Chapter 4 O’Brien
After a short time of being the King of Thomand, Donnel was weary. The mental demands were consuming him as the kingdoms were now under so much threat from the Normans. His emotional state was strained for he missed his family immensely. His baby girl, Slaney, was a mere 3 months old and he had hardly seen her since her birth. He had been told that she resembled him, but he would have to wait until his next trip home to see for himself.
Chapter 7 MacNamara/Donnely
It was a long ride to Michan and Almaith’s cottage. By the time they reached their home it was dark. Ryanne had never been there so she didn’t quite know what to expect.
Chapter 41 MacMurough/De Clare
As Gilbert sat up quickly at the sight of the man in the doorway, he felt a strange feeling come over him. He wasn’t sure what to feel, whether he should be bitter or pleased about this surprise first meeting with his natural father. Initially he thought he would have time to prepare and that his mother would be there to do most of the talking. He was on his own now and he had to think of what to do next. He slid off the bed slowly, noticing the emotional look on his father’s face.
Strongbow was nervous as he stood by the door waiting for Gilbert to come towards him. He had often thought of this moment, especially in the last few months. Even then he didn’t know how he would feel if he ever got this chance. He could only choke back the lump in his throat as he stared at the boy who looked so much like himself. His first reaction was to hug him tightly but thought it may intimidate him. He wasn’t sure at this point exactly how Gilbert felt about him and didn’t want to feel more rejection, an emotion he was so used to feeling lately.
Gilbert walked to him and decided to formally address his father as the king. He could think of no other way and he only had seconds to contemplate the situation. When he was standing in front of his father he bowed his head as he had been taught to do. Strongbow felt uncomfortable as he watched his son being so proper. Without thinking Strongbow reached down and took hold of Gilbert in a long awaited embrace.
Gilbert was stunned but also overwhelmed by his own emotions. He had never imagined his father ever even thinking about him let alone actually regretting his absence. This is not how he pictured their first meeting but was enjoying the heartfelt affection, something he had never experienced from a male figure.
When Strongbow loosened his grip and backed slightly away, he gazed at Gilbert with his eyes glistening, hoping to see a look of joy rather than shock. He was pleased to see Gilbert looking happy. With his voice trembling slightly he spoke for the first time.
“Gilbert, it is so good to finally meet you. I have always thought about you.” Strongbow said as he sat down carefully on the bench, motioning to Gilbert to join him. “How have you been?”
“I am fine sir. How are you? You’re injury I mean.” Gilbert asked, not knowing quite what to say yet.
“I am better, for a while there they weren’t sure what was going to happen. Which was a blessing in a way because you are here now because of it. I am having trouble walking, but when I was told you were here I knew I had to come even if they had to carry me.” He replied with a chuckle. “How do you feel about being here? They didn’t really give you a choice in the matter.”
“I was scared at first, but now I am happy to be here. I traveled here by boat which was exciting. My new chamber is amazing.” He said as he smiled looking around. “I would like to know something sir, were you the one who arranged my reading lessons years ago?”
“I did. You need to know how to read in this world, and I wanted to make sure it was something you would always have.” He said seriously, and then realized he needed to explain the details behind his absence, his son deserved at least that. “I want you to know that I was young when everything happened…with your mother. I had a father who was quite stubborn. He required everything to be just as it should be according to him. He wanted me to marry someone of his choosing, preferably someone from a noble family like ours. I never married back then, for reasons I am not so sure of. That isn’t to say that I am blameless. I was too young to realize what I should have done. Then as the years went on I guess I couldn’t face it. I am sorry Gilbert. I tried to make things easier for you and your mother, but I don’t think it was hardly enough.”
Gilbert didn’t know how to respond to what he had said, he never felt like he missed out on anything. His mother had made sure he had everything he needed, maybe even more than the other families, so he usually felt grateful for what he had. He decided to ask a question he had been thinking about all day since his arrival.
“Now that you are better, does that mean we will be going back to our village, now that I am not really needed?” Gilbert asked plainly, not sure what he wanted to hear.
