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DerynifanK

March 17, 2024, 03:48:44 PM
Happy St Patrick's Day. Enjoy the one day of the year when the whole world is Irish.

A Gryphon by the Tail Chapter 2

Started by Alkari, June 25, 2010, 10:39:40 PM

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Alkari

Previous chapter:  http://www.rhemuthcastle.com/index.php?topic=469.msg1822#msg1822

Chapter 2

It was nearly an hour before Richenda returned to the great hall.   Despite protesting that he wasn't tired, Brendan had fallen asleep almost as soon she'd tucked him in.   She then spent time refreshing herself and allowing her maid Joan to adjust her hair and fuss over her gown.   Joan was a godsend: a sensible lady who had four grown up children and several grandchildren, and thus handled Brendan with an ease born of experience.  

"Of course we'll find our way to where the other children are playing," she'd assured her mistress cheerfully.  "You just go and enjoy yourself, my lady, what with your family being here and all.  And it's Sir William now, too."  After a final tweak to Richenda's hairnet, she'd almost pushed her mistress out the door.

The festivities had certainly become noisier in her absence, and despite snow falling outside, the hall was warm thanks to its three large fires, the numerous torches and the sheer number of bodies.   Richenda couldn't see her father, but William was in the midst of a raucous group of young knights and ladies and certainly didn't look as though he'd appreciate his sister's company.  She finally spied Murdo talking with friends over near the far fireplace and began to wend her way towards them.  She was aware of various interested glances as she passed, but held her head high as she walked.  Courts were always hotbeds of gossip, and she was a new face in Rhemuth.  

Her brother's group welcomed her; she sipped a goblet of wine and slowly relaxed, joining in the laughter at a series of increasingly bawdy stories being told by Edward Drelling and Murdo himself.  It was only as Edward froze in mid-sentence that she sensed Alaric's arrival.

"Your Grace."  The group sank in varying degrees of deep bows and curtsies, and she turned to face him as she arose.    

"My lady Countess.  Lord Murdo.  My apologies for this intrusion."  Morgan's easy smile included them all, then he took her hand and bowed courteously over it. "My lady, I had hoped you would return before too long.   His Majesty earlier expressed a wish to greet you himself, but my cousin Duncan and I explained you were attending to your son."

"Thank you, Your Grace."  Richenda was acutely aware that every word from either of them would be noted and analysed for the slightest nuance.   "He is only young, and became tired after all the excitement of this morning's ceremonies.  A nap was called for."

"Understandable, and I trust he is now asleep."   Their eyes met.  "Perhaps though, you will now permit me the pleasure of escorting you to His Majesty?  I would indeed be remiss if I did not attempt to meet his wishes in this regard."

"I would hate the King's Champion to be accused of dereliction of duty, Your Grace," Richenda replied gravely.  

He chuckled, then turned to her brother.  "Lord Murdo, I am sure His Majesty would be most pleased to greet you as well.  Perhaps you would care to accompany us?"

"I would be most honoured, Your Grace."

"Can we find your father and Sir William too?"  

"Our father has already left court with some friends.  He wanted to return to the inn before the snow gets too heavy.  But William's still here somewhere."

"Then let's try to find him on the way.  My lady?"  Morgan offered Richenda his arm, and Murdo fell into step on her other side.

If she'd ever entertained thoughts of remaining in the background here at court, she could forget them now, she realised.   Walking through the hall on the arm of Alaric Morgan was certainly not the way to remain unnoticed. The crowd somehow parted in front of them; seemingly hundreds of curious or wary eyes studied them, and she was aware of soft murmurs as they passed.   She was grateful for Murdo's presence on her other side.    Morgan must have sensed it.

I thought it might be appropriate for you to be accompanied by your brothers today, though of course I'd be more than happy to introduce your family to His Majesty at any time.   In physical contact with her hand on his arm, it was easy to slip into mind speech.  A carefully hidden part of her mind marvelled at how natural it felt with him.

