The saga continues: The pebble and the Rock

[sadhbh]

*Sadhbh watched the guard tie the packing to a small horse. She saw the joy in his face for he had missed home and the wife he had at home. Sadhbh wondered iffn that would be the same for her yet she was not sure. Surely she would learn to love?...surely...Sadhbh lowered her eyes and tried to drive the thought from her mind. She knew already that the answer was clouded by emotions she bore for another.

The guard, a strong man named John seemed a pleasant sort. He found it easy to do his job yet the fear in his wifes eyes every time he left home was something he hated to see. He longed to be close to her again, to hear the laughter of his children and to listen to his old dear Mother complain about the food again. A small chuckle emerged at this. It was something that Mother and daughter in law were forever in contention with. Mind you, iffn he answered his wife correctly about her cooking, he would be eating gruel for a week!.

Sadhbh made her way toward Petite, lovingly that gloved hand ran over her nose and a whisper of a pained smile emerged*

Dinnae worry sweet One.. I shall return soon. I promise ye. I will tell the others tae ye be well cared for..

*Sadhbh looked to John and softly spoke as if for fear to wake the other horses up*

John, would ye wish tae remain in Kent awhile?. I could ask Righarde for time for ye tae see thy Kin....

*though John protested, his look gave him away. Sadhbh smiled, she lowered her eyes*

then its settled...

*he helped her up made sure that she had the reins well in hand. Sadhbh nodded then John looked about and scratched his head*

Now where did I leave my pouch? A moment if you will m'Lady....

*A small chuckle emerged*

ah ye be like myne brother Sir... a slave tae thy pipe....of course...I am in no hurry....

*John backtracked as best he could to find his prized Kentian tobacco. He would dearly be at a loss without it and so the frantic searching was heard by all within the stables......*

[sadhbh]

*she was glad to be back, to have returned, yet her return was..strained to say the least. How joyous she felt to be home yet Sadhbh felt nervous about the men her accompanied her, or rather one of the men. His name was Ciaran Swift and Sadhbh could not read the man. So quiet he was as if he were taking it all it. His crime in these strained times was his heritage. He was raised as a Frank and the mere utterance of one single syllable of a word betrayed his heritage.

She was glad Sir Bragasson did not take much heed of the man, he seemed to fall asleep, thank the Lord.
Her brother however gave Lord Swift a more cool reception. When the young man was asked to leave by him and Lady Edfeil stated that Sighehelm was his overLord. Sir Swift said quite calmly that Sighehelm was not his overLord and this was the crux of his problem. Still, he did leave at Sadhbhs request and to this Sadhbh gave an audible sigh.

Sighehelm left briefly, his humour changing far swifter than the wind yet she had an opportunity to speak with Lady Edfeil. Again it was a delight to be in her company. She found the woman quite pleasant and as always wise. Sadhbh took the Ladys words to heart and held them there as she turned for the chapel.

It was then that she felt at ease. The great sadness in her eyes.....was something she found too hard to hide. She had a lump in her throat for fear someone would ask her what was the trouble.
She would rather embarrass herself that speak the total truth. She had given her word after all....

Sadhbh was reminded of an old superstious ditty....

one for luck,
two for joy,
three for marriage,
four to die,
five for silver
six for gold,
and seven is for a secret never to be told....

She made for the corridor, shielding her head once more with the cloak she put once more about her form. Sadhbh laced it carefully and lowered her eyes. She seemed a woman of modest means in such a garb yet it was something that was preferred for travel...at least for Sadhbh. She heard footfalls behind her, two to be exact. It seemed that her shadows were never too far away. Sadhbh slipped into the small chapel and crossed herself before kneeling. Her eyes devoutly ran up to the cross. Only now could it be seen that she was crying. Sadhbh fervently whispered*
Lord...I beseech thee...let it nae be so. Iffn ye wish it I will go yea..
*she paused, her lips trembling*
Lord...guide me through this. Tis tae big for someone like me...
*lowering her eyes she prayed hard, indeed she prayed all night till sleep or lack of food overtook her. In the cornor of the quiet chapel, a shadowed form lay still*

[Mollie]

*Mollie didn't like cleaning in the Chapel, the shadows held ghostly figures and everything seemed to creak and groan. She wasn't meant to be here, it wasn't her turn, she mumbled under her breath and pushed the heavy door open, shuddering as she stepped inside. The light from the flaming sconces in the corridors gave an even more eerie look to the place and Mollie left the door open should she have to make a dash from the monsters that lurked here.

