The High King's Noble Son, Part V

V. Prince Garrow, it seemed, had not listened well, they said he was already riding south, not even waiting to meet his twin bastards, who’s mother had perished pushing them out. Reth found himself looking down at two boys, screaming infants, his hungry nephews, with no wet Nurse nearby, their fate looked grim, to be struck down in the dawn of their youth... Then he sparked up, said,”Go saddle my horse! I must ride, and there is no time to spare!” He slung the two boys in a sack on his back, then took off across the frontier in a tear. Three hours of hearing the babies wail, and he rode up to Efferin’s estate, the place was in mourning, draped all in black, but he rushed quickly on past the front gate. Inside he found her, his sweet Saleesa, her face stained from crying for her loss, he said,”If you ever loved me, help me now, or my young nephews are doomed to be lost.” Her eyes went wide when he removed the sack, Revealing the hungry and squabbling pair, Without hesitation, she opened her dress, And nursed the two frantic youths then and there. He waited until the two boys quieted, before softly to his love he did speak, said,”I know you’re in morning for your man, but I hope you might listen to me--” Before he could say more, she raised up her hand, “It’s for my father that these days I have cried. The man I married never had my heart, I’ve not loved since I stared into your eyes. “He gave me a daughter, and nothing more, and if a poor widow you’re willing to wed, I’ll send my servants now, to get a magi, I care not for the words my father once said.” Reth was too stunned to speak for a beat, then said,”Please send for a magi with speed!” She smiled and said,”Please wait for a bit, must give your children a good chance to feed.” The words hit him hard, but he knew their truth, Garrow would never claim them as his own. “Then my sons they be, and I’ve a daughter too, from here-on-out this place will be our home!” Word of their marriage soon reached King Hoban, who quickly made Reth into a new Count, nobles grumbled, but none would speak harsh about a warrior who had won such renown. Reth raised up those boys, and three more who came, to be heroic, brave, and honest souls, they’re exploits and deeds are now our legends, about which many a grand tale is told. And though Garrow’s line still sits on the throne, it is known far and wide to everyone, that Count Reth the Bastard is forever the noblest of High King Hoban’s sons.