Chapter Three
The Grand Wedding
Only two weeks after their engagement, the day of Mathias and Elisabetha's wedding had arrived. The past two weeks were spent frantically preparing the Cronquist manor for the grand event. Every servant and member of the Cronquist were frantically trying to add the final touches on the dining hall, making sure everything was perfect for the wedding feast, also for the King and Queen who will be in attendance.
Mathias had waken up to the sun shining brightly in the sky. It seemed like a wonderful day to get married. He sprung out of bed and shouted for his manservant to prepare a bath for him. While he was in the middle of his warm bath, his uncle Roderick came in to see him.
"So my son," He said sitting down upon the bed. "You shall be wedded this day."
"Yes uncle." Mathias said with a large smile upon his thin lips. "I have been looking forward to this day for a long while."
"How proud your parents would be of you." Roderick said. "I have a present from them I would like to give to you now."
Mathias stopped scrubbing his body and turned and looked at his uncle, who stood up and walked over to the large tub Mathias was in. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a small oblong black box, and handed it to Mathias.
"In the two hundred years of our family's history," Roderick started. "This has been passed down from eldest son, to eldest son. Your father was the eldest son and I know he would want you to have it."
Mathias took the box in his hands and slowly opened it. Inside there was a large blood red gem, instantly he knew what it was; it was the Crimson Stone.
"As alchemist," Roderick whispered. "This stone is the source of all power, and as its guardian, you must make difficult choices on how to wield such power."
"Uncle." Mathias stuttered. "I-I cannot take this."
"Oh but you must." Roderick said happily. "It is the duty of each eldest son to care for the Crimson Stone. I wanted to give it to you when I thought you were ready to receive such power, and I know you are ready."
"Thank you." Mathias said rising from the iron tub and hugging his uncle tightly. "Thank you so very much."
"Tis nothing." Roderick said blushing brightly. "Now my son, you must hurry and get dressed, you wedding shall take place soon."
"Indeed."
The cathedral in the town square was filled to the rafter with spectators who wanted to attend Mathias and Elisabetha's wedding, as well as watch the king himself preside over the ceremony. Mathias was standing at the entrance of the church with Leon at his side. Everything was ready; all that remained is for Elisabetha to arrive so the wedding precession could commence.
"She is late." Mathias whispered nervously.
"She will be here." Leon said trying to allay his fears.
"Maybe she decided not to marry me." He said pacing back and forth.
"Stay calm friend." Leon replied. "Perhaps there was a problem with the carriage."
Mathias continued to pace back and forth wildly.
"Mathias." Leon said stopping his pacing. "Elisabetha would not abandon you in such a manor. Please my friend, relax, she will be here."
"You are right Leon." Mathias sighed.
Leon sat Mathias down in a nearby chair and stood over him. About ten minuets later, the clip-clopping of horses hooves could be heard approaching the cathedral. Mathias was going to get up, but he was stopped by Leon who got up and looked out a nearby window and he saw the beautifully decorated carriage approaching.
"It is them." Leon whispered going back to Mathias. "Gentlemen, please get ready."
The soldiers all lined up in order of the rank and waited for the ladies to enter. The outer doors of the cathedral opened and the bridesmaids saw the waiting soldiers and instantly lined up. Leon gave the signal for the inner doors to open and they flew wide. Leon joined by his betrothed Sara at the front of the line, and they began to slowly march down the aisle.
Mathias placed himself at the end of the line and waited to escort Elisabetha down the aisle. Slowly she walked though the doors of the cathedral and Mathias was dumbfounded by her beauty. Her long blonde hair was draped about her shoulders and her face was all a blush. Her wedding dress was a beautiful cream and gold dress which suited her perfectly.
"You look so radiant." Mathias said breathlessly as Elisabetha took her place by his side.
"I apologize for the delay." She said blushing.
"It matters not." He responded sternly. "You are here now and that is all that matters."
As the other pairs ended the march near the edge of the alter, the separated and kneeled down before the bride and groom. Mathias and Elisabetha slowly descended down the aisle; past the tearful eyes of friends and family. Kenneth, Elisabetha's father, was especially tearful as he watched his only daughter walk down the aisle. Meanwhile, Roderick, his wife and five children were all smiles as they watched as Mathias took his final steps toward manhood.
