Ibrehem frowned. “I remember, my lady, but ‘twas just that ... only a legend."
"But surely there are some truths to legends ... how else would there be a river of orange?” Meav argued.
Ibrehem shook his head and looked down at Rule's lifeless body. “'Tis in life you will carry on his wishes."
Meav shrugged Ibrehem's hands off her. “Nay, my husband can return and rule Keronia himself."
Ibrehem turned to his wife. “Zailia, help her to understand."
Zailia frowned. “She is beyond consoling right now, husband. Can you not see?"
"'Tis exactly why we need to get her away from Rule's body and into the castle,” Ibrehem advised.
Zailia sighed heavily. “If ‘twas me in her place, I would seek every way to change things, as well. Anyway, what harm can it do to let her try?"
"This is madness,” Ibrehem scowled. “We are only prolonging the inevitable.” He turned to Meav. “Please do not make me take you by force, my lady."
"But I can do this ... I can!” Meav shrieked, backing away. Quickly she looked heavenward, raising her hands above her head. “If you can see me, hear me, I beseech you with all my heart. I ask to take his place.” When nothing happened she threw her head back and closed her eyes. “Do you hear?” she called out, her words echoing through the wind. “I ask to take his place!"
Ibrehem moved toward Meav with an outstretched hand. “My lady, please come with..."
But his words caught in his throat when the sky blackened and the earth trembled.
Everyone froze where they stood.
"See, ‘tis true, ‘tis true,” Meav exclaimed.
'Twas then a dead calm spread over the island. The deafening silence was dropped like a veil over Keronia; not a bird sang or a breeze stirred.
Meav inhaled sharply.. “I am ready ... take me now ... take me instead."
In an instant a blinding bolt of white light exploded.
Meav shielded her eyes and fell to her knees beside her husband's body. Gently she bestowed one last kiss upon his lips “Live well, my love,” she whispered.
Her body felt as light as air and she began to float higher and higher to the heavens.
The clouds parted and the figure of a woman came forth.
Meav was awed by the majestic sight.
"I am so proud of you, and how you saved my people,” the familiar voice said softly.
A warm feeling bathed Meav's heart. “Mama?"
"Aye, my little girl, ‘tis I for sure,” Meridith said.
"Oh, Mama, I have missed you so much,” Meav exclaimed, running with outstretched arms.
"Stay put, Meav,” Meridith warned, halting her daughter with a raised hand. “Your time is not yet done."
"Meav frowned. “'Tis done ... I have taken Rule's place."
"Nay, love,” Meridith said softly. “You have much to do yet."
"But if I return than Rule dies ... I cannot live without him, Mama."
Meridith tilted her head sideways. “Do you trust me, Meav?"
"Aye, you know I do."
"Then go back.” Meridith smiled. “When ‘tis your time we will meet again. I will come myself to guide you, and all of us will be together."
Meav watched her mother return to the clouds. “I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, Meav."
And then, Meridith was gone.
* * * *
When Wysteria entered the scene she expected to find Rule in need of her ministrations. Instead she found Meav face down in the dirt; bleeding from a deep wound in her back. And Rule screamed. The agonized howl that came forth from the deepest part of his heart brought chills down her spine and time back to the island...
He leapt from the stretcher and gathered Meav into his arms. “How has this happened?” Rule bellowed in agony. In wide-eyed terror he turned to look at Wysteria. “One moment I am floating to a place white and quiet, free from the pain, out of my cold carcass. And then suddenly I am ripped from the heavenly cocoon and forced back into my body ... only my flesh now is healed of the gaping wound in my back and my strength has returned in bounds. Slowly I open my eyes to see...” he looked at Meav in his arms. “I do not understand."
Wysteria knew exactly what had happened. Pride welled in her heart for the bravery of her sister's child. She came forward. “She took your place, my lord."
Rule crushed his wife's body to his chest. “Nay ... nay!” Throwing his head back to the heavens he howled again, like an animal in pain. “Undo this ... seda! Bring her back!” Then bending his head, he wept, his tears wetting the copper curls that framed Meav's tranquil face.
