Upheaval and Change - Tales 19

Rowena could barely see the steps, but she made her way down them nonetheless. She had slipped her nurse and was now looking for her father. It took her an hour and a maid's help and she finally found her father in the stables.

"Da?" She called out, hoping the shape she saw was him.

"Little one?" The general asked hesitantly. He had been keeping his distance from his little daughter, since he knew that she saw another man as her father, and that he frightened her. So he was very pleasantly surprised that she came looking for him.

"Da, will you take me riding?" She asked looking up at him. "I want .. I can't ride my pony?" She hoped he would want to be with her. Papa had said she must try to fix this.

He kneeled down next to her. "Off course, Princess, if that is what you want." He said very gently. "I can take you on my horse, that way we will make sure that you do not fall off." She had always loved being near his big war horse in the past.

"I would like that." She replied and held out her arms to her father.

He smiled, genuinely happy. And then he gently picked her up, and put her on the Big horse. "Don't worry, I have you, you're not going to fall. We will take it really slow today, OK?"

"Can you ride behind me and then we could go fast?" She begged prettily. Rowena missed riding most of all. She came and pet the pony that the stable hand said was hers, but no one would let her on it.

Her father laughed. "Now I know my daughter again hold on, little one." As soon as they had cleared the castle, iorwerth spurred his horse on, and they were flying over the meadows.

Rowena trilled with delight. She leaned back against her father in total trust, the memory of such a ride resurged and she smiled. This father she knew. This kind and loving man who taught her how to go fast.

Finally he stopped his horse. This ride made him happy to, he had always enjoyed being with his daughter so much. And of all his children, she shared his passion for horses most. He had been carried away this afternoon, and he hoped he had not gone too far. "Did you like that, Princess?" He asked gently.

"Oh yes, Da." She leaned back and look up at him. "Can we do it again tomorrow?"

"We sure can, Little Princess." He said beaming. It had been a long time since he had been that happy. For the first time he felt that he had his Little Princess back.

Jon entered the inner sanctums of the palace. Tomas had brought him the location of Bronwen and the guardsman. Now to let a father's wrath take its due course.

Jon asked for an emergency audience with Lord Ioswerth. He paced anxiously, awaiting the lord's acceptance. Time was of the essence. Finally he was admitted into the Lord's presence.

"Thank you for seeing me. I am most distressed." Jon began.

"What about?" Iorwerth asked a little worried. He hoped nothing wrong with his Daughter.

"I assigned guards to the Princess when she rides. I didn't tell her because she scoffs such protection. But my men told me yesterday that she was kissing the young squire and today.. right now .. they just told me that the two have gone off to some cave for a tryst?" Jon looked up at Ioswerth, truly heart broken. "But yester evening, your daughter swore that her heart was mine? I do not appreciate being cuckolded, but with a squire of no birth? Does the lass think she can take a lover and a husband?"

Iorwerth paused he knew he had to be diplomatic about this, and that was not his strong side. "She is a young girl, I was afraid of this, was afraid she had not made up her mind completely. I fear she loves you both, my lord." Iorwerth said. "And we are going to have to give her time to decide. Time to decide Where her heart lies. I know this is hard for you, but you have to give her time, if you don't the two of youwill never be truly happy." He said with feeling. "now do you want me to talk to her?"

Jon's eyes opened in horror. "Your daughter is lying with a man in a cave.. and you want to talk to her? I ask permission to challenge this man." He demanded.

Iorwerth stayed calm. "Take me there, I want to see this for myself first. Then I will decide what to do with her.

"Agreed! But if what I say is truth, I demand satisfaction." Jon said firmly. He led the General to the stables and horses were immediately procured. Jon led the way and twenty minutes later, the two men approached the stream where Tomas awaited them.

"Greetings, milords." He said bowing.

"Is she still there?" Jon demanded, his anger seething. Bronwen had done this thing after begging for Seth's life.

"Aye, she is there as is the young guardsman. I will take you." Tomas carefully led the two men through the woods on a narrow path from the pond. Soon they came to a cliffside. "There be a cave there, they went in and have not come out for all the while."

