Calypso: a Thaelia's World original short story

10th day of the Bear Moon, 1194

 

Edward sat in the great hall with Sir Bryan of Foxwarre and Sir Gaston of Zulchai. Edward was the cousin of the late Earl Braeden du Faucione. Braeden’s ten year old son, Phillip was now Earl but due to his age, the lands were administered by Braeden’s half-brother Sir Kevin. After years of acting as Marshal for the Faucione family, Edward was granted lands as a reward and added to his property by purchasing surrounding acreage. Thanks to a little nudge from Queen Gaelynn, the former wife of Braeden, the romance between Edward and Sophie flourished. That Sophie was Gaelynn’s First Lady-in-Waiting and dear friend probably helped. The two women kept in touch with weekly letters. Gaelynn was influential with sending knights looking for service to Edward.

“I don’t like this weather. Bryan, grab a servant or two and make sure the buckets are ready by the well in case of a fire. Gaston, check our supplies. Once this storm passes we may need to go into town for staples or hunt for meat. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some early season snow. I’m going to get the mares from the pasture.” Edward left his men and ordered the stable hands to follow him out to the main pasture where he kept the broodmares.

The wind howled outside forcing tree limbs to bend down and give up any foliage still fighting to hold on. Dried grasses, leaves, and small twigs were tossed about by strong gusts. In the nearby pastures a herd of horses looked around with nervous twitches of ears. One mare snorted, deciding to run to the opposite end by the gate.

“Sheila, catch Gazelle and the others will come in after her.” a man ordered his companions, the stable crew holding a handful of halters with lead ropes. “I don’t want them outside when the storm hits.  Emrhys! Don’t worry about Herian, she’ll follow Gazelle, bring in Star instead.”

“Sir Edward, what about Princess? I don’t see her.” Humphrey, the Stable Master pointed out to the owner of Calypso Manor.

Edward studied the small herd of mares. Humphrey was correct, the bay mare was missing. “I’ll go look for her. Take care of the rest, Humphrey.” He slung a halter and rope over his shoulder. “Don’t waste any time getting them secured in the barn. That storm will be here soon enough.”

“Should I send a man out to help, Sir?” Humphrey asked securing a mare.

“No, I should be fine.” Edward had a good idea where the mare was. She liked to lounge under the willow trees by the creek. He trudged through the pasture, cursing the day he decided breeding horses was a good idea.  Fat drops of rain begin to drop around the knight. “Fantastic...” he muttered “instead of spending the evening curled up with Sophie I get to tromp around in the cold and wet.” Half a candle mark later he found the object of his quest: a bay mare with a crown-like mark on her forehead. “Hiya, Princess. How about we go to a nice, warm barn?” He patted the horse’s silky neck and buckled the halter in place. Edward tied the loose end of the lead rope to the halter and looped the ‘reins’ around her neck. He leapt on her back. “Alright troublemaker, enough is enough.”  He turned the mare towards home.

XXX

Sophie du Faucione stood by the window watching for her husband. Thick black clouds gathered over the horizon. The boom of thunder and flashes of lightning made her jump. “Mary, send for Sir Gaston. Edward isn’t back yet and I’m worried. Gaston needs to go out and find my husband.”

Mary tossed another log on the fire. She wiped her hands on her apron. “I’m sure Sir Edward is fine, my lady, but I’ll go ask Sir Gaston to leave right away.” Mary left Sophie staring outside, one hand rubbing her swollen belly. Sophie was due to have their child any day.

The servant didn’t need to find the knight. Just as Mary walked inside the great hall, the master, Sir Edward, opened the door and entered his home.

“Oh thank the Goddess you’re here, Sir. Lady Sophie has become nervous waiting for your return.”

Edward removed his soaked mantle and handed it to a servant. “Is she in her solar?”

“Aye my lord.”

“Send up warm food and drink, would you please Mary? After I reassure my wife I’ve not been attacked by rabid wolves or struck by lightning I will need to eat and have a drink.” Without waiting for an answer, he rushed upstairs taking the steps two at a time. He halted at the top to catch his breath. With deliberate steps, Edward moved down the hall, his boots echoing on the wood floor. It didn’t take long to reach Sophie’s private solar. He turned the handle and pushed the door open.

“Oh thank goodness you’re safe!” She waddled across the room and threw her arms around Edward. “I was so worried. What of the baby came while you were gone?”

Edward kissed his wife “Sweetheart, have you so little faith in my abilities to survive a little rain?”

“I’m sorry...I guess the waiting for the birth has me on edge.” Her fingers played with his hair “I feel foolish. “

 “Don’t be. It’s nice to know you care.”

“Go and change out of those wet clothes. I’ll settle by the fire and and finish the baby’s shirt now that I know you’re home for the evening.”

XXX

17th day of the Bear Moon, 1994

 

Sophie woke up with an odd feeling. Her back ached. She struggled to get out of bed, careful not to wake Edward. She went to the garderobe and just as she made it to the room felt a pressure. Her water broke. “I’m in labor!” She broke into a smile and scurried to the bed chamber.

“Edward, wake up!” When he didn’t open his eyes, she nudged her husband. “Edward get up.”

“What? Are we under attack?” he answered groggily “It’s still dark outside. Come back to bed, love.”

“No, I can’t. The baby comes.”

It took a moment for her words to sink in. He sat up, his eyes wide open now. “Our child arrives?” He jumped out of bed and tripped on the covers in his haste. Red-faced he stammered “Stay calm, I’ll take care of you.” He tried to find his clothes in the dark. “Dammit, where did I put my boots?” He yelped when he stubbed a toe on a chair.

