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© 1998-2002 Debbie Palmer. |
I was born Katrin Tangwystl Verch Gruffydd Ap Cynan, Princess of Malltraeth, Wales. My father, King Gruffydd Ap Cynan, ruled our people with fairness and a deep sense of honor.
Raised as a Welsh Princess, I was schooled in the arts, literature, and to some extent the sciences, as well. My father was a great believer in education, even for his daughters, as is the Welsh way. That being the case, I was allowed to study with my six brothers, save for the arts of war. While they studied sword and bow, horse and hawk, I learned the feminine arts of stitchery, cooking, herbs, and running a royal household.
Prince Luther Josephus was a strong supporter and friend to my father. His own father's kingdom was not many days journey from our home when we were growing up. I met Prince Luther many times in childhood, when one household would visit the other for the Christmas holidays, or for the summer festivals and tournaments. The Prince and I became good friends, and in time he asked my father's permission to court me.
Prince Luther left his father's Hall before his courting of me could begin in earnest. It was a long time before I learned that, like many other younger sons, he had gone to war for another King. I heard nothing of Prince Luther for some time.
When I was grown, and my eldest brother had become King of Malltraeth, I embarked on a journey. I did it without my brothers' knowledge, as I knew they would forbid me to travel without them. I took my serving maid, a groom, and only four of my brother's guards, who had always spoiled me as a child. I had heard tales of a shining land away to the West, across the great sea which lapped at the shores of my home. Merchants spoke of great dangers in crossing the sea, but I knew of several slaves who had escaped the warriors of the North, who spoke of having seen those shores.
With my few retainers, I boarded a hired ship and sailed west. The captain of the ship was not pleased to be crossing the great ocean, much less to be doing so with two female passengers. A generous portion of the gold which was to have been part of my dowry convinced him to continue the voyage.
After several months of endless sky and sea, we finally reached land. The shore was pristine, as the escaped slaves had promised, but the air was warmer than they had spoken of. The ship's captain said we had landed far south of where he had expected. As I was seeking youthful adventure, not a particular destination, I was undaunted.
The groom and my guards loaded our belongings on the pack horses we had brought with us, and we set out into the rolling forests of this new land. We journeyed a full fortnight, enjoying the fruits and nuts ofthe land, hunting the plentiful game for our suppers, before we met other people.
The travellers we met were an assorted group, who had each left our home land, or the lands across the small sea to the east, for varied reasons. Some sought treasure. Some were younger sons, seeking land of their own. Some were retired soldiers, seking healing for their bodies and spirits. A few were even criminals, sent away from the world into the unknown.
We continued to travel, going west for no special reason. The rolling forests became mountains. Food continued to be plentiful, and my companions were in the same goodspirits I enjoyed.
One morning, we found ourselves entering settled lands. The forests were interspersed with plowed fields. We asked directions of the farmers we passed, and soon came to a mountaintop castle. Deciding that a break from our travels would be enjoyable, I sent one of my guards to ask the castle's hospitality for my group. It was quickly granted, and we were escorted to chambers in the castle. Our horses were led to the stables to be cared for, as well.
I had a great shock at dinner that night. Seated at a table near the high table in the hall, I got my first look at the King of this strange land. My heart stopped for a moment when I recognized Prince Luther Josephus, who was now King Luther Josephus. He saw me in the same moment that I saw him, and I saw recognition in his eyes.
I remained in King Luther's castle, at the heart of the Kingdom of Whispering Tor. Messengers were sent east across the great ocean to tell my brothers of my whereabouts. By the time the three youngest came to seek me, I was wed to King Luther, and reining at his side as his Queen. My brothers remembered our father's friend well, and gave their blessing to the union, staying with us at the castle for the Christmas celebration, and on trough the winter until spring made travel safe once again.
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© 1998-2002 Debbie Palmer. |