Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Forlorn Throne ❯ Wallow ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: All contents of Forlorn Throne belong to me Verity.

Dedicated to Roxana.


Chapter I
Wallow

Scarlett is fey in every which way, to the tips of her hair and to the ends of her toes. Eyes of lavender and the lips of a curling rose petal, flesh as freshly fallen snow and the lithe grace of a cat. A sylph she was, a water sprite of the purest of love, the apple of every eye. The voice of a siren, beckoning sailors to her will, her touch that of a warm summer night, her mouth of melting honey. Beauty she was, beauty she was.
- Verse of Minstrel Arian’s ‘The Fey’

The warmth of the firelight danced in the hearth, chasing the shadows away and dancing along their naked flesh. Her chest rose underneath his head, his ear pressed over where her heart would beat in a soothing manner. He still ached, a groan left him as he lifted himself from her body and she murmured something under her breath, turning onto her side as he crawled off and slipped his legs from the bed and to the cool floor, dropping his face into his hands momentarily. Home, the only thought that filled him with warmth, he did not realize how much he had truly missed his family. She murmured again, possibly from the cool air that touched her naked flesh, he turned and reached over to pull the covers over her body and tuck her in, brushing a few strands of her honey hair from her face and she cooed contently in her sleep, a smile curling her lips as she nestled her face into the pillow. He slipped from the bed as naked as his name day before fetching his trousers so carelessly tossed to the floor. He slipped them on and patted barefoot to the hearth fire, the dwindling flames licked over the remainder of the log it hugged, with one hand he leaned over and tossed in a new log and watched the flames creep up its surface and begin light brighter, heating the room.

He gave one last look over his shoulder to his beloved Roselyn before leaving the room. Restless he was, sleep was something he longed for but in the past days it was something that he had hardly paid any mind. He wandered the halls of the quaint cottage they lived in, it all seemed so small now compared to the halls of the manor house in Achorn Hill. Suddenly his mine settled on the offer that Lihan had made him, there would be rooms for his children and wife there at Achorn Hill, awaiting them, his children would have play friends and lessons. In truth, it would have been safer than living where they did now, away in the valley with only the fields to look out to. He settled against the wall and peeked in the door that was slightly ajar, inside he could see Artemis sleeping beside the little ones in a protective manner.

Truly, he did want his children to have a prosperous future, to no longer worry that if he had disappeared they would be taken care of well…In truth, the offer was something more than he deserved. He watched Artemis stir and lift her head, glancing in the direction the door, he smiled and she did so as well before resettling her head on the pillow. He pulled the door shut and stepped away and wandered down the hall, running his fingers through his hair wearily. Only the moon light spilled somewhat through the shutters as he walked through and pushed open the door to let himself outside. Fresh air that was all he needed. To clear his thoughts and relax, to understand that now he could live his life, that he was dismissed from the service and allowed to enjoy the rest of his life finally, without being taken away from his loved ones. Isn’t that what any man would want? Yet he felt his heart lurch inside his chest and he couldn’t help but let himself sit on the porch steps, hands dropped between his knees. The sound of the leaves greeted him here, rustling in the wind’s wake, eyes trailing down the trodden path that was the lane to their home.

He did not know how long he sat there, hunched over in his thoughts and the endless staring down the path that he rode, it seemed nearly never ending. He had returned home finally and there would be no reason for him to leave on the morn; he would not need to return to Haven. What was there left for him now? Once his life as a soldier was all that made up his life but now that was stripped of him. His ailing king had dismissed him of the service after his report of the long tale of Lihan and the battle that ensued at the Hill, he would have protested – He tried. But with a look from his former King and a motion of his hand he was dismissed. There was more to his life than a long life of servitude, in truth he had done more than most men for his king and now he should enjoy this, this simple life and warmth of his family. Now he could stay here and enjoy his life one day at a time. His eyes traveled to the small stable and then to the chicken’s coop and the garden and fields. There was much work to do here and oddly he could see himself doing such. He sighed.

