Daughter Of The Morning
A Father Found....

Ambrosius gazed down at the body lying bonelessly quiet in his arms, he noted the shadows of exhaustion beneath her eyes and breathed in sharply through his teeth. Merlin rode up beside him and glancedacross, “She said her name was Cerian. Do you know who she is Father?”

Ambrosius smoothed a lock ofblonde hair from Ceri’s forehead and replied softly, “I believe that she may be your sister, though how I cannotunderstand, her mother said nothing to me about being with child, but thatseems to have been my fate,” he smiled at his son, “both women I have lovedhave fought their own battles preferring to do that than to rely on the strength of any man.”

Cerian stirred in her sleepbut didn’t awaken, “Will she be all right?”

“I hope so, Merlin,” Ambrosiusreplied, “I hope so, she obviously risked much to save my life.”

By this time they hadarrived at Budec’s fort, the two horses entered the courtyard of hard-packedearth. Gently Flaptongue took Ceri’s form from Ambrosius and when theCount had dismounted handed her back. “I want the room next to mine prepared,”Ambrosius ordered, “she is to be treated with all honour and courtesy.”

“Of course Lord.”Flaptongue replied. He scurried ahead to prepare the room while Ambrosiusmarched behind him.

The Count laid Ceri onthe bed, Flaptongue spoke softly, “Shall I send the serving maids up,Lord?”

“There’s no need,” Ambrosius replied, “haveyou brought the nightshirt?”

“Yes, Lord,” Flaptonguenodded, “shall I make the bed?”

“Please.” With the ease of one used to undressing people he carefully divestedCerian of the clothes she wore and slipped the woollen shirt over her head. Laying her on the bed he covered her warmly and eased himself into the chair beside it, “Would you send up aflask of water and two goblets, Flaptongue.”

Ceri woke slowly, she wasaware of lying in a warm bed although and here her memory was hazy, shecouldn’t remember going to bed the previous evening, someone slid an armbeneath her shoulders as she was lifted easily and a cup was touched toher lips, “Drink slowly,” the voice urged. Ceri forced open her eyelids andstared up into eyes as blue as her own. Their eyes locked for aninterminable time and then the man’s eyes dropped to thearm cradling the girl.

“Feeling better?” he queriedgently.

“Yes, thank you,” Cerismiled, “how-how long have I been asleep?”

The man smiled in return, aneasy smile that lit his eyes and lips, “Half a day, do you feel like gettingup?”

“Yes,” Ceri replied, “thankyou, Lord.”

Ambrosius smiled andinclined his head slightly, “You are my guest,” he said quietly, “I shallsend Malla up to you with some clothes.”

When he had gone Ceri swung her legs out of bed and satstaring stupidly at the room, she picked up the goblet of water Ambrosius had set down and drained it. After a few moments shefelt better and standing up walked across to the window,instead of overlooking the courtyard she was overlooking the Brêtoncountryside and in the distance she could see the sparkle of sun onwater and knew that she was looking at the sea!

There was a soft tapon the door and a young girl, about the same age as Ceri enteredthe room, over one arm she carried a selection of clothes. They stood gazing at one another for thirty seconds and then Malla said, “I have brought some clothes, my Lady, would you like to try them on?”

Suddenly Ceri realised thatMalla was waiting for her to divest herself of the woollen nightgown anda crimson flush crept up her neck and face. Malla stared at her, surpriseetched on her features then she laid the clothes on the bedand walked across to Ceri, “I am sorry, my Lady,” she took both Ceri’shands in her own, “you did not know that I was to assist you. Let me help youdress, we ought not to keep the Count waiting.”

“No,” Ceri agreed, shepulled off the woollen nightshirt and thrust her arms into the tunicMalla held out for her, Malla fastened a crimson cloak on her shouldersthat fell to thigh length and a silver belt was fixed around her waist. Thefinal touches were a pair of red leather sandals and a gold circlet that the servant set upon her hair, she surveyed Ceri and said, “Now youlook like a Princess.”

Cerian looked down atherself and said, “I think we’d better go to Count Ambrosius.”

Malla led her to a spaciousroom, books and scrolls lined the walls, near the window stood atable upon which another scroll lay, sunlight poured in through thewindow and fell onto the table, the Count was reading something and the light seemed to form a corona around him, and Cerian was reminded of the gods.

He laid the scroll down andas he walked away from the window the glow faded until she was looking ata man, he gestured to a chair, his eyes flicked up and down her figure and asudden smile lit his face, “You do indeed look like a Princess,” he saidsoftly.

“You flatter me,” Cerireplied dryly.

“Not without reason,”Ambrosius replied, “Cerian, we must talk. Please, sit down.”

Slowly Ceri eased herself into one of the chairs besidethe fire, Ambrosius filled a cup and handed it to her, “It’s only water.”

