Upheaval and Change - Tales 1

"Your highness, for the final time, please so not do this!" Alterian pleaded.

"I have told you, I must. I cannot leave my daughter lost and unattended for. She is the Queen of Dinas Dwr, by the gods and somebody will pay for her disappearance. Why has not the regent sent men to find her? Because she threatens his bid for power, I am sure. They have festivals in Dinas Dwr but my daughter has disappeared. I WILL find her." He said as he packed his saddle bags.

"Then take with you more then the twenty men you have chosen?" Alterian pleased.

"Nay, I will move faster and with more assurance. I have sent knights after my nieces. My brother will take care of his wife. The remaining knights will protect you. You are acting regent until my nephew can be sent for. I have a feeling he is most likely already with his father or close for he would not leave his mother in danger if he could help it. Plus, my sources tell me that he was not present at the final battle against the barbarians." The King seemed to have aged over the last four weeks.

"It is hard to argue all that. But a King owes his allegiance to his people." The chamberlain kindly reminded.

"My people are in good hands. I trust my nephew and my brother to see to their needs. My daughter does not seem to be so fortunate. She should have been High Queen and instead she is a widow and missing. I will seek retribution." He spat with the intensity of a main with purpose.

The chamberlain watched as the King gathered his bags after strapping on his sword. He walked quietly with the King down to the courtyard.

"Promise me, your highness, that you will send messages as you can?"

"Aye, I will let my brother and nephew know my progress. Guide them well Alterian, for they will be a little lost at first." Gwenwynwyn said as he mounted the horses.

Alterian frowned as he watched his leige ride out with only a few gaurds. Nonetheless, he had his commands and he was totally loyal to the King. He went off in search of the remaining knights. Two of them were knighted only the day before, The Knight of Onyx and the Knight of Pearl. There was much to do before the Regent came home.

Alterian looked over the information stretched out in front of him. With the King, General and Captain of the Guard gone, he would need help with several items the King normally saw to. He sent a message to each of the remaining knights, including the new ones. He would meet with each and see what they would feel comfortable doing and what they had time for.

Lady Quarra was trying to teach herself to read and write when the summons came. She immediately put those things away, and went to meet with the High Chamberlain.

Alterain rose as the Lady Knight entered. "Greeting milady. I am sorry to disturb you but there are matters to tend to."

Quarra smiled, "Of course, Lord Chamberlain. Anything I can do to help."

"As I am sure you are aware of, our King has placed his nephew as regent. He has left the Kingdom in our capable hands until he arrives. With the general gone as well as the captain of the castle guard, the men who are here have slacked off in their training. I would like each of the remaining knights here in Abertawe to take over one aspect of that training. As the senior knight here in Abertawe, I look to your decision as where you think your skills would be best put to use." Alterian smiled warmly at the Knight.

"Although I have little knowledge of what kinds of things are a part of their training, I can help with the Martial training they need. I use a Claymore as my primary weapon. As it can be unwieldy to those who are unfamiliar with it, I can train them in the use of said weapon. If that would be of help to you, sir." Quarra curtsied slightly.

"Perhaps you can work with the other knights at court. The King appointed two new knights before he left. Sir Shannon, the Knight of Onyx and another young Knight of Pearl. I think martial training would be very good for them and maybe you can bring about a complete training agenda. At least until Lord Iowerth returns?"

"I believe so. I shall have to meet with the other Knights first, before I can figure out how to go about the training itself. I figure we can have the plan back to you in a single day after we have had this meeting. Could you arrange a meeting of the remaining Knights, Lord Chamberlain?"

"I would be happy to arrange a meeting in the main hall. Would tomorrow after break fast is cleared away be acceptible to you?" He asked with his well known precision.

"That would be fine, sir. Thank you for deciding to let me have this important task. It will be a great pleasure to do this for you, sir." Quarra curtsied again.

He waived the Knight away. It wasn't that he was contemptous. He was just a busy man with way too much upon his shoulders.

Lady Quarra left the Chamberlain's company, and went back to her studies. After all, the time had to be used for more than just worrying about it.

After the meeting with his sister, hawk went back to Audrey. "Hello beautiful" he embraced her again. "My love, we have to move again, to the court of Abertawe this time. I hope you will come with us."

Audrey smiled. "Of course. I hardly expected your family to remain here. Having to escort them back home is not a surprise."

"My youngest sister is still missing." He said seriously. "I am not going back until she is found. So, how do you like the family so far?"

