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sjsmith56 · 3 months

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Celebrations - Chapter 30, Lord Buchanan

Summary: Lord Buchanan returns to his human form and returns home. The celebration of the destruction of the asteroid arrives at Lord Buchanan’s castle. Quin finally kisses Isabella, Baroness Blackstone, and decides to request his father begin negotiations for her hand in marriage. Lady Buchanan reveals her pregnancy.

Length: 5.1 K

Characters: Lord and Lady Buchanan, Quin, Baroness Blackstone, Rhodes, Wallis.

Warnings: none

<<Chapter 29

🏮 🎊

With Livia in her arms Ileana walked throughout the castle thanking people personally for their help in preparing and defending the castle. Holding a coin purse she gave every member of the staff a gold coin to remind them of their value. Mary said she didn't have to do that but Ileana told her that it was in appreciation and as Lady Buchanan she could do just that. She had just finished giving the stable and grounds staff their token of appreciation when a cry sounded from the courtyard. Venturing out to see what calamity had befallen a tenant now she was happily surprised to see it was her husband, Rhodes and young Quin returning, along with a very happy Sky.

"My Lord," was all she could whisper before the tears started pouring out of her eyes.

Buchanan dismounted quickly and embraced her with tenderness in front of everyone. He kissed her and Livia, too, then turned to everyone.

"I owe you all an apology and am in great debt to you for preserving the estate," he said loudly to everyone. "It was my inner wolf that compelled me to ride out yesterday. I could not resist its call. This fine commander and young recruit took it upon themselves to search me out and restore me to human form. Along the way here we heard from many that my wife Lady Buchanan and acting commander Wallis took control during my lapse and prepared the people well. I will spend a lifetime making it up to you, I promise."

"Nothing to promise, M'Lord," said Wallis. "You have always been a good and generous master. The management of the estate is an effort that we all take part in daily. We stepped it up a little because we had to. It was our duty to you, Lord Buchanan."

Gallantly, Wallis bowed to Buchanan as did all the staff, including Rhodes, and even Quin. With emotion, Buchanan took the compliment and seeing the coin purse in Ileana's hand asked where else a token was to be bestowed. She pointed at Rhodes and Quin, adding the other soldiers who were still elsewhere, and he offered the two men a gold coin, promising to give the soldiers theirs soon. They both accepted the token but made clear they rode out to find him because he was also their friend. He invited Rhodes, Wallis and Quin into the castle for lunch as he had not eaten since the previous day. Bruce joined them. Cook was informed and outdid herself, earning another gold coin from Buchanan for always keeping him well fed. During the meal Rhodes and Quin recounted their adventure.

"We arose in the morning and started tracking the white wolf's paw prints when our horses suddenly stopped," said Rhodes. "Ahead of us on a rocky outcrop was the white wolf. I started saying the counter spell and it ran out of earshot then returned after a few moments just watching and waiting. Then Sky appeared and from behind began herding us forward. It was Quin who determined that the white wolf was trying to lead us somewhere."

"It just occurred to me," said Quin. "We have dog / coyote mixes in the Western Plains and they often are seen herding wild horses to safety before a storm. Sky was never aggressive, his touch on their hind legs was just enough to move them forward. The white wolf led us further into the wilderness until we came to a large cave."

"It was a cave I never knew about," said Rhodes, "and I have lived my entire life here. We dismounted, led the horses inside and found a wondrous thing. All of the animals of the forest were there, predator and prey, furred animals and winged birds, all of them crammed in tightly inside the space. I will never see such a thing again."

Quin nodded in agreement while Buchanan said nothing, letting the two others describe the scene. He was already on his second helping of food, so great was his hunger. At first Ileana wanted to hear his story but he looked at her and just said the words "later, love." Rhodes noticed the interaction and continued on.

"Suddenly, as one, every animal in there turned away from the opening," said Rhodes. "Both the white wolf and Sky nudged us so we turned and closed our eyes. A great blinding light flashed, bright even though our eyes were closed and I realized instantly it was an asteroid. I thought it was hitting close by and prepared for the blast, but the white wolf barked after it had dimmed. Both Quin and I looked out to the north seeing a great glow dance across the sky, followed minutes later by trails of flames that dissipated before they reached the ground. All the animals came out then and returned to their homes, except the wolves. They congregated around the white wolf and Sky and began to howl in celebration. It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time."

"Then they suddenly stopped and looked to the white wolf who howled some sort of command at them," said Quin. "They all left, leaving with their packs back to their lands, leaving only the white wolf and Sky. Commander Rhodes said the counter spell and Lord Buchanan appeared with nothing on. We advised him that his clothing was in the saddle bags and he recounted his adventure to us as he dressed. I have never seen such a thing."

