Authors: Kathryn Loch
It seemed like an eternity, before the door opened. “Garin, Alyna,” Johannes said. “Please come in.”
The entered the study but this ti
me, Garin led her, she found she could barely stand.
Johannes closed the door and moved to the other side of the desk, staring down at a single parchment filled with his small, neat script. Beside it sat a nub of red sealing wax and Alyna noted the gold s
ignet ring flashing on his finger.
“
Sometimes,” he said, his voice soft and grave. “Decisions can be most difficult and in this case I have ought to use as a precedent.” He paused, raking his hand through his hair. “Church law mandates that
e
xisting rules can be
changed
if it is shown to be a benefit for all, not just one. I honestly do not know if something like this is a benefit to all. My decision this day, either way, will have an impact on the entire church and her children.”
Alyna’s heart
pounded so hard she could scarcely breathe. Garin’s arm tightened around her shoulders.
“
I can see without a doubt how allowing the marriage would benefit the both of you and the other members of your families.
I must also consider the whole.
T
he more I investigated the situation, the more I discovered the facts, the more I realized I not only had to consider you, but the barony as well. I am only one man and understanding the impact of this upon the entire church is more than I can comprehend.
”
He fell silent again, gazing at Alyna and Garin intently, but his expression betrayed nothing. Suddenly Alyna knew he would refuse them. She took a breath to speak, tears gathering in her eyes, but Garin arm tightened around her and she snapped her jaw
shut.
Slowly, Johannes picked up the red sealing wax and melted it with the candle. It puddled like blood on the parchment and he pressed his signet ring to it.
“
This is the summary of my decision for the
decretal
. It answers the only question I coul
d truly ask. Would the barony benefit by allowing the marriage of a blind man? If the church supports this, then undoubtedly we show our support for a blind man to inherit and be baron. While the king must ultimately decide in that matter, the church’s
support will weigh heavily and that power must also be considered. As I reviewed this situation, I found only one answer, and to deny it would definitely be unfair to all.” Johannes handed Alyna a copy of the
decretal
.
“
Therefore,” he said slowly, “in
the interests of the Holy Mother Church, and in the benefit of this barony, I have no choice but to allow this marriage to continue. May the blessings of God be upon you and your house, Baron and Baroness Swein.”
Alyna felt as if Johannes kicked her in th
e chest. Her knees started to buckle as tears streamed down her cheeks. Garin reached out and found a chair, guiding her to it. His grip on her hand became crushing and he fought to catch his breath as well.
Johannes finally smiled. “Congratulations.”
Alyna covered her mouth with shaking fingers but could not see through her tears. “We did it?” she asked in shock, unable to comprehend.
“
Aye, lady,” Johannes replied, his smile growing. “You have earned the victory this day. I am confident this
decreta
l
will not be challenged, although I know
Chause
will try. But I know Bishop Frances will be most displeased with his treatment of you, Garin.
I can assure you t
his
decretal
will stand. U
ltimately, as I said, your inheritance and standing as baron
is the decision of the king. But this
decretal
also demonstrates your success regarding your military service and the support of your knights. Now that you have the support of the church as well, I doubt the king will deny you.”
“
Praise be,” Garin whispe
red, his shoulders straightening. He extended his hand to Johannes who accepted it warmly. “Thank you.”
“
You are most welcome.”
“
You will return with us to Kirkoswald for the celebration?”
Johannes chuckled. “Wild horses wouldn’t keep me away.”
****
E
ven though the day turned
cold and rainy, Garin savored every moment of it. He was finally free with his wife by his side. He rode next to her, holding her hand, fearing if he let go, then this would turn into a dream and he would awaken in his miserable ce
ll.
But as happy as he was, Garin struggled. After being locked away, without sound or sensation, Garin found his senses overloading him. He was acutely aware of the horse moving, the cold misty air against his skin, Alyna’s small hand securely in his.
He heard every bird, every barked laugh of the knights, every sound of leather harness, creaking armor, and voices pleasantly conversing.
They approached Kirkoswald, the gates groaning. As they entered the bailey, shouts and cheers rose, welcoming him.
He and Alyna dismounted amidst a throng of people. Thankfully, Geoff and Simon helped them make their way to the keep. Garin ascended the stairs and his mother threw herself into his arms, crying. He held her for a long moment, then kissed her cheek, an
d returned her to her feet.
Garin entered the great hall to more cheering people. Wonderfully familiar scents greeted him, and he felt the warmth of the large hearth fire. He pulled Alyna to him.
“
Tell me, my sweet, do the tapestries still adorn the wall
?”