The broom held tightly within her hands, she started to sweep around the pews, stopping suddenly as faint sounds came to her from one corner. Her eyes peered into the shadows, her ears listened like a frightened animal.....someone was there. She gulped, eyes wide...adjusting to the dim light. Stepping closer to the small bundle.

She was about to poke at it with the broom handle, holding it high like a weapon, all the while peering closer. *

"Oh my word....... whatever be ye doing in 'ere MiLady Sadhbh. 'as yer nae been in yer bed at all?"

*Mollie knelt down upon the cold flagstones, realising who it was, she reached out to touch the sleeping form of this one she met but briefly. A tiny young thing she was, royal too and so much nicer than that old hag of a Mother. Gently she shook the small shoulder hunched over a curled up body.*

"MiLady...... are ye alright....dus yers need me ta fetch someone?"

[sadhbh]

*she woke a little with a stir, it was almost as if her Mother were awakening her for the morn, yet as the sweet concerned voice spoke Sadhbh slowely began to come around. Her eyes blurred from the sleep made her blink softly a moment before speaking* Mollie?...what be wrong? *she began to rise then realising that this was not her room. Those last memories came flooding back. Sadhbh held a hand to her head*
I must have fallen asleep, I did nae think I was so tired....
*she rose, those cheeks smarting with color. Sadhbh straightened the crushed folds of her cloak and lowered her eyes*
oh but I must have given ye such a start. Forgive me Mollie, I did nae mean tae...
*her smile held some hint of her tiredness yet it remained sincere. Still, within those eyes a mix of sleep and sadness remained*
It be good tae see thee., no I shall be alright, I should retire. I will see thee later Molooie, thank ye for waking me...
*Sadhbh slipped a little toward the door*
I should retire and allow ye tae do thy work..
*she dipped her head with respect and turned to leave. Still now embarrassment shone on her cheeks as she made for her room and her bed*

[Ranger Nicholas]

Carefully Nicholas had followed the Frank delegation of 10 as they rode away from Blair Atholl, towards the coast where their ship would be laying in wait for them. Nicholas had kept hidden while the Franks were talking with king Sighehelm, in fact he had given a different name so none, especially, Sadhbh, would easily know that he had followed her. They would think him foolish, impertinent, maybe even a threat. It certainly would have discouraged the owman he was falling in love for deeper and deeper the longer he had to content himself with watching her from afar … more and more he hated the feeling of being so powerless to prevent harm from her.

But not so now. Now was his chance to show the Franks that their vile offers would not be tolerated by any around here. Or at least not by the Dove’s unseen and self-proclaimed protector.

Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, making his bow ready with an arrow, Nicholas gave his horse the heels and quickly approached the small group of Franks head on. The bow with the hooked arrow in one hand, he raised his other, not so much in greeting but more to hold off any arrows coming form the Franks.

Halting about 5 meters away from whom he perceived as their leader, Nicholas aimed his arrow at the lead man, a small man dressed in the rich clothes of nobility. He forsook any formal introductions, and spoke rapidly, his heart pounding from a mixture of anger, daring and fear.

“It is wise of you to ride back home, Franks! You do not belong here, nor does the Dove of Kent belong to anyone but her own people! Don’t you dare come here again and bother Lady Sadhbh, you hear? If others like you come from your king, they shall die! Heed my words, Sir!”

One of the Franks guard had drawn his sword by now and had given his horse the heels to get closer to Nicholas so he could dispatch of him for his Lord. Instead, Nicholas whirled around and let go of his arrow… the Frank guard dropped his sword, grabbing at the arrow now piercing his throat, then dropped off his horse, lifeless. Nicholas moved his horse back so he came to stand in front of the Frank leader, another arrow hooked and ready.

“Tell your vile king that he will never lay his foul hands upon the Dove! NEVER! You and all you bring will die before that will ever happen!”

Letting his second arrow, this one coming to embed itself into the thigh of the nearest guard, Nicholas gave a small shout and then chased away on his horse, into a nearby forest. He was certain the Franks would not follow him, but hopefully they would have received the message he intended for them.

They would not get Sadhbh, not even over his dead body!