"There appear very nice and a strong lot considering all that's happened," she said but the look of puzzlement was still fixed on her face. "What did you mean, you're not going back until she is found?"

He smiled. "That is the First time I have heard my father referred to as nice."

"Well, the men of your family do have this aggravating charm to them," she smiled. "I must just have a weakness for stubborn people."

Hawk smiled and kissed her. "I mean back to Dinas Dwr, with Rowena missing the family needs me. I am a little worried about my mother, will she recover?"

"She will be fine. She just needs a week or two to recover fully, just enough time to get the poison out of her system."

"My mother and resting don't mix." He paused before continuing. "Maybe this time I told my parents about you. What do you think?"

Audrey took in a deep breath and bit her lip. "No," she said finally. "I do not think this is the right time. Considering all they have been through and the fact that your sister is still missing, they already have enough on their minds."

"You're right, we have to wait until after we find Rowena. Then I can tell them that I'm getting married again." He smiled.

There was a drawn out silence before Audrey managed to reply. "Of course," she said.

"Nervous?" He asked gently. "They will love you."

She did her best to smile despite the fact that she wasn't so sure about that. She changed the subject. "How are you feeling? Are the wounds healing well?"

"I am fine" he lied. Actually was in a fair bit of pain, and exhausted. But his family needed him now. "I am more worried about my mother and my missing sister."

Audrey sighed. "Really now," she said, "do you not think that after all those months trying to stitch you back up into shape that I would not be able to tell when you lied out right to me. But then I would be lying to myself if I actually believed you would heed anything I said so I suppose you will be off soon enough."

"But my lady, your wish is my command." He looked hurt, but his eyes sparkled. "You wish is my command." He bowed and kissed her hand.

Audrey sighed. "And there's that aggravating charm again," she smiled. "You make it very hard to get upset at you."

He looked at her in the way he knew she had no defense against. "Am I not good always?" Then turned more serious. "As soon as I have the journey back organized, I promise to deliver myself into your hands for the rest of the day. Deal?"

She raised an eyebrow with a slight smile. "The rest of the day. I think I can handle that. It's a deal but," she said, getting a bit sterner. "you are just organizing things. No galloping off, no fighting, no anything except organizing."

"I promise." He gave her another kiss and then was off.

Bronwen clung tightly to Hawk's hand as they entered their mother's bedroom. She looked much better and was sitting up. It did not take a seer to know that something was amiss with her children. Bronwen's face was pale and she clung as if still a child to his hand.

They both said their good mornings to their mother. Then Bronwen practically hid behind Hawk.

Isa hid her tiredness well for her children. It was still such a joy to see Hawk again. He still looked pale and in pain, but his eyes were alive again. But now she focused on her daughter. Bron was acting strange, and none off her children were cowards. " Dear, can sit by me." She held at her hand to her daughter.

Hawk took a step sideways and pushed her forward. "I am here." He whispered "but you are going to do the talking ."

Bronwen flashed him a look that spoke volumes and then moved to her mother's side. "I have something to tell you, mother." She said and her eyes immediately filled with tears though they did not fall.

Isa felt like holding her daughter, but she had to tell her story first.

"After it was discovered that you were missing, Rowena came and told me all. You know how she can be places to listen where noone ever notices?" Bronwen paused. "We talked each other into going after you. I am not even sure who's idea it was. I do know it was a bad one." Bronwen couldn't stop or she would never get this out. "Rowena was angry because I wanted to return to Abertawe. She left Derek, the ranger and I, in the night. No one has been able to find her since. Derek's hounds tracked her here? But that is the last we could find of any trace of her." She saw the look on her mother's face and burst into tears. "I AM SO SORRY!" She sobbed.

Isa looked at her eldest son, and saw the compassion in his eyes. He had his hands now firmly on his sister's shoulders and was murmering encouragement to her. It made her feel good to see that, how she had missed him. "My dear, come here." Now she held the child in her arms. "We both know how Rowena can be. I am very proud of you that you went with her, I know how you hate living out doors. We will find her, we will sweetheart." Her words betrayed the fear that shown in her eyes.

Bronwen fled into her mother's arm and began to cry. Tears of fear, shock and even disbelief fell in a torrent. "How, the dogs have lost the sent. It is as if she were spirited away from here."

"Your father and brothers will have every available man in the country out looking for her, and you know that your sister is very resourceful, so don't worry yet and let us take care of it."

