by Nikki Landis
“I made a friend while you were gone,” I told him hesitantly.
He raised an eyebrow at me and looked around. “A friend?”
“Yes, a very kind old man. He asked me if I was a relative of the Drustaney or Monahan families. Don’t worry. I didn’t give him any information but I did admit that I was a relative. He gave me directions to both houses here in town and said I should visit. What do you think?” I searched his eyes, a bit apprehensive.
“You didn’t listen to me, did you?” He frowned.
“Um, I tried to but I got distracted. Sorry,” I told him sincerely.
He chuckled slightly. “No harm done I suppose. Well, the decision is yours Rhiannon. Would you like to see them or not? My only concern is for your feelings and safety. I will be wary of anyone who comes near you. We can’t be too careful, considering recent events.” I nodded in agreement. “What would you like to do?”
I thought about it for a moment. This might be my only chance. I had no idea if or when I would ever return to the Monterro Valley and Karmelo. If I returned home without trying, I would regret it. I decided to give it a try.
“I want to go look. I would like to visit the Drustaney family first. That is my Gramp’s family. They live up the road in a big house on the end with lots of animals,” I replied, smiling at the thought.
“Good, just be careful darling.”
Kellen kissed me softly and helped me to mount my horse. We traveled up the road in town, passing by small shops and houses. As we approached the end of the road, we came upon a large house. It had a chicken coop and a dog house in the side of the yard, behind it I could see horses and cows grazing in the afternoon sunshine. Children were playing in the yard, running toward the back of the house, including the young girl with bouncy curls.
I was very surprised when I saw the same old man from the cemetery sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. He smiled when I approached, waving me forward. Kellen was cautious, glancing all around and frowning at me slightly. He gave a small shake to his head. I knew he didn’t want me to get down. I could see his sword resting within his reach as his fingers twitched.
I slid off the horse and walked up to the bottom steps, despite Kellen’s look of disapproval. I could feel his eyes on my back.
“Hello again, Mr. Drustaney, is it?” I asked, already sure of the answer.
“Yes, miss. You know, you look just like your mother, and your grandmother. Has anyone ever told you?” He asked, smiling.
I smiled back. “I may have heard that once or twice. My Gramps said it often.”
“Said? Is he gone then?” The old man sounded surprised and sad.
“Yes, he died from a stroke, very recently. I miss him very much,” I answered, saddened by the memory myself, so much so that I had to look away for a moment.
“You must be Rhiannon Elizabeth. It has been far too long. We have waited a very long time to meet you, my dear. I am your great Grandpa Fergus. Your Gramps was my son, Kyle. He married a very beautiful woman, Deirdra, your Gran. I suppose you know most of this already, don’t you?” He asked me softly.
I nodded my head. I watched as he arose from his chair and called for someone. An old woman came out, wiping her hands on an apron. She looked at him curiously and then followed his gaze to me. I saw her face go white, like she had seen a ghost. I felt Kellen’s arm come around my shoulders, always at my side when I needed him the most.
The woman walked forward until she was standing in front of me and then she suddenly hugged me tightly against her. I was taken by surprise. I wasn’t sure how to react. She pulled back and I saw tears on her cheeks. She smoothed a stray hair away from my eyes, gazing into them.
“Rhiannon Elizabeth, my long lost great granddaughter. I am so glad to see you. Welcome to our home.” Her voice wavered.
“Hi, thank you,” I replied, a bit uncomfortable.
She looked at Kellen and smiled. “This young man is obviously your Guardian but I can tell he is quite smitten with you as well. May I know your name?”
Kellen relaxed and smiled back. “My name is Kellen Sloane. Pleased to meet you.”
“Ah yes, I know your father Kedehern. He is the leader of the Guardian army in Karmelo. Please come inside and rest yourselves. I won’t take no for an answer.” She gestured us inside, talking constantly in her pleasant voice.
I was soon seated comfortably, drinking tea and enjoying war biscuits with jam. Kellen was seated next to me, grinning. Any time food was involved, he was happy. Like intensely, amazingly, happy. I rolled my eyes at him playfully.
My great Grandma Jean, as I soon learned her name, made it her business to know everything about me that she could. I tried to be polite and informative, but it was odd to give so much personal knowledge to a total stranger. I had to remind myself that this was my family. My blood. People who loved and cared about me.
A nagging thought entered my mind. If I was so loved, so missed, why did I never meet any of them? Why did they never visit? Why were my great grandparents a complete mystery to me until the moment Kellen saved my life?
About an hour later, there was a knock on the front door. I could hear several voices talking at once. Grandma Jean ushered the new visitors into the dining room. Again, I was surrounded with shocked stares.
“Rhiannon, is that you?” The woman finally asked me.
I nodded my head. “Yes, may I ask who you are?”
“Yes, of course. You have probably never seen our picture. We are Brian Monahan’s parents, your grandparents. We have waited so many years to see you,” she replied, her voice thick with unshed tears.
I got up and walked over to her, tears in my own eyes. “Would you tell me about my father, my parents? I know so little.”
The woman nodded and reached to give me a hug. I embraced her tightly and I heard her sniffle.
