Upheaval and Change - Tales 3

The next morning when Hawk opened his eyes, his head hurt and he vaguely remembered fainting the night before.

"Audrey", he called out. "Are you there?"

He heard soft footsteps and then light streamed into the room. "Well, good morning. My, you have slept late. The sun has been up for hours already."

He groaned. "Please tell me yesterday was a nightmare, and I am still a simple warrior, and we can go out today and have fun." He sat up and drew her into his lap. "Did I embarrass you yesterday?"

"Horribly," she smiled. "I am sure I will find a way to pay you back for it though."

He kissed her and then turned serious again. "Now seriously, my love. I know how hard that was for you. I hope my family treated you all right."

"They treated me just fine," Audrey said. "And I am made of harder stuff then you would like to believe."

He touched her hair again, very gently. "I also know that yesterday I pushed you, and I could see in your eyes that you were scared. I am sorry for that. But I am glad that you get along with my parents, they are great people." He took a deep breath. "Would you mind meeting my son?"

"Galloping hordes, all out war..." she paused. "I cannot imagine one little boy causing me more problem then those."

"I am glad that you think it is no big deal, because I am scared to death. I have seen him only once when he was born two years ago. He does not know me at all." Hawk looked pensive.

"Love, he's a two year old boy... he will not remember you leaving, nor be old enough to judge you for leaving him. And it will take time but you will have it now."

"He thinks Mom and Dad are his parents, What if..." He shrugged his head. "Can I get up, my healer?" He changed the subject.

Audrey sighed, realizing that was all she was going to get from him on the subject. "If you feel like you can, then yes of course. The moment you feel tired though, I expect you to take a rest rather than just collapse again."

"Yes, my lady." He said with a solemn look on his face. "I will send a servant for you when I have time to see my son." Hawk Got out of bed, it was going to be another very long day, he could feel it.

The unknown coach rolled into the courtyard. It gained little attention from anyone until it's contents were revealed. Runners were immediately dispatched to the Captain of the Gaurd and the Regent. Word spread quickly that little Rowena had returned to the castle in the company of one of the noble ladies.

Catrin and Rowena were shown into a small library off the great hall. It was warm and personable and out of the eyes of the prying court. It was only two days since the Regent and his family had returned. In fact, if they had been an hour later, parties would have left in search of the lass.

Hawk had spent a boring morning listening to state craft, and he was just coming into the library to have some time to himself of when he saw a lady he did not know and a little girl he remembered very well.

"Little Princess, is it really you?" He opened his arms for her. "Come here, or don't you remember your big brother?"

Rowena fled behind Catrin. She did not know the man though his voice was familiar. She did not even peek from behind her but hid her face in the woman's skirts.

Catrin bent down and put her arms around Rowena. "Do you know this man?" Rowena shook her head that she did not.

She looked at Hawk. He looked much like Bronwyn, and her brother. Perhaps he was their kinsman. "Sir, who are you?"

"I am Hawk, Rowena's eldest brother. I do not blame her for not recognizing me, she was such a little lass when I left." He sank to his knees. "But I do hope I do not scare you, little Princess, you used to enjoy riding on my back." He smiled at the little girl, but did not try to come closer; he understood her fear.

"I'm sorry, my lord," said Catrin, embarrassed. "Rowena was injured during her time away from the castle. She remembers little of anything." She crouched down to put her arm around Rowena. "It's okay, sweet. He won't hurt you."

Rowena peeked around Catrin and peered at the man.

Hawk just smiled at her.

********stables*******

The runner approached Mae and Deirdre. "Captain, Princess Rowena has returned. I have been sent to fetch you."

Mae smiled, "Thank goodness."

In contrast to the knight's smile, the captain frowned, the corners of her mouth turning downwards in disapproval. "When did she arrive? With whom?" Her voice caught on the last question, and she paused a moment before continuing. "Did she just wander in on her own? Is she all right?" Even as she barraged the man with questions, she strode through the stable, as if to follow him wherever he may lead them.

Mae found it admirable, for Deirdre to have such a deep concern. By the relaxed tone of the messenger's voice, Mae knew the girl had returned home safe and sound.

The man led them back towards the castle. "She arrived with Lady Catrin, ma'am. Just ten minutes ago, they

arrived in an unmarked carriage. She seems to be fine thought a little shy." He said as he led them back towards the castle.

