Tales of the Echo Forest, Hold Me Not Through The Night

do you come in without knocking!” Richard bellowed. “I am sorry my lord, but I thought you might want to see this immediately!” Jonathan explained, handing him a document. As Richard finished reading the paper, he threw his hands into the air, “Yes! Finally, it is mine! Jonathan, I want you to catch up to Bernard and tell him to come here as soon as possible.” “Yes my lord, I passed him on the way here.”

  “What is it…sir?” Robert asked, as Jonathan left. “You are a total idiot, what is the one thing I have wanted for all this time?” Richard sneered. “The land? They have allowed you the land?!” “Not only the land, but the right to remove anybody on it,” Richard said, smiling as another idea came to him, “So, you want Melanie as your wife?” Robert now smiled also.

  Devon walked with Loanna into the Echo Forest. As they came into the clearing they could see that Igus was in deep meditation. They sat at the base of the rock and waited. They both knew that Igus was communicating with the forest and should not be disturbed. After a few minutes, Igus’ eyes opened. Loanna spoke first.

  “Do you know that Lord Thomas has given the north land to Richard Timlon?” Loanna asked. “Yes, but I fear the worse is yet to come. It is imperative that Devon and I talk alone, would you leave us for a while Loanna?” “Of course.” As she got up to leave, she squeezed Devon’s hand. After she left the clearing, Igus began.

  “Devon, there is no easy way to ask you about your personal life,” Igus said. “What are you getting at Igus?” “Devon, do you love Loanna?” Igus asked squarely. Devon was taken aback. “Igus, that is not an easy question, I mean it is not…” Devon could not find the words. “You fight your heart everyday. The answer has been there since the first day the two of you met. It is time you admit the truth.” “All right, yes, I do love her. She has given me so much joy that sometimes I think it must be… a sin.” “And there is the problem then, am I correct?” “Yes Igus, loving Loanna is not enough. If I marry her, I would have to give up the church. If I give up the church, it would be well within Katryn’s right to take back the Parish…” Igus held up a hand, cutting Devon off, “Devon, you know much about the church law, but apparently nothing of the law of the land.” “What are you saying Igus?” “You are but a novice priest, you have not taken your final vows yet, as such you can marry.” Devon now interrupted Igus. “I know that Igus, but…” “Devon, let me finish! Go to Katryn and ask her permission. She will approve the marriage and give you a document naming you Minister of the Parish. You and Loanna will be wed and you will still teach the scriptures.” Devon jumped to his feet, “Igus! Are you sure I will get permission!?” “From Katryn, yes, from Loanna? That is another story,” Igus laughed long and hard at that. Loanna walked into the clearing, it was obvious she had been listening the whole time.

  “After all your planning, I suppose somebody should ask me what I want.” Devon and Igus looked at each other and Devon blushed. Igus just laughed, he of course knew that Loanna had not gone very far. Igus then looked at Devon and nodded. Devon walked to Loanna and took her hand.

  “Loanna, I have always known that life without you would be impossible. I love you and ask you now to be my wife.” “Devon, you have filled a void in my life. I have loved you since the moment our eyes met. Yes Devon, it will be an honor to be your wife.” Devon took her into his arms. Then they kissed, ever so gently and stood holding each other. “It seems somebody has forgotten that I am here,” Igus said, now standing at the base of the rock. The two walked up to him. “It looks like congratulations are in order!” Igus said, as he put his arms around them both.

  Katryn indeed, did agree, as Igus had predicted. They held the wedding three months after Timlon acquired the land from Lord Thomas. Devon and Loanna decided to be married in the meadow just outside the forest so Igus could watch. Katryn insisted on supplying food and refreshments. Igus could see Gareth and Melanie and sensed the time was growing near. Then he saw Loanna.

  The wisp of a girl was now a beautiful woman. She was dressed in a light blue gown with billowing sleeves down to her wrists. Above her waist, she wore a yellow and pink vest. Upon her head, was a wreath of yellow jasmine and violet periwinkle. She had her long golden hair braided, which was Katryn’s idea.

  Devon was dressed in a traditional white tunic tied at the waist with a black, embroidered sash. He was actually quite handsome, Igus thought.

