sent them away. His wife would not leave her husband’s side though and paid the price. The attack was to take place at the same time a message was being received in Welshire. Timlon and Chapman promised that their knights would assist Thomas in any future battles. The message also hinted that the Harrisons were traitors,” Ian said in disgust. “It is obvious that is why Thomas allowed Timlon and Chapman to split the Harrison land.” “Yes my lady, though they initially aligned themselves against Kingsland, they changed sides just prior to the battle at Welshire. After that battle was won, Lord Thomas could do nothing less,” As Ian finished, he could see that Katryn was in deep thought. “I have never met Timlon or Chapman, though I have heard of their viciousness. I believe it is wise to know any potential enemy. What do you think Ian?” Katryn asked slyly. Ian smiled, “I think my lady might teach this old warrior a trick or two.”
It was a perfect day. Katryn had the kitchen staff set up a serving area about a hundred yards from the Serenity, under a great oak tree. A pit had been dug to roast beef, pork and chicken. As the guests arrived, the adults were seated at tables and the children escorted to an area where they could play and enjoy the fresh air. At the main table, Gareth sat to the right of Katryn. On her left were Ian and his wife Jean.
Jean was somewhat a surprise for the old warrior. He had oft said that he would never marry. Jean however, had other ideas. Though twelve years younger than Ian, she was drawn to him. She had raven black hair that barely touched her shoulders. Her rounded face and pert nose were accented by light brown, doe-like eyes. A year after their wedding, she bore a son, Frances, who was now two.
Katryn was quite pleased that all the guests seemed to be enjoying the festivities. After they all ate, Katryn stood and raised her glass. All the guests fell silent and she began.
“To my late husband, Gareth the First!” Katryn announced. A cheer went up from the guests. Katryn then turned to her son, “To my son on his eleventh birthday!” Another cheer went up. Gareth’s face went red. Though he loved his mother, he wished he could be with the other children, with Melanie. Katryn could see how uncomfortable he was and smiled at him.
“I believe Sir Ian has a surprise for you my son,” Katryn said, nodding at Ian. With that, Ian rose and went behind the great oak. He reappeared holding the reins to a chestnut colt. Gareth’s eyes got as big as saucers.
“Is he mine mother?!” “Yes my son, yours to enjoy, well, as soon as somebody volunteers to teach you to ride,” She said, as Gareth ran to her open arms. Ian knew his cue, “It would be an honor to teach him my lady.” “Thank you Ian, you may begin tomorrow. Gareth, what name would you give your pony?” Gareth thought for a moment, “Would Sojourn be a good name mother?” “It is perfect my son,” Katryn smiled.
Gareth received many gifts that day including a bow from Martin, who promised to teach him archery. It seemed that everyone was having a very good time and Katryn decided it was time to meet Richard Timlon and Bernard Chapman.
With Ian at her side, Katryn began to thank the other guests. She did not want to go directly to Richard Timlon. As she approached him, she became aware of how short he was. He had a scar that ran from his right ear to the crook of his mouth. She also noticed that his dark brown, almost black eyes, seemed to show contempt at her very presence. ‘Nasty little man’, she thought.
“Good afternoon Lady Cashell, thank you for inviting me, though I must admit, it was unexpected,” Richard said, bowing slightly. “The war in this area has ended. All the families must begin to trust again. Is there any reason for me to mistrust you sir?” As Katryn finished, she allowed a smile to cross her lips. “No, no reason at all. The land I have gained for my allegiance to Kingsland is reward enough,” Richard replied, as his son ran up to him.
“Father, come see, there are going to be foot races!” Richard raised his hand as though he were going to strike the boy, then relented, realizing he was being watched. “This is my son, Robert,” Richard said, trying to regain his composure. Katryn looked at the boy noticing there was no resemblance. Robert had blue eyes and light brown hair. Compared to Richard, the boy was handsome.
“Well hello Robert and how old are you?” Katryn asked, noting the boy must be Gareth’s age. “Thirteen my lady. Father, the races are about to begin.” “Excuse me my lady, the boy has a lot of energy.” As Timlon and his son walked away, Katryn spoke softly to Ian, “We will have to watch that one.” “Yes my lady and let us not forget Bernard Chapman.”
She could see Chapman talking with Martin and wondered what they might have in common. As she approached them, Martin smiled and introduced him.
