As The World Became Dark: Chapter 2 (Part 2)

Kethane began to whimper at this sudden use of force. The tears in her eyes made the words appear blurry. Noticing this Alastir eased up, wiping her face with his hand. “I like you Kethane, which is why I want to reveal this scandal to you. You are innocent to these things, but you must know the bases if your master changes himself. Read it.” Yielding, she focused on the piece of paper in her face.

~My dear husband,

Through my vexation and sleepless nights I have come to a most imperative conclusion. Today will be the last time you see me. I can no longer face you in my shame. I have deceived you, a gracious man not deserving of it. The child I carry is not yours, but one of a lowly man. Charles, your faithful servant, has induced in me a renewed passion. I have fallen in love with him and such has been the case for over a year now. I am unwilling to continue in this deception, for it will hurt both of you. I am leaving the country with Charles and going to a place where we will have peace. I hope one day you will forgive me. Know that I am most grateful for the courtesy and respect you have shown me. And in my respect for you, I free you. 

-Your Wife,

Antonia~

            “You see my dear, I do sympathize with Edwin. For the most part, he is spared the sight and expense of a deceitful wench. At least his had the courtesy to leave the country and take her lover with her. I on the other hand, was to be led like a fool to my whoring wife’s lover, who I am sure, would have robbed me clean before they left me. I probed for my own protection, as I was not about to follow my wife into a county I did not frequent, nor without knowing all detail of her being there. Like Edwin’s wife, she attempted to confess this lofty sin in the hopes of gaining my trust, but to her shock I did not take such deception lightly... Though I did not plan on killing her, I was going to give her a good thrashing that she could take back with her. I do believe that’s when Edwin came into the scene…”

            Alastir folded the letter and placed it on the table. Still in his pin, Kethane was becoming restless. Muffled steps began to be heard in the corridor. Alastir maintained his position by placing his hand on the wall and the other behind her neck, pulling her closer to him. She winced as his lips unexpectedly brushed against her ear. He began to whisper.

“What will you do now, knowing he has no wife to look forward to? You are a free woman, amongst free men…”

“You judge my character too harshly sir. I am not a vulture… You forget sir that you and he are lords, and I am lowborn. I do not have the right to think otherwise, and you are lowering yourself greatly in the situation you have put me in…”

            “Well said woman, but I am a lowly man, a lord in name only. God save the Queen for that. I do not lay claim to some supernatural advantageous blood like the rest of them. Money is what separates you and me.” Alastir began to press his face into hers, smelling her hair and moving for her neck. Kethane nervously flinched.

“Why tell me all this? What do you want from me?”

“You think me a fiend do you? Perhaps I am. Either way, I am giving you a choice…”

            Edwin walked into the room to see Kethane against the wall, her hair unpinned and down her back, and Alastir sitting on the bed, enjoying his stew. “I’m glad our guest enjoys the meal. I wasn’t sure if he’d enjoy it, knowing his wife made it...” Alastir stared at his bowl in silence, and then went into laughter. “I was under the impression that Kethane made it, but no matter, she served me well.”

“Indeed she has. Why is it that you are on this wall my dear, in such vexed complexion?”

 Kethane turned around and smiled, picking the letter off the table before Alastir made a move. “I am not vexed. I was just in deep thought. Alastir was just telling me a very sad tale, one which I took to heart. No matter, it was all fiction and no need to be concerned about.” Alastir placed his bowl on the table, readying to say something. “If you two will excuse me, I have something to clean…” Kethane grabbed her bonnet off the floor and rushed out the room.

“What has gotten into her? What sort of tale did you speak of?”

“A nightmare, or perhaps a dream... If you will excuse me, I will go get something to drink. No need to wait on me.”

            Kethane had already made her way downstairs by the time Alastir reached the hallway. Delthine was still in the kitchen, reading a book, which spoiled her plan to burn the letter. She continued on outside, with both Alastir and Edwin in pursuit, who doubted Alastir’s intentions. In the moment of decision, Kethane was frozen, which enabled Alastir to catch her. He went for her hands, which waved about in avoidance like a fan.

“What’s the meaning of such a childish sight as this?” Edwin bellowed, in his offense to the apparent harassment of Kethane. The two stopped struggling, allowing Kethane to hold the letter behind her, which Edwin noticed. “What is that there, which spawned such a fuss?”

            Kethane moved back, as Edwin continued into the courtyard. “Let me see it Kethane.” Alastir began to beam in triumph, as Edwin stretched out his hand in wait. “My lord, I-I just do not…”

“Come on now dear, just let me see it. Hand it to me.” Kethane handed the letter to him in a gloomy wave, her head down and her movements slow. Edwin seized it, not understanding her glum mode. As he opened the paper, Alastir moved behind Kethane. Edwin’s face became still, in expressionless thought, as his eyes remained on the paper. It appeared as a good five minutes before Edwin let the paper fall to the floor. His expression was unreadable as he walked back into the house, which greatly concerned Kethane. Before she could follow, Alastir grabbed her hand.

