The Curse Conduit
Chapter 62

As young Geoffrey had done the King stood for a moment at the door to his niece’s room. All quiet, talking a breath he walked in to replace Beth-Elena nestled under Uri’s arm and Declan’s mother sitting on the other side of the bed. He nodded to Uriah and Urian who stood like silent guardians. The King steeled himself against the sight of his niece; she looked so small, so frail. He had the power to send an army to defend his country but he did not have the power to mend her broken heart. He felt helpless.

Uri made a motion to stand but the King shook his head. It was then that Beth-Elena looked up and saw her uncle. She made no sound but her tears began to flow once more.

Declan’s mother washed her brow with a cool damp cloth and gave the King a weak smile. “It is good that you came Sire.”

“I do not know as to how I can assist her. I….”

Declan’s mother rose and took the King by the hand guiding him to take her place. Then she looked to Uri who in return gently passed Beth-Elena from his care into the arms of the King.

Uri and Declan’s mother followed by Uriah and Urian left the small family in peace, only the sound of the King humming to his niece as he rocked and cradled her like the fragile bird she was.

Once outside the room Uri’s resolve left him. He pushed himself against the wall, head back, eyes closed, arms hung limply by his side. Uriah looked to Urian seeing the same questions in his eyes. What did they do for their friend?

Declan’s mother took Uri’s hand in hers. “She will be strong again Master Uri.” Looking at the men that surrounded her. “You shall all be strong again.”

Uri dropped his head a little, looking into her eyes. “How can you be so strong when we ready to bury your son?”

“Because it is what Declan would want. Because I know he did not die alone.” Again she looked at the men. “Because through you he will always live.” Stretching so she could reach Uri’s face she kissed him on the cheek. She surprised Uriah and Urian when she kissed them in the same way before she left.

The three men were silent for a time, not knowing what to say to each other. Uri took a deep breath. “The arrangements?”

“They have been attended to Uri we only wait for Beth-Elena and then the funeral will go ahead.” Uriah’s voice trembled.

“And then what my friend?” Uri’s eyes pleaded for an answer.

It was Uriah who took a deep breath this time. “We go forward. We go forward.”

Back in the room the King held his niece knowing in his heart how she felt about the loss of Declan. “He loved you very much Bea, It was there for all to see.”

Beth-Elena kept her head on his chest, eyes closed, tears still falling. “As I love him uncle. I have no strength to live or love. Though my love would be displeased that I should surrender, so I shall continue for him.”

The King pulled her a little closer. “You will be a light in the darkness for many sweet Beth, a strength for those whose resolve is failing. You are indeed of noble blood.”

“Thank you uncle.”

They were quiet for a time, the silence coating their hearts with healing.

Beth-Elena let a small sigh escape. “The others uncle? Derek?”

“Master Derek has risen from his bed but I fear he still carries many a wound and not all can be seen.”

“His friends?”

The King sighed. “Master Danny is well, Master Urian and Master Uriah.”

At the sound of their names Beth-Elena took hold of the King’s arm a little tighter and looked into his face. “Their wounds are also unseen.”

The King kissed her gently on the brow holding her face in his hands. “Indeed they are my sweet Bea, as Uri hides his, they so hide.”

“Why are they still with us uncle? Should they not have been sent home?”

“Maybe destiny is allowing them to say their farewells to Declan. This would be fitting.”

Beth-Elena sat a little straighter. “Then we shall make this possible. My love deserves this as well.” Beth-Elena stood pulling the King to his feet as she did.

“My heart hurts so very much. But Declan needs me and I shall be his princess.”

The King hugged his niece, she was indeed a formidable woman, though he did worry that her strength would dessert her without the love of another in her life. His thoughts went to Uri; in time maybe there was a chance that she would allow him to love her. Walking back to the great hall he wondered if Uri would allow himself to show others the love he had for her. The King understood wounds were raw and would need time to heal but he also hoped that when they did heal his niece and his most trusted knight would form a bond that his heart told him was right.

As they walked Beth-Elena’s thoughts went to Elizabeth and Bethie. She did not know how much longer she would have their company but was grateful they had not been spirited away to leave her to deal with the upcoming funeral on her own. Somehow she knew she could draw on their inner strength, they understood, she would have no need to explain. Would need no words and still they would be her strength. Knowing this birthed in Beth-Elena a resolve and determination that surprised her. She finally understood that even though she had lost Declan, she would never be alone, never be forgotten. In the future she would be remembered because of her time travelling sisters. Which meant in the future Declan would also live as he was remembered. She would not replace him in eternity because his spirit lived in the future.