joined the knights. The sheer numbers were overwhelming! Jonathan now realized that his greed would cost him dearly.
When Thomas’ knights opened the manor gates, another fifty knights on horseback, overran the remaining resistance. Jonathan’s skull was crushed as the horses trampled everything in their way. With Timlon secured, Thomas turned toward Landon.
Geoffrey escorted Thomas to the drawing room where Katryn, Lisa, Gareth and Ian awaited. As he entered, they all rose and bowed. Thomas immediately went to Gareth.
“There is no doubt who you are! You are the image of your father!” Thomas exclaimed, as he extended his hand, “Your father was a great warrior. And from what Geoffrey has told me, you are a valiant fighter also.” “Thank you my lord, it was an honor to battle by Geoffrey’s side,” Gareth said, shaking Thomas’ hand. “And Ian, it is good to see you again!” Thomas said. “It is good to see you also my lord, though for once, it would be nice that it not be after a battle!” Ian finished, laughing. “Yes! That indeed would be different!” Thomas said, laughing along with Ian, he then turned his attention to the women, “Lady Katryn, you have never looked more radiant,” He said, bowing slightly. “Thank you my lord, I do not believe you have met Lady Lisa.” Thomas’ smile disappeared.
“Lady Lisa, I am deeply saddened that you were connected to Martin. His crimes against the Cashells and myself, negate any claim to this manor,” Thomas said. “I understand my lord. I was horrified to learn that he could commit such an appalling crime. I plan to vacate as soon as possible,” Lisa conceded. “I appreciate that my lady. Now, the next order of the day is more pleasurable. Sir Geoffrey, I expect you to pick my next captain of the guard.” Thomas said, watching for Geoffrey’s reaction. Geoffrey was somewhat taken aback, “What are you saying my lord?” “I have decided that it would best serve Kingsland to give Chapman and Timlon to you. You have served long and well Geoffrey Braxton. The proclamation will be drawn up as soon as I return to Welshire,” Thomas replied. “Thank you my lord, that is very generous!” Geoffrey said, bowing slightly. Thomas then turned to Gareth and Katryn, “The other decision is for Cashell to annex Landon. Gareth and Katryn, your family has fought bravely for Welshire over the years, and I could do no less then give you first claim.” Gareth now stood and bowed, “Thank you Lord Thomas. As always, you can count on the allegiance that exists between Cashell and Welshire.”
The meeting hall at Cashell had been totally transformed. Colored banners, bearing the family crest now hung from the ceiling. A white lattice arch, decorated with forsythia, periwinkle and morning glory, sat at the top of the stair. At the base of the steps, a huge table, covered with a fine, white linen cloth, was set with crystal goblets, fine porcelain plates and sterling silver flatware. To both sides of the main table, smaller tables were set in a similar fashion, for the guests. A blue and gold carpet covered the entire vestibule. Devon, dressed in a white robe, with a blue sash at the waist, now walked up the stairs and stood under the arch. He then motioned for the guests to stand and began.
“This day has been long in the coming. Many hardships were overcome,” Devon paused and smiled at Loanna, who stood at the main table, “But love sustained the hope. Love is the miracle that brings us here today.”
A door to Devon’s right now opened and Melanie appeared with Lisa behind her. The guests shouted cheers and applauded. They all knew of her brave struggle to survive the attack by Richard Timlon.
Melanie’s hair flowed softly down her back. She wore a pastel yellow gown, which was tied, at her waist with a simple pink sash. The sleeves were ruffled at her wrists. In her hands, she held a bouquet of pink and violet flowers, which Loanna had brought from the Echo Forest.
A door then opened to Devon’s left and Gareth appeared with Katryn behind him. All the guest’s heads turned toward him. He wore a blue tunic, lined with gold braid. The sleeves were finished with black felt at his wrists.
Devon motioned to Gareth and Melanie to stand in front of him. Devon smiled as they approached, he could see they did not even know he was there! He then cleared his throat.
“Please face me,” He said, then continued, “We have assembled here, in the eyes of God, to give witness to the union of Gareth and Melanie. Will the family of Gareth come stand for him?” Devon asked. Katryn now walked to Gareth’s side. “Lady Katryn, does this union have your blessing?” Devon asked. “Yes Father,” She replied, bowing slightly. “Will the family of Melanie come stand for her?” Devon asked. Lisa walked to Melanie’s side. “Lady Lisa, does this union have your blessing?” “Yes Father,” She answered, bowing slightly. “The families of the bride and groom, have agreed to this marriage!” Devon announced. As was tradition, a great cheer arose from the guests. Devon began again, as the cheering subsided.
