Silent Rose Library, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – January 12, 2006 – by Tatania Karthina –
Introduction
The Adventures of Kelin will be a series on the pains and triumphs of growing up. Within this series, you’ll see Kelin grow from a youngster of about 2 years of age through young adulthood. You’ll see how he “raises” his “siblings” and makes decisions that will forever alter his life. Although other members of Kelin’s rather large and boisterous family will be introduced and expanded on, the main focus of the series will be Kelin.
Come join Kelin and his family on their many misadventures while they learn about life, surrounded by the love of a close knit family!
Prologue
It was a stormy night in the city of Skara Brae. Young Milla Broadrick kept looking anxiously out the window as rain splattered and lightening streaked the sky. She fretted as she paced back and forth, worried sick about her two brothers out traveling in this storm to come to her.
Gnieus had earlier in the day sent her a letter by messenger for her to be home this evening as he was sending her an extremely important package, hopefully in person. Milla had not seen or heard from her eldest brother in 3 years and was anxious to see for herself that he was alright. Of course, when she had gotten the message from Gnieus, she had sent a message immediately to her younger brother Caius to come to Skara Brae, for Gnieus was coming home. Now, there was nothing to do but wait.
Lightening splits the sky and thunder booms, rattling the windows of her little cottage, just as a loud knock sounded at the door. Startled, Milla jumps, gasping for breath a moment before running to the door and jerking it open. He stood there, framed in the door. A tall man with dark hair and a rather sinister look about him. He held a large basket in his hands.
“Yer brother Gneius sent me. I gots something fer ya.” the man spoke with a rough voice.
Milla stepped aside quickly and watched him as he stepped inside, water dripping on the carpet from his drenched cape. The man thrust the surprisingly heavy basket into her hand before turning and walking back out into the storm. “Wait! Is he alright? Is he coming?”, she called after the man to no avail. The mysterious man had disappeared as fast as he had appeared.
Milla took the basket over by the fire and settled down by it. She lifted a blanket tucked in snugly on the sides and gasped. Fast asleep in the basket was a small child of about a year old. He was a miniature of Gnieus with his dark wavy hair. Laying on top of the child was a letter. She opened it with trembling fingers.
Milli,
This is my son Kelin. He’ll be a year old tomorrow and the only worthwhile thing I’ve ever accomplished. His mother, my wife died tonight in a fire saving the lad. I have to take care of some things and fear for the lad’s life if he remains with me. The fire was deliberately set in the hope of killing me. Please keep my son safe and well. I’ll contact you as soon as I can. Gnieus
She looks into the basket at the sleeping lad and whispers,”I’ll keep you safe and happy Kelin Broadrick. I think I love you already.”
***
A long while later, the front door burst open once again. A handsome young man with dark wavy hair and bright blue eyes steps inside, shaking the rain from his traveling cloak. “He had better show up this time or I’ll choke him next time I see him. Honestly Milli… traveling in this weath” his tirade abruptly stops as he sees the child sleeping in his sister’s arms.
“It has not been that long since I’ve seen you Milli! who’s baby?”, he speaks softer now, aware of the sleeping child.
“The note is laying there on the table Cai. Read it and see what you make of it.” Milla speaks softly as she rocks the child gently.
Caius crosses the room and picks up the note, his bright blue eyes widening with surprise yet his expression growing concerned as he reads. Finally, he looks up to Milla and young Kelin and crosses the room to them. Adjusting his sword on his side he reaches for the boy. “Let me see him proper Milli” his voice is strangly gruff.
The Paladin lifts the boy in his arms and looks closely into his face. The lad awakens and blue eyes meet blue eyes. “You’re safe now young Kelin. Your Auntie and I will see to it that you are well cared for.”
“I pray Gnieus is alright, but one never knows with him. Geeez Milli… Why does he always have to find so much trouble?”
“Trouble has just always seemed to find him Caius. As much as I love him though, he’s never given a flip about the virtues or right and wrong. The man that brought the lad would have scared me to death had I met up with him on a dark street.”
“Ah Milli… don’t fret now. I do know our brother well enough to know that he would not have given him a task like caring for wee kelin here if he did not have complete confidence in him.” he said as he cuddled the baby.
“Caius, I know you can’t stay indefinately to help me. Perhaps we can contact Chase Steel and see if he can help protect Kelin and me.” said as nonchalantly as she could manage.
“That’s a good idea Milli. I’ll see about speaking with him tomorrow. Chase is a bit disreputable himself, but I do trust him.” he looks at her, his bright blue eyes narrowing slightly as he considers her. Caius pushes aside the thought that his sister, sweet, gentle and shy Milli could have feelings toward Chase who is close to being an Outlaw.
One Year Later
There in the midst of the flowers in the chapel, the Priest speaks solomly, “Chase, you may kiss your bride.”
Family and friends of the bride and groom cheer and clap as the couple kiss. A young boy of about 2 squirms in his Uncle’s arms. Caius sets the lad down and he toddles right to Chase, squealing with glee with his arms waving wildly, “Cha Cha! me up! Me up Cha!!”
Laughing, Chase picks up the lad in his arms and kisses his forehead. “Ye didn’t think I’d save all me kisses for yer Auntie now did you?”
Caius laughs and shakes his head, “Chase. You’ve really spoiled him terribly. Perhaps I can change that while you’re on your honeymoon.
Chase looks to his new bride then to Caius rather sheepishly, “Well… um er… I was hoping Kelin could go with us.”
***
And so the Broadrick and Steels unite in love, forming a bond that will span for generations yet to come.
Tatania Karthina
12 January 2006