The Druid Knight Tale II

by Ruth A. Casie

  As I turned away I glimpsed at Leticia. The intimate way she gazed at Radulf was the same way Cay stared at me. I shook my head to get Cay out of my mind. That was becoming more and more difficult. I touched the pouch around my neck to remind me of my plan and, for good measure, whispered the sacred words to the Great Mother.

  Radulf held Leticia’s hand and brushed his thumb over her knuckles. My breath came in short pants as my anger built. He bent and whispered something in her ear and her face turned a pretty shade of pink. I wanted to take my knife to him and carve him up for the intruder he was.

  “Bran, there you are.” I picked up my head. A happy Fendrel walked toward me. “I had Arik try to wake you earlier. I will be giving you your portion tonight.” He slipped his arm around me. His grasp was strong, not at all weak as I had believed earlier in the day. For a moment I wondered what else I had misunderstood. “You have been as dear to us as a son and we are proud of you. It’s not easy losing both parents as you did. You’ve overcome that better than your mother and I had hoped.” I basked in the pride shining on his face. “You will always be special to us.”

  “I am grateful to you and Dimia. You have always treated me as your son—”

  “Grateful,” he exclaimed, dropping his arm from around me.

  I touched his shoulder to quiet him, for his face had turned so red I feared he would expire on the spot. “Of course. I’m one of the family.” The color cooled on Fendrel’s face and I was bursting with excitement. How else could I be his son if not married to Leticia? Cay’s face flashed before me but I wouldn’t acknowledge it. I made it fade and my heart sank.

  “I’m certain you’ll be pleased.” He pounded my back and went to speak to one of the neighbors. I found myself standing next to Radulf.

  “You are close to my Leticia.” I might as well get right to the core of the matter. The man was smart. He would understand my meaning.

  He cocked his head to the side. “Your Leticia?”

  I kept my attention focused on the guests. “Yes. Our families are to be joined. It has been discussed for some time.”

  “Is Leticia aware of this?” His smooth, controlled voice gave no indication of his emotions. Had he no feelings for her? What was he after?

  “Of course not. Young girls aren’t privy to such important decisions.” I turned to him with the most innocent of expressions pasted on my face. “I’m certain you understand,” I finished with a winning smile.

  The man gave me a curt but formal bow then stormed off. I pursed my lips. Well that went surprisingly well. I let out a sigh of relief.

  I watched everything play out from where I stood. Leticia’s big smile welcomed him as he approached. She listened while he spoke and I happily glimpsed the smile fall from her face. He tried to calm her agitation but when he found no success, turned and left the room. She spun around in her spot, searching the crowd until she found me. I tilted my head and nodded. She may be upset but I would console her.

  Instead she ran to Arik.

  Fendrel would applaud how easily I’d handled that and avoided any incident. I drained my goblet and set it on a passing tray.

  The little drama subsided when Arik left the room. I suppose he went after Leticia’s lover. Lover? The idea caught me short. I paced in front of the terrace doors but in my mind I kept seeing Cay in various stages of undress in Radulf’s arms. I opened the doors and held on to the handles, taking a deep breath. The cold air felt good—almost cleansing. Cay in Radulf’s arms? I knew it was my imagination playing tricks on me. I slumped onto the wide railing utterly confused.

  “What happened?” I sat up straight as Arik’s voice filtered up through the bushes. “Leticia didn’t make any sense. She said something about you not being able to marry her.” I moved close to the wall. If I faced the right angle I could make out two people standing on the gravel path and someone else behind.

  “I told her someone contested my offer.” There was that soothing tone of Radulf’s. Did nothing faze the man?

  “Who contests?” Arik demanded.

  Someone walked on the gravel. “Your brother, Bran.” The pacing stopped. “He said the families were to be joined and that it had been discussed for some time.”

  “There is a misunderstanding.” It was Fendrel who spoke. I moved quickly away from the wall. “All will be fine.” His voice rang with reassurance—maybe to Radulf, certainly not to me. “Arik, do you know anything about this?”