Deirdre remained silent as they walked through the corridors of the castle. She wasn't willing to expose her thoughts to a mere runner, however much she would have liked to hear Mae's opinion. She was sure the lady knight knew more about this Lady Catrin than she did - she had arrived in Abertawe only days before departing with Lady Isa.

But when they arrived where the two females were cautiously eyeing the new Regent, Deirdre hung in the doorway, moving aside to allow Mae to enter, but not following. Instead, she watched Catrin carefully. Very carefully.

Mae moved into the quiet and uncomfortable room. She knew of Lady Catrin only as a respected noble of their country. It was apparent, there were unanswered questions lingering on many tongues. She felt it was her duty to break the ice, in an awkward position such as this. She came alongside the younger Iorwerth, her regent, and gave a slight nod. She turned to Catrin and smiled reassuringly.

Feeling it was proper, she broke the silence, "Lady Catrin, I believe I speak for us all when I thank you for returning the youngest of our Royal Family." As a sign of respect, Mae bowed her head low.

"Where did you find little Rowena, lady?" Deirdre asked carefully, after watching her long enough to know she wasn't an immediate threat. She tapped the runner on the shoulder before he left to be sure he told Lord Iorwerth and Lady Isa of her return.

Mae glanced at little Rowena, she was glad the child returned home safe and sound. In time her memory should return.

Catrin looked at Rowena, then at the Regent. "She was in the home of an old friend of mine. He had found her wandering, injured, in the woods, and took her home to care for her. He didn't know who she was. As soon as I told him, he told me to bring her home." She hugged Rowena. "You're safe now. Why don't I leave you with your brother? Perhaps he will take you to your mama?" Catrin straightened, then bowed. "I'll leave you to your family then." She went to the door.

Rowena stayed put for only a moment and then screeched in fear. She fled to Catrin and threw her small arms about her legs. "Don't leave me!" She burst into tears, her small frame trembled with confusion and fear. Everything here seemed so familiar and yet so not like home. "Take me back home. I want Papa."

"My lady, please stay." Hawk said. "She obviously feels safe around you." He turned to his little sister. "Princess, your friend is not going anywhere, and we are not going to hurt you. Please believe that, we all love you." He held out his hand. "Please come here, I promise not to let her leave." He was honest with her and gentle, and he hope it would be enough.

"I won't go anywhere until you say, Sweet," said Catrin to Rowena, staring cautiously at Deirdre and Mae, then at Hawk. She was not at all sure Isa would want an interloper at this reunion; certainly not one whom Rowena was attaching herself to like a mother.

Catrin wasn't sure she _wanted_ to stay; when might somebody start asking awkward questions about Allyn? But what could she do? Rowena was afraid.

Rowena looked back at Catrin, unsure. Catrin gave her a smile. "Go ahead. He won't hurt you; he loves you."

Rowena hesitated as Catrin sat her down upon the floor. Then she moved away from her slowly to the man who had his hand out. He seemed nice and familiar somehow. "She won't leave me?" Her tear stained face and obvious uncertainty was a stark contrast to the laughing little girl that most of them knew well.

"I promise you, she will stay with you as long as you both like." He sat down on the ground as well now, and still kept his arms outstretched.

Rowena bit her trembling lip and look up at all the expectant faces. Moving slowly, she approached the man on the floor. She stood within his outstretched arms peering at him intensely. "You used to give me sweetmeats?" she asked slowly.

"Yes indeed I did. And a puppy, do you still have dragon?" he asked kindly invited her to sit on his knee, but he did not Touch against her will.

"I had a dragon? Dragons are not real?" She looked up at him, peering to see if he was teasing her.

"Sure dragons are real!" he grinned, making clear that he was joking. "But this dragon was the redhaired puppy I gave you three years ago."

At that moment a huge setter bounded into the room. He came to the little girl instantly and began licking her face.

"Bouncer!" The girl threw her arms around the bouncing dog. She hugged it furiously. When both dog and girl settled, she turned to Hawk."I am hungry. We have not eaten for hours." She ventured shyly. She did not realize that the pleased look on his face was due to the fact that she had recognized the dog.

"We can't have that. Would you do me the honour of supping with me in a little while, my lady?", the king asked seriously.

Rowena nodded her head. She went back to playing with the dog as the adults turned to other matters at hand.

