Excerpt from The Book of Yzabelle
The fire spread through
the small beach village on the southern tip of Ayre so fast the people
struggled to the meadow or could not keep track of their families. Some of the
soldiers of Ayre hurried the villagers down the road to safety. One of the
scouts saw the Telgirian ship anchor early in the day from the castle wall.
Damiel quickly mustered the soldiers living at the castle. He gave orders for
keeping the castle and town safe. Warning bells were rung and the inhabitants
instantly stopped what they were doing and helped to secure their homes and the
town from an impending raid. Liona and Damiel were armed and leading soldiers
toward the small beach community within the hour. The company arrived as the
houses were set on fire.
Princess Liona dismounted from her horse in the middle of the
chaos to look around and get a better perspective of what was needed
immediately.
The Telgirian soldiers started to advance on the soldiers of Ayre.
Liona watched as the fighting began. She drew her bow and slid an arrow quickly
into place. She took aim and fired. She continued to shoot her arrows as the
Telgirians advanced. She killed or wounded at least a dozen men before she drew
out her axe. The Telgirians were falling, within the hour they were running for
their lives to the beach where there long row boats were stowed. Some of the
villagers joined the fight and the odds were not in favor of the Telgirians.
They heard of what could happen if Princess Liona and her soldiers of Ayre were
to capture them and they did not want that particular nightmare at all. Damiel
gave orders to hold ground and not attack retreaters. Liona pulled back away
from the fighting to see what the destruction looked like.
The people of the village escaped from the fire set by the
Telgirians. Liona sighed, another village to rebuild because of this war. She
felt her hope leaving her while she watched the fire consume houses built near
the village center. Her heart felt heavy while she led her horse down the
chaotic street.
Liona mounted her horse when she came to the end of the cobbled
road that led to the meadow where most of the villagers waited. She looked for
anyone who might be in danger. The farmsteads still stood on the out skirts of
the village. Liona prayed for rain to put the fire out while she walked toward
where the people were assembling in a great meadow.
Out of the chaos Liona heard a cry. It was the cry of an infant or
toddler. She stopped so she could hear where the crying was coming from. She
approached the farmstead cautiously she could hear the crying clearly. She
walked around the corner of the barn where the animal pens were and she saw the
toddler standing in one of the pens.
Liona dropped off her horse and hurried over to the little girl.
When the naked little girl saw Liona she stopped crying and put her arms up so
Liona could pick her up. Liona wondered why the toddler was naked. She forgot
and wondered who could leave such a beautiful child in an animal pen with
Telgirian soldiers about.
Liona opened the gate to the pen and walked over to the toddler.
She bent down to look at the tiny child. The little girl walked over to her and
put her arms around Liona’s neck.
“Oh, who would leave you behind?” Liona asked pulling the little
girl back to have a better look at her, beautifully clear, amber, colored eyes
and light brown, curly hair. Liona caught her breath when she gazed at the
pretty little toddler. The child smiled at her and Liona felt tenderness in her
heart she lacked for the past two years. Liona took her cloak off and wrapped
the child up and walked to her horse. “We have to find your family. They will
be worried about you.”
Liona mounted her horse again and rode swiftly to the meadow to
find the child’s family.
The people in the meadow were settling down, families were coming
together. The soldiers were securing the area. Families with small children
were put into the middle of the meadow and older children were set with them.
Men and women of the village were armed with axes, bows and arrows, pitchforks
and any weapon they found to protect
themselves from the Telgirians.
Liona rode in and a cheer went up through the crowd. She waved at
the villagers and dismounted from her horse. The infant still in her arms she
walked toward her people. She knew her first duty was to her people and now
they had to feel secure with the words she was about to say.
