“I am Lady Eyden Loxton, The Countess of Thornbrook, sir. I have come to seek the protection of the Wyndhams, as my parents are now dead, slaughtered by the Horde.” Eyden tried her best to sound like an adult, even though her little heart hammered within her chest. be brave...be brave! She told herself as she sat taller in her saddle.
The gentleman reached out pushing Eydens hood from her head, ignoring the dogs deep growl. He nodded. “I knew your mother Katherine well, and you favor her,” he said.
“And who sir, are you?” Eyden demanded in a slightly imperious tone that caused the gentleman to smile, obviously amused by her bravery.
I am your uncle Richard Donahue, Earl of Friarsgate, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” the gentleman said. “I think it is most fortunate I have come upon you instead of someone else. Is your servant without speech, Eyden Loxton?”
“Nay, I think you have frighten her, my lord. She has been very brave these past weeks, and I owe her my life. Eyden answered him truthfully. “Her name is Claire, but I call her Nanna, and my hound is Baron.”
“Richard nodded, turning to this woman. “You need not fear me, Mistress Claire. I am the childs uncle and I shall take you to a place of safety. You can not reach Menethil today. I will send you with two of my own men to guide and protect you.”
“ Thank you, my lord. “ Claire managed to find her voice again. “The child looks ill,” The Earl said to Claire.
“I fear the conditions in which we have been forced to travel have caused it, my lord,” Claire said wearily. “We have had little to eat, and have sheltered mostly outdoors. It has not been easy for my little mistress. Only the dogs warmth kept her from worse harm.”
“No, it would not have been easy,” He agreed. Then, reaching out from his saddle, he lifted the startled child from hers, setting her before him. “You will ride with me, Eyden Loxton,” he said, and drew his fur-lined cloak around her little body. Then he looked at the great dog, who was now baring his teeth. “Come Baron!” he commanded the animal, and, recognizing the voice of authority, Baron obeyed. Eyden instinctively snuggled against the dukes chest. Her eyes grew heavy as they moved off, the even gate of the horse rocking her into slumber as they rode.
Richard looked down on the child for a long moment. He thought fondly of his sister, she had been a great beauty, although she was genuinely unconscious of it. Her blonde hair, violet eyes, and serene face had attracted her husband as far as he could recall, he was only a boy when she had left home. Now Richard was looking down at his niece, and she was the miniature of her mother, all but her ebony locks and cinnamon eyes. Those features she must have been gifted from her father. He was now interested in Eydens story. Why and how had her father and stepmother met their untimely end at the hand of the Horde.
They reached Theramore in two hours time, it was just dusk and they would make preparations for the night. “Mistress Claire, take Eyden to the inn, tell them I will be along briefly. Have the maid draw Eyden a bath and I shall have food sent to the both of you.” Claire gave a nod taking their things from the packs. Richard then made his way to the docs to make arrangements for the voyage to Menethil the following morning. After sufficient arrangements were made he returned to the inn where her had ordered food to be sent to his niece and servant.
Sitting down at the high board he would have his own meal before returning to their quarters. The servers brought out plates bore, duck, and beef. They had fresh bread still warm from the bakery, then they were offered several cheesed, and finally apples baked with cinnamon and honey. When the meal had concluded, the Earl arose, thanked the innkeeper, and departed for their room. There he found Clair and Eyden all settled in for the evening.
“Have you eaten?” he asked her. “Was there enough?”
“Yes, my lord. They brought us good hot stew, bread and cheese, and wine,” she answered him. “I never tasted anything so good.”
“You probably have.” The Earl chuckled. “But after several weeks on the road I know that hot food does taste especially good. I have been on campaigns enough to understand that.” Looking toward Eyden he smiled. “And you my poppet, has your hunger been assuaged now?” Eyden simply gave a nod looking at him curiously. She wondered if he could tell her stories of the mother she never knew. Richard picked Eyden up, sitting in a single chair while Claire went about the business of tidying up, he cradled the child in his lap. “Are you warm enough, Eyden?” he asked her.
