The Uzan Crystal
Page 5
Talenvar was held by the so called second in command, Lord Farley, when the King and his family were away. Lord Farley was King Kalen's uncle, his closest living relative. Lord Farley kept reign on the citizens of Talenvar when King Kalen and his son Phillip had to be away for any length of time. Lord Farley was the younger brother of King Jasper; and, due to a few indiscretions in his youth, was not considered an heir to the throne when King Jasper was killed in battle. Even if he had been considered, he would not have been interested in the position. Lord Farley may have looked like his brother with the jet black hair and blue eyes; however, he did not have the same ambitions as him. Lord Farley did not like to be tied down to one place for very long and would not have been content ruling a kingdom. He would have made a good king, he just didn't want to take the job if someone else could do it.
The next day the city of Talenvar awoke to bright sunshine and a cool breeze.
As soon as Angelina was up and dressed, she went down to the garden to pick white roses for her mother. The white roses were her mother's favorite flower and Angelina would always make sure that her mother received an armful of the roses when they were in bloom. She hurriedly snipped the roses from their vine and placed them in a traveling vase, which was large at the bottom and almost flattened out so that it would stay upright in most conditions. The neck was thin and long. Angelina cut the stems as close to the base as she could so they would fit nicely into the vase and be able to reach the water to stay fresh and alive. The white roses were found throughout all of the royal gardens. When the King had learned that his wife loved those flowers, he had his gardeners plant them all over.
She could hear the flurry of activity as she gathered up the roses. She grabbed the skirt of her soft gray wool dress to hold the hem off the ground and hurried out into the courtyard where the rest of her family was gathered, making the final preparations to leave.
She made her way through the crowd of servants, soldiers, grooms, stable hands and numerous others to where her mother's coach sat.
Angelina knocked softly on the door.
"Who's there," questioned Persilla as she pulled the curtain to the side to look out. "Oh, it's you child, and what beautiful flowers," she continued as she opened the door and helped Angelina inside before excusing herself and leaving them alone.
The coach was rather large. Large enough that a soft bed had been constructed for her mother's comfort during the long journey, and a smaller bed was mounted next to it for Amberlynn who was now smelling the roses Angelina brought in. There also were comfortable seats along the other side for King Kalen and the children or whomever may be visiting.
"Why, they're beautiful," her mother remarked, "and my favorite. Thank you." Angelina let Amberlynn smell the roses and touch the soft petals before bringing them over to her mother and putting them down. Her mother motioned her to sit down on the bed.
Angelina noticed that even though her mother was dressed and her hair was pulled back from her face, she still looked a little pale.
A few days before, her father had talked to Phillip and her about their mother and how sick she was becoming. Angelina had gone back to her room that evening and cried herself to sleep. She had to be strong for her mother. It would do no good to cry and upset her. She also felt very sad that her mother would not be there for them while they grew up and that Amberlynn, who just turned four, would not have many memories of her mother.
"Angelina, are you excited about seeing Eldorfess and all of your cousins again?" her mother asked. "Of course, you were much younger the last time we were there, you may not even remember any of them. I'm sure you'll have a good time though."
"Yes, I'm sure I will," she replied smiling at her mother and reaching over to hug her, pressing her face against the soft cream colored wool of her mother's traveling dress.
Gwendolyn held Angelina, rocking back and forth and smoothing her hair. "You know, it's been a long time since I've been able to hold you. I guess time goes by so quickly that you don't even realize what you're missing."
"I love you mom," whispered Angelina as she hugged her mother even tighter.
"I love you too sweetie," her mother replied as she cuddled her daughter.
"I love you too mom," added Amberlynn because she was beginning to feel left out.
Both Angelina and Gwendolyn looked over at Amberlynn, who had bright gray-blue eyes and long dark brown curls. They all shared a smile.
"I love you both, my sweet darlings," she replied as she motioned for Amberlynn to come over and she pulled her into her embrace as well.
"Well, it's almost time to go. Have Sir Taz escort you to your coach and I'll see you when we stop for our midday meal," instructed Queen Gwendolyn as she gave Angelina a final hug and kissed her forehead before releasing her so that she could make her way to her and Phillip's coach.
The King and Queen's coach was separate from the children's so that if the caravan did get ambushed or fall under attack, they all wouldn't be in the same place and get injured or killed. They would have more luck of one coach getting away safely and part of the royal family being saved. Amberlynn had wanted to be with her mother and father so they had agreed to keep her in the coach with them.
Angelina kissed her mother and Amberlynn on the cheek before she left, leaving Amberlynn still cuddling with her mother. As luck had it, Angelina was met by Sir Taz as she stepped down from the coach. Persilla had been speaking with Sir Taz until Angelina was finished visiting her mother. She excused herself as Angelina came out.
