Tales of the Northern Kingdoms volume 2 by Barbara G. Tarn

Author:Barbara G. Tarn [Tarn, Barbara G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sword&sorcery, medieval fantasy, usurpers, sorcerers, Short Stories, novellas.
Publisher: Unicorn Productions
Published: 2016-08-06T04:00:00+00:00

The Twins

"To the bride and groom's happiness!" The Lord of Caer Danae stood and the guests of the wedding banquet quieted down. "To my son, Ivaloo, and his beloved Denisonde!"

Ivaloo looked proudly at his father, holding his bride's hand tight. There was no dais in Caer Danae, and the lord and his guests sat all around the castle great hall flooded by the sunlight that came in through the mullioned windows. Nobles and servants sat side by side as the meal reached its natural end.

Cheers and toasts filled the great hall of the castle as Ivaloo grinned and toasted back. Denisonde was delightful in her wedding dress, trimmed with little sapphires to match the color of her eyes. Her chestnut brown braid was decorated with colorful ribbons and white pearls.

"My friends, this is a joyous occasion for me, for the castle," the lord continued as guests quieted down. "Today my son has taken a most wonderful young woman as his bride and has made me the happiest father possible. I've waited a lifetime for this day and now it's time I retire."

A chorus of protests led by Ivaloo forced the middle-aged lord to smile and request silence once again.

"In this wonderful day of joy and happiness for my son, I want him to know this: in a month's time he'll be the one and only lord of Caer Danae. Till today he's been my right hand and greatest strength, but it's time he starts to make decisions on his own."

A second chorus led by the bride, Denisonde, acclaimed Ivaloo who blushed while she hugged him with pride. He wasn't expecting to receive his father's castle as a wedding present.

"I thank you, Father, for the honor you bestow on me, and hope you will stay by my side with your wisdom for as long as you can," he said, rising and bowing at his elder.

"I will always be by your side, my son." Father and son hugged, then sat back down. "Let's toast to the new lord of Caer Danae!"

An angry voice shouted from the great hall door, "No!"

A puzzled silence fell on the assembly. Everybody turned to see who dared challenge the powerful lord of the castle, and Ivaloo's heart sank meeting a face identical to his – same black hair, brown eyes, facial features, except the young man coming forward with a defiant frown wore white clothes while he wore blue.

The newcomer glared at the newly appointed heir, stopping in front of the lord who looked aghast. Both Ivaloo and his father were now pale and serious.

"What about me?" the white-clothed young man demanded. "I too want to rule Caer Danae!"

"Dafydd, I thought you were dead." The lord sat back, looking older and more tired than ever. For a moment Ivaloo feared the visit would be fatal to his aging father.

"Exile doesn't kill," the young man in white said with scorn. "I'm back and I want my share of these lands."

"I already told you. You will have nothing."

"Why not? I'm your son too! I have the same rights as Ivaloo! We're twins, remember?"

Ivaloo wanted to cry.

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