And with that he gave to Sauron the sword, helmet, and shield. And to Andrew he came and placed the Brickens' ring on his finger.
“This is the pledge of our friendship forever,” he said.
And then he turned to the rest of the council, “Guard this armor and do not let it fall into the wrong hands. It will outlast us by many generations.”
With these actions Raven had hoped to bring everyone to a more equal plane, but what he did was actually elevate himself even more in the eyes of all his dukes, for each one now respected him more than ever for what he had done. Master Fields smiled, for he knew to what purpose Raven had done this.
My dear Raven, Master Fields thought, you are acting more like a king every day and you don’t even know it.
As everyone was looking at the armor and opening and closing the helmet visors, Raven cleared his throat and immediately had everyone’s attention.
“There is one more important task that needs attending to,” and he looked at Bandon Prescott. “I would like to ask you, Duke Prescott, for the hand of your daughter in marriage to be my queen.”
Duke Prescott stood proud, but being a man with a sense of humor said, “I would be honored if you would take her off my hands, for no one else but you knows what to do with such a spirited daughter.”
Everyone was laughing as Raven interjected, “It is settled then. In three weeks, we will have a royal wedding here and Rebekka shall become our queen.”
Raven walked over to Bandon and the two shook hands and then hugged. As people were leaving the council chamber, Raven caught Sauron’s arm as he went by and asked him to stay and talk. When the others were gone Raven asked Sauron if it were presumptuous of him to ask the Crestlaw family to change and accept the Brickens' crest as their own.
“No,” answered Sauron, “it is actually a great honor to be given the Brickens' crest and finally be heir to a true place among the other dukes. We will wear the armor and the crest it bears, which is something once again generously bestowed upon our family by yours.”
“I have something else to ask if it again would not be presuming too much. There has been no date set for the wedding of Lorriel and Andrew. I would very much like if they could be wed with us.”
Sauron smiled, “I had thought about that, too, but felt it would intrude upon the royal marriage.”
“Not at all,” replied Raven, “it would be special to have such friends united at the same time. And it will bring double rejoicing to our kingdom.”
Sauron smiled, clasping Raven’s hand and said, “Permit me this much. If you have the weddings here, let me throw the feast and celebration at my castle. After all, I have a lot of gold I need to spend.”
“Of course,” Raven said laughing, “we will wed here and then celebrate at your castle. It is only fitting.”
They left the council chamber and Raven went to find Rebekka and speak with her.
Rebekka was waiting for Raven in the great hall, a smile on her face, “I heard you asked father for my hand in marriage.”
“Yes,” Raven replied, “when a man decides, a man decides.”
“I also heard how father joked he was glad to get rid of me.”
“His loss,” Raven said cheerfully.
Then turning and facing her so they could look into each other’s eyes, he said. “I did not know how much I needed you until today. We kind of fell into friendship and somewhere along the way we fell into love. It was such a natural thing I did not know how deeply until today.”
“Nor I,” Rebekka said.
“The wedding will be here in three weeks, and I did something I should have asked you about first. I hope this will not bother you. I asked Sauron to let Andrew and Lorriel be wed with us.”
Rebekka’s eyes popped open wide and she smiled, “You never cease to amaze me. It is a splendid idea. We are the best of friends and standing up there with them eyeing each other will only fuel our...” and with this Rebekka turned red, “...our own passion.”
“My, my,” Raven said shaking his head, “your father was right. You are mischievous. It is settled then, the wedding will be here in three weeks, and Sauron has requested that we then go to his castle for the feast following. I need to speak with your father. Perhaps he can work with Sauron to plan the feast.”
Raven and Rebekka went to find her father who was beaming and being congratulated by others as word spread of the impending marriage of his daughter to the new king. Taking him aside, Raven explained the double wedding and what Sauron requested concerning the feast to follow. Bandon Prescott was an easy man to placate, and he also realized that Sauron would bear the brunt of the expense for the feast, it being at his castle. So without any hesitation, he agreed to the arrangements and went in search of Sauron to see if he could be of any assistance in the coming wedding feast.
Rebekka and Raven walked in the castle garden. It was known that this was a place of refuge for the royal family, so only the servants came and went in this haven. They smiled as they saw Andrew and Lorriel walking there as well and went over to join them.
Andrew, seeing them come, remarked, “Here is the king who is full of surprises.”
Rebekka smiled and said, “I do not think we have seen the last of them either, now glancing admiringly at Raven.
Lorriel, who had just recently learned that Raven had requested for her and Andrew to be wed with Raven and Rebekka, said cheerfully, “Raven, it will be such a delight for all of us to be married at the same time.” And looking at them she said, “I am so happy for you both.”
Lorriel’s joy was infectious, causing Raven to smile as he replied, “We have all had our share of sorrow. It is now time for us to take our fill of happiness if God will allow it to be so. There are no other people I would rather share this joyous occasion with than the two of you.”
“Friends forever then,” Andrew said as he held out hands to both Rebekka and Raven. Lorriel, also understanding, joined the circle.
