Tristan had never been fond of large gatherings, since the attack on his kingdom, but sitting with Gwyneth at the high table in the Beatha Fortress felt like a dream come true. He enjoyed every moment of the celebration and thanked God for His blessings.
He met Leland’s eyes from a few chairs down and they both smiled. His cousin couldn’t partake in the dancing because his arm was in a sling to keep him from irritating the healing wound in his side. Regardless, he seemed happy to celebrate with him, besides a bit anxious to return home to his family in Kiely and sad about Isla not being there with them.
After the feast, the dancing started. Gwyneth turned to him with a smile, pulling out her bag of dice. “I know you are not fond of dancing, so I brought these along. Do you still have the last one?”
Tristan smiled and pulled the wooden die out of his pocket. He held it in his hand, studying its faded appearance. “I’ve kept this for so long, I can hardly see the fawn anymore, but that doesn’t matter. Even in the darkest prison cell I found myself in, I could still feel the engraving. I couldn’t remember who you were then, but I saw you in my dreams.”
“You did?”
“Aye and it brought me hope.” He met her gaze, pausing to trace the outline of her cheek. “To think, this all started with a simple game of dice. Several times afterwards, I wished I would have danced with you.”
She smiled, filling his heart with even more love for her. “I didn’t need a dance. The games and conversation we shared that evening were even better. I’ll always treasure it.”
“Me too.” Tristan leaned forward, giving her a tender kiss. Then he scooted his die across the table, closer to hers. “All right. Don’t take it easy on me this time. I’ve been practicing.”
She giggled and they played a few rounds. After she won the game two out of three, he stood up and reached for her hand. “What are you doing?” she asked, her eyes gleaming in the candlelight.
“Asking you to share our first dance.”
Her delicate hand grasped his as she smiled up at him. “I’d love to.”
After the celebration began to wind down, Tiernay requested a private audience with Tristan. He agreed and followed him to Lord Edmund’s study for privacy. They took seats across from each other by the hearth, putting them both at ease.
“I’m sorry to hear your cousin, Lady Isla, was taken captive during your time on the isles,” Tiernay started out by saying. “I know you are trying to gather an army to rescue her.”
Tristan nodded. “Aye, we would like to do that as soon as possible. It pains me greatly to think she is a prisoner in a foreign land.”
“I understand. If one of my family members were taken, I would feel the same way. That is why I am leaving one of my ships, along with a full crew to help in your search.”
Tristan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Thank you. That will help a great deal. I am in your debt.”
“We are allies now. I trust you would do the same for Brannagh if we were in need.”
“Aye, if I had the resources. As of right now, I am a king without a kingdom.”
Tiernay nodded. “I know the feeling. When my uncle stole the kingdom from me, I wasn’t sure where to begin reclaiming it, but with your help and the Daireann army, it became a reality.”
Tristan stared at the flames in the hearth, recalling memories he wished not to. “You of all people know I defeated Malcolm not for your sake, Brannagh’s or even to keep Queen Airell safe. I sought revenge. You could have perished because of my actions.” He looked back at Tiernay. “Now the time has come to ask for your forgiveness.”
“You have it. In truth, you had it long ago, Tristan. I have learned, holding onto a grudge only poisons your soul.”
“Thank you.” Tristan felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders.
“Of course. I hope you know I meant what I said about being allies. Which brings me to my next point. I would like to help you reclaim your kingdom.”
“You would?” Tristan could hardly believe what he was hearing.
“Aye, with Lady Kyna and her army occupying Órlaith, ‘tis only a matter of time before she tries attacking one of the kingdoms of Ardena again…possibly even Brannagh. The risk is too great. We need all the realms to unite and battle this threat and we need someone to lead them. A high king.”
Tristan shook his head. “Surely you couldn’t mean I should lead the kingdoms?”
