Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

David came pulling Lir on the stretcher with Valentina, and Ciaran was stumbling, dizzy from the harsh blow to his head that left blood dripping down his face. "Erygonians," Valentina told them, "I'm sure of it." But before Ciaran could confirm or deny, he collapsed into the snow, unconscious. David picked him up as carefully as he could, laying him beside Lir on the stretcher as they tied it to the horse's saddle by the leads.

Valentina led the horses at a walk to the keep, and Julia and Brogan were alerted. Valentina saw quickly that Ciaran would be okay, he would suffer a mild concussion but he was easily cared for with a couple stitches from Vincenzo and rest. Lir, however, was an emergency that required all Valentina's skill and attention and the help of fellow healers. He'd been carved up and there was evidence that his attackers had literally taken and ripped flesh away with their teeth as if trying to eat him alive.

None of the others were allowed in while Valentina worked. Instead, she had David and Annie and Kate take Ciaran to his room. David easily carried the younger man, letting Annie and Kate open up the door and ready Ciaran's bed for him. He woke briefly enough for them to help him change into something loose and clean before he was laid in bed and fell asleep immediately.

Brogan had left Julia with Kreston at the news, and took Cole and several of his men to go to find the bodies of the attackers with David's guidance. If these were Erygonians, it meant the truce was done for.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate nervously paced the keep, her hands wringing in front of her as she thought about what would happen now. She didn't want a war and she knew that Tidus didn't want a war. Why had this happened, she asked herself as she decided to talk to her mother and her uncle.

Her mother was slower these days, spending much of her time in bed or sitting in her room. Her belly had grown large, even larger than it had been with Rho and Sam. She was worried that this baby might be too big to deliver, but she had kept quiet on the matter to give peace to her family.

Kate slipped into the quietly, waiting for them to finish their conversation before she spoke. "Uncle Kreston, I want to go and speak to Tidus. I know that this wasn't his tribe that did this."

 

[KieranSoares]

"That may be best, Kate," Kreston told her with a nod. "Word is spreading fast and I can already see the tension in everyone. Our people are ready to fight, and when Brogan and Cole return, they will if Cole says it was Erygonians. But it's too dangerous to go right now, a fight could break out. I'll stay with your mother, get Kell and he can howl across a warning to the Erygonians. Hopefully we can resolve this before anything happens."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate nodded and turned to find Kell. Julia watched her daughter rush away and she let out a sigh as she looked back at Kreston.

"Will this complicate getting a tribal healer here for when the baby comes?" Julia asked Kreston softly.

No one else knew that she had been talking to Kreston about another healer on hand for the day that she had her child. She was frightened and thought that this was beyond the expertise that Val and Vincenzo had. She felt comfortable in the hands of a healer.

 

[KieranSoares]

"... Maybe. But I'll do all I can for you, Julia," Kreston patted her hand lightly. "But for now... let's focus on keeping you healthy, and taking care of Ciaran and Lir." Over the years, Kreston and Julia had become as close as brother and sister could be, the dark wolf often setting aside time just to come see her in times of peace. Since their original meeting and flawless cooperation that saved Inverness, they'd been close.

Kreston brought Julia to Ciaran's side, the young man entirely unreachable in his sleep. There were tear stains on his face from crying in fear over Lir, but the healer had cleaned him up well before going to help Valentina.



Kate would find Kell in the courtyard, studying the sky as strange smoke signals drifted up from the Erygonian camp.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate stood next to Kell, watching the same smoke that he saw rising from the camps to the south. She took his hand and squeezed it tightly, looking up at him after a few moments.

"I need you to tell them that we know it wasn't them. We want peace." Kate told him, knowing that he could communicate whatever she asked for.

 

[KieranSoares]

"... We have a bigger problem than that..." Kell murmured. "They know their wolves are dead... and they think Lir and Ciaran murdered them. The skies are going to be full of their howls soon, I won't be heard." He took Kate's hand. "They won't listen even if they do hear me... we have to find out what happened. If I'm honest... I don't think either group attacked the other... Something's not right about the wounds Lir had."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Then we have to go to Tidus." Kate said softly, knowing that her father most definitely would punish her if they went. "We can't let a battle start because of this, Kell. I don't think anyone here could take it."

 

[KieranSoares]

"If we go quickly before they can rally, we might make it. But bring your sword." Kell led her to the stables and they took two quick chargers. They bolted out the town gates, straight into the Erygonian camp without anyone able to stop them, and Kell cleared the way for Kate to Tidus' tent. But when they arrived, the Erygonians stopped them with long spears that their horses stopped just short of, and they saw several of the dark people carrying their High Shaman on a long board between them, out of the tent.

