Re: Strangers in a Strange Land--A Pawns & Queens era novella--Chapter Six

[Evie]

Previous chapter: https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/index.php/topic,3293.0.html


Strangers in a Strange Land

Chapter Six

August 11, 1457
Rhemuth Castle
Prince Cinhil's apartment
Mid-morning

Princess Alixa was in a state of mild shock, not knowing what to think. She had just been informed that her former chaperone, Madame Dardenay, had died suddenly. It had been some sort of swift failure of the heart, it would seem.

On the one hand, she couldn't help the overwhelming surge of relief that had swept through her at the news that her former tormentor would no longer be a source of distress and anxiety for her. On the other, however, Madame had been her last remaining link to her home kingdom of Joux, and for all of the pain and suffering she had experienced at her father's Court, for better or for worse Joux was still the land of her birth and all that she had ever known until two months ago.

She hardly had time to ponder the matter after the initial shock of receiving the news, for while she was still toying with her mostly neglected breakfast, wondering if her former chaperone would be buried here in Gwynedd or shipped back home to Joux, and if any such funerary arrangements had even been made for her yet, her husband returned to their apartment in a more ebullient mood than she had ever seen him in. Spotting her, he crossed the room, startling her by lifting her up and whirling her around once before setting her back down and planting a hearty kiss on her lips. "Good morning, ma colombe!"

"Good morning!" she replied, staring at him in wonder. She had never seen him so energetic! His eyes sparkled above cheeks that appeared flushed with recent exercise. She reached up to push a wind-tousled lock of hair out of his face. "Where have you been this morning, mon mari?"

"I've been out riding," he told her. "It's a glorious day, you should come join me." Cinhil grinned. "Unless you'd prefer to spend the rest of our morning indoors instead? I could give you another lesson on immoderate carnal desires." He raised an eyebrow suggestively.

Alixa laughed, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. "Are you never going to let me live that down?"

"Never." Cinhil sat beside her, lifting her onto his lap and cradling her in his arms, lowering his lips to hers for a more lingering kiss. "It really is a lovely day, though."

Alixa noticed a glint of gold peeking through his raven hair. She brushed it aside, spotting a gleaming earring of twisted gold wire she had never seen before.

"Careful, cherie, the ear lobe is still a little tender," Cinhil warned, reaching up to take her hand and kiss the fingers that had been reaching to touch the new accessory. "I meant to ask James to go ahead and Heal it for me, but we both got a little distracted last night and forgot."

"Is this new earring why you have so much energy today?" Alixa asked. She knew her husband had been away with the King and various other Deryni of the Court the night before, participating in some sort of top-secret Haldane ritual that she thought had something to do with helping to prepare him for his future kingship, although she didn't know any details besides those. That had been for her protection, she had been told, and she hadn't questioned that because she had learned to trust Cinhil. "Will you remain like this?" She hoped so. It was wonderful to see him filled with so much enthusiasm and sheer joy.

"Why do you ask? Are you worried I'm going to wear you out?" he joked, nuzzling her neck. Straightening again, he sobered slightly. "Honestly, I don't know. As much as I'd love to feel like this all the time, I suspect it's just a side effect of last night's ritual. So I wouldn't grow too used to it, if I were you." He gave a wistful sigh. "Though I hope it does last. I don't really think we can hope for a miracle cure, but that would certainly be nice."

#

August 13, 1457
Rhemuth Castle
The Great Hall
Evening

The crash, when it came, happened suddenly. One moment, Alixa had been savoring a tender morsel of beef as she listened to one of Cinhil's tales about one of his boyhood escapades with his brothers, and the next moment, in mid-sentence, he was having a sudden seizure, nearly sliding out of his chair before the King, sensing what was happening almost before it became visibly apparent to all, leaped out of his own and caught his falling son. The King's Champion rapidly pulled Cinhil's chair out of the way so that King Uthyr could lay his son down on the floor, swiftly turning his head and making sure his airway was clear of any food that might have still been in his mouth. Fortunately, none had been in there to choke him. The Royal Healer arrived almost immediately, having been dining lower in the Hall and seeing what was happening before everyone's shocked gazes. Alixa wanted to fall to her knees beside her husband, but she stepped back instead to make more room for the Healer, who with Duke Alain's assistance swiftly whisked Cinhil away to the Infirmarium.

Alixa allowed herself to be led out of the Hall by the Queen, who all but thrust her into Prince Camber's arms with instructions to escort her back to the Royal Apartments while she returned to the Hall to try to restore some semblance of order to the feast until the last of the diners had departed for the night.

Instead, Camber had turned to her with a raised eyebrow. "Infirmarium?"

"Yes," Alixa whispered. She felt thoroughly numb as she allowed him to lead her through the corridors that normally felt familiar to her now, but at this moment had suddenly returned to maze-like unfamiliarity.

