The refocused resumed bright light shined once again into
the room of the year 2023, of the ceremony of Pastor Connor
Drake, of the castle-turned- Chivalry Chapel.
Pastor Connor Drake, dressed in a nice suit, with an American-
English accent “There will be a Jubilee banquet to mark the
anniversary of Chivalry Chapel today at noon. We ask all to
dress in medieval apparel. See you all at noon.”
The congregation walk into the fellowship hall.
Pastor Connor Drake signals a man from the pew with neatly
combed, shoulder length blonde hair wearing dark jeans,
boots, navy-blue shirt with a long trench coat to stand next to
him,
Detective Liam Niles enters, respectfully treads over the tutor
styled carpet casually, then stands his six feet tall to greet the
pastor in gallant stance.
Tauna Drake swiftly comes in from the hallway, stands next
to her father, exhales her breath at attention to him. Her
auburn hair matched her shirt with blue jeans and shoe
boots.
Pastor Drake, a sense of annoyance to her. “Tauna, once
again, you are late.”
Tauna gives him a glancing, tolerated look. “Yes Father, I am
well aware of that.” She declared in her American accent.
Pastor Drake stood. “Oh, Preacher’s kids, Don’t you love
them. Daughter, meet Master Detective, Liam Niles. I asked
him to come and investigate and find the signet ring of our
lineage of Sir Knight John Drake.”
Tauna takes a glance at the detective, then, halts with
courteousness. “Pleased to meet you sir, I mean, Detective
Niles.”
Liam Niles gives back a curious stare. “The pleasure is mine,
and please, just Liam.” He said in a gentle British-Englishman’s
accent.
Pastor Drake , Tauna, Liam, all stood and looked up to
observe the old stain glass window.
Pastor Drake explained. “According to the chapel’s
documents, this chapel was the castle. The stain glass window
tells a symbolic story of the castle in the year 1586. The old
fable goes that Sir Knight Drake had a priest hide his coat of
arms signet ring, the ring is the family’s fortune. The only clue
we found is this symbol of a dragon which is also depicted on
the fireplace in the fellowship hall.”
Bren Drake stood at the door in her long dark skirt, white
shirt, then enters the room. “I remember reading the fable
from the old manuscript documents to her when she was
young.” With pride.
Pastor Drake, “ Bren, my wife. Thanks for your insight. A
woman like Mother Mary.”
Liam took note. “Documents? And where are these old
documents?”
Tauna looked at him. “In the great hall’s closet.”
Liam looked at her fascinated. “May I see them please?”
Dayn McConel, standing eager next to them, with an
American accent. “We’re finally going to end this mystery.”
Pastor Drake taking note. “This is Dayn, my assistant pastor,
he will take over Chivalry Chapel soon. Dayn, let’s let the
detective do his investigation while we attend the others to
prepare for the event. And I shall see you two at noon.”
Dayn apprehensively walked away with the Pastor.
Tauna led the way, showing him into the great hall room.
Liam proceeded to walk toward the great hall along side her.
“Is Dayn always like that?”
Tauna looked at him. “Dayn? He’s eager like all of us to end
the mystery. And I must get used to it as I will be his wife
soon.” She guided him.
Liam Niles raised his brow. “Will you. Dear oh dear, Miss
Drake. Prepare to walk into my world in detection. Are you
ready?”
Tauna glanced at him once. “Me. Seriously?”
Liam Niles boldly walked. “Yes indeed.”
Tauna walked intrigued. “Well. This could be fun.”
Liam follows her directly into the room, laying his hand on
top of the big round table in the middle of the room waiting
for her to place the documents.
Tauna, taking out the documents from the closet, she placed
the old papers across the table.
Liam Niles, with his keen deduction, taking a good view, he
pointed his finger at the facts. “Here it is. The year, fifteen,
eighty-six.“ Tracing his finger to another paper document, he
once again showed her the information about the stain glass
window. “Right. The ancient drawing of the stain glass
window, but does not show the symbolic signet ring. But
there is one depicted on the stain glass window.” He looks up
at the surrounds of the room. “The priest was wise for not
noting it, keeping it from the enemy.” He admired her.
“Right. Tauna, let’s start inspecting this castle-turned chapel.
Beginning at the fireplace.” He fixed his sight onto the dragon
mosaic symbol, embedded in the middle of the mantel.
Directly going to the mantel, Tauna following him, he
inspected it closely, taking his fingers to feel around. “The
documents state that in the chapel…..” His hand suddenly
stopped as he felt a shifting brick, stopped to give a surprised
look at her, a surprised look on their faces as they looked at
each other, then as he pulled the brick out, he placed his
hand inside the hollow area, but to find a skeleton key as he
took it out to show her. “Now Miss Drake. Where is the
hidden door?”
