The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 20

A missive from King Rhain of Eerikki to Lady Corina of Greenway.

My Dearest Lady,

I have many glad tidings to convey. Firstly, you will be pleased to hear that Mistress Tempie has attained Elite Warrior status this cycle. This was a wondrous thing to witness.

As you first thought Tempie shares much with you my love, namely the gift of dea Viribus. I have witnessed her strength which was directed at Batair during her Sacra Bellator. She challenged Batair for her Pugna, this was the first time since his nineteenth cycle I witnessed him bested. I am sure his chest still smites but I know his pride does not, a most admiral quality in a future ruler.

I have passed on my appreciation to the forge master and artisans of Berljot as to the creation of the breastplate and vambrace for Tempie they were exact and looked amazing on her slight frame.

After vestments were bestowed, she changed into the blood-red gown you selected and was a vision that took our sons breath away.

You are so clever my love to realise that his honour stood in the way of his heart. It was Albern being such that he has been both friend and Trabant for so long who finally literally took him in hand.

It took Tempie three days to sate her desire. I do believe it was only with the assistance of Averta's tonic that Batair was able to succeed. I would say that if challenged at present he would be unbeatable.

I would expect that a request for union may be forthcoming, but I will leave the matter to the Goddess's two earthly priestesses, Averta and you.

Secondly, your Albern is the cleverest of spies and discovered that your dearest friend Mistress Averta is with child. He made a great show during the Accolades to front the Sword Master to claim her or he would challenge. I am so happy to announce that the Sword Master was brought to kneel before his lady tears streaming. It was so joyous my love and I was so honoured to ratify their union. The child is due for presentation around the time of the Festival of Bounties.

I cannot wait for your return for the next Festival of Bounties, shall we wager again?

I am yet to collect my previous winnings. I will enjoy bringing a blush to your ivory cheeks.

Averta sends a Goddess blessing and her love, she too cannot wait until your return and kindly requests that you bring a cutting from the midnight Rose as she wishes to cultivate it for the Court Garden.

Colby still concern's me I will send two Rotten to accompany you to court next time you travel.

Lord Tatum feels shamed over all that has occurred but is wise enough to have requested that I send him assistance in being able to not only secure his lands but clear Coritham of the dishonoured. I will be requesting two rotten of Elite Warrior from each Lord. They will be garrisoned at Loch Colby. I know Batair will want to assume command but I believe I do need him in Eerikki. My choice in this instance would be Valiant. I also believe when the time comes, he will be a perfect Captain for Batair.

Now that Sacra Bellator has been completed for this cycle, I will be returning Jian to your court, so he may assist you further. He will be well missed.

I do seek your counsel as to Batair. There is much to tell him.

Goddess blessings my love. Your Rhain.

***

Corina smiled as she finished reading Rhain's missive, she called for her Chamberlain to make arrangements and when to her desk to reply to her love.

The Greenway messenger approached the Court of Eerikki, it had been a long hard ride but praise be the Goddess an uneventful one. Upon presentation, at the Hold gates, the messenger had been directed to the war room, where he handed the correspondence to the King. Rhain dismissed him and directed he should go to the kitchen for food and rest before returning to Greenway. The young messenger saluted his King and went to see what delights he could find in the hold kitchens. There had been a particularly pretty kitchen hand he had spied last time he had been at court.

Rhain dismissed all, once alone he carefully opened the parchment. Running a finger over the Greenway seal caressing the image of a great lion's face embossed into the wax, as though he was caressing Corina's face.

Bringing the parchment up he inhaled the fragrance she so loved, midnight rose. His heart longed to touch her skin and kiss her lips. He cracked the seal.

Missive from Lady Corina of Greenway to King Rhain of Eerikki.

My Love,

As always it gladdens my heart to hear the happenings of Eerikki. I am overjoyed at what has been happening but feel that I should return before Festival of Bounties. I will be returning as soon as two of my elite rotten are available. There will be much to talk about you can expect me within the next moon.

I am not sure if this thought has occurred to you my love, now that Jian is of age and more than capable, I find I am no longer prepared to remain the Lady of Greenway and wish to stand aside for him to become the Lord leaving me free to join you at court. This we can discuss upon my arrival.

I will leave my Chamberlain in charge.

I am overjoyed for Averta and William and am sure they will be doubly blessed by the Goddess. This will be another reason for my earlier return as I know William will become more anxious as her presentation draws closer.

With a great smile on my lips I would say, My King, I do not know what winnings you are referring too.

The Rotten I bring with me I will assign to your administration to add to the Fahnlein you wish to assign to the issues of Colby. Valiant will be the perfect choice to lead this campaign. He is level-headed and wise. As well as being relentless in the pursuit of justice. You are also right he will be the perfect Captain for Batair as his loyalty to our son is only second to that of Albern.

My love, I would advise that it is the time to tell Batair, the threat to him is not as great and he now has the Goddesses own protection. For as fiercely as I would defend you, my love, Tempie will never allow any harm to come to our Batair. Their union will not be that of any normal nobility. It will be that of a true Warrior King and Warrior Queen which is what our lands now need.

Goddess blessings my love. Your Corina