  “As boys, when we plotted and schemed, Bran sacrificed and married Leticia and I rode off as the warrior knight.”

  There was a bark of laughter from Arik. “I’m certain it’s Bran’s humor. Just don’t involve me when you even the score. Don’t you agree, Father? Now come, they’re waiting for us inside.”

  I felt numb. Arik did not come to my defense. He didn’t support me. He knew I wished to marry Leticia yet he supported Radulf. I had always counted on Arik. How could he abandon me? I walked back into the Great Hall and closed the doors, standing like a stranger next to Logan before Arik and Radulf entered. They were smiling.

  “Bran.” I hadn’t noticed Fendrel’s approach. He drew me aside.

  “Yes, m’lord.” I gave him my most humble bow.

  “Your mischief was not well received today.” He put his arm around my shoulder. “Do you want to tell me something?”

  I searched his face. I wanted… I wanted… “No, m’lord. There’s nothing.” Coward, I shouted silently at myself.

  “Good.” He squeezed my shoulders. He hesitated for a moment and I waited for him to speak. He must have thought better of it. Instead he motioned Arik, Leticia, and Radulf to join us as we walked to the dais. Was he going to make a spectacle of this? Humiliation wasn’t something Fendrel did. I searched out Dimia who gave me a sympathetic smile. Was there no one to come to my aid? My step faltered and Fendrel squeezed my shoulder. I died a thousand deaths as I walked like a man to his execution.

  He signaled and someone pounded a staff on the floor for the second time. The room quieted quickly.

  “Lord Radulf, do you have something you want to ask?” Fendrel stood on the dais, all proud and happy. I forced my chin not to quiver like a sulking brat but the idea that I was so easily replaced hurt me deeply.

  Radulf stepped forward. “Yes, m’lord. I ask your permission to court Lady Leticia with the hopes she will view me kindly and accept my offer of marriage.”

  The room remained still as Fendrel scanned the mass of people. “You have her mother’s and father’s permission and blessing. Is there anyone who objects or wants to make a claim?”

  No one said anything. I imagined the looks of pity I would see if I did. I focused my attention above everyone’s heads. Feeling naked and alone, I watched my hopes, dreams, and plans wither away.

  Like the coward I was, again I said nothing.

  “So be it,” announced Fendrel, followed by an uproar of shouts. He reached out his arms to quiet the crowd. In the hush Radulf came forward.

  He took Leticia’s hand. “Lady Leticia, with your parents’ permission and blessing may I visit with you so we may know each other better?”

  The whimpers of sniffling women disturbed the quiet. The peace and love on Leticia’s face when she gazed at Radulf were there for all to see.

  She stepped closer to him. “I am all for you, m’lord, and for no other.” He kissed her hand. Dimia came forward, then turned them toward the guests. The room erupted into a tumultuous cheer and Radulf led Leticia down from the dais. People pounded Radulf’s back and kissed Leticia’s cheeks.

  For the third time someone hammered a staff on the floor.

  For the third time the crowd settled.

  “Each of my three boys are special to Dimia and me. We love each with all our hearts. One has come to a crossroads and two have returned to me grown. Each one is ready to accept their destiny. They have made us proud.” Fendrel motioned for Arik, Logan, and me to stand by him. My heart pounded as I climbed the step to
the dais. I dragged my sweaty palms down my shirt. “I promise this is the last time I’ll call you here and take you away from your friends and your drink.” I gave Fendrel a weak smile and the guests and family laughed.

  Fendrel stood next to Logan. “Our Logan has grown tall and shows great promise, as did his brothers. This spring he will join the Grand Master for his training.” Fendrel motioned to Maximillian who nodded his acceptance.

  “Your brothers were a challenge and have prepared me well for you,” Maximillian called out, setting everyone chuckling.

  “Thank you, Grand Master. I promise not to disappoint you—in any way. Father has saved you the best for last,” Logan said with a teasing charm that made the Grand Master laugh. Logan hugged his father and kissed his mother, then left the dais.

