MOONBOW

By Atonia

Part 6-Moonbow Over Carnes Castle

Chapter 1

Cameron was a little hesitant about telling Dashell of Anne’s pregnancy. The wound to his heart was still raw. However, it was a fact that would not be secret for long. He told him one morning after breakfast before he left to drill with the army.

“Dash, it seems a miracle has happened…Anne’s pregnant. After so many years we’d given up on having children.”

Dashell looked at him for a minute. “Congratulations. I am glad for you both.”

“Thanks, it means a lot to me.”

“I am sure it does…I will speak to Anne later.” He left for the practice field.

It was hard for Cameron to contain his happiness. It spilled over everything.

Later that morning he had a visit from his neighbor. The Falmouth himself came over to Carnes Castle to thank him for ridding the world of Blackheath and thus saving his kingdom. Falmouth was an old man, riddled with arthritis, and he rarely left his castle. Cameron was honored to receive him.

“Did he hurt you much?”

“He cleared our land of livestock to feed his army and harvested the wheat but fortunately it’s still here.”

“I can let you have some seed stock. They breed, you know, cattle, pigs and goats. Got some milk cows, too, if you want them.”

“I’ll take anything.”

“I’ll have them sent over. How long are you going to leave the head on a spike?”

Cameron shifted in his chair. Blackheath’s head was on the road leading to the castle. “Until it’s picked clean and its message reaches over the country.”

The old man cackled. “I’ve heard he carried his treasures with him…have you found it yet?”

“Ah, no, we haven’t.”

“No way to know who it belonged to, of course, no use in returning it…when you find it.”

“If we find it. He paid his army well. There may not be anything to find. It would go a long way to restock our land and for the planting. Our people were in hiding and living off what they could find.”

“It will take you awhile to come back but you will. I have great faith in you, Cameron. It was not always so with the Cades.”

“I have no ambitions in your direction, Falmouth. We have quite enough to contend with here.”

He rose shakily from his chair. “I will leave you to contend. Good to have you on the throne.”

“It has been an honor, Sir.”

The army of Carnes land was much diminished after the battles with Blackheath. However, there were some new recruits that needed watching. Thirty-three former Blackheaths had laid down their arms during the battle for the castle and wished to join the Carnes land army. These were men from far off kingdoms who’d been swept into Blackheath’s army. At first Dashell told them to go home but they were afraid of retaliation. He and Monty kept them separate from the rest during drill. If they proved themselves and swore loyalty to the King of Carnes land then they might be considered. Dashell stood aside, taking each man’s measure while Monty questioned them and put them through their paces.

When Tom Tremont arrived at Chaucer castle with Calli and his men it was to find a house in mourning. Much had changed in the time he’d been away. His father was dying, his second and third brothers were dead and the fourth brother had left for the priesthood. That left his oldest brother to greet him and his intended. There would be no question of a marriage until a time of mourning passed and then there was his father. Tom went to his bedside and his father confused him with his other brothers.

The eldest brother and heir to the throne of Chaucer land took him aside. “Your position is greatly changed. You are now second in line. You see how our father lies waiting for death. I think it will come soon. I have sent word to his brother who may want to see him before…

“I stand ready, Charles,” Tom answered.

“You are very young for such responsibility but I am going to put the army under your command. From what I hear of your courage at Carnes land I believe you are ready. There is no immediate threat to our land but you know how these things work. Once our father is dead there may be those that might want to test our mettle."

“They will not find us wanting, Charles. There is the…the question of Calli. We must marry.”

“Then do it quietly. Later you may celebrate your marriage but now is not the time. Our people expect certain things to be observed…like mourning your brothers’ death and perhaps our father's to follow. It is good to have you back, Tom. We thought you were lost in battle. I am also very glad to hear of the Cades surviving the battle.  We heard all was lost.  It is a great victory, to be sure. We must pay homage to King Cameron when the time is right to do so. I cannot leave here now.”

Tom took Calli to Rachel, Charles Tremont’s wife, and she took her under her wing. Later Tom told Charles about their trip to Moonbow and to Asgard.

“You are in the gods' favor. Pray, do not talk of it to our brother Richard. You will be called out as a blasphemer. “

“I do believe in the one true God, Charles, but I cannot discount what I have witnessed. There be realms of which we know nothing.

“I do not pretend to know everything but this I do know, do not tell anyone that Calli is the daughter of a god. I believe it would put her at risk in the current state of things.”

Tom frowned and looked away. Christianity had been around for some time now, at least through his generation. There were still those that followed the old ways but the new chapel at Chaucer castle was always full and another was being built in the village. His brother Richard had embraced the faith and become a fervent advocate of punishing those who did not believe. It was good that he was gone from Chaucer land. Tom did not mind if he did not return.