“That is up to you and your mother. If you don’t want to be here then I cannot make you stay. However, I want you to know that I would like you to be here. Ever since my brother told me that you had arrived, I have been feeling very happy, and I haven’t been happy in a long time.” Strongbow admitted to Gilbert who was looking somewhat confused.
Gilbert looked surprised and said, “How can you not be happy sir? You are a King, what can be better than that?”
“To be honest, I have only been the king for a short while, and the last year or so hasn’t been so wonderful for reasons I’ll tell you about some other time.” He answered as he looked down. “So, should we go meet your mother? I haven’t seen her in many years, I am anxious to see her again.”
Gilbert stood up and walked toward the door. “I believe she is in the next chamber, I’ll get her so that you don’t have to move your leg too much.”
As Gilbert walked out of the room, Strongbow took a cleansing deep breath. He was relieved that it had gone so well with his son, and thankful that it seemed like he may have a chance of keeping him here. He knew he had much more to do in order to make things right, if that was possible. His stomach grew nervous at the thought of seeing Isabel again. He wondered if he would get such a warm response and immediately doubted it. It had been seventeen long years that she had to raise Gilbert alone, she never married either so he knew the work raising a growing boy must have been tiresome. He could only hope for a cordial reception.
A few moments later after he had rehearsed what he would say, Gilbert walked back in holding Isabel’s hand as he guided her. When she walked through the door Strongbow felt like he had gone back in time seventeen years.
She had barely aged and looked as stunning as she did back then. He immediately stood up with the help of the arm of the bench and smiled at her, hoping she would smile back. He took a breath and began to say what he had planned, only the words didn’t sound like the ones he rehearsed.
“Isabel…you look as beautiful as you did all those years ago!” I mean…thank you for bringing Gilbert here, I appreciate you…coming here…for me.” He said stumbling on his words, feeling somewhat foolish.
“Thank you your highness for your hospitality. We are happy to be here.” She said with a smile, laughing inside at his bungled words. “I should say you look the same as well.”
“Forgive me, I guess I am just amazed that you are both here. I really do thank you for coming all this way.” Strongbow said sincerely as he invited her to sit.
Isabel had to some extent forgotten what Strongbow looked like when they were younger, but seeing him again put a face to the memories.
On the voyage to Leinster she spent many hours thinking back to the days when they were together. They knew back then that the relationship was forbidden but Strongbow insisted that he would stay with her. Isabel was so enamored by his looks, his charm and perhaps his title, that she believed him. Her world fell apart when she was told that he would no longer be in her life. With the help of her family and Strongbow’s money, she raised Gilbert and made him the focus of her life.
Upon seeing Strongbow Isabel felt something she couldn’t explain. She wasn’t sure if it was reminiscence of their days together, or a hurt that had never healed. She enjoyed those initial moments, especially how it made her feel when she saw that he was obviously nervous upon seeing her. As she sat with him she felt a comfort she hadn’t expected.
Chapter 40 MacMurrough/de Clare
Aoife was in her chamber seething with anger towards William. Her first reaction was to immediately have her belongings packed and taken to her mother’s manor, but she couldn’t leave Strongbow just yet. She felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility towards his recovery, and couldn’t abandon him just as soon as his health improved slightly, even though William suggested it indirectly.
It would be difficult to share the castle with William now, but she knew she could handle anyone, especially a smug nobleman riding the coattails of his brother. Normally she wouldn’t be thinking such things about someone, but she was highly irritated by his pompous attitude, and his disregard for her efforts in helping his brother. It was times like these that she wished she was living carefree with Finn. She knew though that they would have to wait until all was back to normal here before she could make plans for a wedding to Finn. She would have to be patient.
As she stood by the window to breathe some fresh air she noticed a caravan of guards and horses walking to the castle. She strained to get a better look and noticed amongst the burly soldiers was a young man with red hair, and an attractive woman by his side. She knew at once who it was and felt a sudden sadness come over her as she watched the woman, obviously concerned for her son. Aoife decided to get herself together and be one of the first to greet them if it was possible.
By the time she had reached the great hall, William was there talking with Gilbert and his mother. William’s son Edward was there as well, and Aoife thought she saw a resemblance in the two boys who were now cousins. Aoife walked to the group in a confident manner and waited for an introduction from William.
