Upheaval and Change - Tales 4

Rowena was bored. Practically all her family was in a big meeting in the hall and nobody would let her in. Her mother had locked herself up in her room with her sister Bronwen. Her other brothers and sisters were off playing by the brook, but no one would let her go. She sort of remembered them all now. It was kind of like opening a book really fast and catching a drawing and shutting it again.

She sat in the rosegarden with a doll. She missed Papa. He would have taken her out to the farms on a day like today. They would have helped the tennants fix their houses. She sighed and tried to remember what she did here before she forgot. Her head began to hurt and she gave up trying.

Audrey touched the rose stems very gently, realizing that when the flowers were in full blown they would be perfect for making rose oil. She'd have to figure out things to do now that her traveling days were over for the moment. Walking around had helped her gain an inventory over what was around the castle so she could restock some of her supplies. She was so concentrated that she almost missed the young girl who was in the garden as well. She peeked over and smiled. "Hello there," she said softly.

"Hello. Are you bored too?" She asked curiously.

Audrey sighed as she sat down on the ground. "I am actually just very tired. I have been walking around most of the day. What have you been doing?"

"Trying to remember." She said simply. "It is not working." She frowned from the lack of things she wanted to remember. "I know I like this place, but I can't remember why." She was under a large tree along the castle wall.

Audrey sat silently for a moment. "Sometimes its hard to remember things, especially from when you were younger." She patted down her dress, searching for something. It took her a minute but she finally found a small vial. "Smell sometimes helps. Here, this is rose oil. Maybe it will remind you of a time when this garden was in full bloom."

Rowena took the vial and inhaled deeply. "Ohh, I know this smell." She smiled excitedly. Suddenly her face paled and her hand trembled nearly dropping the small vial. Her eyes filled with tears and an unmistakeable look of pain crossed her face.

"It's okay," Audrey said sweetly. "Nothing is going to happen," she continued taking the vial out of Rowena's hand. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Sometimes when I remember, it hurts." whimpered the little girl. "I can't see for a minute, everything is furry."

"Does it hurt your head?" Audrey asked. "Or does it hurt your heart? Sometimes we don't want to remember things because they aren't good memories."

"It hurts my head." Rowena took Audrey's hand and placed it on the back of her head. "It hurts here." Underneath Audrey's hand was a small knot, the size of a small bird egg.

Audrey frowned. "Did you hit your head recently?" she asked, masking the concern in her voice.

"Papa said I fell off a horse. His healer said that is why I can't remember. But on the trip here from Dan-yr-coed, the bump came back and now it won't go away." Rowena whimpered a little as she touched it.

Audrey gingerly touched it and bit her lip. "Well, it shouldn't hurt. I think we can do something about that." But, she didn't add, Audrey didn't know what a reoccuring lump could mean.

Rowena smiled. "That would be grand. I don't like it when it hurts because I can't see as well and I feel like you do when you spin and spin." She looked up with complete trust. She knew that Hawk's lady was a healer, he had told her so.

Audrey smiled reassuringly, like she had been trained to do. "Well, let's go see if I can't find the right ingredients in my room," she said standing up.

"Hmm.. Okay! I am tired anyway." Rowena didn't mention that she had just come in from the city. She picked up her doll and looked up at the healer expectantly.

Merk wrung his hands together as he approached the throne room. He had been unable to find either Lord Iorwerth or Sir Brendan - he was sure the pair were too busy preparing for the war in Nethbo than to deal with a simple guardsman, anyhow. Which left only one person left to deliver his message to.

The regent himself.

Merk had only met King Gwenwynwyn once, in passing, but he bragged of the occasion often. But he had never seen the new regent at all but at a distance. And to have to deliver such a message to him... Merk began to wring his large hands harder.

Taking a deep breath, the doors of the throne room swung open grandiosely. Without even looking to see if anyone was inside, he fell to one knee, lowering his head. "My liege," he called nervously.

"He is not here, my good man. Can I help you?" Alterian walked up. Being the King's right hand, little escaped his notice. He knew this to be one of Captain Deirdre's closer men.

Merk rose, partly relieved to see that the regent wasn't present. He supposed he was too busy with the war preparations as well... but...

"My lord," he began, not quite sure how to address the man, "I have an urgent message from Dame Deirdre as to her and Sir Shannon's progress." He fumbled at his belt for the pages of parchment.

"Ah, their investigation as to the nature of Rowena's rescuer." Alterian waited as the man gathered himself.

"Aye," Merk agreed, smoothing the papers out onto his chest. He abruptly handed the letter to Alterian, hoping the man wouldn't guess that he wouldn't be able to read it to him. "They have left already, my lord," he grunted worriedly.

