thought, and headed for the nursery.  William would take little convincing, Evan thought... but the woman on the other hand.  She was a soft one and it would take some persuasiveness to get her to consent.  William could do it without her consent of course, but Evan smirked and doubted he would.

He arrived at the nursery and remained in the doorframe a moment.  Faedyn?s back was to him.  ?Good evening, milady,? he said politely.

Faedyn had been watching the twins after putting them down to a nap.  She looked up and turned.  When she saw Lord Evan she turned fully and dropped a curtsey.  ?Lord Evan,? she said politely.  ?Is something wrong?  Are you needing something in particular??

?No, no,? he said as he walked into the nursery.  ?Everything is quite fine,? he assured her as he closed the distance between them and looked in on Kendall.  ?I came to talk to you about your son,? he said as he watched the boy.

~Ah...~ she thought.  ~So that?s the reason the wolf smiles so nicely.~  ?What about my son?? she asked, her voice steady.

?I would like him to page under me when he becomes of age... to guarantee the tradition of the Callaghans,? he stated evenly.

?No,? Faedyn said calmly.

?Fortunately, William is the one that is to make the decision,? Evan said as he looked back over at her.  ?I just thought I?d get you to like the idea.  It would not take much to convince William to send him to me in a few years.?

Faedyn looked at the man.  ?Oh really?  I do not think William will be sending our son anywhere.  And if he so much as considered it, he would be told no.  You seem to have this silly idea that my husband does not listen to me.  Kendall will not be paged under you or anyone for that matter.  You get use to that idea.?

?As I have same before, milady, you have no say in the decision.  I simply do not want you to worry, and I do not see why you are so against this as it is,? Evan told her easily, clasping his hands behind his back casually.

She raised an eyebrow.  ?Let me put this clearly, Lord Evan.  If your intention was to come here and find some simpering female who bows and scraps to every male in the area then you had best think again.  I have EVERY say in the raising of my children and you, Sir, are the least likely to be asked EVEN if, and it is a very, very big IF, Kendall is sent to page.  What do you think I do not know of what you put my husband through?  You think I am some poor country lass who was brought up believing in fairy tales and who knows NOTHING of the real world?  Well I am not.  I know what you are and believe me, you will NOT be taking my son to page.  IF Kendall wishes to be a Knight he will be paged here.  And ONLY if.?

?Lady Faedyn, I did not wish to imply anything about you or your knowledge, and if it came across as that, I am truly sorry.  You are a bright and beautiful lass,? he told her in a sincere tone.  ?But you must look at William for who he is today.  He is perhaps the greatest knight and the man you fell in love with...  I did that,? he finished in a fully arrogant tone.  ?My ways made him the man he is today.?

?YOUR ways made him into a harsh persona which I had to dig beneath to even find the man I married.  No way am I going to allow YOU to train my son.  I saw the marks on William and I KNOW he did not get them from a sword.  I will not allow my child to be treated that way and neither will William.?

?You cannot speak for your husband,? Evan said, but he was quickly losing hope.

?I do not need to,? she said crossing her arms.  ?I already know what he will say.  No.?

The older man took a step closer to her and spoke quietly.  ?Those beatings are what have kept him alive over the years,? he stated calmly.

?Those beatings were harsh and not right,? she snapped back.

?Would you rather him be dead?? Evan smirked.

She just gave him a cold glare.  ?I doubt your beatings made him stay alive.  William, however, has a very strong will.  And I believe he has had that since childhood... before going to you.?

?He was with me at the age of four,? he stated simply.  ?He was worse off with his father, and you?re calling me harsh??
 
?I have not met his father and if I do I would be saying things to him as well.  You are both as bad as each other.?

?My brother was a bad man, yes... but I was not a drunk and never had a different wench with me every night.  I taught William right and wrong,? Evan told her, beginning to see that this conversation was straying off from his original intention.

?You taught him to fear you most likely.  He always had to be the best right?? she sneered at him.  ?Well he is the best now and I am definitely certain that the human compassion that is in him did not come from you.?