Thank you for seeing to the proprieties.  For me to walk alone with the Duke of Corwyn might call undue attention to us both. Her hold on his arm tightened briefly and she had the impression Alaric was laughing.  

The most beautiful lady in all of Gwynedd will always draw attention.  She is doubly fascinating because she is almost unknown here. His gentle mental caress and physical closeness were intensely disturbing and she hoped her shields masked her confusion.  The months since she'd last seen him had been so long ...

I'm sure the court gossips will be busy anyway.   A Deryni Duke and a traitor's widow – the tongues will be wagging from here to Torenth.

Of course.  But outwardly we must play this formal game before the whole court.  Though perhaps we'll have some fun in acting our parts!

They found William a trifle the worse for wear with his friends, but the Duke's arrival and invitation had a suitably sobering effect.    Morgan grinned as the young man hastily checked his attire and ran a hand through his dark red hair.  

"His Majesty will understand that the occasion demands celebration" he assured William cheerfully.  "And you don't look bad enough for me to take you outside and drop you in the snow."

"His head will need more than snow by tomorrow morning," said Murdo dryly as William bent to straighten a spur.  "Will you want me to wake you for early Mass, little brother?"

"Do that, and the first sin I'd have to confess would be fratricide," retorted William unabashed.  "Besides, I remember what happened after you were knighted."

"Is there something I haven't heard?" inquired Richenda, exchanging amused glances with Morgan.  

"Dearest sister, there are certain things you don't want to hear!"  William took a deep breath and nodded to Morgan.  "Your Grace, thank you for waiting.  I think most of me is attached now."

"Young man, you remind me rather disturbingly of my aide, Lord Derry.  It is lucky he is not here at present, and I should probably make sure I never introduce you both.  My lady, shall we make haste while your brother is still upright? "  

They were all laughing as they continued towards the dais where Kelson sat, surrounded by various lords, ladies and retainers.  From the somewhat fixed look on his face, Richenda had the impression the young king was more than a little fed up with the formal business of court, but he broke into a wide smile as he saw the four of them approach.

"Morgan!  I see your search was successful at last."  

"Your wish was my command, Sire.  As requested, I present to you the Lady Richenda Coris, Countess of Marley.  May I also present her two brothers, Lord Murdo FitzEwan and one of your newest knights, Sir William FitzEwan."

Onlookers had closed around them.  Richenda felt the ripple of shocked surprise as her name was announced, but put it out of mind as she sank in a deep curtsy before the King.  To her left, both brothers bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty."

Kelson had stepped down from the dais and now came forward to take her hands and raise her to her feet, at the same time acknowledging her brothers.  "My Lady, we are very pleased to welcome you to our court here at Rhemuth.    I trust your journey was not too arduous.  Did your brothers accompany you?"  He glanced from Murdo to William.

"Thank you, Sire.  No, I came with only a small escort arranged by Lord Derry.  My brothers came with my father.  The roads were not too bad and we were fortunate to arrive in Rhemuth just before the snow started."

"Excellent.  And your son Brendan – he was here earlier?"  

"He is well, thank you Sire, but tired after this morning's excitement."  

Kelson nodded and turned politely to Murdo and William.  "We are most pleased to welcome you to court, my lords.  The FitzEwan family is well known for its loyalty to the Crown of Gwynnedd.  Despite the terrible events of last summer, please accept our assurance that we have never held your sister to be responsible for her husband's actions.  The Lady Richenda made brave efforts on our behalf, and she and her son are under our protection."  

He spoke quietly, but Richenda knew that he had intended the onlookers to hear.   "Sir William, the Earl of Rhendall was most complimentary about you earlier – he is here somewhere.  You are now in service with Lord Burchard, I believe?  As the new Earl of Eastmarch, he will need good men around him."

William swallowed, clearly surprised by the King's open praise of his sister and his memory for details about a lowly knight.  "Thank you, Sire.  And my brother and I thank you for your kindness towards our sister."