“My people of Ayre, you are so brave! You still are not out of
harm’s way. Our soldiers are still routing the soldiers of Telgira who have
invaded your village. I ask you to stay here until they tell us you are safe. I
have also found an infant girl. She was in the farmstead closest to this
meadow. Her parents should come forward so she can be with you. I will keep her
until she is claimed.” Liona paused for a moment to take a glimpse of the
little girl in her arms. The little girl looked at her and smiled and Liona
felt her heart beating and her face get flushed. She held the child closer to
her and thought how precious she is. “Please do as the soldiers say for they
are here to protect you.”
The crowd started to feel assured after the Princess spoke to
them. However no one knew who the child that Liona found was.
Captain Damiel walked up to Liona to give her information about
the Telgirian raiders.
“Yes, Lord Damiel?”
“My princess, my men have reported this area is safe. I want to
keep the people here over night for their safety. The Telgirians do not know
this land; they are heading toward their ship to re-group. Camiel has reported
their ship is anchored close to here. He and some of the men are watching the
area. They will report when they see any activity. I have told them not to
attack anyone retreating only defend themselves.” Damiel reported taking a look
at the child in Liona’s arms. “She is pretty, my princess. Such a child must be
sorely missed.”
“Yes she is pretty and content even with all the chaos. I think
she is feeling safe enough now. I will walk among the people to see if I can
find her family.” Liona replied also looking at the baby. “Good Damiel. There
is no need to kill unless it is necessary. Have your soldiers pitch tents for
the overnight stay. There is enough wood on the ground for fires. Let’s get the
adolescents busy digging fire pits. No civilian is to leave this area until we
know for sure the Telgirians have left.”
“Yes, my princess, I will get these tasks in order immediately. I
will come find you when I hear more information.” Damiel departed to do what
Liona asked.
Liona started to walk toward the people to inquire about the baby
in her arms. The people she spoke to never saw the baby, even those who owned
the farm where Liona found the child. Many people were curious and came to have
a glimpse at the baby but no one claimed her.
By evening Liona fed the baby and made a bed on her cloak beside
her. Damiel sat on the other side of the little girl.
“She is so quiet, my princess, no one has claimed her?” Damiel
asked looking around at the crowd.
“No one has ever seen her before. She doesn’t seem to be pining
for a mother. She ate well and doesn’t seem interested in anyone at all. If no
one claims her in the morning I will take her home with me.” Liona stroked the
infants’ hair gently while she spoke. The tiny girl looked up at Liona and
smiled. Then the little girl stood up and put her arms around Liona’s neck and
held her tightly.
“Perhaps, she is here for you.” Damiel pointed out watching how
Liona‘s face changed when the baby embraced her.
“What a great gift, Damiel.” Liona whispered placing the little
girl in her lap. “Celine said my child would come to me.”
“Yes, my Princess,” Damiel replied seeing the wondrous effect the
infant was having on Liona.
ô
When Liona arrived at the castle with the little girl she realized
she knew nothing about raising children. Liona brought the little girl to her
apartment and sat her on one of her chairs and paced in front of her for a few
minutes and then laughed at herself. She thought, I can run a house and a
village, but I haven’t the faintest idea what to do with a child. The little
girl smiled at her when Liona stopped and laughed. A maid walked into the room
to help Liona prepare for bed. She looked from Liona to the toddler and did not
know what to say.
“I need help Maura, I found this little girl and I don’t know what
to do with her.” Liona said still looking at the child.
“Well we could send her to the orphanage my Lady.” Maura offered
looking at Liona curiously.
“No, she is my child now. I want to know what to do with her. I
have never taken care of a baby before. She is content. What does she need? I
know nothing about raising children. I found her in an animal pen. I cleaned
her up a bit and one of the women in the village gave me the dress she is
wearing. I have no idea how old she is. She hasn’t spoken to me. Isn’t she
beautiful? I want to keep her with me every
moment I can.” Liona explained going to the chair and picking her up and
holding her close.
“She will need clothes and a crib for tonight at least. I will see
what I can find. Do you want me to help you get ready for bed?” Maura asked
still curious. Liona never mentioned wanting to have a child of her own. The
princess hardly spoke of anything she wanted for herself.