Tauna, taking the key from his fingers for a closer look. “ As I
vaguely remember, It is the key to the old arched doorway of
the rarely used entrance that hasn’t been used since the days
of Sir Drake and his priest.”
Liam, with slight dimpled smirk. “And where does this
doorway lead to?”
Tauna looked at him in intrigued interest. “To an old
passageway outside.”
Liam, held his hand out to her in invite. “Right. Let’s give it a
go. Shall we?”
Tauna escorted him toward the ancient arch door.
Liam inquired.“Tauna, What’s your age?”
Tauna assertive. “Old enough to know better. And you?”
Liam smirked. “Older than you love.”
Liam and Tauna looked at each with curious spark.
Tauna inquired. “The coat of arms symbol on your trench
coat’s buttons. You’re not just An Englishman. And you come
from a long line of swordsmen.”
Liam briefly stopped for a moment to look at her intrigued.
“You are quite observant. Now, how would you know that? I
didn’t tell you.”
Tauna wryly observed. “Father made sure I read about it
growing up. I’m fascinated in the subject.” She stood
mesmerized at him.
Liam observing her back in return. “Daddy’s little girl, I
suppose.”
Tauna showed her charisma. “Something like that.”
Liam admired her. “You are an intelligent woman. Shall we
continue with our adventure?”
They proceeded to unlock the door, as the door open with a
creaking sound, then enter outside, the cool breeze blew
gently through their hair.
Tauna pointed her finger into the distance. “There’s a river
that father used to have baptisms in. It’s over there.”
Liam admired the view. “There’s a legend that was told from
the medieval times, according to the fable, possibly if a
knight died, they placed his sword into the water as a
symbolism ….or they put the sword into the river to hide it
from the enemy, or they lost it through battle.”
Tauna, gazed in fascination at him. “Is all your investigations
like this, your king Arthur like knowledge? Tell me, what’s it
like in your quests as detective?”
Liam, his gentleman views on her given back. “As detective?
Alright little girl. Let me tell you about my adventurous tales,
Miss Tauna Drake of the castle Chivalry Chapel.” Taking his
reverenced hand, he invited her to sit with him on a nearby
bench overlooking the shimmering river.
The hour went by filled with ambiance of curiosity between
them. With each discussion of his stories of detection, her
eyes intriguingly followed his, his notice of her attention to
him, mesmerized his view into hers-one lingering stare
between them, she exhaled quickly, looked down in shyness,
then up again to his dimpled smile at her. She gave her
mutual grin to him as he takes her hand in honor, kissing upon
it, his mesmerized gaze upon her, her unmistaken bond to
him .
Liam, with his strong hold upon her. “Now Miss Drake. Ready
for the banquet?” He stood tall and strong, extended his
inviting hand out to her.
Tauna, with a nod of agreement, lay her hand into his hand,
as they began their way back to the old arch door.
Liam, with a final closing, takes the key, locks the ancient
door, placing the key inside his trench coat’s pocket.
Liam showed his respects. “Right. I suppose that is it for
now.”
Liam and Tauna gave each other the look of interest as they
leave to their rooms.
Dayn reached out, takes her wrist, pulling her into a corner.
“Too many hours with that man. Really Tauna, did you have to
go as far as to making me jealous, may I remind of your
father’s promised sacrament to each other?”
Tauna with indented brows. “You know as well as I, that Liam,
….Detective Niles and I are conducting business together.”
Dayn, with brute lips. “Oh come on Tauna, I can see right
through you, you’re falling for him aren’t you?”
Tauna took note. “Dayn, I know you mean well, you and I, we
have known each other for years, and yes, my father’s
agreement in my nuptials with you and beneficiary of the
chapel with me, I have honored his request. In my younger
years at one time, I had laid curious eyes on you, when long
before I knew what love was, or, though I thought. There is
nothing wrong to say, that I have a deep interest in Detective
Niles’ work, I’m very much intrigued by how he
engages……shares his interests back towards me, as his
temporary assistant. Besides, I don’t see your ring on my
finger yet, now, kindly I must get ready for the event.” She
began to walk off.
Dayn tightens her wrist, looks straight at her. “Make sure, it
is just that. Temporary.”
Tauna tugs hard, pulling away from him and continues
onward to her room.
Liam, just around the corner listening intently, then walks on
to his room.
At the banquet…..