“Friends forever,” repeated Raven, “and we shall come to each other’s aid whenever the other calls or has need.”
They all stayed awhile, joining hands in a circle, knowing that a special alliance had formed that would see Glenfair into its next generation of peace and prosperity.
Three weeks went by very quickly, bringing the day for the double wedding upon the kingdom of Glenfair. No one could remember an occasion of such merriment as had occurred the past few days. It seemed that the knowledge of the royal weddings had given life to the land after so much death and sadness, like spring flowers bring to the soul after a particularly harsh winter.
The two brides had disappeared into Lorriel’s mother’s bedroom to get dressed and ready for the occasion because it was much larger than Lorriel’s, leaving the two grooms to pace nervously in the great hall awaiting the time of their appearance on the balcony overlooking the courtyard where they were to be wed. The only ones who were seemingly relaxed and at peace were Bandon Prescott and Sauron Crestlaw, who felt their children could not have picked better mates. They had become good friends since the announcement of Raven’s engagement to Rebekka, having planned together for the wedding feast. But they also shared the feelings fathers have when their children choose well. At last, word was sent down that the two ladies had made themselves ready and would soon appear. Raven and Andrew waited at the side of the great hall where the large doors opened onto the balcony, Sauron and Bandon were just outside on the balcony as the ladies finally arrived.
Raven and Andrew were visibly stunned to see their brides for the first time dressed so elegantly. The women were radiant and beautiful each in their own special way, Rebekka showing a confidence and poise that came not from emotion, but of a deep abiding choice that the man she was about to take as husband was forever destined to be her companion till death, and a satisfaction that this was the very best she could have imagined. Lorriel, on the other hand, was just bubbling. She could not keep a smile off
of her face, and neither could Andrew. Just as husband and wife are companions who compliment each other, so too, these couples were meant to be friends. Andrew and Lorriel showed their emotions for all to see. It was part of their nature, while Raven and Rebekka were more intellectually joined and reserved in expressing public affection. What this brought to the wedding was a balance no one on earth could have planned. Raven’s and Rebekka’s reserve calmed and soothed Lorriel and Andrew, while Andrew and Lorriel’s overflowing emotions moved Raven and Rebekka to greater emotional expression than they would normally exhibit.
As the two couples came forward, Raven and Rebekka first, followed by Lorriel and Andrew onto the balcony for all to see, a cheer of deafening proportions went up from the crowd in the courtyard. When the crowd quieted, they began their vows, and for the two couples, the rest of the world began to melt and disappear leaving only the four of them alone. On an occasion like this, time begins to slow and memories of a lifetime form. They made promises to their mates that would be forever kept and remembered, looking into each other’s eyes and every once in a while at the other couple.
Raven wished this could go on forever, but after the vows were said, a trumpet sounded and all of a sudden time returned to its normal pace, with the sounds of a cheering crowd rushing in at them with full force snapping them back to reality. They were married; they were husband and wife, king and queen of Glenfair.
The wedding party immediately left for the Crestlaw castle, and this time the couple rode in a carriage and were able to visit and share along the way, something that would have been impossible on horseback. Merchants and tradesmen used wagons and carts, but carriages were rarely used, for the usual way people traveled in Glenfair was by horseback. The trip went by quickly because of the conversation the two couples were engaged in, and soon they were at Crestlaw Castle. The little town that surrounded the castle was in a state of joyous celebration as they entered. People lined the road to the castle shouting congratulations to the couples wishing them well.
Once at the castle, they were escorted to the main hall where the feast would be held. Sauron and Bandon had spared no expense in the feast and entertainment, and everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. As the evening wore on, Andrew and Lorriel came over after dancing to sit by Raven and Rebekka. Raven was admiring the decorations and looking once again at the Crestlaw motto.
When they sat down, he turned to Andrew and said, “Your father and Rebekka’s father have done a splendid job with this feast. I can remember none that have compared to this.”
Andrew smiled and thanked the king but said, “It is all wonderful but I would rather enjoy a quiet picnic than these noisy feasts.”
Raven chuckled, “I do as well love the outdoors. God has granted us such a beautiful land to inhabit so I would agree with you.”
Lorriel looked at them exuberantly and said, “Let’s do it.”
“Do what?” Andrew asked.
“Have a picnic,” Lorriel said smiling, “tomorrow, just the four of us.”
Raven looked at Rebekka and she smiled and said, “That sounds like a great idea. Where should we go?”
“How about the falls?” Raven suggested. “It’s always a beautiful sight to see.”
With this suggestion, Raven caught notice of Andrew and Lorriel smiling at each other.
Andrew looked back at Raven and said kind of sheepishly, “Lorriel and I kind of want to journey to that spot alone sometime, for it was there I rescued her and knew my heart was gone forever.”
Lorriel giggled at this and had a sweet smile on her face for she, too, had lost her heart to Andrew in the rescue. Raven nodded knowingly as Rebekka looked on smiling, nothing missing her notice.
Andrew, now in thought, said, “What if we go back to Happiness Creek and lunch there. We did not stay long before and it is one of my favorite spots.”
