That Most Precious Gift
Page 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
After conversing with the castle astrologers, the princess found that a week’s time separated her from the sign foretold by the soothsayer. Though understanding that she would probably find only the truth of the marriage to Sir Randall, she still awaited nervously for that evening. Just the certainty of her love was all that she was in search of.
As each day concluded, Princess Lenee became apprehensive yet also excited, toward the wedding just two weeks away. Talk and anticipation filled the castle and its village. Sir Randall suddenly arrived the day in which Lenee's sign was to be seen.
“My lady in waiting, yet to be waiting no more, the nights have been too long without you,” exclaimed the knight when meeting the princess. “My soul yearns for yours. Oh, to wait another week would truly be agony on my heart.”
Though surprised at Sir Randall's untimely arrival, she felt it only necessary for him to be in the region for her sign to be recognized.
“Fair knight, ah, what a pleasant surprise before me,” she said as she and the lord embraced.
“I can give no reasons of leaving battle early, yet something told my heart to return to thy side this day.”
“I am most pleased that you have followed thy heart.”
“As am I, my love,” assured the knight. “Didst thou miss my company, sweet princess?”
“Words cannot express how my heart feels, dear knight. I am pleased to again find company with you,” she said with hesitation.
Randall didn't recognize the uncertainty within her heart. They started to walk the castle halls as he told her of his journeys.
“So dear knight, what hast thou planned for this evenings event?” interrupted the princess .
“My love, the road has been long for this traveler,” said the knight. “I believe sleep will overcome early this eve, if that may be my wish.”
“Of course, knight,” agreed the princess though knowing the probable truth of his actions. “With the moon full and centered to the earth, I'm sure you will be found at peace within thy chamber,” she snickered.
“Only in my dreams, shall I be awake my love. Only in my dreams.”
During that same time, Sir Maxwell and his steward had arrived in the land of Ponder.
“Master? Dost thou not know of what region we have placed ourselves?” asked James satirically. “I thought . . . .”
“Your tally refers not to thoughts, steward,” snapped the knight. “Dost thou not have faith upon his masters actions?”
“Of course, master.”
“Then hold thy tongue in earnest,” replied Maxwell. “The old gypsy woman foretold of day, that I am to be among the greatest of hunts when the full moon is upon us, within the South Forest.”
“I know, and apologize, my lord. I mustn't question thy actions nor that of a soothsayer.”
“That be truth, lad. Now let us prepare camp so that we may be well rested for the task before us,” ordered the knight.
“Yes, my lord.”
Finally, the special day sat upon the land, which gave way to be beginnings of an eerie glow from the full moon creeping into the sky. The princess kept vigil in anticipation of hearing rustling from Sir Randall's chamber, yet only heard silence.
“That sly fox,” she whispered. “Without my knowing, he hast already followed his heart into the forest.”
As each hour passed, the princess found herself watching the moon’s placement more than ever before.
Meanwhile, Sir Maxwell and James rose and began to prepare for the hunt. Looking up to set the placement of the moon, Maxwell knew the conditions were to be quite favorable for such a task. As if for no reason, he then began to again realize the truth of the feelings which remained alive in his heart. He always knew that if ever in the region, his soul would yearn ever-more for her company. Trying feverishly, he couldn't discourage the emotions that overtook his soul.
“Lord, why didst thou bring me here?” he prayed quietly. “Dost thou not understand the ways of the heart, the pains which I feel? The damned love that I hold for this woman? Grant me a quick, successful hunt so that I may rid this land of Ponder.”
After looking over his armor, the knight and steward then rode into the thickness of the darkened forest.
Within the castle, the princess motioned to a handmaiden from her chamber door.
“Handmaiden, the hour is finally upon us. By the wishes of the seer, my place is to be within the South Forest,” whispered the princess. “Have my steed dressed and prepared for exit into the woods.”
The handmaiden hurried off with the princess's request. Lenee then changed into riding attire and covered herself with a hooded garment.“The hour of my love has finally arrived,” she mumbled when leaving her chambers.
Quietly, she made way pass the guards so not to bring attention to her actions. Then after slipping past the final sentry, she went into the stable where the handmaiden stood with the princess's horse.
“There is no need to awaken the king of my departure,” Lenee said to her servant and a young stable boy with her. “I shall return quickly from my future."
“Good luck, my lady,” cried out the maiden as her mistress rode into the night. “I pray Cupid is with thee.”
As she rode quickly to her destination, the princess found her heart full of anticipation to the closure of her heart, that finally she would find peace in marrying Randall, knowing only his love for her, and hers alone for him. What seemed like hours, though were only minutes; the princess arrived at the clearing on the direct edge of the South Forest, dismounted, and tied her horse to the nearest tree. She noticed her palms damp from nerves when taking a blanket to stretch across the ground.
Loosening the hood, she pulled it from her head letting the auburn hair glisten off the moonlight. Her face almost glowed from its light. Once sitting on the blanket, she awaited what had been told by the soothsayer. Quickly, she found a complacency with the night sounds around her, fearing no beast, for she expected Randall to be with her soon. Lenee lit a small torch to protect her from only one element, the chill of the night air.