[Righarde]

*he was angry without doubt when he penned this letter yet Sighehelm needed to know*

Dearest Brother,

I often heard that beauty had its flaws, now I know this well. I have heard about Sadhbhs misfortune shall we say and found her in the midst of misfortune here. The ambassador of Frank left a little troubled but he was more so when a lone ranger came to attack him and his men. One was killed and the words he spoke of made him believe that the man was Kent. I wonder though if that is so. I will see what movements the men made from Blair Aetholl but I believe the man was not of Kent. I look now to Windstorm, have any of our men returned to Kent. Has any rash man learned of Sadhbhs embarassment and come to revenge her?. I need to know for that man should and will be severely punished. I do not believe that this will end well Sighehelm and so I ask that you take care. You may find a crown on your head yet.

Give my love to Mother and Sadhbh

Yours
through honour and bound to God
Righarde

[sadhbh]

*Sadhbh lowered her eyes and wrote carefully on the paper. The quill held delicately ran across the page in the late night. Guided by the light of a candle Sadhbh wrote*

Dearest Brother and my Liege,

I pray tae words here find thee well and happy. Know tae already I miss thee and I remain bound tae myne promise. Mother be well and sotoo be Sighehelm. All of us prepare for winter. I know it be late yea since Windstorm hath tae misfortune of war; it hath found itself hard pressed tae bring in tae harvest fully. Another trouble blights Windstorm; thae merchants who once thronged to this beautiful land hath nae returned since they heard of tae Frank invasion; and so; I ask ye this one thing, could ye ask; iffn tae traders of Kent be willing; the merchants tae visit Windstorm afore tae winter truelly sets in. I know time be short and I be aware tae men may be reluctant tae do this yea I hope their honour would bring them tae help their fellow man. I pray ye willt help somehow....
All be well in Windstorm and I wonder iffn tae gentleman whose name I shallt nae speak of hath left?. I pray he does leave afore tae winter. I hear tae King of tae Franks bears a short memory. Mayhap he will forget tae madness of marrying one such as I. I doth nae believe tae I would be an appropriate lady tae sit by his side. Indeed I would nae where tae begin. Mayhap tis best iffn I am tae marry tae it be a man who I can aid through life in some small way. Tis an idea Righarde, nothing more. I must admit tae speaking with tae good ladies here who hath become friends. I spoke tae them of how I endured an embarrassing moment and they spoke their honesty about tae King of tae Franks and how they could see me with other gentlemen of noble bearing. Even now I blush at tae prospect still......

*her hand was shaking now, so much that she paused and waited a moment before continuing*

....I doth nae believe tae I would be able to be like myne Mother. There be a final prospect, one tae I must admit feel a little easier for me. Tae unknown world of marriage holds something of an ominent nature. Mayhap I should become a Bride of Christ?.
All choices be yours and since I cannae follow myne heart. I willt follow myne head instead.

I remain your younger Sister and Dove

With love

Sadhbh

*she dusted her lettter and sealed it with wax before giving it to a trusted messenger. With speed she hoped her brother would reply soon*

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sadhbh said:

Mayhap I should become a Bride of Christ?.

(As long as you won't become the Bride of Frankenstein!? )

[SighehelmofKent]

-A silent man walks to stables, he seems determined, his mind made up. He will leave, before the wind and snow stop him. Hadrian approaches, smiling telling him Petite has been fed and brushed. Sighehelm nods, and pats his shoulder-

In my room, Hadrian...............fetch me some change of clothes, my weaponry, and my chainmail. I leave within the hour.

Leave, M'Lord?

-Sighehelm nods and proceeds to the stables, talking to his horse, as he saddles it and fits the reigns and styrrups-

It is time to leave, Petite. We seek.............and return home to kent. The exercise will serve us well, lass.................very well.

-He turns and looks back, scowls, shakes his head-

Mayhaps finding him..................

-again he shakes his head. Idle hope, foolish hope. He has been here a year nearly. Trust is hard to gain within Winstorm. A precious commodity....................near impossible with the men here. It will feel good to be among those that know and trust him. Hadrian returns nearly buckling under the weight he carries. SIghehelm relieves him of it and the lad runs back again, fetching the heavy broadsword.-

Can I travel with Ye, Lord Sighehelm?

-to his surprise the tall man nods-

Yes Hadrian, it is time to return you home as well. Your mother will be happy to see you.

-He mounts his horse, the saddle bags filled to the brim, holds out a hand-

Behind me, Hadrian........

