have news of my own.”
As they sat down Katryn began, “We were well received at Welshire. Lord Thomas listened to all the facts and agreed that Martin could be tried for murder.” “Murder!? How did you prove murder?” Gareth asked, knowing it did not matter anyway. “Actually it was Ian who turned the tide.” Katryn said, looking to Ian. “Yes my lord. I pointed out to him, that by denying promised aid, Martin might as well have struck your father down with his own sword.” “Then that is why the guardsmen are here, to take Martin to Welshire. Too little, too late.” Gareth said dejectedly. “What are you saying my son?” “Mother, Martin is dead.” “Dead! Oh Gareth you did not…” “No mother, though I had the opportunity.”
Gareth told them about Lisa and Melanie being missing. He then told them how Bernard killed Martin.
“It was then that Timlon killed his own ally, Chapman,” Gareth finished. Katryn looked at Gareth with disbelief, “That dirty little animal. He has waged a war right under our noses.” “Not only that my lady, he made sure to have a very credible witness.” Ian added. “The only thing that seemed odd was that Sir Anthony was not with Martin,” Gareth remarked, “And now that I think back, none of Martin’s knights were there.” “Ian, please ask the captain of the guardsmen to join us,” Katryn said, trying to put the pieces together, “Gareth, you must try to find Lisa and Melanie. Richard Timlon may yet be dealt with.”
Devon and Loanna welcomed Gareth and asked of Katryn’s trip to Welshire. As he explained the details, he could see Devon’s eyes go blank, “Devon, are you all right?” “Yes, I just got lost in thought. Gareth, you say you have looked high and low for Lisa and Melanie.” “Yes, I have asked everyone, a week has passed with no word.” Loanna could now sense what Devon already knew, “Have you searched in the Echo Forest Gareth?” Loanna asked. “No, I really do not think they would go there. The tales surrounding the forest had always scared Melanie.” “Perhaps, but with what is at stake, is it not worth a try?” Devon added, noticing Loanna’s sly smile. “Yes, I suppose you are right, I will go at once.” Gareth replied. Loanna then stood up, “Devon, why not join him?” “Yes, the more eyes the better!” Devon quickly agreed.
As they entered the forest, Loanna took the lead. She knew where they could approach Igus without startling Gareth too much.
“Gareth, you are about to meet a good friend of mine,” Devon announced, trying to prepare him. “You have a friend who lives so deep in the forest?” “Yes, but I must warn you of his appearance.” “Why? Was he disfigured in the war?” “No Gareth, but I must ask you to trust me. Look past his features, allow yourself to remain calm.” “Devon, I owe you my life, how could I not trust you?”
As they came into the clearing, Gareth could see a figure sitting upon a massive rock. Though he could only see his back, he instantly noticed the odd garb and stopped. Devon took his arm.
“Come Gareth, you have nothing to fear.” Loanna, who was already at the rock, smiled at Gareth, “Gareth, this is our dear friend Igus.” Igus now laughed, “Come closer my young friend, I will not bite you!” Gareth could see his face for the first time and found himself transfixed by Igus’ eyes, “I have to sit down!” Devon and Loanna also sat.
“Pardon me sir, I do not mean to stare, but…” Gareth started, but Igus cut him off. “Yes, yes. I know. You should have seen Devon when we first met, he ended up sitting in Loanna’s lap!” Igus cackled. Devon and Loanna laughed along and could see Gareth was becoming more relaxed.
“So Gareth of Cashell, you are in need of some information,” Igus said as he floated to the forest floor. Gareth, though totally in awe, answered, “Yes sir…” “Igus...please,” Igus interrupted. “I am sorry… Igus, much is happening, Martin Landon has been slain. His wife and daughter are missing.” “Do you love her very much Gareth?” Igus asked. Gareth looked at Igus with surprise, then looked at Devon and Loanna, then looked back to Igus, “Yes, with all my heart, but Melanie has been promised to Robert Timlon.” “Come Gareth, I believe I can help alleviate some of your anxiety.” Igus said, putting out his hand to help Gareth up.
They followed Igus deeper into the forest. After walking about three miles, they came to a wall of vines. Igus stood in front of the wall, his hands in a praying position, his eyes closed. After a moment he began separating his hands, the wall of vines began separating also, revealing the mouth of a cave! Gareth could only stare with disbelief. Igus now motioned them to follow as he finally spoke.
