Lyndon Thornshield

The Emerald Sea

LYNDON PEERED OVER the side of his ship into crystal blue waters below. "Are these Valdorian waters we tread?" he asked no one in particular. His face was kissed from the sun, red and peeling at the cheeks. He envied the dark skinned people of Valdor in times such as these. He never thought much of the color of one's skin, though if skin was capable of warding off the sun and it's malevolent rays, then he wished his skin was dark enough to do so. For now, he'd let his red skin peel away, and he'd be even paler than before.

Owyn Bellerdyn nodded, and glanced over the side of the Fever's Dream. "Yes they are, Lord Thornshield. I'm told they're rife with pirates and ravenous sea creatures...I'm sure the remainder of the trip won't be too bothersome. We've only a few more days to go."

Lyndon nodded, though not any more assured pirates or giant squids would let them be. He was, however, thankful for Sir Bellerdyn. A close friend, Owyn had been the captain of his family guard for years. Handsome, strong, and with hair like toffee, he was much like his older brothers, Gareth and Gallador. A man of the sword.

I hope he's spared of a similar fate as that of my two brothers

Lyndon turned from the port side of the boat, and veered towards the main sail, sailors working tirelessly around him, hoisting sails, pulling ropes, and humming shanties. Had not gold called to him as it did, perhaps he would have sought life on the sea. A ship of his own, strong and sturdy, fearsome and powerful. The Ocean's Judgment, he'd call his ship, as he'd sail around, thwarting the vile ploys of pirates and restoring law among the seas.

Perhaps I should have joined the Naval Regiment...

Owyn was close behind Lyndon, careful not to trip over scrub brushes or ropes. "If you don't mind me asking, Lord Thornshield, is the purpose of this trip solely to give away your niece to her future husband? Seems like quite a great distance to go for a simple gesture."

Lyndon's wandering mind was pulled from his boyish dreams and back to the present. "Um, well Owyn, not quite. I do have a few questions I'd like answered while I'm in Jorden."

Owyn nodded. "Questions in regards to what?"

Lyndon swallowed hard, and sighed. "In regards to my brother, Gallador. His death remains a mystery to me. I wish to learn more of his demise and more of this castle they speak of. And there are...other matters I'd like to see to while we're there."

"So I suppose when you told your father as we left that you'd make a speedy return, a speedy return wasn't quite what you had in mind?"

Lyndon smiled. "No Owyn, it wasn't."

"And you aren't afraid your father will be angry? I've nothing but respect for your father, but he doesn't take well to being told fibs, my lord."

Lyndon grunted. "The old man spends his days babysitting King Ryken, I am sure he'll be far too preoccupied to notice I've returned a week later than I said I would. Besides, if we do delay more so than I intend, we can always blame the pirates."

He chuckled at his own joke. He didn't consider himself a funny man, but it was nice to be proven wrong here and there.

"And your sister? She was very excited for the return of her niece."

Lyndon waved his hand. "Lauryn makes all sorts of promises, always vowing to go here and there, do this and that, but she has the attention span of a bird. In a few nights, she'll have entirely forgotten all about me and Jenna."

They walked to the bow of the ship, the vast Emerald Sea before them, a warm breeze smelling of ocean and salt cooled their faces, and raced through the sleeves of their shirts.

Oh, how Lyndon loved the ocean.

"And besides," Lyndon continued, "Lauryn is always chasing men, looking for a new prince, as she says. She feels her fertility fleeting at the moment, and if she doesn't remarry soon, I doubt any man of high stature would touch her with a ten foot stick.

"If she weren't a noblewoman, one could go as far as to call her a who-" the word he was about to utter lingered in the air, like an unpleasant odor, along with perhaps a dash of guilt.

It is never polite to refer to one's sisters as a whore.

And like an unpleasant odor, Lyndon wished it would go away quickly.

"Well, let's just say men would have their fun with her if her last name wasn't Thornshield."

Owyn didn't respond much, only in a grunt. He'd always thought of Lauryn as a beautiful woman, not a whore, as Lyndon just implied. But perhaps it was his boyhood crush to think of her as so. He remembered when they were children, Lyndon, Lauryn and himself. Running through the Rose Gardens, hiding and seeking, without cares in the world.

And the time he kissed Lauryn behind that great oak tree behind Thornfelt Manor. What a day that had been. He was only a boy then. Lyndon was seeking as they were hiding, calling out their names, teasing them, and close to catching them kissing. He would've, had not Gallador and Gareth returned from their tourney with a distinguished guest.

*****

Lauryn giggled, and Owyn cupped her mouth with his hand, quick to quiet her, though he had difficulty refraining from giggling as well.

They were hiding in the woods, surrounded by trees ripe with red apples and oaks tall as castles. They had been playing all day, and it was Lyndon's turn to seek. They were only allowed to play in the woods. Lyonel banned them from playing near Lake Rose after Gareth's and Gallador's mother, Cathryn, drowned in the lake nearly thirteen years ago. Such a tragedy, and a real shame. Owyn loved swimming.

But he also enjoyed games of hide and seek. "Shh!" He exclaimed. "He'll hear us!"

