A New Concept (ch44)

 Chapter 43   de Clare/O’Flattery/Donnely 

   Lord Ennis O’Flattery had received the final word from Father Flanagan about the school that had been established on the west coast at an old monastery. It had been financed by the English Normans and they had informed the priests of each village and kingdom to let it be known of its existence. The priests were instructed to persuade all Noble families and wealthy merchants to send not only their older sons but also their older daughters as well. The English were trying to encourage higher learning for everyone in Ireland, for if their new country had an abundance of knowledgeable citizens it was sure to flourish. Starting with the affluent young men and women seemed to be the most sensible place to start. 

An Air of Arrogance (ch43)

 

Chapter 43 De Clare

Several weeks had passed since Strongbow’s son Gilbert had arrived in Leinster. They had spent much of their time getting to know one another and adapting to their new father-son relationship.

The Long Awaited Day (ch42)

Chapter 42 MacMurrough/Archid

Aoife and Lorcan left the very next morning well before the morning meal. She couldn’t see herself sitting with everyone again being disregarded. She did not even say goodbye to Strongbow. Her emotions were too fragile and she felt like she had made enough of a fool of herself. The cart was packed and she decided to go alone. She wanted to stop at her and Finn’s cottage before heading to her mother’s manor. She only hoped that he was there; she really needed to see him. 

When she arrived she was delighted to see Finn’s horse grazing outside. A sigh of relief escaped her, and she quickly stopped the horses.

Aoife’s goodbye (ch42)

Chapter 42  de Clare/MacMurrough

Gilbert and Isabel’s first supper in the castle went surprisingly well. When everyone sat down you could feel the tension in the room. Strongbow was able to attend even though his leg was still painfully sore. With the help of a strong guard he was able to move about the castle quite well. After so much activity his leg was throbbing with pain, he simply ignored it and focused on Gilbert and Isabel.

A Long Awaited Embrace (ch41)

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.

For the First Time in His Life (ch40)

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.

Aoife learns about Gilbert (ch39)

 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.

A whole new life ch.38

 

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. 

Past Regrets (ch.37)

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.

The Request (ch36)

Chapter 36  MacMurrough/de Clare/Archid

When Finn and Strongbow arrived at the castle, the guards immediately summoned the doctor and put the almost lifeless Strongbow into the nearest bed. Finn was kept outside to be questioned about the incident. When Strongbow was  inside, as soon as he came to, he let it be known that Finn should not be charged with any crime. He told the guards and the castle steward that Finn should be commended for getting him here so quickly. He knew that he was very lucky not to have been killed then and there. Finn could have ended his life, but instead tried to save it. 

Aoife was called to Strongbow’s chamber and was told the meager bits of information about what had happened.  She was horrified and immediately blamed Strongbow for he had promised her that there would be no violent action taken against Finn. When she walked in ready to show him how angry she was, she stopped suddenly and was taken aback by what she saw.

Strongbow was laying in the bed, extremely pale and sweating. His breathing was labored and she could see the dozens of bloody rags used to stop the bleeding and clean the wound. The doctor had just finished closing his punctured thigh. 

She reluctantly walked closer to the bed and found him to be semi-conscious. He immediately opened his eyes, and turned to her. He knew at once that she was there for he smelled her familiar scent of the dried roses and nutmeg powder that she used in her hair.  

“Aoife. I am sorry. I don’t know what happened. I couldn’t stop myself.” He said in an urgent whisper as he tried to lean in closer to her. “Finn did what he had to do.” 

“Don’t worry Richard. There isn’t anything we can do about what happened.  You need to heal your leg. Let’s not even bring it up again.” She said managing a small smile, trying not to notice how awful he looked. He had an almost grey coloring, and his eyes were bloodshot. His usually combed hair was wet with sweat and he was trembling slightly. Never before had she seen anyone look as bad. 

“Try to sleep, it will help you heal. I’ll be just outside.” She said quietly as she kissed his cheek. As she walked out she had a bad feeling. He didn’t look at all like the man she had known for these many months. She headed straight for the doctor with urgent questions. He could only explain to her about the chance of infection, and how it would most likely be fatal. 