“In a little while we will come to a small pool. This pool connects to the caves, near Lost Man’s Ravine. Gareth, when we get into the water just try and relax. Devon and Loanna have been through the pools many times and can tell you are in no danger.” Igus explained. “From here to the other side of Cashell! I cannot hold my breath that long!” “Gareth, everything will be fine,” Loanna said, smiling at him.
When they reached the waters edge, Gareth took Devon’s hand and took in as much air as he could. They then jumped in and almost instantly found themselves on the bottom! Gareth was amazed by the lights and colors that surrounded him. He felt himself being pulled along, not really in control. It was almost like a dream. Then it was over! As they emerged from the water, Gareth could see that they were not in the same cave.
“Outstanding!” Gareth exclaimed gleefully. “Quiet now Gareth! You never know what might be around the next corner,” Igus admonished. They walked up a slight slope, about fifty feet. There they could see the light from a campfire. As they approached, Gareth’s eyes settled on a lone figure huddled against the cave wall.
“Lady Lisa!” He declared, “What has happen!?” “Oh Gareth! It is you! When I heard voices, I was afraid Timlon had some how found out I was still alive!” Gareth went to her and held her shivering body, “What do you mean, still alive?”
Lisa told him of how she and Melanie watched from the cave and then went to bury Martin.
“After Melanie fainted, they rode off, leaving me for dead. If not for Igus, I am sure I would have died.” Gareth looked at Igus, “Thank you Igus. I am not sure of what comes next, but I am sure that this land has been blessed by your presence.” “What comes next, is for you, Loanna and Devon to take Lisa to Cashell. Sojourn and three other horses await by the entrance of this cave,” Igus finished with a smile. “After everything I have seen today, that does not surprise me a bit,” Gareth said, laughing. After Devon helped Gareth get Lisa to her feet, Lisa slowly walked to Igus and put her arms around him, “Thank you for everything,” she said softly.
The trip back to the manor was uneventful. Devon said a prayer and blessed Martin’s grave. They also buried and blessed Bernard’s remains, which had been torn apart by scavenging animals. As the four of them talked on the way back to the manor, Gareth came to realize that Landon might well become the legal property of Timlon because of Martin’s crime. Another fact became apparent, the wedding may have already taken place. After they returned to the manor, Katryn had Lisa settle into a bed, then went to the study.
“That is everything mother. I have thought a lot over the last few days, I do not know what can be done,” Gareth said, not telling her of Igus. “Thomas should be notified immediately!” Katryn asserted. “With all due respect my lady, what do we tell him? The killer of his daughter was slain? The killer’s wife was attacked?” Ian asked. Katryn realized what he was driving at. “But wait! Bernard killed Martin!” Gareth exclaimed. Ian looked at Gareth, his gray eyes suddenly aware that there was a possibility, “We have to find out which of Martin’s knights are still loyal to Lisa.” “How can we accomplish that?” Katryn asked. “It is now obvious that Anthony was in on the betrayal.” Gareth added. “Yes my lord, but if the guardsmen were to go to investigate, you, as a witness, would have to go along.” “Yes! I understand completely. You of course would accompany me. Once there, you would be free to quietly ask around.” “Ian, please get the captain of the Kingsland guard,” Katryn said.
Sir Geoffrey was as big as Ian. His blue eyes he
ld the knowledge of a hundred battles. Though he was bald, a well trimmed, red beard attested to the color of his hair. When Geoffrey walked into the study, Katryn poured him a glass of wine and asked him to sit down.
“Thank you my lady, you have been very kind to my men,” Geoffrey said, bowing at the waist. “It has been my pleasure sir. Now, my son has news that concerns Lord Thomas,” Katryn said. “What news has come to your notice my lord?” Geoffrey asked, turning his attention to Gareth. “Martin Landon was the one who killed Thomas’ daughter those twenty years ago,” Gareth said. “That is a very serious charge my lord! Have you any proof?” Geoffrey asked. “Martin’s daughter, Melanie, overheard Richard Timlon telling Bernard Chapman. She then told her mother, Lisa Landon,” Gareth asserted. “Would it be all right to talk to Lady Lisa?” Geoffrey asked, turning to Katryn. “Yes, of course. Allow me a moment to bring her down,” As Katryn left, Geoffrey talked with Ian and Gareth.
“Your father was a great warrior. My forces attacked to the north the day he was wounded. I was very sorry to hear he did not survive,” Geoffrey offered. “Thank you. Martin's treachery has touched many lives,”