“What’s wrong?” She asked of him as she leaned against the door jamb and peered out, her robe concealing her naked body, her arms crossed underneath her chest, pulling the robe closer and tighter along her body from the chill of the world outside her door. “Nothing, go to bed Roselyn” And she laughed, a throaty chuckle as she stepped out from the door jamb, the door slowly swinging till it was slightly ajar. She knelt behind him, one hand on his shoulder and chin pressing to the other, kissing his ear and whispering, the wind a chorus to her words. “I know when things stir in your mind Amyas. When something troubles you I can tell, from the stoop of yours shoulders and the way your face looks. Oh, don’t give me that look” She laughed when he glanced over his shoulder to her, a prickle up his spine from her words. They had been together for such a long time – He should’ve known better than to lie to her. “Roselyn” He murmured and gave her an apologetic glance. “Oh, my sweet, sweet man…” She cooed over him, her arms wrapping about him warmly, protectively as she pressed her cheek into the back of his neck. He leaned into her, head lolling back just slightly.

“I’ve been dismissed from the service” He said in a low voice, as if fearing that the children would hear. Roselyn was silent, listening. “I had returned just to be dismissed from the ranks and sent home” “That is a good thing…We have missed you dearly” Roselyn murmured and shifted to lay her head on his shoulder, looking up at the side of his face, in truth she was not concerned with the loss of coin, they had enough saved and even then their whatever they had managed on their garden they were able to sell off if the need had arisen. She knew that Amyas would find work somewhere else – A farm hand if needed, albeit it wouldn’t rake as much coin as his work at the Keep did. “It is” He admitted, there was a time when he was a soldier when he wished dearly to return home to the warm arms of his wife and to hold his children once more. “Roselyn” He reached up and touched the back of her hand and she propped up her head “Hm?” She rose one of her fine brows in question. He could have told her there and then.
He knew secretly that she hid her worries of coin and how they would live, yes, they could live off their land for a while but what then when winter came and clutched at them? What would they do? How could they care for themselves then? It was the only thing he had left, tell her of Lord Teimlia’s offer, free teaching at the manor for their young ones and that they would be cared for and have a home to call for their own. He watched her eyes and she eyed him suspiciously when he didn’t speak and then her look became one of worry “Amyas?” She leaned closer, her nose brushing his own before her brow pressed to his own, hugging his shoulders tightly. “We will have no reason to worry for coin Roselyn.” He told her slowly and paused, looking into her eyes as she took it in. “Lord Teimlia has offered residence in his manor, for you and the little ones…” His words faded as he canted his head in question at what she thought of it.

Roselyn watched him and hugged him tightly, hands roaming down his chest “Truly?” She asked of him and contained a smile, her head was suddenly dizzy with the offer, and it was quite attractive indeed. To not worry of how they would care for themselves during the winter and for other such necessities. But the knowledge that their children would have such a chance at a bright and wonderful future was what mattered most. “Oh Amyas” She never even wondered at what he must have done to receive such an honor and attractive offer. She clung to him and smiled, tears in her eyes “That would be wonderful” She said cheerfully and kissed his mouth warmly. And it was decided, they would go to Achorn Hill in due time to accept Lihan’s offer of warm hospitality. His heart lifted at the thought of that, in truth he had wished to return there to the land of folk in which courage and pride burned with fervor.

There was nothing more to say. Her hand touched his face, running fingertips lovingly down his flesh, kissing his mouth once more as his own sought hers. She stood away from him and smiled, her eyes wet from her tears of joy as she bit her lip. In the next instant they were like young lovers once more. He remembered the time she had led him up into the loft of the barn, escaping the heavy rain that was relentless. The way her hair stuck to her flesh and her clothing clung in a bothersome way, the way she kissed his mouth then was no different from how she did so now. Much like before she led him to the loft above the pens and stalls of sleeping beasts, but instead of escaping her parents they were leaving in a hopes of not waking the little ones whilst partaking their passion. He fumbled out of his trousers whilst she parted her robe revealing her naked body underneath, with a feral lust that welled within him, he took her.