William’s words were stuck. He knew he had to introduce everyone but couldn’t think of what Aoife’s title should be.
“Your Highness, this is Gilbert Reese, Richard’s son from England. And this is Gilbert’s mother Isabel Reese.” As he paused to think of what to say next, Aoife shot him a look of ease and decided to introduce herself.
“Very pleased to meet you both. My father was King MacMurrough, I am Aoife” She said, hoping they would know the situation of her father and Strongbow. This way she still had her title but didn’t need to reveal that she was Strongbow’s former wife. No need to complicate things so quickly.
“Yes, she is Princess Aoife. King MacMurrough passed away not too long ago. I believe you were informed of the details on the journey here.” William added, thankful that he didn’t have to go into great detail.
“Yes sir, I was told. I am sorry for your loss your highness.” Isabel spoke with her eyes lowered, nodding in respect.
“Thank you Isabel. How was your journey here?” Aoife asked, trying to be as informal and friendly as she could.
“It went very well thank you.” Isabel replied unreserved as she could tell through Aoife’s eyes that she was welcomed here, at least by her.
“And how about you Gilbert? Did you enjoy the voyage?” Aoife asked enthusiastically, knowing that it was most likely their first time on a boat, and it was light conversation considering what else was going on in their lives at the moment. She also noticed that Edward did not look to happy too be there. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a scowl upon his face.
“I enjoyed much of it your highness, just a bit of seasickness is all.” Gilbert replied shyly, also noticing the cold reception he was getting from the boy standing next to him.
“Well, we should show them to their chambers. I am sure they are in need of rest. I will personally introduce you to your chamber maids, they can give you all that you need. Then you may rest until supper.” William explained trying hard to be hospitable, but realizing it was because Aoife was standing there hanging on his every word. He tried not to notice that their clothing was in need of changing and their overall appearance would have to be altered to be able to conform to the lifestyle of royalty, but it was hard for him to ignore it.
“Sir, if I may ask how is King de Clare? No one has mentioned his injury.” Isabel asked curiously, seemingly interested in his well being. Aoife immediately spoke over William.
“He is doing better. The infection has subsided and he is no longer feverish.” She answered with enthusiasm. “That is wonderful news your highness. If I may ask, when will he want to meet Gilbert?” She directed this question to Aoife, feeling uncomfortable asking such a direct question.
“That I am unsure of. I can ask him when I see him, or maybe William knows.” She answered in a friendly tone.
“I don’t know. I will discuss it with the doctors and see when he will be allowed to have visitors, too many people might tire him easily.” William answered, directing this toward Aoife who he was obviously annoyed with. Isabel could sense the tension between the two and decided to ask no further questions.
When they arrived at their new living quarters, Gilbert’s mouth dropped in amazement. As they walked through the door the first thing that caught his eye was the most comfortable looking bed he had ever seen. He could actually see the some of the feathers. His bed back at home consisted of uncomfortable straw, he couldn’t wait until he was allowed to try it out. He also noticed a shelf of books. He had learned to read a few years earlier, he had not understood until now why he was taught. His mother only said that it had been a gift from someone, he knew now that his father must have arranged it.
William felt that it was necessary to show them to their chambers himself. He wasn’t too receptive to Aoife’s criticisms, and still thought she was out of place with her remarks, but he did take some of her advice to heart.
“You both will be provided with new clothing as soon as our tailor measures you. For now your chamber maids will be provide you with the clothes you will wear until then.” William explained. Gilbert looked down at his clothes and wondered why he needed to get new ones. Isabel was excited for she felt subconscious when she was first arrived and slightly embarrassed now that William was pointing it out.
“Now let’s go to your chamber which I am sure you will be satisfied with. Gilbert you may stay here and prepare for a bath.” William added, still trying to be as kind as he could be.
Gilbert leaned to his mother and kissed her gently on the cheek. “I will be fine mother.”And with that the two gave each other comforting smile and Isabel turned to follow William.
Her chamber was equally beautiful, unlike anything she had ever seen. Close attention was made to creating a feminine atmosphere as well. She felt extremely grateful.