Sophie smothered a giggle as she watched her normally stoic husband in a near panic as he attempted to get organized. “Edward, we have plenty of time. Call for Mary and ask her to send for the mid-wife. They know what to do.”

He stopped and stared looking like a rabbit caught in a trap “Oh, of course, I should have known that.” He stumbled to the door and yelled for Mary. He turned back around ‘What else should I do?”

“Go downstairs and break your fast. We’ll send for you when it’s all done.”

“I want to stay with you.”

“I don’t think so my lord. Child birth is no place for men. You’ll just be in the way.” Edith answered walking inside the room.

Sophie was relieved to see Faucione’s healer. Edith had agreed to oversee the birth and had arrived a few days ago. “Go on, out with you.” Edith ordered Sophie’s husband.

Edward kissed his wife “I’d rather be here with you.” he grumbled and took his time leaving the room.

Eight hours later one of Edith’s assistants called for Edward. “My lord, your child has arrived.”

Edward yelled with excitement and stormed upstairs. He put on the brakes and walked in the bed chamber. Sophie was in bed cradling the newborn.

“Come in love, and greet your son.”

“We have a son?” he answered “Is he alright?”

Sophie gave her husband a tired smile “yes silly. He has all his fingers and toes. He is perfect.” She unwrapped the blanket covering their child “Here, take a look at him.”

Edward sat down on the mattress taking care not to bounce on the bed. The boy had a thick covering of black hair. “What color are his eyes?”

“They are blue. It is possible the color could change.”

“No, he’ll keep the blue color like me.” Edward said with pride.

“Have you thought of any names for our son?”

“Aye, I have: Joselin Aumery Calypso.”

“Joselin for your father and Aumery for our friend but why Calypso?”

“For our home: it is a beginning for our family line.”

“I like that, Edward.”

 

XXX

 

24th day of the Bear Moon, 1194

 

“Arken, don’t poke Shengli with your sword.”

“Mama, I have to...she’s a dangerous dragon and I must kill her.” The six year year future king of Greycliff pouted and quit trying to slay his mother’s dog. Shengli snorted and took the opportunity to escape. She found a hiding spot and curled up next to Pu, Gaelynn’s other dog. Young Arken carefully sheathed his wooden sword and sat down to play with his toy soldiers.

Gaelynn sat back and put up her aching feet. She was in the second month of a difficult pregnancy, hopefully her last.

“Your Highness, a letter has arrived for you.” Signe announced when she entered the rom. The wife of Foxwarre’s Seneschal, Sir Sven Jorgansson had become a close friend to Gaelynn after Sophie Vert de Falais left the Queen’s service to marry Sir Edward du Faucione. She gave the pouch with the correspondence to Gaelynn.

“Thank you Signe, dear.”

Gaelynn took out the letter and broke the wax seal. It was from Edward.

“Don’t keep me on pins and needles! Did Sophie have the babe yet?” Signe asked.

“Aye, she had a healthy boy. Edward named the child Joselin Aumery Calypso. He says the boy has a head full of black hair and deep blue eyes.  Sophie sends her greetings. I should expect a longer letter soon.”

“I expect Aumery will be beside himself when he hears the boy’s name.”

Gaelynn smiled “Yes, he and Kevin will be pleased. I should do something for them.”

“Didn’t you send a set of baby furniture and clothes?”

“Yes, but both of them have been so supportive of Ranulf and I. Sophie is my friend. I need to think on a special gift to celebrate the birth of their first child.”

 

XXX

 

“Sir Edward, a Royal messenger is waiting in the hall for you.” Sir Bryan said a little breathless from his sprint to find the lord of the manor.

“A messenger for me? Humph...I wonder what it’s about.” Edward left the stable and walked to the main house. Wiping his boots, he found the man enjoying a cup of wine with Sophie in attendance. He stood at Edward’s approach.

“Sir Edward, I have a missive for you.” He reached into a leather pouch and pulled out a packet. The man handed the papers to Edward.

“Thank you.” Edward broke the seal and unfolded the letter. He skimmed the contents and gasped aloud. “I don’t believe it!”

“Bad news, Sir?” Sir Bryan replied.

“No, in fact it’s very good news. You are looking at the newest member of the nobility. As of the 25th of the month, I am the Baron of Calypso and Sophie the Baroness. The title is hereditary. Gaelynn included the patent with her letter.”

Bryan grinned and said “Congratulations, my lord!”

Edward blushed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself Bryan. I’m not lord of much: a couple hundred acres of pasture, hay fields, one manor house, and a stable of horses. We have a total of three knights, including myself. This house is tiny compared to Faucione Keep.”

“Don’t think of Calypso as tiny, Edward. I’d say this place is a starting point. You have the space to expand and grow as you need. Build a barracks, a wall, a third level: whatever you desire. It’s your home.

“Zabe’s Blood, you’re absolutely right, Bryan. Foxwarre, Karivane, and Faucione all began as small hill forts.” He stood and gazed round the hall. “I’ll make this manor a grand castle that will stand for centuries to come. Our racehorses will be as famous as the Faucione war horses.” He stared at the patent “Just wait until Sophie sees this. She’ll squeal for joy. Just think: I started out a humble knight and now I’m the Baron of Calypso.” He felt content. The stigma Edward had carried on his hsoulders from whenhe had betrayed Braeden many years ago disappeared. Finally, all seemed right with the world.