Another Shaman approached as Tidus' body was borne away, and Kate and Kell were surrounded. This Shaman was a werewolf woman who must've been about Tidus' age, and she looked hurt, sorrowful, and enraged.

"You... you Invernessians dare show your faces here?" She spoke softly, but her entire being was filled with agony. "You killed my eldest son, lied your way into my husband's trust, and then you kill him and his dearest leaders too?! What kind of despicable monsters are you! You shall be an example to your own people, when you are executed before them!" Hands seized the horses' reins and dragged Kate and Kell from their saddles. Kell didn't fight, not wanting to hurt them and make things worse.

"Please, your ladyship! It's all a misunderstanding!" He cried for her to listen, and her vengeful eyes turned upon him.

"Sixty years, young pup... Sixty years I was married to Tidus Corel. I knew him all my life, all seventy-six years of it, and now you cut short what little time we had left together! Traitors like you robbed me of four children, a sister, and now my husband. You shall die first, young Khelt!"

She was lost in grief, unwilling to listen as Kell and Kate were disarmed and bound.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Why would any of us kill him?" Kate cried out as she was yanked off her horse, her hands bound tightly behind her back. "Please, my lady, you have to understand. This is all a set up. My brother and his lover were exercising their horses when they were attacked in the woods. The wounds on Lir were not done by you and I know that they did not kill members of your pack. No one from Inverness would."

"We want peace! We have lived so long in war that we are weary." Kate had never been more terrified in all of her life as she was in that moment. "There is a traitor among your people. Someone here wants you to think that we are capable of this."

 

[KieranSoares]

"The only traitors here are you two. And you dare wear the seals of knights! I am Suara Corel, and as the heir to my husband's title of High Shaman, I sentence you both to the Traitor's Death at dusk!" They were both dragged away and thrown into a pit that was just too tall and muddy for them to climb out of with bound hands. Kell still didn't fight, and as they were left to await their fate, he leaned on the slick muddy wall with a long, quiet sigh and a shake of his head.

"How could it all go so wrong so quickly...?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Kell, we have to get out of here." Kate murmured, unsure of how Kell could remain so calm in this situation. "They'll kill us!"

 

[KieranSoares]

"... I know. I'm thinking..." he told her calmly. He knew that getting upset and hurried would make it harder to think. "Come here..." he said softly, stepping over to her. Their bonds were not tight. They didn't need to be with them stuck in the pit, and with their hands tied in front of them, Kell easily bit his bonds apart and untied Kate's. Then, he embraced her gently. "A racing mind will get you nowhere, Kate... breathe."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate hugged Kell tightly, her cheek pressed against his chest as he tried to calm her and think of a way out of the horrible situation that they had found themselves in. She shivered, knowing that this might very well be one of her last moments on this earth.

Julia paced her son's bedroom, an uneasy feeling coming over her. She knew in her heart that Kate was in danger, but she wasn't sure what to do about it. It was then that she stopped, looking over at Kreston with a long sigh.

"I need you to put together a package for me of foods and gifts that would offer condolences to the tribe. I have to go out there and talk to them in person and I want to greet them with something pleasant."

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell's embrace told her what he need not say; he'd protect her to his last breath, and he'd do everything in his power to get her home. After a long silence, he lifted her head and he gave her a soft smile that, despite their deadly situation, was soothing. He let her go slowly and looked around the pit they'd been trapped in. It was wet and muddy and too tall for either of them to climb out of. But Kell could see that it would be easy to lift Kate up and out on his shoulders. The issue would be in making sure no one saw her.

Kell took her hand, meeting her eyes with his own soft golden gaze. "It won't be long before they're all distracted. Your parents are coming, I know it. And when they're distracted, I'll get you out of here. You need to run, steal a horse if you have to, and get back to the others. Tell them the wolves were murdered, and that someone is trying to start the war again."



Kreston's ears folded back, meeting Julia's eyes, "Julia... no gift will calm their rage... I'll see what I can do, but-"

"Lady Julia," she heard a familiar voice, and saw a fellow warrior she'd not fought with since before Kate was born. It was Casso, and he looked stronger and more fearsome than ever before. The giant white werewolf gave her a smile, leaning on his heavy spear, and it seemed he'd mastered English over the years as he spoke, "A young werefox from the Golin came down to Glasgow, and told me that you were in trouble with the Erygonians of Islay and Mull. What can I do to help you?"