The sound ... the sorrow unfolding paralyzed all that watched.
Wysteria ran to his side. “Hurry ... ‘tis of the essence that you bring her to the river."
Rule, for the first time in his entire life, did not question the crone. With Meav tight against his chest, he ran to the river's edge and walked into the water without hesitation.
Wysteria followed close behind, her own heart beating rapidly against her chest. “Quickly ... submerge her."
Rule obeyed, falling to his knees to allow the water to wash over Meav.
The river was still, like layers of a mirror ... its smooth lacquer flowing across the pebbles lying below as the blood from Meav's wound mixed with the sun's light, coloring the water a deeper orange than before.
Loreli rose from the water to face Rule, her translucent eyes held a purposeful sheen.
Rule gritted his teeth and pulled Meav closer to his chest. “She is mine. You will not claim her."
Loreli moved closer. “I have not come to claim her."
Rule's mouth thinned. “Then why have you come?"
Loreli smiled warmly. “She is my friend. I have come to save her ... as I did many months ago.” Slowly the mermaid reached out and placed her hand on Meav's heart; then brought her lips to gently meet Meav's, breathing life back into her lungs.
Meav stirred, feeling the cool lap of water against her breast. Slowly her eyes opened to the heavenly vision before her. Was this now an angel, taking up where her mother had left off? Perhaps Meav had not yet made it back to her body? Where ever she was, the beauty of the moment made her gasp.
Loreli's golden hair shone in the sun like a halo around her head. Kind, opal eyes filled with tenderness gazed deep into Meav's. “Welcome back, my lady,” she said smiling, then turned and swam away.
'Twas then Meav looked up into the tiger-gold of her husband's eyes. Her face instantly brightened, her voice rose with her elation. “Rule ... Rule!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his tear-stained eyes. “Saints preserve us, you are alive!"
* * * *
How Meav's heart could rise from the depths of despair to the height of happiness in one day was beyond comprehension. All she knew was that sitting before the mirror, admiring her coronation ball gown, and watching Grendel weave tiny pearls in her hair was enough to make her know she was truly blessed.
"Aqua is your color, my lady,” Grendel commented.
Meav smiled warmly, smoothing down the organza skirt. “You have done a beautiful job on this gown, Grendel. Never, anywhere is there one so grand."
Grendel blushed. “I thank you, my lady.” She straightened out a bit of lace on Meav's sleeve. “I am just happy all has turned out so well."
Meav sighed. “'Twas all quite frightening there for awhile and me sorrow was so tremendous. Never did I think I would ever feel the joy that now fills me heart."
Grendel squeezed Meav's hand affectionately. “Oh, my lady, you deserve the best of all things to come. Keronia is forever grateful for you, how you saved Rule and all of us from Devora's reign.” Grendel wiped a tear from her eye. “I wish for you a long and happy life with your king."
* * * *
He waited for her at the bottom of the staircase, his muscular chest filling the white linen shirt, and the red cape flowing from his broad shoulders made him look even more like a
hero. His tight black breeches complemented the long lean legs. Meav felt her cheeks burn at the thought of touching his burly hardness.
Meav took the hand Rule extended and walked proudly beside him into the great hall.
All eyes turned as they entered. Gasps of awe and pride filled the room.
Rule felt like a peacock puffed up with pride. His beautiful wife had brought him such love and glory ... as well as restoring his being. Never in his fondest dreams did he think he would kiss a hero, but that is what Meav was. And Rule would spend the rest of his life making her happy, filling her days with love and nights with passion.
Even now, his loins ached for her warmth. He wanted to uncoil the fiery curls laced with pearls, and caress her delicate, oval face. The musk-rose flush on her ivory cheekbones made Rule's heart skip a beat. Perhaps she was thinking the same thing? His anticipation rose as his yearnings grew for their time alone, when he could plant hot kisses all over her rosy mouth and down her creamy throat.