Jon dismounted. His horse was trained to stay where it was. He did not know if he wanted to go in. To see the lass in a dishonorable act was more then he was prepared to do to secure her hand. He was saved the task for the covering over the cave moved and Bronwen came out leading her horse. Her hair was wet and her clothing wrinkled. She had the flush of a woman recently loved. He had been to late.

Bronwen came to a halt as she saw first Jon. Her eyes widened. When she saw her father, her face paled completely. "Father?" She squeaked. Seth stepped out behind her, his cloak over his arm.

Iorwerth stepped towards his daughter and looked her straight in the face. He knew that she would not lie to him. "Daughter, have you given yourself to this man?" He gestured towards Seth.

Bronwen couldn't look at him. Her eyes dropped to the ground immediately. Her heart thundered in her breast and real fear coursed through her blood. "Aye." She whispered.

"Go to your room, child. I will deal with you later." He was very close to exploding in anger. "My lord Earl, I cannot apologize enough for my daughter's behavior. Trust me, she will be severely punished."

Seth stood there mortally petrified of what the General might say or do. If he asked him why then he would give him the honest answer. He bowed his head awaiting a word.

Bronwen's eyes widened in fear. "Father, please. Do not harm Seth. It is not.. was not his fault." Panic filled her voice and she stepped back against Seth.

Jon looked at Bronwen, disappointment etched into his face. "No, it is his fault. You are just a child."

"I am not." Bronwen said with tears. "I can make my own choices and I do NOT choose you."

"A promise is a promise, Bronwen. You promised yourself to me and I made promises as well. I would still see them kept." He said firmly.

"A promise only made due to a threat of some kind Sanglet," Seth spoke up trying to defend his love.

"A nice ploy. I don't threaten." Jon's face was set in stone. It had been a promise, not a threat, he thought.

"Yje princess can say otherwise of that I am certain and you can't harm her. She is royalty and does not want to be with you."He was staying calm and would not let his meotions take control.

"Enough out of you!" The general said. "I will speak with your master about you."

"Lady Bronwen." Jon stated firmly. "Have I EVER threatened YOU with harm?" He looked at her directly and waited for her answer.

"No." Bronwen admitted slowly. "But.."

"You see General. I have been played the fool. And now this young upstart wishes to cast me in the place of villian when it is he that has stolen the princess' innocence."

Iowerth turned to Sanglet. "My lord, let's all go home and calm down. I will of course offer you restitution. but first I will get to the bottom of this mess."

Bronwen mounted her horse with the assistance of Seth and the glowering of the Earl. She turned the horse towards the castle as the men gathered the horses. She rode silently, afraid to speak. Her father had mentioned punishment.

She could not remember when he had last punished her. She wasn't sure he ever had. She glanced at Seth who looked angry as well. She knew the Earl was, she didn't have to look at him. Jon was riding beside her father.

"Milord. Do not be harsh on the lass. She has been misled by pretty speech and winsome ways. I would still wish to take her to wife. You won't find another willing to take her now." Jon said as gently as he could. "I do not blame the girl, but others will be less generous." He spurred his horse forward, leaving the father and Lord to think about his words.

Iorwerth glared at the earl's back, he had his own ideas. He would talk to a few people and he would make his decision known.

Seth stood at the same spot he had the past few nights thinkng about what may happen. He knew the truth and he was almost certain that His love Bronwen would tell it to her father and Sanglett's treachery would be revealed. He was wearing his weighted cloak and was deep in thought.

Cloaked in a forest green matieral Mae slowly stepped out into the courtyard. She had many thoughts swimming through her head and the serenity of night eased her mind.

Seth heard movement and turned. He spotted a striking woman and said,"Hello, It seems we are both seeking the peace of the night. I am Seth McCullen and you might be?"

Mae smiled, "Dame Maelona Dossen." She pulled down her hood, her sharp green eyes looking over the man. "I have heard of you McCullen, would you care to join me on a walk?" Rumors of his courtship and conflicts had spread through the castle.