Finally the pair had reached the king who gazed happily on the young couple.
"Mathias Cronquist." The king said sternly. "Do you swear by God to honor and protect Elisabetha, in times of triumph and tragedy? In times of illness and good health; for all the days of your life until you are parted by death?"
"I swear by God." Mathias said sternly as he gazed at Elisabetha.
"Elisabetha." The king now turned his gaze to her. "Do you swear by God to honor your Lord and Master Mathias in times of triumph and tragedy? In times of illness and good health for all the days of your life; until you are parted by death?"
"I swear by God." She said sternly.
"As a symbol of your chastity Elisabetha." The king said. "I shall place the bridal wreath upon your brow."
Elisabetha blushed as the veil was placed upon her.
"Mathias outstretch your right hand." The king commanded. "Elisabetha outstretch your left."
The couple stretched out the hands the king commanded and he placed a gold ribbon on them, signifying their union.
"You are now bound together, a union so sacred that only God could tear asunder. As lord of this land, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Mathias grabbed Elisabetha and kissed her passionately. He could feel her face burn with embarrassment, but it didn't matter. They were now married and would be forever. The music sounded loudly as everyone in the cathedral cheered, it was a wonderful wedding ceremony and thing had gone well.
The day had given way to night as the wedding celebration carried on. Mathias was seated at the head of the table next to his blushing bride. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the seductive dance that some of the moor women were performing, but Mathias would not take his eyes off of Elisabetha. She was so beautiful in her bridal veil. Her blonde hair glowed in the darkness of the candle light and her radiant blue eyes grinned gleefully as she laughed. To be so in love and married to such a wonderful woman filled his heart with overwhelming joy.
"What a merry evening." The king said standing up after the women were finished with their dance. "I've not seen a better wedding."
"I concur." Leon said happily.
"May I propose a toast to the groom and his fair bride?" The king asked.
"I would be delighted." Mathias replied joyously.
"Mathias." The king began. "And Elisabetha there is so much to say to a young couple just beginning their journey though life together, but alas, I cannot tell you everything. There will be problems and pitfalls throughout your life together, but never have I seen a pair more in love then these two."
"Here, here!!" Kenneth, Elisabetha's father, said heartily.
"To Mathias and Elisabetha!" The king said raising his glass to the couple. "May you always be blessed and may God grant you many sons."
Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the bride and groom.
The hours continued to progress, it was well after midnight when the celebration was beginning to come to an end. Many of the guest had left, but all of the soldiers were hanging around the hall, still dancing and making merry of the festivities. Elisabetha had been taken up to the bedchamber to prepare for her first night as a wife. Mathias however was in the courtyard below the bedchamber, trying to get a glimpse of what the women were doing.
"What are you doing my friend?" Leon said creeping up behind him.
"It is fascinating." He replied in awe.
"What is?"
"The women." He said looking at Leon. "It has been an hour since my beloved has gone above stairs and yet they all cackle on like hens, even my darling bride."
"That is why it is not for us men to pry into the secret lives of the women we love." Leon said pulling him away from the balcony.
"What do you suppose they are discussing?" Mathias asked.
"Who knows?" Leon responded. "It could be anything."
"Aye." Mathias conceded. "When shall it be your turn to wed dear friend?"
Leon laughed as he took a drink of mead.
"Nigh, my friend I am serious." Mathias insisted. "You have been betrothed to Sara since birth, when shall you two wed?"
"Lamentably it shall be awhile yet." Leon said softly. "I wish to wed soon, but circumstances prevent me from making good on that promise."
"If it is the regiment surely you could leave it in John's capable hands."
"Tis true." Leon sighed. "But I am not sure he is ready to take the role of commander."
"It is for you to decide friend."
A loud burst of laughter came from the balcony above, Mathias and Leon looked above and smiled.
"I pray my Sara isn't up there." Leon said with a half smile on his face. "Heaven only knows what they are conspiring."
"Indeed." Mathias replied. "I can only imagine what they are filling my bride's mind with?"