"You mustn't tell anyone the words either," said Buchanan, finally speaking out loud. "Only a few have seen my transformation to or from my wolf although many have heard stories of it. I fly the banner of the white wolf to reinforce that I have the magic within me."

"Nay, I would never betray that trust," said Quin. "I feel privileged that I witnessed it. Although I am puzzled about one thing. Why did you not wish to be transformed when you first found us?"

"Because as the white wolf he is the alpha male of all packs," said Bruce, "aren't you? Sky accepts your dominance in human form but to keep the order with the others you had to be the wolf."

Buchanan smiled. "I believe you are right," he said. "Sky somehow told me to stay in wolf form until the packs had dispersed. I just wanted to get you two into the cave before the calamity. Ileana and I connected in a dream she was having and she told me you two were in the forest searching for me. It was quite a run for me and Sky to get to you in time. But the missile worked well, didn't it?"

"It did," replied Bruce. "The new numbers from the super computer made all the difference. Quin, when you return.... Sorry, I forgot."

"Only Wallis is in the dark," said Rhodes. "I deduced it in the forest."

Wallis looked at them confused as Buchanan looked to Quin. "I can't stop people from guessing it on their own," he said. "You have to trust that some people will keep your secret and others won't. I think Wallis is one of the former."

"I am the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of the Western Plains," said Quin to Wallis. "Lord Buchanan has given me the opportunity to become a better man after I stole Magnus and injured him in the process. Instead of the noose I agreed to live as a common man for this year and learn from a man that has already impressed me with his honour. I want no special treatment as I pledge to do my duties in the garrison and learn how to be a better man."

Wallis considered the boy's words and looked at him steadily. "It is my duty as deputy commander to make all the men under my command better men," he said. "If Lord Buchanan saw something in you to keep you from the noose then who am I to question his judgement?"

With that endorsement Quin was assured that there were several people he could trust and rely on in the year to come. After finishing the meal he returned to the garrison with none there knowing his true heritage.

He proved to be a quick learner in the following weeks, friendly to all and always offering his help to fellow soldiers in the garrison. Knowing that his presence in the garrison was also to provide an opportunity to learn about running a business none were jealous that he was always on the rounds with Buchanan, and either Rhodes or Wallis. Any teasing or comments were of the good natured kind. Rhodes and Wallis still kept observant of any troubling behaviours around him but found Quin well able to handle himself.

Five weeks after Quin's arrival the travelling celebration made its final stop at Buchanan's estate. The King and Queen, as well as Prince Joseph, were expected to stay at the castle, as well as Lord and Lady Falcon, Baroness Romanoff and Silas Brenson, Lord and Lady Stark, and finally Baroness Blackstone, accompanied by her garrison commander Coulson. On the morning of their expected arrival Ileana rose early to see to the room assignments, knowing that Mary had already handled it but feeling unable to stay in bed any longer. No sooner had she risen than the desire to vomit came over her and she ran to her bathing room, making it to the privy just in time. She rose to see Buchanan standing in the doorway watching her with a smile.

"Five weeks since our reunion," he said softly, "and your monthly bleed is late. I believe you are with child."

"Feels like it," she said with a wan smile. "As soon as I stood up I felt the need. I wish it had revealed itself next week after the celebrations but I'm happy just the same."

He came forward quickly and held Ileana in his arms until Beth arrived then he stepped back and told her to pay his wife extra attention before leaving for his own morning ablutions. Beth looked puzzled so Ileana told her what had just transpired. Her eyes sparkled as she congratulated her mistress on the happy event. Fortunately for Ileana that was the only sign of the pregnancy that morning. Although she was nervous about breakfast, word must have somehow reached Cook as her plate had only those foods that wouldn't trigger a reaction to smell or texture. Less than an hour after breakfast their first visitor arrived, Baroness Blackstone.

"I couldn't wait," said the young woman, apologetically, still on her horse. "Even though it's been only a few days since you were at my castle I just wanted to be here as soon as it was decently possible."

She looked around as if trying to see someone but she didn't see who she was searching for as Coulson helped her off her horse. Buchanan bowed to her while she and Ileana gave each other a quick hug, having become good friends. Ileana hooked her arm into Isabella's and they walked to the castle entrance, while Coulson took their horses to the stables, after the servants had removed her trunks from the pack horse.

"He is on patrol this morning," said Ileana in a low voice, "so he can be free from mid-afternoon on."

"I'm sure I don't know who you mean," replied Isabella, breezily then spoke excitedly. "Did you see we danced at my castle? For a common man he is quite light footed. It was a surprise as even some of the nobles were terrible dancers, Lord Buchanan excluded."