-The boy nods, he grabs the man's hand and mounts swiftly. He is tempted to ask about the Princess, the Master of Mews, Lord Swift.........................the others. But he does not, and both leave, nodding silently to guards. They draw up the hoods of their cloacks, wrapping it close around them. Sighehelm ushers Petite to leave.................a swift pace, carrying a boy and a man.-

[Lady Edfeil]

*The guards had told her. They had come into the great hall to tell her that Prince Sighehelm of Kent had left the Castle in great haste. And there had been nothing she could do anymore. He had nae come to bid her goodbye as he went on the travel. Nae even mentioned his destination or his intention to go.
Had he gone to seek her father? 't must be so. Yet why had he nae spoken to her? A fear crept in her heart that chilled her more thorough than any wind could. It wound around her heart and seemed to wish to strangle it. Her breath became a ghasp, a surpressed cry nearly. And then she was still.

Without a cloak she stood on the walls, looking out as if frozen in time. She could nae see anyone of course. They had long gone by the time the gatewatch had hesitantly informed her and darkness envelopped the land. Yet she looked out none the less over the road.
Her eyes were wide and wonder was within. Wonder and dread. The blue wrapper she had worn in the hall still rested around her shoulders. She remembered another who had gone without goodbye. Her eyes closed into the darkness and she prayed. Please God... let him find me father and return with him.

*Small hands rested upon the stones of the till and she remained watching while time passed by. The guards did not speak either, and left her undisturbed as the bell chimed and the shift changed. Yet one of the men went to the barracks and returned with Master Sergeant Gerben.

It took persuasion to get her to go back inside. She did not know what compelled her to stand here, where she had looked out so many a times now. And only when he spoke of waking someone up did she give in and leave. Down the narrow stone stairs, across the courtyard. To the hall she went, where for a long while she stared into the dying embers of the fire afore turning around. She knew Gerben expected her to go to bed but she could nae. Instead she slipped outside again and went to the chapel.

The moon shone through the window, laying a silver veil over her hair as she knelt aside the pew. The white gown of wool sharply contrasted by the blue of her wrapper and the honeyed brown of her hair that tumbled free over her back. Her gaze on the cross, the body of Our Lord suffering and broken, her hands folded and her heart one continuous prayer: "please.."

[Sinold Bragasson]

( )

[sadhbh]

*Revelations of her Brothers sudden departure and no word from him left Sadhbh most distressed. She felt her heart pain so for indeed her brother must be so torn.

Sadhbh rose only to find Ranger Swift within the hall. His words suprised her and yet the steps were logical ones. She would return to Kent for no Lady could ever remain without a chaperone. Old Swift did not deem himself appropriate enough for some reason and so Sadhbh knew that she must pack and send her things ahead of her. When the weather broke she would do the honourable thing. Quietly she tried not to cry. She would write later to those she did not meet. She would explain; iffn the words allowed her.*

[Lady Edfeil]

Clouds veiled stars and night slid to day. Dawn painted the sky with the hesitant fingers of first light. She had not stirred. When Mary entered the chapel the next morn she found her still and pale like a forlorn statue of some forgotten saint. The candles had long gone out. The shades that veiled her were etched with ice yet her eyes had not left the cross.

Footsteps, light and cheery, then halting were the first echo of time to Edfeil. When she turned her head to face Mary there were no tears on her cheeks. Before the lass could speak, the small woman shook her head and quietly stood, forstalling any questions.

”I will go for breakfast now, Mary.” The words were so simple, such every day, normal words. Her hands did not tremble, nor did she lower her gaze. Perhaps she should have, for over the warmth, the kindness and innocence within her, a veil of pain seemed to have drawn.
And yet she went inside and broke her fast, warmed her hands at the fire and even smiled at cook who for once did not grumble but instead put the bowl of damping porridge down gently.

The days chores awaited as certain as the sun had risen that morn. The weight of responsability of her fathers absence had not been removed. Within her day, within the work, she spoke and smiled when needed, not secluding herself from any. Yet through all, each word, each chore, each step kept on the continuous prayer...

[SighehelmofKent]

-They had travelled during the dead of night, by morning he had felt the form behind him lean heavier against him, he halted and smiled, and woke the lad-

Hadrian, we will rest here...you will rest here. I will return soon. There is a message to convey. He left the lad his clothes, chain mail and a heavy blanket. As he fought the fatigue of the night, he watched the boy lose the battle as sleep grabbed him. He wrote three letters, each as hard to him as the other-

Dearest sister,

Time has been kind to me, fate has too; for both have allowed me to remain where my heart sleeps best, in Windstorm. Yet, When you wake you will find me gone, Dove of Kent. I have taken Hadrain with me as my squire. I travel to seek the Windstorm King, for I believe no land should be without as long as Windstorm has.

