beautiful Katryn.
Katryn’s sandy hair was normally braided and adorned with a herring bone comb. Her deep blue eyes still held a hint of sadness. As Katryn turned toward Devon, he bowed slightly at the waist.
“Good day Lady Katryn,” Devon said. “Father Devon, how nice of you to join us.” “How kind of you to invite me my lady,” Devon replied. “Hello Father, how are you this fine day?” “Gareth! Happy birthday!” Devon exclaimed as he shook Gareth’s hand.
Just then, two men on horseback rounded the east corner of the manor. As they rode up and dismounted, Devon could see that one of them was Martin Landon. Martin was short and stocky, and his face held a constant scowl. Though a close friend and ally of the Cashells for years, Devon had always felt uneasy around him. Martin’s black hair covered his brown eyes so a person could not get a sense of what he was really thinking.
“Good day Martin. Where are Lisa and Melanie?” Katryn asked. “They will be here shortly. I wanted to speak with you before the celebration began, Sir Anthony has intercepted some disturbing news,” As Martin finished, he shook Gareth's hand, “Happy birthday Gareth!” “Thank you my lord.” “Father Devon, it is always good to see you,” Martin said, shaking Devon’s hand. “Gareth, please escort Martin to the study,” Katryn said, then added, “I will get Sir Ian and join you shortly. Father, please excuse us.”
“So Martin, what news has you so concerned?” Katryn asked as they entered the study and sat down. “I have heard that Richard Timlon is trying to legally annex the north land.” “Legally? I understand the word, but I seriously doubt that Richard Timlon does,” Katryn scoffed. “How long has he been trying my lord?” Gareth asked. “From what Anthony has told me, Richard has just sent the messenger within the last two days,” Martin replied. “Then we have more then ample time to formulate a plan,” Katryn said. “What do you say Ian?” Martin asked the old warrior.
Ian had been the captain of the guard for Cashell Manor since before young Gareth was born. He was a powerful man that could wield a broad sword with one arm. His graying brown hair attested his age and his sad bearded face showed scars that were not there. Though he had fought in many battles, he despised war. His gray eyes were tired of the violence.
“I think my lady is correct, but I also think it would be wise for your two families to file a petition of your own,” Ian answered. “We have fought side by side my old friend and I respect your opinion but Cashell has no claim on the land and I never wanted it,” Martin asserted. “Why not petition in the name of the Harrisons?”
Everyone turned and looked at Gareth. Katryn put her hand on his shoulder, “Yes, and why not?” She asked, smiling at him. Martin now joined in, “Actually it could work, their children survived the slaughter.” “Yes, and it was, after all, Timlon who led the attack,” Ian now interjected. Katryn nodded in agreement, “Yes, it may work. First thing tomorrow, we will send the petition to High Lord Thomas. But for now, I believe we have a celebration to attend.”
Devon was talking to Lisa and Melanie Landon as Katryn and the others emerged from the manor gates. “I thought that was very rude Martin, riding ahead like that,” Lisa said, obviously upset. Martin ignored his wife and went to his captain of the guard, Sir Anthony.
Devon had only talked to Anthony a few times, but found him a lout and a man of small statue, which Devon found odd for a captain of the guard. His dark brown hair was always disheveled and his beady brown eyes reminded Devon of a rodent stealing grain from a sack.
Katryn apologized to Lisa for delaying her husband. Though only a few years older then Katryn, Lisa’s light brown hair showed some gray. Her face shown defeat and sadness. Somewhere in her past she was probably beautiful, but now her blue eyes seemed to show defeat.
“I have come to accept that as normal. Husbands always have somewhere to go…” Lisa's voice trailed, having realized how insensitive she had been. Katryn put an arm around Lisa’s shoulders, “We have been friends too long to start walking on egg shells now.” “Thank you Katryn. Still, I should think more, I am sorry.” “Mother, Melanie and I are going to the Serenity River,” Gareth said, taking Melanie’s hand. “Yes, of course! I supposed you would want to swim before we eat,” Katryn said knowingly.
It was well known that Gareth and Melanie would one day wed. Devon watched the young couple and thought how well they were suited.
Melanie was a beautiful girl, whose brown hair was normally tied back with a bow. Her soft facial features, were accented by blue eyes that always held a smile, especially when she was with Gareth.
