“I have something for you, sir,” said the Steward who was standing beside Lord Godwyn.
“Yes,”
“This arrived for you earlier sir. I believe it is a gift from the Duke of Redforte.” Everyone looked up with surprise and Lord Godwyn took the wooden box from the steward’s hands. Why would the Duke, their opposing clan leader, send a gift? Was it some trick?
“What is it?” asked Gwen with anticipation.
“I don’t know,” said Godwyn as he inspected a fine wooden box with a gold dragon and lion on emblem on the outside. He started to lift the cover carefully. He’d heard the story in the past of a Lord receiving a gift only to open the box and an adder had been placed inside. The others were just as cautious.
Sir Blackley stood up and approached Godwyn with his hand over his dagger. “Careful sir,” said Sir Blackley. “Please allow me.”
Godwyn gladly handed him the box and Blackley took it from him carefully and placed the box on the floor. Then he lifted the lid with the tip of his sword and pulled back a soft silk cover. His eyes widened in astonishment. It was a delicately carved chess set. The white pieces were lions and the black pieces were dragons. He looked up and smiled. “Chess anyone?” There was a great sigh of relief in the room and a small note attached said. “Make your moves carefully and never under estimate the opponent. Enjoy the game, Lord Godwyn.”
“He’s up to something,” said Crewe.
“It’s a forewarning,” said Lionel. For why else would the Duke send a gift? He had never done it before and it just wasn’t in his nature to do so.
“It’s a challenge. The Lions against the Dragon clans,” said Carwyn.
“What will you do with it Father?’ asked Daniel.
Godwyn glanced up at the steward. “Take it to the Solar.”
“Are you going to keep it?” asked Gwen.
“Of course. It was a gift,” he smiled affirmatively and smiled at his youngest daughter. When the meal was finished Gwen excused herself and made her way upstairs to ready herself for the evening. She loved singing carols by candlelight and then enjoying mulled wine after. With an air of excitement she raced to her room to change.
Chapter Two
Daniel vs. Gilbert
As Daniel left the dining hall he speculated the idea of Lord Desmond’s daughter becoming one of them and to Gilbert this news met with great skepticism. Gilbert was not convinced that he and Ava Desmond would complement one another and Daniel knew he wasn’t at all pleased with his comments at the table and Daniel tried to avoid him by going through the servant’s quarters but Gilbert was accustomed to his ways and as they left the Great Hall Gilbert was waiting for him and Daniel cringed when he saw him leaning in the doorway to the kitchens below. “Where do you think you are going?” he asked sorely.
“You heard father, to the Chapel.”
“Oh no,” said Gilbert folding his arms with a satisfied smile as if he would receive sweet retribution. “Not you little brother. You need to learn how to keep your smart mouth shut and I know just the thing for you. You are going to spend the night in the stable.”
“The stable?” questioned Daniel.
“Yeah, with all your fine equine friends. Since you have it on such good terms with every horse out there, you might as well spend the night after you rub them down and check their shoes. Make sure you do everything properly or you’ll have to do it again! You better get to it. You have to be up early too,” he said with exaggerated sweetness.
“But it’s Christmas Eve and it’s freezing cold out there tonight!” Daniel protested.
“Dress warm,” said Gilbert with sarcasm and he started to walk away and then he paused in the doorway. “I’ve often heard it said by many that you have a will of iron or that you’re as tough as the steel forged into a sword but I haven’t seen the evidence of it . . . yet,” he grinned with burning jealousy for he knew he spoke a lie for Daniel was indeed tough and strong for his age and he seemed to bounce out of every situation he threw him into. Oh and . . . uh have fun.” Gilbert disappeared down the hall following after the others and Daniel went to the stable at a quick pace and burning with anger. He pulled the first horse out of the stall and put a lead on him and secured him to a hook on the wall in the aisle. Then he started brushing the horse firmly with anger burning inside and he sighed deeply like a lion and he turned around and punched the wall and roared. “Errrr!”