“You are the very image of your mother. You have your father’s eyes though. I would have known you anywhere.” She laughed, brushing the tears away.
The man finally spoke up. “I am your grandfather Sully and this is your grandmother Glenna. We are so happy to finally meet you.”
After the introductions, I spent a couple of hours visiting with my family and learning much about the circumstances surrounding my parent’s death. According to Glenna, my parents were staying with them. They were very unhappy about leaving me behind and missed me constantly. It was exactly as Gran and Gramps had described to me before. They had been attacked and caught off guard by the enemy and were killed.
Sully and Glenna had them buried and then Kedehern had dispatched a Guardian to find Gran and Gramps and give them the news. I knew all of it except that Kedehern was involved. I wondered why I was never told. Perhaps Kellen didn’t know that detail before now but he didn’t seem surprised.
I looked at him questioningly but he shook his head slightly in reply. I would have to ask him about it later. The afternoon sped by and it was approaching dusk. I noticed Kellen stand and knew he was ready to leave. He would want to return to his family before we made the journey back to the portal. I stood up, prepared to say goodbye.
“Oh please, you have to stay for dinner and the night. It’s much too late and dangerous to journey back to Karmelo tonight. Rest here and return to your home in the morning,” Grandma Jean implored us.
I glanced at Kellen and saw him already watching me. I raised an eyebrow and he nodded.
“Yes, thank you, we will stay the night. Thank you for your hospitality,” I answered.
Chapter Nineteen
We enjoyed a nice meal and I met more of my family. I had plenty of aunts and uncles and cousins. I couldn’t keep track of all of the names. I just smiled and nodded and greeted everyone. By the end of the evening my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much but I was happy.
After dessert, when the room was mostly quiet and empty again, my grandparents opened the conversation with a surprise. They wanted to know if I was being followed. I looked at Kel
len and saw his frown. Since I was unsure of what kind of information to divulge, I was going to let him handle this part of the conversation.
“Rhiannon has been attacked several times in the last six months. She barely escaped with her life. I was assigned to her right as the attacks began, thanks to the foresight of the council. You know of their abilities. They can sense the future. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. What is not common knowledge is that the enemy is trying to capture Rhiannon and she is in great danger. There was a gathering in Karmelo just days ago to plan our strategy,” Kellen spoke quickly.
“Yes, we have been watching Karmelo closely. I have friends who are keeping us informed in the outer cities. Information is slow to come here. We are all preparing for the inevitable. I’m certain war is coming,” Grandpa Sully told us.
Kellen looked concerned. “Your city are not well protected against attack. If the enemy breeches the wall, you will certainly be overrun. How do you plan your defenses? Will you come to Karmelo or Alexandria for aid?”
“Yes, Alexandria is closer than Karmelo from here, but a better choice. Our evacuation plan is to meet there. It is larger and houses more of the Guardian army than Karmelo. There is also a large smithy and plenty of rations if food becomes scarce. What has been decided Kellen?” Grandpa Fergus asked.
“The gates of the wall will be locked and heavily guarded at all times. People may pass freely through the gates during daylight hours only since we cannot guarantee anyone’s safety outside the wall at night. Anyone in need of aid should venture to either Karmelo, Alexandria, or Cornell. Spread the word.” He glanced at me. “I would not recommend Cornell since it is so far. I agree that Alexandria is a better choice. The Guardians are protecting the portal entrances in shifts during the daylight hours and keeping a close watch at night for the enemy. Beyond this, I cannot say at present,” Kellen informed them.
“Thank you Kellen. I know you have revealed everything you can. What is being done for Rhiannon? How is she being kept safe?” Grandma Jean asked, concern evident on her face.
“I am protecting her at home across the portal. For now, there is no cause for alarm. She is here in the Monterro Valley only because I needed to speak to my father urgently and I would not let her stay without me.” Kellen chose his words carefully.
“But what if something happens? Do you have a plan? Can she return to us here in Tarin? I’m certain the enemy has forgotten us all by now. She would be safe here with family,” Grandma Glenna asked, anxiously folding her hands in her lap.
Sully spoke up. “I am less certain of that. As much as I want her here, it has been far too quiet in this area for a long time. I think the enemy lies in wait. Perhaps coming here was not the best idea. You could be followed and ambushed on the way home.”
“Agreed. Now you understand my apprehension. I have scouted the area constantly and there have been no signs of activity to alarm me. I will take into consideration the idea of Rhiannon coming here if the need arises but only if her safety can be guaranteed. For now, her home with Gran is the safest place. We must leave at first light. I do not feel comfortable staying any longer than necessary. I fear for the safety of everyone involved, not just her,” Kellen replied, meeting all of their glances.
“We will be fine here. We know how to protect our own. But I appreciate the concern. If the time comes, we will seek aid in Alexandria and send word to Kedehern. He will know how to find you both. I don’t want any sign that you were here, my child. The enemy is cunning. We will not lead them to you,” Grandpa Fergus informed me.
I nodded. “Yes, I think this is for the best. I hope I get to see you all again soon. I don’t know how long I will be away. It could be a very long time before I return here.”