Also as long as the King has given no formal consent that I may court his daughter, my place is not in Windstorm. I cannot stay and watch how others enjoy her smile and warm affection freely, to feel distrusted as to my intentions when only I step to near the Pebble of Windstorm. It truly pains me sister. I have proved myself enough this past year.

yet, the festive season deserves your laughter and gaiety, Windstorm will bring you that. Thus I will instruct Master Swift to remain at Windstorm, as you will, by my command. I have but one wish, that you make the house of Kent proud, sister. You have been raised well, taught well, and it shines like a brilliant light when I behold you. Indeed you make me proud.

Your brother

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Master Swift,



You will find me gone when the morn breaks. Your duty to me is to remain at Windstorm as long as the Princess Sadhbh wishes, and the Princess Edfeil allows. I am indebted to you my old friend. Keep her safe........keep both of them safe. For within their hand lies my heart.

Through honour, bound to God,


Sighehelm of Kent
------------------------------------------------------------

Hail Princess Edfeil,

I leave, with a heavy heart. My very being chilled that I must leave your side. And yet, deep within I know that side is not mine. Not until your father, King Agustine formally allows me to court you. I have promised to seek your father, and so I believe the time has come that I leave Windstorm. If only you knew how much I wished to be there to see the happiness in your face when the Day of our Lord arrives, to see the fire reflected in your eyes.

I am given no choice but to deny myself that. I cannae, will nae stand beside you and see glances from Windstorm men arguing my right to stand by your side. In writing you this letter, and burdening you with my pain, I transgress the code of chivalry I live by, I hope to die by.

Forgive me Princess Edfeil of Windstorm.

Through honour, bound to God,


Prince Sighehelm of Kent

------------------------------------------------------------------------

-He folded all three letters, rested his hand on them, and gazed in the distance. the first and latter hurt him physically; the latter more than the other. He opened it again, read it, and with a grimace tore it up. He was not a wining fool, nor one to run from adversity. If he left he would leave as befits a Prince of the Kent, with flourish, taking all that was his, including Sadhbh.

With it he tore up the first letter as well as the second and sprinkled them in the fire that burned low-

Hadrian, what say you? - His voice loud, loud enough to wake the boy-

Do we return to Windstorm now, or after you have slept?

-The boy opened his eyes marginally, trying to wrap his mind around the words; return.................but........? He sits up slow, the blanket around him, shivering in the winter cold. He looks at the tall man seated near him, then smiles wide-

Mum can wait a while longer, Rock of Kent, and so can I.........

-He stands and folds the blanket-

We had best be headding back then, and perhaps shoot some game? Some quail, or even a grouse, M'Lord? A present for the Princess?

-Sighehelm stands, the smile that was there changed to a short nod-

We will hunt lad, and then return.

-Petite neighed her head, and Sighehelm looked her way, assuring himself she was secured to the tree, then donned his cloak, by now cold to the core, the weather though had nothing to do with it. He put the blanket across her back, the saddle an odd buldge beneath it, and patted her neck-

Rest girl............... we will return soon.

-He looked at Hadrian, then squares his shoulders as if carrying an invisible load-

Come, Hadrian…………we hunt.............a Kent offering for Windstorm.

[sadhbh]

*she looked toward kent; toward her home now. The weather was nae good which worried her. Somewhere out there was Sighehelm...and Nicholas.
Sadhbh closed her eyes and tried to shut out that thought in her mind. Still she was worried so and all the while she could hear the laughter of a Kentian maid who once said that she would grow grey with worry.

In part Sadhbh wished that the weather would improve and yet she knew that if it did.....

She took a deep breath and looked down. Her hands were deep within the depths of cloth. She was mending some of Sighehelms clothing. He did seem to run through socks and trousers so but then....what garb was meant for a man so tall. Sadhbh smiled thinking of her brother. Such an honurable man, such a good man; one who tried his best for all and yet so humble. She always thought of him as a gentle being with a good heart and soul. Still; oft such goodness could be misconstrived as she saw before when she was a babe. Oft it took men a long time to realise that her dearest brother was not out to spite them. Indeed some may say that they were jealous of the man yet Sadhbh did not see that?
Her Mother sometimes said that Sadhbh was blinded to the evils in men; that she seemed to hold a grudge against the thought of another being being dark in thoughts. She could not see it; perhaps she did and she simply did not accept it.
Time would tell and what may come to pass will come to pass.
She looked out once more; paused in her sewing; and frowned*
be safe
*One did not know whom she spoke to should one see her there; One would imagine though that her words were heartfelt and filled with hope.

How she hoped...*