“I can do it myself. Ask the cook to send something up for her.
She can eat on her own. If you cannot find a crib tonight she can sleep in my
bed. I don’t want her to be away from me.” Liona replied cradling the little
girl.
“What will you call her, my Lady?” Maura asked watching Liona’s
gentle gaze at the toddler.
Liona gazed at the little girl. She was so busy with everything
she hadn’t thought the child would need a name. “What is your name little one?”
Ambyr reached her hands up to Liona and smiled at her. Liona
looked into her eyes, the color of amber stones, beautiful. “Her name is Ambyr.
I am going to adopt her.” Liona said quietly admiring her daughter. Her
daughter, she liked the sound of the word. “She will be a Princess of Ausa, my
daughter.”
“Well then we will have to make sure to take good care of her. I
will see to clothes and a crib. I will go to the kitchen first. Would you like
me to find Lady Fiona?” Maura asked watching Liona cuddle Ambyr.
“Yes, don’t tell her, ask her to come here. I think we are going
to take a bath.” Liona said walking to the bathtub in the corner of her
bedroom, “Yes a bath and then your food will be here and you can eat while some
clothes are found for you, Ambyr, my daughter. Your name is Ambyr. You will
have everything you deserve and more. I shall see to it.”
Fiona walked into Liona’s sitting room and looked around then she
heard Liona laughing. The laugh was pure and delightful to hear. She smiled and
walked into the bedroom. Liona was in her night dress holding a baby. Fiona
stood watching Liona dry the little girls’ hair with a towel and then take a
small blanket and wrap her up in it and cradle the baby. Fiona walked into the
bedroom and cleared her throat. “Liona, who is this?”
“Fiona, look isn’t she beautiful? Her name is Ambyr. She is my
daughter.” Liona said smiling.
Fiona walked over to take a closer look. Ambyr looked at Fiona and
smiled. Fiona felt an overwhelming sense of love for Ambyr immediately. “Where
did she come from Liona?” Fiona asked stroking Ambyr’s face.
“She came from the beach village. No one knew who she was. I could
not leave her. She is so good. I could not leave her. Look at her, could you
have left her?” Liona asked kissing Ambyr’s hands.
“No, no I could not leave her. What shall we do with her? We don’t
know anything about taking care of a baby.” Fiona replied thinking of anything
she knew about babies.
“We have plenty of women here who are Mothers who can teach us.
She isn’t a tiny baby. She can eat by herself and she doesn’t wet herself. She
does need help. She is a good sleeper. She doesn’t cry. She is so pretty. Maura
is going to find her some clothes for right now. Tomorrow we will send for the
seamstress and have her make some clothes for Ambyr. I will set a crib for her
next to my bed. I want her to be with me every moment possible.” Liona said
looking affectionately at Ambyr.
“Well, I suppose if we can find out about what goes on in every
court known to us, we can raise a child. What do you think Arfor will say?”
Fiona said looking at Ambyr who was sitting up and looking at the purple and
gold bedspread.
“I don’t care what Arfor says. Ambyr is my daughter. I will write
to the King tomorrow and tell him about his new granddaughter.” Liona told her
sister firmly.
ô
The days after Ambyr’s arrival for Liona and Fiona were
interesting. Clothes were given to Ambyr the next day by the women who worked
in the castle. The women also gave advice on how to care for a toddler. Liona
decided Maura became Ambyr’s caretaker when Liona could not be with her. The
seamstress came to the castle and measured Ambyr for clothing and promised a
wardrobe fit for a Queen.
Ambyr had a wondrous effect
on everyone she met including Arfor. When Arfor met Ambyr he forgot all of the
ideas he had about irritating children. He felt relieved to see her and allowed
her to sit in his lap and smile at him. Soon Arfor was having dinner with
Liona, Fiona and Ambyr sitting next to him or on his lap.