"Yes, thank you."He walked beside her and asked,"What can I do for you?"

"I require little." She pulled her cloak tighter as the breeze grew. "Just company on a walk." Pausing she asked quietly, "What keeps you from slumber?"

He pulled out a small cloak he had on him and offers it to her. he said,"Well, I am in love with the princess and many obstacles are in our path. One fo them beingf Jon Sanglett. he has forced the princess to agree to marry him and I know she does not." He knew he was taking a big risk cofiding all of this in her.

Mae watched Seth. He was troubled and she saw it in his eyes. "Speak freely soldier, your words are safe with me."

"He threatened to have me killed should she tell me any of this, but I figured it out by myself and recently we made love and were found out. That was this morning,"he said angry at Sanglet and afraid for his love.

"Love causes one to act in unpredictable ways." Mae bit her lip, knowing she too had fallen prey to the emotion.

"Do you think the King will listen to his daughter if she tells him what happened with Sanglett?"He asked hoping against hope that they would make it out fo this.

"What happens in court is a difficult and taxing matter. But this Kingdom is different from ones I have seen." Taking a breath she whispered, "You should be greatful the Earl has not taken your head. Do not think poorly of me." She added quickly, "I am honest and to give a man false hope is a crime. Follow your heart and seek allies not enemies."

"Will you be my ally milady?"he asked taking her avice and hoping she would. He did not want to lose a possable freind so he added,"I will hold nothing against you milady if you say no."

Mae pulled her cloak back over her head. "The company you sought tonight did not end in vain Seth McCullen. Your intentions are pure, but if I may offer advice?"

"Any would help milady."He said listening to every word.

"I would seek out matters of love with my head and not my pants." She smiled, Mae was blunt but her words were true. "Now let us both try and rest and see what tomorrow's fortune has in store for us." She favored the head strong young man.

"Yes milady. Sleep well and I hope to see you again."He said with a smile.

Seth stood erect and saluted his superior. With a slight smile and nod Mae turned to enter the casrle.

Seth called after mae and asked,"Why do you help me?"

Without turning she answered, "I help who I deem fit."

"Thank you," he called after her believing she truly thought him fit.

Bronwen entered her brother's rooms. She smiled and dismissed his attendant and went to sit on his bed. "Hey little brother, how are you faring?" Brendan was a little older then her, but he never acted like it. At least, not to in her opinion. So she had always teased him by calling him her little brother. She loved him dearly, however, and her tone of voice showed it.

He smiled at her. "I am glad to see you of, Miss pretty." That was his nickname for her. "I am bored here. And the healers will not to let me out of bed yet. Tell me all the gossip that's going around, sis."

Bronwen started with petty tales of court. People they both knew and the follies they got themselves into. She then moved to family. "Rowena is getting better. Audrey feels she may recover at least part of her sight. I think, I think Audrey and Hawk will marry." She said thinking of what Seth had said to her.

Her brother smiled". "That is great news. She is my healer you know. She is a very nice person" he looked at his sister. "Of course you do not agree.

"I do not know her." Bronwen replied. "But.. she is not of noble birth?"

"No she is not. She has no title, no land, nothing. But he loves her, and she loves him. In the end that is all that matters, is it not?" He was provoking his sister, knowing her silly ideas about love.

"I guess. I mean, it would be different if it were the other way around." She said hesitantly.

"Why! I don't see any difference. Say for instance you were in love with a commoner, our brother could not refuse the marriage. And knowing hawk he will see to it that you were well provided. So what would the problem be?" He asked innocently.

Bronwen suddenly looked miserable. "I don't know. It just seems wrong to mix noble blood with common." There was not much conviction behind her words.

"why! It is only the money that gives us better opportunities." He said. "Why would it be wrong to love a commoner?"

"I don't know." She sighed. "I just .. Oh Brendan, I am so miserable." She put her hands in her face.

"why, Miss pretty? You have everything your little heart desires, don't you?" He took her hand to comfort her a little.