“Aye, my lord,” she whispered. She felt so safe, and she had not felt safe since the night her father and mother had pushed her into the escape tunnel at Thornbrook Hall.” Aye, Uncle Richard,” He corrected her gently. “All my nieces call me Uncle Richard, now tell me what happened at Thornbrook that you were forced to flee.”
“The Horde came,” Eyden began. “In the morning just before sunrise they came, and they burned the village. Then they burned the fields and barns. They drove off or slaughtered the livestock. Many of our folk were killed, others fled. My da and mama put me in the tunnel with Claire and Baron, they told us we had to leave. They told me to remember that I am Loxton, and should be proud.” The Earl nodded, then turned to Claire. “You are certain both the earl and his wife are deceased?”
“Aye, my lord,” Claire replied. “I went up to the hall myself the day after, before we departed for Theramore. I saw both the bodies laying slaughtered in the courtyard of the hall. I had to leave them there, and it has troubled my conscience ever since, my lord. But I had no means of burying them, and no one to aid me in such an endeavor. The earl had ordered me to get my little lady to safety, and that was my first obligation.” Claire wiped the tears that had begun to flow from her eyes.
“You did your duty well,” the Earl praised her. “I shall take my men north and bury the dead, put your mind at ease, you have naught regret, mistress. Why though, I wonder was Thornbrook attacked?”
Claire shook her head. “Light only knows, but the Horde does whatever it pleases, they care not for what they destroy.” Richard nodded and then, looking down at Eyden, smiling softly. The child had fallen asleep in his lap. “Poor little mite,” he said stroking her dark hair. Then looked at Claire. “I know the Wyndhams of Aitherton Isles, the Lady is kind, but the Lord is harsh and not to be trusted. He is cold and venal and will do anything to preserve his wealth and station. He will use Eyden to further his standings among other nobility. The staff fear him, for he is cruel and unforgiving. Stay with the Lady Wyndham, and keep Eyden clear from him as much as possible. Did your master give you any coin for the child?”
Claire nodded. “I wear a pouch beneath my skirts, my lord,” she told him. “And there are gold coins sewn into the hem of one of my lady's gowns.”
“Keep a few for your mistress, but tomorrow you will give me the bulk of your funds. I will place them with the bank in Stormwind.” The Earl said. “Stormwind is a city of great mercantile importance, and the bankers there are most prominent in all of Azeroth. The banker is our families most trusted adviser, his name is Avery Mountbatten. I will put Eydens little fortune to him, and the receipt will be with my own household treasurer. I will also add to her funds often so that she will have wealth in her own right. You are not to speak of this to anyone but for Eyden and myself. You are free to draw the monies for the childs care when it is needed, and know that it can not be stolen from her by any in the Wyndham household. If you are ever in need of aid of Richard, Earl of Friarsgate, mistress, you have but to ask. I was fond of my sister, Katherine. She was kind and gentle of heart, she was also strong minded and ambitious, but she was also fair and devout. I see much of her in our little mistress.” Richard smiled as he stood, Eyden still sleeping in his arms.
“Show me the childs cot, and I will put here there. I will come see her before you depart on the morrow. Mid-morning will be soon enough for you to reach Menethil the same day. I shall have two of my men escort you. “He followed Claire into another room, Baron by his side, and laying Eyden down where Claire indicated, drew the coverlet over her as he placed a kiss on her brow. “Sleep well, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” he said. And with a brief nod of his head to Claire he left the room.
When he had gone Claire sat down upon the pallet cot next to Eydens. Reaching out, she patted the wolfhounds head while reveling in the warmth coming from the wood brazier. The Gods were obviously watching over them, if today was any indication. To have been rescued from their long miserable travels by Katherine's own brother was more than simple good fortune. And to have a great lord recall his own sister with such kindness, Claire was more than grateful.
Looking down at Eyden, her little lady was warm, dry and well fed for the first time since they had fled Thornbrook. Claire whispered prayers for the souls of the earl and his wife. Then she lay down to sleep, certain they were finally safe. As long as Eyden was safe, nothing else mattered.