Moments later the women who were upstairs with Elisabetha came back down into the ballroom, instantly the soldiers who had been lying in wait for the women to return left the ballroom and began the search for Mathias. When they found him with Leon, they instantly lifted him from his feet and carried him up the stairs singing merrily. Leon stood there dumbfounded until Sara walked up to him and he smiled.
"What is happening?" Leon asked her.
"Do you hear the song they are singing?" She said happily. "They are taking him to his beloved."
"I see." Leon said blushing.
The soldiers had carried Mathias all the way up the stairs and finally to the end of the hall to the room where Elisabetha was waiting for him. All the while they were singing a tale of a knight who was about to make love to his bride for the first time. Once at the door, two of the soldiers opened up the anti-chamber doors and the men tossed Mathias inside. Once inside the room, the soldiers slammed the door behind him and finished their song with a huge burst of laughter.
Mathias walked into the inner chamber slowly and cautiously. He saw that the women had done a wonderful job to decorating the room. Beautiful white flowers was carefully wrapped around the columns of the massive canopy bed the air was gently blanketed with the sent of oils from the orient.
"Elisabetha?" Mathias called out gently.
"I am here my Lord." She said softly.
"Where my love?"
"In the bed." She said. "Behind the curtains."
Mathias walked over to the bed and pulled back the thick red curtains that shrouded the mattress and there she was; her lovely face all a blush. She was wearing a beautiful silken nightgown and her bridal veil, she looked to innocent and vulnerable, just like the maidens in the stories he use to read when he was a child. Mathias smiled and climbed into bed and sat next to her.
"Oh Elisabetha." He said breathlessly as he touched her cheek. "How radiant you look tonight."
"Thank you my Lord." She said softly.
"I will always protect you my love." He said as he buried his lips onto hers.
Her face turned a dark shade of scarlet.
"I." He stammered to find the words. "I must have you Elisabetha."
The soldiers who had brought Mathias up to his bride hung around outside the door quietly waiting, finally they heard the sounds of passion emitting from the interior chamber and they all cheered wildly.
Only two weeks after their engagement, the day of Mathias and Elisabetha's wedding had arrived. The past two weeks were spent frantically preparing the Cronquist manor for the grand event. Every servant and member of the Cronquist were frantically trying to add the final touches on the dining hall, making sure everything was perfect for the wedding feast, also for the King and Queen who will be in attendance.
Mathias had waken up to the sun shining brightly in the sky. It seemed like a wonderful day to get married. He sprung out of bed and shouted for his manservant to prepare a bath for him. While he was in the middle of his warm bath, his uncle Roderick came in to see him.
"So my son," He said sitting down upon the bed. "You shall be wedded this day."
"Yes uncle." Mathias said with a large smile upon his thin lips. "I have been looking forward to this day for a long while."
"How proud your parents would be of you." Roderick said. "I have a present from them I would like to give to you now."
Mathias stopped scrubbing his body and turned and looked at his uncle, who stood up and walked over to the large tub Mathias was in. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a small oblong black box, and handed it to Mathias.
"In the two hundred years of our family's history," Roderick started. "This has been passed down from eldest son, to eldest son. Your father was the eldest son and I know he would want you to have it."
Mathias took the box in his hands and slowly opened it. Inside there was a large blood red gem, instantly he knew what it was; it was the Crimson Stone.
"As alchemist," Roderick whispered. "This stone is the source of all power, and as its guardian, you must make difficult choices on how to wield such power."
"Uncle." Mathias stuttered. "I-I cannot take this."
"Oh but you must." Roderick said happily. "It is the duty of each eldest son to care for the Crimson Stone. I wanted to give it to you when I thought you were ready to receive such power, and I know you are ready."
"Thank you." Mathias said rising from the iron tub and hugging his uncle tightly. "Thank you so very much."
"Tis nothing." Roderick said blushing brightly. "Now my son, you must hurry and get dressed, you wedding shall take place soon."
"Indeed."