“So you are satisfied I presume?” William said with a smile as he noticed the pleased expression that spread upon her face.
“Yes. I am extremely grateful for all that you have given us.” She said humbly.
“No need to be grateful. Gilbert is King de Clare’s son. You are family.” William said to her, not believing the words actually came from his mouth. “I had better leave you to prepare for supper. Your chamber maid is waiting just outside the door to help ready your bath.
“Thank you sir.” She replied with a smile as he turned to walk out of the room. When Isabel knew she was finally alone, she fell onto the bed with a joyous laugh and thought to herself that maybe life would be changing for the better after all.
An hour later after Gilbert had been bathed and dressed he sat upon his bed reading one of the many books he had found on the shelf. He was very absorbed in his reading when he heard a sound. As he looked up he saw a figure standing in the door. He knew at once from the look on this man’s face, and the fact that two men had helped him in the door, that it was his father. He was seeing his father for the first time in his life.
Chapter 6 MacNamara/Donnely
As Michan peered away from Almaith and Patrick’s intimate moment, their smile turned to a giggle.
“I guess you were right Ryanne.” Michan said with a smile. A smile he wasn’t sure should be coming so freely. He never knew how he would feel once this day came, and as he watched Almaith being affectionate with a boy she obviously cared about, a sense of calmness came over him. Maybe a little sadness too, for he wished for a moment that Almaith’s mother could be here to see her daughter so happy. He also felt that sharing this moment with Rhyanne, especially after she was the one to recognize it in the first place, made it all the more easy to accept. Her insight might have kept him from being blindsided and reacting negatively.
Chapter 39 MacMurrough/de Clare
As Aoife walked out of Strongbow’s room, anxious to retrieve the doctor, she literally ran into William.
“I am sorry Aoife, I didn’t see you coming. How is my brother today?” He asked as he tried to think of the words he would use to explain the forthcoming situation. He had waited until the very last minute to talk to her about Strongbow’s son, for he didn’t know quite how she would feel. The last few days had been emotional for Aoife, and she was in a fragile state of mind. Her unrealized guilt was taking over and she was compensating by spending every minute by his bedside.
Chapter 5 MacNamara/Donnely
One early spring evening Ryanne had invited Michan, Almaith (his daughter) and her good friend Patrick over for supper. This was the first time Ryanne would meet Patrick, so she made a special meal of fish and late winter vegetables from her garden. She was especially delighted about this get together for she looked forward to meeting the boy Almaith had talked to her so much about. She and Almaith had become rather close and had created quite a bond throughout all of the months she had spent with her and Michan. After knowing her so well she could tell that Patrick meant more to her than she was letting on.
Chapter 38 MacMurough/de Clare
As Gilbert and his mother Isabel sat and ate their supper, there was a loud knocking on their door. They were both startled and Isabel insisted she be the one to find out who it could be. She hesitantly walked across the cold floor, not knowing what to expect. Everyone they knew either walked in or knocked lightly before walking in. She opened the door slowly trying to peer through the vertical opening and was surprised to see a group of official looking men holding a paper document.
“Miss Reese. May we come in?” The messenger asked trying to look non-threatening. “Who are you and what do you want?” She asked defiantly.
Chapter 4 MacNamara/Donnelly
Two years had passed since Cieran’s birth. Ryanne had gone into early labor one evening while discovering her husband with another woman. It was decided that her mental state may have been the cause. However, the baby girl was born healthy and Eamon only had to deal with Ryanne’s silent treatment for a few days. He did feel somewhat guilty knowing full well that the shock she experienced caused the early birth. When Cieran was three days old he had had enough of Ryanne’s silent punishment and decided to let it be known that she had no right to reprimand his behaviors, and that she should resolve herself to accept his way of life. This sudden proclamation did not upset Ryanne in the least for she had also decided that she would no longer expect or desire to have a loving relationship with Eamon. At one point she may have been hopeful, but her strong will and idealistic views had made her decision for her.