Alterian frowned. He took the papers and read them through. "Hmmm, I see this. I will make sure the king gets the information. Thank you, sir. Your diligence is to be commended."

Merk tossed a regretful look at the papers; he knew it didn't make sense, especially considering how useless they were to him, but he had hoped he could keep them. He cleared his throat, unsure of how to continue. "Should I start to assemble some men to find them, my lord? It isn't safe for them to be alone, not if Deir... the Dame's thoughts are correct..." His fingers strayed to the hilt of his sword in anticipation.

"Do you know where they have gone?" he asked thoughtfully.

Merk shifted on his feet uneasily. "Well... no..." He shrugged. "But we know his name now, right? We should be able to find his estate and follow them, right?"

Alterian thought for a moment. "Assemble a small party of men. Await my word. We need every able man at the border, but I will speak to the King of this matter. Meet me back here when you are ready."

The guardsman looked almost jubilant as he bowed low, his dark eyes shining. "We will be ready within the hour, my lord," he promised, whirling out of the throne room in a torrent of movement. Even his limp couldn't slow him down as he hurried to the main guard tower.

It was time for him to get his revenge, he thought as he hobbled up the stairs.

Time for sweet revenge.

Thorn's Rose plodded on slowly down the frozen path, having long since lost his enthusiasm for the slow moving passage. For the first full day, Deirdre had to continually rein him in to keep him from eagerly passing the wagon they followed. Pulling her steed alongside her companion knight, she let out a bored sigh.

"So, how much farther do you think it'll be, Shannon?" she asked, weary of the quiet ride.

"Well if it lasts more that a week I will be ready for some hard work, all of this riding is making me feel soft, I need to swing my hammer or sword at something." Shannon said with a chuckle.

"Well," she began, pitching her voice lower, "you may just have that action you desire. If this is the man I fear he is, do not hesitate. Not for an instant." Her face hardened, growing cold, but her eyes looked vaguely disturbed. "He killed two of my men as they stood helpless and never spared them another look. He would do the same to you. Don't give him the opportunity." It was with those ominous thoughts that she left him, returning to her position on the other side of the carriage, as if they were escorting it, not the other way around.

********************************* A week later....

The wagon drew up in front of a very impressive manse. The grounds were well kept and servants moved around busy on various tasks. Dogs rushed to meet the carriage and horses, barking with excitement.

The coachman hopped down. "He will be awaiting ya inside, m'lady." He took the lead horse and headed for the stables. Two servants came and stood respectfully to one side, waiting to take their horses. One would think that they had come to pay a social call.

Heart thumping wildly in her chest, Deirdre slid off her steed, hesitating before handing one of the men the reins. She stared at the estate in silence, keeping a gloved hand on Thorn's neck, as if to steady herself. In the week that they had traveled, she had finally told Shannon of her suspicions... but she had told no one, including the Lady Isa, of their encounters while she was held by him.

Stepping forward, she absently patted the head of one excited dogs, their panting breath frosting in the cool air. "Let's get this over, shall we?" she finally said, almost as if to herself. But she looked up at Shannon for agreement.

Shannon looked around to see if there were any guards, or threats. Seeing none he handed his reins to the awaiting servant. "Aye, no time like the present"

There seemed to be no one of a threat about. The two were shown into a parlor where a man stood by the fire, he turned as they entered. He was unarmed and dressed far differently then the last time Deirdre saw him. His woad tunic was trimed in silver thread and not a hair was out of place. He truly looked regal in his bearing and his appearance. His eyes caught the recognition in Deirdre's and he smiled. His voice was low and he did not bother Sir Shannon with even a glance. "Greetings milady. We meet again I see. I am pleased you decided to accept my invitation."

Without hesitation, the captain drew her sword and pointed it towards the lord, cursing the way her sword arm trembled ever so slightly. She had prayed she would be wrong... why, by the Gods, couldn't she be wrong?

"In the name of the High Regent, I place you under arrest. You will be in the custody of the regent's men until we return to the castle at Abertawe, where you will recieve a fair trial for your crimes. Sir Shannon will disarm you," she added, doubting that he would stand against her without a concealed blade.

He laughed. "Sorry love, but you are no longer in Abertawe and therefore, you have no authority over me. I answer to the King of Dan-yr-Coed and if you check the records, there is no love lost there." He had not moved though his body position had shifted lightly.

Shannon had drawn his sword as he saw Deirdre going for her own. He had positioned himself so that he could watch both the doorway from which they had entered and the man who stood in front of them. He moved towards the man slowly, and with caution, watching him and their backs. "Sir, I would ask that you make no sudden movements," he said matter of factly.

