Upheaval and Change - Tales 18

Seth approached the King once more and said,"Thank you for seeing me. It is a small matter whic hi am here to speak of sire. I am thankful for you aroving to see me."

"Any time." Hawk said with a smile. "Just let me know how I can help you."

He paused and then began,"I take it the earl is seen as a man of high standings?"

"he is." Hawk said cautiously. He knew there was bad blood between these two men, and he hoped that Seth would be careful in what he said now. His rival was still an earl.

"Please undersatnd, my purpose here is only to inform and not to belittle the Earl. I only mean to tell you that I saw him in a brothel and not just to look either. I thought this just might be of interest to you,"he said with a bow.

Hawk sighed "Sit down, ladd. He is not the only man to visit a brothel. Nor the only noble man to visit one. In the eyes of most men it is normal behavior. I do not like it, and my father will not either, but it is not unnatural. lad, win my sister over, win her heart, and I will gladly give her to you. But this will not help." He looked at the younger man sadly. There was nothing more he could do to help.

"I am sorry I have somehow made myself lesser in your eyes sire?"He asked thinking he had.

"No you have not. You do not know the way of the nobility. And I am glad you do not. You are an innocent, and I admire you for it. But don't try to fight a battle you can only loose. Fight in your own way, win her heart." Hawk said, and smiled.

"Why are you on my side when the Earl is noble?"He asked wondering why the King was on his side.

"Because in a few weeks time I hope to be married to A woman with out any wealth or title, But she is the dearest thing in the world to me. "He said softly.

"Congratulations sire. I hope I am so lucky. Do I have your blessing whether it be official or not to go for Princess Bronwen?"

The elder man smiled. "You have my blessing in your chase for her." He paused knowing how much his sister loved luxury. "Tell her you will be a knight soon, and that you will not want for anything. I reward my knights well."

"Yes sire. Thank you. I am undeserving of such favor sire,"he said bowing.

"Then make sure you do deserve it." Hawk grinned.

Seth nodded and was excused.

Hawk thought long and hard about the duel. He was not happy with it, he knew we should not have lost his temper, but it had happened and there was no turning back now. The King decided to keep this under wraps, he had not even told his own family. If almost nobody knew, then maybe the rumors could be kept to a minimum. That meant he would have to seek out a second that he could trust completely. And the only person who came to mind was his captain of the guard, so he sent for Deirdre.

The servant returned shortly with the knight. "Your highness, I came as soon as I could," she said as she bowed low. With a wry smile, she tucked a curry comb into her pocket - she hadn't even realized she had still been carrying it. "What can I do for you, my lord?"

"Yes." Hawk said, uncomfortable. "Captain, I need a second for a duel. I was hoping that you would oblige me."

Her eyebrows arched, surprised, but she bowed her head. Opening her mouth to speak, then hesitated, changing what she was about to say. "For whom, my lord?" she asked curiously.

"From young Ciaran. He has some problems with me, and he cannot deal with them in a civilized way. We are going to have a fight in the morning." Hawk did not look very happy about it.

All coolness dropped from her face as she realized whom she would be seconding. The king himself. Her jaw nearly fell to the floor. "You can't be serious," she gaped without thinking, then suddenly got ahold of herself. "I'm sorry, your highness. I was simply... shocked to realize that one of our men would dare to challenge his king!" Her outrage was clear; even in the small province where she was raised, the king was the highest council known - his word was as good as the gods'.

"You can't really think to go through with it?"

"What choice do I have!" Hawk looked miserable. "He already thinks I am a coward. I cannot talk to him, he rubs me the wrong way. Injuries or not, I should have gone to the border. I should have been there. I should not have allowed my a counselors to stop me." He began to pace. "I will not kill the lad, but I have to defend my honor."

"But your majesty!" In one fluid movement, she took his arm and held it tightly between her small hands, forcing him to stop and look at her. "You did the right thing." She emphasized each word, her eyes locking with his emerald orbs. "These people need their king. They need _you_."

"You cannot fight in this duel. If you win, people will consider you a king who settles his disagreements with anger and fury, not justice. And if you lose, you will be a weak king, unable to defend himself or his province. No matter what happens, you _will_ lose."