  Devon had written to his old mentor Leonis, who made the long journey to perform the ceremony. At sixty years, Leonis stood tall. His wispy white hair however, made him look almost fragile. The old Priest’s light brown eyes held a smile as he watched Devon and Loanna approach the make shift altar. Of all the weddings he had performed, this one was most special for him.

  “We gather here today, in the eyes of God, to witness the union of Devon and Loanna,” Leonis began, “Loanna, will you have Devon as your husband?” “I will Father,” She said, smiling at Devon. “And will you Devon, have Loanna as your wife.” “I will Father,” He said, looking into Loanna’s eyes.” “Will each of you give a ring as a symbol of your pledge to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live.” “Yes Father,” They said in unison. Leonis handed each a ring, “Devon put this ring on Loanna’s finger.” He did so. “Loanna put this ring on Devon’s finger.” Which she did. “Your friends have witnessed the giving and receiving of rings. Please kneel my children.” As Leonis blessed them, everyone bowed their heads.

  “Dear Lord, bless these two spirits who have come before you to be joined as one. Allow happiness to follow them as they begin their journey as man and wife. Amen. You may now rise and face your friends.” As they did, Leonis put a hand on each of their shoulders, “Ladies and gentleman, it is my pleasure to introduce Devon and Loanna Gable.” All the guests stood and applauded. Somebody yelled to Devon, “What are you waiting for Devon!? Kiss her already!” Devon turned and looked at Loanna, “I will love you forever.” As he finished kissing her, Loanna took his hand, “And I will love you always.”

  While Devon and Loanna walked among the guests thanking them for coming, Katryn stood talking to Father Leonis, “Devon has done a lot of good here. We would have been much poorer had he stayed at Welshire.” “I cannot say that we have not missed him, but I can see that he chose his path correctly,” Leonis said happily.

  Katryn, Gareth and Ian visited Landon Manor a week after Devon and Loanna’s marriage. They were welcomed into the drawing room by Lisa and Martin. Gareth went directly to Martin and shook his hand.

  “My lord, I would like your permission to wed your daughter,” Gareth said formally. “I had a feeling that you would be touched by last week’s wedding, I actually expected you to ask then!” Martin exclaimed, slapping Gareth on the back. “It was Devon and Loanna’s day. I thought it best to wait...” Gareth started, but was cut off as Anthony came into the room.

  “My lord! Lord Timlon demands an audience with you!. He has twenty knights and Robert with him and he says it is urgent,” Anthony said closing the door behind him. Martin looked at the others and his face reddened. “What gives him the right to demand anything!?” Martin exclaimed. “I am sorry my lord, he would only say that you would...understand?” Anthony conveyed. “Katryn, Gareth, I know of your distaste for the Timlons, I could ask him to wait...” Martin started, but Gareth held up his hand, “Not at all my lord, this is, after all your home. Please ask them to join us,” Gareth said graciously. Martin then sent Anthony to escort the Timlons to the drawing room.

  “What do you think it is about?” Lisa asked her husband. “No doubt it has to do with the north land that he was given over three months ago.” “I fear it is more than that,” Katryn added.

  When the Timlons entered the room, Martin immediately admonished Richard, “Are your manners so impaired that you would demand an audience!?” Richard looked around the room, “It is not a matter of etiquette that brings me here Landon.” He said, then turned to Katryn, “It is good to see you again my lady and I see Gareth and Ian are he
re also. Richard then turned to Martin, “Landon, my son wishes to wed Melanie.” “Over my dead body!” Gareth interrupted, putting his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Careful what you wish boy,” Richard sneered, as Ian held Gareth back.

  “What makes you think I would even consider such an unholy union!?” Martin now asked. “Quite frankly, this is a private matter, I will speak when you clear the room,” Richard now said. “You risk much Timlon…” Martin started. “No! It is you and yours that are at risk! Now, shall we talk alone?” Richard finished. “Katryn would you mind, I will send a messenger after I settle this business,” Martin said, now realizing the possible danger she could be in by staying. “Yes, of course. I will await your message,” Katryn replied. Gareth could not believe what was happening and as he neared the door, he lunged at Robert, knocking him over! “Gareth! Leave now!” Martin shouted. Gareth glared at Martin, and walked out.

  On the ride back to Cashell, Katryn knew what the outcome of the meeting would be. Timlon acted too sure of himself. No, this was not a bluff.

  “Ian, I need alternatives, we all know what is happening,” She said, hoping