“
Aye
, Garin, we never took them down.”
He grinned, a new joy filling his heart. He caressed her cheek. “My beloved
wildefyr
,” he whispered and crushed his mouth to hers. The cheers grew as Alyna returned his kiss. But he didn’t care, he was too happ
y. They had fought so hard and had finally earned the victory. It was sweet indeed. Suddenly he lifted Alyna and spun her around, bellowing in joy.
“
I am home!”
Epilogue
Garin paced before the door of the birthing room, f
ear and worry assailing him. Alyna’s cries of pain had fallen silent a long time ago but still no one emerged. Juliana, his mother, and Cecily assisted in the birth while Geoff, Simon, and Roger waited in the hall with him.
Simon handed Garin a cup of w
ine which he gulped. “Try to relax, Garin,” he said softly.
“
How is Geoff doing?” Garin whispered.
“
I am concerned for him as well. He leans against the wall with his arms folded across his chest, staring at the floor. His gaze has a distant look that d
isturbs me.”
Garin shivered, knowing the man was reliving the agony of his wife’s death and praying the same did not happen to his daughter. Garin took another gulp of wine. Would Alyna follow the path of her mother?
Nay, please, nay!
Upon Garin’s return
home, he and Alyna enjoyed a new peace and happiness. Her nerves settled and her breeding sickness faded entirely. Johannes, after the celebration, returned to London sending them a few letters on occasion.
Chause
had attempted to challenge the
decreta
l
but the bishop refused him
. To their shock, Johannes has also uncovered evidence of
Chause
accepting bribes from Naworth and the bishop had stripped
Chause
of his rank. Thomas was now arch-
decon
at
Croglin
. The king-regent barely noticed the situation, acknowledging the church’s support of Garin and his abilities as a battle commander. The matter was over
.
Now, only one last question remained.
“
It’s been too quiet, Simon,” Garin
said tightly. “I no longer hear Alyna nor do I hear the wail of a child.”
Simon did not reply and Garin could only imagine the grim set to his jaw.
The door opened and Garin spun, hi
s heart in his throat. Fortunately, Simon grabbed the cup from him before it slipped from his fingers.
Geoff finally moved, bolting from his place against the wall.
“
Garin,” Juliana said softly and took his hand.
“
What...what happened?” he asked, his voic
e breaking.
Juliana led him into the room. “She bled, like her mother,” she said.
Garin felt his knees threatening to buckle and heard Geoff suck in his breath.
“
But,” Juliana continued. “I think she will be all right, Garin, as long as we don’t allow Br
other Martin near her.”
A huge weight slid from his shoulders. “No bloodletting,” he said and heard Geoff echo him.
Juliana guided him to a chair beside the bed.
“
And the baby?” he asked, his voice still strained.
“
She holds him. Understand that she is v
ery weak right now.”
“
Him?” Garin asked. “’Tis a boy?”
“
Aye,” Alyna whispered from the bed and gripped his hand. He started, the weakness of her voice and in her touch worried him even more. She guided his hand and he felt the soft fuzz and the tiny hea
d under his fingers. With his free hand, he caressed Alyna’s sweat dampened hair.
“
He does not have much hair,” Alyna said. “But I think it will be blond like yours. He is a strong, healthy babe.”
Garin smiled, feeling tears come to his eyes.
“
Juliana,”
Alyna said. “Help Garin hold his son.”
Juliana moved, gently placing the bundle in his arms and assisted him in holding the babe properly. Carefully, his fingers traveled over the form, acting as his eyes. He felt the tiny hands, fisted tightly, and th
e small nub for a nose. He touched the little mouth which opened and tried to suckle his fingers. Garin laughed. “Methinks he’s hungry.”
“
He will have his father’s appetite that is certain,” Alyna said dryly.
The babe squirmed emitting a healthy squall.
Garin laughed again. Although loss at not being able to see his newborn son battered him, he realized his lack of sight no longer mattered, for he possessed all he ever wanted in life.
“
What will you name him, Garin?” Juliana asked.
Garin found himself
grinning broadly. “Thomas, if Alyna is willing.”
Alyna squeezed his hand. “’Tis a fine name, Garin.”
“
After Father Thomas?” Juliana asked.
“
Nay,” Garin replied. “After Thomas the Apostle.”
“
Patron Saint to those who have lost their vision,” Alyna added.
“Also the Patron to those who doubt.”
“
Aye,” Garin said and gently kissed her on the forehead, cradling his son. “And one who proved that even the greatest doubts can be overcome.”