"There you are your highness," smiled Sir Taz as he walked over to greet her with a bow. "I was hoping that I wouldn't have to search high and low to find you."
"My lord," she coolly replied as she gave a nod in reply, teasing Sir Taz.
"If you'll come with me your highness, I'll show you to your coach," he instructed as he held out his arm, playing along. "The prince is awaiting you there."
Angelina smiled at Sir Taz and slid her hand in his instead of taking his arm and they proceeded to make their way through the crowded courtyard.
Sir Taz was like an uncle to Angelina and they were very close. When she was five her father caught her watching the men in the practice yard for the first time. She was told that she was not permitted to spend her time watching the arms master train the men. It was not a place for a young lady and if her father caught her there again he would be none too pleased. That was putting it lightly, for she knew that if she disobeyed her father she would get more than just a tongue lashing. Sir Taz was there when it happened, and that evening he presented to Angelina a beautiful six inch slim dagger with a silver handle engraved with tiny roses. This he did after discussing it with the King and explaining that Angelina as well as any member of the royal household should at least have some type of weapon in their possession. The dagger was the most beautiful thing that she had ever received and she wore it as much as etiquette permitted. Today was one of those days, since any venture out of the castle could prove dangerous.
Sir Taz had also promised Angelina, in sworn secrecy, that when she was a little older and capable of handling a light blade, he would begin teaching her sword fighting. Sir Taz originated from a land where all women as well as men knew how to brandish and use a sword as well as a variety of weaponry. Angelina was the first female that he had encountered in his 80 years of service with the D'Alamber family that had any interest in weaponry other than how to use a dagger, if even that.
"Well, I was hoping you would grace us with your presence so that we can get this caravan underway," said the impatient Prince Phillip. He was dressed all in black and had a silver insignia of Talenvar embroidered on the left side of his tunic. "I've been standing here waiting for you for the past hour."
"I stopped by to see mother and give her some roses to take on the journey," she replied defensively.
"I didn't mean to sound like I was reprimanding you, I just want to get this trip underway. The sooner we leave the sooner we'll be a
ble to come home," he apologized.
"Well then let's not stand around," she agreed. "Sir Taz would you help me into the coach?" Angelina gathered the hem of her dress in one hand and held out the other for Sir Taz to steady her while she climbed into the coach.
"Of course, my lady," he replied.
Phillip thanked Sir Taz for his help before he left to get his horse. He glanced around at the rest of the people getting ready to depart. His parent's coach wasn't too far away. His father was talking to Lord Farley and they were clasping arms in farewell. He watched Lord Farley make his way to the castle doors and disappear. He glanced once more in his father's direction. This time his father was looking at him and they both shared a knowing glance and a quick smile before his father turned and stepped into his coach.
"Phillip, what are you waiting for?," inquired Angelina as she noticed that he was still standing outside.
Angelina's comment brought Phillip out of his thoughts and he climbed into the coach and took a seat across from her. He shared his father's concern for his mother. His father had stopped him that morning, voicing his worries about the toll this trip would make on his mother and asked him not to mention it to his sisters. His father wanted to prepare Phillip in case something would happen during the festival.
Angelina noticed his mood. "Is something wrong?" she inquired when he sat down.
"I was thinking about mother, that's all," he explained hoping that this would satisfy her.
"Don't worry Phillip," she reassured him with a forced smile. She was always worrying about her mother. "I'm sure that she'll be feeling better after she gets to see her family. After all, she hasn't seen them since the festival before last and I know that I would miss my family if I didn't get to see them for that long."
"Yes, of course she will," he replied, not looking at his sister but out the window at the courtyard, half lost in his own thoughts.
The caravan began to slowly move out of the castle courtyard and down the streets of Talenvar toward the city gates. It was always an exciting time for the inhabitants of the city to see the royal coaches and a large number of the royal guards as well as the cooks, stable hands, squires, knights, and so many more that belonged in the retinue. They lined the cobblestone streets to give their farewells to the caravan as it passed.
Lord Farley could been seen from the top most tower of the castle. He would be there watching until the King and Queen's procession was out of sight.
"Well, Sir Asen, I guess I should go down to the throne room and play king," sighed Lord Farley as he turned away from the tower's edge and gave Sir Asen a quick glance before heading toward the stairs.
"Yes, I suppose so," replied Sir Asen as he fell in behind Lord Farley. Sir Asen was a lifelong companion of Lord Farley and knew that Lord Farley would rather be doing anything else than keeping an eye on the kingdom. Lord Farley would do anything, including giving his life for his nephew; however, it made him very uncomfortable being in such a position where you had to assume responsibility for the entire kingdom.
Angelina, who had been lulled to sleep by the steady drumming of the rain and the swaying of the coach, was jolted awake as the coach lurched across a ditch in the road.
