The Treasure of Gwenlais

  By

  M.T. Magee

  Text Copyright © 2015 M.T. Magee

  All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book is to be scanned, reproduced, or copied in any form without permission from the author, including the cover art. The characters of this book are the sole possession of the author, and not to be used or presented in any other format.

  This eBook is not to be shared unless part of an accepted lending program. If you would like to share this eBook, please purchase an additional copy, or use the accepted lending program.

  Thank you for respecting the efforts of the author, the time it took for her and her dedicated team to write and publish this book for your enjoyment.

  Note to readers

  I wish to thank you for the purchase of the first book in the series, The Rienfield Chronicles, entitled The Treasure of Gwenlais.

  The world I have created, comes from the inspiration of both my Scottish heritage and my husband’s Irish descent, with pride and respect for both cultures. The beauty of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the lush rolling meadows of Ireland, serve as a backdrop for the mythical realm of Rienfield. Many of the names of villages and towns that are used are actual names of towns and villages of Scotland and Ireland. They are used in direct correlation for what their rich past made them known for and is applied with loving respect for their history in the story. Many of the names of the characters are Irish, Scottish, or Gaelic, again showing my love and admiration for our heritages. The characters also speak Old Irish, from time to time, referring to it as ‘old speak.’ I hope you will find this as fascinating and beautiful as I did.

  You will find the Kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin filled with wonder, danger, adventure, romance, love of family as well as betrayal.

  The people, races, and beings, will beckon you to return and visit, over and again, sharing in their joys, sorrows, tragedies and triumphs.

  So my friends, find your comfortable reading place, and immerse yourself in the lives of the warm, courageous, humorous, and sometimes frightening characters, which make up the world of Rienfield.

  With warmest regards; M.T. Magee

  Dedications

  This dedication is to my brilliant editor, F.O. Magee. Thank you for your amazing eye for details, being my tireless sounding board, and my constructive yet honest critic. Thank you for being my soulmate, best friend and the love of my life. You are my greatest inspiration for all that a hero is supposed to be. I could not have done this without you.

  I wish to dedicate this book to my two sons, Tyler and Charles, whom I love and adore, as much as any mother can love her children. You taught me to love, to care, and to have patience, and have enriched my life for simply being in it.

  Thanks to The Noble Artist aka Jamis Noble Frier, my amazing and brilliant cover artist. Thank you for sharing my vision and “fleshing out” the ideas in my head. I look forward to seeing your next incredible idea.

  To the wonderful friends and writers I met on Facebook, thanks for all your advice and encouragement

  Prologue

  Princess Laurel of Gwenlais, finds herself tragically and quickly thrust into a world of danger, so unlike the idyllic and sheltered life she has known. These dangers from an unknown enemy, also unexpectedly throw her into the arms of Caleb, the warrior Prince of Heathwin, the nearby Kingdom with whom Gwenlais has a tense alliance. The more refined people of Gwenlais, find their neighbors and protectors of the West necessary, but consider them uncouth and sometimes barbaric. The long and bloody feud between Heathwin, and the mysterious, frightening, and misunderstood, race of beings, called the Rabkins, had finally reached an uneasy truce, by the hard-fought and diligent efforts of Prince Caleb. This fragile agreement was soon shattered by an attack from outside; that threaten both Kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin. Laurel and Caleb find themselves, not only fighting for the peace and existence of their Kingdoms but fighting for their newfound love that is imperiled at every turn from a nameless enemy, and their own people as well. Laurel follows her calling by beginning her training in the ancient healing arts of the Ollams. She soon finds that her skills may be needed to heal more than just the physical wounds of others, but also the wounds of the heart, long put-upon by the people of both she and Caleb’s Kingdoms, by the mistrust and bigotries of either side. As they draw closer together, they discover just how far this unknown enemy has gone to tear them apart from within. They must together, find a way to rise above old and long-standing prejudices, and form a much stronger alliance in order to fight against the new enemy from outside of their borders that threatens their very survival.

