Page 69 of Lord of Misrule

Chapter 18

Tolin sat in front of the fire with a tankard of ale clutched in his hands. Parker played with the dog on the ground. No activities were happening right now because Tolin decided they would all wait for the new baby to arrive before celebrating another minute.

“I wonder what’s taking so long,” said Rook sitting next to him. “Rose went into that kitchen room hours ago to help out and hasn’t come out yet.”

“Sometimes it takes days for a baby to be born,” said Jonathon, Raven’s husband. “When Sparrow was born, it lasted two days, unless you’ve forgotten. It was the longest two days of my life. We just have to wait.”

“My lord, everyone is becoming impatient,” said Jarvis, coming to give Tolin a report. “Can’t you start a game or at least let them dance to some music? They are bored. And if I must remind you, this is Christmastide, a time for continuous celebrating.”

“Nay,” said Tolin, watching Oliver pace back and forth in front of the fire. The man was upset and anxious and rightly so. Tolin didn’t want to put less importance upon the biggest day of this man’s life. “However, you may ask the musicians to play some calming music, but there will be no celebrating or dancing or even eating until that baby arrives. We need to put our focus on what is really important in life.” Raven’s words, Rook’s words, and even Kit’s ran through his mind. Tolin wanted to prove that he could decipher what was important in life and this should prove it.

“My lord.” Emeric emerged from behind Jarvis. “The cook says the food will be ruined if we don’t have the main meal soon.”

“That’s right. We should at least eat,” agreed Rook. “There is no need to waste good food.”

“Is my wish falling on deaf ears?” asked Tolin in a raised voice. Everyone looked at each other but didn’t say a word. Finally the monk spoke up.

“Lord Tolin.” Brother Ruford got up from the table and walked over to him. “Your father has put you in charge in his absence. You need to carry out his wishes.”

“I am,” said Tolin. “But right now, we’re going to wait.”

“The girl is not even a noble,” protested Ruford. “She is just a commoner. Surely you shouldn’t require the nobles to go hungry for that.”

“He’s right,” agreed Daegel from the other side of the table. “I am so hungry right now that I could eat a horse. Please, brother, stop this nonsense and let us eat.”

Tolin was about to object again when Kit walked out to the great hall. She looked bedraggled and had blood on her apron. In her arms was a small bundle wrapped in a soft blanket.

“Oliver, come meet your new daughter,” Kit called out, smiling down at the newborn she held.

Oliver rushed over to see his new baby. Tolin jumped up and followed him across the room.

“How is Brenna?” asked Tolin before Oliver had a chance to do so.

“She’s fine. Thank you for asking.” Kit looked up and their eyes interlocked. She had a glow about her holding the baby. Tolin could tell it meant the world to her. She seemed so natural. And happy. Love showed in her eyes.

“You look good holding the baby,” he remarked, realizing that Kit truly was a good mother. She deserved so much more than the bad hand life had dealt her. Kit looked up at him but didn’t say a word.

“Can I hold her?” asked Oliver.

“Of course,” said Kit, giving Oliver the baby.

“Kit, thank you,” said Tolin.

She looked at him and blinked. “For what?”

“For being here.”

“Brenna is my sister. Of course, I’m going to be here to support her in any way I can.”

“Of course,” he said with a nod. “But I meant more than just that.”

“Just that?” she asked, making him feel as if he’d belittled the event, but he hadn’t meant to do so.

“You misunderstood. Yes, that is important, I agree. What I meant was...I want you to stay at Blake Castle.” He meant forever, but she must have thought he meant only until Twelfth Night.

“I can’t stay that long. However, I will stay until the morning only. I need to prepare a home for the baby to come to.”

“I told you, I’ll pay to have the bakery rebuilt. You don’t need to worry about it. Neither do you have to go back to town.” His heart ached. Now that Kit was back here, he didn’t want her to leave again.