The cathedral in the town square was filled to the rafter with spectators who wanted to attend Mathias and Elisabetha's wedding, as well as watch the king himself preside over the ceremony. Mathias was standing at the entrance of the church with Leon at his side. Everything was ready; all that remained is for Elisabetha to arrive so the wedding precession could commence.
"She is late." Mathias whispered nervously.
"She will be here." Leon said trying to allay his fears.
"Maybe she decided not to marry me." He said pacing back and forth.
"Stay calm friend." Leon replied. "Perhaps there was a problem with the carriage."
Mathias continued to pace back and forth wildly.
"Mathias." Leon said stopping his pacing. "Elisabetha would not abandon you in such a manor. Please my friend, relax, she will be here."
"You are right Leon." Mathias sighed.
Leon sat Mathias down in a nearby chair and stood over him. About ten minuets later, the clip-clopping of horses hooves could be heard approaching the cathedral. Mathias was going to get up, but he was stopped by Leon who got up and looked out a nearby window and he saw the beautifully decorated carriage approaching.
"It is them." Leon whispered going back to Mathias. "Gentlemen, please get ready."
The soldiers all lined up in order of the rank and waited for the ladies to enter. The outer doors of the cathedral opened and the bridesmaids saw the waiting soldiers and instantly lined up. Leon gave the signal for the inner doors to open and they flew wide. Leon joined by his betrothed Sara at the front of the line, and they began to slowly march down the aisle.
Mathias placed himself at the end of the line and waited to escort Elisabetha down the aisle. Slowly she walked though the doors of the cathedral and Mathias was dumbfounded by her beauty. Her long blonde hair was draped about her shoulders and her face was all a blush. Her wedding dress was a beautiful cream and gold dress which suited her perfectly.
"You look so radiant." Mathias said breathlessly as Elisabetha took her place by his side.
"I apologize for the delay." She said blushing.
"It matters not." He responded sternly. "You are here now and that is all that matters."
As the other pairs ended the march near the edge of the alter, the separated and kneeled down before the bride and groom. Mathias and Elisabetha slowly descended down the aisle; past the tearful eyes of friends and family. Kenneth, Elisabetha's father, was especially tearful as he watched his only daughter walk down the aisle. Meanwhile, Roderick, his wife and five children were all smiles as they watched as Mathias took his final steps toward manhood.
Finally the pair had reached the king who gazed happily on the young couple.
"Mathias Cronquist." The king said sternly. "Do you swear by God to honor and protect Elisabetha, in times of triumph and tragedy? In times of illness and good health; for all the days of your life until you are parted by death?"
"I swear by God." Mathias said sternly as he gazed at Elisabetha.
"Elisabetha." The king now turned his gaze to her. "Do you swear by God to honor your Lord and Master Mathias in times of triumph and tragedy? In times of illness and good health for all the days of your life; until you are parted by death?"
"I swear by God." She said sternly.
"As a symbol of your chastity Elisabetha." The king said. "I shall place the bridal wreath upon your brow."
Elisabetha blushed as the veil was placed upon her.
"Mathias outstretch your right hand." The king commanded. "Elisabetha outstretch your left."
The couple stretched out the hands the king commanded and he placed a gold ribbon on them, signifying their union.
"You are now bound together, a union so sacred that only God could tear asunder. As lord of this land, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Mathias grabbed Elisabetha and kissed her passionately. He could feel her face burn with embarrassment, but it didn't matter. They were now married and would be forever. The music sounded loudly as everyone in the cathedral cheered, it was a wonderful wedding ceremony and thing had gone well.
The day had given way to night as the wedding celebration carried on. Mathias was seated at the head of the table next to his blushing bride. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the seductive dance that some of the moor women were performing, but Mathias would not take his eyes off of Elisabetha. She was so beautiful in her bridal veil. Her blonde hair glowed in the darkness of the candle light and her radiant blue eyes grinned gleefully as she laughed. To be so in love and married to such a wonderful woman filled his heart with overwhelming joy.
"What a merry evening." The king said standing up after the women were finished with their dance. "I've not seen a better wedding."
"I concur." Leon said happily.
"May I propose a toast to the groom and his fair bride?" The king asked.
"I would be delighted." Mathias replied joyously.