Deirdre would have been touched by the whole reunion if it hadn't rung false somehow in her mind. Something was bothering her; it just didn't seem right. It was simply too easy. Too convenient. She watched Lady Catrin like a hawk, shifting to block the exit from the room. She wasn't going anywhere until Deirdre got some more information out of her.

She didn't know what it was about the lady that didn't seem right to her; perhaps most of all, her eagerness to leave. But something gnawed in the back of her mind, and until she found out what it was, she would watch Catrin like a dog sniffing out a fox.

Catrin withdrew as far as she dared without leaving the room, and watched the reunion silently. She felt out of place, and wanted to leave. But Rowena wanted her there. So she stayed.

Hawk had come towards catrin now. "I would like to thank you for taking such good care of my sister, my lady. We are in your debt. Will you join us for supper?

Catrin blushed. "There is no debt, sire," she said softly. "I did what was I thought was right. As for dinner, I don't want to intrude on a family gathering."

"No, no, you will not be imposing my lady. And my name is hawk, not King." He smiled at her.

Iorwerth smiled broadly and walked up to the little girl. "Ro!" His voice boomed. Ro had a sudden vision of a large man and falling. She screeched in fear and fled past Isa's open arms to Catrin. As Catrin caught her, she burst into tears. "Take me home!" she begged into Catrin's skirts.

Catrin caught the girl up into her arms, and held her close. "You are home, sweet," she whispered. "Everything's going to be fine." She looked up at Iorwerth, and Hawk, and the others. "I'm sorry, my lord. She's confused; she doesn't remember anything."

Isa's eyes filled with tears. She looked at Iorwerth, pain clearly in her eyes. She knelt down in front of Catrin and Rowena. "Rowena, sweetheart? I am your mother?"

Rowena did not move her face firmly pressed in Catrin's neck. Rowena was getting too big to be held thusly and so she clung to Catrin's neck for fear of being dropped.

"What happened to her?" whispered Isa, still on knees so as not to be threatening. She looked up at Hawk, hoping he could shed light upon the situation.

"Mum," he said gently. "Do not press her just now, she has lost a memory, she needs a little time."

Catrin hugged Rowena, then pulled her away, so she could look into the little girl's eyes. "This is your mama. Don't you want to see her? She has been afraid for you, sweet; she wants to see you. Won't you look at her and tell her you're all right?"

Rowena turned slowly and looked at the lady on the floor. She looked familiar and kind. Tears still fell down her cheeks. "I am fine, milady." She answered politely. However, her small hand still clung furiously to Catrin's.

Catrin was surprised to find that she had tears of her own tracing lines down her cheeks. "That's good, sweet, but can't you do better?" She looked to Isa. "I'm so sorry, my lady. I... I'm sorry."

Isa now had tears of her own. "Don't force her, Lady Catrin. We will have the healer look at her." Isa looked back to Rowena. "We have new puppies in the stables. Would you like to see them?" She asked softly. They obviously needed to speak with Lady Catrin and it would be better if Rowena was not there. Rowena's face brightened. "I love puppies!"

Isa smiled at her. "I know! Dame Mae will take you to see them and then take you to the kitchens to find something to eat. Will that please you?"

Rowena nodded, she really was hungry. But she wanted to see the puppies first. Isa turned to Mae. "Would you be so kind as to take my daughter to the stables? Please do not let her out of your sight?" She asked, the pain in her voice obvious.

Mae nodded, "Of course Milady." She looked at the little girl and smiled, "Would you care to join me Rowena? We still haven't given the pups their names, could you possibly help?"

The little girl nodded excitedly, Mae took her hand and began to walk back towards the stables.

As the two left, all eyes turned to the Lady Catrin. They all had so many questions. What had happened to Rowena? How had she ended up in Catrin's care? Only cracked the surface of what was going through Isa's head alone.

There it was again. Deirdre frowned, her eyes setting upon the red-eyed lady once again. What woman in the shire would refuse a dinner invitation from a grateful regent? It made no sense. It was almost as if she had tried to slip from the room multiple times, but stayed for some unknown reason - perhaps her own presence in the doorway.

Folding her arms, she waited patiently. If the Lady Catrin was to insist upon leaving again, she would use her power as the Captain of the Guard to keep her there for questioning. Something was wrong with this scene, and she was going to find out what

"I am going to ask Audrey to have a look at little Rowena tonight." Hawk said. "We will have a light family supper in half an hour, Lady Catrin will join us, maybe that will calm Ro down a little. If you will excuse me, I am going down to the stables to see how she's doing." He left the room.

