Page 40

It had been more than a sennight after they left the impromptu battlefield upon the Chattan hillside when the small party rounded a bend in the road.

It was a rather important point in their journey because they had finally come within shouting distance of the MacLaren keep.

Gwyn could only stare as the memories of the sights and the sounds of all that had been familiar went rushing through her mind.

Her face visibly softened as she spoke tenderly to the child who rode before a large clansman on the horse to her left.

"Home, Durell. We are now home!"

The young Scottish lad looked at his mother quizzically as did all those around her.

She acknowledged none of their stares as Gwyn straightened her back regally and placed a warm smile upon her lips.

Without a look back to the clansman who held her, she kicked her heels into the side of the steed directing him to increase his pace.

She found she could wait no longer and her eagerness to gain her family after nearly ten long years was consuming her.

As they quickly approached the grand drawbridge, there were several riders who moved outside of the gates to greet them.

This was not unexpected since there was no warning of their arrival.

Gwyn had insisted upon the secrecy for she knew this was necessary to ensure they arrived safely. And there simply was no time.

She raised her hand in greeting as she shouted her words.

"Greetings, Kamden!"

She could say no more and she did not allow their pace to slow for even a moment.

As they rode into the bailey, Gwyn anxiously gazed around since the familiarity of the surroundings brought back some pleasant memories.

Even though the purpose of her duty was born from a dark time in their lives, there had been much love and joy experienced here.

As the steed they rode pranced before the great stone stairway leading into the keep, Gwyn could not contain her excitement any further. Before Donnan had an opportunity to dismount, she was already sliding down the large steed's coat to gain her footing upon the ground.

She moved quickly to the beast standing next to theirs and reached up eagerly to gain her son. Together they were upon the stairs before anyone else had even dismounted. When several of the treads had passed below her feet, Gwyn remembered those behind her. Quickly, she turned to address them.

"I do so apologize. In my haste, I have forgotten my manners. Please…oh, Ennis!"

Gwyn stopped her words abruptly and dropped her son's hand and found herself rushing down the stairs.

Approaching quickly from the stables with a wide smile upon his face was her uncle and most loyal clansman, Ennis.

This was also her mother's brother and the one who had faithfully guarded the Lady Morwenna's door when she had been ill.

As she reached forward to grasp of his hands warmly, she smiled up at him sweetly remembering the greeting they had so frequently shared.

"Good afternoon, Ennis. How are you on this very fine day?"

A smile fully touched his lips as he replied as he had done so many times in the past.

"These times have been very quiet, my lady. Very serene, indeed!"

Gwyn could not help the happiness she felt at that very moment at seeing him after so many years.

He more then anyone within these great walls had possessed an understanding of all that had transpired and what price they had to pay.

Some day, after all her secrets had been revealed, she hoped she could thank him and speak the words clearly and without further need for riddles.

"Please, Ennis, these very fine clansmen have delivered both me and my son safely back home."

She squeezed Ennis' hand firmly as she moved her gaze back to Donnan.

"Ennis, this is Donnan, my very dear friend.

There is much unrest in the north and he and his clansmen risked their lives for ours.

They truly plucked us out of the center of a battlefield to bring us home safely.

Can you please show them where they can stable their horses?

When they are done, please bring them into the keep where we can gather for an early sup. "

After the introductions had been made, Gwyn moved quickly up the stairs to retrieve the hand of her son. She was now prepared to seek out her family and eagerly moved in that direction.

When Gwyn crossed the threshold into the large chamber, she stopped abruptly and could only stare at those within the room.

While she knew it had been nearly ten years, there was so much that had been left unchanged.

The gathering hall was neatly lined with tables and the walls surrounding were warmly cloaked with many large tapestries.

Most she easily recognized, but a few newer ones graced the area.

The family table sat slightly raised and to the side of the sizeable hearth.

But it was those standing before the large roaring fire who took her breath away.

It was her mother and her dear sister, Enya.

The tears welled instantly within her eyes as she stared across the expanse of the room.

She had to blink quickly to keep her gaze true.

The two women had been seated but now stood with incredulity showing heavily upon their faces.

And smiles. It was obvious she had startled them with her presence but they were obviously joyful at her sudden return.

"Mother!Enya!"

"Good heavens, Gwyn! Is that really and truly you?"

Gwyn began to move forward with Durell's hand held tightly within her own to reach the sides of those who stood unmoving.

Gwyn shifted her eyes to gaze intently upon her mother for the first time.

While the lady of the keep had obviously aged over this last decade, she was still very beautiful.

Her long dark hair while slightly showing lighter portions of gray, was thick and shone brilliantly in the firelight.

Memories of her pained face during her dark days flashed before Gwyn's eyes and she was relieved to see none of it now.

Slowly, she moved to stand behind Durell as she grasped his shoulders tightly within her own hands. Gently, she moved forward to stand before the Lady Morwenna.

"Mother, I would like you to meet your grandson , Durell."

The Lady Morwenna's eyes quickly alighted upon Gwyn's own as a warm smile spread across her face as she spoke.

"I am so pleased to meet you, my dear. Welcome to the MacLaren keep!"

The young lad responded in kind, as he bowed his head slightly.

"It is a pleasure, my lady."

"Your mother has taught you well, I see. And this pleases me. This is my other daughter and your mother's sister. Her name is Enya."

Durell turned formally and once again bowed his head as he spoke.

"Enya, it is so nice to meet you. I have heard much from my mother about you and look forward to getting to know you better."

The doors across the way opened heavily and Gwyn watched as her father came quickly across the floor. Within that moment, she was in his arms and he was holding her tightly.

"Oh, da!"

"Gwyn! You have returned. We were going to leave in just a few days. Whatever has occurred?"

Gwyn smiled wryly knowing there was so much to disclose of what had happened over these last ten years, but knew she could speak none of it before her son. She simply smiled as she hugged her father once again as she whispered into his ear.

"Da, it feels just so good to finally be home."