Aislin of Arianrhod (Land of Alainnshire) Read Online Free Page A

voices, angry and belligerent. She tilted her head, trying to make sense of what she was hearing.
    There was something ominous about the sounds. Dropping her shoes, she pushed through the door. The entrance hall was empty, but the discordant noises continued outside.
    Pulling open the front door, she took a few tentative steps outside onto the walkway and froze.
    Judging from the things she was hearing, there was a battle raging outside the stone wall surrounding the manor house.

    Roderic was still frowning a half hour later. Aislin had not come, and her mother was growing increasingly agitated. Making small talk while waiting for Aislin had only added to the tension.
    What news do you have of my brother, King Stanis of Wyndham?” asked Emara. “The apple trees we sent to him for his orchard are doing well?”
    “Oh yes, Milady. The winter was a mild one last year, and he lost none. A few of them blossomed this year, but they are too small yet to bear fruit.”
    Satisfied, Emara asked, “All is well with his family? His wife and sons?”
    “All is well. Your nephew, Prince Barrin, has raised a rather large army over the past two years, mostly to keep the Tantar raiders from the north at bay. They’ve been raiding more frequently, and they take everything they can carry. Lately, they’ve taken to carrying off women and children, and they leave total destruction in their wake. He also does this to show Prince Bryce how to muster and manage an army, should the need ever arise in Arianrhod.”
    Emara nodded stiffly. “This kingdom is blessed with good and kind neighbors who would rather trade with us than make war. We must hope it will always be so.”
    Roderic decided he could wait no longer.
    “Gwen, I have something for you. Aislin wanted to be here when I gave it to you, but she seems to have gotten lost on her way up.” He smiled, but Emara’s face grew dark.
    “What is it?” Gwen asked brightly.
    Roderic reached into the satchel and withdrew the painting. He held it against his chest as he walked to her. He knelt down in front of her as she put her sewing aside and placed the painting face up in her lap.
    Gwen gazed at it for several minutes before she looked up, her soft brown eyes full of tears.
    “This is...my son?” she asked. “This is Bryce?”
    “Yes. That’s Bryce. What do you think of him?”
    Gwen didn’t speak for several minutes. She touched the painting lovingly, her face glowing with pride. She held the painting up for Emara and Maeve to see.
    “He’s grown up to be a fine, handsome young man. I think he resembles his father,” Gwen finally said.
    “He would do well to resemble his father in temperament and courage.” Emara looked up from her sewing and smiled. “He does have Fionn’s smile. This kingdom will rejoice to have a proper king back on the throne.”
    “Prince Bryce is indeed a fine young man. He excels at his studies during the day and learns the sword in the afternoon. He follows King Stanis on his daily tour of Wyndham to check on crops, cattle, and the well-being of the kingdom. He’s a very bright boy... and a quick learner! He does, however, have a bit of a mischievous side,” said Roderic.
    Seeing the look of alarm on Gwen and Emara’s face, he quickly added, “Oh, it’s nothing to be concerned about. Just tricks he plays on his tutors and mentors on occasion. King Stanis said that a sense of fun is necessary for a king to possess, and Bryce has this in exceptional measure. He’ll be a very clever king when he returns to Arianrhod.”
    Gwen smiled proudly, and Emara nodded in approval.
    Shouting and banging from outside interrupted the moment.
    “What is going on out there?” Emara snapped, looking up from her sewing.
    Roderic made his way to the window and leaned out over the stone sill. “I don’t see a thing, Emara. I can’t imagine who is making all that noise.”
    “No doubt half the village is chasing an escaped pig down the street,” said Gwen,