* * * *
Neteru waited on the dais, her golden robe adorned with wisps of silver trim, a beautiful gold tiara on her head. To Meav she looked like a heavenly apparition she had seen once in the scene of a chapel's stained glass window.
As they approached her, the high priestess bowed respectively, then held her arms high above her head and addressed all those gathered. “We come together on this glorious day to crown a king and queen.” She looked heavenward. “May their reign be blessed with long life, love, happiness and may they sire many heirs."
All the people cheered.
Neteru placed on hand on Meav's shoulder and another on Rule's. “Please kneel."
Rule helped Meav to her knees and quickly knelt beside her.
Neteru then handed Rule a box.
He arched a questioning brow.
"Your mother's ring,” Neteru whispered. “She gave it to me to keep safe, along with the armor, the royal batons and crowns."
Meav watched Rule's long, lean fingers open the lid and pull from the small package a gold ring, encrusted with rubies and sapphires.
"Claim your queen,” Neteru said.
Rule reached for Meav's hand and slipping the ring onto her finger, gave his oath. “I, Rule Thornton of Keronia, before all these witnesses claim you, Meav O'Shay Thornton, as my wife and queen; to reign with me for all the days of my life ... and should I depart before you, I hereby bestow onto you my duties as ruler of these here isles of Keronia. From our loving union may there be many heirs, who when the time comes, will sit on the throne and govern with honor and loyalty, and carry on for generations the Thornton dynasty."
Neteru turned her eyes to Meav. “Do you accept all he has pledged?"
Meav looked deep into her husband's amber eyes, so thankful to be able to see their glimmer, feel their warmth. “Aye, I accept all he vows."
"And will you, Meav O'Shay Thornton,” Neteru began, “stand by and honor your king, nurture his seed, and be the mother of future generations?"
"Aye, I will ... with all me heart,” Meav answered.
Neteru handed them each a gold baton, engraved at the tip with the Thornton crest. Then she placed a gold crown inlaid with rubies and diamonds on Rule's head. “I crown you King Rule Thornton. Long live the king!"
All those present cheered in unison, “Long live the king."
Then Neteru placed a gold crown, much daintier and inlaid with pearls and diamonds, on Meav's head. “I crown you Queen Meav Thornton. Long live the queen!"
"Long live the queen,” everyone cheered.
Neteru smiled. “Now rise."
Rule reached for Meav's hand and they both stood.
Neteru bowed. “Your Majesty, ‘tis time for you to face your subjects."
When Rule and Meav turned to look upon all their guests, the room filled with applause.
After a few moments of cheer and congratulations, Rule raised his hand for silence. “I will now hold court ... as I call your names please come to the foot of the throne.” Offering Meav his hand, he escorted her to her seat and then took the one beside her.
Meav looked out at the sea of faces, their eyes twinkling and smiles wide. Then she turned to look at Rule and her heart lurched with pride at the way he sat so regal upon his throne. His thick, dark hair hung to his shoulders, his profile spoke of power and ageless strength of character. When he turned to look at her, his face melted into a buttery smile that nearly took her breath away.
One by one Rule's men approached the throne. Standing, he placed his sword upon their shoulders and knighted each of them, including Wesley.
After the last had been honored, Meav leaned toward her husband. “I have honors to bestow as well, milord."
Rule tipped his head graciously. “Carry on, my lady."
Meav stood.
The room went still.
Nervously she cleared her throat. “In Ireland, me homeland, those who have fought bravely for the crown receive a medal of honor.” She looked over at her husband and reached for his hand, then turned back to the guests. “Would you all come with me to the river, please?"
Without hesitation Rule did as she asked, the others following in a procession behind them.
Meav stopped at the river's edge, and called for Grendel.
With her cheeks the shade of crimson Grendel quickly made her way to her queen, bowed, and handed her a pouch.
Meav opened the pouch and pulled out two tiny shells. A leather cord was threaded through a hole made at the top of each shell. “Titiana and Gyla, me pixie warriors, will you please come forth?"