Catrin's heart sank; there went her last chance to escape to her own home and consider the events of the last few weeks. But she forced a smile, and approached Lady Isa. "She really is fine, My Lady," she said. "And she does remember some things, given time."

"Where did you find her?" The captain's voice was gentle, but at the same time demanding. It was clear from her expression that she wasn't willing to let the subject drop quite yet.

Catrin paled visibly. "At the home of a cousin and dear friend," she stammered. "He found her wandering in the woods near his home. She was injured and confused; there was no sign of Isa or anybody else with her, so he took her home."

Deirdre nodded thoughtfully. "And you said... who was it that found her?" A small smile appeared on her face and her eyes softened. "I'm sure Lord Iorwerth will want to thank him in person." Her eyes flickered towards Iorwerth's quickly, as if to await affirmation.

The general nodded slightly. He to wanted to know exactly what had happened to his little girl. And he still wanted whomever was responsible punished, preferably very painfully punished.

Catrin's eyes flickered from Iorwerth to Deirdre, and back again. She didn't want to give Allyn's name. She had promised to protect him. She didn't know exactly what role he played in the abduction, but she knew he

was deeply involved, and she had no desire to get him into this kind of trouble. "My cousin. He took very good care of Rowena; he just lost his own daughter to sickness, and...." Catrin swayed slightly, grabbing at a nearby chair for support.

Faster than anyone could move, Deirdre was at her side, grasping her arm for support. "Lady?" she asked, concerned, her eyebrows creasing. Although Catrin seemed on the verge of collapse, Deirdre wasn't ready to relent with her line of questioning quite yet. Perhaps the lady truly was emotionally overwrought, but it came with particularly perfect timing.

"I'm all right," said Catrin. "It was just a long trip, and we've not eaten or rested." She DID feel ill, and exhausted from the stresses of the day. But perhaps she was exaggerating just a little, in an effort to escape the room, and the questions. But this woman, Deirdre, was not going to let her escape so easily. "I just need to sit down and rest for a few minutes." Catrin looked to Iorwerth, appealing for support.

"Oh, a few minutes will not harm anybody." Iorwerth said gruffly. She looked like a delicate thing, and she had brought his daughter home.

Catrin settled into the chair, and sighed, exhausted. She gratefully accepted a glass of wine somebody offered her, and drank. The pause gave her a moment to think, to figure out what to do. She was not going to give them Allyn's name, no matter what. She had promised. But she couldn't lie; she was no good at it, and it was wrong.

Best to tell the truth. Or at least as much as she dared. She drained the goblet, then looked up at Deirdre. "My cousin will not want thanks from my lord, or anybody else. Sending Rowena home with me was the most painful thing he has ever done in his life."

Deirdre frowned, her confusion apparent. "I do not understand, my lady. Why would returning the princess harm him?"

"His own daughter, and his beloved wife died not long ago. He was on a trip of some sort, I don't know the details, and he found Rowena wandering on his own lands. He thought she was a gift from the gods, to replace the daughter he had lost. Rowena is just his daughter's age, and you, my lady, know the pain that he suffered, when I took Rowena away again."

Deirdre's face softened suddenly, nodding her head slowly. Catrin's words had struck home; no longer did she suspect the lady as much. Perhaps she was just nervous to admit that her cousin had wished to keep the princess. Besides which, it was beyond her imagination to mesh Allyn in her mind with this compassionate man, willing to give up his happiness for the truth.

"It is painful to loose a loved one. And two in such a short span is enough to kill anyone." Her voice was odd, as if she could relate. "But for just that reason, I honestly believe he should be rewarded. If he doesn't wish to come to the castle, I will be more than happy to bring his reward to him in person." Her words were honest, completely truthful.

"I agree." Iorwerth said. "Lady Deirdre, you well pick at party and bring this man here so we can thank him properly. Tell him he is very well, to stay at court so we can be with Rowena. That might help them both."

Deirdre nodded eagerly. "I will do so personally, my lord." She turned towards the Lady Catrin. "What is his name, my lady?" she asked, shifting her cloak as if readying to leave immediately.

Catrin shook her head. "I cannot give you his name," she said. "I promised."