"Politics was never my strong suit," she retorted, her voice uncaring. "And murder is a crime whereever you may reside." She nodded towards Shannon, signaling him to search the man for concealed blades as she moved closer to cover him. Her face was as solid as stone, and as unemotional.

Allyn paused for a moment and then slowly reached into his waistband and pulled out his knife. He flipped it over and held it out to Shannon. "Well then, love, you have a problem. My men were ordered to let you in, not out. I have dinner being laid out. Let us discuss this over a decent repast. I am sure you are tired and hungry after such a long journey.

Shannon took the blade from the man in front of him. He was confused; Allyn was talking to Deirdre in warm tones, calling her love, and the usually solid Deirdre seemed a bit rattled. "Since I am the newcomer here and you both seem to know each other a bit better than I expected, I have a question. What in Hades' name is actually going on here??" Shannon looked to Allyn and then to Deirdre. "Are we here to take a man into custody by order of our Regent, for murdering two men who were unable to defend themselves, or are we here to take a man back to our Regent for saving the Princess Rowena, or is this a reunion of sorts for you?? I would REALLY like an answer to at least one of those questions." Shannon's guard was up, his ire was up and he did not like the situation that he found himself in.

Deirdre swallowed hard, her sword lowering a little now that the dagger was out of Allyn's hands. "The two men are one and the same," she finally replied. "The man who killed my men is the same man who rescued Rowena. I should have known when the Lady Catrin refused to tell us your name." She shook her head. "Perhaps the regent will go easy on you in gratitude for returning his little sister. But I hardly think he will take kindly to the kidnapper of his mother, either."

Deirdre looked towards the door thoughtfully, then turned to address the lord of the manor. "Whatever your men were instructed to do, I doubt they will argue if we are holding a knife to your throat." Her jaw tightened as she gazed at Allyn's handsome face, his half-cocked smile almost mocking her. "I intend on returning you to Abertawe for justice, Allyn. No matter what."

"May I be so bold as to point out that we are but wolves in the bear's den. If he has instructed his men to not allow us to leave then I believe that holding him captive will only encourage them to bring about our swift end, and promote one of the troops to the leader of this fine manor." Shannon looked from Allyn then to Deirdre, the look of anxiety in his eyes.

"Quite so, Sir Shannon, my death or an attempt to force my capture will merely result in your own. A needless waste, I assure you. Deirdre, love, I knew you would come, you would not be able to help it. I am perhaps willing to return with you to your shire, but come let us eat and discuss matters. Put away the sword, if I wanted to harm you. I would have long since done so." His tone caressing the last words.

Shannon looked to Deirdre to see her reaction still a bit confused about the true relationship between her and Allyn. Standing his ground awaiting a response from Deirdre.

Rage built up within the captain of the guard. She was trapped, and as surely as a wild horse would panic and bolt if a human came too near, she was seeing the noose slowly wrap itself about her neck. Worse, Allyn stood free, teasingly calling her names of love while she stood helpless, unable to extract justice for what he had done to her men... for what he had done to her. And worst of all, she had dragged Sir Shannon into this trap with her.

Eyes blazing, cracking the surface of the stony expression upon her face, she raised the sword again warningly. "If you call me 'love' one more time, I swear I will slit your throat where you stand, and damn the consequences," she spat, her words so venomous they startled even their implacable host.

Waiting a moment, as if daring Allyn to speak, she finally stepped back, slamming the blade of her sword into the scabbard which hung limply at her waist. For Shannon only did she back down - had she been alone, she would have tried nonetheless. For what was her life worth if she allowed this man to escape from her grasp yet again?

Allyn's eyes widened in suprise. He knew that she had felt something between them that day as had he. She had buried it so deeply? He swallowed, forcing a smile to stay on his face. "Let us sit down to dinner and discuss this. Your ride was hard and you are obviously tired." The last pointedly said to Deirdre. "I will explain my actions, and though that will not make them right, we can decide at that point what to do. I did not say I would not return to Abertawe with you, I said I would not go at sword point."

Deirdre did not speak, only looked to Shannon for affirmation. The last thing she wanted to do was sit down and sup with this man; in fact, the more time she spent with him, the more certain she was that emotions would break out in a flood. And she feared more than anything what would escape.

But if that was the way the game was to be played...

Wolfhere strolled calmly into the meeting room. Followed closely by four shabbily dressed men. When he walked in to the room he noticed Alterian sitting there waiting for him. He walked over to a seat and motioned for the others to do the same.