#

Alixa had no idea what the Healer was doing, but it looked very alarming. He had his hand poised above Cinhil's chest, occasionally doing a brief series of light squeezes in the air above him before bending to breathe into her husband's open mouth. Camber, white-faced, appeared to comprehend this strange action. He turned her away from the scene, leaning over to whisper, "I think we would only be in the way. Perhaps I should get you back to your chambers after all."

She didn't want to go, but the tension she could feel in her brother-by-marriage's arm and the sudden damp shimmer in his eyes convinced her. Alixa nodded, allowing him to lead her away, her feet feeling like they were filled with lead as each step took her farther from her stricken husband.

"Do you think...will he be alright?" she whispered.

Camber took a deep, shaky breath. "I don't know, Alixa. We'll just have to wait and see." They rounded the corner, arriving at the outer door to the apartment she shared with Cinhil. Camber appeared to share some sort of wordless communication with the guard, who turned pale as he opened the door for them, allowing Camber to escort her into the larger antechamber just inside the main entrance.

Seeing the chair where she had sat on her husband's lap just two days earlier, blushing at his teasing flirtations, Alixa burst into tears. Camber, looking even more on the verge of panic than he had when they were standing outside the Infirmarium, swiftly urged her to sit, disappearing into the rooms deeper into the apartment and emerging a few moments later with one of Cinhil's handkerchiefs.

"Alixa, I'm sure Cinhil will be fine!" She didn't need Deryni senses to tell her that Camber was sure of nothing of the sort, but he was saying so anyway, needing the reassurance just as much as she did. "There, there!" He gingerly patted her back as if it was covered with red-hot embers.

"I don't want him to die!" she wailed.

#

Camber reached for Alixa's hand, squeezing it in his. "Neither do I. Maybe we should pray. It would give us something more useful to do rather than just worrying ourselves sick over him."

She nodded, taking a shuddery breath and appearing to be trying to compose herself. "I don't think I'm even bearing a child yet! I'll have to go back to Joux!" Fresh tears poured down her pale cheeks at that thought. "I can't go back, Camber! I'd rather die!"

Bloody hell, he was a first year university student, not even properly into his seminary training at this early stage of his education! What did he know about proper pastoral ministry yet? "All right, uh, let's not do that, sweeting. I'm fairly sure that you dying also would be far from helpful. We've had quite enough of that sort of thing around here this week already."

Despite the gravity of the situation, she giggled at the absurdity of his objection.

#

August 13, 1457
Rhemuth Castle
The Infirmarium
Night

The family kept a quiet vigil around Cinhil's bedside throughout the night once his heart had been restarted and his condition somewhat stabilized. Healer James was still not entirely certain that his patient wouldn't suffer another swift and unexpected reversal, so after a quiet conference with the King and Queen, the three of them decided to keep him under observation in the Infirmarium until it was more certain that either he was well on his way to recovery or whether the bed on which he currently lay would be his deathbed.

The Queen had tried to send Alixa back to her own bed after she had finally been allowed to visit Cinhil's bedside, but for once, despite her usual awe of Gwynedd's formidable Queen, the Princess had dug in her heels and refused to leave her husband's side. Recognizing the girl would not be budged, and privately pleased to see that Cinhil's bride had become so devoted to her new husband in so short a time, Soraya backed off, having a comfortable chair brought in and placed next to Cinhil's bed so that Alixa could sit there and hold his hand while he slept. If she happened to nod off too while trying to keep watch over her husband, so much the better.

The rest of the family took turns visiting the sickroom, quietly conversing with Alixa while keeping a watchful eye on the young prince, carefully monitoring him for any change in his condition for good or for ill. Even Nicholas had been called in, an armed escort sent to fetch him from Candor Rhea in the dark of night for fear that waiting for the dawn's light would be leaving matters entirely too late. For once, he and the Queen managed to be in each other's company for brief moments at a time without quarreling, both too focused on Cinhil's sudden decline to have the energy to spare for sparring with one another, rehashing the same old worn-out disagreements over his dereliction of duty and too frequent absences from Rhemuth due to his commitment to Melisande. Both were privately terrified that Cinhil's life would slip away sometime during the night to come–Prince Nicholas, because the loss of his brother would make him the heir; and Queen Soraya, for exactly the same reason.

The two younger Haldane princesses had been allowed to visit their brother earlier in the night, shortly after Cinhil had resumed breathing regularly and his heart showed no signs of stopping again, but then they had been sent off to bed, both being deemed too young to be kept up all night even though they were willing to help keep watch over their beloved brother, although they were assured that they would be awakened if it appeared any sudden change in his condition was imminent. Miranda and Camber decided to split the night hours between them, Camber keeping first watch alongside Alixa and then stopping by to wake his older sister on his way to his bed.