The captain frowned, her face darkening. "I'm afraid I must insist. I cannot understand your reluctance." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "What are you trying to hide?"

Catrin drew herself to her full height, and held her head high. She knew she was about to get herself into serious trouble. "I have nothing to hide, madam. But I promised to protect my cousin's anonymity, and I will do so."

Deirdre's jaw set. She knew a challenge when she saw one. "And so you choose to disobey orders from the Captain of the Royal Guard?" she asked, her eyes blazing. And yet she hesitated before continuing. "An order from a High Knight of the realm?"

Iorwerth had been on the point to step in, he thought that the captain was being too harsh on the young women. But now we took a step back, and motion to his son not to interfere either. deirdre Needed to establish her new position, and it would not help if the Regent or general interfere with that.

Catrin whitened; it was too late, and she was ruined. But her father would not want her to show fear, not now. She raised her head. "I am sorry, my lady. I do not choose to disobey you, so much as I choose to obey my conscience. I cannot break my oath."

Now Brendan stepped in, he did not care what his father thought, he liked the lady very much. He could not see how like this they would get a name from her. He stepped up the captain. "Please" he said softly. "leave be, she has gone through enough. Do not treat her like this, she does not deserve it." He liked the captain as well so this was hard for him

Seth walked towards the garden after hearing that Lady Bronwen would be there. He approached her and said, "Hello Lady Bronwen. How are you?"

"I am a little shaken still to be honest. That has never happened before." She pushed her hair back over her shoulder having just finished braiding it.

He stopped a few feet from her and asked, "Is there anything I can do to put you at ease?"

"I don't know." Bronwen sighed. So much had happened that she felt like a different person since three months ago.

He smiled to her and said, "I can stay outside of your room all night if that will make you more at ease?"

"No, I feel safe in the castle proper. It just scares me that such men can roam freely about our countryside. What of the young women who have no protector?" She frowned.

He shook his head and said, "I do not know Lady Bronwen, you are my chief concern."

"I feel privileged and that makes me feel guilty." She sighed.

He looked to her and said, "Lady Bronwen, please do not feel guilty. Keep your chin up. The city has it's own protectors. I am your protector and I care for you. What can I do for you?"

Bronwen looked up at him puzzled. "There is nothing for you to do. You are my guard. You have proven I have need of one. That must make you smile." The last words were said with emphasis.

"I am happy when you are happy Lady Bronwen." "I have enough people running around saying what they think I want to here. If you are going to be my constant companion, be yourself... none of this whatever makes you happy muck." She stood but came barely to his chin.

He nodded to her and said, "If I am to be myself Lady Bronwen then I must ensure your happiness before mine. This is my nature and who I am."

"That is not even natural? Everyone sees to themselves first unless another is helpless. Or is that it, you see me as helpless?" She was feeling edgy and it showed.

"I do not think you helpless. As I stated before I care for you Lady Bronwen. I try and make sure the ones I care for are happy before myself."

"You just met me? How can you care for me?" She said with a smile.

He smiled and said, "I have grown up around the same time you have. I have seen you on a few occasions. I have just now begun to try and get to know you."

"How is that possible, I have never seen you?" This man was a puzzle.

"You have never seen me, but I have seen you."

"Again, I ask you, how.. where .. when.. I would have seen you. I am not that full of consequence?" She said... pushing for an answer.

"I have watched as a spectator always wanting the position I now hold. I have earned it and that's why I fought so hard to retain it."

"Why me? Why did you watch and want to be my guard?" She asked.

"You have always intrigued me. I wanted to be a princess's guard because I thought that would be the best use of my talents. I feel very privileged to be able to protect someone as beautiful as you."

"See.. now I know you have been talking to the sidhe. I am far from beautiful." She laughed feeling a little better.

He smiled and said, "You are beautiful and I have not talked to Sidhe."

"Cursed by the fairy folk, yes that must be the problem." She teased.

He laughed and said, "Sorry. No such a thing has happened."

"So now what? What did you captain say?" She asked.. curious as to how that had gone.'

"She will stake out where we were attacked in case they return. I believe they will capture the people who attacked us."

Bronwen shivered as she remembered how one of them had looked at her. "I hope they do. I will not feel comfortable riding again until they are found." She had paled a little before his gaze.