Brownen stepped through the door. "And if the lad kills you? Who will be regent to your son?" She asked softly. She gave Dame Deirdre a nod of the head.

Dropping his arm, the captain took a quick step back, bowing to the princess. She hadn't realized she had gotten so... familiar with the king. "My lady," she greeted her formally, unsure as to how angry the lady still was with her.

Hawk winced when the captain took his arm, he would not admit it, but it had still not healed completely. "Don't you see. Whatever I do, I cannot afford to be known as a coward. Therefore I have to fight him. I could not stand it if my knights did not respect me." He said softly.

A page stepped in the doorway. 'Your majesty, Sir Shannon has returned from his recent quest and wishes an audience. He was also asking after you Dame Deirdre?" The page waited for a response.

"Tell him I will be with him later." Hawk snapped, he was fast losing his composure.

Deirdre stepped back again, uncomfortable. His temper was flaring, and she didn't want to be in the midst of it. Besides, Bronwen had more sway with the king to convince him, anyhow.

"Hawk, Brother, you cannot go through with this duel. What if for some act of fate this young knight wins?" She looked at him worriedly. "It would throw our Kingdom into greater Chaos."

"Father could rule!" He shouted, "it should have been his task anyway." Hawk was losing his composure completely now. "I never asked for this, I am a warrior. Fighting is what I do for a living, and I can take a lot. But I cannot take it when men think I am a coward. I will not take that. I have to fight. Or I would be no man at all." He winced, making angry movements had pained his shoulder again.

"Would you let me fight such a duel if I could wield a sword?" She asked firmly.

"Of cause not! You are a woman." He shouted back at her.

"And I, my lord?" Deirdre asked suddenly, her voice soft. "I am a woman, yet I am also a warrior, like yourself. Would you allow me to fight in a duel under the same circumstances?"

"Really? And if I were a boy of 17 instead of a woman?" She asked. She flashed a look of apology to the woman standing beside her.

"you are not trained for combat." He said to his sister. Then turned to the captain. "I did not know he was that young. I cannot refuse him, that would hurt his honor. But I will be careful, I'll keep my temper in check and not kill him. But I am not the one that can stop this, the only way this can stop it if the lad apologizes to me." he paused for a moment. "And captain, if this were you, I would probably try to stop you. But I am the king, I cannot lose face."

Bronwen let out a sigh of exasperartion. "Fine, then I will go find this knight and see if he is the wiser of the two now that tempers are cooling." She turned on her heel and headed for the door. Maybe the Captain could talk some sense into her pigheaded brother.

Hawk watched her go and cursed.

Mae rose from a kneeling position and slowly exited the church. The morning sun placed a warm hand upon her cheek as she stepped out into the courtyard. Seasons were changing and it was certainly welcomed.

She wore a simple green court dress and her hair fell freely in little braids at her shouders. Mae was now a far cry from the battle stained warrior of weeks past. Those were indeed frightening times. Today her prayers were for her men who did not return from battle and the men which were still recovering. And of course, for Brendan. It had been several days since her last visit with the knight, they had been through many things together and she missed him.

Two servant boys skipped across the path chasing after a puppy. Mae smiled and looked upon their antics with approval. It was good to be home...

The small man came into Darkridge hall, a smile on his face. His news was sure to bring him a handsome bonus. He hurried to the main hall and asked to speak with the Earl privately on a matter of great import.

Jon sent for Tomas and met him in his private study. Tomas and two of his men were assigned with the protection and observation of the Princess Bronwen whenever she was not in the castle proper.

"Tomas? What news have you brought me?" He asked abruptly.

"It is not good, milord. The lass did meet again with the squire you wished her to be romoved from." Tomas said and smiled inwardly, knowing his next words would incense the proper man in front of him. "They was kissing by the stream and made a tryst to meet again."

"What?" Jon asked furiously. "How dare she!" He tossed gold to Tomas. "I want you to follow her to this place if she does indeed go. I will be at the palace, you are to bring word of their location so I can bring her father."