“Gareth Cashell, will you have Melanie for your wife?” “I will Father.” “Melanie Landon, will you take Gareth for your husband?” “I will Father.” “Will each of you give a ring, symbolizing your pledge to love and honor each other, for as long as you both shall live?” Devon asked “Yes, with all my heart Father.” Gareth answered, turning to Katryn, who handed him a plain gold band. “Yes, with all my heart Father.” Melanie repeated, turning to Lisa, who handed her a plain gold band. Devon took the rings and blessed them.
“Gareth, put this ring on Melanie’s finger,” Devon instructed, handing him a ring. Gareth did so. “Melanie, put this ring on Gareth’s finger,” Melanie did so. “Gareth and Melanie, your family and friends have witnessed the giving and receiving of rings. Please kneel.” As they kneeled, everyone bowed their heads.
“Dear God,” Devon began, “Love has brought Gareth and Melanie before you. We ask that you bless this union and allow them to live in happiness and peace. Amen.” As Melanie and Gareth arose, Devon motioned them to face the guests, then continued, “It is my great pleasure to introduce Gareth and Melanie Cashell!” As a great cheer went up from the crowd, Gareth drew Melanie up in his arms and kissed her. Katryn and Lisa hugged, then walked down the steps to the main table, followed by Devon. There they stood and applauded with the other guests.
The reception lasted well into the night. When Gareth and Melanie finally retired, it was almost midnight. As they reached the bedroom door, Gareth picked Melanie up and carried her in.
“I cannot believe we have finally wed!” Gareth exclaimed. “Yes my love, the nightmares are behind us, we can finally begin living our dream,” Melanie said. As Gareth lay Melanie on the bed, he gently kissed her. It was at that moment, that Gareth’s eyes seemed to go blank! “Gareth! What is wrong!?” Melanie exclaimed. “I am all right now. Come, we must go to Devon and Loanna.” “But Gareth, it is the middle of the night!” Gareth took her in his arms. “My love, we have been through much. However, somehow, I know we must go to Devon, and it must be now!”
Gareth could see Devon and Loanna waiting. As he and Melanie dismounted, Devon asked them in. “Sit and let us have some tea, I know you have questions,” Devon said, pulling out a chair for Melanie. “Devon, you already know why we are here, do you not?” Gareth asked. “Yes Gareth, Igus has told me the time was growing near.” “Who is Igus? What do you mean the time is growing near?” Melanie asked. Loanna smiled at her, “Igus is a dear friend Melanie. After Robert and Richard took you away, Igus took Lady Lisa to the caves and nursed her back to health.” “As for the time growing near, I think Igus should answer that,” Devon added.
As they drank the tea, Gareth told Melanie of his visit to Echo forest and the wondrous adventure that followed. “Why did you or mother not tell me before?” Melanie asked Gareth. “Igus asked us to keep his secret. I thought that was not unreasonable, considering he had saved your mother.” “Yes, of course. But why tell me now?” Melanie asked. “That will be answered soon. Come now, we must go!” Devon finished, and they all walked toward the forest.
When they came into the clearing, Melanie suddenly felt as if she had been there before, “I know this place!” She exclaimed. “Good, you
r memory is returning.” Igus said, appearing from behind the rock. Melanie did not flinch. “Igus!” She cried out, “Igus!” It was Gareth’s turn to be surprised, “You know Igus?” He asked, now totally confused. “Come my friends, let us sit,” Igus said, then continued, “After Melanie was promised to Robert, she came to Devon and Loanna. I was already aware that she was with child and was concerned for the child’s safety.” “With child!?” Gareth blurted out. “Hold now Gareth! Let me finish!” “I am sorry Igus! I was not expecting this kind of news.” “I understand. Now as I was saying, I was concerned for the child. I had a vision and saw Melanie hurt. Though the wound would not be mortal, it may have harmed the unborn child!” Igus said, looking to Devon. Gareth took Melanie’s hand and kissed it softly, “But Igus, what happens now?” Loanna now stood. Gareth and Melanie both looked at her in disbelief. Melanie was the first to speak.
“Loanna! You are with child! I did not realize it until now,” Melanie said. “I have been wearing loose fitting clothing for the last couple of months. We did not want people to think I was with child.” Igus now spoke, “That is why I summoned