"Prince Ciaran and his love Lir Evelia were framed as killers of three Erygonians, in order to break the truce that was negotiated in late autumn," Kreston explained softly. "What can you do, brother?"

"Well... if I heard you correctly, you want to offer condolences for peace talks. I believe I can arrange a proper funeral procession of the Lunars to honor the fallen Erygonians. They know our ways, and they know that it is against all they stand for to attack those honoring their own dead. I suggest a dark dress, Lady Julia. We will all wear dark colors and bear candles and torches. The best gifts you can offer are food and a silver ring, no more, no less."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm not going to leave you behind, Kell." Kate said softly. "Not when I fought so hard to bring you here."

Kate's voice was resolute and serious. She wouldn't leave her dear friend behind like a coward. As frightened as she was, she was going to stay by his side until the bitter end.


Julie let out a sigh of relief as Casso entered the room. She smiled warmly and moved to embrace him before she turned back to Kreston.

"I need you two to gather whatever you think will send the right message to them. I want to end this war without more bloodshed." Julia said resolutely.

 

[KieranSoares]

"One of us has to get the message out, Kate..." Kell drew her closer once more. "You're faster than me, and if either of us can make it out, it's you. Please... at the very least, it'll mean you survive to defend your family when they attack if they don't listen. You're the reason I turned my life around and came to Inverness. Do this for me..."


Casso nodded, "Gather up all your warriors, have them dress their best and bring candles. In the interest of safety, leave their families and civilians out of it."

Then a soldier stepped in, "Milady, I bring a message from the gates. Ruben saw the Erygonians lighting a funeral pyre. He says it was for a leader. He thinks High Shaman Tidus may have been killed."

"That... certainly complicates things..." Casso sighed. "Still... they will not attack while the pyre burns. Quickly, milady, we must be ready. We have a few hours at the most."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate shook her head at Kell's insistence that she go. "No. Absolutely not. I'm not leaving you behind. A Ghis never leaves someone behind."



Julia nodded at that suggestion and she left Kreston and Casso to get the things that she needed. She knew that Brogan would be livid when he learned what she was doing, but she knew that she had to at least try for the sake of their families. She dressed in a gown of dark blue and left behind all adornments of her position save her wedding band.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell sighed, but couldn't help a small smile, "Stubborn girl. You make a fine knight."



Word spread quickly and within the hour, the majority of Julia's men were in their best dark clothes, and the Lunars came dressed in their own dark ceremonial deerskins and woolen clothes. All the candles in the entire town were brought out and given to the men along with explanation as to what they were doing. There weren't enough for everyone, so groups formed around torch-bearers. Julia's finest Highlanders came with spear staffs with funeral banners that were usually stored in the Keep, but before Julia could leave, Brogan came to her side silently. Chessie had helped him find his finest black tunic and bear-fur cloak and he came with his claymore on his back. He too left behind all symbols of his station except his blade, wedding band, and a seal of his House, which he intended to be a gift of peace and confidence of the Ghis. He'd learned all he needed to hear from Chessie and Kreston. By the time they were ready, Chessie had gathered up all the food they could spare without reducing their winter stores too terribly.

Brogan took Julia's hand as they stepped outside, and she was given a white candle in a silver bowl to catch the wax by Kreston. The gates were thrown open and Inverness fell silent except for the marching boots of the men. Out on the highland plains between the camps and Inverness, a large pyre had been built and was burning brightly as dusk began to fall. The entire camp of Erygonians was in attendance, and Julia saw for the first time that they had brought their families. Women and children were all among them, having come to respect their fallen, beloved leader who was buried beneath the pyre. They'd chosen this spot as it was in the open air and the loch was not too far away, and it also served as a warning to Inverness that they would not relinquish the land that they'd buried their leader in. It was as much a claim as it was a declaration of all-out war when the embers died.

"Don't speak until the pyre goes out..." Kreston warned Julia softly.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia was surprised when Brogan joined her on their march out tot he Erygonians. She squeezed his hand tightly, letting him feel just how nervous she was in that moment. She knew that they were going to have a tough fight ahead of them if this didn't work and she was prepared to lose many good friends that evening.

She nodded to Kreston as he told her not to speak until the fire had burned out. When the fire had finally burned low, she let go of Brogan's hand and approached the mourners on her own.

 

[KieranSoares]

Those who would not fight, mostly mothers and their children, retreated as if fearful of Julia, but their gazes showed hurt and betrayal, believing she truly had gone back on the truce and killed Tidus and the three wolves. From the group suddenly were drawn Kell and Kate in chains, forced to their knees in front of the pyre, facing Julia with axes ready to behead them, and between them stood the widow of Tidus, whom Julia had learned was named Suara Corel. She looked upon Julia with the rage and vengeful gaze that only a woman scorned and scarred could wield.