Tomas bowed and left immediately. Jon ordered his horse brought round and he headed for the palace. He inquired for the Lady Bronwen and found her in the gardens with many of her young friends. Playing the gallant, Jon soon had them all giggling with his sweet words and honeyed compliments.

"Ladies, you will excuse me if I steal the princess from your midst. But I would spend a moment with the sweetest flower in the garden." He held out his arm to her.

Bronwen saw the looks of jealousy and longing from her friends. She could scare refuse him without looking the fool. She took his arm and let him lead her down a path, her maid trailing a few feet behind.

Once out of sight of the other members of Bronwen's party, the Earl stopped and commanded the maid to await them there. He then took Bronwen around the corner to a small alcove where a bench sat. He helped her down on the bench and then sat beside her. The charming look upon the Earl's face faded.

"Where did you go after our time together this morning? I had a message for you and could not find you?" He asked softly.

"I went for a ride to think upon many things that are happening." Bronwen answered honestly.

"Did you meet anyone, lass?" He asked, wondering if she would tell him.

Bronwen's eyes dropped to the ground. "Nay, I rode to the stream and sat there thinking for some time. Then I came back." She did not like having to account for her whereabouts.

Jon turned a deep shade of red as his fury mounted. "Don't lie to me." He hissed. He reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her to face him.

Bronwen's heart felt as if it would explode from fear. He knew! He knew that Seth had found her by the creek. She could not meet his gaze. "I made no plan to meet anyone, milord." She managed to say clearly.

"Then why did you lie to me." He asked trying to control his temper.

"I did not. I did not meet anyone. You did not ask if anyone happened along." She defened albiet somewhat weakily.

"Hold your tongue." He demanded. "You know what I was asking. I told you to stay away from McCullen. You should have left when he arrived. Yet you were kissing him like some brothel whore." His anger erupted though his voice remained low.

"Who are you to censor me! I am a princess of Abertawe and I am NOT your wife." She said hotly. Fear crossed her face as she realized that her tongue had run away with her thoughts.

"Then I will make sure he bothers us no more. I think that at the least, my future wife should give to me what she so blatantly gives to a commoner!" He pulled her roughly to him and kissed her passionately.

Bronwen could do nothing for his hands held her firmly. His assault upon her lips was nothing like the tender touch of Seth's. She did not return his kiss but remained stiff within his grasp.

The Earl broke the kiss and stood. "You have not kept your bargain, lass. So I am no longer obligated to keep mine." His words cut like a sword through the silence.

Bronwen's eyes widened and her heart felt as if it would stop. "I will have him leave! Please, do not kill him!"

"You have a day, lass. If he his still here this time tomorrow, then his days can be counted on your hand." He said and turned and left her sitting on the bench.

Bronwen sat for the longest time. She decided! She would meet Seth on the morrow at his trysting place. Then, then she would tell him good-bye. It was the only way to protect him. But she would carry the memory of his love to her marriage to the Earl He would never take that from her.

"Excuse me!" Codi held up her lantern instinctively, trying to get a better look at who she was addressing. "Excuse me! Could you please direct me to a nearby inn?" She asked hopefully, politely, and though not without a hint of caution in her voice.

Nia blinked at the soft glare from the lantern, and stopped. She had been so lost in her own thoughts, cursing the arrogant stupidity of boys and Ciaran in particular, that she almost didn't notice that the woman had been speaking to her. She curtsied roughly and briefly. "I beg your pardon ma'am. Did you ask me a question?"

Identifying the figure, Codi smiled in relief and stepped forward. "Yes, yes. I am looking for a place to stay this evening. Do you know of a decent inn nearby?" I've a long day ahead of myself tomorrow, thought Codi.

"Ahh...hmm. I think there may..." Nia frowned, hand on her chin while she poked through her memory. "Oh! Yes, there is one, several houses further along the road, towards the castle." She glanced at Codi and saw her pack and provisions. "Do you require assistance? I can show you there if you wish..."