He laid there and groaned as he shifted onto his side and peered down onto her smiling face, her cheeks hinted red from their passion. His hair was matted to his forehead with sweat and he sighed out a heavy breath as he propped himself onto an elbow, her fingertips danced on his chin and chest, tracing out figures that were not there. “I missed you” She whispered to him and looked up into his eyes as he peered down upon her “As I have you” “Never leave me again” She begged him and touched his face as he touched her hair, letting it fall between his fingertips like silk. “Never again” He promised her and sought her mouth with his own, kissing her warmly. But she touched his chest, pushing him from her and smiled mischievously. “The sun is coming up” She murmured and glanced to the shutters; he followed her gaze and found that she was right. Dawn was coming; the clouds were all of different shades, orange, blue and violet. “We should go to bed” She said and his gaze lowered finding that she was watching him “Before the little ones awake” And he bobbed his head in assent and with a groan, lurched to his feet before slipping on his trousers, whilst she slipped her arms through her robe and tied it shut, smiling to him with the admiration of a younger woman.

They had snuck back into the cottage, careful and wary of the children that slept in the near room. When they had found their own room, he had shut the door and latched it shut, suddenly he had felt weary. Her hand on his shoulder and a kiss to the back of his neck told him that it was time to rest as she took his hand and led him to the featherbed. It wasn’t long till he was resting beside her, his arms wrapped about her and his head tucked over her own, her scent filling his nostrils and her presence overtaking him.

He was not sure how long he had slept, the sun was pouring in through the open shutters and made the inside of his eyelids bright, with a groan he slipped his arm over his face to shield it as he turned away and buried his face into the feather bed. His hand reached over absentmindedly and felt where his lover had laid, but she was no longer there. He lifted his head and groaned, his body ached from their passionate tryst the night before. The hearth fire had gone low to nothing more than glowing embers in their nest of charred wood. He slipped his legs from the bed and dropped his face into his hands, rubbing the tiredness from his face as he lurched to his feet with a sigh and left the room.

Roselyn was at the table with Caroline and Rosemary doing their needlework, Roselyn smiled wryly at him in a knowing way at the familiar ache after a night of passion. Rosemary looked up from her work and smiled with a “Good morning papa” whilst Caroline echoed her, kissing their brows and then their mother, Roselyn would mutter “There’s some food kept warm by the hearth for you, I thought it best for you to rest in bed” He smiled at that and wandered off to the cook hearth, there on the stones laying in a pot was warmed pieces of meat and eggs, a loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and fruit lay beside the pot and a kettle of tea. Graciously he had taken it, it had been too long since he had been home to enjoy a morning fast.

It wasn’t long before the girls were becoming bored of the endless tat of their needlework and begged off to wander outside for a time, Roselyn consented only if they return early for their supper and the girls were gone. I didn’t need to ask over Artemis or Aubrey for I knew that , unlike the other girls, Artemis was one who enjoyed any kind of work, including caring for their hounds and horses, Aubrey would be following at her heels no doubt, otherwise he would have been dousing underneath the table, needlework as his dream’s music.

He was still eating, peering out from the open shutters from where he sat when Roselyn draped her arms about his shoulders, holding him as she followed his gaze to their two little girls in their frocks, daisies in their hair much like their mother’s own. “They’ve grown since last you’ve been here” “Much” He admitted grudgingly and ate his food slowly, savoring its taste. “They missed you,” she whispered, kissing his ear and smiling “I think they feel safer that papa is home now” “As they should be” He replied with a smile “There was a time where I promised them I would protect them from anything and I still vow to keep that promise.” “Oh, how dramatic” She teased and slipped her arms from him, stepping over to the table to settle away all the needlework stuff into a basket before setting it on a shelf.

He remembered that time she had called him dramatic, he was young and heady with infatuation for her, he promised her he’d protect her from anything, stand between her and those dangers. She teased him then and that was something that still held till now. Despite teasing him, she knew he would lay down his life for her and their children.

Then it happened.

“Papa” Rosemary called out as she and Caroline ran to the steps of their cottage. He stood from the table and went to the door, pulling it open to see the little ones and lifting his head in query at the sound of pounding hooves on the lane. Just beyond the little fist and pointing hand of Rosemary’s as she clung to his trousers was a rider, smoke and dust streamed in the wake of his stallion, cloak billowing and a stoic intent face was his mask. Roselyn came to the door and peered out, holding to the door jamb as Amyas stood there. “What is it?” She asked of him and he knew what it was, something he feared. “Go inside” He told the little ones and his wife “Amyas?” She queried “Take the girls in, I will be back.” He told her and she obeyed, albeit grudgingly as the little girls chimed in worry “Papa? What is going to happen? Papa?” They nearly cried out as their mother took their hands and pulled them inside, Amyas retreated inside to retrieve a shirt and his boots quickly and returning to the doorway and then stepping out to greet the rider. Just beyond, at the stable he noticed Artemis peek out her head to see what was happening, Aubrey peeking just behind her and with a gesture of his hand Artemis pulled Aubrey inside to busy him.

