A Sacred House

Chapter XIII: Death Consumes All

Eight years into Morgan's reign

I just got word today, I have to meet Lord Protector Keegan, Dylan and Owen say he is not well, and as a King, I have to visit him

Today I am wearing black, I want to show weakness, in front of Keegan, and God. I light my pipe and inhale my love, and exhale my pain.

I've seen too many people die, Father, Albert, Grandfather, Grandmother. As King and Defender of the Faith, I have to stay strong.

" You have to leave soon, Your Royal Majesty", Dylan informs me. " This is hard", I say after inhaling my pipe again. " I know Your Royal Majesty, but we must", Dylan says.

I sit my pipe down and grab my cane, I limp down the hall and down the stairs. My leg aches every now and then, I hate how it makes me look like an old man.

Anna, William, Mother and Joann wait by the door. I kiss Mother on the head. I hug Anna and Joann. " I love you Will", I say as I get down on one knee. William jumps into my arms.

" I'll only be gone for a month son, be safe, I love you", I say rubbing William's back, I stand up. " Be safe all of you, I love you", I say as I walk outside.

I climb into the carriage. " John, to Pembroke Dock", I say as I settle in for a day long ride.

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" We're here Your Royal Majesty", John says as I open the door and step outside. " Go back home John, come back in a month", I inform John, he rides off towards the Abbey.

I walk onto the boat, " Off to Inisheer", I inform the Captain, the crew puts down the sails, the wind pushes us towards Inisheer.

I walk down into the deck, men sit and drink. " King of Wales, are you", a man says giggling. The man pushes me. " Stay away from him", The Captain says walking down the stairs.

" Why Captain, he's weak", The man says, he kicks my cane. My head hits the ground, and it starts to beat, like a heart. I stand up, " Fucking touch me again. I will see you put in the ground", I scream at the top of my lungs.

I grab my sword from my waist and push it against his chest. " Calm down, both of you", The Captain says as he grabs my sword and straps it to my waist.

" A close friend, a father figure, is going to die, and I just want to see him", I inform the Captain. " Okay, you can sleep in my room, come", the Captain says as he guides me back upstairs.

" Take a rest, We'll be there in a week", the Captain informs me. I walk into the Captain's room and sit down in a chair. Soon, I'll see him.

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Someone knocks on the door, " Come in", I say, the Captain walks in. " We're here, and please, call me Eric", Eric says. " Thank you Eric", I say after getting up. I grab my cane and limp down the walkway and towards the castle.

The flag flies at full mast. I walk into the castle. " Your Royal Majesty, come with me please", A guard says. We turn down the hall and walk into a room.

Keegan lies on a bed, pail as a ghost. " Leave us", I demand, the guard walks out and shuts the door. " How are you doing?", I ask after sitting down next to Keegan.

" Hellish, you?", Keegan asks. " I could be better", I answer. " Already in black, I'm not dead yet", Keegan says. " Sorry", I say nearly crying. " It's okay son, I've lived a long life, ninety-two", Keegan says.

" I'll miss you Keegan, you've become almost a second father to me", I say after bursting into tears. Keegan grabs my hand, " I love you too son. I want you to have something", Keegan says, his voice shaking.

Keegan hands me a gold ring, with three lions. " The O'Brien Family ring. I'm the final one, I had no kids", Keegan says. " I love you Keegan", I say crying.

" I love you too. I want to be buried at your Abbey, with my real family. I am naming you, as my heir. You will take my belongings, my castles, and the Kingdom of Ireland", Keegan says, struggling between each breath.

" Goodbye son", Keegan coughs out, his eyes gently shut. His hand remains warm. I stand up and up and slip on the ring. I kiss Keegan's head. " Thank you, I love you", I whisper and bow.

I spot a paper under his blanket, I grab it. It reads: My Will and testament. As I have no kids or spouse, I grant the Kingdom of Ireland, my castles and my personal belongings to King Morgan of Wales. I would like to be buried at Strata Florida Abbey.

I walk into the hall and shut the door. " He's gone, and he wanted to give this to you", I say wiping my tears. The guard grabs the paper and quickly skims through the letter.

The guard bows, " All hail King Morgan of Wales and Ireland", the guard says firmly.

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Rhodri Dinefwr, King of Wales. Albert Dinefwr, Duke of Dinefwr. Keegan O'Brien, King and Lord Protector of Ireland.

I read the names as I sit on my knees, Anna rubbing my shoulder. " I miss them", I say crying. " They miss you too", Anna responds. I stand up and hug her. This next year is going to be a mess.