"No." She said simply. "I am in such a mess and can find no solution."

"Do you want to to tell me about it?" He asked gently. This was new for him, he was not the person she normally confided in.

Bronwen shook her head no. "I am supposed to be cheering you up. I need to go anyways." She got up and kissed his cheek. Please take care of yourself so you can get out of here."

Closing the door to her quarters, Mae began to unlace her bodice and remove her heavy skirt. The confines of court clothes did not please the knight, but she tolerated them nonetheless. She was down to a simple thin chemise, a garment quite revealing in the candlelight. Standing in front of the mirror she removed the pins from her hair, allowing her red tresses to fall freely upon her shoulders.

Seth was strolling the halls of the castle and having spotted the woman he had seen before wanted to speak with her again. He was of course pretty ignorant when it came to the difference of rooms in the castle, since he had never spent much time in the castle himself. He saw her enter a room and not thinking, he followed her and walked right in unknowingly.

Mae turned, her slender figure standing erect. Her eyes widened as she realized it was not a maid but some vile peeping tom. She pulled a knife from the holster on her thigh and held it steady, ready to attack.

"What foul villan enters a lady's quarters at night?"

The doorway was dark and she had not recognized the young man she had met earlier this evening.

"I am sorry,"Seth said as he turned from her not realizing these were her quarters. "I did not know these were your quarters milady. I rarely ever venture into the castle." His eyes had but barely taken in her figure before he had turned and realized what he had known before, that she was clearly blessed in her looks.

Mae's anger subsided and she returned her dagger to it's sheath. Picking up a robe from her bed she slipped it over her shoulders and answered, "Oh it's only you. Be more careful squire." With a wave of her hand she motioned him to enter her room.

He turned back around and said,"Please forgive me. I did not know this was your room. It is very nice. I was wondering if you had some time to talk?"

"You have my attention." Was her only reply.

"I am not sure of a way I can be able to marry princess Bronwen if Sanglett has the King believing him. The fact that he pointed us out is a major push in his direction since he told him something and believe me it happened more than once. Do you know what I should do?"He asked not meaning to ramble on like he did. He hoped she could help.

"You need to prove yourself in court." Mae crossed her legs and sat silently in contemplation. "If the lady Bronwen cannot choose then perhaps a competition should choose for her." Mae was relying on her knowledge of royal policy in these areas. She had studied with the best tutors during her many months of training. "If the King wishes it, a joust could be held as the final decision in the matter." Mae looked at Seth to see his reaction to the suggestion.

His eyes widened and said, "I know Lady bronwen would not want that to happen. I believe she would choose me, if she knew she had nothing to fear from the earl anymore. I do not mean to sound conceited milady, but we are in love and I know this to be true." He looked to her conveying both his sympathies for barging in still and seeking advice.

Mae nodded, he was such a young fool, oblivious to the world around him. With an arch of her eyebrow she whispered, "Love is a strong bond and I do not contest your love for the Lady, nor her's for you. But alas, the Earl will not concede so easily and perhaps the only way to beat him at his own game is to Joust." Mae rose and pulled the fur robe tight, she did not want to show more of herself then she already had.

"As is the rules in such an endeavor, the poles will be blunt and there shall be no killing." Mae looked out the window, she could think of no other available option.

"This is good, but i have still had no formal training in such a competition. Will I just have to wing it and hope for the best?"He asked glad for her help, but trying to find some hope.

"Are you not squire to Dame Deidre?" She queried. "I am sure she would teach you everything you need to know." Mae smiled, she had spoken with Deidre on a few occasions and generally liked the Ice Queen. "I can accompany you in court when the challenge is made public. Thus securing a date which will allow us enough time to ready you for the joust."

"You would do this to help a man you barely know?" He asked not doubting, but simply amazed. This honestly very good looking knight was willing to help a lowly man such as himself.

"I do what I feel is right. And if the Dame finds you fit to squire then perhaps there is something good about you." She smiled kindly and tossed her red locks behind her shoulder. "I will speak with your knight in the morning. Now sleep well and try not to barge into any other bedrooms whilst women are undressing." She laughed lightly and rose to follow Seth to the door.