"I believe Quin had high born friends who made sure he fit in at their celebrations," said Ileana. "How goes your training? I believe you were to begin pike work this week?"

"Hard," admitted Isabella. "Baroness Romanoff is an exacting teacher."

"I remember," said Ileana. "Perhaps Lady Falcon can be your guide while you are here. I found her to be an excellent teacher of the fighting arts. With Queen Peg also we can have a master class in warrior women and show some of these men a thing or two."

Both women laughed as Ileana escorted the young woman to her quarters while two servants carried her trunks in. By late afternoon all the guests had arrived and the outdoor activities had been set up with a space for dancing, a festival of craftspeople, games of chance, as well as several taverns, along with walking acrobats and entertainers strolling throughout. It was a festive atmosphere that took on magical qualities after the sun went down as the coloured lanterns were lit and the dancing began.

It was a custom throughout the land that anyone could ask anyone else to dance, male or female didn't matter. For some young women and men it was an opportunity to find out if the object of their affections was inclined to return them. For those who preferred their own sex it was an opportunity to dance openly without fear of ridicule. For Quin Torres it was an opportunity to dance with Isabella Pierce, Baroness Blackstone. Since the day he first saw her he had often thought of her. Until the previous week's celebration he had glimpsed her on the odd occasion when Lord Buchanan's path crossed with hers. She had always been polite in speaking with him but it was at the dance the previous week that he realized he felt more than friendship with her. There had been many who danced with her, including tenant farmers, their sons, castle staff, members of her garrison, and with all of them she had danced with a reserved attitude to her partner. But when he danced with her and didn't take his eyes off of her during their encounter she began meeting his bold attitude with her own, holding his gaze often. On the day after, when he had to take his leave to return to duties she came out to say goodbye to Lord and Lady Buchanan, then nodded to Quin and watched as they rode away. He knew she watched because he looked back at her and saw her hold his gaze again.

Buchanan had noticed as well but held his voice until they were out of sight. "So, you do like her," he said casually. "What are your intentions? I am her senior advisor, after all."

Quin smirked at first then became serious. "Honourable, sir, my intentions are honourable," he replied. "I made the decision to remain celibate until my wedding night to a woman of my choosing. I plan to write my father to begin negotiations to make her my bride. Whether I love her is something I still have to determine but I like her and I think I am worthy to be her husband."

"Don't you think you should fall in love first?" asked Ileana. "It's certainly how I have counselled her. She may not want to marry an unknown prince with a bad reputation but she may want to marry a soldier who has stirred her heart."

"And when she finds out the truth," pointed out Quin, "that I am that prince known to have a bad reputation? You don't think she will refuse me?"

"Not if she loves the man she knows," said Buchanan. "You have already changed Quin. Knowing and accepting your responsibilities as a soldier means you have the capability to know and accept the responsibilities of being king. Be the man she needs then she may follow you into the life you accept. As King you have the power to transform your kingdom but it helps to have a good queen by your side to help you. Steven has found that with Peg, and Isabella is cut from the same cloth as our queen."

In the days since their conversation on the road Quin had thought often of whether to open negotiations before or after declaring his love of Isabella but the more he thought about it the more he knew that she deserved to know that he at least loved her as a man first above all else. If she accepted him as a low born man then perhaps she would accept him as a high born man also. Now, while they were at the celebration he approached her, and requested a dance. Her face was warm from the extensive dancing she had already experienced, causing him to ask if she needed a drink first.

"Yes, would you please bring me one while I step into the garden for a quiet moment?" she asked, then turned towards the formal garden.

He requested a refreshing drink for her and walked into the quiet of the space where other couples were also walking, taking the opportunity for quiet conversation. He looked for her then heard his name in a loud whisper. She was inside a small bower made of a climbing vine with beautiful flowers. Silently he handed her the drink, watching as she sipped it.

"Thank you, this is refreshing," she said.

"You're welcome, Baroness," he replied. "You have danced much tonight."

"Lady Buchanan is feeling a little under the weather so I have assumed her role for tonight," she said, with a smile. "I don't mind. Her malady will be cured in almost eight months."

Quin looked puzzled then smiled. "Of course, she carries a child," he said. "They haven't said anything yet. How do you know?"

"We're friends," she replied. "Their marriage is a great love match. Many women wanted to bed Lord Buchanan in the hopes of catching his favour. My father even tried to send some of his mistresses to spy on him but he remained celibate after the death of his first wife in childbirth. Ileana was a modern woman who landed in his estate and was set upon by two villains who wished their way with her. He fell in love with her almost instantly."