They heard twigs snap and a boy laughing. "I'll find you two! You can't hide forever!"

Lauryn smiled, and playfully placed her hand on Owyn's chest. "And what if he does hear us? That means it's your turn to come find me...if you can find me."

Owyn blushed, and his cheeks grew red. "I would find you, Lady Lauryn. I'm fast, and I have a good sense of smell."

Lauryn giggled. "Are we playing a game or hunting? Do I smell like a deer?" She pouted flirtatiously, then gave a dazzling smile.

Owyn chuckled awkwardly. "No, my lady, you smell like flowers and strawberries."

Lauryn giggled, and twirled her hair with her finger, touching Owyns arm with her hand. "How sweet of you to say, Owyn."

The simple touch of her hand on his skin made the boy stiff, hot, and as if butterflies fluttered about in his stomach. He had always found the young Lady Lauryn beautiful, her eyes as blue as the skies, and her hair gold and streaked with bronze. He had heard her mother say when she'd blossom, that she'd be a beautiful woman, and any man would be lucky to call her his wife. He'd wish and pray he'd be that man someday.

But she was a noble lady, and he was the son of a guardsmen for their family. He was nobody, and she would one day be a princess.

"Of course, my lady. My mother raised me to be an honest boy."

Lauryn smiled, and took a step towards him. "Your mother raised a kind and handsome young man."

She touched his lips with hers, and sent sparks flying between them. She stood on her toes, and Owyn, after standing nearly paralyzed from the shock of her advancement, finally regained enough sense to touch her as well. He placed his hands on her arms, and kissed her back, his wishes fulfilled.

Lauryn pulled away, her eyes closed contently and her lips drawn into a gentle smile. She was pleased with her first kiss. She had thought long of kissing Owyn, and was happy he was a good kisser. Him being twelve and her only ten, she was sure he had more experience with girls than she had with boys. Her mother never let her play with boys unless it was Lyndon and Owyn. And with Lyndon being her brother, it was natural she developed a crush on Owyn. Her father always said Owyn would make a fine knight one day. So brave and handsome he was.

"Okay, seriously, where are you two! I've been searching for nearly half an hour!" Lyndon was on the other side of the tree they hid behind, and if either of them were to move, they'd be caught for sure, and Lyndon would know they had kissed.

Owyn's stiff trousers would be a dead giveaway.

Suddenly, they heard horses galloping and snorting, and young men laughing and shouting.

Sounds like Gareth and Gallador are home from their journeys

Lyndon ran off to greet his brothers, and Owyn sighed with relief. "Your brother almost caught us."

Lauryn laughed. "It was exciting, wasn't it?"

"What if he told someone? Wouldn't we get in trouble?"

Lauryn shrugged. "My mother and father are always busy, I don't think they'd be mad that I kissed a cute boy."

Owyn blushed, and Lauryn kissed him on the cheek. She pulled away and smiled that smile that drove young Owyn crazy. "I'd like to kiss you again sometime, Owyn."

Before Owyn could even imagine what kissing her for a second would be like, she ran off, quick to rejoin her older brothers.

And Owyn stood there unable to move, still hard as a sword of steel and red as a cherry. All he could think of was kissing her again and again, and he'd pray to the Gods that the time would come again soon, and that no one would find him as he was, until he could walk straight at least.

He went to follow the young Thornshield children as they went to meet their kin, running through the woods, vaulting over logs and trampling over plants.

They were all just outside the entrance to the manor, laughing hugging, and struggling to lift large bags of what Owyn assumed to be gold.

There was Gareth, with his shaggy chestnut hair and beard, tall and handsome. A famed Arnish knight, they called him the Iron Rose, strong and brave, with more tourney titles than anyone could keep track of. He was everything Owyn aspired to be. Gareth was letting Lyndon touch and count all the gold, biting the coins with his teeth to see if they were real. He even saw Lyndon pocket a few coins when Gareth turned his head.

Next to them was Gallador, the second oldest brother. His blonde hair fell to his shoulders, and he came up to Gareth's neck. He was slim and wiry, and looked as if he had a hidden strength to him. He was telling Lauryn of their journeys, and bragging of his new knighthood.

Behind them, still on his horse surveying the area was a young man Owyn had never seen before. He had long brown hair and was dressed like a prince, and looked out of place as the Thornshield siblings rejoiced.

Gareth spotted Owyn lingering a few feet away, and invited him over. "Come over here Owyn! I've got something for you!"

Owyn sheepishly smiled, and came over to the young Thornshields, hoping he wouldn't ruin the moment. Gareth and Gallador had been gone for moons traveling over Arnland and Farenhelm, participating in tournaments and contests all over. Owyn was sure he was the last person they'd want to see. But if Gareth wanted him there, then he'd be there.

Gareth went to the back of their wagon, and started digging around in his chests for something, cursing as he rummaged through his prizes and trophies. Finally, he exclaimed and pulled out a short sword still in its scabbard. The hilt was wrapped with black leather and adorned with silver.

"I won this in The Silverock Tourney after I defeated Nolan Whitelocke in a duel! It's a silver short sword, so if you see any monsters or elves running around," he winked, and made a mess of the boys hair, "you know what to do."

