The Kingdom

39

Avon...

Cahill entered the gates of Avon with his men following him in absolute silence. It was not yet day, but the sun bloomed on the horizon. Shy sunrays came as nature's easel, giving color to what was hidden under the passing dark snowy night. Upon the rise of the sun the village and forest were blanketed white. From their warm lungs came white clouds as they breathed. It was freezing. It was one of those days where the cold seeps through any piece of clothing and drains one's soul. It robbed the last whispers of warmth from every bone. Cahill and his men were tired, hungry and their faces covered in cold sores as Winter had come with some of the coldest days they remembered and blizzards as if sky-dams had burst. Some peasants were already around, collecting water from the well. Gesturing their men with his head, Cahill told them to go home and their ways started to split. He stopped in front of Egan's chamber where some thick white smoke could be seen coming out of the chimney. His servants were up already and probably so was he. Cahill descended the horse and tied its rope. He took a glance at his own simple house with Cathleen and everything seemed really quiet. Then, he took large steps to the wood door and took a deep breath with his closed fist in the air. He had news and he knew those would leave Egan displeased. His heart started pounding inside his chest strongly and then he got the courage to knock. Cahill knocked three times strongly, stepping away after and taking a deep breath. Soon, he heard the latch sliding and one of the maids appeared in front of his eyes.

"Lord king..." She bowed right away, greeting him.

"Is Lord Egan awake?" Cahill asked, wanting to go through with the painful conversation as fast as he could.

"He is." The girl curved slightly, not looking him in the eye in sign of respect.

"Please, ask him if he can see me." Cahill ran a hand through his hair.

"My king..." Another woman appeared and bowed. "Please, come inside." She pulled the girl away and made space for Cahill to enter the chamber. "It's warm inside."

"Thank you." Cahill smiled, getting in, and hearing the door closing behind him right after. He stepped in front of the fire and extended his hands to get them warm.

"Go tell the master that the king is here." The elder ordered the younger who left running and then she looked at Cahill. "Can I get you a hot drink, my king?"

"Please..." Cahill smiled. The woman bowed and walked backwards until the door so she wouldn't turn her back on their sovereign.

"Cahill..." Egan made him jump as he appeared so silently behind his back wearing his cloak over his shoulders. Cahill turned around to face him with a huge lump in his throat. His news wasn't the best.

"My king..." He bowed in respect and Egan rested a hand on the top of his head.

"You are the king. I should bow before you." Cahill stood straight and looked in his eyes.

"You'll always be my king." He whispered.

"Let's sit." Egan guided him to the wood table near the fire and they sat face to face. "Did you bring her? Where is she?" Egan asked right away and Cahill's heart started pounding even stronger and faster. "Is she in her former chamber?" Finally, Cahill shook his head. "You didn't find her?"

"I found her..." He gasped. Immediately, Egan clenched his fist and punched the table strongly, making Cahill slightly jump.

"Then, where is she?" Egan raised his thunderous voice. "Why isn't she here?" Deep inside he knew what was coming next and his rage was already surfacing.

"I didn't bring her." Cahill tried that his voice came out firm and succeeded.

Egan got up, throwing the bench away with the back of his legs, making it fall on the floor with a loud thud. Then, he spun around as if not believing his words and finally, looked at him in the eyes as he leaned over the table. The rage in his gaze was scary but Cahill kept firm.