He looked strait into her eyes and said, "I will not allow anyone to harm you. I will die before they do. I wish I could make you feel comfortable."

"I appreciate your words. I just have never been roughly handled before and to know that if you had lost or not been there that it could have been" her words trailed off and the horror of if flashed before her eyes. Tears fell down her cheeks and she turned away from him.

He moved around to face her and put his hand to her cheek catching a tear and said, "That did not happen though Lady Bronwen and as long as I'm still alive I swear to you it will not."

She looked up at him for a long quiet moment. "I will hold you to that." She whispered.

He looked her in the eyes and said, "Good. May I escort you to your room Lady Bronwen, not as your guard, but as your friend?"

"Actually, I need to see my mother. I understand that she is up and I should make an appearance." She smiled and pushed away the tears.

He smiled to her and asked, "then might I be able to escort you there?"

Bronwen nodded and took his arm. She was glad he was there, even though she had given him such a hard time to start with.

Deirdre blinked in surprise. She had been told of the recent appointment of a personal guard to Princess Bronwen, but she had not yet the man. And frankly, she had resented the fact that they had found the need to appoint someone to aid her in her job; to protect the royal family and the castle.

But to hear that an actual attack had truly occurred... she hadn't been aware that her predecessor had left Abertawe in such a state that such men would dare do something so close to the castle.

"Where were you riding?" she asked bluntly, her face expressing her displeasure clearly. "How far from the castle grounds?"

"Not far at all. We strayed from the path just a small amount. I am sorry for the blunder."

Deirdre shook her head, tiny ringlets of curls bouncing around her face. She pushed them back automatically, frowning ever more so. "Do not apologize. I am remiss in letting the paths around the castle become so dangerous. I will get to it at once."

She regarded the man for a moment. His long black hair fell over his shoulders as he peered down at her slight figure. His muscular build gave him an unintelligent look, but the spark in his black eyes spoke otherwise. "How is the Lady Bronwen?" she asked finally.

"She is well and safe. She was a bit shook up, but otherwise she is fine. I will go to her afterwards to make sure she is at peace."

Deirdre smiled a little; Bronwen was nothing like her spunky little sister - she was sure Rowena, as little as she was, would have flown at the men in a fury. "Did the men seem like they were from Abertawe or did they seem like outsiders?" she asked, motioning for him to follow her towards the castle wall, where the guard booth was stationed.

He followed her motion and said, "They appeared to be from here. I believe they have been watching that same spot for some time or knew the Princess would be there. I am not sure who would try and harm the princess for certain, and I could understand if that were their normal spot why they showed up."

Waving the door open, Deirdre tramped up the steps within the castle walls, wordlessly moving up higher and higher until they stood on a small walkway upon the walls themselves. It was towards a short, gruff-looking man that she motioned towards, and with a quickness that belied his stature, he leapt out of his chair and came towards the pair. He walked with a slight limp that still pained him, but he did his best to hide it.

"Seth, I'd like you to meet Merk, one of the guardsmen. Merk, this is Seth, Lady Bronwen's personal guard." Merk grunted in acknowledgement. "Seth, I would like you to show Merk and I exactly where these brigands appeared and in what direction they came from. I'd like to set up a watch to see if they will reappear." Her eyes darkened slightly, as if looking forward to taking care of this infringment personally.

Seth was surprised by her decisive, but very wise action and said, "I would be more than happy to. After I show you I should return the check on Lady Bronwen if this is alright with you two?"

Deirdre nodded. "Of course. I would not want you to be remiss in your duties." Carefully lifting a long bow and a quiver off a hook on the way towards the stairs, she stood aside. "After you, sir. We will follow your lead." It was clear what Merk's weapon of choice was - a nasty looking short sword had sprung to his hand the moment a possible fight loomed in the conversation. He looked eager, reminding Seth oddly of a bulldog looking forward to being walked after a week of being locked in the house.

Seth quickly got onto his horse and, after seeing they had done the same, he rode to the part of the trail where he and Lady Bronwen had gone off racing. He stopped by the tree and said, "This is where we were attacked. As you can see, it is just barely out of sight from the road."

Deirdre nodded, biting her lip as her hawk eyes surveyed the area. It was a perfect spot for an ambush, she agreed. But that could work to her advantage as easily as it could for them. "And which direction did they come from?" she asked, her stallion prancing underneath her in circles, allowing her full view of the area.