The fairie sisters flew to Meav and landed on her arm.
Meav smiled down at the two. “With great honor, I bestow upon you each this medal of honor, for your brave service and loyalty to the crown.” She slipped a necklace over each fairie's head. “And Gyla,” she whispered. “If you ever spank Titiana again, you will deal with me. Do I make meself clear?"
Gyla nodded with wide eyes.
Rule stifled a smile.
Meav raised her gaze and smiled at the rest of the pixie clan sitting in the trees. “I have not forgotten you, me brave troop. Titiana and Gyla will now lead you all to the back solar terrace, where you will find a cake waiting for your eating pleasure."
In an instant dozens of little flapping wings took flight.
Meav then pulled from the pouch another shell, fashioned in the same way on a leather cord, and walked over to the river's edge.
Everyone's eyes widened when Loreli's face surfaced from beneath the orange water. Meav placed the medal around the mermaid's neck. “I thank you for saving me life."
Loreli inclined her head respectfully and quickly swam away.
Meav turned to Rule and smiled. “I am finished here, milord."
Rule beamed with pride and took her hand. “Then let the feast begin."
And what a feast it was ... duck soup, coconut and shrimp salad, black bread, all sorts of cheeses and fruits, wine, ale, and several sweet delicacies to melt in one's mouth.
There was music and dancing, laughter and story telling, all ages coming together and having fun.
Rule poured Ibrehem another glass of ale. “It has been a long time since this island has been so merry, my friend."
Ibrehem took a swig of the brew. “Aye, too long.” He bowed respectively to Rule. “Thanks to you, sire, all is as it should be."
"Nay, Ibrehem,” Rule said, looking over at his wife who laughed and talked an arms length away with Zailia. “Thanks to Meav."
Ibrehem raised his goblet. “Then to our queen."
Rule lifted his glass as well. “Aye, to our queen ... my queen ... my beautiful, brave, queen."
* * * *
Meav looked out her chamber window. The sun was preparing to kiss the earth goodnight, the guests were gone and the Keep was quiet. She closed her eyes when she felt Rule come up from behind her, brushing aside the hair from her neck.
Gently he bestowed a kiss upon her shoulder. “What thou
ghts occupy you, my lady?"
She turned to face him. “I saw her, Rule."
He smoothed her hair from her face. “Who did you see, love?"
Meav caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. “Me mother ... when I took your place, me body rose to heaven. ‘Twas there, from the clouds she came forth. And she spoke to me."
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her protectively close. “What did she say?"
Meav rested her head on his shoulder. “She told me I had much to do yet, and I had to return."
Rule wrapped a curl around his finger and brought it to his lips. “'Tis true, you are needed here."
She pulled back to look at him. “At first I protested."
He arched a brow. “An obstinate child to the end, eh love?"
Meav frowned. “I thought if I returned, you would die again."
"I am glad your mother convinced you otherwise,” he said, kissing her furrowed brow.
"She asked me if I trusted her, and when I said that I did, she bid me farewell, and said when ‘twas me time she would be waiting to guide me,” Meav explained.
Rule kissed her nose. “And that will not happen for a very long time, my lady.” He looked down into her azure eyes. “I plan on us having a full and happy life, filled with laughter, children, love and passion.” He cast her a mischievous smile. “And I intend to start right now."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers entwining with the strands of hair. “Amin tialo,” she whispered.
Gently he kissed her lips. “I love you too, Meav,” he said tenderly, his heart full of love. “Meav ... my beautiful, Meav ... even your name is dear to me."
She giggled. “How is that so?"
He smiled warmly. “Because when a man loves a woman, as much as I do you, calling out her name is even different ... an experience that leaves him awed. The way the sound comes forth from my tongue is so moving it fills me with acceptance and care ... and love."
"Me name sounds so ... so beautiful and cherished when you say it. Aye, ‘tis safe forming in your mouth and rolling off your tongue, Rule,” she whispered; as she was in his arms, his life, and in his heart.
A River of Orange Page 29