The light of the lantern undulated in Codi's eyes, and she nodded briefly. "If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate your guidance." Shifting, Codi tried to ease her sore shoulders. "I just need a place to stay until I've found work." There were so many questions she wanted to ask about the area and the jobs available, but she held back, not wanting to shoot a barrage of inquiries on the girl. Best to just get one thing done at a time...

Nia smiled and said "No trouble at all! I am running an errand for my lord, but there is no hurry." She took some of Codi's belongings and set off in a steady pace along the street. "Have you been to the capital before?" she said.

"No, no I haven't. This is my first time here, actually." Codi was surprised when Nia took some of her things, but was grateful for the weight having been lifted a bit. "You're running an errand for your lord? Are you some sort of messenger?" Codi was not familiar with the idea of women as squires, and thus, wondered at the other woman's occupation. "Oh! Excuse me... I don't even know your name, yet! I am Keriam Codinellyn, but you're welcome to just call me Codi." And with her half of the introduction, she smiled.

"My name is Nia ma'am, and to answer your first question, I am a squire." As an afterthought, she added, "I probably should have asked you before taking some of your things. I am sorry. You just looked a bit tired and I didn't think."

"Oh, no... tis quite all right. I'm very grateful for the help." Codi smiled inwardly. It feels good to make friends... it's been so long, she thought to herself. This Nia seemed nice enough. Codi walked beside the young woman, feeling the comfort of company in the evening, thankful that she did not have to spend the entire night searching for an inn by herself.

Nia thought privately about Codi's age and placed her in her early twenties. She seemed very likable enough and of fair countenance, but it was particularly dark this evening and she concentrated on keeping a spare eye on the shadows about them. "If I may ask, are you here to become one of the ladies of the court?"

Wondering how to respond, Codi finally came up with an answer. "Well, I'm really in need of work. I suppose it doesn't matter where, as long as I'm given decent quarters and pay." She was satisfied with her response, and nodded to herself in affirmation. Just as long as she had a decent place to rest at night... "Why do you ask, Nia?" Codi glanced at the woman beside her and saw Nia's gaze shifting through the darkness.

"Oh, no reason!" She looked at Codi and saw her glance at her. "Well, actually I just took a guess. The ladies of the court are all so... proper and pretty and refined." She tried not to sound too wishful. "I've often wondered what it would be like to walk amongst them in the same manner, wearing the same clothes and doing the same things that they do. Not that I really have much of an idea anyway," she said, giggling. "But I'm babbling. I have enough work on my hands at the moment." She shrugged. "There is never enough time to indulge in such flights of fancy." She rubbed a hand down the front of her surcoat, trying to ignore the callouses on her palm.

Codi couldn't help the grin that began to tug at the corner of her mouth. "Pretty? Sometimes... more often their clothes than their faces. Refined? In public, but they're all stubborn brats behind the curtain. I worked for a nobleman's daughter, once. I quit after a week, too... the work was dreadful! It's no wonder I got the job so quickly." Codi's voice trailed off in a mumble about how awful the nobleman's daughter was. After a moment, she regained a tone of seriousness. "Besides, it's better to have the experience and wisdom gained from hard, honest work than to be hand-fed and pampered all your life." The far-away look on the young woman's countenance suggested that she had a similar longing. Perhaps it would be good to be waited on, rather than be the waiter. A sigh and a shrug trampled away such thoughts.

"Perhaps you are right ma'am... I never really thought of it in that way." She stopped in front of a large wooden building. A lantern hung from a hook next to the front door, illuminating a sign that said 'Kynniarc Inn'. "We're here!" she announced, gesturing towards the door. She gently handed back Codi her belongings. "I have to go," Nia said.

Codi accepted her things with a nod. "Thanks again for your help, miss Nia." She would have waved, had she a free hand. Instead she simply smiled in farewell before turning up the Kynniarc's steps.

She was close enough to touch him.

Close enough to feel his shallow breath on her fingertips. Close enough to smell the herbal medicinal scent and his sweat thick around his body. Close enough to see the sweat beading up upon his partially uncovered chest. Close enough...

She drew her hand back quickly, as if burned. Her stomach turned; she hadn't been able to get him out of her head ever since they had returned from their captivity. Something was wrong with her, not at all as she used to be, and the fall had all started with him.