He poured himself acup and sat opposite her. He glanced at the girl’s hands holding the neckof the goblet and saw that the knuckles were white. His dark, hawk-likeeyes softened and he felt a wave of sympathy for her.

“I owe you a debt,” he begangently.

Cerian looked up fromher contemplation of the water and a little smile curved her mouth, she shook her head, “No. No, my Lord, you owe menothing, you see, it was my fault you were injured.”

Ambrosius smiled againand the smile made her feel a little better, “How can it be your fault?”

Cerian sighed and fora moment her head dropped, then a new courage seemed to infuse her, hershoulders straightened and she raised her head and Ambrosius saw his owneyes gazing back at him.

“I am not what I seem,” Ceribegan softly, “my mother was a Princess in her own right, she was aPriestess of a strong religion and she bore a gift of healing. That she passed on to me - her name was-” but Ambrosius hadgently laid a palm across her mouth, their faces were very closeand Ceri could feel the power emanating from this man.

“Her name was Cerian Asfrid,”he said quietly. Slowly he removed his hand and eased himself back intothe chair, “How much do you know about your mother?” he enquired.

“I know that she wasbetrothed to King Gorlan of Lanascol,” Ceri glanced at his face and tooka deep breath, “and that you, as his lieutenant, were sent to bring herto him. I know that you fell in love-” her voice died in her throat, Ambrosius’eyes had become distant, their vibrant blueness dulled by melancholy.

“I loved your mothervery much,” he began slowly, “and I believe she loved me. I asked her tocome away with me but she refused-” his voice cracked and the lidsdropped on his dulled eyes.

Ceri stared at him, seeingthe pain etched in his face, placing the cup on the floor she leantforward and laid her pale hand over his weathered one. Ambrosius opened hiseyes and Ceri began hesitantly, “My Lord, I know that she loved you, but she was a Princess who had been broughtup to understand that when she reached marriageable age, she would be betrothed to a Prince or a King who could best defend the country.If she had not loved you, I doubt she would have wanted me tolive.”

Ambrosius caught her hand so tightly that it made her gasp, “How do you know shewanted you to live!” he demanded.

“Because when she went intolabour, they said a choice would have to be made between her and the child.”Ceri halted suddenly, “she begged them to save me, instead of her. I knowshe loved you - Father.”

Ambrosius caught herup in his arms and crushed her to his chest as if he could somehowmerge their bodies, he gently set her down on the floor and droppedto a knee so that their eyes were level, “You speak very much like shedid,” he remarked softly, his arms still encircling Ceri’s waist, “but the eyesare mine. Once I thought that I would die without issue, then a sonappeared from Wales, and now a daughter. Welcome home, Daughter!”

“But I have interrupted yourstory,” he eased himself back into the chair and gestured for Ceri to do thesame, “please continue, there is so much I want to know - how did youknow of me? Where did you live? Who cared for you?”

Ceri sighed slowly, “Lord-”she began.

“Father,” Ambrosiusadmonished, “you are after all my daughter, it will soon be timefor the Beltane Fires, I should like to celebrate your coming then if Imay.”

“I didn’t growup in this time, Father,” Ceri said softly, “I am very much afraidthat I may be more of a trial to you than you can safely bear. There isso much you do not know and so much that I am afraid to tell you-” she stopped,suddenly unable to go on.

“I know that I will return to Britain,”Ambrosius regarded her silently for a moment and then he said, “and Ihope to unite all the tribes under one King and one God whetherthat god be Mithras, Christ or any other. I also know that my greatestenemies are not those with swords and daggers, but those who usethe power of the Dark,” he stopped at Ceri’s thunderstruck face, “did you think that I didn’t know. I am aware that there are powersother than human ones that seek to manipulate the course of human history.” Hepaused momentarily, “did you think that I wouldn’t understand?”

“Mmmm,” Ceri nodded, “I couldn’t even begin to explain this to myparents-” she halted suddenly as she realised what she’d said.

“Don’t worry,” Ambrosius smiled, “I would expect you to regard those people who raisedyou as your parents. Your conduct before Budec and Uther and myself hasshown your quality.” He laughed softly at Ceri’s astonished visage, “I havespoken with both since my return and both told me of your courtesy. Utherhimself told me of your bravery.”

“I am not brave,” Cerishook her head firmly, “Father, the person who delivered mebelieved that through me a prophecy to free someone long held in bondage wouldbe fulfilled and because of that the Dark would seek to kill the baby. I was placed somewhere safe for my own protection, but not a place, a time. The future.” She stopped againtrying to replace the words to say.

“How far into the future?”Ambrosius asked.

Ceri didn’t hear him, hereyes had become vacant, faraway as if she was looking inward. GentlyAmbrosius posed the question again, then when that received noanswer he touched Ceri’s arm, she jumped startled, “Whatcentury in the future?”