  This is the epic world of Rienfield. A world filled with beauty, danger, amazing races, and cultures. You will find the love and strong ties of family, as well as romance, humor, adventure and tragedy, all while the people and beings of Rienfield search for peace and truth in their way of life.

  Table of Contents

  1: THE TRAGEDY OF GWENLAIS

  2: FAREWELL TO THE QUEEN

  3: THE BETRAYAL OF MORENE

  4: THE WINTER OF SOLACE

  5: THE DRAGON’S TOOTH

  6: THE FIRST NIGHT TOGETHER

  7: TABLUT LESSONS

  8: A CHANGE OF HEART

  9: THE PRINCESS DOE MED

  10: THE FESTIVAL

  11: THE SCIMITAR

  12: THE TESTIMONY

  13: THE TRIAL

  14: THE GALLERY

  15: THE BANISHMENT

  16: THE RETURN TO GWENLAIS

  17: THE WEDDING DATE

  18: THE PROMISE

  19: A BIT OF BROKEN HEART

  20: THE RIVER CROSSING

  21: A LONG DAY

  22: THE FAMILY WELCOMES HOME THEIR PRINCESS

  23: THE LONG AWAITED PLAN

  24: A CHANGE OF PLANS

  25: WENDELL THE SCRIBE

  26: THE FAMILY ARRIVES FOR THE WEDDING

  27: THE BACHELOR DINNER

  28: THE WEDDING

  29: THE WEDDING TENT

  30: THE HONEYMOON

  31: THE RETURN HOME

  32: THE MISSIONS

  33: THE HOMECOMING

  34: SAD NEWS FROM GWENLAIS

  1: THE TRAGEDY OF GWENLAIS

  The young woman’s frantic breathing became faster as she ran through the heavy long grassy field. She nearly tripped on her skirts as they became tangled in the vegetation. The terrifying cries from behind caused her to look back at the horror that was unfolding.

  “Run Laurel! Run! Do not stop!” her mother, Queen Milna, screamed at her in desperation.

  The last thing she saw before turning back around was a towering dark creature noticing her escape and beginning to take chase. The long bird-like legs carrying it at horrifying speed. She screamed as it drew near and began to close the distance between them. She could hear its labored breathing as it continued its pursuit. She turned once again only to see the creature catching up to her. It shrieked at her in fury as she looked at it. Its enormous crimson eyes filled with hatred, the long pointed ears folded back behind its deer shaped head, with long human-like arms, pumping furiously as it ran. She turned to face forward trying to block the terror that was overtaking her mind, fear pushing her to run faster. At any moment, she would be close enough for her screams for help to be heard, she was almost at the river. The Sentinel river camp was just over the other side. But too late, she felt its long clawed fingers grab her hair and push her to the ground. She landed with crushing force; she felt blood rush out of her mouth as she bit down on her lower lip. She was unable to move, the pain in her head was excruciating. The creature grabbed her hair once more and threw her over onto her back. It knelt down beside her, making low guttural sounds. It bro
ught its strangely beautiful, but terrifying face closer to hers. It began to speak in an almost musical voice, words she did not understand.

  Suddenly and without warning, it then shrieked at her again raising a clawed hand to deliver a final blow. Laurel, unable to scream, closed her eyes waiting for it to come. The blow never reached its intended mark, for in that instant there was the sound of pounding hoof beats, a deafening roar, and the sound of metal ripping through flesh. There was a rasping hiss of a last breath, followed by a heavy thud which shook the ground under her. Laurel opened her eyes and saw the severed head of the creature only a few inches from her face. She then let out a scream of terror and revulsion, as she struggled to sit up and move away from the hideous sight. In her terror, she was completely unaware of the tall, dark-haired man leaping down from his enormous horse, and coming over to her.

