An Irish Flower (Medieval Romance/Adventure Story)

Chapter 18: The Return Home

Decicated to Lovehurtsbaby for having the closest guess about what would happen in this chapter! Aaaand here's the newest chapter! It's not been edited much, just the basics and I am tired tonight so I probably missed a few things. But I know many of you have been begging for the next chapter and I don't when I'll have time to edit, so for now it is. :) Enjoy, and PLEASE vote and comment! Or if you don't want to comment, at least please vote, it only takes a second and it really helps me a lot. :)

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Chapter 18

When Maeve awoke, she could feel the gentle dip of the ship as it made its way through the water. It took a moment for her to remember where she was, then she recalled the events of the previous day. Her face broke into a smile. She reached over for Weylin but he wasn't there, so she pulled on her clothes and stepped out onto the deck. It was breezy, but quite warm. The men were cleaning the deck, fixing lines and doing other ship related things that she was unfamiliar with. Then she spotted Weylin standing near the bow with her father and Timan. Her father saw her and held out his arms as he walked towards her. “My daughter!” he boomed. “You be awake at last!” He gathered her into massive hug as she smiled. “Come, we'll all go back to the cabin and get a bite to eat. Then we'll tell you what we've been discussing this morn while you were resting.”

Soon all four of them were eating contentedly in the small cabin. Weylin sat close to Maeve, finding every excuse to touch her hand or brush up against her, making her blush. Her father caught one such exchange and gave a hearty guffaw, making both Weylin and Maeve turn bright red. “I'm glad to see that you treat my daughter so well. If I'd thought otherwise, you'd not be sittin' here.” He nodded at the food. “Eat up, lad; we've got a big job ahead of us when we get back.” Maeve looked at her father questioningly. He swallowed the bite of salted fish he was eating and then proceeded to outline the plan for them.

“We've been preparing for war er' since you were taken four moons ago, and our neighbours are ready to defend us should he attack. You'll not recognize the place, I'm afraid; we've modified it more for safety than for beauty,” he said as he took a swig of ale. “When we get back, we'll immediately send messengers to the surrounding kingdoms to let them know that you've returned and the threat of war is now upon us. Camlin has had a couple days to build his forces, so I calculate that it will take about a week for him to march his men all the way to Fir Domnan. But we'll be taking no chances, so we'll evacuate everyone to the fortress the moment we step off the ship. It'll be crowded for a while, but at least everyone will be safe.”

Maeve's mind was reeling. War! Had she escaped only to bring death to her family's door? But if she hadn't, she couldn't have warned them about Kaie. “Father, there's another reason we escaped. Since I have yet to bear Weylin a child,” she looked down at her hands and continued quietly. “Camlin threatened to take Kaie too and use her to make an heir.” There was silence for a moment, then Tiernan said grimly, “He'll not take another one o' my daughters. We'll keep him at bay no matter what the cost.”

She knew he meant it.

After the meeting, which ended on a more solemn note than it started on, Weylin walked with Maeve up to the bow where they could speak unheard. He clasped her hands in his own and brought them to his lips briefly. She could see sadness in his eyes. “Why are you sad, Weylin?” She caressed his cheek with her fingers. His eyes were downcast. “I can't help but feel guilty that my father has done so much harm- and he intends to do even more. Some days I wonder if his evil has passed on to me through his blood.”

Maeve looked at him intently. “You're not your father, Weylin,” she said softly. “You're nothing like him. You treated me with kindness, you have a heart of compassion and love. Your father is empty and full of hate.” She smiled. “Besides, it takes two to make a baby. Your mother was was a kind woman; I'll wager that you got more of her spirit than your fathers.” Weylin shifted on his feet. “But what if I did inherit part of my father's spirit? What if his cruelty resides deep inside me somewhere? What if-”

Maeve cut him off with a finger across his lips. “We all have the potential for evil in us, Weylin; that was not unique to your father. He just decided to embrace that side of himself. What makes us good is to reject that side of our nature, and cultivate our good side instead. It's like the old legend says: There's two dogs fighting inside of all of us; the good and the bad. Whichever dog you feed more is the one that will win most often.” Weylin smiled at her analogy.

Maeve continued. “You did inherit part of your father's spirit, Weylin, but not the part you think.” Weylin looked at her curiously. “You got your father's strength and resolve, qualities that can be used for good as easily as evil. Your mother gave you her kindness and compassion, but she lacked strength to endure; that you gained from your father.” Weylin shuddered. “I don't want anything from him.” Maeve smiled. “You can't help what blood runs through your veins, but you can decide how you will live. And I am very proud of who have become.”

Weylin gathered her in his arms and held her close. “How is it that I can slay a hundred men in battle, and yet you can make me come undone with just a few words?” He whispered into her hair and the ocean breeze swept over them. She looked up at him and smiled. “And how is it that when I feel so alone and helpless, you can make me forget all my worries by simply holding me in your arms?” His arms tightened. “I'll keep you safe,” he whispered in her ear. She snuggled closer to him, feeling so safe with him.

Later that day they landed the boat and brought out the horses to ride up to the cashel. Maeve was grateful that her father had thought to bring a boat; the journey would have taken twice as long on horseback and over a week on foot. But this coastal route was much more direct than the winding trails that crisscrossed through the hills, so they were able to get there much sooner.

As they approached the cashel, Maeve could see the differences her father was talking about. The ancient stone walls surrounding the village had been made taller and were fortified with wooden structures on the back so archers could shoot from any point on the wall. The moat had been made wider and was now filled with water. She could see the tips of sharp spikes sticking just above the water; no one would be swimming across. The single entrance led to a newer, thicker set of wooden gates. As they entered the enclosed area where the cottages and her home were, she could see young men training while other men worked on weapons.

Then she saw her mother and sister and she slid off the horse to greet them. “Ma! Kaie!” Kaie reached her first, sobbing into her sister's dress. “We thought you were dead! We were so worried!” Her mother reached her a few moments later, her normally stern expression replaced by tears of joy. “My child, I thought we'd lost you forever! Are you well, did they hurt you?” Maeve smiled as both of them started asking questions at once. “I'll explain everything in just a moment, but first I want you to meet my husband, Weylin.” Weylin walked up to them upon hearing his name and bowed before his mother in law and sister in law. “I am truly honoured to meet you. Maeve has spoken much about you.” Her mother's hand fluttered in surprise. “We are glad to meet you too, Weylin. Tiernan told me of the spies report that you and Maeve care for each other, and that you have been kind to her. And now I see you must have aided her in escaping.” She bowed slightly. “We are forever in your debt.” Weylin smiled grimly. “Thank you. I only hope that I will be able to help repel any attack that my father may be considering.”

Tiernan had now joined them, his booming voice echoing over them. “There's time for that later, my family. For now the missives have been sent to the neighbouring kingdoms, and our soldiers are bringing in the peasants from the outer areas for safekeeping, so it's time to rejoice at our daughter's safe return! We shall feast tonight!”

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No cliffhanger, I was nice ;) Please vote and comment! :D:D:D