Part 31
The brandy flowed freely; clouds of cigar smoke enveloped the rooms creating a haze; and boisterous laughter and bragging of that big stag killed last year filled the halls of ‘Eternity’ as the guests engorged themselves on the feast the cook had prepared. No one, save the Dark Lords, was aware of what was taking place upstairs or the threat of danger.
As Howard talked with several guests, he nervously eyed the door wanting desperately to escape the wretched party. How many ways could a person kill one stag? He wanted to be with his love but he couldn’t even go to her in his thoughts because everyone was watching.
Kevin stepped behind him and whispered, "How is she?"
"I haven’t been able to go to her. Too many people."
"Go now. I’ll make your excuses."
"You should go. It is your son."
"But she is your wife. It would not look proper for me to check on her. Now go."
Howard slipped silently away and up to his chambers.
Several maids were bustling around the room carrying out the orders of the mid-wife who knelt on the bed with Samantha. Samantha was propped up on pillows, her face flushed and her hair soaked with perspiration but when her eyes met his, she brightened.
The mid-wife boldly spoke up, "A gentleman would not embarrass his lady by being in her chambers when she is indisposed."
Without breaking his gaze with Samantha, he replied, "I don’t think I’m embarrassing her. How is she?"
Not wanting to anger the lord, the mid-wife said, "She’s doing beautifully but it may still be a while."
Howard sat on the bed beside Samantha and took the cool cloth her maid offered. Wiping her forehead, he lowered his voice, "What do you need, my love?"
"You," was her whispered response as she took his hand in hers. "I’ve missed you."
"And I you. I have wanted to come to you in your thoughts but there were too many people. Kevin made my excuses so I could come check on you. Are you scared?"
"Not of giving birth."
"What about your vision?" asked Howard as she squeezed his hand. He wiped her forehead again, watching her carefully.
"That does have me a little concerned," acknowledged Samantha.
"Would you feel better if Alex and Kevin were here too?"
"What about the party….and your guests? You’re already here with me and if Kevin and Alex both leave…."
"You are more important." Setting the rag down, he said, "Give me a minute, my love."
"Wait…before you go."
"What is it, my love?"
Reaching gently to his face, she ran her finger along the line of his beard. "I love you."
"And I you," he smiled softly as he took her hand and placed a kiss in the palm. Closing his eyes, he went to Kevin and Alex to let them know Samantha needed them but jerked suddenly out of his trance.
"What is it?" asked Samantha knowing something was wrong.
Looking around, Howard motioned for the mid-wife. "Stay with her and DO NOT let anyone in here until I return with Alex and Kevin."
Samantha tried to stop him but froze when she touched where he had been sitting.
"My lady," gasped the mid-wife moving quickly to her side.
Howard looked back, scared to leave her but knowing he had to in order to protect her. In a flash, he was gone.