"Father says we are going home without her." Bronwen said between sobs.

"That is where most of the knights are honey. I am sure daddy and your brothers will not stay there for long." She said gently.

"We sure will not." Hawk chimed in.

The trip back to Abertawe was turning out to be a slower process then the original departure. With Hawk's injuries and Lady Isa's weakness, all due care was taken to make the trip as easy as possible for both. Though, it was always mentioned as strictly for Lady's sake.

They would return to the capital on the morrow. It had been well over a month's time since the Lady had originally left Abertawe. So much had happened in that one wee month. The Queen of Dinas Dwr was missing. The Lady Isa had been kidnapped and released. The little princess Rowena was missing, presumed with Lady Isa's kidnapper but there was no proof one way or another. They would return to find that the King had abdicated to his nephew until his return. A time line of which had not been left.

What was the future of Abertawe? How would it fare under the rule of the young Lord Hawk? Would they find out what had happened to the young princess? So many questions that only time would answer

Audrey walked quietly into the room, keeping the kettle of boiling water steady as she did. Iorwerth had left and the lady was fast asleep so she put the pot down on a nearby chair and quickly released her grip from it. Despite the fabric wrapped around the handle, Audrey's hands were still very warm. She flexed them a bit and then walked softly over to the sleeping form to make sure that the breathing was regular.

Isa began to wake, she realized she was not alone any more. "Iorwerth" she said softly, but the other side of the bed was empty. Of she still did not feel very well. Last night she had tried to keep that hidden from her husband.

"Lady," Audrey said softly, to get the woman's attention. "Lady Isa, your husband has just stepped out for a while and I have come to check how you are feeling."

She smiled. "I feel very tired, and a little sick. And yet I am happier than I have been in longtime. I have my son back."

Audrey knelt down before the other woman. "Yes, family does give us strength in times like these," she smiled. "And I know he is happy to see you again as well."

"Did he tell you? I know how hard it is to care for my son when he is ill. You to must have grown pretty close, if he trusts you. Since his wife died he has cursed all healers."

"He's not the first I have met to do so," Audrey said. "Nor is he the first fighter who believes himself invincible. You just learn after a while and then it's not so hard to get them to listen to you.

"With one of my men, it is an accomplishment." She smiled. "Tell me about my son. How has he been the last couple of months, what changed him?"

Audrey carefully poured the water into a smaller cup where she could mix in some herbs. During this, she had the time to think of a good answer to the lady's questions.

"Well," she said, "there was a war, of course. And that takes its toll on most men in hard ways. I know he almost lost his squire though the boy is recuperating in Dinas Dwr. Then came word of your situation and he was obviously very distressed over it so we left the battle to travel here."

"No, you do not understand. I mean my son has changed for the better. When he left Abertawe he was no more than a walking corpse just waiting to die. Now there is life in his eyes again, and I want to know what changed him."

"He changed himself," Audrey replied. "There is only so much the rest of us can do, only so much prodding, promising, and cajoling before the point comes where the patient himself must make the choice. And your son just made the right choice in the end. He did it himself, despite what he might tell you or anyone else. The change you see in him is his own work."

She doubted that. Isa knew her son and she was a good judge of character. She had seen the subtle changes in Audrey when she talked about Hawk. But she could also understand that there are women who did not want to admit it. Being the lover of a prince, would not be easy for a proud women. Maybe she would have to talk with you some, to get some answers. "So, Dear lady. When can I leave my bed?"

Audrey was happy for the change of subject, though she did her best to show it. She handed the steaming brew to the lady. "From what I hear we will leave here soon so until then I would rather you just stayed where you were. You will get the chance to move around soon enough."

She ate a little, then looked at Audrey again. "I know I am still pretty weak. But I have a feeling that my family needs me. But if you say but it will hamper my recovery, I will stay in bed little longer."

"Amazing," Audrey smiled. "I had to almost tie your son down to get him to comply with my wishes. Well, just know that if your family does need you, by staying here in bed, they will be sure to know where to find you."

Closing her eyes, she leaned against the wall, gathering her energy. The healer's actions had truly taken a lot out of her - her entire arm throbbed with every movement. She had agreed to the sling Audrey had insisted on after removing the arrow stump, but she was constantly aware of how much it hindered her movement.

She had to find Shawn and Mae, however. She had gotten the whole story on how the Iorwerth's youngest daughter had disappeared, and she feared for the worst. Perhaps she would seek out Brendan as well; she smiled a little at the thought of him. He was as strong-willed as his father, yet as caring as his mother. She hoped they would become fast friends.

