This is the sequel to `Dark Wishes'. Remember, it's copyrighted through Nifty and International Common Law.
Unspoken Wishes
M.C. Gordon
Part One: Markel
Chapter Eleven
Tynan and Iashain wanted to return to Aolane as quickly as possible to work with Hanrad in building cottages but Narcia had other plans.
"Efren is not yet well enough to travel that distance," she told them one morning when Efren and Markel were still sleeping. "I spoke with him and he admitted that his health has always been frail. I cannot be sure of the cause. There is a breathing sickness that steals breath and might be his problem. But his heart does not always beat well and that causes me great concern. His illness during the winter may also be to blame. It could have weakened him even more."
Tynan felt a knot form in his stomach as he listened to her. "He appears in good health," he said.
"Appearances can be deceiving," Narcia said. "Listen to his heart. Then listen to Markel's or Lord Iashain's. You will hear the difference between a healthy heart and Efren's. Much healer knowledge was lost through time," she sighed. "Our ancestors might have been familiar with his condition. Yashidra must learn to read, Lord Iashain. If any of the scrolls in Aolane hold healer knowledge she might learn the exact cause of Efren's illness. He improves daily but I still do not wish him to travel for at least another month. It was fortunate that he fell ill here," she added. "Had it happened on your journey here he might have died. Before you leave I will teach the two of you and Markel how to force your breath into his lungs and massage his chest to make his heart beat as I did."
"You can name your price for saving his life," Tynan earnestly told her.
"What can we do if he has another spell like the last one?" Iashain asked, deeply worried about the young man.
"One of the brews I prepared for him is made from a bitter flower that is usually poisonous. It works to steady the heart. The other is an herb potion that eases breathing. Yashidra knows how to prepare both. Markel is learning to watch for signs and knows which to give and in what amount. Once Efren's heart and lungs function again, the herbs will work. He must strengthen his body, but slowly."
She rose from her chair in Bidwell's cottage and knelt in front of Tynan. "The one thing that endangers him more than anything else, My Lord, is his fear that you will no longer love him. He feels that you will not consider him worthy of your love."
"I will give Markel discretion where your medicines are concerned, Narcia," Tynan said. "And I will let Efren know that my love for him will not be determined by his health. I see now that his days with me might not be as many as I desire, but he will know each and every day that that my love for him will only increase with the passage of time."
. . .
The month would have passed slowly for the Qell, anxious to return to Aolane, had not a steady stream of travelers passed through the small village to speak with them. It seemed that all of western Elanen was anxious to send their sons and daughters to help rebuild and repopulate the ancient seat of power. Herders with sheep, goats, and geese stopped to meet with their kings. Farmers with precious packs of seed corn and grain asked where they should begin to work the land for the next season of planting. Men seeking husbands and women seeking wives sought permission to join the growing community. Petitions were already being brought before them for everything imaginable, from requests for sons and daughters to be taught to read and write to redress sought for children whose parents had abused them.
"I think being kings will bring our loves endless days of things both noble and petty," Markel remarked to Efren as they walked through the now busy village one afternoon.
"Last night Tynan did not ... well, you know. He only wanted to rest with his head in my lap and have me rub his temples," Efren replied. "Then he held me and spoke of our future in Aolane until I fell asleep."
"What does he have in mind for you?" Markel asked.
"He left the decision to me," Efren replied. "He asked me to remain his lover but said I could choose any occupation. I think I would like to study with Yashidra, learn of healing and herbs when I can read. What will you do in Aolane?"
"I am going to work with Iashain in restoring the archive," Markel said. "He found that each who passes here seeking permission to settle in Aolane bears a different legend of the ancient Qell and the years after Trelaine left. I am to write those memories and try to find the truth of history in those tales and the knowledge my grandmother passed to me. He told me I am a conduit, whatever that might mean."
. . .
Narcia's mandated month passed and Efren grew stronger. Bidwell had given him one of the Lippiz stallions, a lively two-year old named Xoro, and he rode with Markel or Tynan each day to the pool to swim. He knew his limits and was careful to not overly tire himself.
Markel as well began to blossom under Iashain's love and Narcia's ample meals. He would always remain slender but he added weight to his spare frame; swimming and riding turned the weight to muscle.
When Narcia felt Efren's health sufficient, she released him from her care for the journey to Aolane. Two of her apprentices, Redel and Mora, were to travel with them. They were betrothed and Tynan had agreed to join them himself when all of the existing proprieties had been met. They were to be allowed to hold hands but nothing more until their cottage was built and furnished. Redel was a carpenter and would be required to make a table and chairs, their bed, and the rocker for their children. Mora, a seamstress, would have to provide their clothing. Iashain felt that any two people in love should be allowed to express themselves more freely but Tynan held fast that there would be no untoward behavior, exhibiting that at least one of these Qell retained Miralen's sometimes prudish thoughts.
As the travelers approached Aolane they were stuck with the changes already made. Fields had been cleared and plowed under in preparation for the next planting season. Barns were erected to house the war-horse harem and their young. Streets had been laid out in accordance with the direction of the ancient rubble and cottages had been built where happy homes had existed in Aolane's glorious past. The stones which had been the castle had been removed and the contents of the dungeons stored in several vacant cottages. Separate housing had been constructed for Tynan and Iashain until the castle could be built, for Hanrad still intended to rebuild the castle. The outer walls of the old fortress were almost four foot in height, and building had begun on the site of the ancient archive.
Aolane was rising again, like the Phoenix that was the herald of the Qell. And with the great fortress-city would Elanen rise, and Endril, and all but one of the old ten kingdoms. As the first three of the Qell had nurtured and raised the kingdoms to glory in the past, these two would do the same for mankind was no longer blind and innocent and two would be able to accomplish the task.
To be continued.
Comments to quasito_cat@hotmail.com or quasito_cat@yahoo.com