“You mean he could die from this?” She asked with a horrified expression. “Yes, there is a good chance. The wound was deep and it is typical in this sort of injury. I have sent for Father Flanagan since King de Clare refused to see the castle priest.” The doctor replied sadly. 

“I must go find his brother. Thank you Doctor. If anything should happen, send for me please.” She said as she hurried out of the hall. 

Aoife had sent for William and when she learned that he was out hunting she decided to go look for Finn. She was told he was outside with the guards so she quickly made her way there. She knew he would want to see her and explain about what happened. She also knew that he would be worried about what she may be thinking.

When she saw him he was sitting on a wooden bench with his head in his hands. He seemed quite worried. When he looked up and saw Aoife’s sweet face smiling at him, he felt better. He had just been told by the castle steward of Strongbow’s grave condition and felt pangs of guilt. He jumped up from where he was sitting and walked to her. He knew better than to show any affection toward her since she was still legally married to Strongbow, who was the King after all. 

“Aoife, I am sorry. It was the only way.” He explained hoping she would understand.  

“I know, Richard told me. Don’t worry he doesn’t blame you. The castle steward told me that he attacked you. Are you okay?” She asked as she reached for his hand. 

“I’m fine. I heard he is not doing well.” He answered looking genuinely concerned. 

“He looked awful, not like himself at all. I don’t know what is going to happen.” She replied sadly, starting to tear up. 

“There was a lot of blood. I just wanted to stop him, I didn’t mean for it to be this bad.” He said with a pleading look. 

Just then William rode up quickly with his hunting party. It was obvious that he had heard the news of his brother. “Why is he here? He needs to leave Aoife, don’t you think?” William asked her quite indignantly as he passed the two of them. “I should have finished you when I had the chance.” He muttered quietly under his breath as he slowly passed Finn. Aoife, unable to witness William’s verbal attack, agreed with him.

“He’s right. Maybe you should go back to the cottage. I have to get back inside.” She said to Finn with a loving look as she hated to ever have to say goodbye to him. An embrace would be inappropriate, so they said their goodbye silently.  

William ran straight to the chamber where Strongbow was being treated. He was stunned when he came through the door and saw his brother looking so unlike himself. He had seen him battle many illnesses and injuries, but never did he witness such a transformation in just one afternoon. Strongbow was the epitome of confidence and charm. He carried himself with a strong will and a desire to serve a great purpose. Today William saw before him a man he didn’t recognize. Strongbow was laying there, but his will was gone. William couldn’t think of what to say as fear took over is entire body, he could only make small talk.

“Richard, what are you doing lying around? You should have gone hunting with us. We had a very good day.” He said with a forced smile. 

“Why are you avoiding the obvious? I am that bad off, aren’t I?” Strongbow asked his visibly shaken brother, adding a small smile.  

“Well you have looked better brother. Why did you go out there alone? I should have gone with you, I could have helped you.” He replied with a furrowed brow. 

“I didn’t plan it, I just found myself there. I was getting the annulment writ and I was angry.” He answered quietly, straining to make his voice heard. “So you did get the writ?” William asked, surprised to hear that his brother actually went through with the agreement of the annulment. 

“It is in my pouch. Get it for me and give it to Aoife after…”He said as William interrupted. “After what?” 

“You know as well as I that this is not looking very good. The doctor has sent for the priest. I know what that means.” Strongbow replied slowly. 

“You will be fine. This is a mere bruise.” He paused a moment and began again in an urgent tone. “You are finally King. You mustn’t give up on yourself now!” He knew that once someone accepted the thought of dying, it was only a matter of time. “We have come a long way, and we have done everything we said we were going to do. Get better so we can finally live it.” 

“We need to discuss something important, sit down.”  Strongbow said seriously. “I understand everything you just said but I need to be realistic. If it happens… I need you to bring him here.” 

After a few seconds of thoughtful silence, William spoke hesitantly, knowing full well who his brother was referring to. “Are you sure that is what you want to do?” 

Strongbow sat up slightly, looked into his brother’s eyes and spoke in a whisper. “King Henry will take Leinster when I am gone if there is no heir. I would like you to send for him now.”