Chapter Four: Storms

We reached Cair Paravel on the fourth day of our journey, that being Firstday. Einan could not have been more excited, though I suspect her fourth box of chocolates may have been a contributing factor to her extreme surplus of energy. One of my knights, a unicorn called Flash, met us at the gate.

"Good morn! Got yourself a cart now Martin? I always knew you'd turn peddler!"

He smiled as best a unicorn can. Then he noticed Einan.

"Well, well! You've brought home a foal! Where'd you kidnap her from then, you old rascal?"

Before I could respond, Einan replied crossly:

"He did not kidnap me! He found me and brought me home!"

Her eyes flashed fiercely and Flash drew back.

"Your pardon milady. I meant no offense. I was but teasing an old friend."

Her eyes darkened.

"Teasing is cruel. Children used to tease me because I can't walk. They called me names and pelted me with dirt. I've little stomach for teasing."

Flash's face was a mixture of sorrow and surprise. Indeed, he looked so doleful that Einan piped up again.

"But I'm sure you didn't mean it that way."

She gave him a reassuring smile, which he did his best to return.

"No harm done then," I said.

"Einan, meet Flash. Flash, meet Einan. Flash is an old friend of mine. He's saved my life more times than I care to count."

"Well then," she exclaimed, "I forgive him his teasing. What's more I shall give him a kiss!"

She motioned to him, and he trotted over.

"Thank you for saving my Da!"

She kissed him on the muzzle as he shot me a glance.

"Later," I mouthed.

He nodded and stepped away. I dismounted and led the cart into the courtyard. A stable-faun unharnessed the horses while three pages came bounding down the steps from the keep.

"She'll be staying in my room for now," I explained as I lifted Einan from the seat of the cart.

I saw her comfortably situated in my room with one the maids to look after her. I then made my way to the library, where I found Oreius and Flash waiting for me.

"You're back early!" the Centaur exclaimed.

"Nothing wrong I hope?"

"No Oreius, nothing wrong. Just bringing Einan home."

"Flash told me about the girl. What's all this about you kidnapping her?"

After glaring daggers at Flash I explained the story to the pair of them. Both of my companions were visibly moved.

"Well of course then," Oreius agreed.

"She must stay."

Flash nodded his assent.

"What will you do?"

"For now she'll need rooms here at the Cair, proper dresses, some toys, books, things of that sort. I suppose I should get her a wheeled-chair, at least for the time being. And then there's her education-"

Oreius interrupted.

"I think rooms and clothes are perhaps enough for one evening."

The three of us guffawed in unison, and sipped our wine, lightning flashing outside. I was just besting Oreius at chess, when one of the maids rushed in.

"Sir Martin, come quickly! Einan is scared out of her wits!"

I bounded through the hallway and flung open the door to my room. Einan lay in the middle of my bed, curled in a little ball.

"Da! DA!" She shrieked, unadulterated terror plain in her voice.

"Sh. Shh. Hush now my child. 'Tis only a storm Einan."

"My uncle-" she sobbed, unable to say more.

"He threw you out on a night like this?" My respect for the man diminished even further, if such a thing were possible.

"Don't leave me Da."

"I won't Dearest, I won't."

I hugged her close and she fell asleep a while later, perfectly at peace in my arms.