“Your grandfather, King Kian held the position once. ‘Tis only fitting you should be considered. Uniting all the kingdoms would show strength, especially if what Gwyneth discovered about more men from Beibhinn coming to serve in Lady Kyna’s army.”
He stood and began to pace. “This is something I’ll have to consider, but as for now, I must concentrate on saving my cousin.”
Tiernay nodded. “I understand. Take some time, but will you do one more thing on your journey north?”
“What is that?”
“Visit my cousin, King Ewan, in Rhona. I believe you have met him before?”
Tristan smiled. “Aye, in prison. He helped me escape. ‘Twill be good to meet with him again.”
“He’ll be glad for your visit and will most likely have some men and resources to help you in Beibhinn. I’ll send a carrier message, so he knows to expect you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your aid.”
Tiernay nodded. “Of course. Please know, you’ll always have an ally and friend in Brannagh.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Reunions
Leland hugged his younger cousin one last time, using his good arm. “I wish I could come with you.”
“I know,” Tristan said, releasing him. “It won’t be the same without you around, keeping me out of trouble.” They shared a chuckle before he continued in a more serious tone. “Try not to worry. I’ll be careful and we’ll be reunited in Kiely soon, with Isla by our side.”
Leland’s eyes misted over as he looked to the northern horizon. “When you find Isla, tell her I’m sorry. I should have worked harder to protect her.”
Tristan placed his hand on Leland’s shoulder. “You did all you could. We all know that, including Isla.”
Leland nodded, but his cousin’s words did little to erase the guilt in his heart. It was something God would have to help him with in the coming months, until he was reunited with his sister. “Take care of yourself and send word when you reach Rhona.”
“I will. Farewell, Cousin.” Leland mounted his horse gingerly to avoid irritating his wound. Then after sharing one last look with his cousin, he started his journey with Niall, Lady Sibeal and his men accompanying him. It would be a long ride, his side still bringing him pain, but it would be a wonderful feeling to be home. His eyes took in the distant mountains, knowing once they made their way over them, Fiona, Clare and his newborn child would be waiting for him.
Niall breathed a sigh of relief when the Kiely fortress came into view. It was a heavenly sight after traveling for a fortnight through the rugged mountain terrain. They had taken things slow, both for Leland and because his wife still suffered from nausea due to her pregnancy, but now they were almost home.
They made their way through the village first. When the people saw Leland, celebrating broke out in the streets. Niall smiled, seeing the people so joyous to see their king. Leland remained humble as always, nodding in appreciation.
When they entered the gates, Leland dismounted his horse by the stables. Niall stopped him from going any further before inspecting his wound one more time. He checked for recent bleeding and when there was none, he removed Leland’s sling and made sure there was no longer any pain when he moved it. When he said it felt fine, he patted his friend on the shoulder. “I don’t see any reason why you need to wear this any longer. Now you can hug your family with both arms. Just promise you won’t overdo it.”
Leland chuckled at the reprimanding tone of his friend’s voice. “I promise. Thank you for everything you’ve done, Niall. You deserve to be
rewarded for your bravery.”
Niall put his hands up to stop him. “No reward is necessary. I am simply happy to serve my king and to clear Sibeal’s name. Do you believe she will be safe now?”
Leland nodded. “Aye, I’ll make sure of it…and I’ll go one step further.” He motioned for a servant to come over. “Have it announced throughout the kingdom, Niall and his wife, Lady Sibeal have been commended for saving the king’s life during the battle on Blathnaid Isles. There will be a ceremony in three days hence in celebration and Niall will be bestowed with the title of earl and given lands in Kiely. He will also be on my royal council, if he so chooses.”
After the servant rushed off to do the king’s bidding, Niall shook his head. “Thank you, Your Majesty, but this is all too much. I’m a physician, not royalty.”
“You do not have to live any differently than you have grown accustomed to, my friend…unless you so choose. The cottage and the lands surrounding it are now yours to do as you wish with. Once the people know you and Lady Sibeal are highly favored by the king, you both will be protected. ‘Tis the least I can do for you after all you have done for me.”