Pastor Drake, dressed in a king’s attire, walks down the hall
to welcome his guests.
Liam, dressed in a white peasant shirt, jabot, black jean pants
tucked inside his long boots. He walks up to the pastor “Good
evening King Drake.”
Pastor Drake addressed him. “Liam. Is everyone ready? Where
is that daughter of mine?”
Tauna, dressed beautifully adorned in a gold belt, maiden
gown, her hair fixed elegant, her face, beautified rose
blushed. “Right here father.”
Liam Looked at her in even more interest. “You look lovely.”
He took her hand, kissed upon it.
Tauna gave him her lingered consented look of ‘thanks’.
Quickly saw his top button unbuttoned. “Here, let me help
you with that.” She takes her fingers to push the button
through the button hole, pulls back.
Liam checks his button with his finger. “Thank you, Miss
Tauna.” His eyes locked with hers.
Tauna smiles at him.
Dayn, looking very intently at them.
Pastor Connor, focused. “I also will have monks from the
monastery as guests to a sacred sacramental of faithful
fellowship goodwill. Keep in mind, they will come with their
rituals.”
Bren’s attention peered out the window. “Ah, and here they
are.”
Pastor Drake’s attention suddenly turned to the arrival group
of monks in highly fashionable robes at the foyer’s door, as
they enter into the foyer. “And here are the guests for a
fortnight.
Pastor Connor led the way with Bren to the great hall.
everyone ready?”
Liam reshifted his hands behind his back while treading the
corridor. “Blimey. Quite virtuous for monks.”
Tauna looks at him with enchantment. ”You’ve quite thorough
yourself, in your investigations.”
Liam looks at her with the corner of his eyes. “Let’s see how
thorough later love. See you in the chamber court of spies.”
He invites her inside the great hall with gentleman reverence.
Tauna, gives him a slight grin, then enters into the great hall.
In the great hall, a gathering amongst everyone at a very long
medieval table commenced. Their dinner platters already laid
out for them, they began to eat their meals.
Tauna sat quietly dabbling her food with her fork, not taking
any bites, sets her fork aside onto her plate, then glanced at
Liam, seeing Liam glance of his mesmerized stare of her
beauty verses deducing her earlier demeanor.
Bren, sitting opposite at the table of her. “Tauna, you’re not
eating your food. Are you not well.”
Tauna directly looks at her. “Yes mother, I’m fine. I’m just not
hungry.”
Bren gave a strange expression. “Our Tauna not hungry?
That’s the first.”
Pastor Drake shifted in his seat. “Pre wedding jitters, that’s
what it is.”
Bren in caring view. “It’s amazing what love does to people.
You can’t eat, you can’t sleep.”
Pastor Drake looked at Tauna. “Yes and this love with produce
an heir to Chivalry Chapel.”
Liam quietly listening intently to all the comments with
seeing her expressions, from despair of Dayn, to her father’s
daughter of protection, then back to him for reassurance.
Dayn following Liam and Tauna’s look at each other.
Pastor Drake, Finishing up his meal. “I know what we can do.
Tauna, entertain us. Choose your partner in dance with that,
you know, that dance.” Waving his hand loosely.
Tauna’s mouth open. “What, now?”
Bren admonished. “Tauna, please do, you’re so beautiful at
it,”
Tauna briefly views everyone in the room. “Ok.” She takes her
last glance at Liam, gets up from her chair, walks to the
middle of the open spaced floor and stands looking at all.
“Detective Liam Niles, Will you please come dance with me.”
Pastor Drake and Bren looked at the detective with everyone
else.
Liam looks at the pastor and Bren.
Bren Signals with a go ahead-nod to him to do it.
Dayn gave a look of disdain at Liam.
Liam looks back at Tauna. “Alright.” Stands up, walking over
to her.
Pastor Drake gives a questionable expression. “What’s this all
about? She usually has Dayn dance with her.”
Bren turns to him. “Connor, she’s not fifteen anymore, she’s
an adult woman. See her expression on her face, she’s
becoming smitten with him.”
Liam, a little uneasy. “Tauna, I only know some dance moves.
I’m sure you’d rather choose someone else.”
Tauna gave a reassured glance to him. “No Liam, I choose you.
Don’t worry, I’ll lead the way.”
Tauna and Liam in position. The music began softly as Tauna
led Liam into many intricate moves, one step forward, one
step backward, held hands high, then he recognized the third
step, then took over leading her into another dance step,
placing their arms over each other’s heads, then lower them,
as they rotate their winding momentum side by side, as the
music’s high notes slowed down to a halt. They looked
mesmerized with each other. The room silent.