Dashell took a small contingent of men and Peter, who’d become his constant companion, for a ride over Carnes land. He wanted to see for himself exactly the state of things with their people. He found them returned to their homes but heard of many hardships. There was little food to be had from the fields except potatoes. Blackheath’s minions had been too impatient for the digging of potatoes. Left without livestock they were truly suffering. The fishing hamlet was doing well as they’d found some pigs gone wild since the invasion. Dashell met with the head man and promised him, as he had done all day in other hamlets, that things would be better soon. But promises did not put food in men’s bellies.

“I wish we could find the treasure,” Peter said.

“What treasure would that be?” Dashell turned to him and asked.

“Blackheath’s treasure. Falmouth said he took his bounty with him wherever he went.”

“Falmouth told you this, did he?” Dashell raised a skeptical brow.

“No, Sir, I…overheard him talking to Cam.”

“Someday, Peter, you’re going to have your ear where it shouldn’t be and hear something you wish you’d never heard. I am sure if Cam wanted your attendance, he would have invited you to sit with him.”

“But about the treasure, I don’t think Cam has looked for it.”

“I doubt Cam has had time to do much of anything except get us up and going again. If there is a treasure, it will turn up.”

That evening he reported his findings to Cam. “We have to feed them, Cam. They cannot feed themselves and soon the snows will come. There will be no planting until spring.”

“We can break open our stores here, Dash, but that’s only a moment’s solution to the problem. Falmouth is sending some seed stock, so he says. They will probably be eaten before they can breed. I have searched father’s coffers and found them very low indeed. I suspect Blackheath cleaned out the treasury.”

“He didn’t leave here, Cam. If he cleaned it out it is still here somewhere…hidden.”

“It may be and I will search for it but there is also the possibility that he shipped it northward. You said yourself he was planning to leave here for York land.”

“That’s what I heard but he planned to take Falmouth land and Chaucer land first.”

Cameron looked across the room toward the fire. “If you were going to hide a treasure here at Carnes castle, where would you hide it?”

“In plain sight. Somewhere you would not expect it to be.”

Chapter 2

A messenger came to Carnes castle with news that King Baldwin had died.

Cameron thanked the young man and sent him to the kitchens for a warm drink. “Well…another one gone. Not many of the old guard left now.”

“Falmouth is the only one here on the west coast,” Dashell sighed. “We will go.”

“Yes, I’ll send a messenger to Falmouth. I doubt he’ll make the trek but he may want to send an emissary.”

“He had no sons, Falmouth.”

“No, he didn’t. Three daughters, I believe. “Charles will be king now. I wonder what this will mean for Tom.”

“It’s been a month now. I had expected to receive word of his impending marriage but perhaps his father’s illness prevented it.”

“It won’t happen now; there will have to be a period of mourning the King.”

“How soon before we depart?”

“Ah, two days, I should think. That will give us time to prepare and for the messenger to contact Falmouth. They may ride with us.”

“I will let Monty know. What about Peter? Do you intend that he should go, Cam?”

“He is a Cades. Yes, he will accompany us.”

“That will please him. I daren’t turn without looking lest I step upon him.”

Cameron smiled. “He has become your shadow.”

“I do not mind him.”

“He comes to you because I tell him no. You tend to explain the meaning of no to him.”

“He’s been though a lot for one so young and young he is for his age.”

“His mother coddled him until the fever took her.  I’ll send for the messenger to Falmouth now.”

“I’ll look out Monty.”

“Oh, Dash, I’d like Monty to take charge here while we’re gone. He’s the only one I’d trust.”

“All right…I agree.”

“Well, of course I can ride. I’ve been riding all my life.” Anne turned to Cameron in surprise.

“It’s twenty miles to the border and then another twenty miles or there about to Chaucer castle. I’m only thinking of your comfort.”

“I imagine you’ll camp for the night. Even you get a sore butt.”

Cameron smiled. “That I do but mine is not so important right now as yours. I’m afraid it will be too much for you in your condition.”

“My condition is not a disease or impairment. It barely shows.” She touched her stomach. “I will go with you. I’d like to see Rachel and her youngest.”

“Very well, you may go, but you will not ride. We’ll arrange a wagon for you.”

“You will not! I wouldn’t have a bone left in one piece…forty miles in a wagon!” Anne came to him. “I do understand your concern but this time is different, Cam. I feel different…I feel strong and…and good inside. He will be safe with me until you can hold him in your arms.”

“The fact that I am your King and can mete out whatever punishment I think applies does not mean anything to you, does it?” He placed his hands on her waist.

“What punishment did you have in mind, Sire?”

“So, you want me to be King of the castle while you are away to Chaucer land?”

“Yes, do you mind it so?”

“I do not mind it, Dash, but what am I to do?”

“Watch over the castle and our people. Cam asked for you to do this.”

“Cam did, ah, well. Am I to move into quarters?”