Niall bowed, realizing it was a futile effort to try and refuse a gift from a king. “Thank you, Leland. I am truly grateful.”
After bidding Leland farewell, Niall returned to Sibeal, waiting on her horse. She grinned at him as he mounted his own. “Niall, the Earl of Aoife. I like the sound of that.”
He chuckled as they steered their horses toward the road leading to their cottage. “Don’t worry. I won’t let the title go to my head.”
It was all Leland could manage to keep himself from running up the path leading to the courtyard. He’d seen the view so many times in his dreams, but now it was real. A few of his advisors rushed to speak with him, but Leland politely sent them away. He didn’t want to speak with anyone before seeing his wife and children.
When Leland came around the bend in the path, he paused for a moment, trying to catch his breath. He didn’t see anyone at first. Then he heard a faint voice, growing louder as a few moments passed.
“Papa…Papa…Papa!”
He caught sight of his daughter, running down the path, her chestnut curls bouncing in the breeze with Artair trotting close behind. He dropped to his knees as she became close and enveloped her in his embrace. Tears of joy rolled down his face as she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. Artair approached too, wagging his tail and barking.
Clare looked at him with her innocent hazel eyes and frowned. “Why are you crying, Papa?”
He wiped his tears on his sleeve and smiled at her. “I’m just so happy. I missed you, Clare.”
“I missed you too, Papa.”
Leland tousled the wiry gray fur on Artair’s head, glad to see his old companion again. Then he looked back at Clare. “Where is your mother?”
“She’s in the gardens. Come…I’ll show you.” She took his hand and pulled until he stood with her. Then Clare led him down the garden path to his favorite spot overlooking the mountains. There, sitting on a stone bench with a baby bundled in her arms, sat his lovely Fiona.
Time seemed to slow as each step brought him closer to his queen. Then he was finally there, on the bench, sitting beside her. He reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “You’re real,” he whispered and pulled her into his embrace, careful to save room for the infant in her arms.
She wept against him before craning her neck to look into his eyes. “And so are you. I had a dream you’d fallen in battle. Aunt Edna told me to hold onto my faith. I did…and here you are. God brought you back to me, Leland.”
“Aye, He did.” Leland leaned closer and they shared a tender kiss. “I love you, Fiona. Not a day went by that I didn’t think of you, Clare and...” He paused, looking down at the bundle Fiona held in her arms. “Is the child a boy like you thought?”
She grinned and loosened the blanket so he could see the sleeping infant’s face better. “Leland, I would like to introduce you to our son.”
He gazed at the child with his dark hair and Fiona’s nose and chin. “Can I hold him?”
Fiona agreed and handed him the baby who stirred for a moment before falling back to sleep. “We can decide on a name together soon, but for now, I’ve been calling him, Dillon. It means faithful…because God has been so faithful to us.”
“It’s the perfect name…and he’s the perfect little addition to our family.”
Clare jumped up onto Fiona’s lap and Leland held his family close, thanking God for bringing them back together once more.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Voyaging Northward
Gwyneth twisted away from her opponent and came back around, clashing swords with him again. He was much stronger than her, but she used the hull of the ship to push off the edge with her foot and overpower him. He stumbled back, almost losing his balance, but came right back. She dodged to the right, coming up behind him with the tip of her sword nearly brushing against his neck.
The crew members broke out into cheers from behind them and Gwyn smiled, noticing some of them passing around pouches of coins from betting on the winner. She lowered her sword. “You were a worthy opponent, Captain.”
Tristan lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “Fancy footwork, Milady. I see Murtagh has taught you well.”
The first mate chuckled from behind the captain’s wheel. “I can’t be takin’ the credit, Your Majesty. The lady has natural talent. I just be helpin’ perfect it.”
Gwyneth grinned at Murtagh and then looked back at Tristan, shrugging. “I’m not sure about that, but I am learning more every day.”