“Lady Katryn, this is Bernard Chapman.” “Lady Cashell, thank you for having me. I was sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, he was a great warrior,” Bernard said, bowing slightly. “Yes, he was, thank you. But did you know him...sir?” Katryn asked tersely. “No my lady, I never had the pleasure.” “Perhaps, had you not been fighting along side the rebels, you might have had the honor of meeting him. Come Ian, I have other guests to attend,” Katryn stated abruptly as she walked away. When they were out of ear shot Katryn spoke.
“Did you see how pocked his face was Ian?” “Yes my lady, it is typical. The fever that struck the far north, over twenty years ago, left many with such scars,” Ian answered. “Is that what also causes him to squint so? I thought he was trying to look through me!” “Yes my lady, it is as if the afflicted are allergic to the sun itself.”
“Mother? Are you thinking of father?” Gareth asked, jarring Katryn back to the present. “Yes, even after five years, his face is with me, as is his love for us,” Katryn sighed, “But enough of that, your birthday is but a month away, the biggest one yet! Tell me, what do you want this year.” “Oh mother, I am no longer a boy. Although I do enjoy the celebration, I do not enjoy the obligatory gifts. Moreover, and please, do not think me ungrateful, there is at least one family I wish you would not invite,” Gareth complained. “Yes my son, I understand that you and Robert Timlon are not the best of friends…” “Friends!?” Gareth cut Katryn off, “I cannot stand the sight of him!” “Calm down,” Katryn said, trying to soothe his anger, “I can understand your feelings, but you are old enough to understand diplomacy. I have invited the Timlons each year to avoid ruffling any feathers.” “I am sorry mother. Yes, I do understand. I have listened well to Ian and Martin. They have been good teachers and friends. Nevertheless, Robert is not a normal adversary. He bullied me for three years, but last year that all stopped and now it seems he will not be happy until he finds a way to get Melanie away from me,” Gareth said as he stood. “What do you mean, it stopped last year?” “Mother, look at me, do you really think anybody could bully me, now.”
Katryn looked at Gareth, as if for the first time in years. He was almost as big as his father was and the resemblance was uncanny. “When did you grow up?” She asked, as she stood and put her arms around his broad shoulders, “And as far as Melanie is concerned, do you really think she could ever want the likes of Robert?” “No mother, but that family is no good and I am quite sure that something is afoot.” “Are you talking about the disputed land that we petitioned for in the name of the Harrison children?” Katryn asked. “Yes mother, what takes so long? It is clear that land should be turned over to the Harrison survivors.” “Gareth, it goes back to diplomacy. Timlon fought for Kingsland at a crucial time during the war and now Lord Thomas wants to be fair. Come my son, let us go back to the manor, there is much to do before the celebration.”
Devon walked to the Great Rock but Igus was not there, “Igus? Are you here?” He shouted. “No, he is not in the forest,” Loanna said, walking into the clearing. “Not in the forest? Are you sure?” “Unless he is intentionally hiding from me, I have not seen him for two days.” She explained, sounding anxious. “You have known Igus for a long time, has he ever left the forest for any length of time?” Devon asked, also concerned. Loanna thought back to a time that Igus was very sick.
“Only o
nce that I can remember. About eight years ago Igus grew very ill. He was gone for seven days. When I next saw him he was sitting upon the Great Rock.” Loanna threw her arms around Devon, “Oh Devon, I thought he was dying!” Devon held her a moment, as she cried softly. “Why did you think that,” He asked, now stroking her soft hair. “He was barely breathing, his face was pale and he would not eat. But he told me not to worry, that he would be all right and after a few days he was,” Loanna said. “Did he ever say where he had gone?” “Yes Devon, an old friend took him to the Blue Isle.” “The Blue Isle?” “Yes, but that is a long story.” She sobbed. “What do you think we should do?” Devon asked, now realizing he had been holding Loanna much too comfortably. As he let her go, she took his hand and held it to her cheek.
“Loanna I do not believe this is the time…” Loanna put her finger over Devon’s lips, hushing him, “Will there ever be a time for us, Devon?” Devon felt flushed, “I wish I could answer that honestly. It is true, you have had a special place in my heart ever since that first night by the Serenity. But you must realize where my heart was for the preceding