“Yes, but don’t get too comfortable,” Dashell grinned. “You may bring Leyla with you.”

“Um, about Leyla...we wish to marry.”

“Do you now?”

“You know how soldiers talk and it’s not like that with us.”

“How is it with you? Have you fallen in love with her?”

“Ah, I never thought to have this again. Yes, I have and I wish to make a respectable woman of her.”

“As disorganized as we are at present, we are in mourning for our father. You may take her to chapel and see the Father.”

“Thank you, Dash. I didn’t think it would be a problem but I’d forgotten about the mourning part.”

“So much has happened in such a short time…we forget. I occupy his rooms and there are many reminders.”

“How many men do you wish to take with you?”

“Ah…thirty and there may be some from Falmouth land as well. We will probably be gone for some time, as much as a month.”

“If anything comes up here I’ll send a messenger.”

“You’d better pull out your good clothes, Peter; we’re away to Chaucer Land in two days time. King Baldwin has died.”

“I am very sorry to hear. I have new clothes. Anne says I’ve grown and it’s true, I can barely buckle my vest.”

Dashell sat down on his trunk. “I hadn’t noticed…so you have.”

“I have a whole new trunk full of new things. I shall have to give my old ones to Mabes. He can find some village boy to wear them.”

“It will be good to see Tom Tremont again.”

“Yes, it will. Do I need to send someone to pack for you or can you manage it on your own.”

“I can pack my things. I suppose it is to be a formal visit.”

“It will be. You’d better pack for warmth. Good night, Peter.”

“Good night, Dash.”

Two days after Cameron and his party left for Chaucer land one of the castle guards rushed into the great hall.

“Sir, you must come quickly…thieves!”

“Thieves?”

“Yes, Sir, in the north tower. There were two of them trying to make off with Prince Peter’s trunk.”

Monty ran after the guard and made his way to the north tower. In the hall and on their knees were two men Monty recognized as former Blackheath soldiers. He set his jaw and slightly shook his head. Now all of the Blackheaths would be either banished or…worse.

“What are you about?” he demanded.

Neither of them would speak.

“Open the trunk!”

A guard used his sword to unlock the trunk.

“Oh, oh, God in his heavens!” The trunk was filled with gold and jewels including the Crown of Carnes.

He drew his sword and thought better of it. Instead he hit each of them upside of the head with the flat of the blade. “Take them down to the dungeon and chain them to the wall. The King will have them.”

The guards hustled the two men down the stairs and Monty knelt, running a hand through the gold. This was Blackheath’s treasure. He stood up and looked at the guards by him. “Take this to the treasury and lock it up”

Chapter 3

The news of the treasure was gladly received at Chaucer castle. Cameron immediately made arrangements to purchase goods from Chaucer land. Later he would send a party to the great markets of Kilby land. The messenger from Carnes brought a package for Cameron and when he opened it he found the Crown of Carnes. He had yet to place it on his head.

As with Charles Tremont there had to be a formal coronation. Charles, Cameron noted, was already wearing the Crown of Chaucer. He declined until it was made official by the church.

They were awaiting the arrival of King Baldwin’s brother before the funeral would be held. Dashell had not seen any of Celia’s family since their wedding. He was not looking forward to seeing her father. He’d failed him. He’d not kept her safe from harm.

While they waited, Tom and Calli were married in a simple ceremony conducted in the castle chapel. Charles and his wife Rachel along with Cameron and Anne and Dashell were the only witnesses. It was essential that they marry as soon as possible. Calli was with child.

“They are so young and so beautiful together. It is good to see that life continues in the midst of death and destruction,” Anne remarked.

“Life does continue.” Cameron placed a hand on her stomach, “And it is good.”

“Congratulations,” Dashell said, embracing Tom and kissing the bride. “May you have a long and happy life together.”

“Thank you, Dash. It was you that made this possible. If you had not led us to the edge of the world...."

Dashell dismissed him, “It was fate, my friend.”

Later that evening after the wedding dinner, Dashell walked outside on the ramparts beyond his quarters at Chaucer castle. He felt so very alone. Even Peter had found friends in Charles’ eldest children. He looked up at the sky, at the waning moon. He wondered briefly if Mani could see him. His answer came immediately. A soft glow surrounded him for a moment.

All was right in their world. The treasure had been found and their people would not starve. Cam had an heir in the making. Tom and Monty had their loves. He felt apart, the odd man out. He looked down at the grounds. “So be it.” Somehow he would find his place again.

Mid-morning word reached the castle that King Baldwin’s brother was approaching.  The activity level in the castle increased and plans were finalized for the funeral that would take place the next day.

William Tremont and his party rode through the gates and into the center court. Dashell observed them through a narrow window. He decided to go down and face his father-in-law and get it behind him.

Charles and Rachel greeted William Tremont along with their children. Rachel glanced over the others as they dismounted. He’d brought his daughters with him…"Charles!” She grabbed his arm.