  He sheathed his bloody sword and quickly stooped down and gathered her in his arms. He could hear the desperate shouts and screams coming from the village. As the large group on horseback that was with him galloped up, he shouted the order to continue to the village to see what could be done for whoever was there, well knowing there would be more than one of the creatures that had attacked Laurel. They immediately thundered past him, followed by an enormous animal called a Scimitar cat, also known as a Hunter, running with them.

  Laurel was too blind with fear to realize she was safely in the arms of her rescuer and began screaming uncontrollably and fighting with all the strength she had left.

  “Your Highness, it is all right! Please calm down! You will hurt yourself,” the man said commandingly.

  She was unable to heed his words, her mind only thinking of survival. The man laid her upon the ground taking both her arms and holding them down to her sides.

  “Laurel! Look at me! It is me, Caleb,” he said, firmly but calmly.

  Caleb, the Prince of Heathwin, the Chief and Commander of the Sentinels who protected the two Kingdoms of Gwenlais and his own realm of Heathwin.

  “Open your eyes and look at me,” he spoke, with a much calmer tone.

  His deep voice sounding comforting, as he spoke in the rich accent of a Westerner. Laurel stopped struggling and slowly opened her eyes to find him sitting on the ground, using his arms to support his torso as he leaned above her. He smiled, as her eyes registered recognition. His handsome face, softening as he released his firm grip from her arms.

  “Caleb, it is you,” she sobbed.

  “Yes. It is me. You are safe now,” he replied softly.

  The young woman bolted straight up and threw herself into his arms sobbing uncontrollably. Caleb wrapped his arms around her, holding one hand to the back of her head smoothing her long chestnut hair and making soothing sounds as he did so. Her body shook violently with her sobs at times almost choking her, from being unable to catch her breath.

  “I…I can….cannot breathe,” she gasped trying to speak.

  Caleb gently released his embrace, and pulled her away from him, just enough for her to face him. Her eyes still wide with terror, her face horribly pale, her lower lip bloodied and swollen. Caleb removed his leather gloves, and taking her face in his hands, lifted it towards his, willing her to look at him.

  “You must relax Laurel. Take in your breath, hold it. Now slowly let it out,” he spoke, barely above a whisper.

  Laurel looked into the eyes she knew so well, and for just a heartbeat’s moment, she felt herself lost in the intense blueness of them. Westerners were known for their striking blue eyes, his almost black hair that reached the nape of his neck, making his eyes even more penetrating and vivid. Prince Caleb was just twenty-eight seasons, his face neither looked boyish or older, only wiser and more experienced than his age would have otherwise belied. She watched him release his breath as well and found herself mimicking his actions. Laurel’s breathing began to slowly calm and the spasms that racked her body begin to subside.

  The Sentinels charged into the village, the stench of blood and death were the first things to assault them. That and the screams of the surviving villagers. Prince Aiden could only shout out his anger and shock at the sight that was before him. The dozen or so Rabkins that were there had mercilessly ravaged the village, the torn and broken bodies of the villagers lay scattered everywhere, mostly of women and the old ones. Three children sat screaming by their mother’s body desperately clutching her hand begging her to hold them to protect them from the monsters. Aiden’s heart and mind filled with wrath as he screamed at the Sentinels to attack and show no mercy as the Rabkins turned in surprise at the sudden onslaught, ready to fight for their lives. Aiden swung his sword and sliced through the first Rabkin he encountered. A Sentinel was violently thrown from his horse as the force of a Rabkin staff piercing his chest hit him. Another Rabkin, threw a body of one of its victims at Aiden, trying to force him to stop his deadly pursuit. The body caused him to fall off his horse. As he recovered from his fall, he yelled in rage and disgust, then leaped upon the back of the Rabkin attempting to escape. Aiden thrust his sword through the back of its head, as it made one last scream before falling lifelessly to the ground. The enormous Hunter attacked the Rabkins with deadly efficiency and skill. The four colored stones embedded in the Hunter’s head glowed each time it found and destroyed its target. A lone Sentinel, Rian, known as a Keeper, was close by on horseback, watching the animal’s movements intently. He touched the matching stones he wore on a copper bracer, occasionally yelling out single word commands to the Hunter. Quickly the Sentinels found that the battle had suddenly ended, with at least half the Rabkins dead, the rest being pursued into the forest. Prince Aiden stood for a moment catching his breath, the reality of the horror of the attack on the village, brought into focus. All that could be heard was the cries and screams of terrified children, desperately calling out to their mothers, only to receive no answer in reply. Aiden began to look frantically among the dead, calling out to a nearby Sentinel to help him.

