The Uzan Crystal

by Lisa S. Buchholz

  Persilla went with Amberlynn to her room because the princess was still too young to bathe and dress alone.

  Angelina stopped by to tell Amberlynn that if it wasn't too late when they went to dinner that they should stop by the gardens and get some roses for their mother. Amberlynn was excited about that.

  Angelina was glad to strip off her travel clothes and soak in the hot water. In fact she almost fell asleep in the tub. She then dunked her head under the water and vigorously scrubbed until her skin was pink. She felt refreshed and wide awake after that. She dried off and put on the pale blue gown and soft slippers that had been laid out on the bed for her. She was brushing her hair by the fire when there was a knock on the door and Lady Elise entered.

  Lady Elise and Angelina sat talking until a servant announced that supper was being served to the King and Queen and she could now join them.

  Angelina excused herself and hurried to find Amberlynn. Persilla caught Angelina in the hall to let her know that she had taken the liberty of having six arrangements of roses delivered to the Queen from her daughters because she knew that it would probably be dark by the time they went to have supper and she knew how exhausting their travel must have been.

  Angelina was grateful for Persilla's thoughtfulness because it was a relief not to have to run out now because she wanted to go directly to see her mother and it would have taken at least another hour to get the roses. Angelina thanked Persilla and they both headed to see the Queen. King Kalen had already gotten Amberlynn and taken her with him.

  After Persilla and Leyash made sure the Queen was alright, they left so the royal family could eat and talk in private.

  Gwen was propped up on one of the larger chairs near the fireplace and she was covered with a blanket. A table was moved in front of her and Kalen sat to her right, Phillip to her left and the girls directly across the table.

  They took their time eating. Phillip told them about his proposal to Julia. They laughed when Angelina jokingly described the reactions from the maidens when they heard that he was no longer an eligible man. It was something to break the tension in the room. After that they talked about general things until their mother began to nod off.

  Kalen put his wife to bed and the children asked to sleep in the sitting room. Kalen agreed and the children had no sooner gotten situated on their make-shift beds when they fell asleep. The hasty journey to Talenvar's fatigue was finally catching up to them.

  They spent the next two days visiting with their mother as much as possible and sleeping in the sitting room.

  The eve of the third day brought Tolmac, Lord Ripley, Lady Corine, Parsell and Corina to Talenvar. Just the five of them had traveled from Eldorfess.

  Jonathan had already informed the royal family of the party's arrival and they were anxiously awaiting them.

  Lord Farley met the party at the entry doors to the castle. As they made their way to the King and Queen's chambers he informed them of the Queen's condition.

  Lord Farley opened the door to the chamber and held it so that the group could enter. Lady Corine rushed over to her daughter's side as the others followed.

  "Mother, it's so good to see you," the Queen cried as she embraced her mother. "It's so good to see all of you." She released her mother and hugged the rest of her family. When Corina released her she laid back again on her propped up pillows. "Tell me of your journey. Did you have any trouble along the way?"

  "It was uneventful," replied her father. "And besides, we're not here to discuss ourselves. We want to know how you're doing." He took a seat near the bed and his wife sat on the edge of the bed beside her daughter.

  Corina and Parsell along with Tolmac were standing at the foot of the bed.

  The Queen smiled a tired smile. "I'm very tired," she began and sighed. "I'm very tired of being sick and of waiting for it to be over."

  Lady Corine pulled out a handkerchief and bowed her head, she could not keep from weeping.

  "I think that the journey was a bit much on your mother," began Lord Ripley as he got up from his chair and went to his wife, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It has been a long day and I think it would be best if we all retired and continued this conversation tomorrow." He then gently pulled his wife to her feet.

  "Yes father," agreed Corina, "I think that is an excellent idea."

  Kalen, who had been sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the bed, now rose. "If you'll come with me we can get a bite to eat and I'll show you to your rooms."

  "Yes, thank you," responded Parsell. "We'll see you tomorrow Gwen," he said as he gave her a smile and then joined the rest of his family as they left the room with the King.

  Persilla told the royal children of the party's arrival. She insisted that they stay in the sitting room and go back to sleep. She did not want a lot of commotion going on while the Daskars were visiting their daughter. The children would have plenty of time to see them the next day. The children of course complied with her instructions but did not go back to sleep until the Daskars left the royal chambers.

  Persilla had also stayed out of the way until they left. She then went over and gave the Queen a mug of warm ale with the sleeping potion in it.

  Tolmac waited until the Queen was finished drinking her ale. "I just wanted to say that it is good to see you again." He walked over to the Queen's side and she took his hand.

  "Thank you for sending us home. I know it took a lot to do so, and I'm grateful to all of you." She squeezed his hand, "You're a good friend Tolmac."

  He smiled and placed his other hand over hers, "and you are a great Queen and also a good friend. Now you get some sleep and we'll all see you tomorrow." He gently released her hand and placed it on her covers. She was already drifting off to sleep.