Gareth the Second, said to be the image of his father, was a handsome young man, with wavy brown hair. Though two years younger than Devon, he was almost as tall. He was built as a warrior, practicing long and hard with the broad sword. He had a strong face softened by light brown eyes, eyes that occasionally showed a hint of sadness. Devon assumed he still missed his father.
Gareth loved to swim and would spend many an afternoon, basking in the loving arms of the Serenity. This day was no different. With Melanie and Sir Ian in tow, Gareth was off to his favorite spot, no more than fifty yards from his mother. Yes, Gareth loved swimming and would boast how he could swim against any current. Perhaps he could, any other day… But not this day!
Katryn watched in horror as Gareth was swept down the river. It was a surreal scene. It seemed that nobody could move to help! Ian, who was on the bank, could only stare in disbelief. Melanie screamed for somebody to do something. It was then that Devon realized, why he was there, but what to do!? Suddenly, Igus was in Devon’s mind.
“Save the boy! I did not know what was going to happen, but now that it has, you must save the boy!” Devon could only stand frozen in fear, “But Igus, I cannot swim!” “Fine time to learn that!” Igus said, almost laughing, “Well, it is too late to learn the doggy paddle now! Just hold on and enjoy the ride my friend!” Before Devon could respond, he felt himself being thrown into the Serenity by unseen hands! “Igus, I told you I cannot swim!” Panic now strangled Devon’s voice. “Do not struggle so my friend, just grab the boy!” Igus exclaimed, as Gareth began to go under.
It would later be said that Devon was not swimming at all. Some would actually swear he glided through the water. One hysterical account had him walking on the river. As Devon reached the bank with Gareth and lay him on the soft grass, the spell that seemed to hold everybody in place…broke. Katryn was the first to reach them.
“You have saved my son!” Katryn shouted repeatedly. Devon was embarrassed at that, he now realized that Igus could have saved Gareth, without anyone getting wet. Melanie ran up and kneeled next to Katryn.
“Gareth! Is he all right my lady!?” Melanie shouted, tears filling her eyes. “Yes, he is coming around!” As Gareth’s eyes opened, Katryn looked at Devon, “You will be well rewarded!” Gareth now sat up and took Devon’s hand, “Thank you Father! My legs cramped up. I do not know what would have happened, if not for you.” Devon felt a blush coming to his face, “What use of reward, other than the blessing of God, the happiness on your face…” Devon started but was interrupted by Katryn, “You have given me back my son, good Father.” Devon started to protest when again, he heard Igus.
“Careful Devon! A humble man you may be, but a reward must be accepted!” Katryn stood and helped Gareth to his feet then continued. “Does a Priest not require a proper Parish? Ever since you came to Cashell you have held open-air services in the meadow near the Echo Forest. Would you not be more comfortable in a church?” She asked emphatically. Devon’s heart jumped at that. “Yes, I suppose more people would come to services knowing they would not get rained on,” He said, trying not to sound too anxious. “And I would think that a mill near a church would make enough money for upkeep,” Katryn said, starting to calm from her son’s near drowning. Devon now realized what Igus already knew. “My lady, you are much too kind…” Devon started, but Katryn cut him off again, “You have saved my dead husband’s son. You have given back to me t
he only thing that has kept me from total despair these last four years.”
They all returned to the Manor of Cashell, where the announcement took place. Katryn stood atop the stairs in the meeting hall and gestured to Devon to stand beside her.
“From this day forward it is decreed that the Echo Forest and all land directly south of the Serenity River is to become the property of the Parish of Devon,” Katryn proclaimed then turned to Devon, “I will have the masons construct a church and a mill near the Serenity. Thank you dear Devon, you have given back my son, my life.” As the guests applauded, Devon bowed humbly, “Thank you my lady, may God bless you.”
As Devon raised his head, he noticed that two people were not applauding, Richard Timlon and Bernard Chapman. The hate was evident. They were here as guests, but not friends. Devon felt they were wishing Gareth would have died. He wondered where they came from.
Richard Timlon was always cruel. He grew up in a hovel far from Kingsland, where there was too little food. He hated the rich and swore that he would have more. At thirteen, his parents died of the fever leaving him to fend for himself. He began stealing and found that he was quite good at it. By time he was sixteen he