"You were successful?" Alterian asked. He barely looked up at the mercenary.

"Yes I was" He replied with a smile. "These four men are leaders of the best mercenary bands around. You will find no better." Wolfhere was very confident in this. He had worked with these men before and knew them to be very trustworthy and good warriors.

"Wonderful, how many men can you bring." He asked.

Wolfhere stepped aside and let one of the men take center. "Sir I am Conrad da Black" He said in a rich yet polite accent. "We can bring at least 500 men a piece. 'pends on how many people ya's need."

"That is wonderful. When can you have them ready to leave?" He asked, hiding his displeasure at having to hire them in the first place.

Conrad, Wolfhere, and the other three men started talking amongst themselves quietly for a second. Conrad then replied "It 'pends on how much ya's pain."

"I will pay each man 5 pieces of silver to start and 5 gold if they live. To you gentleman, I will pay 100 times the greater amount." He said professionally.

The four men's eyes grew large. Then they became somewhat suspicious. Conrad replied "What ya's want us todo."

"You do not wish to be paid well? I wish you to win against the Nethbian army along with our own men." He said with contempt.

"Make it ten gold of we live and ya's got yaself's a deal." Conrad's eyes narrowed "This does seem somewhat dangerous." A shorter person in armor stepped forward and cuffed Conrad in the back of the head "We accept." The mysterious person said in a high pitched voice.

"Seven and you have an agreement. I will go no higher. Our own men are not so generously rewarded." He snapped.

"It is a deal!" all four said in unison. The person in armor took off the helmet reveal long blonde hair. "We will have our men here in three days hence. No later!" she snapped. It was aimed more at the three men than at Alterian.

Alterian smiled. "I am pleased to see that you will be so prompt. I will double the payment if you can make it in two." He said getting up in way of dismissal.

The woman smiled "I will have mine here in two although I can not speak for these dirt bags." She turned to leave the room and looked at Wolfhere. "I have some personal business I need to speak with you about as soon as possible." She said with an enticing and seductive look.

He smiled "Ahhh, of course I will, um, speak with you as soon as possible." He replied to her and she left the room followed by the other three.

Wolfhere then turned to Alterian. "What about my payment you still owe me for everything."

"Well done, General. I expect you can keep your captain's in line. I will make sure there is a bonus if you can keep them on the field better then the Vahallons to the north." He tossed a bag of gold on the table between them. "Perhaps you can find something besides gold out on that field."

Wolfhere smiled. "Ahhh, general. I never thought I would be called that again." He snatched up the gold and asked "Will that be all?"

"Aye, I expect you to be at the meetings the King calls between now and the time you and your men move out." He said, dismissing the man.

Alterian carried the parchement to Hawk. He was playing with his son. He waited patiently for the Regent to acknowledge him. He had poor news and it didn't seem that the letter would make it much better.

Hawk smiled contently at the little boy, Rhys was getting used to him, and to his amazement the child seemed very fond of him. "Ian" he said when he saw the other man, "anything urgent?" He had so little time for his family as it was.

"Aye Sire." He looked at the boy, not wanting to speak in front of one so young on matters of war.

Hawk Told the nurse to take his son back to his nursery. and then gave his attention to the other man.

"I have not been able to find enough mercenaries to really make much of a difference. This Wolfhear has been valuable, but I am afraid it will be little more then a stop gap. And, I fear your Dame Deirdre has left without any type of reinforcements except for Sir Shannon. I have an uneasy feeling that I cannot explain about that situation." He handed Hawk the parchement.

"We need more mercenary is, we need to get men somewhere." He took the parchment without reading. "Of course! dinas dwr! There King is my friend, and besides he owes me. We could ask him for troops." His eyes were blazing, the Piece of paper forgotten.

"He would send assistance?" Alterian asked thoughtfully.

"I think he would, yes I am sure he would." Hawk winced suddenly, in his enthusiasm he had made a move with his shoulder. He was trying to hide from everybody that it was not healing as as it should fast. "Let's ask him." He went on as if nothing had happened.

"I will draft it, milord. I also received this missive from Dame Deirdre." He handed over the parchement. "A small group of men have asked permission to leave and back her up."

Hawk began to read. And then thought for a moment, "Tell them to be carefull, and if they need more men, they can get them, But they have got to bring everybody in that they suspect."

Alterian nodded. He supposed a handful would not make a huge difference in the larger scheme of things. "Then with your permission, I will withdraw to let them know to leave and to write that letter." He retreated with Hawk's wave and indeed, sent Merk and his men after the Captain. He then sat down and penned a letter to Dinas Dwr, begging for assistance.