Mae moved into the house, she could wait outside no longer. Bronwen was now safe with her family, it was time to go and search for her sister. Turning a corner, Mae came face to face with Deirdre, nearly crashing into the captain.

Looking at the sling, Mae commented, "I see the wound was worse than you thought."

Biting back a retort, Deirdre shook her head. "Merely a precaution." Closing her eyes, she realized how much this woman riled her - but especially how much she would need her in the future. "I am glad we found each other, mistress," she continued hesitantly, unsure of which title to use for the odd woman. "I was seeking you and Sir Shawn to request that we combine our abilities to attempt to discover where my Lord Iorwerth's daughter has disappeared off to."

"Have you any clue, as to where we should start?" Mae was silent for a moment, contemplating on a plan of action. "I think it best to have Lady Bronwen return us to their camp site. From there we can hopefully track the young one." Mae was tired and dirty. But she would not return home until Rowena was found and Bronwen was at ease.

Deirdre shook her head. "What made you three come here? I thought you were searching for the child, not for her mother," she asked curiously.

Mae arched her eyebrow, "I have been asking that very same question." Mae took a breath and continued, "The young man within our party has a pair of tracking hounds. He introduced Rowena's scent and the dogs brought us to this very location. Oddly nobody has seen any sign of the little one."

Shawn was just returning from the stables where he had just spent the better part of the last three hours tending to his mount. He entered the house near where the two women were talking. "Captain Deirdre, you should return to the castle and prepare for our return with the troops."

Deirdre shook her head distractedly, motioning towards the newly arrived knight. "Sir, did you see any youngsters in your stay here? The lady knight fears that Iorwerth's youngest daughter may have arrived here at some point."

"Nay. I was locked up as often as you were. I saw no children."

Deirdre's face grayed slightly as an idea dawned upon her. "Would the lass have the spunk to follow Allyn, either to discover who he really is or to seek revenge?" She had never met the young girl, but if she had made it this far, that spoke enough for the child.

Mae added, "That would explain why her scent led us here." Mae looked at Deirdre, "Well done Captain. Now where would Allyn have been headed?"

The captain's face softened a bit, her lips pursing thoughtfully. "Home, wherever that may be. I received the impression that he would leave only when his work here was done." She frowned. "I fear he was too adept at hiding his identity - all I know is his name." She paused a moment before forcefully adding, "But I will remember his face for the rest of my life."

Mae sat in a nearby chair and placed a hand on her forehead. Deirdre was in poor condition and Mae knew she was not too well herself. It was sometime later before the lady knight rose to speak, "I did not want to do this, but I see no logic in venturing out without a clue to Allyn's whereabouts. Perhaps we should return home." Mae walked to the doorway and leaned against the frame. A strand of hair broke free from her braid, she brushed it back annoyed. Turning to Deirdre, Mae questioned, "What say you on the matter?"

Deirdre's eyebrows creased. She didn't like the idea of leaving the little girl alone for so long. But something told her that the child would never have gotten so far on her own - no matter how resourceful the girl was. Which meant that she wasn't going to be easily found.

"I have to agree," she finally replied resignedly. "But I do not relish the thought of breaking the news to my lord Iorwerth."

"A lost child is a disturbing matter. I hope we find her as soon as possible."

"As do I," she agreed quietly. She motioned towards the door. "We should find Lord Iorwerth and speak to him."

"The sooner we leave, the better. Returning home is our best option, I hope Lord Iorwerth agrees." Mae passed through the doorway followed by Deidre, both women determined to find the little girl.

Lady Isa was tired of resting. But every time she even tried to leave the wagon, she was immediately surrounded by concerned family members. She had become aware that something lay between her son and the healer as well. Isa had always been observant and neither were particularly good at hiding their feelings.

It did not bother Isa that the healer may not be of noble birth. She was just relieved that Hawk was once again finding happiness and maybe even love in his life. All of her family would soon be home. Her thoughts paused in midstream. Almost all of her family, Rowena was still missing. She was not surprised that the young minx had gone off on her own. Rowena should have been a boy, so great was her curiosity and determination.

Isa recognized the terrain they were in, they would be home on the morrow. She looked around the column to see Hawk and Audrey in conversation. Bronwen was off by herself, the girl obviously was not going to let herself rest till her sister was found. Brendan was in conversation with a knight she did not recognize readily. Deirdre was nearby as usual, she did not immediately see her husband or Sir Shawn.