"Have I been asleep long," she asked Phillip while covering a yawn with her hand.
"Not really. We've only been on the road for a few hours," he replied as he shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. "It's going to be a long journey, especially if the rain keeps up."
"I kind of like the rain, it makes you feel sleepy and comfortable. That is if you're someplace warm and dry," she remarked as she leaned back against her seat. She was still feeling tired.
"I hope that mother is resting," he commented as he watched the scenery go by.
"I'm sure she is if Julin or Persilla have anything to say about it," she smiled and shared a knowing look with her brother. Not even the King or Queen would argue with Julin or Persilla when they asked or more like instructed you to do something. They both knew that Julin and Persilla could be very persuasive when you were sick and they were helping to take care of you.
The journey dragged on. It was slow going because of the rains and with the procession having to stop for meals and to rest the horses. Queen Gwendolyn was beginning to tire from all of the travel. That's when the King decided that they would eat their evening meal when they made camp for the night and eat their morning meal before breaking camp. They would then stop only one time during the day to rest the horses and get a bite to eat, usually of some cold meat, cheese and bread.
The caravan proceeded to travel this way for the remainder of the trip, reaching Eldorfess almost a week early.
It was a relief to the King when Eldorfess came into view. The rocky outcrop which expanded for miles in each direction was Eldorfess. Beyond the edge of Eldorfess was the hottest and most lethal dessert in the world, a place that even the natives did not travel unless it was absolutely necessary. For if you didn't know your way and what dangers to look out for, you would never survive. The White Sea was no place for anyone.
When the King and Queen's caravan reached Eldorfess they were greeted by Lord Ripley Daskar, his wife Lady Corine and their family. Everyone greeted each other with lots of laughter and hugs.
"My daughter," cried Lady Corine as she embraced Gwendolyn. "How do you fare?"
"I need to freshen up and get some rest and I'll be fine," smiled Gwendolyn as she reassured her mother.
"Please, if you'll follow me we can get a bite to eat and then I'll have someone show you to your rooms," invited Lord Ripley as he took Gwendolyn's hand and guided the family into the coolness of his estate.
Kalen and Amberlynn were waiting for Angelina and Phillip. Their coach had stopped a short walking distance away and Kalen could see Sir Taz getting down from his horse and Phillip helping Angelina out of the coach. Sir Taz, Phillip and Angelina made their way over to the King.
"My how you two have grown," stated Zarmina as she gave each one a hug. Zarmina had long black hair and bright blue eyes. "And you too, Amberlynn," she added as she lifted Amberlynn out of Kalen's arms. "Don't worry little one, I don't bite," she remarked because Amberlynn was looking at her in alarm.
"She's a bit shy," laughed Kalen upon seeing the look on Amberlynn's face. He then lifted her back into his arms where she gratefully clasped her arms around his neck.
"Come, let's join the rest of the family," invited Corina as she took Angelina's hand in hers and turned to climb the steps to the estate. She was the youngest of the family. She had her black hair braided and her blue eyes sparkled.
Everyone finally gathered around the table as trays laden with fruits, bread, cheeses and meats were brought out and set before them. Their cups were filled with Nectris, a cool fruity ale known to the area.
After the servants had brought out all of the food and filled everyone's goblet, they left the room. Only one servant stayed near the door in case anyone needed anything. Lord Ripley waited until the conversation quieted before he asked how his daughter and her family fared.
"Everyone is healthy and well, Father, except myself of course," offered Gwendolyn. She put her utensils down, clasped her hands on the table in front of her and looked squarely at her parents before continuing. "I've only made this trip because I feared that if I did not I would not see any of you again."
"What are you talking about," exclaimed Lady Corine. She could feel the blood rush to her face. "Your letters said only that you never fully recovered from the birth of Amberlynn. You never said that you were that ill."
"I didn't want to worry anyone," the Queen explained noticing the look on her mother's face.
"Not worry anyone!" her mother declared in indignation as she rose from her chair, interrupting her daughter. "You came all this way in ill health to tell us that you wanted to see your family one more time before you pass on. What nonsense is this!"
Everyone who had been quietly talking, stopped during Lady Corine's outburst.
Lady Corine did as her husband asked and took her seat again. She did not look at her daughter. She took a long sip of her drink and a few deep breaths to steady herself.
The other conversations quietly began again. Gwendolyn's siblings saw how upset their mother was and didn't want to start questioning Gwendolyn in front of her. They figured they would have plenty of time to find out exactly what was going on.
"Please Lady Corine," Kalen said in a gentle tone, "Gwendolyn never recovered from her illness during her pregnancy and the birth of Amberlynn. She's actually gotten worse. It was her decision not to mention how ill she was until the time when she could inform the entire family and," he continued as Lady Corine was about to interject, "you of all people should know how strong willed Gwen is."