I suddenly felt choked up again, tears springing to my eyes. What if something happened to my family? What if the enemy was watching them? I hadn’t thought of that before now. They could be in danger if I was spotted here. I might have placed them in harm by coming.
Grandma Jean sat next to me on the couch and put her arm around me. “I have something for you. I’ve been keeping it for a long time. Would you come with me? Glenna?”
I followed both of them into an extra bedroom where they gestured for me to sit.
“This box is yours. It is from your mother and father and even a few things that belonged to your Gran. Your father made the box when they were here without you. He always hoped to bring it back as a present.” Her voice wavered a little. “Your Gran might enjoy seeing this. Be sure to show her. We have been keeping it for you since you were a baby, dear.” Glenna showed me.
It was a small wooden box, hand crafted and painted with roses and flowers and intricate scrollwork. I could tell many hours went into its construction. I opened the lid, amazed it was a music box that started playing the tune Always in My Heart. There was a little mirror on the inside and above it my name was etched into the wood in the lid. A bed of soft pink velvet lined the box. It had two rows of removable drawers to hold jewelry.
The box held a large quantity of expensive pieces. There was a cameo necklace on a thick golden chain, an ornate golden cross, a smaller golden cross on another gold chain, and a fire opal and gold ring. There were several more expensive pieces including sapphires and opals which I knew were my mother’s favorite. One piece was very special. It was a silver bangle bracelet, covered in charms, and absolutely adorable.
Glenna saw my eyes fall on it and she picked it up, slipping it onto my wrist. “Your mother bought it and added the first charm, a little heart, with your name engraved on it. Since then, you’re Grandma Jean and I have added a charm every year on your birthday. We finished it when you turned eighteen this past March.” She patted my hand. “I’m so happy I can finally give it to you.”
I looked at them both, completely overcome, as the tears filled my eyes and spilled over. I didn’t know what to say. The amount of love poured into the box and these gifts was astounding. To know I had been loved and never forgotten, it meant more than anything in that moment, more than I could possibly describe, because it meant I had never really been alone as I always thought.
I loved the jewelry box. It was special and precious to me.
A parting gift from my parents.
“Thank you very much. It’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say,” I told them, sniffling.
They both hugged me, tears in their eyes as well.
Grandma Jean wiped the tears from my cheeks. “We have always loved you and thought of you. We never gave up hope of seeing you. I have every intention of keeping contact with you. You’re stuck with us all, my dear.”
I laughed and put on the fire opal ring. “This must have been my mother’s ring. She loved opals.”
“Yes, it was. It looks lovely on your finger. Rowena was always a jewelry lover. Your father was so in love with her. He showered her with gifts. He was the happiest man in the world when he married her. The only day that mattered more to him was your birth. He would have been a wonderful father,” Glenna told me.
“It must have been hard when he left to become a Guardian and then when he had to go protect us across the portal. What do you remember?” I asked curiously.
“He felt becoming a Guardian was his calling, to serve a greater purpose. When he met your mother, I knew for certain I had lost him forever. We quarreled, much to my regret. I could never stay mad at my son for long. The minute I met your mother, I understood. He couldn’t help falling in love with her, much the same way Master Kellen has fallen for you. Do you love him too?” Glenna asked me softly.
I blushed. “Is it that obvious?” At their nods I continued. “Yes, we love each other very much. He has already told me that he will propose whenever he can. I haven’t even told my Gran yet.”
They exchanged a look.
“You’re secret is safe with us, Hun. Come, it is late and your Guardian is anxious for you. I can hear him pacing in the living room,” Grandma Jean told
me with humor.
I picked up the music box and carried it out of the room. She was right, Kellen was pacing the floor and trying not to look anxious. I guess I had been gone for too long. His face relaxed when he saw me. If you looked at him at all, you could see how much he loved me. Kellen couldn’t hide it if he tried.
I crossed the room to him and he took my hand securely in his, squeezing lightly. A few minutes later, I was being tucked into bed in the guest bedroom and Kellen was saying goodnight. He winked at me and I knew I would see him once everyone in the house was asleep. I heard Grandma Jean show him to another room and he declined, telling her he was not removing himself from my doorway until morning. She chuckled loudly and brought him a blanket and pillow.
I couldn’t sleep. My mind was occupied with all that had happened today. I finally met my family. I had people who loved and cared about me. It wasn’t just my Gran anymore. My grandparents and great grandparents were invested in my life and future now too. Gran would always be the most special but I loved the idea of having more family, a connection to both of my parents.
I heard a small rustle outside my bedroom door and sat up expectantly. A few seconds later Kellen slipped in the door, grinning broadly. He walked quietly across the room and climbed in bed with me, his arms enfolding me in his embrace. We lay down and I rested my head on Kellen’s chest, hearing the familiar thrumming of his heartbeat beneath my ear. I sighed in contentment.
“Rhiannon? Are you ok? Is there anything you want to talk about?” He asked, almost hesitant.
“Yes, I am fine. It is a bit overwhelming but I am happy to have my family. They are my connection to my parents, my blood Kellen. It feels complete, like I found a missing piece. I don’t know how to explain it,” I whispered back.
“I figured that was how you would feel. Are you upset about my father?”