He pointed to whre he had first seen them and said, "Right over there is where I first saw them."

Deirdre smiled grimly. "Perfect," she said, almost to herself. She nodded towards Shawn in gratitude. "Thank you, sir. You are welcome to join us, or you may return to the castle now if you would like."

"If it is alright with you I'd like to return to the castle now."

Deirdre nodded, her eyes staring off into the distance where he had pointed, fingers stroking her bow absently. She shook her head as if to clear it and turned towards him. "Of course. I thank you for your aid in this matter."

"You are most welcome. Good luck in your search for those men," he said. He then rode off back towards the castle to see if Lady Bronwen was all right. The captain watched him ride for a moment before turning her attention back towards the matter at hand.

"Merk, I think I've got an idea," she began, a wicked smile forming on her face.

The day's events were quite surprising and Mae had discreetly retreated to her own quarters. She had her maid fetch water for a hot bath, once filled she undressed and slipped into the relaxing heated pool. Scrubbing herself down from head to toe was the best reward she received, upon her return to the castle. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes savoring the blissful moment.

A few minutes passed and her maid quietly entered the room, a sealed parchment in her hand. Mae opened one of her eyes and immediately noticed the wax stamp, which sealed the document shut. "By the God's." She muttered. She waved her hand to the young lass, "Sarai, please bring the letter to me. I have not received word from my family in quite sometime." The young lady placed the letter in Mae's hand and curtsied. Mae smiled and excused the maid from the room.

Breaking the seal, Mae read as follows:

Our Loving Daughter,
Nethbo is in disarray. Our entire estate has been destroyed. All of your cousins were slain in the resistance. This country has now been dominated by a terrible and cruel King, his name is Davin. Abertawe's troops, have been defending the border, but they are clearly outnumbered and more than half have already been killed. I beg of thee daughter, send missive to your King. This man is hungry for power and blood and I fear once he has our territories under control, he shall move onto your country.
Love,
Papa

Mae dropped the letter to the floor. Why had she not received word of conflicts at the border? She was a High Knight after all. She climbed out of the tub and placed her bare feet upon the cold stone floor. Her slender, yet muscular figure, glided quickly to her robe and she pulled the warm cloth over her shoulders.

Mae sat at the edge of her bed and looked out the window, all of her cousins were dead. Her eyes began to fill with water and soon enough tears were running down her cheek.

Mae rose and dressed quickly. She chose a deep green gown to wear at dinner, the front was laced with gold trim and the hem was lined with a golden matieral, as well. She pinned her hair atop of her head, in many small ringlets, allowing a few strands to dangle by her ears. She colored her cheeks and lips slightly, finishing off the outfit with a Ladies' dagger strapped to her thigh.

Mae took a last glimpse into the mirror, she actually cleaned up quite well. A strong fire blazed in her eyes. She wanted to destroy this horrible King's assault on her home and her country. Closing the door behind her, Mae left to join the group at dinner in the Great Hall. She carried the letter with her, hoping to discuss this with Iorwerth during their meal. She wanted revenge for her family. Entering the hall with a swish of her skirt, she had determination in her features.

Instead, she moved towards Rowena. "I wanted to apologize for leaving you so abruptly, little princess," she smiled.

Rowena looked at her in confusion. "When did you leave me?" She cocked her head of curls to the side. "You made Lady Catrin sad," she accused.

Deirdre bit her lip. How to explain this to a small child? "I didn't want to make her sad, little princess," she began, "but she wouldn't tell me who found you. Your Daddy wants me to go get him to reward him for bringing you back safely."

Rowena went to tell her who had found and her and suddenly pulled up short and a look of suspicion crossed her face. "Catrin would only not tell if she thought you would hurt him. They are cousins." She said with adult insight.

Deirdre shook her head immediately. "Of course not, princess. To be honest, I only wanted to reward him. But your lady makes me suspicious; she is too adamant about protecting him, which makes me think he did something wrong." She was afraid she was getting too complicated for the child.

"He did nothing wrong." Rowena defended hotly. "He is a Lord and a Peer. He took me to a healer and made me better. He was very sad when I left." Rowena's little eyes flashed. "He treated me special because I reminded him of Beth. I am not afraid for him because his heart is good. His name is Lord Allyn Gretsworth and he is my papa." Her voice was hushed because she didn't want to make the other man that Hawk had said was her father mad.