"Do you believe in instant love?" he asked.

"I didn't," she admitted. "Now, I'm willing to entertain the idea."

Quin smiled and found his attention focussed on one of the flowers, plucking it from the vine and handing it to her. She took it and lifted it to her nose then dropped it but it landed on her dress just above her bosom. Looking her in the eyes Quin plucked it from her dress and this time placed it in her hair. When his eyes went to her face she looked directly at him and he softly kissed her on the lips.

"I'm sorry, that was forward of me," he said in a low voice, while stepping back a bit.

"I didn't mind," she whispered. "It was nice."

He leaned forward again and placed his hands on her upper arms drawing her close and this time his kiss was firmer, yet still gentle. When he finished he placed his forehead on hers.

"Isabella," he whispered and this time she kissed him, embracing him fully.

"Baroness?" said a voice loudly.

Quin stepped back into the shadows while Isabella stepped forward to the entrance of the bower. "Yes, Coulson, what is it?" she asked.

"Lady Buchanan has taken to bed early and Lord Buchanan requests your assistance," he said, trying to see who else was in the bower.

"Certainly," she said briskly, as she stepped past him.

Quin waited a few moments and stepped out directly into Coulson. "Recruit Torres, I believe," said Coulson, with a stern look. "Although Baroness Blackstone has the luxury of choice I believe you don't have the luxury of time, being expected back in your home in 11 months. She, alas, has to stay here as a baroness."

Quin grinned slightly but kept his words polite. "You are correct Commander that I must return in 11 months," he replied. "But she doesn't have to stay a baroness. Someday she could be a queen."

Then he left the Commander standing there wondering what that meant. Quin never did get his dance with her but he did watch her and she knew he was watching. When his curfew time approached he bade Lord Buchanan goodnight and started the walk back to the garrison in the dark. He went a short distance before a boy called him by name.

"Yes," he turned to the boy in the darkness. "I am Quin Torres."

"I was bidden to give you this," said the boy, thrusting something in his hand and running back to the festival. It wasn't until he was inside his small room in the garrison and had lit a candle that he saw what it was, a monogrammed handkerchief with the initials IRP, Isabella Rose Pierce. He smelled it, detecting the essence of roses in it.

"I will give you a rose garden in the desert for a wedding present," he said softly. "My Isabella."

He placed it under his pillow for that night but on the morrow vowed he would place it next to his heart, carrying it there always. After his duties ended he would write his father to begin the negotiations for him to marry Isabella, Baroness Blackstone. As he lay in the dark with his eyes open he imagined what a marriage based on love could be like, then realizing he had seen it already between Lord and Lady Buchanan. When sleep came it was quick and complete.

In the morning, Quin Torres reported to Cook, in the kitchen. He was on kitchen duty that day. It would be his duty to set up and serve breakfast to the garrison, along with another two recruits, Edward Forest and Liam Green. As they waited for Cook the three young men set up the table just outside the kitchen door and stacked the metal plates and cutlery.

"I saw you go into the garden with Baroness Blackstone last night Quin," said Liam. "You aim high."

Quin smiled but said nothing. "She came out by herself soon after," teased Edward. "She can't have been impressed."

Still Quin said nothing until he turned to start bringing the food out. "You're talking about a woman of quality as if she were a barmaid," said Quin. "Men should always aim high for it makes them better men."

Edward and Liam both rolled their eyes but ceased their teasing as Cook was ready for them.

"Eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potato," she pointed out. "Toasted bread, coffee and tea. You work out who serves what. Remember, after the garrison is served you can have as much of what is left as you want before you serve the remainder to the poor and wash up. Go on lads."

All three recruits received teasing from the garrison about their appearance at the festival the evening before. Comments were made about their choice of clothing, the games they played and the women or men they danced with. Coulson was present when someone commented about Quin not getting his dance with the Baroness. He tensed when he saw Quin's face harden for a moment but relaxed when the young man just looked at the soldier and served his food with a pointed comment.

"The Baroness needed a moment to collect herself and I was happy to oblige her. No doubt she will remember that kindness better than the man who ripped her dress by stepping on it."

The teasing turned to the man who had committed the offence of ripping her dress and Quin resumed serving the potatoes. Liam and Edward patted him on the back after that retort, recognizing it for a successful deflection of an insult. Even Coulson had to admit the boy took the slight well. When the last man had been served all three recruits took their fill and sat out in the morning sun, eating the hearty breakfast. While they ate a line up of the poor had formed, each with their own bowl. Quickly looking at the lineup and what was left at the table Quin ran into the kitchen.