She half-smiled, “Thetwentieth.”

He stared at her, shocketched on his features and then they relaxed in a smile, “Do they stillspeak of me in your Britain?”

“Yes,” Ceri assured him. “They do indeed, Lord Ambrosius Aurelianus.”

He laughed, aglorious sound, in that enclosed room. “Did the person who took you intothe future tell you about me?”

“No,” Ceri shook herhead. Taking a deep breath she said, “the Dark finally discovered who I was and then they sent one of their minions to despatch me, the creature of the Dark told me.” She smiled wanly, ”at the moment I never know from one day to the next whether I’ll haveany power or not, and when the creature raised its weapon I fled throughTime and fell into yours.”

The Count’s forehead creasedin a frown, “But if you escaped the minion of the Dark then how can it beyour fault if I was injured?”

“The being fired anarrow that would follow me, even through Time, it would alsoaim for anyone related to me. I think you were closer and the arrowwounded you by mistake. It nearly killed you.”

“But you had thecourage to amend the ill you had wrought. Besides -” his eyes softened andhe took Ceri’s hands again, “the Dark were waiting for such an opportunity toattack me, perhaps it was fated thus. I am still here - the Dark cannotrid themselves of me that easily.”

The doors to thestudy opened and a young boy entered, Ambrosius greeted him warmly andCeri saw how similar they were in appearance, same hair, same eyes, eventhe set of the jaw was the same and she knew that she was regarding Ambrosius’sson, “Merlin, I believe you and Cerian have already met.”

Merlin nodded and Ambrosius gestured to another chair, “Join us, my son.”

He sat and poured himself acup of water, “Are you really my sister?”

“Yes,” Cerian replied, “atleast the Count says that I am.”

“I say nothing,” Ambrosiuscorrected her, “I gave that brooch you wear to your mother on boardship, the fact that you wear it and that you know about your mother isproof enough for me. Besides which-” he paused and then saidsoftly, “you are the image of her.”

“I am more concerned aboutKing Gorlan,” Cerian half-smiled, “he would not be best pleased todiscover that his wife was pregnant at the time she died.”

Ambrosius smiled in return,“Fourteen years have passed since then,” he said quietly, “I am no longer alowly lieutenant in Gorlan’s army but a King in my own right, I do notthink he will be as displeased as you assume.”

“But as you say, myLord, I am the image of her, and if he remembers her he willrecognise me. Do you not think?”

“We shall see,” wasAmbrosius reply.

Suddenly there was a blast of trumpets and Flaptongue entered again, “My lord, KingGorlan has arrived and has been admitted, are you coming to the Council.”

“Aye Flaptongue,”Ambrosius replied, he turned to Cerian, “would you accompany us,daughter, both Uther and Budec will wish to express their thanks toyou.”

“What of Gorlan?”

“What of him?” Ambrosiuslaughed suddenly, “Come.” He held out a hand and gingerly Cerian took it.

The Council was heldin the tower room, Ceri noted with mild surprise that it only hadone staircase and that the room beneath it was occupied by at least tensoldiers.

“Father,” she said softly,“was the meeting room used for parleys?”

Ambrosius stern face relaxedand he nodded, “How did you know?”

“Because of the singlestaircase and the room with the soldiers in it, if anyone was to get upthe stairs the soldiers would see them before they could act.”

Ambrosius pulled her to him in a massive bear hug, “Never cease to amaze me, Cerian. Promise?”

“If my lord so wishes,”Cerian replied softly.

As they entered theCouncil chamber, Budec had his back to them and was poring over the mapset before them on the table. He stepped back and for the first time Ceri caught a glimpse of the man standing on his left. Their eyes locked, and then he had pushed the men standingnext to him aside and dropped to his knees before her.

“Ceri!” he gasped, “how can you be here? I saw your body.”

Cerian felt agentle hand on her shoulder and realised that Ambrosius was standingbehind her, she drew strength from his presence and heard him say, “Cerian,this is King Gorlan of Lanascol, Your Highness,” he surveyed Gorlan,“this is my daughter, Cerian Aurelia.”

Gorlan reached out atrembling hand and nearly touched Ceri’s face, his cheeks were wet, “Youare the Count’s daughter?”

Ceri dropped to a curtseyand nodded, “Aye, Your Highness.”

“You look so much likea woman I once loved.” Gorlan mused, “she was named Cerian too. Do youhave something to tell me, Lieutenant?”

The use of his old title inGorlan’s army made Ambrosius start but when he looked down he saw onlyhumour in Gorlan’s eyes, “Your Highness?”