"Mathias." The king began. "And Elisabetha there is so much to say to a young couple just beginning their journey though life together, but alas, I cannot tell you everything. There will be problems and pitfalls throughout your life together, but never have I seen a pair more in love then these two."
"Here, here!!" Kenneth, Elisabetha's father, said heartily.
"To Mathias and Elisabetha!" The king said raising his glass to the couple. "May you always be blessed and may God grant you many sons."
Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the bride and groom.
The hours continued to progress, it was well after midnight when the celebration was beginning to come to an end. Many of the guest had left, but all of the soldiers were hanging around the hall, still dancing and making merry of the festivities. Elisabetha had been taken up to the bedchamber to prepare for her first night as a wife. Mathias however was in the courtyard below the bedchamber, trying to get a glimpse of what the women were doing.
"What are you doing my friend?" Leon said creeping up behind him.
"It is fascinating." He replied in awe.
"What is?"
"The women." He said looking at Leon. "It has been an hour since my beloved has gone above stairs and yet they all cackle on like hens, even my darling bride."
"That is why it is not for us men to pry into the secret lives of the women we love." Leon said pulling him away from the balcony.
"What do you suppose they are discussing?" Mathias asked.
"Who knows?" Leon responded. "It could be anything."
"Aye." Mathias conceded. "When shall it be your turn to wed dear friend?"
Leon laughed as he took a drink of mead.
"Nigh, my friend I am serious." Mathias insisted. "You have been betrothed to Sara since birth, when shall you two wed?"
"Lamentably it shall be awhile yet." Leon said softly. "I wish to wed soon, but circumstances prevent me from making good on that promise."
"If it is the regiment surely you could leave it in John's capable hands."
"Tis true." Leon sighed. "But I am not sure he is ready to take the role of commander."
"It is for you to decide friend."
A loud burst of laughter came from the balcony above, Mathias and Leon looked above and smiled.
"I pray my Sara isn't up there." Leon said with a half smile on his face. "Heaven only knows what they are conspiring."
"Indeed." Mathias replied. "I can only imagine what they are filling my bride's mind with?"
Moments later the women who were upstairs with Elisabetha came back down into the ballroom, instantly the soldiers who had been lying in wait for the women to return left the ballroom and began the search for Mathias. When they found him with Leon, they instantly lifted him from his feet and carried him up the stairs singing merrily. Leon stood there dumbfounded until Sara walked up to him and he smiled.
"What is happening?" Leon asked her.
"Do you hear the song they are singing?" She said happily. "They are taking him to his beloved."
"I see." Leon said blushing.
The soldiers had carried Mathias all the way up the stairs and finally to the end of the hall to the room where Elisabetha was waiting for him. All the while they were singing a tale of a knight who was about to make love to his bride for the first time. Once at the door, two of the soldiers opened up the anti-chamber doors and the men tossed Mathias inside. Once inside the room, the soldiers slammed the door behind him and finished their song with a huge burst of laughter.
Mathias walked into the inner chamber slowly and cautiously. He saw that the women had done a wonderful job to decorating the room. Beautiful white flowers was carefully wrapped around the columns of the massive canopy bed the air was gently blanketed with the sent of oils from the orient.
"Elisabetha?" Mathias called out gently.
"I am here my Lord." She said softly.
"Where my love?"
"In the bed." She said. "Behind the curtains."
Mathias walked over to the bed and pulled back the thick red curtains that shrouded the mattress and there she was; her lovely face all a blush. She was wearing a beautiful silken nightgown and her bridal veil, she looked to innocent and vulnerable, just like the maidens in the stories he use to read when he was a child. Mathias smiled and climbed into bed and sat next to her.
"Oh Elisabetha." He said breathlessly as he touched her cheek. "How radiant you look tonight."
"Thank you my Lord." She said softly.
"I will always protect you my love." He said as he buried his lips onto hers.
Her face turned a dark shade of scarlet.
"I." He stammered to find the words. "I must have you Elisabetha."
The soldiers who had brought Mathias up to his bride hung around outside the door quietly waiting, finally they heard the sounds of passion emitting from the interior chamber and they all cheered wildly.