?I never said compassion was a bad thing,? Lord Evan said.  ?And he is the best because I made him the best.  I had to be the best because he is a Callaghan.?  He left it at that, as if the name justified everything.

?Oh, poor William... he married a lowly Jesseth,? she said sarcastically.  ?When will you nobles get your heads out of your asses and learn that NAMES mean nothing.  Titles mean SHIT and it?s what you do with your life that counts??

?The name of Callaghan means everything when they?re trained up right,? Evan said as he looked back in on Kendall again.  He was surprised the children had not woken up by now.

?HA!? she snarled.  ?That is all my son is to you, an object to carry on some vaunted tradition.  How about you go and have your own children.  Or is that too...COMMON for you to stoop to??

A cold glare suddenly came into Evan?s eyes.  ?My wife is unable to have children,? he said simply, reining in his rage.

She had gathered that.  She just glared back at him.  After a tense moment she said in a firm voice, ?I gathered that.  I like your wife, it is a shame she could not have children, it is also a shame she is married to the likes of you.?

?I?m sorry you think that,? William?s uncle told her.  ?I believe I will make my leave of you for now.  You need your rest, milady,? he said as he bowed to her.

She just gave a curt nod to him.  ~Don't the door hit you on the way out~ she thought.  ?Good day, Sir,? she said icily.

?Have a peaceful night,? he said before turning and leaving her behind with her children.

She watched him go and sat down on a chair.  She knew she had not heard the last of this matter.  And if he managed to get to William... before her... she shivered.  It did not bear thinking about.



"In Service to the Realm"
- Seth McCullen
- Nwython (npc)

***

Seth wanted to go with Iowerth. But every attempt to move 
just brought another sharp stabbing pain. He could feel the
wetness running down his leg as he tried to struggle up
once more.  If he could not to go with the general, then
he would check on his wife.  The mind had not accepted
the grevious nature of his wounds yet.

"Easy, easy," said Nwython, holding back the young 
baron. "You aren't going anywhere with those wounds,
my lord." He wanted to examine them more closely,
for he could see the growing pool of blood on the floor.
His concerns were grave. "Lie down so I can treat you."

Seth allowed himself to be pressed back.  "It is bad. I think
it is very bad." He managed to choke out.  "I cannot leave
my wife without further word."  His panicked eyes searched
the knight above him.  Bronwyn carried their child and he could
not leave her alone. Gods, it could not be so.

Nwython placed his hands into the wound above Seth's thigh,
trying to peel back the edges of his clothing and armour to 
see the damage. Seth shifted in his discomfort, and a gush
of blood surged out as a result. All considerations of causing
least pain were then forgotten, and Nwython clamped his hand
hard over the edges of the wound. The young baron grunted in
response. Nwython tried to roll him to one side, looking for an
exit wound. He was dismayed to see a crimson, spreading
stain.

The young baron was losing too much blood. In fact, he had
already lost too much blood.

Nwython gently laid Seth back down, removing his
bright red hand from the wound and taking up the young
baron's grip. "What do you want to tell your wife?" he
asked, wasting no time with Seth's last moments.

"Tell her.. tell her I love her .. and.. and I am so sorry." Seth
managed to gasp out.  This wasn't how it was supposed to
end.  He was supposed to raise his child in service to the King.
Seth pulled in a ragged breath. He knew he was dying. He 
knew by the look on the knight's face that it wouldn't be long.  
"Don't let him take her." He managed to gasp out. He could
not bear the thought of Bronwen falling into Sanglet's hands.
His vision blurred and he took another breath. It was his last
and with a great sigh, he shuddered and his grip let loose.

Nwython gently placed Seth's limp hand back down onto his
chest. He removed the white cloak from his shoulders,
and draped it over the corpse. Smoothing the fine cloth
over his form, Nwython intoned the last rites of 
passage for the dead. "Eternal rest grant to this man,
O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May
he rest in peace... Amen."

With barely a backward glance, he left him there, 
and walked from the pavillion. Fortunate enough to
still count himself amongst the living this day.

***