Dashell came though the great hall and out into the court. William was surrounded by his nieces and nephews. He noted Celia’s sisters…and then his heart stopped.

Rachel ran over to her and turned her around. “Celia!” Celia could not answer for she’d looked beyond Rachel and seen Dashell.

Neither of them could move. Chatter around them…we thought you were dead…Celia where have you been?

He moved and she met him half way. “You live!”

“I…I thought you…oh, Celia!” He caught her up in a tight embrace.

In the background William spoke to Charles. “We heard all the Cades were lost…and Tom…Tom, you are alive.” He embraced Tom for a minute.

Tom looked around at Dashell and Celia. “We thought Celia and the babe were lost to Blackheath. The babe, does it live?”

“Aye, it lives. We left it behind with a wet nurse. Too far for such a small man to travel.”

Dashell and Celia heard none of this.  He had her face in his hands and he kissed her. All the pain and suffering he’d been through was suddenly gone…gone in an instant. He didn’t know how it could be, how she could be there in his arms…alive.

Hearing the squeals in the court, Cameron and Anne came out. Cameron had seen Dashell pass by earlier.

“Oh…Oh!” Anne ran to them and then stood back while tears formed in her eyes and streamed unheeded down her cheeks. Cameron came over with a wide smile and patted Dashell’s back.

“A miracle,” he said.

Dashell released Celia while she wiped her eyes. There were hugs and more tears from Anne and Cameron. Finally, Peter emerged from the doorway and ran to Celia. She took him in her arms and hugged him, kissing the top of his head.

“We thought you were dead by Blackheath,” Peter said.

“No, no, I got out. I’ll tell you later how it all came about.” She looked over him to Dashell. “Dash, we heard all Cades had been lost. I didn’t know...."

“Neither did I. Clarence told us you were lost. He gave us no hope for your survival.”

“We have a son.” She bit her lip.

“And is he a fine boy?”

“The best.”

Charles entreated them all to go inside by the fire. Snowflakes were beginning to fall. Once they were all settled, Celia told the Cades how she escaped Blackheath.

“As you know, the baby was only three hours old when we got word Blackheath was actually in the castle. My maid, Morum, strapped the baby to her chest and Beecher, you remember Beecher, the finest guard ever you had, Dash. He came into the room and he was much injured and cut up but he got us to the secret passage out of the north tower. It was not an easy climb for me down the narrow steps with only a torch before us carried by the child, Harris. He led us through the dungeons and out through a tunnel.”

“I know that tunnel well.”

“I am sorry to say, Beecher could go on no longer. He urged us to flee. I could not walk and Harris found a mule to carry me and the baby. We fled through the cedar wood. By nightfall we were in the fishermen’s hamlet but they had deserted the place. I slept there for awhile and come dawn, Harris ran into the hut and said there was a boat. We climbed into the boat and it began to move all on its own. It was a wondrous thing but the previous day’s events were bringing me low. The boat sailed down the coast.”

“It sailed her right up to our coast. A watchman found them and brought them home. I thought it a miracle. We brought her and her people to the house and cared for her and the babe.” William smiled at his daughter.

“And there  you’ve been, safe and sound all this time.”

“Yes, I regained my strength and during this time a messenger came from here at Chaucer castle telling us that Carnes land was taken by Blackheath and all Cades were lost.”

“It was only when we met your men, Charles, that we knew of Blackheath’s defeat, only yesterday. But they did not tell us who had defeated him,” William queried.

“It was Cameron,” Charles said.

“No…no, it was not I. It was Dashell who felled him.” Cameron looked at Dashell and lifted his chin slightly.

“I, too, have a tale to tell but I think I will save it for another time.”

“Dash, I have a confession to make.”

“What is it, Peter?”

“It was Harris that found the tunnel and showed it to me. He and I played about in the tunnel and passageways. Not ever again, though.”

“No, you won’t be playing in the tunnel for it has been sealed off again.” Cameron raised a brow at Peter.

“I will forgive you this one time for disobeying, Peter. I will not forgive you a second time. Passageways are no longer your play ground.”

“Yes, Sir.” Peter looked at Dashell with a slight smile.

King Baldwin was laid to rest in his tomb. Afterward they held a feast to send him on his way. Cameron and Anne along with Peter returned to Carnes castle. Dashell returned with William Tremont and Celia to Fielding House where he met his son and named him…Mani William Fredrick Dashell Cades.

Over time he told his tale to Celia. He told her about the boats, about Moonbow and Asgard. He told her how Calli came to Tom and Leyla to Monty.

A new moon rose over Carnes castle and Dashell took Celia out to marvel at it. As they watched, a Moonbow formed around the brightly shining moon.

“He is pleased,” Dashell turned to Celia, “and so am I.”

THE END