Ambyr sat in her chair next
to Arfor. A large pillow was set underneath Ambyr so she could see her plate
while she ate. Arfor watched her pick up berries and eat them. He smiled at
Ambyr; he could not believe she could sit so nicely, eating neatly. He picked
up his mug of tea and looked over at Liona.
“She is so good Liona. Was she this good when you found her? She
didn’t cry?” Arfor asked still watching Ambyr.
“I only heard her cry when she was alone in the animal pen. Since
I have been with her I have not heard her cry. She is content.” Liona replied
smiling at Ambyr. ‘Everyone who meets her loves her immediately.”
“She is like a little pixie or fairy. Is that who left you? The
Fairy Queen left you for fair Liona to pick up and raise as her own? It must
be. You are too pretty and content to be a human child.” Arfor told Ambyr.
Ambyr looked up at him, smiled and then went back to eating her berries. “How
old has anyone speculated she is Liona?”
“Maura thinks she is almost three if not three years old. She does
speak; if you show her something and name it she will say the word. Look Arfor
she is tired. I am going to take her to Maura for her nap.” Liona told him
watching Ambyr rub her eyes, “While she naps I am going down to collect
messages and do some errands.”
Liona picked up Ambyr and gently wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“I shall see you at dinner. Send a servant to let me know the
time.” Arfor asked watching Liona kiss Ambyr’s head.
“Yes, I think it is a good idea, Arfor. It will be early as she
gets tired early.” Liona told him before she left the room. She smiled to
herself, Arfor never asked to eat dinner together. He always managed to be
doing something at dinner.
ô
Ambyr walked behind Liona. When Liona stopped in the doorway of
the great hall of the castle Ayre she grabbed hold of Liona’s robe. Liona
looked down at the little girl and smiled.
“Hello, Maura will be wondering where you are again little one,”
Liona told her picking her up and continuing into the hall. Ambyr had followed
Liona on many occasions since she came to the castle a few months ago. This led
to frantic searches for Liona’s daughter. Now Maura would look for Ambyr where
Liona might be and find her on her mother’s lap.
King Collin came to visit Ayre rarely, when he heard about Ambyr,
he came as soon as he could. He wanted to meet the child before he adopted her
as his grandchild. Ambyr only had to smile at the King and he had her sitting
on his lap. Ambyr had that affect on everyone she met. The people immediately
felt relieved of their burdens and at peace. Liona felt this and more confident
with her decisions. At night Liona often brought Ambyr to sleep with her for a
peaceful night’s sleep.
King Collin and Prince Arfor awaited Liona at the dining table.
They looked up while Liona approached with Ambyr in her arms. King Collin stood
up and put his arms out toward the baby.
“Let me hold her. I will feed her from my plate.” King Collin said
smiling at Ambyr.
Ambyr put her arms toward him smiling while Liona handed her over.
“You will spoil the little sprite, Father.” Arfor said smiling at
Ambyr. He also was spending time with Ambyr, allowing Ambyr to have breakfast
in his rooms and watching her play in the garden. She seemed to have a calming
effect on him, “I must say I usually don’t like small children. This one is
different. She is such a good child. Liona she must be dressed properly. When
will her clothes be done?”
“The dressmaker said she would have some of her clothes up to the castle
in the morning. The goldsmith has finished her circlet.” Liona replied taking
her seat next to the King.
“Well then, I recognize her as a true and rightful Princess of
Ausa and I will have everything ordered as such when I get home. She will be
your heir Liona and Arfor. Now, she also will be in line for my throne after
Hal and Jessany, before their children.” King Collin explained popping a berry
in Ambyr’s mouth.
“Will the people accept her after all she is adopted?” Liona asked
picking up her fork and twirling it nervously.
“They will accept her. Do not worry Liona. She is your daughter. I
believe the Goddess sent her to you. Since you and Arfor have not produced an
heir. After I recognize her no one will argue with me. Especially after they
see how wondrous she is.” The King said firmly. “She will come to court when
she is old enough and everyone will love her as I do already.”
