by Andrea Boyd
He was dressed from head to toe in black as always but somehow his red hair and bright blue twinkling eyes kept him from looking as solemn as his garb indicated. Parson Nevan’s joy had a way of bubbling from his round smiling face and spilling out on everyone he came in contact with. It somehow made me feel comfortable and loved.
“Queen Brianna, welcome, do come in.” He stood and indicated a chair across from him.
“I do not wish to interrupt your studies, but I had hoped I might have a little of your time before the service begins.”
“It is no interruption at all. I was just reading a bit while I wait for time to pass. What can I help you with this fine morning?”
I stared into his smiling face. Now that I was here, I struggled to come up with the right words. “I have to get married.” Well, that explained everything.
He gave a barely discernable smile and a nod of his head. “I have heard about that. Have you figured out who our next king shall be?”
I let out a long breath. “No, that is the issue at hand. I have yet to pick someone, and I do not want it to be just anyone. I want it to be the right one. I would like for you to help me pray that I will make the right decision.”
“I think consulting with the Lord is a very good idea. So many times we only consult with Him after we’ve made a mess of things on our own. It shows great leadership on your part and also great maturity. Queen Brianna, you should know that I have already been praying for you daily, but I’ll certainly pray for you right now.”
His words had already been a balm to my jumbled nerves even before the prayer began. Coming here had been the right decision.
Reaching across the desk, he took hold of my hands and closed his eyes. “Father, we thank you that we have the advantage of your help as we live our daily lives, if we would but ask. You already know the situation, and you have a plan for Queen Brianna and the kingdom of Aisling. We pray that your plan will be revealed, for it is your holy will in our lives that we must seek. We also pray that you will work in the heart of Queen Brianna’s future spouse, that he will seek your presence. In everything we give thanks, in Jesus’ holy name, amen.” I felt lighter after hearing his words, as if the burden had been physically lifted from my shoulders.
I loved that the parson’s prayers were always simple and to the point, as were his sermons. The fact that he had prayed for my future spouse opened up a new idea. It was not enough that I had to find a husband. Someone out there had to have the desire to be married to me. “Thank you so much, Parson Nevan.”
“It’s my pleasure. I truly believe that when you seek God’s will, you’ll find your choices narrowed down to the point that the right one becomes obvious. Just be patient, and open yourself up to God’s plan. It’ll all work out, you’ll see.”
Patience seemed like a luxury in this matter. I thought about my list of prospects that held only five names. Well, three actually since the two Dukes had already been stricken in my mind. It seemed God was indeed narrowing my choices for me.
After a little more discussion, we made our way to the sanctuary. It was already more than half filled with people fellowshipping with one another while the organist softly played. Gwen came in from the back and made her way to our usual pew. We typically walked here together. I felt guilty for not letting her know I was leaving the castle early, but she assured me that someone had informed her.
It was a lively service with singing before and after the parson’s enlightening message. I came away feeling refreshed and more prepared for the challenges ahead. I hoped the feeling would continue. This trip to Gilvary could be life-altering for me and my kingdom.
EVERYONE WAS ALLOWED to go to Session if they chose. Only the elite would be staying in the castle at Gilvary and attending the meetings, but it was a time of celebration for all. There would be vendor booths set up near the castle. It was a real boost for the economy of the hosting kingdom. Having such a variety of people there was also the fastest way to get the latest news out to the towns and villages.
We would ride for two and a half days before traveling through the isthmus to get to Fort Bevan. The land of Aisling stretched a short distance beyond the fort before crossing the invisible line into Gilvary, but no one crossed the isthmus without going through the fort. We would stay at designated inns until reaching Fort Bevan. After spending the rest of the third day there, we would make camp each night in the sparsely populated, arid land leading up to Castle Gilvary.
Whenever I traveled any great distance from the castle, I always dressed for battle. It was not that I expected to have to fight, but I would be prepared if it should happen. I was rather proud of the fact that I had designed most of my battle wear myself, even if Agata did shake her head and mumble as she assisted in dressing me that morning.
“I do not know how you ever expect to catch yourself a man while you are practically dressed like one.”
“Now, Agata, do you truly believe a man would step out in this outfit?”
“Well, no, but in my day we knew what was attractive to a man and what was not. That is why I was married at sixteen and you’ve never even been close enough to a man to smell his breath. God gave you all the right equipment, girl. You just need to dress it up to your advantage.”
Even at sixty-eight years of age, you could still tell that Agata had once been that beauty she had always claimed to be. She was still beautiful. She had married young and had also been left a widow with three small children at an early age. She certainly could have married again, but she had chosen to come to work at the castle instead. She claimed that after the love she had shared with her Frank, any other love would pale in comparison. I had grown up knowing more about her marriage than I had my own parents.
Just after my mother’s death, Agata changed from the proper nursemaid with lady like manners that my parents had chosen to care for their child into an uncouth woman who said whatever was on her mind. I would say this was a more honest version of herself. She told me that the one sitting on the throne needed someone they could trust to be honest rather than always bowing down and agreeing with everything that came out of their mouth. I suppose she had a point.