Weeks turned into months and Ryanne found that motherhood suited her. She was very content taking care of her daughter and cherished every moment. She had also cut back her hours working in Eamon’s shop to spend more time with Cieran, and also because Eamon refused to fire the young girl she had seen him with that fateful evening. She had always let it be known that what he did when he was outside the home was his business, but she wouldn’t tolerate his philandering right under her nose, which was a common occurrence in the shop.
The business was becoming very profitable due to the influx of English Normans moving to Ireland. More and more came each day and the demand for wares became very high. Eamon hired more workers to fill in for Ryanne’s absence and to take his place while he traveled to buy the imports he sold. He was gone more often and this gave Ryanne more time for herself and Cieran, and less time trying to avoid him. He even knew better than to insist they share a bed. This wasn’t an issue with him for his needs were being met by the young girls of the village. It was rumored that one girl, the daughter of the village public house, had become pregnant. Her family had insisted that he provide a home for her and the newborn, and to pay her living expenses. He felt obligated to provide this since her father was a prominent member of the village and could possible hurt Eamon’s business reputation. When Ryanne’s family informed her of this latest news she felt detached and didn’t give it much thought. She could only nod, sigh and change the subject.
Her life wasn’t all disappointment and bitterness for she had become very friendly with Michan Donnelly, the stranger she had noticed staring at her from across the pond years ago. There had always been something comforting about him whenever their paths had crossed, she felt a sense of calmness exuding from his being. Her life took a turn for the better the day they finally spoke for the first time.
Michan had been hired by Eamon to maintain the land around their home. He spent many hours weeding, raking and repairing what needed fixing. One of his other duties was to fish from the pond daily so that Eamon could sell fresh fish to his customers. One afternoon as Michan stood in the blazing sun, fishing for what seemed like hours without a bite, Ryanne found the courage to approach him. She had noticed how overheated he was and decided to offer him a cup of juice. She knew he couldn’t break for the day until he had reached his quota of fish. They had been watching each other from afar for months and this was the first time either one felt brave enough to meet.
“Thank you miss.” He said as he took the cup from her hand. This was the first time he had seen her up close so he took in all of her features and was enamored by her long, flowing red hair.
“You’re welcome Mr. Donnelly. I noticed how warm you looked and thought this might help.” Ryanne answered, unable to break her stare. Their eyes were meeting for the first time and they both felt a mutual attraction.
Not wanting her to leave, he proposed that she stay with him. “Sit with me for a while, the fish can wait.” He helped her to the ground and noticed that her hands were the softest he had ever felt before. This of course was due to the fact that she was a merchant and had never known hard work.
As they made small talk about the weather and other such trivial things, Michan reminded himself that she was married to his employer, and even though he knew of their tumultuous marriage and Eamon’s string of other women, he thought it best to keep the conversation light and to mask any sign of the attraction he felt for her. For the last few months he had been thinking of her, and for him to have been so grievous for so long over his late wife, he was delighted to be feeling something finally. However, he knew it wouldn’t be anything he could pursue so he resigned himself to only befriending her. He had noticed how lonely she looked whenever he saw her in her garden or sitting on a patch of grass alone. She looked like she needed a friend. Maybe in his subconscious mind this was about all he was ready for.
“So how old is your daughter?” Michan asked curiously.
“She will be just a year soon. Time is going so quickly, she is already taking her first steps.” She answered happily.
“I remember when my daughter walked for the first time. I was feeding our pigs while she sat outside the pen. She must have really wanted to play with the pigs because she picked herself up and walked all the way into the pigpen, landing in a heap in a puddle of mud.” As he told the story they both laughed and Ryanne noticed that his eyes lit up when he spoke of his daughter. “Her mother had to soak her for quite a long time to get rid of the mud.”
“How old is your daughter?” She asked realizing that he must be married as well. “She is fifteen and her name is Almaith.”
“My, you certainly have been married for a quite a while then. You don’t look like the father of a fifteen year old.” She replied looking suprised.
“I was young when she was born, and I suppose hard work keeps you young.” He said with a smile. “We were actually married for only nine years, my wife died a few years back.”
“Oh I am sorry.” She said covering her mouth with her hand. She could hear the pain in his voice when he spoke of it. “I had no idea.”
“It is fine. It has been many years. It is my daughter I worry about, she has been affected most I am afraid. She has had to take care of the cottage and the land while I work ever since.” He said as he shook his head.