            “Leave him be. He is much different than I am. He will think many thoughts on how to deal with this. He needs his solitude.” Kethane snatched her hand back and slapped him in the face. “You leave him be! You caused all of this sorrow. He did not need this right now.”

“And what would have happened if he found out later, finding his wife in the embrace of another man? You think he will question her if she says left a note to him? You would be in far more trouble if you had hidden such a thing. I do believe I saved you from future grief.”

            Kethane went inside, leaving Alastir to linger in the garden. She went upstairs to see the last room in the corridor opened.  Edwin was inside, looking out the window. He remained still as she walked in. She remained at the entrance of the doorway, head held down.

“My lord I am so very sorry. I beg for your forgiveness!”

“What is there to forgive? You had no part in this. What you did, you did out of love for me… I knew of the hints of treachery before she even thought to write this note, yet I did not question her. Just as I did not question her request to come here unattended by maids, driven by a man not usually in my presence. I did not question when she asked me to stay while she came to a large villa all by herself. I did not question the trunk full of money she packed with her…” Edwin let down his firm hold, turning to Kethane. “All these things were meant to happen, so I do not question them.” Edwin turned back to the window, his face turning to concernment as he looked out.

“What is it sir? Edwin I mean…” Kethane walked next to him to peek out the window. She saw a man in a black officer’s uniform accosting Alastir, with two others behind him. “Wait here dear. I will see what the trouble is.” 

Outside, the leading man in uniform questioned Alastir’s business on the property. Alastir in his unyielding manner refused to address them in anything, rather insulting them for lack of propriety. Upon seeing the two men unsheathe their swords in annoyance, Alastir retreated into the house while Edwin made his way outside. Upon seeing the face of the man in black, Edwin kneeled before him. “Your Highness, I did not expect to greet you here. Please forgive the lack of respect and decency this fellow has shown you. I am sure he was unaware of your importance…” The man motioned his cohorts to sheathe their swords as he walked towards Edwin. He placed his hand on Edwin’s shoulder, making him look up.

“No need for such formalities old friend. Stand up and let me take a look at you.” Edwin rose and the man proceeded to embrace him. “It’s been years since I have seen you old chum. Long, dreary years…”

“It is good to see you as well. This proved to be quite a refreshing surprise. Come, let us talk inside my villa, with warmth and refreshment.”

Engrossed in her book, Delthine was startled as a train of men walked past the kitchen. They settled themselves into the living room, which had been previously unoccupied. As they walked in, Edwin pulled the sheets off the chairs and sofa. “I’m sorry for this untidiness, for I wasn’t expecting any important company today.” Edwin motioned to Kethane, who was fixed at the door way, unsure of the present company. “Here is my… assistant, Kethane. She will assist in making you comfortable. He slightly motioned to the door. “If you please dear, go fetch some spiced mead and make haste.” At that Kethane went off to the kitchen. Edwin took his seat on the chair opposite to the men, who were easing into the sofa. After a few short glances and a smile of recognition, the man in the middle began to speak. 

“Indeed… It has been some years since we gathered here last. It’s unfortunate that we have been gathered again under such rushed circumstances. In truth, I am here because I need you Edwin... It’s the Queen. She is in need of us.”

           

 

 

As The World Became Dark: Chapter 2 (Part 1)

A few hours passed, with Kethane still wandering about in the garden. She sat down on the stony path and lay there; dozing on and off in the afternoon light, enjoying the fresh air.  Kethane became enamored with the huge stone sculptures that decorated the court garden. They were arranged as if unfolding a tale of the Haddinger family history. They were of strong men in valiant battle formation with fair ladies angled in graces. Such were extremely detailed that Kethane feared gawking too long would bring them to life. She approached the largest sculpture, which was of a tall and well-built man, with curled hair to his shoulders and body wrapped in cloth. A detailed stone necklace was around his neck.  As she looked down she noticed an inscription at its base, which read: ‘His Eminence Ferdos Ersidon Haddinger’. As she continued her walkabout, she felt a draft of warmth fill the garden. She looked up at the sun and saw it had cleared a bit more from that morning, just enough for some rays to break through. Satisfied, she made her way back to the villa.

            When she came inside, a delectable scent caught her nose and made her tummy rumble. The supper’s stew had brewed to completion and was ready to be served. Kethane entered the kitchen to see Edwin cutting up some pears and Delthine slurping at her bowl of stew. Kethane retrieved a bowl out of the cupboard and filled it to the brim with hot stew. “Shall I bring sir Alastir some supper?” Edwin gave her a do-as-you-will gesture and remained at his station. Kethane placed the bowl on the table to fetch a tray and noticed a dark barrel at the back of the kitchen. “What’s that over there?” Kethane pointed to the barrel.