“Any man who comes after me on the way to Gilvary will not be looking for marriage. If he makes it past my guards, he can only mean to harm me. You know I will send him to his maker if necessary. That is, unless he gets to me first.”
“Do not talk like that. Have some mercy for this old soul. I will have nightmares for sure if you keep it up. Now hold still so I can finish with these hooks.”
One of mine and Gwen’s great passions was the designing of some of our clothes and accessories. We would make detailed sketches and go over the plans carefully with the castle crafters so they could bring our dreams to life. It was not unusual to see our designs later imitated by the women of Aisling.
I had ordered my brown leather boots to be made with built-in knife sheaths hidden on the inside of my calves. I wore a pair of tan trousers under my striped russet and green skirt. The skirt was split in the front and was attached with hooks so that if a battle ensued, it was completely detachable making it easier for me to maneuver. Leather over metal armor covered the torso and upper arms of my white blouse, and leather cuffs covered my wrist to protect against the sting of the bow string.
The cuffs had been my mother’s, and each was embossed with the Aisling Dragon as was the double-bladed sword and scabbard hanging at my side. A quiver of arrows completed my arsenal. A brown hat embellished with a sash that matched my skirt finished the ensemble. Its only purpose was to keep the sun off of my head and to make me look good, but I loved it.
Agata put her arms around me, giving me an extra squeeze. She kissed me on the cheek and left without saying another word. She did not like farewells. It would probably be at least a month before I was back under her care, and I would miss her. She insisted that she was too old to make the trip anymore, so Gwen usually posed as my handmaid while we were away.
&
nbsp; Wearing some of my mother’s things had me thinking about her again. I wish I could remember more details. It is like she was lurking at the edge of my vision and no matter how hard I tried, I could not get a clear image.
Everyone who mentioned Deidre Reaner remembered her beauty above all else, but with my thick auburn hair, hazel eyes, and pouty lips, I look just like my father. Except for my upturned nose. Father always said that feature came from my mother. I have tried to love it for her sake and for his, but as far as I was concerned, it was my worst feature.
I stepped out on the balcony for a few minutes just to view my favorite scene. It was one of my rituals before heading out on a long trip. I looked out over the calm Moya Ocean. The tide was out, revealing the jagged rocks that made this part of the coast unfit for ships to drop anchor. It was a perfect defense for three sides of the Aisling castle. The front of the castle was defendable by a wall that rounded out from one shore to the other.
I could tell by the angle of the sun that it was well past time for leaving, but I still took a few minutes to watch sea birds dive in between the rocks catching up small sea life that was suddenly exposed. At this time of day the cries from the birds could finally overcome the usual roar from the ocean. I inhaled one last breath of salt-misted air before making my way through my bedchamber and then my sitting room to leave.
When I opened the door to head out to the stables, Gwen was there with her hand poised to knock. She wore leather covered armor and cuffs that mirrored mine but instead of trousers, she had on a mint green split riding skirt. She also wore a wide-brimmed hat to protect her pale face and neck from the sun. Even with the quiver on her back and a scabbard at her side, Gwen was always the picture of grace.
The castle was quiet as we made our way through. It was not unusual for us to be the last ones to arrive at the gates that were probably already opened in anticipation of our departure.
“So, are you ready to go find us a king now?”
I gave my friend a look from the corner of my eyes that brought on her laughter. There was no need to respond. After our talk last night, I wondered how many times I would be teased about this subject before this trip was over.
Our horses were saddled with our bows, shields, and supplies already attached when we got to the stables. My bay colored gelding, Torin, had been a gift from my father. I had fallen in love from the moment I first laid eyes on him. Gwen always used one of the castle mares named Ghost, a gray Arabian who was as pale and gentle as its rider.
I opened a bin on the stable wall and pulled out a couple of carrots, handing one to Gwen. I pressed my face next to Torin’s and ran my hand through his dark mane as he munched on the offered treat. Gwen would have every stray animal in the kingdom eating from her palm but this was the only sort of pet I had. Taking them by the reins, we led our horses toward the castle gate.
A crowd had already gathered there to send our party off. This ritual happened every time I traveled. I used to enjoy this part, but it was different now that my father was no longer here to share the experience with me.
Gwen’s father, Einri, was near the outside of the group with his arm across Eamon’s shoulders. They represented the youngest and the eldest of seven brothers. Every Alexander I had ever met had the same pale blond hair and blue eyes. I suspected Eamon chose to keep his head and face shaved as a means of distinguishing himself. He only allowed it to grow out when traveling. People were usually surprised to find that he had a full head of hair. Einri motioned for Gwen to join them.