“Come Ambrosius, you are notso foolish as all that,” Gorlan’s eyes were dark, “My wife told me that she was in love withsomeone else but that she went through with the marriage because ofwhat it meant to the Kingdom. I always wondered who it was, I must admit,however, that I am glad it was you. But perhaps I should havesuspected it-” he paused, “after all, you were her escort fromSegontium. I always thought it was some peasant lad and that’s why she was killed, because she would not flee with him. Are you her daughter?”

“Aye,” Cerian replied, “she died giving birth to me, sire. The onlyperson who knew of my birth was a woodsman and he saw that I was placedin a loving family. Those I regarded as my parents never told me of my heritage, and when I discovered it I was afraid thatyou would be angry with my father.”

“Angry?” Gorlan half-smiled, “I would have been furious had my lieutenant told me of this fourteen years ago, but now-” he spread hishands and shrugged, “now we are allies. We have been friends for many years, it would be a poor friendship if we let this ruin it.” He regarded Cerian thoughtfully, “I wishthat you had been my daughter.” He took her hands, “but perhaps it isbetter thus. You will always have a place in my heart, Princess.”

Ceri nodded andreplied, “Sire, that is the most singular honour I have ever beengranted. My thanks.”

Gorlan suddenly flung hishead back and laughed, he lifted Ceri as if she had been but a feather andhugged her to him. Carefully he set her down on the floor, “The honour ismine, Princess.” He released her and turned back to Ambrosius,“Gentlemen, let us return to our strategies.”

Ceri seated herself on a chair in the corner of the room and watchedquietly. The men were taking no notice of her and she was free to let hermind wander, then she heard Herne’s voice as clear as if he was standing next to her, Madam, we must talk

At once, Cernunnos. Give me a moment to take my leave of my father. There was no answer so she presumedthat Herne acquiesced to her request. She rose to herfeet and touched the Count’s elbow, “Father?”

He turned to her and whatever he saw in her face softened his expression, “You have to leave?”

“Yes, Father.” Ceri’s voiceshook on the words.

“Will you return?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps notfor many years in your time, Father. If I do return, Merlin will havebecome an adult, and I will still be fourteen. It is the nature ofwhat I am, can you understand?”

Ambrosius knelt and it seemed to Ceri that it was only the pair of them in that room and the others had faded into the background, “Mydarling daughter, I love you. I told you that I thought I had lost everything with the death of your mother - to see herlikeness in your face again is more than I could have wished.If perchance we should never meet again I shall remember these two days and know that somewhere in Time you revere my memory. Return if you can, if not I shall remember you.”

“And I you, Father.”

Ambrosius turned to the assembled group who seemed to come to lifeagain, and spoke, “Hear me now as King, you Kingsassembled here. This is my daughter who stands before you, henceforward you shall address her as PrincessCerian.”

With one voice they cheered,“Princess Cerian!” and each one bowed his head and knelt to her.Gorlan looked up and saw Ceri’s pale face, “My Lady,” he said softly,“may I speak?”

“Please, Lord Gorlan,” Cerireplied, “and speak freely.”

“I speak for us allassembled here, Princess. Therefore, to your father and to you we giveour fealty, and that of our heirs and successors. If you should ever need our assistance you have only to call on us and we shall come to you - we can raise an army of fifty thousand between us.”

Ceri smiled and replied,“Please rise, gentlemen. I thank you foryour generosity and I will always remember it.”

“Highness, it has been anhonour and a pleasure.” Budec knelt and bared his neck for her. “I hope weshall meet again.”

“So do I, sire.” Cerireplied, “My Lords, I regret that I must leave you.”

The menbowed their heads, Ceri curtsied – badly – and then she was walking out of thedoor and down the stairs, Ambrosius at her side.

The chestnut steed wasalready saddled and bridled, Ceri mounted in one fluid motion and gathered thereins up in her left hand. Ambrosius looked up at her, “I hope we shall meetagain, Daughter.”

“So do I, Father.”Cerian reached out her hand and Ambrosius grasped her wrist as he would a warrior’s, “I would consider it a poor world if we never saw each other again.”

“As would I.”Ambrosius released her hand, “Open the gates!” He ordered. The huge gates creaked open and then Ceri had urged the horseinto a trot. She did not look back.

Herne was waiting at the Giant’s Dance. The horse was stamping impatiently, “What kept you?” He demanded.

“Things,” Ceri replied, “Ambrosius acknowledged me as his daughter. I am sorry I amlate.”

Herne noted Ceri’s pale faceand nodded gravely, “Forgive me, Lady. I did not mean to reprimand you.Are you happy now?”

A sad smile touched Ceri’seyes and she replied, “Not really, Cernunnos, I do not wish to leave but I havecompleted part of what I set out to do. I sense that whatever I must dofor my father, I cannot do it yet.”

Herne said nothing andtogether they turned their horses and trotted side by side into the night.