“I noticed.” Tristan leaned close to kiss her, but paused, observing a few crew members staring. “What are you all gawking at? Get back to work.”
They shared a laugh as the men scrambled off in different directions. “Some things never change, do they?” Gwyn said, shaking her head. Then she pulled Tristan in by the top of his vest and gave him a tender kiss.
Afterwards, they approached Murtagh at the captain’s wheel. “Are we still on the projected course?” Tristan asked.
Murtagh nodded. “Aye, Your Majesty. If the weather be stayin’ clear, we should be arrivin’ in Rhona a few days ahead of schedule. Within four or five days, I reckon.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear it. Thank you, Murtagh.”
“Aye, ‘tis an honor to be of service.”
Tristan led Gwyn back to the bow of the ship and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you ready for another adventure, my love?”
She nodded and rested her head against him as they watched the horizon. “Aye, with you by my side, I’m ready for anything.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. At the beginning of the story, Gwyneth is faced with a difficult decision. Who does she turn to for advice? Who do you seek out when in need of guidance?
2. Tristan feels weighed down with guilt when remembering his past. What advice does Gwyneth give to help him to move forward with his life? Have you ever felt this way?
3. The theme of redemption is woven throughout this series. Can you think of some examples of characters who God transformed during the events of the story?
4. Gwyneth has many reasons to despise Lorcan for holding her captive. Why does she choose not to in the end? Why do you believe it is important to forgive even when it is difficult to do so?
5. The verses from Psalms 119:114-116 inspired Lady Gwyneth’s journey in this book. What does this verse mean to you?
For more discussion questions, please visit: rachelskatvold.com
ARDENA MAPS & ROYAL LINEAGES
Spring, 1191 AD
PRONUNCIATIONS & MEANINGS
Characters in Ladies of Ardena Series
Aedan /aid-an/ born of fire
Airell /air-el/ of noble birth
Aine /awn-ya/ radiance or joy
Ailene /ay-leen/ little noble one
Annan /an-nan/ from the stream
Arlan
/ar-lin/ pledge or oath
Ashley /ash-lee/ lives in the ash tree grove
Bradan /bray-dawn/ salmon of knowledge
Cabhan /kav-an/ grassy hill
Cadman /cad-men/ warrior
Caerwyn /care-win/ white fort
Camdyn /cam-din/ enclosed valley
Cara /kar-ah/ beloved friend
Carrick /care-ick/ rock
Carney /car-nee/ victorious champion
Cearul /kar-ul/ fierce in battle
Ceallach /kel-uck/ war or strife
Ciara /kee-ra/ saint
Clare /cl-air/ bright light
Dawley /daw-lee/ assembly
Derry /dare-ee/ like an oak
Dillon /dill-on/ faithful
Donnally /don-nelly/ brown-haired man or chieftain
Donovan /dawn-uh-vin/ strong fighter
Doughlas /dug-liss/ dwells by the dark stream
Duncan /dun-kin/ dark warrior
Edmund /ed-mun-d/ fortunate protector
Edna /ed-nah/ pleasure, delight
Ewan /you-in / youth or God is good
Fallon /fal-on/ royalty
Fergus /fur-gus/ strong man
Fiona /fee-ona/ fair
Gwyneth /gwen-eth/ blessed
Harrison /hair-i-son/ son of Harry
Isla /eye-la/ rocky place or island
Kian /key-in/ ancient, enduring
Kyna /key-na/ love, affection, esteem
Leland /lee-land/ fallow land
Liam /lee-am/ protector
Lorcan /lor-can/ fierce one
Mairi /mah-ree/ beloved
Meara /meer-a/ sea
Merrie /mear-ee/ joyful
Malcolm /mal-cum/ follower
Murtagh /mur-tah/ skilled in ways of the sea
Lady Gwyneth's Hope (Ladies of Ardena Book 4) Page 18