Part of him wondered if the rider would run him down there and then, but before it was only a shy bit from happening, the rider buckled and tugged on the reins, stallion skidding across the beaten path abruptly. He was panting; the horse seemed weary and sweating as it shook its large head.

“Amyas?” The messenger asked of him, the dust that messenger and horse had waked upon the path was beginning to settle. “This is he” Amyas murmured and waited for what would come next, what urgent message that would be sent to him. “I was sent in haste to you by Captain Johan” The man took a breath and here it came, the next words would be hard to speak and Amyas knew it was what was intended. “The King has died” His heart suddenly lurched in chest, tears stung his eyes and he blinked them away lest he betray his sorrow, his eyes sought for something, anything to focus upon. He was not sure what to do, but the man seemed to take an eternity to continue as if waiting for the words to settle in. Amyas stumbled back somewhat, after finding his footing he settled onto the porch steps, hands between his knees as he looked down upon them. The backs of his hands were scarred from the work he had done and the long years of his loyal service to the throne, to the man who had given him his chance to better his life. “There is more” The messenger spoke on but Amyas raised his hand to silence him, he couldn’t hear no more, not now. He had much to think over. “Please, you must be hungry and your horse seems weary of the travel you must have taken in haste” The messenger looked near to protest but Amyas gave him a look that brooked no argument and suddenly food seemed the more important thing.

Amyas had called for Roselyn and she had come, welcoming the messenger inside and offering him part of their morning fast as Amyas had led the weary and wary horse to the stable. Artemis seemed ready to ask a thousand questions of him but knew better when Amyas entered, she dragged her little brother out near instantly to return to the cottage, and Amyas spared one final glance over his shoulder as they left. At the empty stall the horse was eager to enter and settle at the feed that was offered as Amyas removed his tack and left to haul water from the stream and set it in the trough. When there was nothing more to do for the horse he had decided it was time to return to the cottage and face what other news that would be bestowed upon him.

When he had entered the cottage, he could see that the messenger was having his fill of his fast, eating rather ravenously but sure of his manners. Caroline and Rosemary were playing with their dolls, he suddenly remembered the ones he had purchased on the road for his daughters, Lihan had purchased similar as well for his own twins. Artemis sat cross legged upon the hearth stones, Aubrey in her lap and dozing, heading lolled into her shoulder as she sung softly to him a nursery rhyme. Roselyn stood by the hall, lingering by the door jamb as she looked on, her eyes traveling to Amyas for that one moment, he avoided her eyes. If there was worry that showed upon her face at that, he did not know.

Amyas made his way to the table, setting himself down from across the messenger who had begun to slow himself and set down his hands, ready to speak but Amyas silenced him with a hand and motioned it “Continue” he told him and watched him eat, thoughts going through his mind. It wasn’t long until the man had finished his share of food and gave his thanks to Roselyn in which she came over, taking the platter and moving aside to set it away. It was an awkward silence that ensued, Amyas watched him and the messenger seemed uncomfortable, it seemed higher news than it should have been, the messenger’s flickered to the others in the room and Amyas understood fully. “Roselyn take the little ones outside, Artemis take Aubrey with you and go with your mother.” Artemis glanced over her should and nodded before lifting Aubrey into her arms and standing and waiting by the door for the other little ones, Roselyn led them out with one worried glance back, each clinging to her skirts whilst holding their dolls to themselves.

When Amyas judged they were out of earshot he gave a nod of consent to the man, who sighed out. “As I’ve told you before, Captain Johan had sent me to relay the news to you and to fetch you” “Fetch me?” “Yes” Amyas was thoughtful, to return once more, to pay respects to the man he called his King, yes that seemed right. “We must leave as soon as we can, Johan says we must make haste and not waste a moment of our time” the messenger added lastly. Secretly, Amyas knew there was something more urgent than the King’s death, he should say no, it was his time to rest now, just as King Uriel had said and granted to him. Johan wanted him for something more than to pay his respect to the man he once knew. But his traitorous lips moved, his mouth shifted, he spoke.