"Lord Murdo, is your father still here? I recall it was he who presented your brother."  

"Sire, he stayed for a short time but has returned to the inn.  Alas, an old injury gives trouble in colder weather and he wished to be safely inside there before the snow gets too heavy."

"I am sorry to hear that, and hope he is not in too much pain."

Morgan then introduced them to Prince Nigel and his wife.  The Royal Duke remembered Richenda from the previous summer, and welcomed her with a gentle smile and courteous words.   Richenda hastened to thank Duchess Meraude for ensuring that Brendan could play with other children staying at the palace.

Meraude smiled.  "Little boys don't take kindly to long carriage journeys, do they.  They hate sitting still for such a long time.  Your son will enjoy playing with the others here during your visit."

More people were arriving to be presented to the King, so Morgan ushered them to one side where they accepted goblets of wine from an attentive page.  Almost immediately a slender young man with close-cropped dark hair and a neat beard joined them.  The newcomer gave a quick formal bow to the Duke, then grinned at him with the ease of long friendship.   Morgan introduced him as Baron Torsin Ralson D'Evering, whose barony lay between Corwyn and Carthmoor.  Torsin looked surprised at hearing Richenda's name, but greeted them all cheerfully.

"I noticed you earlier, my lady.  A mysterious and beautiful woman being escorted by our Duke here – people are already wondering who she is.  And envying Morgan of course!"   He raised his goblet to salute her, then turned serious.  "I heard the King's words, my lady, and so did many others.   They were kindness indeed, and most will take heed.  But if I may say so, please take care – many wounds are still very fresh, and there are some who won't be as welcoming."

Morgan grunted, but Torsin went on.  "There's Earl Burchard over there - though his own wife was sister to Ian Howell, the former Earl.  And Morgan here had to deal with him at His Majesty's coronation."

Richenda felt a surge of outrage from William.  If Burchard ever insults you, he'll have my sword to deal with, though I serve him.

William, that's the wine talking, not you.   Most of Burchard's men were killed -I can stand a few insults.

"I didn't expect it would be easy, Sir Torsin," said Richenda quietly.  "But since last summer my son and I have been under His Majesty's protection and he was good enough to invite me to attend William's knighting."  She gestured to her brother. "I can hardly refuse a Royal request."

"No, my lady.   I'm certainly not one to hold a man's crimes against his wife and child, especially after what you did to help the King, but others may not be so forgiving."

"She had a taste of that this morning," said Morgan grimly, and briefly recounted Lady Trimmett's remarks.  

Torsin snorted.  "Hope you dealt with her."

"With considerable pleasure, though not alas, with my boot."

"Good.  Though we'll lose a source of some interesting rumours."  Torsin glanced around and lowered his voice.   "Checking for any wandering clergy.    Though if you're talking to Duke Alaric, you're not afraid of the Deryni, are you?"  He looked at them shrewdly.

"Only the likes of Wencit of Torenth," replied Richenda with a slight smile.   "And if there are any Deryni in Marley, they have kept themselves very well hidden."

"I haven't noticed any of them being open about their activities in Rheljan," agreed Murdo.    "If they exist, they are probably keeping their heads down.  Only His Grace here seems to have been open about his background."

"Everyone knew it anyway," said Morgan dryly, "so no use hiding.   Though my armour has become a little dented this last year.   So – what are the latest rumours about my perfidies?"

"Well, nothing much lately, not since that Warin fellow quietened down.  The cloven hooves ones are old, and I take it you still haven't grown a forked tail?

"No.  Too difficult to ride a horse with that.  And my armourer would get very upset."

"Hmmm.   Let's see - you haven't started making any bloodthirsty sacrifices at the top of the green tower?"

"Well, there's occasional blood shed in my study – but generally mine as I battle the accounts."

"That doesn't count.  Ah!  I remember one.  Did you know that at the full moon last midwinter, you made off with nine young maidens and took them to a wicked Deryni orgy in a secret lair in the Lendour Mountains?"