            “Oh, I see you spotted some of my prized mead. Go on, try some. You can pour some for our guest too. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.” At that Kethane retrieved some mugs out the cupboard and began fixing up the platter. She made sure to get Alastir a big mug to fill with mead and a bowl of sugared fruit that Edwin finished preparing. She hurried upstairs to serve him so she could rejoin the two in their feasting.

             He appeared asleep with his back turned to her as she entered the room. She went in and placed the tray on the side table. Not wanting to disturb his rest, she started to exit out before noticing her black coat on the floor. It quickly struck her that she forgot all about the letter that was written to Edwin. She immediately grabbed the coat and started fumbling around it. “Where is it? Where is it?!” She became distressed and started to tear up. Alastir turned around with a grin on his face, apparently from laughing while his back was turned. “Looking for this, my dear?” He pulled out the letter, which was stashed under his pillow.

            Kethane attempted to snatch the letter from his grasp, but to no avail, for he pulled back making her lose her balance and stumble onto the bed. She found it difficult to get up, as he was intentionally clasping her dress from behind. As she struggled her bonnet loosened off, making her feel ashamed. Realizing he was holding her down, she stopped moving. “Let me go sir.” Ignoring her plea he placed the letter behind him, freeing his other hand. She felt a tug at her head and then a looseness of her hair, for he pulled out the pins that kept her tightly curled black hair in its tight bun. He then released her so she could get on her feet. “You’re a nice girl Kethane. I think we should talk for a moment.” Kethane felt too ashamed to turn to him or even move, so she remained still. “Girl, do you know what this letter says?”

            “Kethane ignored the question. “Why did you do that to me?” Kethane’s voice was soft in her offense.

“I released you, didn’t I?” Alastir shifted his dark voice to a tone of endearment. “I wanted to see you, free from your pinned up placement… I do not wish to harm you. Let us speak as friends, please.” Alastir repositioned himself to sit up in the bed.

Kethane turned to him, her face in livid assortment. “I do not trust you sir!”

“And what is it that you do not trust? That I am not sincere? Or that I know too much…?”

“I do not know what you know, nor do I wish to. The letter you hold is for Edwin, and no one else. So hand it here sir.” Kethane held her ground and stretched out her hand.

“Ha… You think me weak to some unfettered girl like you? You will sit down, or I shall not give what you demand.”

Kethane saw no choice but to give in and promptly sat in the chair next to him, scooting it slightly away from the bed.

“Now tell me about yourself girl. I want to know you.”

            Kethane felt a surge of irritation for Alastir’s lack of propriety. And, his avoidance of the subject gave her much uncertainty. But, she resolved to play into his game of queries. “Very well sir, I shall tell you what you do not know.”

“Wonderful!” Alastir began to glisten with enthusiasm, which added to Kethane’s uneasiness. “Let’s begin with the first and foremost matter of all, that is, your loyalty to his lordship Edwin.”

“What about it?”

“There is an apparent subjugation of you to him. You will no doubt do everything he tells you to do, even if it was to poison my cup.” Kethane followed his eyes as they leaned toward the mug on the table. Kethane began to laugh awkwardly at his jest. To make herself feel better, she grabbed the mug and took a few sips from it. The sweetened bitterness of the brew made her lips perk but she played it off with a forced smile. Alastir jerked the mug from her and began gulping it down. “You misjudge my lord for anything less than a gentleman. He would never conceive of such a thing nor does he constrain me to him. When I serve, I do so out of decent loyalty. Edwin is a good man, who has saved me from a wretched life. I have served in his household since I was a child. He kept all of us well fed in comfort and in good company. I own him my servitude.”

            Alastir’s playful demeanor began to change into a tone of seriousness. “Will you continue on with him like this?”

“I will serve him until he requests me no longer.”

“Do you love him?” Pierced and startling was such a question that Kethane’s heart began to flutter. She was unsure of its context or if that even mattered. She began to shake her head no as a quick response. “I do not know what you mean by that nor do I understand why your prying is relevant to what you are withholding.”

“My dear girl, what I hold may change your very life. Indeed it is not meant for you or me to know. But still, it is a weighty matter. You, the loyal and caring servant girl, may become so much more or so much less upon the receiving of his revelation. The question is, are you ready for such a change?” Alastir reached behind himself a held the letter into view. “Here, take it from me.”

            Kethane began to quiver at the foreshadow of his words. She could not bring herself to take the letter and began to shake her head in refusal. She quickly arose and made an attempt out the room. Before she could make it to the door, Alastir sprung up from the bed, grabbed her arm and shoved her to the wall. “You will not leave here until you know what I know.” Alastir pushed his body against hers, pinning her to the wall. She tried to turn her face from him but grabbed her neck and forced her into view, holding the letter in her face with his other hand. “Read it.”