Seth turned and asked,"Would it be alright if I gave you a kiss on the cheek for helping me?" he did not think of her overly in anything more than a future friend, but wanted to express his gratitude.

Mae held out her hand and smiled, "Proper court ettiquette is required when pursuing a lady. This you must learn if you also want to win her heart."

He took her hand a kissed the top if it and said,"My gratitude milady. I will see you on the morrow."

With a sudden gasp of air, Codi bolted upright in bed, sheets and pillows sprawled about her slender form. Eyes the color of wet slate quickly assessed their surroundings before the young maiden released a quiet sigh of relief. Kynniarc Inn, she remembered. Slowly, she removed the hand that had instinctively pressed against her breast. Her heartbeat had caused an earthquake within her torso only moments ago, but the girl began to relax. The disturbing dream had vanished with her awakening.

Causing the linen curtains to billow gently, a light breeze entered through the window, and the aroma of baked goods wafted into the small room. Codi's stomach growled heartily in response. Breakfast would be good, she thought. And then I'll search for work. With an affirming and confident nod, the maiden brushed away the sheets and slipped from the bed to undress. A loose chemise was doffed, and proper attire donned in its place. Simple clothes, they were, but the pale blues and grays would suffice for a day in the market, she knew. With ease, Codi weaved her golden tresses and then twisted the braid into a modest bun, keeping the bulge in place with a long, ivory stick that had once belonged to her mother.

When the maiden felt prepared, she gathered her coin purse and wound the straps about her wrist. It was time. Light steps took Codi from her room, and she paused but a moment to lock the door before descending the stairway down the hall. I'll just purchase something at the market. A bread roll, perhaps. Musing quietly to herself, the girl floated through the common room and out the Kynniarc Inn. Her nose guided her up the road, and she quickly spotted a bakery stand that appeared to be loaded with freshly made goods. 'Twas a good thing she was up early; the smell sure was delicious.

"A butter roll for ye, ma'am? Better hurry... in a few minutes, there'll be a swarm!" The baker smiled warmly from his place behind a stack of bread loaves. A short and rotund man, he was, with a friendly countenance and a rosy complexion. Codi smiled kindly in return.

"That sounds good, yes. I'll take two.. no, three. And one of those small apple tarts, please."

"Ravenous... that's good," chuckled the baker. "Seven copper, and ye can have another tart free of charge, miss." Beaming, the maiden dug into her coin purse and produced seven coins, which she dropped into the baker's waiting palm. Three buttertops and two tarts were snatched up and wrapped lightly in a piece of linen. Codi was pleased.

"I don't suppose you could tell me which road leads to the castle gates, mister?" Indeed, she had not forgotten her quest for employment.

"Aye, miss. Just two streets to the left and head north," smiled the man.

"Thank you very much, sir!"

"Yer quite welcome, pretty lady, and good luck to ye."

With a friendly wave of farewell, Codi left the bakery stand for the next road that would head west. For several minutes, she strolled, until an alley running perpendicular appeared, and she made the turn left. A few more minutes, a sharp right, and half an hour later, the maiden could be seen approaching the castle gates.

Codi drew in a deep breath. Here she was, standing before the royal estates. Hopefully, someone present would require her services, for if not, she would be forced to track down another lord or lady of the outlying territories around Abertawe. Exhale. She would have to find a herald of some sorts or perhaps a squire to announce her presence... A ***********The Next Day*****************************

It was early in the morning and as usual Seth was up and about. He was wearing his weighted cloak since it always was good to wear so he could train using almost anything without it hindering his performance. He spotted a young woman approaching the castle yards. He decided to go introduce himself since she seemed a little timid. He approached her and said, "Hey, I'm Seth McCullen. Who might you be?"