  “A father trains and educates his children hoping he lives long enough to glory in their accomplishments. Today I am a proud and happy man. My two oldest boys—one by birth and the other by design—are here and prepared for their future. My holdings are not vast but they are dear to me as they were handed down to me by my father and to him by his father. So this day I pass on to Arik and Bran their portions.”

  One by one my childhood friends were gone—Logan with the Grand Master, Arik with Rebeka, and Leticia with Radulf. I felt less than a second or even third son and more like a boat adrift, cast out, alone.

  I had been waiting for this day, planning for it, conniving for it, and now I didn’t want to know the outcome. I searched the crowd for someone to hold on to in the coming storm. Cay stood in front of the others. I sensed her willing me her strength and realized she was my anchor.

  “Fayne Manor and all its lands I give to Arik to manage and grow. May they ever prosper and may he hold them secure for the family from this day forth as I did for him and my father did for me.” Arik hugged Fendrel and kissed Dimia. Fendrel turned to me.

  Disappointment tore at my insides but at the final moment before Fendrel spoke I already knew the outcome. But knowing it did not make the hearing any less painful. I had no idea what was left for me.

  “Bran, I have kept faith with you and your family. I have managed your family’s lands and holdings, waiting for the day they would be yours. Your clan’s history is filled with magick and mystery—as that is the very essence of Orkney. Your father, Lytton, was the clan leader. Now it’s time for you to take your rightful place. So, my son, I don’t give you a portion. I give you your birthright.”

  Stunned by his declaration, I stood there. I’d believed my family only a small part of the clan. He’d never told me my father was the clan chief and that I would be their leader.

  He hugged me and I glimpsed his bittersweet sadness. “This is a double-edged sword, son. I am proud to see you in your rightful place even though that takes you away from your mother and me. And for that we’re not happy.”

  There were a great many moments of quiet. Finally, I was able to speak. “You will have to come every spring to make certain I do things right.”

  He hugged me again. “We’ll leave together in the spring. The months will give us time to put things in place.” He held me at arm’s length. “Your parents would be proud.”

  My mother held me close and kissed me but I remained dazed. Someone grabbed me, led me from the dais, and gave me a goblet of wine. When I finally came back to my senses, I found myself in the estate room with Cay and Arik. I searched their faces and saw no pity. They were concerned.

  “I have a lot of questions.” I took a large gulp of wine. I needed to think of something to stall Arik from what I was certain he’d ask. “Cay. How do you know Radulf and Leticia?”

  “For the last three years that Fendrel has come to Orkney he brought Leticia and Radulf. At the end of their stay I’d come here with them to spend the winter. We’ve become good friends.” She emptied the decanter into my goblet. “I’ll get more wine.” A mild panic started me shaking as I watched her leave.

  Arik sat next to me, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped. “When did you come up with this idea that you needed to marry Leticia to be one of the family? You are one of the family.” He stared at me. “You’ll always be my brother. No matter what happens. You. Are. My. Brother. Do you understand?”

  For the first time I did understand. I saw the man who had always been at my back, whether filching cakes from Jeannie, fighting the sword master on the practice field, or making a fool of myself in front of Radulf.

  Cay hurried back to us. “Dimia is asking for you, Arik.”

  Arik got up to leave. “I’ll stay with him a little longer,” she told him. Arik squeezed my shoulder and left.

  “When I saw you with Lord Radulf and how well you knew each other I thought perhaps you only toyed with me.” I lowered my face and examined the pattern on the carpet.

  “Look at me,” she demanded. I couldn’t meet her stare. “Look at me,” she said softly.

  Slowly I raised my head. “I want no other man.” A small smile made her eyes twinkle. She took my face in her hands. “It has always been you. No one else. Do you hear?”

  I turned away and finally found the strength I needed to put into words what had been bothering me all along. “I seem to lose those who are closest to me—my parents, my brothers, my sister, even the one place I’ve come to know as home.”

  She kissed my lips. “I will always be with you, forever.”

