The State Of Druid's Loch

Chapter Two

     The shadows of the garden were already starting to lengthen as Gwynith made her way through the winding paths of various wild roses and hedges that formed the labyrinth of the garden.  She stopped several times to ensure she was not being followed before finally arriving at the small gazebo in the center of the maze.  As she climbed the stairs and moved to the middle of the gazebo, a tall strange looking man stepped out of the shadows from the other side to meet her.  Though his face was still concealed in the shadows, his clothing spoke volumes.  He was obviously a common man, not with wealth.  His voice was deep and raspy, his figure tall and lanky, almost scarecrow like.  "What is it you desire of me Milady?", he questioned Gwynith.  "I want you to make sure there are NO mistakes tomorrow.", Gwynith snapped at him.  "Neither of us can afford a failure in this endeavor.  We will be hung on the spot if discovered."  Gwynith paused as the stranger nodded his agreement.  "Payment as agreed.", Gwynith says as she extends a leather purse towards the stranger, "Thirty pieces of silver, ten for the each of you.  I will give you the remaining thirty when the deed is done and you bring me my proof.  Remember, you must be waiting on the road before they get there."  With that, the stranger gave a wicked smile and melted back into the shadows disappearing.  Gwynith lingered only a moment more before returning down the path which she had come.  Lurking in the shadows only a few feet from the gazebo, was Moira O'Connell, now in shock and filled with fear.

     Moira waited until she knew that both the stranger and Gwynith were both gone and then hurried back to the manor to call upon the Countess, so that she may give a full report of what she had learned.  Upon entering the sitting room, she was stunned to see Gwynith next to the Countess.  Kaitlyn spoke first and asked, "Moira can you give us a little time, my cousin seems to have a pressing need to speak with me?  You and I can finish our conversation before bed."  Moira nodded and reluctantly left them to speak.  "Gwynith,  I don't know what you expect of me," continues Kaitlyn,  "Your husband wasted his fortune and left nothing for you and Donovan in the process."  Kaitlyn Lakehurst was trying to speak rationally to her cousin, though Gwynith was requesting the absurd.  "I am only asking that you speak to your husband about giving me and Donovan a small manor on the north side of Druid's Loch.", retorted Gwynith.  "It would get us out of your way and put us back on our feet.  I know he doesn't like me being here and only allows me to stay because of you, but this would get us out of his hair as well."  Of course, Gwynith knew this was a ridiculous request and it would never be granted, no matter how much the Count would like to be rid of her.  Though she also knew something had been strange about the Countess and Moira's behavior toward her of late, and she needed to keep them separated for now.  Just in case they were wise to her plotting, they would not be able to act without proof, and if they were not allowed to speak, then they would not be able to put it all together. As Kaitlyn listened and pondered the irrationality of Gwynith's request, Gwynith poured them tea from a pitcher on a table in the far right corner of the room.  With her back to the Countess,  Gwynith poured a measured amount of sleeping powder into Kaitlyn's cup before serving it.  After a few minutes further of fruitless conversation, the sleeping powder began to take effect and Kaitlyn began to get very drowsy.  "I can't seem to keep my eyes open", she slurred as she tried to stand, "I think something is wrong, get Moi...", Kaitlyn fell to the floor hitting her head on the table.  Gwynith slowly stood and walked around to Kaitlyn.   After checking to ensure her cousin was still breathing,  Gwynith went to the door and started breathing fast.  Moira was waiting just outside the door when Gwynith yanked it open quickly and called for her.  "Moira, the Countess has fallen ill, she fainted in the middle of our conversation.  Please help me get her to bed quickly."  Moira, although suspicious of Gwynith, hurried to her lady's side yelling for the Count as she knelt to check on her.  The Count carried Kaitlyn to her bed and sent Toby into the village for the physician.