Only King Uthyr was absent, having quietly stepped away once Cinhil had edged away from death's doorstep to slip into peaceful sleep. He sought solace in the same hidden spot that was his heir's favorite personal retreat–the secret chapel to the Blessed Saint Camber that was tucked away behind the wall of what used to be an ancient study at St. Hilary's Basilica back in the days when the first Deryni schola in centuries had been re-established in Rhemuth during the early reign of Kelson the Great. According to the histories, the study had once been used by St. Duncan, back when he had been the auxiliary bishop of Rhemuth and founding rector of Saint Camber's Schola. But just at the moment, Uthyr's mind was on more personal matters than the centuries of history that had left their resonances in those hallowed walls.

The King slipped into the secret chapel to kneel before the altar and bow his head before the one who was King Above All Kings, pleading for the life of his son.

#

August 14, 1457
St. Hilary's Basilica
St. Camber's Chapel
Dawn

Duke Alain Morgan found his King and friend Uthyr asleep on his knees before St. Camber's altar. He had known he was likely to discover him there.

"Go to bed, Sire. Cinhil is still asleep, but Master James says it's a normal sleep now. Depending on how well he does once he wakes up, he might get to return to his own chambers tonight. The Healer is going over his daily care regimen with Princess Alixa right now."

Uthyr had been about to protest that he was no longer sleepy, but a huge yawn nearly split his face in half. He allowed his King's Champion to help him to his feet, finding himself rather unsteady on them after falling asleep at prayer. His knees were so stiff and achy, he might be in need of the Healer's care once James had finished instructing Cinhil's wife!

"Do you think it was something I did that caused this?" Uthyr asked his friend, feeling helpless in the face of his son's illness. "Some unconfessed sin, or...hell, I don't know...."

Alain shook his head. "I doubt it. Even in the best-spent lives, sometimes bad turns of fortune just happen. I don't think anything that anyone did caused this illness to happen to Cinhil, nor do I think anything anyone could have done would have prevented it from happening. Some things just happen."

"I would give my life if it would save my boy," said the heartbroken father.

Alain laid his arm around Uthyr's shoulders, leading him towards the door. "I'm pretty sure St. Duncan felt the same way when he lost his son."

Uthyr snorted. "He got his lad back from the dead a few weeks later in an Easter miracle! Somehow I don't think I'm going to receive the same blessing." He sighed. "If I'd known it would affect him this way, I'd never have put Cinhil through the potential setting ritual. Master James warned me that there might be a risk, but I didn't want to hear it."

"To be fair, Master James didn't realize at the time how risky it was going to be. If he had, he would have refused to participate and argued against the attempt. He's beating himself up pretty badly over not foreseeing this outcome."

Uthyr shook his head. "None of us did." They walked out of the building, heading back towards the Castle. "Assuming Cinhil somehow manages to survive me, he's never going to be able to be Empowered, is he? I can't imagine he'll be able to reign for very long without some challenge coming along to test the limits of his power. We Haldanes just aren't that lucky, going through an entire reign in peace without someone trying to push us off our thrones."

Alain nodded. "And that, my friend, is why you have a King's Champion. I'll be there for Cinhil, or if I've gone on to meet our maker before then, Joss will be. But don't give up hope. Cinhil has always been a fighter. Even if he can no longer prove himself on the battlefield, not all fights are won in battle, and your heir is still every bit a Haldane in mental strength and will."

#

August 14, 1457
Rhemuth Castle
The Infirmarium
Shortly after dawn

Cinhil's eyes fluttered open. He found his face mere inches away from his wife's. At first not registering their surroundings, he leaned towards her to plant a kiss on the tip of her nose, startling her into wakefulness. As she blinked, attempting to focus on him, he grinned. "Good morning, beautiful. Want to make a baby?"

She stared back at him. "In the Infirmarium?" she squeaked.

"What?" Bemused, he sat up, noticing for the first time that he was not in his own familiar bed. His mother raised an eyebrow at him.

"Clearly you will be just fine," she told him, rising from her chair. "I'll go fetch Master James."

He fell back onto his pillow. After a moment, he chuckled. "Can I just die now?"

"Don't you dare!" Alixa replied.

###

[DerynifanK]

A miracle like the one that restored Dhugal to Duncan is not to be for Cinhil but he is strong mentally and spiritually. Wish he could have been cured but he gave so much to his kingdom during his short reign. He was greatly loved and always will be. I will really miss these stories. Monday and Thursday mornings just won't be the same. We will have to wait patiently for the sequel. Thank you for all the pleasure your stories give. Hope you have a very happy and restful holiday.

[JudithR]

Thank you Evie. I have really enjoyed the main story and the spin-offs.  Your characters are very well drawn, "real" people.  That I want to know what happens next is a tribute to your abilities.

