Berrick shifted in his seat. He knew that the hour was late and the children should be getting into bed, but no one was making any indication that was going to be happening any time soon – not even Brogan. He noted, as he shifted, that Beagan had drawn Breda closer. How like the love of a brother for his sister to be revealed.
“By the time Cillian’s raiding party stopped for rest, Alasdair was bruised and bloodied. More than one man had “accidentally” hit him with their riding crop. Yet, he said nothing. There was no way he was going to give them the satisfaction of knowing that they were breaking him.
“Instead, he gave himself over to prayer, knowing that the next steps of this process would totally be upon Abrianna’s shoulders. His mind flashed back to the many hours spent before the fire, playing chess and softly discussing the possibility of such a situation and all that would be required of her. Truly the Lord had greatly blessed him, by giving him this woman as his wife. She was worth more than all the rubies in the world, by far, to him.
*****
“Abrianna took the time before entering the Great Hall to quickly change from her riding habit to a dress. She knew she needed to look her most powerful.
“Entering the hall, she turned to survey all that was happening there. Men were standing about with weapons in obvious positions of readiness. Squires eager to be about the battle were with them. Other men, men of position in the community were also standing about – as were the small group of men who had her undivided attention. Corcovans.
“She stared fiercely at the man, who was standing at the head of the band of raiders. His black hair roughly pulled back from his forehead – his eyes expressionless. Abrianna realized she had never looked into the face of a person and seen eyes that were so cold and empty. She fought to hold back a shiver.
“’So Berrick, what vileness has spewed forth in my hall this evening?’
“Berrick came to stand beside her – he bowed lightly.
“’Milady, this is Hrafn. He has come as a representative from Cillian. He wishes your audience.’
“Abrianna even though speaking to Berrick, had yet to take her eyes from Hrafn. She couldn’t decide if it was because his total lack of emotion frightened her or if she was hoping to cause some fear in him, instead. Either way, her green eyes almost slits, were staring icicles into his.
“’Really? And what could he possibly have to say to me, do you think, Berrick?’
“’Milady, he wishes to speak to you of the king’s return. He is the intermediary that Cillian is supplying you.’
“’Is he now?’ Abrianna sat down. Her chair – not really a throne, but intended for that purpose nonetheless – was large and powerful looking, adding to her look of authority…or so she hoped. She crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in her chair, ‘So, Hrafn, what is it that you wish to offer me? Do you come seeking asylum, protection from my hand, before we destroy your country?’
“Ahh, so there was emotion behind those eyes. Sheer fury was present. He could barely spit the words out of his mouth. ‘Never! I will never serve under a woman…’
“Before he could issue one more word, Abrianna countered, her words as glass piercing the skin, ‘Of that you are correct, you will never serve me Hrafn. You may beg me for mercy or you may wallow at my feet, but serve me? Never.’
“Berrick knew Abrianna contained strength that he had never seen tapped – and after watching her with the loss of her precious son, he thought he had seen her stretched to the limits. He realized now that he was mistaken. There was power in her voice that made him grateful he was on her side.
“He wished Alasdair could be here for this performance, as he knew he would have not only enjoyed it, but made fun of her for it later. This caused him to stop and pray for his friend.
“Hrafn was taken aback at the force – the power – behind Abrianna’s words to him, but it was only reflected in his eyes for a moment.
*****
“’Son, your mother and I need to speak with you. Eadbard, you will need to remain here, as well.’ Turning to his oldest daughter, ‘Meegan, please, will you take the younger children to the sitting room?’
“Meegan looked with love at her father. She delighted in serving him. She gathered all the little ones and scooted them from the room.
“’Boys, what I have to share is going to seem very strange and difficult for you to comprehend, but it is vitally important that you listen carefully, for what I have to say is a matter of life and death.’
“Seana came in closer and held Aidan’s hand, ‘While you were both born on the same night, you are not twins.’
“Both Eadbard and Emerick looked shocked. ‘What? Father, what are you talking about?’ asked Emerick.
“’Emerick, you are six inches taller than Eadbard, did you never wonder about that? Or about the red hair that you both share – yours is wavy, while Eadbard’s is straight, did that not seem odd to you in twins? No, boys, while we love you both as our own, Emerick, you are not even our son, but rather our nephew.’
“Aidan stopped speaking, for the knot in his throat was so great. Tears ran down Seana’s face. While they both knew that this day would come, it was so painful. Aidan wondered once again at the sacrifice that Abrianna and Alasdair had made.
“’Your nephew?’ Emerick choked out.
“’Yes, son….Emerick. Yes, you are the only son of King Alasdair and my sister Abrianna. They placed you secretly in our care the night you were born, so that we could keep you hidden from Cillian. Even then, they suspected that Cillian’s plans included the death of Alasdair and by keeping you hidden from everyone, they could also keep the knowledge of an heir to the throne. You Emerick, will be appointed acting king tonight.’
“At that point Seana’s tears which had been silently falling were now gushing down her face. She grabbed her tall son into her arms and hugged him tightly.
“’Emerick, please know this is not how we intended to tell you, but the events of this evening only made it all the more necessary. The Lord has a special call upon your life and tonight you will begin to walk that call out.
“’And Emerick, as your mother – as the woman who has had the privilege of raising you, you MUST understand that the price your real mother has paid, to protect you is greater than anything I can fathom. You must not be angry with her nor think poorly of her. She has had to stand by – and watch you grow, from a distance. She has cried more tears than you can imagine.’
“Emerick simply stood and took it all in. His head hung low for quite some time. Eadvard hauled off and punched his brother.
“’Well, what do you know? All those years of make believe, you telling me that you were the king and I was your subject – you were right. Just think, for the rest of my life I’ll be able to tell everyone that I have seen the king in his underwear!’
“Emerick looked at his twin…his cousin and smiled gratefully, with a touch of sadness.
“’I guess, if I am honest, I have known all my life that there is something different about me, from the rest of you. I just never imagined it was this, though. And what of the king – what is happening tonight?’
“As he asked this question, there was a knock at the door. Seana looked up puzzled at Aidan, he simply gave her a half-hearted smile and opened it. There stood a servant with some clothing for Emerick.
“’The queen has asked that Emerick please change. She is needing him in the Great Hall as quickly as possible.’
******************************************************************************
What I said before. 
Devotionals will follow…shortly…in a day or so. Sorry!