"Nine maidens?" said Morgan, affecting horror.  "Whatever happened to the other three – I thought one of those orgies required at least a dozen?"  

William nearly choked on his wine.  He can stand there and joke openly about this? he sent incredulously to Richenda, who was trying not to laugh.  

Torsin shook his head sadly.   "Must be running out of maidens in Corwyn.   Or else they were probably all out chasing after Derry."  He hastily turned to Richenda.  "Beg pardon my Lady – I hope you did not take offence at my jest."

"Not at all," she smiled. "With a four year old son, I'm certainly no maiden. Although perhaps I should be more on my guard in the Duke of Corwyn's company," she added demurely.  

"Indeed you should, my lady."  Morgan's eyes danced as nodded.  "Though if I had such evil designs on you, I should hope I would find a more comfortable place than a lair in the Lendour Mountains in winter!"

Murdo and William joined in the laughter.  "Where is young Derry, by the way?  Haven't seen him in months."

"In Marley, assisting Lady Richenda to establish a regency council.  His Majesty wanted one of his Council members to be there and provide advice," replied Morgan.  And to carry my letters to you, he added to Richenda.

"Good idea.  Derry's no fool under that mop of hair.  He's worked with you long enough to know his way around."  Torsin nodded approvingly.

"He's already been a great help," said Richenda.  "I have our report to present to His Majesty and his Council.  But there are still many things to sort out, so Derry stayed on in Marley."

A squire in royal livery approached.  Morgan listened to the murmured message and reluctantly excused himself, saying that Prince Nigel wanted a word.

They watched him slip away.  "You seem to know His Grace very well," Richenda remarked to Torsin.  "And I'm sure I've heard the name Ralson D'Evering before."

Torsin eyed her carefully.  "My father was Gerard Ralson," he replied softly.  "He sat on the King's Council for many years – your late husband would have known him.  When King Brion died, my father was one of those sent by Prince Kelson to get Morgan.  He was killed in an ambush on the way back from Cardosa."

Oh no!  How could I possibly have forgotten that!  Ralson – Bran always said he was one of Alaric's closest friends.  He was so furious that Kelson had sent for Alaric and that he got back safely.   And then when Alaric escaped the Queen's charge of treason ...   Richenda remembered her husband's furious account of the coronation events.   He'd raged intermittently for several weeks at Alaric Morgan and his interfering Deryni ways.  And then her little Rhiannon had died ...   Quickly she clamped down on those memories.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "Please forgive me for asking.  I – I do remember hearing about your father.   It was just that – you and His Grace seemed to know each other so well."

Again that careful scrutiny.  "My late father was there at the battle against the Marluk, my lady.  He saw what Morgan did to save King Brion.  He would have known what was at stake when the King died – and would have given his life a thousand times over to get Alaric Morgan back to be with King Brion's son.   As for the Duke himself, I've known him most of my life.  I'm a few years younger, and when he came of age, my father sent me to spend time in Coroth as a squire.  I've been in and out of Corwyn ever since.  Derry's a good friend too – I assist Prince Nigel in much the same way as Derry does Morgan. "

"So the fact that the Duke is Deryni doesn't worry you?" inquired Murdo.

Torsin shrugged.  "The Dukes of Corwyn have always been Deryni.  Why worry about the latest one?  Anyway, my father always taught me: judge the man and not the rumour.  If you want my opinion, the fact that he is Deryni is about the only thing really wrong with Alaric Morgan for most people."