Distracted, Codi failed to notice the young man's approach as she nibbled upon half of an apple tart. The sound of his male voice caught her by surprise, however, and she spun around involuntarily. "Oh!" The apple tart hit the dirt, and she frowned slightly at it before raising her gaze to the squire. "You startled me. Seth McCullen? I'm Codi, and I'm here to speak with the lady of the house..." The maiden looked at him hopefully as she absently wiped her hands upon a handkerchief.

Seth puled out a silver coin and gave it to her and said, "For the tart young maiden. I can direct you. What is it you wish to speak to her about Codi?" He wanted to make sure she wasn't a spy or some assassin.

Codi merely gave him a puzzled look, waving away his silver coin. She wouldn't take money from a stranger, and didn't fully understand his reasoning. Nonetheless, the maiden bent over, picking up the dirty bit of pastry that she had carelessly dropped. "All right, sir. But it probably wont taste very good..." Resting in her palm was the tart piece, and she held it out to him. "I am looking for work, Mister McCullen, and I hope to find it under the lady of the estate, here." And then she quickly added, "As a handmaiden."

"Well, I can lead you to the Queen milady. If she does not accept you then I have a small estate I could supply you with work there. I will pay you well. If you will take it with me. Let us focus on the Queen first though. Come follow me and please do not be a stranger. I hope we can be friends," He stated with a smile as he started walking.

The girl blinked, taking in all of the squire's words. An awfully friendly f ellow, thought she. "Yes, let us focus on the queen, first, please..." It was kind of Seth to offer her a job and all, but she would much prefer to work for a woman. "And it'd be nice to make some friends around the castle if I am to work here. I appreciate your kindness, sir." With a timid nod, Codi moved in step behind the young man.

"I am sorry if I was out of line with my offer Codi," he said as he walked further on. He suddenly realized just how big these yards were. It would be another five minutes before they reached the Queen. "May I ask where you came from?"

"It's no problem, sir... I come from Crossover," was her soft-spoken eply. She was paying more attention to the courtyard and the passing scenery. A lovely place, thought the girl. It would be very nice to live within the castle, even if she were assigned a bed in the servant's quarters. "Are we almost there, Mister McCullen?" Codi didn't realize it, but she was nervously fidgeting with the front of her dress as she plodded along behind the squire.

"Yes milady. We will be there in just one moment. May I offer you some advice when speaking with the Queen?" He did not presume to know everything, but he had spoken with the Queen on more than one occasion.

The girl nodded her head, a brow tweaking upward in curiosity. "I would appreciate it, sir." Quickening her step, she moved up beside Seth and out of the corner of her eye, awaited his words of wisdom. Every kingdom has it's own standards and procedures--perhaps this one would have an interesting difference or two.

"Speak kindly, but speak truth. She is more than just a Queen, she is a trusting and a very unique woman. I know her to be a good person, I am sorry if you already knew this," Seth said what he knew about the Queen, or at least when talking to her. He was only trying to help.

The girl's slender brows furrowed in confusion. Was Seth assuming her a toady or a liar? She had expected advice more along the lines of when to speak, how to show respect, etc. Advising the handmaiden to be honest was entirely unnecessary. "All right... I'm sure I can do that." Codi was a sincere woman, and had no need for falsity. "Are we almost there, sir?" She asked, her voice laced with hope and eagerness.

"Yes, my apologies. I was not saying you would lie or do any falsehoods. I am sure you are very honest. Please forgive me." Seth did not mean to do that and knew she might hate him for such a slip.

Codi gave him an odd look. She hadn't said a word about falsehoods or lying. What was he, some kind of mind reader? She began to wish that she were already in the company of the queen... Luckily, the handmaiden was saved from further awkwardness, as they had arrived at their destination. "This must be it, yes? Please, take me in and introduce me, sir McCullen." Codi was now waiting somewhat impatiently as she fidgeted with her hands.

Seth approached the Queen and bowed low. He said, "This is Codi, she is seeking you my Queen. She is an upright woman from the time I have known her, which was just a few minutes ago. She wishes to address you." He bowed and exited and walked off knowing he was a little late for his training with Deirdre.

And so the handmaiden was left in the presence of the Queen....