Owyn smiled, and graciously thanked him.

"Everyone!" Shouted Gallador, quieting the rambunctious siblings, "I'd like for y'all to meet someone! This," he gestured to the brown haired boy upon his ivory horse, "is Joras Freemane, Prince of Jorden! He accompanied Gareth and I on our journeys, and was promised to a warm, Arnish welcome. So if you could, make him feel at home! And mind your language!"

Joras smiled, and dismounted his horse, shaking the hands of Lyndon, Lauryn, and even Owyn's.

"Pleasure to meet you all," he said. "I hear Arnland is home to fine people and fine wine. I look forward to spending time with both!"

The Thornshields laughed and cheered, and they all ventured inside to make good on their promise to the Jordein prince.

And young Owyn took his short sword and ran to the training yard, eager to test his new blade and develop his skills and swordsmanship, so that one day, he may again impress Lady Lauryn. And one day, she may kiss him again.

*****

A now thirty five year old Owyn stood behind Lyndon as he drank up the sun and the breeze of the ocean aboard their ship. Their conversation ended when Lyndon made rude remarks about Lauryn, likening her to that of a common whore.

Perhaps if he knew of my feelings for his sister, he wouldn't make such remarks. Perhaps I ought to tell him

"You know, Lord Thornshield, I do find your sister a very modest woman. I doubt she whores herself out as you claim she does."

Lyndon chuckled. "Modest? Not the first word to come to mind when I think if my sister. Her jewellery and gowns are anything but modest...but you are right, Sir Bellerdyn. I should speak more kindly of her. Especially in front of you. I know you two were close when we were children."

Owyns brow furrowed, and his lips twisted in confusion. "You do? I was very close to both of you. I considered you and Lauryn to be like siblings, my brother and sister."

Lyndon chuckled. "Did your mother not teach you it was wrong to kiss your sister then?"

Owyn felt his jaw clench, and nerves trace his spine. How did Lyndon know? If he knew, did others? Did they think less of Lauryn, a noble lady fooling around with the son of a guardsmen? Did Lyndon know of the other times they've kissed? He felt himself thankful Lyndon only knew they kissed. Gods know how Lyndon would react if he found out what Lauryn and him had done the night of Lyndon's marriage to Bianca.

Oh Gods, please let their father remain oblivious to everything

Lyndon could see the tension in Owyns face, the nervousness in his eye. It dawned on him that Owyn didn't know he knew of his and Lauryn's escapades. He smiled, and slapped the knight on his shoulder playfully. "Calm down, man! I'm not angry or anything, who my sister kisses is her own business."

Owyn felt some relief, not much. He still didn't know to which kiss Lyndon alluded too. "How do you know we kissed?"

Lyndon shrugged. "I'm her older brother. She tells me things. The time you kissed behind the tree when we were young, the time you kissed her in the stables, and the time you kissed the night of my wedding...though I'm sure you did more than kiss."

Owyn sharply inhaled. He does know about the that night

"Lord Thornshield, I have the utmost respect for your sister and your family, and I never-"

"Owyn! I don't care!" Lyndon laughed. It delighted him that a knight of such age and might was still scared of him knowing about his romantic outings with his sister. If only his father knew.

"You and my sister are both grown. You're not children anymore. If you fancy her, you fancy her. The only mistake you've made is not pursuing her."

Lyndon rested his arms on the railing of the boat and pulled out his wine flask from his coat pocket. He took a sip and offered one to Owyn, who accepted, and took a quite a few in hopes of drowning his embarrassment in alcohol.

"Frankly, Owyn, I do believe my sister may even fancy you. She's not married anymore...maybe once we've returned to Arnland, you should take her dancing. She loves to dance."

Owyns rugged heart swelled in his chest, and the warrior felt a smile pulling at his lips. To know the man he considered his best friend approved of him courting his own sister warmed his heart.

But Lyndon was Lauryn's brother, not her father.

"What would your father think? You're a noble family, Lyndon...I'm the captain of your household guard. I'm sworn to protect your family, not defile them."

Lyndon laughed. "If you really felt my father would be that furious, you wouldn't have "defiled" her in the first place," he took another swig from his flask, "and please never use the term "defile" again, Owyn. She's a woman, not a corpse."

Owyn smiled awkwardly and nodded. "Of course, Lyndon."

Lyndon smiled, and put his flask back into his coat pocket. "I'm going to go play a card game with some of the men below deck. Care to join?"

"Of course. You know I love my cards. Lady Luck favors me."

Lyndon snickered, and the two men left the bow to the main deck, the game of chance calling to them.

"The only lady in this world that favors you, my friend, is my sister. And she's not here. I'm afraid Lady Luck will be spending the night with me in my quarters."

"Suppose Lady Bianca has been dull in the bedroom then, yeah?" Jested Owyn.

"Oh, my friend, you have no idea. Come, I'm going to show you how the royal treasurer handles his cards."

Owyn smiled. He was thankful to consider Lyndon his friend. And he was right. Perhaps when they returned to Arnland, he would pursue Lauryn, and even take her dancing.

He did always like dancing.