 St Duncan? Do I scent another story?

[Evie]

Thank you Evie. I have really enjoyed the main story and the spin-offs.  Your characters are very well drawn, "real" people.  That I want to know what happens next is a tribute to your abilities.

 St Duncan? Do I scent another story?

LOL! When I wrote that bit, the Duncan in my head was going "Wait...WHAT?!" He's just hoping he's been sainted for miraculous goings-on after his death, and not due to becoming a martyr! 

A miracle like the one that restored Dhugal to Duncan is not to be for Cinhil but he is strong mentally and spiritually. Wish he could have been cured but he gave so much to his kingdom during his short reign. He was greatly loved and always will be. I will really miss these stories. Monday and Thursday mornings just won't be the same. We will have to wait patiently for the sequel. Thank you for all the pleasure your stories give. Hope you have a very happy and restful holiday.

Fortunately all of my characters, whether still living or "dead" in my AU Deryni universe, continue to live on inside my head, so this might not be the very last time you see Cinhil. After all, Catriona is allegedly dead also, yet she managed to make a comeback in a short story where her reappearance helped to save Sister Helena's life. So who knows who Cinhil might make his continuing presence known, whether it's in memories, flashbacks, or perhaps even something more tangible?

In the immortal words of the Bard's Hamlet, ""There are more things in Heaven and Earth...than are dreamt of in your philosophy."  Or if you prefer that other great philosopher, Yoda, "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."

[revanne]

I am still convinced that Cinhil would have been made a saint by popular demand, despite what his brothers would have had to say on subject, so he could no doubt appear at an opportune moment.

[Evie]

I am still convinced that Cinhil would have been made a saint by popular demand, despite what his brothers would have had to say on subject, so he could no doubt appear at an opportune moment.

That seems likely.    At any rate, it's very doubtful he'll be forgotten anytime soon, now that Devyn McLain has immortalized him in song and spread the story of his Duel Arcane throughout the Eleven Kingdoms. For centuries to come, the peoples living around the Southern Sea will be sharing the tale of Brave King Cinhil's swift and decisive victory over the dastardly Remy of Joux, not to mention Cinhil's irreverent sense of humor, as long as songs are sung around fires or in Great Halls.

[Demercia]

I am still convinced that Cinhil would have been made a saint by popular demand, despite what his brothers would have had to say on subject, so he could no doubt appear at an opportune moment.

I doubt they will have nearly as much to say as Alaric at Duncan's rise to the altars. I loved how you snuck that in, Evie.  And I love the fact though Cinhil's illness seems a disaster, and of course is a personal tragedy, it is that that saves his kingdom.
I have loved these stories.

[Laurna]

I have so much to catch up on.  Thank you Evie for this introduction to your main story.  And though I  have heard much of the back stage chatter about where the story goes, I just need to sit back and do some serious reading. I love this story as a prologue.

[DerynifanK]

Very interesting, Deryni healer CPR. So glad it worked.
I loved his first words to Alixa when he regained consciousness.Hey beautiful, want to make a baby? He is a delight.

[Jerusha]

As usual Evie, you leave me wanting more. MUCH more! 

[drakensis]

LOL! When I wrote that bit, the Duncan in my head was going "Wait...WHAT?!" He's just hoping he's been sainted for miraculous goings-on after his death, and not due to becoming a martyr! 

Yes, I can't see him being happy with the idea of being a saint. "Alaric will never let that go."


On the other hand, it raises the possibility that besides visitations from Saint Camber, some Deryni adjacent to the Haldanes may encounter Saint Duncan.

[Evie]

As usual Evie, you leave me wanting more. MUCH more! 

Well, given that it's the season of wishes, you might get this one answered in some small way sooner than you might think....

[DerynifanK]

As usual Evie, you leave me wanting more. MUCH more! 

Well, given that it's the season of wishes, you might get this one answered in some small way sooner than you might think....

I am also hoping for more. Your stories are wonderful and I for one am so attached to the characters, always wanting to know more about what's happening to them.

[drakensis]

It's an excellent story, got me digging back into renaissance Alternate History again (currently re-reading Henry Tudor, Heretic and Father of Kings, on the internet)

I do hope we see more of this generation of the Haldanes and their extended family

[Evie]

It's an excellent story, got me digging back into renaissance Alternate History again (currently re-reading Henry Tudor, Heretic and Father of Kings, on the internet)

I do hope we see more of this generation of the Haldanes and their extended family

I'm roughly halfway (?) through a Pawns and Queens sequel, not to mention the smaller spin-off stories that pop into my head from time to time. There's also the opening chapters of a story centered on Miranda and the Hort that I started before realizing I would need to know how certain events in the main sequel develop before I can continue work on that one. So you'll be seeing more of these characters eventually. 🙂