"Cook, I believe we served too much to the garrison as there isn't enough for the poor who are out there," he said. "Is there something else we can offer them? Baked goods, or some of the oatmeal you always have on the stove? I don't want to send any of them away with nothing."

Cook sighed, as she often did to express a distressing thought, then patted Quin on the cheek. "I have just the thing, young man," she said. "You'll have to help me and carry them out. I made up currant scones for the festival but I can get my apprentices to make up more. I have some pieces of cheese they can have as well. Come lad."

She took him into the larder, impressing him with the amount of food she kept there. She pulled an empty tray out and began loading it with the currant scones, then went into the cheese larder where there were several that were smaller in size.

"I usually let those dry out a bit then shred them to sprinkle over stews and the like," she said. "Best I give them to the poor now then I have space to get some new cheese in."

As he took the tray outside to add to the leftovers being offered to the poor she smiled. There had been rumours about the boy ever since he arrived with Lord Buchanan as his foster from his trip across the ocean. Some of the rumours said he was a love child of the master but Quin's dark features were different than Buchanan's. There had also been talk that he was a runaway, an apprentice running from a cruel master. She didn't care for she saw something in him that Buchanan had, empathy and concern for those lesser than himself. Since Buchanan was one of the best of men, she had no doubt the boy was here to learn to be a better man than he could be in his home. That was as good a reason as any to like the boy.

Outside the tray of extra food was just the thing and no one left without some food. The recruits piled the dirty plates on the empty trays and brought them inside to the washing room where Cook had already boiled hot water for them to use. Edward scraped the leftover food into a bucket for the dogs then stacked the plates near the first sink. Quin poured a pot of hot water into the first sink then ran the cold water pump until the temperature was perfect for washing. A bar of soap was there and he shaved off enough to make suds then began washing the dirty plates and handing them off to Liam who rinsed them in a sink full of warm water then placed them on a rack to dry. Edward had finished scraping the dirty plates and poured the contents of the bucket into several dishes placed near the outside doorway for the castle dogs to eat. The tame wolf Sky always had first choice and he watched with fascination as the beast chose his bowl first then allowed the other dogs to eat after him. After another hour of cleaning and stacking the dishes on their shelves the three lad's duties for the day were finished, although Quin was to go on rounds soon with Buchanan.

As he ran to the garrison to get changed into riding gear he heard the sounds of combat but the voices behind it were women and he stopped to watch. With a start he realized he was standing next to King Steven and the Lords Buchanan, Stark, Falcon and the consort of Baroness Romanoff, Silas Brenson. They were watching intently as their wives demonstrated their combat skills. All were in leather breeches with their shins padded, and wore padded leather jackets and helmets. The sixth woman of the group was Isabella and he watched with fascination as she squared off against the Queen. Both women had a long staff and were expertly fighting each other, not holding back as they hit, slashed and stabbed with it. Although he had seen Lady Buchanan training, he had never seen two women squaring off as it was not permitted for them to learn the fighting arts in his kingdom. The battle lasted well over 10 minutes with many athletic moves made by both women but the Queen emerged the victor when she knocked Isabella's staff out of her hand forcing the younger woman to yield. The next pairing were Lady Stark and Lady Buchanan who engaged with wooden swords. Of similar skill they both put on an engaging display of swordplay until Lady Buchanan had to stop and vomit in a bucket.

"Well, you all know now," she said with a grim smile to the assembled soldiers. "I carry my second child. I'm sorry Piper but I don't think I can carry on. I just want to hurl. I yield."

"I've felt like that after a night at the tavern," yelled one of the garrison soldiers, to some laughter.

Lady Stark put her arm around Lady Buchanan and the two women went to stand with their husbands. Then the two sisters, Lady Falcon and Baroness Romanoff came forward and Quin could see by the anticipation on the faces of the assembled soldiers that this was the main event, as both were expert soldiers capable of fighting any man there. Their quickness and skill amazed him. Neither held back and although they switched between wooden staff and sword their hits could be felt by every man there. Just as he thought the fight would go on forever both women stopped and hugged each other, accepting a draw between them once again. He turned to go to the garrison and change.

"Take your time Quin," said Buchanan seeing him there. "It is a group ride this morning with the wives and Baroness Blackstone. They will need time to prepare."

"I am permitted to ride with the King?" he asked.

"Of course," said Buchanan. "He asked for you specifically to join us. Be back here at the top of the hour."

Quin nodded and raced to his small room, washing and dressing quickly. Then he went to the stable, took his horse out and saddled him before leading him out into the courtyard. He was early but he didn't mind. Today he would be riding with Isabella.

Chapter 31>>

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