"Are you sure mother is up to this?" Hawk asked the healer again. He had rested yesterday afternoon and was allowed to ride horse, but only under Audrey's watchful eye.

Audrey smiled. "All things considering, she will be fine. You, on the other hand, should be motionless in a bed for about a week, but I suppose that this cannot be helped."

Hawk grumbled something that she could barely understand. "Only if you join me." and then he looked at her with mischievous eyes.

Audrey smiled sweetly and replied through her teeth. "Motionless, love, I said motionless."

She had won their wordfight, and he gave in with a sigh. "We will see!" he whispered back.

Iorwerth was deep in thought. He was worried about his daughter, and he was worried about his brother. What would it do to Wyn if they came home without Rowena. The blow would be doubly hard for his brother. Their old warrior of was not ready to admit to himself how much he would grieve if something happened to his little girl. In order to set his mind to other things he turns to Deirdre. "You're very quiet, captain."

Deirdre nearly slipped out of her saddle in surprise. Thorn pranced underneath her in agitation, confused by her sudden movement. Calming the stallion by tangling her lithe fingers in his mane reassuringly, she turned her head towards Iorwerth, her cheeks pinking in embarrassment. "I was just... thinking, my lord." She hesitated only a moment before adding hastily, "About the little girl, and her possible whereabouts, of course."

"I am confident that we will find her. Captain, I understand that you will want to lead one of the search parties?" He said gently. "That can be arranged."

The captain stared at Iorwerth in surprise, astonishment marking her features. "You would trust me to do that?" The words slipped past her lips before she could check them. "I apologize, my lord," she said quickly, abashed. "I did not mean to question your wishes."

"Don't be so shy, captain, that is not like you. I do not hold you accountable for what happened to my daughter. And both my wife and I have a high opinion of you, nothing has changed there. You are still very welcome in our family."

Deirdre bit her lip, trying to keep her mouth shut. She didn't know what she could have possibly done to deserve such respect from Iorwerth and Isa, especially considering Iorwerth's attitude towards her when she first arrived. But whatever she had done, she didn't want to mess it up. "Thank you, my lord," she replied quietly, her tone almost awed. "I will do my best not to disappoint you."

By the time they had reached the palace, Hawk was totally exhausted, but of course to proud to admit it.

Iorwerth noticed straight away that something was wrong. The mood of the people was different from the time that they have left. So he scanned the courtyard for someone who could tell him what was going on.

Alterian had been informed of the regent and general's return. He was unsure as to how the prince had ended up with his father, but the gods will provide. He moved forward to meet the two gentlemen. The regent was being attended by a young lady he was not familiar with, the rest of the party were behind the threesome.

"Greetings your highness," Alterian bowed to Hawk. He then turned and bowed to Iowerth. "General."

Hawk did not like to be addressed as your highness. He felt uncomfortable with the splendor of court. So the only nodded to Alterian, too tired to do much else.

"Where is my brother?" Iorwerth asked, eager to speak to him.

"Such matters are not for the courtyard, Your Grace. May I suggest you get your family settled and I will meet you in the King's study at your convenience. I will be happy to explain all to you at that time." Alterian looked to both men for agreement.

"I will leave all that to you, dad." Hawk said wearily, longing for his bed.

"I am afraid, Your Highness, that the matter is for your ears as well." Alterian said, looking directly into Hawk's eyes.

"Don't call me your highness." He grumbled. "Dad is the head of the family, he can deal with that, I am tired. " he looked at Audrey for support.

She gave him the same look that she had given him several time since meeting the rest of the family. It wasn't her place to get involved and she wasn't going to give him an easy way out of these things.

"Much help you are, healer." He muttered. "I am only ill when it suits you, wench." But he was not angry, Audrey was smart enough to see that although he was tired, he was using it as a means to get away from this.

"Your father is indeed the head of your family but you are now head of Abertawe." Alterian hissed quietly so that only the two men and the woman could here him.

That stopped both father and son in their tracks. Hawk was too surprised to say anything, but Iorwerth asked after his brother straight away. "Is Wyn All right. Why weren't we informed sooner?"

"Because you just arrived and it is not a matter for the courtyard," replied the High chamberlain politely. "However, last I heard, your brother was well. It is somewhat complex, milord."

"Then by all means, let us go inside." The general said. Hawk followed, dazed and tired.

