Jaud of the River

Chapter 1 The Entrance

October 31, 1341


Carterhaugh, Scotland














         On the Eve of Samhaim there was a a great storm descending on the highlands rapidly. The fire roared to life shooting sparks into the somber bedchamber. Soon the time will come when snow would cover the surrounding glens with its white purity. Yet again the forces were in their favor. This night they needed all the help they could muster.





         She had brought many bairns to the world. Many grew to be the greatest lairds and ladies of Scotland, many more were commoners like she. Her ladyship she had brought to the world on a beautiful summer morning, gently like a breeze. But 'twas written she would not have the same blessing herself. It matter not, she had too much to give to the world to be bedridden with child. This one was wanted with a fierceness that brought tears.





         One by one the bairns were laid to rest at the abbey since they were not strong enough to survive life. It was a curse. His Lordship was in bad need of a wee bairn to leave all he had to. No man could be more valiant, honorable and respected. But life had its cruel ways. Right this moment he paced the corridors of the castle like a spirit in unrest. Nor bread or wine passed his lips. He will not dare breathe whilst knowing his beloved laid yonder in a pain he will never know. His heart ached with fear for her..for himself.





         "Rest a sure, m'lord" She placed a hand on his forehead " Mark me word, aye, ye shall have a son afore this very night is over"





         "Save them both Tezza" his eyes were burning coal "My life at your feet, for theirs."





         "It's time Tezza!" one of the maids shouted at the door





          Tezza gave him one last smile before she dissappeared through the doors, locking them in the process. She walked around the chamber leaving a trail of meal on all the windows and doors. she dropped a horeshoe at each corner and chanted in undertone words to foreign to comprehend. A gypsy never revealed her magick. And gypsy through and through she was. She loved Scotland like a father..but Romania was her mother. Life had brought her this far for a reason. After many decades now she knew why.





         " Look at me Katharina!" she placed her hand on the overgrown midriff and felt the babe, "Your son wants to come now. You will push when the pain seizes you. You will rest when it calms. Understand?"





         "Yes, Tezz. I ache ..oh God..I'm dying." she was quaking with exhaustion..





         "You will not. I forbid you to..now..push!" she knelt before her her legs and after a few moments watched the head crown. "That's it, lassie. Verra well!"





         The wind shook the window panes with ferocity. She peered around the room and noticed the maids were praying, their faces shining with the sweat of their efforts. It had been two nights since any slept. The crack of thunder shook all over like a giant who clapped his hands.





         "Once more, dearie" she grabbed her thighs and pushed them up "Hold her legs up, help her! That's it..I can see his face..one more push, m'lady! Pushhhh Katharina! Bring your son to the world!"





         Wind came bursting into the room with gale force blowing out the candles through out the chamber. The light of a sole sconce remained lit, by the pure effort of Tezza's mind alone. She had expected as much. Was she not bringing a Prince into life?





         The collective gasps of astonishment was accompanied by the mother's cries of accomplishment. But the bairn had not cried..he wore the caul. With quick precise movements Tezza made the necessary punctures to peel the sack gently from this face. Her old eyes misted at the sight of the perfect features of the future laird.





         "Your son, my lady. He wears the Sun in his hair and the sky in his eyes." She wrapped him in a warmed blanket and proceeded to cleansed the new mum. " You may nurseh im for a little..after Gwen can take him for you. You need your rest."





         "My life for your care, Tezza. He is beautiful..I shall name him Caleb." she was exhausted but content. This time felt different. The babe look so much like her Da.





         "You just never let him out of your sight lassie. Here, This is for his Lorship." she placed a silver chain around his wee little neck. "It was my family's. For protection. I know, lass you don't believe but the world is full of things we can begin to understand. I'm old as I am wise. No harm will come tho him..let him wear it always." she fingered the shining silver leaf hanging from the chain and kissed them both. The maids were cleansing the chamber and putting things away when she left to tell the Laird he had a son.





         "You have a son my Lord. She named him Caleb, after her Da. He feeds as we speak. The amulet has to be with him always, m'lord." She handed him the caul wrapped in linen "He wore the caul..ride to the nearest river and bury it in a box of iron. Let no one see you."





         "I'm in debt to you, woman. What can I give you in return?" he held her to his heart





         "Never let him out of your sight. It is strong in his blood still. They will always be watching. But my magick is strong and will hold, aye. Ne'er take the chain off. if it breaks come to me in haste. I have more." she pause before leaving " M'lord, he is the Prince of Fae also..would you ever give up your heir?"





         "Never" he would die first





         "Nay, neither will they."