The Duke of Tremont

Chapter 24

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“I, Michael, take you, Benjamin, in marriage.

To be my life partner.

To walk, run, and dance this new path together,

To love, care and share,

To let the winds dance between us,

Let the fires burn within us,

And the waters flow through us,

On our sacred journey together.

With this ring may a new consciousness begin,

With this ring I wed thee.

With my hearts' faithful affection,

I endow thee with all that is mine to give.

So Mote It Be.”

Ben took Michael’s hand and repeated the vows under the giant willow tree in the garden. The sun was shining brightly on the beautiful May Day and the air was full of the scent of spring flowers. When Ben finished his vows Bishop Vic spoke, “I know pronounce you wed in the eyes of God, your family and friends.”

Ben kissed Michael, dramatically bending him backwards. Debbie sniffed loudly, let out a loud whoop of joy, and then quickly moved in to be the first to congratulate the couple.

Brian stepped back from his post as best man as his eyes sought out Justin in the small crowd that had gathered to witness the ceremony.

Justin made his way forward to congratulate the couple, then quickly moved to Brian’s side. “Hello.”

Brian turned him around and pulled him back into his chest. They stood observing the happy couple for a moment, with Brian resting his chin on Justin’s shoulder. “Do you wish that could be us?”

Justin was silent for a long moment and Brian began to frown. Finally Justin spoke, “No, My Lord. I do not wish that for us. Ceremonies are for those who do not share the connection we share. Vows are meant to bind those whose souls are not already bound as we are. I was wed to you the moment I was born into this world, Brian.”

Brian slowly turned Justin to face him and rubbed a gentle thumb across his lips. “I feel the same, my love.” He leaned in for a promise filled kiss.

“Brian,” Lindsay laid a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we should begin the official celebration. Our guests will be getting hungry.” Justin’s stomach took that opportunity to rumble. Lindsay and Brian smiled at Justin’s sheepish look.

“Point taken,” Brian commented. He made his way over to Michael and Ben and then addressed the crowd. “Everyone, if you would please make your way back to the hall, we will commence with the wedding feast. Then I believe we shall be entertained by a concert from Bard Ethan.”

Ethan smiled and bowed slightly in reply and then struck up a lively tune on his lute.

Several of the men lifted the newly married couple onto their shoulders and the merry group made their way back to the castle.

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It was only mere days later that the combined armies of the King and Duke Brian assembled just outside the castle gates ready to march on Balybonne. Lindsay, Daphne, Deb, Molly, Patrick and Ethan all stood on the steps in the courtyard, waiting to say their good-byes.

Those among Brian and Jonathan’s friends and family who were going to battle approached the steps to say farewell to their loved ones. Outside the gates, friends, families and well wishers had gathered amongst the soldiers to with them well, too.

Jonathan, Timothy, and Hunter all gathered around young Charles, who was to stay behind. “Be brave, my son. Help your Aunt Lindsay and listen to what Patrick says.”

Charles stomped his foot. “It’s not fair, Father! Why do Hunter and Tim get to go and I do not?”

“Now Charles, we’ve talked about this. You are simply too young.”

“You won’t die, will you, Father?” Charles asked in a small voice.

Jonathan got down on his knees and hugged his son to him. “I shall try very hard not to, son, but if I do, you must be brave. Your mother and brothers will need you.”

“Yes, Father,” Charles choked out.

“Father.” Timothy laid a hand on his father’s shoulders and when he looked up, he saw that Tim was looking at Ethan, who was leaning against a post, very close by.

“Go ahead, my son,” spoke Jonathan kindly, giving Timothy leave to go to him.

Ethan pulled Timothy behind the post and kissed him tenderly. “Must you go?”

“You know I must. I am a Prince of Pennington, it is my duty. I shall return to you, Ethan.”

“See that you do. I have promised to take you with me on my travels. I have much to show you.”

Timothy embraced his lover. “I look forward to it.”

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Justin and Daphne pulled out of their embrace and laughed at their tears. “This is the first time since we were born that we have been apart,” Daphne said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “I want to go too, Justin.”

“They need you here, Daph. You know that since Mel is going with us, you will be the only healer in the castle. I’m proud of you, Daphne.”

“I am proud of you too, Justin.”

He smiled widely at her and winked. “Don’t worry; we will not be gone long.”

Daphne hugged him again, then they spit on their palms and pressed them together tightly in an ancient ritual left over from their childhood. “See that you are not, my brother,” Daphne whispered in his ear.

“Forever my sister,” replied Justin.

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Aware of the rules of propriety and the rather large audience all around them, Hunter gently raised Molly’s hand to his lips, looking deep into her eyes. “Until we meet again,” was all he said as he turned and mounted his horse.

“Hunter, wait!” Molly followed him and placed a heavy, gold locket in his hand. “It contains a lock of my hair, so that I will always be with you.” She backed away slowly, smiling bravely at her beloved.

Hunter pressed it to his lips and then gently placed the chain over his neck, tucking the locket under his tunic.

“Molly,” Justin took his sister’s arm and pulled her to him in a strong embrace. “Do you love him?” he asked quietly into her hair. He had witnessed the touching scene between his sister and the prince.

“Yes,” she whispered back, pulling away just a little to look at her brother. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” replied Justin. “He will make you a wonderful husband some day. When you are both old enough,” he added sternly.

Molly smiled. “Yes, when we are old enough,” she nodded. She threw herself back into Justin’s arms, “I am scared, Justin. I don’t want to lose you as well.”

“I will be careful and Brian will watch over me.”

“If you see father…if he is still alive,” Molly faltered, “please tell him…” she could not continue.

“I know,” Justin replied, stroking his sister’s hair, “I know.”

Patrick approached, pulling Justin into a hug and whispered some last minute words of wisdom before Justin moved to take his and Brian’s horses from the groom.

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Brian kissed Gus’ forehead. “Be good, my son,” he whispered softly, “do not cause your mother any trouble while we are away.”

“Brian, how much trouble could he be? He is just a babe.”

Brian smiled at his wife and leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her lips. “If things go awry for us, do you remember my instructions?”

Lindsay nodded. “Yes, Brian. Patrick and I are to lead everyone to young Brian at the capitol.”

Brian nodded his approval. “Take care, My Lady.”

“You too, my husband,” Lindsay replied and then Mel was there waiting for her own good-bye with Lindsay and their son.

Brian kissed his son one more time and turned to a waiting Deb.

“You be careful and look after Michael, Vic and Sunshine, you hear?”

Brian smiled at the older lady. “Yes, Mother,” he replied.

“Don’t you forget it.” Deb pulled him down into a strong embrace. “You take care of yourself, too.” She wiped a tear away and made her way to find Michael, Ben and Vic.

Finally, when all the good-byes were done, Brian, Justin Mel and the others turned and mounted their horses alongside Jonathan. Bishop Vic stood on the steps and blessed the army and also those who were to remain behind. When he was done, he mounted his own horse to ride out with the army, in which he would serve in his spiritual capacity.

Jonathan signaled to Hunter, who was carrying his personal banner. “Make way for the king!” The young man shouted as the army parted, letting their leader and his party make their way to the front of the line. “Make way for the King!”

When all were in place, the King gave his orders to move out. They wound their way through Lofton, cheered on by the adults and followed for a good ways out of town by the children.

From high atop the castle battlements, the young people left behind stood waving white handkerchiefs until the throng of men was out of sight.

Only four people remained on their high perch, watching as the last of the army moved out of sight. Somewhat dejectedly, young Prince Charles, Bard Ethan, Daphne and Molly slowly trudged down the many steps to face their long summer days of waiting and worrying.

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