“What’s wrong?” asked Lord Godwyn who was now standing in the moon’s rays shining through the doorway. He had followed Daniel down from the castle.
“Nothing sir.”
“Nothing?” said Lord Godwyn as he moved into the stable and out of the moonlight. “You just punched the wall. Your brother is giving you trouble again.” Daniel nodded. “Perhaps I should have words with him.”
“No,” said Daniel. “You’ll just make things worse.”
“Hmmm,” he sighed. “I know he is very hard on you and unjustly at times but just remember to love your brother and forgive him. Your time as a squire won’t last forever.”
Daniel grimaced as if in agony. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“No I’m not. You must remember to always love and forgive those who persecute you.”
“I wouldn’t call it persecution,” said Daniel.
“Well, no but it refers to those who give us . . . trouble. You must remember to show others mercy and forgive.”
“But Gilbert doesn’t.”
“That is Gilbert’s choice. The scriptures tell us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.”
“Yes father.”
“You remember the young man this evening who stole the pheasant. If I had been the Duke of Redforte that man would have been hung on the spot no questions asked. Do you think I should have been harder on him or perhaps even had him hung as many others in my position would have?”
“No, certainly not sir. But why did you spare him father?”
“The scripture tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I could see he was poor and in need of help. We will help him instead of sending him to his doom. That is not God’s way.”
“I see father,” said young Daniel with a glow of warmth at the realization of his father’s mercy.
“Good. Remember to always be merciful and forgiving. My father always used to tell me that mercy triumphs over judgment. It is written in the Holy Scriptures. Some day you will be a great knight with much power and you will need to be merciful. You may even be Lord of Berwyck one day.”
“That will never happen, father. Lionel is the one to take your place father and if he didn’t Gilbert is next.”
“Well,” said Lord Godwyn. “Remember, King Frederick. He was the youngest of five brothers and he became king. You just never know. Best to be prepared,” he smiled and patted Daniel on the head.
“Of course, father, thank you,” said Daniel and at that moment Gilbert appeared and he didn’t see his father standing to the side in the night shadows.
“Get to work. There’s a lot to be done and I want those floors sparkling by morning. Every horse brushed down and cleaned up. I want all the tack polished. This place better look like the king’s palace by morning!”
“I absolutely forbid it!” said Lord Godwyn stepping out of the shadows. Gilbert swung around quickly and he was gripped with fear when he saw his father standing there. He didn’t need another argument with his father.
“Father, I didn’t know you were there.”
“Didn’t you?”
“No,” he said nervously and then he remembered something and he contested his father bravely. “Father, you said you wouldn’t interfere in my methods of squiring Daniel.”
“Squiring? Is that what you call it? I thought perhaps it was more on the lines of mistreatment and abuse,” he challenged.
“Father!” Gilbert started to protest.
“I’m not interfering,” his father cut him off. “But I remind you that I a
m the Earl of Northumbria, the Lord of Berwyck and the Christmas season is upon us. It is the celebration of the birth of our good Lord and I forbid every man, woman and child to work. Feeding the horses is one thing as we all need nourishment but polishing the floors to perfection is another. I expect everyone at Berwyck will attend the chapel service and celebrate the birth of Christ our Lord. This includes Daniel by the way or have you forgotten that he is your brother and you still fall under the rules of my jurisdiction?” He smiled sweetly at Gilbert for he knew he had won.
“Of course, father,” said Gilbert in defeat.
“Good I expect you both in the chapel in five minutes or I will not be happy and tomorrow is Christmas day. There will be no work. The same rule applies.” And with those words Godwyn smiled at both of his sons before turning and leaving and Gilbert was very agitated.
“But father!” Gilbert shouted after him.