A royal page refilled their goblets, and he went on.  "Ask folk in Corwyn – they might cross themselves furtively about the Deryni bit, but apart from that you won't get too many complaints about the Duke's rule.  He's as fair and honest as they come, you get a decent hearing to your petitions and there's proper justice in his courts.   There's always those who grumble about something or other, but you don't see the Duke wasting money and he puts a fair share of taxes back into the duchy in some way.  And if men are killed in his service – well, he tries to do something for their families, especially if they leave widows and children.   Some of his pages and squires come to him that way and the men are very loyal to him because of it.   There's more than one widow who's been quietly helped with a sum of money, or the Duke's found a place for her or her children."  He tossed off the rest of his goblet.  "I'll probably rot in hell for saying this, but if that's being an evil Deryni - well, I've seen less charity and kindness from Bishops and others in the Church who preach about it."    He looked at them almost defiantly.

"Then perhaps we shall have to plead your case with the Almighty before that happens," said a gentle voice, and Richenda turned to find Father Duncan smiling at them.  He greeted them all and asked after the Ralson family.  When a page offered yet more wine, Richenda realised William was looking slightly glassy-eyed. Moreover, it was getting late – Brendan would be awake by now, and probably upset at being in a strange place.

"Father, Lord Torsin," she said.  "I'm afraid I must take my leave of you.  My son will be wondering where I am, and may feel safer in a strange place if I am with him."    She nudged Murdo.  Take William home before he passes out or worse!

"Of course, my lady." Torsin bowed and took his leave from all of them.  Murdo managed to take the goblet from his brother's hand, and steadied him on his feet.  "C'mon brother – though you'll sober up in the snow."

"My squire will see to your horses."  Morgan had rejoined them, and now beckoned to a lad in Corwyn livery who, Richenda realised, had been discreetly accompanying the Duke all day. "My lords, it was a pleasure meeting you.  I am sure we will see each other again before too long.  And," he grinned, "don't try for early Mass tomorrow!"

Richenda kissed them both quickly, and watched as Murdo steered the now very unsteady William towards the doors.  "That young man is going to have a very bad headache," said Duncan sympathetically.  

"We've all been there at some time, though," chuckled Morgan.

"Speak for yourself, cousin. I am a sober and serious priest, you know!"   The two smiled at each other.

"I really must take my leave too," said Richenda.  

"Then let me escort you," said Duncan.  "I can show you the palace chapel on the way perhaps – in this snow, you may wish to attend Mass there rather than walk across to St Hilary's.   And besides," he grinned, "I fear that my dear cousin has been having far too much fun in your company today, and a period of deprivation and suitable penance will do him good."

"The Church always takes the fun out of these things," muttered Morgan.  He took her hand and bowed politely for the sake of any watching eyes.  "Good day, my lady.  My best wishes to you and your son."

May I come to you later?  After Compline?

Yes.

The Duke of Corwyn vanished into the crowd, and the Countess of Marley left shortly after, demurely and respectably escorted by a ducal priest.

_____________


Next chapter:  http://www.rhemuthcastle.com/index.php?topic=510.0

Evie

I loved this!  :)

This bit cracked me up, though....
Quote
Richenda kissed them both quickly, and watched as Murdo steered the now very unsteady William towards the doors.  "That young man is going to have a very bad headache," said Duncan sympathetically. 

"We've all been there at some time, though," chuckled Morgan.

"Speak for yourself, cousin. I am a sober and serious priest, you know!"   The two smiled at each other.

I couldn't help but remember the scene in DC where Duncan, after encountering "Saint Camber" on the road back to Coroth and then getting back too late for the feast, ends up waiting for Alaric up in the Green Tower, and drinking wine to calm his nerves while he waits.  By the time Morgan gets there and they discuss Duncan's odd encounter, Duncan is too wasted to leave his chair, so he decides to spend the night up there in the tower room, since he's comfortable enough there.  Or at least definitely not feeling any pain....

Yeah.  A sober and serious priest. Most of the time.   :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

AnnieUK

After Compline?  Jeepers, they'd better be chaperoned.... ;)

Alkari


Evie

#4
If I'm remembering correctly, it's the last canonical hour of the day.  Sort of like Alaric saying "May I come to you later?  After bedtime?"

"Yes."