The blood drained from her face as she stared at the fiery-eyed young girl. Allyn. The name reverberated in her memory as few others could... but she shook her head in denial almost immediately. It couldn't be. He was too sneaky, to stealthy to use his real name in her presence. Lowering her head and dropped her eyes, she slipped to one knee, as if accepting the child's reprimand. "I apologize, my lady. I did not mean to imply that I doubted your word."

Rowena frowned. "Papa told Catrin to tell. I heard him. I heard him say not to protect him. Why does he need protecting?" The little girl was more attentive then adults gave her credit for. "He helped me??"

The captain fought the frown that threatened to form on her face when the princess called 'Allyn' her Papa.

"I don't know, little princess," the captain sighed, raising her head, but not moving from her kneeling stance. "But if he needs any aid, I'm sure your father

will be more than willing to help him. He did, after all, bring you back here," she added with a small smile.

"Yes, he did even though I didn't want to go. I made a frightful scene." Rowena's small lip pouted out. "But it made no difference."

"Because he knows what is best for you, princess. He knows that the best place for you to be is safe at home. Here. At your home in the palace." Her eyes softened a bit. "I know you don't believe that now, but once your memory returns, you will. You must simply trust your Pa... Allyn and the rest of the adults for now."

Rowena nodded and turned her attention to the food in front of her. She didn't feel very well and spent the rest of the meal picking at her food.

Deirdre sighed, finally raising herself off her knee and turning her attention back towards the conversation occuring between Mae and the regent. She was sure the little princess was not happy with how the conversation had ended, but she had more important things to think about...

Allyn.

Rowena was tired after dinner and approached the woman that Hawk had called mother. "Excuse me, I can't remember my way to my room. Would you take me?" She asked shyly.

Isa felt her heart hammer in her throat. She was very tired, dinner had been almost too much for her, but she had very badly wanted to be close to Her daughter. To at least see her little girl again. It had broken her heart, that the little girl did not recognize her. Now she managed to smile. "Yes my dear, I will take you there, I think we are both tired now." She to the little girl's hand in hers and let her through the corridors, talking.
"Your brother tells me you are going to pick out the puppy tomorrow, are you excited about that?"

Rowena was very tired and confused. She hadn't felt very good through most of dinner. "I guess." She answered softly. "I like puppies." She answered simply. "I don't like sewing." She added as an afterthought.

Her mother smiled. "We are very aware of that, love." They entered the room. "Now prepare for bed, and I will sing to you." Isa always sang to her children in her own native saxon language before they went to bed. She sat down in a chair for a moment, so very tired.

Rowena did as she was bid. When she had changed with the help of the maid, Rowena came over and looked up at Isa with great scrutiny. Apparently satisfied with what she saw, she took her hand. "Can I sleep with you? I get scared while asleep sometimes."

Isa smiled, "I would like that very much, I`m tired too, would you like to sleep here in your room, or would you like to come with me and sleep in between Lord Iorwerth and me?", Rowena had always loved to sleep between her father and her mother.

Rowena had to think about that. Finally she agreed to sleep with Isa though it was obvious that she was still fearful of Iowerth. When they were finally in Isa's rooms, Rowena giggled at the size of the great bed. She scrambled up into it and flopped down to await her mother. It was warm and soft. She watched as a servant helped her mother change and brush out her hair. It all seemed familiar somehow. Soon Rowena was snuggled up close to Isa, she felt warm and soft. "Tell me a story mum, please?" She asked in a sleepy voice.

Isa began to tell her daughter a story, where Iorwerth enter their Bedroom. He was very surprised to see his daughter in bed with his wife. The big man smiled, And watch them, without coming closer.

Rowena looked up and smiled. "Da, hurry, you are missing it." She looked back up at Isa without realising her slip and waited for the next part of the story. He smiled again and sat down on the edge of the bed. he did not dare move closer, or say anything to break this poll. But just listened to his wife tell their daughter her favorite story. She lay curl up next to the mother, very peaceful and even happy, and that made him happy in turn.

When the story was over, Rowena smiled up at them both sleepily. "I love that story." She snuggled into the covers and was promptly asleep. Leaving her parents to their thoughts and concerns.

Iorwerth smiled and wiped away a tear from his wife's face. "We will be a family again, she will be alright." He got ready for bed and joined them there.