  Tolmac motioned to Persilla as he stepped away from the bed. "How long has she been this weak?" he questioned.

  Persilla glanced at the sleeping Queen. "It has been at least four days. She's been getting weaker each day." She looked back at Tolmac, "She hasn't eaten much and the King has tried to get her to eat and even Leyash gave her herbs to make her feel hungry, yet she barely touches what we give her."

  Tolmac was tired and at this point could not muster his feelings. He felt void of anything. "Then it will not be much longer," he stated as he looked at Persilla. He noticed her weariness and knew that everyone was probably feeling as he was. "If you'll excuse me I really must retire to my chambers." He turned to go but stopped at the door. "You will let me know if there is any change?" he inquired knowing that she would.

  "Yes," she replied and watched him leave, shutting the door behind him. She knew that the time was near and felt a pang of sorrow for the King and his children. She knew that the death of the Queen would tear at everyone's hearts, especially theirs.

  Kalen made sure that his guests had eaten and that hot water had been taken to their rooms. He escorted them to their rooms and made his way back to his chambers. He was thinking about Lord Farley and how he made sure that Kalen had a little time to himself to soak in a hot tub and get cleaned up. He felt so much more refreshed and it was nice to know that he had people looking out for him. He hadn't realized his own needs because he was so worried about his wife. He choked up at that thought and had to quickly blink back the tears. She was such a large part of his life that he wasn't sure he would be able to continue with her gone. When he reached his chambers and went in, his wife was sleeping and Persilla was sitting by the fire working on one of her sewing projects. She glanced up when he entered and then went back to what she was working on. Kalen sat down in the chair he had been using as his bed and looked at his wife. He knew that it wouldn't be long before she left him and he wanted to drink in as much of her as he could before then. She looked so peaceful as she slept. He got up from his chair so that he could softly kiss her and then he settled himself in for the night. It was a long time before he finally drifted off to sleep.

  Kalen woke up to a light shake and glanced around
. Persilla was gone and Leyash had taken her place. "Your highness," whispered Leyash.

  Kalen jumped up, his heart pounding, "What is it! It everything alright?" he questioned in panic, hurriedly looking over at his wife.

  "Calm yourself," she whispered as she grabbed his arm.

  "I'm sorry," he quietly replied, "You just startled me. What is it?" he asked again. He was now fully awake.

  "First, sit down please," she instructed and waiting for the King to take his seat. She then knelt down beside his chair. "We need to gather the family and anyone else you wish to be here."

  Kalen's hands clenched the arms of the chair and he felt a coldness sweep over him. He knew what she was going to tell him and he dreaded to hear the words.

  Leyash noticed his reaction but knew she had to tell him, "I don't believe the Queen will last through the day."

  Kalen felt those words as if they were physically thrown at him. It was if he had been struck a violent blow. He could feel the pain in his chest and wondered for an instant if his heart was truly breaking. It took him some time before he could reply and when he did his words sounded hollow. "I'll gather everyone immediately."

  Leyash watched him as he gathered himself and made his way to the sitting room where the children were. He stopped briefly to place a kiss on the forehead of his sleeping Queen and then entered the sitting room, closing the door behind him. Leyash then sent the servant who was waiting in the hall to fetch the midwives, Tolmac and Lord Farley.

  When the King and his children emerged from the sitting room, the people that Leyash had asked for were already there.

  The children had been crying but had regained control of their emotions. Kalen was holding Amberlynn and she had her head on his shoulder. He whispered something to Amberlynn and handed her to Persilla.

  "Thank you for coming on such short notice and so early. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to talk to Gwen's family and have them join us also." Kalen left the room and headed over to the east wing of the castle where his guests were staying. He had everyone gather in Lord Ripley and Lady Corine's room before he told them the news.

  The women broke down in tears and Lady Corine embraced Kalen. "I'm so sorry for you and the children," she wept. "I'm so sorry."

  "Shh," he soothed as he returned her embrace. "There isn't anything to be sorry for. It's Gwen's time and we were lucky to have her for this long." He glanced at Lord Ripley and could see the unshed tears in his eyes. He knew it would be harder on them because they were losing one of their children.

  After the women calmed down, they all headed to see the Queen.

  When they entered, Gwen was awake and Persilla was trying to force some fresh fruit on her. One of the servants had trays of food brought up from the kitchen as well as hot cider and tea. It didn't look like anyone was interested in eating.

  Gwen pushed the fruit away. "Please, I don't feel like eating." She was weak and was having a hard time staying awake. "Send the children to me please."

  Julin hurriedly gathered the children. Kalen and the rest of the family gathered around the bed. The rest of the occupants let the family in the front of them and they stood behind them.

  "Phillip, come sit here a minute," his mother instructed. Phillip sat on the bed beside his mother and took her hands in his. "I want you to know how happy I am that you and Julia are to be married. She'll make a wonderful wife. I also want you to know how proud I am of you and I know you'll be a great King some day. Listen to your father, he'll guide you. I want you to also know how much I love you and I want you to be strong. Remember that I'll always be with in you in spirit."