*fans self briskly*    :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Alkari

#5
Of course it's late.  Why do you think I had him make it then?!!  There are far too many sticky-beaking, eagle eyed people wandering around the palace earlier ;)   And by then, little boys and maids in waiting will be deeply asleep ...

Evie

Umhmmm.  Father Duncan will be waiting in the confessional with his stole at the ready.   ;)
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Alkari

Not at that hour of the night, he won't :D

But it's not easy for them to sneak some time alone together during the days; Alaric himself is very busy with the King and all his official duties, because the King is really now sorting out longer term administration in Gwynnedd. There's also a lot of work coming up because the bishops are holding a synod in Rhemuth over the next week or so.  With dear Loris in town to face judgement by his peers, Alaric is going to be paying some attention to what the bishops are doing! :D   Richenda has Brendan to look after, plus she wants to see her own family.   And as always at court, there will be eyes and ears everywhere, because of who they are - so outwardly they have to 'allow' themselves to start liking each other, while taking what brief opportunities they can to be alone.   And that sometimes means 'after Compline' ...



Shiral

Morgan had better not try for early Mass, himself.   :D Although he'd better not linger too late in Richenda's chamber, either. =o) But I think they'll be playing something more interesting than Cardounet.

Melissa
You can have a sound mind in a healthy body--Or you can be a nanonovelist!

Alkari

#9
LOL Shiral - Morgan is still a man of honour though.   But young William FitzEwan may not be the only one who needs a stroll in the snow at times, and I don't think poor Morgan always has restful sleep at night  ...  ;)


kirienne (RIP)

This gets better and better. I trust Alaric to behave in such a manner as to not compromise his or Richenda's honor but  I would not put it past Kelson and Duncan to  playfully conspire with each other and send for His Grace at an early hour the next day. And yes, he might need a stroll in the snow later. :-)

Alkari


Interlude

"You're tired, Father," said Richenda gently, looking at Duncan's face.  They were sitting in a pew near the back of the royal chapel, and the light from one of the wall torches showed up the angles of his face, and emphasised the little lines around his eyes.

"It was a long ride from Culdi.  And I've been very busy ever since."

"We both know it's not the ride from Culdi." 

Duncan sighed and was silent.  "I think we have all had better years," he said at last. "I never expected to be Duke.  There's - a lot to be done."

"And it becomes harder and harder to find words of comfort for the families in your duchy?  Somehow, I suspect they start to sound a little hollow.  And that it is not always easy to keep faith in the face of what has happened."

He studied her, then reached out to take her hands.  "Apart from Alaric, I think you're the only person who truly understands that, Richenda," he said softly.   "Duncan MacLain the man is allowed to grieve for his loved ones and shed tears for those he knew well - but Father Duncan MacLain the priest must somehow keep his faith and be above that, so that he can try to comfort others."

"And does he?"

"Yes.  Yes, he does.  And in my heart I know that Our Lord will give me the strength to carry on."  He gave a wry smile.  "Perhaps in a way my excommunication was the ultimate test of my faith.  And He showed me the way back from that, and was willing to accept me again – so what else do I have to fear?"

She nodded.  "You have your faith.  I think – I think Alaric deals with things a little differently.  I don't think padded tunics and chain mail are the only armour he puts on."

Duncan smiled, and kissed her hands gently.  "I think my cousin is a very lucky man.  Only – "his blue eyes twinkled wickedly, "don't stay up too late talking to him tonight!"

"I shall tell him he is expected at early Mass," she laughed.  "Suitably penitent!  Now," she rose and looked towards the chapel door, "how do I get to my apartments from here?"

*    *    *

AnnieUK

Aw.  Duncan needs someone to talk to as well, doesn't he?  They've all had a really rubbish year. 

Alkari

#13
Yes, they have.  After all, priests are human too.  And I suspect that even they need someone other than a fellow priest to talk to about these things occasionally.

Evie

Beautiful!  And yes, even a priest needs to be ministered to. Duncan wasn't born in a cassock. :-)
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!