“Five minutes!” Godwyn yelled back to his sons as he headed back up the hill and Daniel was so relieved inside but he kept it concealed
Gilbert looked at Daniel spitefully and grunted roughly as he left the stable and headed inside and Daniel grinned softly. This present victory was wonderful as he put the horse back in the stall and headed inside and he kept pondering his father’s words to Gilbert and the look of surprise on Gilbert’s face was priceless. Why couldn’t Gilbert be kind and merciful to people? Why was he so cold and spiteful? It seemed as if he showed him everything but mercy and Daniel was convinced his brother hated him.
He cleaned himself up and changed his clothes quickly and he reached the Chapel within twenty minutes and he walked in out of breath into the small stone chapel glowing by candlelight. It was decorated in fresh holy leaves and pine cones and he sat down and his father smiled at him as they sang Gwen’s favourite tune, The First Noel. He sat in the back row and Merry turned and smiled at him and he smiled back. He closed his eyes and thanked God for a father who was understanding and kind and then he sang to his heart’s content.
The First Nowell.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell.
Born is the King of Israel.
Chapter Three
Christmas Celebration
When the chapel service was finished they retreated to the Solar where they sang more songs and enjoyed good wine and the best mead, cheese, bread, cakes, fruit and nuts. And there was lively music played by castle musicians. The room was decorated in evergreens and berries and filled with the scent of pine and wax candles and they celebrated until well after midnight. The following day was just as cheerful only Gwen resented the Presence of Lord Cheswyck and his daughters who came to dine.
“You will be pleasant to Lord Cheswyck’s daughters,” said Marian firmly as she helped Gwen get ready for Christmas day arranging the layers of her velvet gown in place and fastening a gold cross around her neck.
“At least it’s only for one day,” Gwen sighed and exhaled deeply as Marian picked up a brush and stroked it through her hair. “It’s not like they’ll be here for two weeks or anything.”
“My word,” said Marian. “You are a fickle young thing. I don’t know why you can’t just be pleasant like your sister Ceridwyn. You’d find yourself a husband in no time.”
“If I thought I was anything like Ceridwyn I’d jump out the window and run away.”
“How can you say such a thing! Your sister has done very well for herself. She’s found a prestigious match in Sir Fingal Munro who will one day be the Earl of Inverness.”
“Well indeed!” Gwen protested. “Forced to marry a man she has never met and may absolutely resent. He could be . . . fat and ugly!”
“Bite your tongue Gwendolyn. The Munro’s are noted to be very handsome indeed and Artemis Munro was very a fine looking young man. Surely you agree,” she responded firmly with a nod of her head.
“I suppose he was,” she agreed. ”
“And of good character,” said Marian and she finished primping her hair.
“Yes, I agree with you again. I can only hope for my sister’s sake that his brother is just as fine and if he is, does it mean they will fall in love? What if they hate each other at first sight? A fine appearance does not secure one’s happiness.”
“Hmmm,” said Marian. “Yes, marriage I am afraid is one of those things. It’s either a blessed union or a trying one. No match making skills or prior acquaintance can predict the outcome my dear even though many may testify otherwise.”
“I can’t see the point in it anyway?’
“What do you mean?” asked Marian with alarm.
“Well, I don’t care if I ever get married. I would be just as happy with a small cottage in the countryside tucked away in a beautiful meadow surrounded by trees and woodland creatures. Then I could have all the dogs and horses I wanted and no one to tell me what to do. Not a care in the world. Just me and my creatures.”
“Good heavens! Don’t ever let your mother hear that!” she said in a frantic tone. “Her heart would fail for sure! For goodness sakes girl, stand up!” She grabbed her arm and pulled her up.
Gwen softly obeyed her and stood to her feet and she was quite the beauty and Marian noticed how much she had blossomed in the last year and Ceridwyn had always been praised as being lovelier than her younger sister but Ceridwyn had blossomed at a much younger age and Gwen had matured much in the last year. Why Marian was certain her beauty was equal if not greater than Ceridwyn’s and she was certain that Gwen would not spend her days in a countryside cottage.
“Do I pass the inspection?’ asked Gwen impatiently for she always went through Marian’s inspection before an important occasion such as this.