  Phillip could feel the tears stream down his face as he leaned over and kissed his mother, telling her that he loved her and he'll miss her. He gently squeezed her hands before he let go and moved out of the way so that Angelina could see her mother. Phillip hastily wiped the tears from his face.

  Angelina had begun to cry again as her mother was speaking to Phillip. She sat down where Phillip had been sitting and took her mother's hands in hers.

  "It's okay sweetie," her mother told her. "I'm going to a place where I'll be well again and where I can watch over you." She gave her daughter's hands a squeeze. "Kalen, help me to take off my necklace." She waited until Kalen gently removed the necklace. "I want you to have this," she said looking at Angelina. "This is very special and I want you to keep it."

  Kalen placed it around Angelina's neck and fastened the clasp.

  "I always planned to give it to you. I want you to be strong and to help your brother watch over Amberlynn. I also want you to follow your heart, even if it means doing something that you know is right but others may not see it that way. You've always been strong and knew what you wanted. Remember to be who you are and not what everyone else wants you to be. I know you may not understand now but you will when you get older. I love you and I will always be with you."

  Angelina hugged her mother for a long time before she kissed her cheek and made room for Amberlynn. She had to borrow a handkerchief from Tolmac.

  Amberlynn crawled up and sat on her mother's lap and hugged her while her mother held her in her arms. "I want you to listen to your brother and sister, okay?" she began as she looked at Amberlynn. Amberlynn nodded. "I need you to be a big girl and help take care of daddy. I also want you to know how much I love you and that I'll always be there with you in your heart." Amberlynn had been crying and now was sniveling. "Now you go over with Phillip and Angelina." After she exchanged hugs and kisses with her daughter, Kalen lifted Amberlynn from her mother's arms and set her on the floor so that she could go to her brother and sister.

  The Queen then gave hugs and kisses to her family. Her mom and sister were weeping but her father and brother were trying to keep their emotions in check. She then thanked the midwives and healer as well as Tolmac and Lord Farley for their help and patience. The midwives and healer were also crying.

  When the Queen had finished saying her good-byes, everyone except the immediate family left the room. The children and the other members of the family moved away from the bed to give Kalen and Gwen privacy.

  "Kalen my love," whispered Gwendolyn as he leaned over and kissed her. She could taste the salt of his tears that were now streaming down his face. "My love, don't cry for me. You should be happy that I'll be at peace."

  "I'm happy that you'll finally be whole again," he whispered through his tears, "but I'm angry that you are being taken away from me, from us so soon."

  She gently wiped the tears from his face. "I love you and I always will."

  "You are my life and I love you dearly," he said as he took her hands in his and kissed them, holding them close to his heart.

  "I want you to be strong for the children." She looked at him intently, "I also want you to know that I want you to someday marry again."

  "No, never," he adamantly replied. "I'll never hold some one in my heart so dear as I hold you. I'd never find a love such as yours in my lifetime."

  "A King needs a Queen and if ever the time would come," she told him with a smile, "I want you to remarry and I want you to know that I give you my blessing." She held his gaze, "Promise me."

  Kalen knew that he would never find a woman to compare to her or to love as he loved her, but knew that she expected him to promise. "Yes, if I ever find a woman to love like I love you, I'll remarry. Now enough of this talk." He had no intention of ever searching for a new Queen.

  "Thank you," she sighed. "I need to rest now."

  "Then close your eyes and go to sleep. We're all here for you," he whispered and kissed her lips. "Go to sleep my love and remember I'll always love you."

  "And I you," she replied before drifting off to sleep.

  Kalen gently released his wife's hands and then wiped his hands over his face to remove any traces of his tears. He sat for a long time just watching her sleep.

  It was later that evening when the Queen passed away. Kalen was sitting beside her holding her hand when she breath
ed out her last breath. He almost couldn't believe that she was gone and it took a few minutes before he stood and turned to his family who were all sitting around the fire. It was strange, he didn't even have to say anything. When they saw his face they knew. They all gathered around her bed for a moment of silence before Kalen informed the group waiting out in the hall that the Queen was gone.

  Chapter 9

  A Queen's Funeral

  Everyone gave their condolences and then Lord Farley headed to the throne room to make the announcement.

  All of the women and most of the men of the castle did not have a dry eye. The news of the Queen's death spread throughout the Kingdom like wildfire.

  Tolmac sent word immediately to Roxer at Eldorfess through magical means.

  The Ellers of Pennington along with Jamina and Zarmina left the celebration a day or so after Tolmac and his group. The Ellers, especially Julia wanted to be there and give their support to the royal family. The Daskars were hoping to get to Talenvar before the Queen passed away; however, the party still had two days journey to go when they heard the news. The small party quickened their pace so that they would at least arrive for the funeral. The Queen would be laid out in the church for three days so all who wished could pay their respects and say good-bye. The fourth day would be the funeral service and burial.