"What are you doing to me?" she admonished under her breath. Her voice trembled slightly with emotion and her fingers flew up to her lips in surprise. She wouldn't succumb to him; she was stronger than that. She didn't know how long she stood there, staring at him alone in a corner of the curtained room, trying to convince herself of this one simple fact.

Despite her resolve, her hand lowered and gently brushed a lock of hair away from Allyn's furrowed brow. "I don't want you to die, you know," she sighed to herself. It was much easier to speak to him when she was certain he couldn't respond. It was... safer, almost. "That's what this is all about."

Her voice steadied as she watched him, her nervousness suddenly gone. "You see, I'm keeping you safe this way. If I stay far away from you..." Her throat thickened and kept her from continuing for a moment. "Then you'll be just fine. Just watch, Allyn. You'll be just fine."

She kissed her fingers, then laid them lightly upon his cheek. "Sleep well. You'll be out of here in no time." She was suddenly so very tired. She ran her hands down her face to energize herself and was surprised to find her cheeks slightly damp.

Tossing Allyn one more glance, she composed herself then moved out of the area. She had to visit her excuse for being down here - someone she had wanted to visit anyhow. "Goodbye," she whispered, her back turned to him. If only he had been awake.

_They_ had been... so close.

Wolfhere had been waiting around the castle patiently for his chance to speak with the king. He was yet to receive his payment but he was a calm man and for the amount of money he had been promised he could wait. Him and Liath had their own room in the castle. They were outside the city with what was left of the troops during the day and slept in the castle at night.

Wolfhere knew that if it were not for him Nethbo would have won the war. Although he let the knights and royalty have all the publicity. He just wanted to get his money and buy himself estates out in the countryside were he could run his 'business' there. Many of his men had taken up the general’s offer of letting them join the army of Abertawe. It was a much easier life. Wolfhere and Liath though had decided to maybe take up some kind of trade.

Although Wolfhere had found something in another country he had visited that had intrigued him. In this other country there were people that called themselves a guild. It was a group of warriors that fought together for whatever cause they deemed worthy. Most of the people in this 'guild' were so well off that they didn’t really care about getting money. They fought for fun and what they decided was right. Maybe Wolfhere could start one here.

While he was thinking about this Liath walked into the room. "Good Afternoon." He said gruffly. Still thinking about what life will be like after he gets the money. He would have to think more on this guild thing and see if other people would be willing to join.

"Good Afternoon." Liath cooed softly. She had went out and made sure that everything was okay among the troops. They wanted their money before they were willing to join Abertawe’s army.

Soon a knock came on the door. Wolfhere asked "Whose there?"

"A messenger from the King, my lord. He would like to talk to you, if you have the time."

Wolfhere was pleasently suprised he had been waiting for the king to speak with him. All Wolfhere wanted was to get his money and leave. "Of course I have the time." He said opening the door.

"if you will follow me." The messenger brought him to the private study of the King. Hawk got up, and walked to the mercenary.

"Sir, I am glad to see you. I have not had a chance to thank you for all you did."

"Your Highness I just did what I was paid to do. By the way when do I get paid." He licked his lips in anticipation.

"The money is right here." The King gestured to a chest behind him. "But before I pay you,I would like to discuss with you the possibility of you and your people staying on here. I know that is what my father wants. I believe he asked you to think about it?"

"Aye, that he did. I asked my men about it and they said that they would be more than happy to work here." HE said with a smile. "As for me I have my own plans. I left some unfinished business at the border that I must go finish." His smile dissaperead and his face grew hard.

"Is there anything that would make you change your mind? I need good knights, and I can pay you well. Think about it, there will be a place here after you return from the border, if you really have to go." The King said.

"Aye, I do have to return to the border. The King of Nethbo will wish that he had never scorned me." He said with almost a sickining smile. "Let me think on your offer and when I return I will give you an answer, Your Highness."

"That sounds fair enough." Hawk knew he could not stop the man.

"Thank you your Majesty." Wolfhere had his man grab the chest and they strolled off to his room.