  “Rian! Help me find her! Help me find the Queen!” he called out, in his anguish.

  As they looked among the bodies, a voice off to his left called out to him. “Sire, I have found her!” an older Sentinel called.

  The battle hardened Sentinel kneeled down, his eyes misting over in sadness as he looked upon the broken body of Queen Milna, Queen of Gwenlais.

  Aiden and the young Sentinel Rian ran over. The Queen’s body lay among her guards and her fellow Ollams, healers from Gwenlais. They had not left the side of their beloved Queen, choosing to be with her, sharing her tragic fate. Two dead Rabkins also lay among the bodies, as Milna’s guards fought ferociously, to protect their Queen. Aiden knelt beside Queen Milna, noting even in death, her beauty still remained, and the kindness of her soul still could be seen on her calm face. Unsure how he would be able to tell her daughter, Laurel, what had happened to her mother.

  “Take the Queen’s body and cover her, we will need to prepare to take her back to Gwenlais,” Aiden said, his voice choked with emotion.

  Just as they began to move her, one of the guards they thought dead, began to stir and cough. They rushed to his side, Aiden taking his water skin gave him a drink.

  “Her Majesty, the Princess,” the guard said, his voice croaked. “Are they safe?” he asked desperately.

  “The Princess is safe,” Aiden answered him quietly. “Her mother did not survive; we are taking care of her now,” Aiden finished, bowing his head in grief.

  The guard began to openly sob, his body shaking with his despair.

  “You did all you could,” Aiden spoke in a soothing tone, “You were completely outnumbered,” pausing for a moment, to allow the man to express his grief. “Why was the Queen here?” he asked in a quiet voice.

  “It was a mercy mission to heal the sick. The children and the old ones were suddenly falling ill. The Queen insisted she lead this mission herself, as the village borders both realms, she felt it was her duty,” the guard spoke through his choking sobs.

  Aid
en embraced the shaken and battered guard briefly and then stood.

  As he looked about the village, he saw that the bodies of the villagers had been moved to one area, covered with tarps and sheets gathered from the barns and houses. He walked over to his horse and swung up quickly to go find his brother, to tell him the tragic news of Queen Milna, dreading Laurel’s reaction.

  “There now, much better,” Caleb replied still speaking quietly, as he gently pulled the Princess to him again.

  Laurel was able to breathe easier. Her mind trying to comprehend what she had just gone through. Her head against his chest she concentrated on his steady breathing and closed her eyes to try to force her mind and body to calm down. With one brief shudder, she was finally able to take a full and deep breath, letting it out in a long and soft sigh.

  “The creatures, the Rabkins, they were everywhere, they came so quickly. They attacked the villagers without any warning. They began killing everyone, except the children. The villagers kept screaming, running in all directions. Oh, Caleb, it was so horrible, I was not able to reach my mother in the confusion. I do not even know if she is alright. We were told you may be on Patrol. She yelled for me to run to the river for help, and that is when one of them came after me,” Laurel spoke in a shaking voice, beginning to cry again.

  Caleb looked at her, sadness and compassion in his eyes. Too many times he had heard this heartbreaking description from others, with only a few of the details changed.

  “The Rabkins, Laurel, are not mindless monsters, or creatures. Their attacks are well planned and usually with a specific purpose,” Caleb explained to her.

  “But why would they attack this village. What would they gain from it?” Laurel implored him, with tearful confusion.