“…Alright…”

It was something that he found harder to do than most things he had ever done in his life time. His loyalty to his King, even in death, seemed to burn with more fervor than for his family. He loved them, he truly did and would no doubt lay his life down for them if he must, but he was torn. He had begun to ready his saddle bags when Rosemary and Caroline came running into the stable, sobbing hysterically and clinging to him as if he were to shatter in the merest instant, their sobs turned his heart in his chest. Artemis had come running after them, attempting to calm them, to soothe them of their worries, that papa would be back soon. But even he knew that was a lie. He promised them fervently that he would return in due time, in less than a fortnight. That he never leave again after that, that the King wanted to see Papa and then will let him return home. It was a lie and he suspected that they knew it was so, yet they clung to that false hope as they hugged him and kissed his face, even Artemis, he sweet daughter seemingly so strong at times broke into tears as she clung to him like the little girl he once had known, it reminded him of the times she’d run into their room after a horrid night terror and he would check under her large bed and then lull her to sleep, promising he’d watch over her all night and keep the monsters away.

The messenger stood outside of the stable, watching in, his horse’s reins in hand and ready. He held Artemis at arms length and looked down upon her, she looked much like him, even that auburn hair and turquoise eyes, daisies in her hair like a crown and braids falling to her face. He kissed her brow and let her go.

Leading out his horse by the reins he was greeted by his wife, holding a sobbing Aubrey who buried his face into her shoulders, it tore his heart to see that his son would not look upon him. His boy’s shoulders shuddered with every sob. Roselyn looked upon him stricken, the promises that he would never leave were already being torn and she knew that this was no fortnight task that he would probably not return for weeks, months or even possibly a year. He blinked his eyes to keep back the tears as he touched her face, and she let the tears go freely. He embraced her, mindful of the child between them before kissing her mouth, his final kiss. “I love you” He told her “My sweet robin, I love you so much” “Amyas” She choked on a sob and buried her face into the crook of his neck as he held her, he knew the messenger was looking away, pretending to focus upon something else and look uninterested in what unveiled before him. Amyas took the chance to whisper into her ear. “Pack up and gather the children, board up the cottage and stable, go to Achorn Hill, beg audience of Lihan or the Lady of the Hill…Tell them…Tell them that I accept their offer. Our children is proof enough of who we are. They will see me in their eyes.” And she nodded her head, wiping her eyes with one hand as the other supported a now silent Aubrey. He parted from her with one final kiss before stepping away and heading to a waiting stallion, he pulled himself onto the saddle, the messenger gave him a look and they both nodded as they had begun to turn their mounts’ heads towards the lane.

“Papa, Papa!” Aubrey cried out, prying free of Roselyn’s arms as they were heading down the lane, the little boy was running down the lane chasing after him, Amyas dropped from the saddle and to the floor in a fluid motion and caught the boy in his arms, dropping to one knee. The boy buried his face into his shoulder, clinging tightly to his father as he sobbed. “I don’t want you to go Papa, please” He begged in his soft, thin voice, cracked with his tears. There’s nothing harder than pulling away from sobbing child who only wished to have you in their world and asks for nothing else. “I will return” He promised, smoothing the boy’s tousled hair and wiping his tears. “But you’ll need to be strong and protect your mother and sisters while I’m gone. Will you do that for?” He touched the boy’s shoulders and he gave a stiff nod, sniffing his nose. “I will Papa” He promised. “Good,” Amyas kissed his brow “That’s a good lad, now go on to your mother” He stood up and clambered back onto his horse, giving him another glance and smiling. “My sword is yours, son. I will lay it down between you and any dangers that come your way. I will always protect you, in this life and the next.” He said as he rode off, turning his gaze up to his daughters and Roselyn and then away, leaving his son standing in the wake of their departure, his family watching him off once more, left to wonder when he would return and if he would return alive.

Somehow, he thought he wouldn’t.