Liona gazed at the King lovingly. She was relieved of baring an
heir for the throne of Ausa. She and Arfor never consummated their marriage in
the two years they were married. The pressure was off to have an heir. Arfor
seemed to be in a better mood. He started spending more time with Liona, Fiona
and Ambyr. He started to look healthier, which gave Liona hope he would overcome
his sickness.
The first time King Collin
saw Ambyr he smiled tenderly and took her in his arms. The only time Ambyr
spent any time away from the King was when she was sleeping or getting a bath.
King Collin came to realize Liona and Arfor would not produce an
heir for Ausa. The finding of Ambyr, he felt, was most momentous. He felt his
prayers were answered and the Goddess blessed the couple with Ambyr.
Collin watched Liona and Arfor with Ambyr. The child brought back
the tenderness lacking in the couple. Therefore he honored this blessed child
in any way he could.
“The child is a gift from the Goddess to you and Arfor. She will
be cherished in this country in all ways.” Collin said looking down at the new
Princess of Ausa.
ô
Liona decided
Ambyr would have a different life than her own right away. She wanted Ambyr to
have more to her life than the idea of being a Queen. Liona was raised by
priestesses and Queen Dawna. The only friendships she was allowed were Fiona,
Arfor, Hal and Kell. No one else was allowed to play with the royal children.
Liona’s life was sheltered and controlled. Liona decided Ambyr needed freedom
so she could learn about many things instead of just being a ruler. While King
Collin visited Ayre, Liona asked the priestesses to bless Ambyr.
The temple was built over the healing well. It was said Hope an
Aspect of the Goddess came to Ayre during a time of famine and draught and
struck her walking stick on a rock and out sprang water. The water of this well
was used for blessings and healings.
The day of the ceremony the priestesses lit up the temple of the
Goddess with many candles. The inside of the temple was painted in many shades
of gold, copper and silver. Murals of the many aspects of the Goddess were
painted on the walls. Beautiful metal filigree benches lined the walls.
The altar consisted of four arches facing the cardinal directions.
There was no paint on the arches or the well. The priestesses painted spirals
in different colors all over the stone tiled floor.
When Liona handed Ambyr over to the high priestess for the
blessing, Ambyr looked solemn for a moment and then smiled widely. The
Priestess took Ambyr and raised her above the center of the well and said;
“Ambyr of Ayre, you are a child of the Mother Goddess open
yourself to receive her blessing!” The priestess walked over to the northern
arch, sprinkled water on Ambyr from the well and said, “Ambyr of Ayre, always
look to the North for wisdom and guidance.” The priestess walked to the eastern
arch, “Ambyr of Ayre look to the East for understanding and compassion.” The
priestess walked to the southern arch and said, “Remember Ambyr of Ayre to look
at the world with wonder and curiosity.” Then she walked to the western arch
the priestess sprinkled water on Ambyr and said, “Ambyr of Ayre, always listen
from your heart, for this is where the truth of your beingness breathes.”
When the priestess finished the ceremony she walked over to Liona
and handed Ambyr back to her. Before the priestess backed away from Ambyr she
placed her hands on Ambyr’s forehead and heart and said, “The Goddess has
blessed you. She has surrounded you with Her Light. Always remember you are guided,
guarded, protected and connected to Her at all times, Ambyr of Ayre!”
Ambyr held the priestesses hands during the blessing and watched
the priestess. When the priestess lifted her hand from Ambyr’s forehead there
was a mark, a shadow of a spiral. Liona looked closely at Ambyr and then at the
priestess, ‘Look, look at her forehead.”
The priestess looked. Then she looked at Liona, “She will bring
peace to you, my Lady and others. Take good care of her.”
Liona looked at Ambyr and knew Ambyr already brought peace to her
and much more.