Marian studied her momentarily before she spoke. “I’m truly sorry my dear but I hate to inform you that a cottage life is not for you.”
Gwen looked at her strangely. “What?”
“You are a very beautiful young lady now and marriage cannot be avoided. Even if by some slim chance your father should fail to secure a marriage contract for you, I am certain that fate will provide for you another way. You are a very beautiful young lady and many men will try very hard to win your affection but one very superior, very prestigious and very fortunate young man will secure you. Marriage is not a choice my dear. You will marry the man your father chooses whether you ardently love him or loathe him and I say it again with conviction. You will not spend your days in a countryside cottage. You are destined for much greater things.. I am afraid a castle will do you just fine.” She smiled at Gwen for the first time and then she curtsied and left her presence and Gwen was too shocked to say anything.
She fumbled into the hallway with Marian’s words ringing in her mind like the chapel bells. The sound was invigorating and almost enticing; many men will try very hard to win your affection. It almost sounded wonderful but this was Marian, the one who was always on her case. Gwen couldn’t imagine being in love and not with all the tragic tales she had heard of. In fact she and her siblings had always viewed marriage like a death sentence. And did Marian actually approve her without too much difficulty? It was a miracle but then it was Christmas and Gwen smiled as she walked downstairs.
She could hear laughing and music and the tinkling of silver goblets clanging together as she approached the Great Hall and her brother Lionel was standing quietly in the shadows by the door.
“Merry Christmas,” she said to him.
“Merry Christmas young Gwendolyn. You are a sight for sore eyes.”
“Thank you,” she blushed. “You must miss Elizabeth at such times.”
“Yes, I do. Perhaps I’ll see her soon.”
“Of course,” she replied.
“Would you do me the honour of a Christmas dance?”
She smiled back sweetly. “Of course Lionel.”
&nbs
p; She laced her arm through his and they walked into the great hall as another dance started and she glanced around the room and saw Merry laughing with Lord Carwyn and Lord Crewe was dancing with Rosamund Cheswyck. Gilbert was dancing with her sister Thea and Gwen smiled at them as they started dancing and she enjoyed herself that evening dancing and feasting but her mind and thoughts were elsewhere and she thought of Ceridwyn in the North having her first Christmas away from home and she thought of Prince Pryderi and she wondered where he was at that moment. She wondered if he made it home to Gwynedd or if he was still on the road and with those thoughts she said a silent prayer.
As the dance finished Gwen perused the room and carefully observing everyone enjoying themselves and her attention rested on her brother Daniel who had been playing the flute with the musicians. Gwen watched as Gilbert approached him and mocked him icily. “Dear little brother. Trying to prove you’re better than everyone else by playing an instrument. Now I know you have too much free time.”
Brother Antoni swung around with annoyance. As far as he was concerned, Gilbert was the one who needed the firm hand, not Daniel. “Your brother has practiced very hard. In fact he has sacrificed his own pleasures to learn the flute. It takes great discipline to learn an instrument. Perhaps I can arrange for you to learn as well, sir.”
“Huh,” said Gilbert and he walked away with annoyance.
Gwen sighed for she hated to see Daniel treated in such a manner and by his own brother but she was pleased that brother Antoni had spoken up for him. Then the music started again softly and Gwen moved to the side of the room for a fresh goblet of mulled wine and Merry was still engaged in a deep conversation with Lord Carwyn and Gwen watched them momentarily and calculating their every move as they talked. There was a gleam in her sister’s eyes that had not been there when she first arrived. It was like that first gleam of sunlight as it spills over the hills in the morning blessing everything with a magic touch of glory. And Lord Carwyn was no less in his dedicated devotion to her every word as Merry had his undivided attention and never flinched at the ridiculous jester who walked past juggling eggs. Gwen was certain in her own calculation of them that there would be wedding bells sooner than later. She sighed with deep satisfaction and turned around only to stop abruptly. The smile disappeared from her face.
Kingdom of Dragons Page 2