  Laughing, I pulled the pouch from around my neck. “So much for the Great Mother.”

  She took the pouch from me and spread the contents on the carpet. “A piece of the handkerchief I gave you and a carved green stone ball from Orkney. What are these for?”

  “From Orkney? No, it’s a stone from Fayne Manor. I wrapped it in a piece of cloth I found in my pouch.”

  “The stones are particular to Orkney. You can find them no other place.” My jaw dropped in disbelief. I read the question written on her face.

  “It’s a talisman asking the Great Mother for her support.” My voice went hoarse and my chin quivered. “I wanted to be a real part of the family.”

  “The Great Mother is wise. She gave you Orkney.” She kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, “We will grow together and perhaps I will tell you I am all for you, m’lord, and for no other.”

  I drew her onto my lap and stroked her face—her soft, beautiful face that did not judge me badly, nor admonish me, but wanted me. “I think I would like that.” I held her close and kissed her deeply.

  When we parted, her lips were flushed and bruised from kissing. “Come,” she said. “It must be close to midnight and time for Leticia to cast her wish.” We went to join the others.

  Leticia stood on the terrace with just the family around her. I held Cay by my side. Never had Leticia appeared so ethereal. Her gown and hair sparkled in the moonlight. She picked up a variety of crystals and with her eyes closed she rubbed them in her hand and said her silent obligations.

  The wind stilled. Leticia raised her arms—her palms open, showing the crystals to the moon.

  “I call upon the elements’ might and niches,

  Fire and water, earth and air,

  To help me ignite these four wishes,

  For those who find them their love to share.

  With fire’s warmth to light their hearts,

  Send kindness, patience, courage, honor their way,

  May these virtues cement each new commitment they start,

  The strength of the earth’s minerals are here to stay.

  May these crystals pink tourmaline, amethyst, amber, and tiger’s eye blue,

  Go far and wide finding passion, peace, and open heart,

  And pledge with words of power true,

  That willingly they do their part.”

  The wind stirred. Each crystal in succession gave off their light—pink, purple, amber, and blue. “So mote it be,” she whispered.

  The wind circled her outstretched hand and one by one the colors leaped into the sky, leaving a trail like a
comet until her hand was empty.

  “Come, everyone, it’s time to dine and celebrate our new year and new beginnings. Our guests are waiting.” Fendrel herded the family into the Great Hall.

  “Bran, stay with me a minute.” Leticia held me back.

  “I’ll be inside,” Cay said and went along with the others.

  “I have a fifth stone. It’s for you.” I began to protest but she put her finger to my lips. “Shush. Consider this my present to you and Cay. Besides, I want to do this for you. Come, stand by me.”

  We stood at the terrace wall. In her palm she held the precious green lapis lazuli. She raised it to the sky and once again sent out her plea.

  “As above, so below,

  As within, so without.

  This wish into the future I assess,

  Give brother Bran true happiness.”

  As before, the wind circled her hand and a trail of sparkling green light wove its way into the wind. “So mote it be,” we both whispered on the wind.

  I stared at the beauty of the vanishing light then turned to my sister. “Thank you.” I led her into the Great Hall.

  I handed her to Radulf and sat between Rebeka and Cay. My world had been upside down for so long. I chuckled at the thought that I had been striving for the wrong thing. All along the Great Mother knew better and gave me what I craved—my birthright. Cay had been what my world was missing. What I needed to right it. Fayne Manor would always be my home and not the wilderness of Orkney, but it would be bearable with Cay.

  Anything would be bearable with Cay.

  THE END

  Want to read more about Max and Ellyn’s daughter, Rebeka, and Fendrel and Dimia’s son, Arik? Look no further than Knight of Runes, Book I ~ A Druid Knight Novel available now! www.RuthACasie.com/books.html

  Knight of Runes

  When Lord Arik, a druid knight, finds Rebeka Tyler wandering his lands without protection, he swears to keep her safe. But Rebeka can take care of herself. When Arik sees her clash with a group of attackers using a strange fighting style, he's intrigued.