“As long as there are no Twainlar Serpents,” added Lorriel, a worried look in her eye.
As they waited for what Raven would say, his mouth had dropped open in the shock of recognition.
“What is wrong?” Andrew asked. “Does it still bother you about the Twainlar Serpent? I doubt if we will encounter another.” He then added, “That is not it, is it?”
“No,” Raven replied, “I had forgotten until now about something I found in your castle the last time I was here. You and Lorriel were dancing and I wandered, thinking, alone. I went past my room to the door at the end of the hall, and that went up to a room in one of the towers, a study or something of that sort.”
“Yes,”Andrew said thinking back, “it has been a long time since I have been in that room. What did you find?”
Raven went on, “In the room I saw our family crest in the fireplace. As I was running my hands over the finely carved stone, I pressed one of the apples, and a hidden panel spun around to reveal a hidden ancient riddle.”
“Was it the riddle you shared with me?” Rebekka asked, now very eager to know. “Something about seeking the wisdom of the ancients and the source of happiness, I cannot recall all the words.”
“None of it made sense until the day we rode to Happiness Creek and came to its source,” Raven mused. “I started to look around when we encountered the Twainlar Serpent and I forgot about the riddle until now.”
“My dear king,” Andrew said, “you are full of surprises, and it seems as if adventure always surrounds you.”
Rebekka could stand it no longer, “Let’s go and read the riddle again,” her curiosity getting the best of her.
Andrew looked around and most of the guests who had to travel had gone or were starting to leave. Only those who were spending the night as guests at the castle were still involved in dancing and eating.
“I do not think they will miss us for a bit,” Andrew said smiling. “Come, let us go to the room and read this ancient riddle.”
They all left casually, as if wanting a breath of fresh air, but instead of going outside, they headed down the hallway that led to the old study. Once the doors were pulled open with a little effort, they entered and some candles were lit. They followed Raven to the ornately carved fireplace, and he pushed the apple in the Kallestor crest.
The panel spun around to reveal the ancient riddle Raven had mentioned: “If you seek wisdom of those long gone, then follow happiness to its source, where the sun is setting and rising both.”
They all looked at each other and without saying a word, they knew where they would go for their picnic lunch tomorrow.
“What do you think it means, Raven?” Rebekka asked, since she knew he understood more about the ancients than anyone.
“I do not know,” Raven said honestly, “but I believe that the answer or more information will be given us when we solve this first riddle at the beginning of Happiness Creek.”
They closed the panel and headed back to the large hall. Upon arriving, they met Sauron who was looking for them.
“Oh, there you are, Your Majesty,” Sauron said speaking to Raven, “I was afraid you had slipped off somewhere before I could offer you further hospitality.”
Raven still was not used to being called “Sire” or “Your Majesty.” He knew the title was appropriate, but it would take some getting used to.
Sauron continued, “We have a room prepared for you to retire to when you wish. I know you must be tired from all the festivities. The room is in the far wing of the castle where you will have privacy. Andrew will show you where it is.”
Andrew then asked his father if the servants would make the four of them a picnic lunch for an outing the next day.
Sauron looked at all of them for a minute and then said, “Of course, I will take care of it right away.”
With that he turned and left the four of them alone. Raven was smiling, knowing what Sauron was probably thinking, a newly married couple should want time alone, not to spend it with another couple.
Andrew led the way to where Raven’s quart
ers were and shaking hands bid them good night saying, “Remember, we live for adventure.”
When the door was closed Rebekka asked, “What was that all about, we live for adventure?”
Raven laughed and told her of his last trip to Happiness Creek and the rescue from the Twainlar Serpent by Andrew which led to the saying, “We live for adventure.” Rebekka just nodded the kind of nod women do when they do not understand men. As Raven surveyed the room, he saw that Sauron’s hospitality was quite complete and it pleased him to see all the special touches that had been provided. There was food on the table. A hot bath had been prepared for them, the steam rising invitingly promising relaxation from an eventful day.
Rebekka, seeing the same things, only said. “Your people love you and honor you with the best they have. How can a king not love them in return?”
Raven nodded and said in reply. “I do love my people and the kingdom, but right now I am concerned with loving only you.”
The next morning the four met for breakfast and ate, discussing what the riddle meant. No one knew any more than the night before so the only thing left was to pack up their picnic lunch and head out. They were all dressed in casual riding clothes and mounted their horses and headed out through the small town, the people once again giving them friendly greetings as they passed.
Raven could not help but think, “This is the happiest part of the kingdom.”
The people, although respecting the king, were more delighted with Lady Lorriel, who was now a Crestlaw, and many flowers were handed her as they slowly passed through. Once outside, they turned and headed northwest and then west toward Happiness Creek. It was a wonderful day with sunshine and a little breeze. And because it was later in the morning, the chill had lifted with the promise of a moderately warm fall day. Raven was glad that they were heading west and not going to the falls. That would bring them close to the battlefield where many had died. Raven knew they had cleaned everything up and that little was left of the evidence of battle, but he would rather forget about it for a while.
The King's Folly Page 24