“Yes, that is young to have so much responsibility. But still, she is fifteen and the experience will help her when she is to marry. I am not too much older than her and I had to learn quickly. But then again, I also have the help of a servant.”
“I haven’t given much thought to her marrying.” He answered sheepishly. “I suppose the time is getting close.”
“Well at least she isn’t betrothed to someone horrible, that is how I came to be here.” She replied as she realized that she may have revealed a little too much about her personal life.
“I know, I have heard about your situation. You may be surprised to know that most marriages are similar to yours.”
“My father was faithful to my mother. It can be done.” She answered quickly.
“I suppose it depends on the man. I never felt the need for it, but I feel that if a man truly loves his wife, he wouldn’t need anyone but her.”
To hear him talk this way validated her initial feeling that he was a good man. He was easy to talk to as well, which is something Ryanne needed in her life. When they began meeting regularly, she really looked forward to his visits.
After a year of talking, playing and spending quality time together, they had become very close and learned much about one another. She missed him when he was gone, and when they were together they both felt the need to restrain taking their friendship to the next level. They both knew what was right, so this was a task they mentally prepared for. Michan had even begun bringing his daughter over for supper frequently. Ryanne’s loneliness was a thing of the past.
Eamon was never home at night and Ryanne had heard that he was spending much of his time at the home he provided for the mistress who had birthed his child. This didn’t trouble Ryanne in the slightest. She had found her soul mate, and if it were meant to be that they would remain only friends, then she would be happy with at least that.
Chapter 37 MacMurrough/de Clare
Strongbow spent the next few days fighting the inevitable infection that developed in his thigh. The days as well as the nights were spent trying to reduce his fever which spiked every few hours. Another doctor from the village had been called to help out, and between the two physicians, they tried every treatment they knew or had heard of.
Aoife spent many hours by his bedside. She felt compelled to see him through this just as he had spent many hours with her while she was sick during her pregnancy. Knowing that baby Lorcan was being cared for, Aoife would sit hour after hour with Strongbow, mopping his radiating skin with wet rags. She would try to talk with him, but he was for the most part delirious most of the time. Through his delirium he brought up many subjects that didn’t make sense to Aoife. He would blather incoherently and yell when he became agitated about events that didn’t exist, only made up in his feverish mind. He continually spoke about of a boy named Gilbert. Aoife had never heard of this person before so she only thought of it as a fever induced delusion. However, he was persistent about this subject. He would sit up and stare into her eyes, explaining in great detail about this particular boy in England. She could only agree and calm him back to sleep.
What Aoife was unaware of was that at that moment, word was being sent to a small village on the west coast of England requesting that a boy named Gilbert, just as Strongbow had said, be brought to Leinster immediately. William had sent a boat with a hand picked messenger to personally see to it that the young man be brought to Strongbow’s bedside to possibly take over as King, should Strongbow perish from his infected wound.
The young man had been raised by his mother on a farm his entire life, and was Strongbow’s illegitimate son. He knew of his father but he was never part of his life. Strongbow took care of him financially as much as he could, but for the most part this young man grew up knowing hard work and sacrifice.
Strongbow had always felt somewhat ashamed of his actions which is why only his brother William knew of his existence. He never had the nerve to tell Aoife.
Strongbow had met the young woman when he himself was young and was forbidden to see her after it was known that she was expecting a child. They were of separate classes, her being a farmer’s daughter, bound to work for the Lord of their land, and Strongbow’s family was one of high position, his father being Lord of Pembroke. It was a brief affair and he was almost relieved when his father stepped in. Even he felt he was too young to settle into marriage and family for he was a bit wild in his ways.
For the first few years he never gave much thought to the child, but when maturity arrived he felt obligated to at least see to it that the boy had adequate food and clothing. The time he had spent with Aoife had brought the memory of the young boy into the forefront of his mind. Seeing her pregnant, and anticipating the father role had produced paternal instincts and regretful feelings about the boy he left behind.
Fifteen years later the young man was being summoned to perhaps succeed the throne from a man he never knew, and become king of a place he had never heard of.