Owen leaned against the wall next to the gate, also dressed for battle. His shoulder-length brown hair was tied at the back. He was tall and well-built, and without a doubt a lot of women considered him to be quite good looking. I had traveled with him enough to know that he was faithful to his pretty wife, Cait. He held her in one arm and their two-year-old daughter, Aine, in the other. He may not be a strong advisor, but when I looked on as he gave his wife a tender kiss, I was filled with envy and a high respect for the dedication he showed to his family. I longed to find such devotion from my own future spouse.
As I looked around me, it was easy to detect the warriors who would be traveling with us. Every one of them had family or friends there to wish them well. There was no special someone to see me off. I was surrounded by a crowd of people, and I had never felt more alone. I knew I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, so I tried to shake it off.
Parson Nevan was there to deliver his usual prayer for traveling mercy. As soon as the amens were said, we all mounted our horses and set out to the smiles and cheers of onlookers. Besides me and Gwen, our party consisted of a couple of servants, a dozen warriors, Owen, and Eamon. Reilly always left ahead of us to prepare the way when we traveled to Session meetings. Others would surely join us along the trail. It was considered an honor to travel in the queen’s company.
Four
AFTER RIDING FOR almost six days, the castle of Gilvary was now in sight. A multitude of people pushed their way through temporary tents set up alongside the road leading up to the gate. Everything this kingdom had to offer in wares and services was on display. When it came to knowledge of mechanisms, Gilvary was more advanced than the rest of Kearnley. Steam wafted up from several of the tents in the section of the market that held the latest gadgets. I could have browsed those items for hours, but that was not advisable. Eamon had deemed it unsafe for me at this time, and I knew he had reason to worry.
We passed one whole section that was nothing but food. The aromas were very enticing. Hats seemed to be a popular item for sale. Gwen, with eyes so bright, would look my way every time we passed an unusual display, and we would share a smile. There were even larger tents set up where for a small fee, you could sleep peacefully while guards milled about through the night. Though, many were taking their chances camped out on the unprotected lawn east of the castle wall.
Seeing all the bright colors and throngs of people, I could not help but to get caught up in the feeling of celebration that was going on around me. We passed by one roped off area where the people were dancing a lively jig while a variety of instruments and singers provided the music. What would the reaction of my traveling companions be if their queen dropped down from her horse and joined in the dance?
We had a better view of the castle once we passed through the gates, and I was momentarily struck with sadness at the thought that my father had been alive the last time we made this trek. I was only seventeen, but I would be carrying out the role of an adult more than ever on this visit. I was coming to Gilvary for more than just the Session meeting. This time I would be looking for a husband.
The front lawn was paved with stones arranged by color forming a spiral starting at the center of the garden and radiating outward. The colorful display made up for the minimal vegetation found here. A fountain had been added since the last time I had visited eighteen months ago. Small birds bathed and preened their bright feathers in the mist at the edge of the pool. Their cheerful chirping added to the music of the cascading water. It was a pleasant distraction from the ominous structure that dominated the scene.
It was obvious that the castle had been added on to many times. Each addition was a squared-off place in the long building. Its walls were a combination of natural gray stone and manmade brick. Part of its defense was a very tall brick wall around the perimeter. In my opinion the whole thing looked gloomy in comparison to the castle at Aisling, but it had its advantages. Just the fact that the additions could easily be added as needed was a definite plus. This was not the case for my own castle.
When we finally arrived at the stables located at the back, most of the hands clambered around Gwen. Even after days of traveling, she always looked the part of stately queen while I looked more like one of the queen’s warriors. I actually preferred it this way as it took some of the initial attention away from me. Imagine my surprise when King Coman’s reclusive middle son was the one to help me from my horse. His customary bow got the notice of a few
nearby who followed suit.
“My Lady, I hope your travel here was uneventful at the very least. Welcome to Gilvary.” He gave my outfit a once over, but his expression remained unreadable.
My memories of Garrett before coming here were vague, but looking up into his pale green eyes, little glimpses floated through my mind—games of hide and seek, chasing him through the garden to tag his shoulder and then run away, and awkwardly swaying around in a circle on the dance floor because it was expected. I had forgotten that I actually had a childish little crush on him when we were much younger, but that had faded once he stopped coming around.
I studied his face with renewed interest. Could I imagine myself waking up to these features for the rest of my life? He was even better looking than I remembered with his wavy, sun-kissed hair, full lips, and did I mention his eyes? Gorgeous! But then again this was no surprise. As Gwen had so aptly mentioned before, all of the Barnali offspring were blessed with good looks. Looking at him now caused an exciting flutter in my chest.
“Thank you, Prince Garrett. I assure you that my trip here was very pleasant. There were no mishaps to speak of, the weather was wonderful, and I do enjoy getting away from Castle Aisling occasionally.”
He offered me his arm, and we meandered toward the back of the castle. “Nice outfit.”
His expression gave nothing away. He may have been teasing, but I still felt the need to defend myself. “Maybe you have not heard that my people have been under attack of late. Even though there were no mishaps this trip, I believe in being prepared.”