Alterian led them into a warm study that was waiting. Servants were sent to help the Lady Isa and Lady Bronwen into the castle. Meanwhile, Alterian waited till they were seated and told them all of what had transpired. "The long and short of it is, your grace, your Uncle has left the Kingdom in your hands until he should wish to return. He is determined to find his daughter and has complete faith in your judgement. He even went as far as to say that your time away had tempered your steel and would be good for our Kingdom."

Hawk did not know what to say. It was only months since he felt alive again, how could he be King of. He looked at his father, Iorwerth would make a great King. Hawk opened his mouth.

His father was faster. "I would make a lousy King, I am not the diplomat, you are. You will learn. And of course your mother me will help you. "

Hawk looked at the other man, "I want to discuss this what the whole family. And most talk to somebody else first. This is not a decision I am going to make alone."

"Decision? I don't understand, Your Highness. You are the regent, what decision is there to make?" Alterian said slightly panicked. He had been running the capital for a week now and he preferred to hand off the responsiblity.

"If some figure of royalty is not seen soon, rumors and discord will start and our lands could be ripped apart by claims to the crown." He said with concern.

"I said I want to talk to my mother, and my l... and somebody else first." With that he stalked out.

Iorwerth looked at the administrator. "Give him an hour, he will come around. He is a good boy."

Alterian sighed and sat down. "I hope so. I do not realish being in charge any longer." He ran a hand through his graying hair. He was sure it was more so after the last week. "I will make sure the King's study is opened and I will put all the necessary parchements there for him. Any other suggestion, milord?"

Iorwerth shook his head. It was still hard for him to see his son as a king. "We have to talk about this as a family, but it will be alright. Let's meet again in to hour's time. We have to organize the search for my youngest daughter."

The next morning, Catrin rose early, dressed, and packed her meager belongings. The gifts of money and clothing from Allyn had already been loaded onto a carriage. Now there was only to wait for Rowena to wake and appear. Then they could go back to the castle.

Catrin took no breakfast, and did not see Allyn. No doubt he was in pain, and didn't want to endure such a heartbreaking departure. He had said she had not hurt him, but she knew better. She knew how he had suffered when his wife and child had died; and now she, Catrin, was about to take away the only solace he had found.

Rowena came slowly down the stairs with her maid. She saw Catrin waiting in the hall for her. "Where is Papa?" She asked, looking around worriedly.

"It's time for us to go, sweet," said Catrin. "Back to your real mama and papa. Allyn is very sad about your going, and I think he's afraid that, if you see him so sad, you'll be sad, too."

Rowena's little lip pouted out. "I don't want another Papa? What is wrong with the one I have?"

Catrin smiled, though she felt more like crying. "There's nothing wrong with Papa Allyn. You can love him for as long as you like. But your real mama and papa love you, and they can't live long without their little Rowena."

"MY name is BETH!" Rowena stomped her foot in frustration. Her small curls bouncing about her face. "I don't want a new mama and papa." Tears welled up in her eyes.

A firm male tone sounded from behind Rowena as Allyn stepped out of his study. "Yes, your name is Beth. And Beth is a good little girl who does as she is told, and her Papa is telling her to go with Lady Catrin. Is that clear." Allyn's face did not betray the loss he was feeling. It was calm and emotionless.

Rowena whipped around and threw herself into Allyn's arms. "You don't want me?" she sobbed against his chest.

Allyn picked her up and headed out the door of the manor to the waiting carriage. "Nothing is further from the truth, but you are a princess. Your real uncle is a King, love. You get to go live in a castle." He whispered soothingly to her. He waited as a servant handed Catrin into the carriage, then he peeled the little one from his neck. "Go be the princess I know you can be, go make me proud of my Beth." He whispered into her ear.

She nodded and kissed him, tears still fell down her cheeks. He handed her into the carriage and before she could turn around, he closed the carriage door. Rowena looked in shock at the door and then threw herself into Catrin's arms.

Catrin caught the girl, and held her close as she sobbed out her grief. Catrin looked to Allyn, and saw that he was in tremendous pain, as well. All her fault.

She could say nothing. So she only waved at Allyn, and signaled for the driver to move on. The carriage lurched away, and, by the time they drove out of sight, Allyn had already left the manor.

Rowena cried herself to sleep, spent tears and the rocking carriage soon lulled her into a deep sleep, leaving Catrin to figure out what she would say when she arrived in Abertawe.