"Julia Ghis... your family has robbed me blind of my dear son Tidannon and my husband Tidus. One fell to your twin sons, which I could forgive for the honorable battle you gave him... but you used nothing short of trickery and underhanded tactics to steal the life of my husband, the man that we all loved and needed to guide us. One dark turn deserves another, and therefore, I will take in return one of your own dearest loves, not to mention a traitor to my people that you took in, whom I suspect was the killer all along." She looked between Kate and Kell, glaring down at them.

Kell looked to Kate, then he did the unthinkable. He struggled against the man holding him down, and he stood, "Lady Suara, the Ghis had nothing to do with any of this. It was all me. I killed Tidus, I killed the three warriors. They are only responsible for Tidannon, but he was killed because they were honorably defending their own. Lady Katherine and Queen Julia are not at fault. Let Lady Katherine go."

Suara looked at Kell, and she was still so hurt by her losses that she just wanted her revenge. With a nod, Kate was suddenly let go and shoved back toward Julia and Brogan, spears between her and Kell. Kell allowed himself to be forced back to his knees and a wooden block was brought out and placed before him. Kell was giving his life up to save the girl who'd captured his heart and the family that had taken him in despite everything.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate looked at Kell with a mixture of horror and sorrow as he struggled and confessed to killing the men and Tidus. She knew all of that was a lie, but before she could speak, she was released and shoved back towards her parents.

"Kell, no..." Kate called, gasping as her Uncle Kreston snagged her by the waist and pulled back into the safety of the crowd.

Julia waited until her daughter was safe before she addressed the woman that was full of such sorrow and strife that she knew the woman very well might not listen to reason.

"Lady Suara, I know that my family has wronged your own." Julia said softly. "For the loss of your son...well, as a mother myself I know your sorrow. There is nothing that I can say or do to help make that loss any less of a burden."

"The loss of your husband and the three in the woods is another matter. Before Kell is put to death for these crimes, I humbly ask you to speak in private...one ruler to another."

 

[KieranSoares]

Suara held Julia's gaze for a long moment, considering what trickery the Ghis might be planning while she was distracted. But she knew well that her forces were so enraged and so outnumbered the Invernessians that they would win even despite tricks and strategy. "... Return the traitor to the pit. I will speak with the Queen. But, Lady Julia, I require that you bring your husband with you." It was simply a precaution, keeping the two rulers close to discourage an attack.

Brogan gave Julia's hand a light squeeze, letting her know he'd follow. Kell was dragged away back to his prison and the Erygonians parted to make a path, but held their ground before the pyre. Julia's forces retreated, but did not return to the walls, keeping their candles and torches to show respect and honesty.

Kreston pulled Kate back and gave her over to Ruben, who returned her to the walls and looked her over to make sure she was alright. He didn't say a word, but she knew he couldn't believe she'd been so reckless.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia and Brogan made their way through the ranks of Erygonians, her hand holding her husband's tightly. She was tense, struggling to remain calm as Suara led them to her private tent. It was only then that Julia let go of Brogan's hand and stood respectfully as Suara got settled.

"May I take a seat?" Julia asked softly and respectfully. "While I normally have no problem standing, I have to admit that my pregnancy has left me very tired as of late."

 

[KieranSoares]

Suara nodded slowly, and two warriors laid down cushions for them. Brogan made sure Julia was settled first before sitting beside her. As they sat down, Julia would notice Suara cradling what looked to be some kind of totem in her hand. It looked like it was carved from a deer's antler by the way it curved and came to a point. "The stag was my husband's spirit guide... an honest creature who cannot lie and leads by example, and is one of the three great providers of the animal world for our people next to the rabbit and the bear. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him... he brought peace, and worked tirelessly with our people to ensure a lasting peace for your because your daughter came here so honestly and bravely to seek his council with the traitor at her side... our people were about to finally agree to live in harmony with yours and leave your lands... but the traitor ruined it all. He must die."


It was at that moment as Ruben was looking Kate over that Kate saw her wounded brother coming down the street, leaning on his horse which walked beside him. Tears were running down his face, and he had Lir's cloak around him. Kate knew in that moment that the loving, brotherly wolf who had always been so gentle and lively, had succumbed to his wounds.

"Kate..." Ciaran said softly. "Help me go out there... I have to make this right. I have to tell them who really killed the wolves." He remembered it all, and his word could make or break the uneasy stalemate.