Bren began clapping her hands, as the others did.
Liam and Tauna smiled at each other on the way back to their
seats.
Dayn grabbing her arm gently, adamantly stared at her. “Why
didn’t you ask me to dance?”
Tauna halt with answer. “Because I didn’t.” She went to her
chair and sat.
Bren held her hand and gave her a big grin.
Pastor Drake, with pride. “Well done. Now Liam, did you find
the ring?”
Liam answered in attention. “No Sir. Tauna and I only found a
skeleton key just inside an old loose brick from the fireplace
in this fellowship hall but curiously that led outside.”
Dayn sat in brooding annoyance. “How can anyone find that
ring amongst all those layered bricks is beyond me.”
Liam keenly Observed Dayn, then veered back at the Pastor.
“Pastor Drake, Could you tell me more about Sir Drake?”
Pastor Drake sat straighter. “As the legend goes, in 1586, Sir
Knight Drake, after his loyalty to the queen of England, sailed
to North America bringing his gold with him, in hopes of
becoming a noble of this castle.
Dayn sat more annoyed. “Look, some say he met his demise
here in this castle, or just wounded in battle, his wife and
child by his side, some say he never made it back to claim his
fortune. That was then, WE are here now.”
Liam, sternly. “Yes and that’s why we’re searching for the
lineage heritage that you call fortune!
Dayn stared with contention at him. “I too have an ancestor
that came here at the same time of Sir Drake. His name was
Sir Knight Blackwood. He is also of worthy notice. He may
have been your Sir Knight’s nemesis. I wear the wyven dragon
pin with honor.”
Pastor Drake, with patience. “Thanks for the reminder Dayn,
however, we do need to focus on finding the ring. Enough of
this, let’s have some fun.
Dayn, entertain us with your sword fighting. Go on, choose
your competitor among one of us.
Dayn glances at Tauna.
Tauna quickly averts away from him uninterested.
Dayn stands up to prepare by standing in the middle of the
room, poised straight. “I challenge… Detective Liam Niles.”
Liam looked straight at him. “Ok. Why not.” He stood to walk
over to Dayn.
Dayn wryly stared at him while taking his sword. “Let’s see
what you’re made of besides your sleuthing.”
Liam gives a very optimistic expression, takes a sword, meets
him in middle room.
Dayn whips his sword at him without warning.
Liam suddenly parries back at him in defense, with a clink
sound. “You’re good.”
Dayn whipped it at him again “Detective Niles. Do you like
younger women?”
Liam parried at his sword again, with another clink. “You
mean Tauna? Yes, I like her very much.”
Dayn, whipping his sword again. “You two were gone for quite
awhile today.”
Liam, another clink. “Yes, quite awhile, in our investigation. I
believe in righting a wrong, don’t you?”
Dayn, with a wry look. “And what do you mean by that?”
Whips his sword at him again.
Liam parries his sword against his with a louder clink sound.
“You know. Like having justice for unjust things like deceit
and premeditated thievery.”
Dayn winced as he struck harder at him. “And what are you
claiming Niles?”
Liam struck harder at his opponent. “That you know well
where Sir Knight Drake’s ring is. Or at least the location of it.
Let’s say….the mantel’s brick.”
Dayn Hurled his sword at Liam’s head in threat.
Liam Quickly shielded his head with his sword with a loudest
hard clink, as they both held equally cross swords held against
each other.
Liam snared at him. “I’m watching your every move, don’t
mess with me, for I will break you, and don’t think I won’t.”
He pushed him away with a warning gesture.
Pastor Drake’s head up high in acknowledgement. “Well
done!” clapping out loud along with others, as he and Bren
raised their wine glasses in acknowledge to Liam.
Liam, sitting next to Tauna at a long wooden table, overhears
in observation of others’ conversations.
Dayn inserted. “Tauna. Are you aware of the room,
chancery?”
Tauna, with full attention. “Yes, It’s a room rarely visited. It’s
just on the other side of the chapel.”
Dayn continued. “Legend says, Sir Knight John Drake’s effigy
is hidden somewhere in the chancery along with his sword.”
Liam observing from his table, watching and listening to
Tauna while keeping his attention on Dayn like a hawk. “In
the past, kings and their knights have been known to hide
their swords from their enemies?”
Dayn smirked at Liam. “Yes, Niles, I have known that fact.
Totally obscured from view, but yet under ancient chipped
paint.” Sitting at a distance, with embitterment at him.
Liam, observed him in keenly deduced silence.
Dayn, assertive. “How long will you be in Pastor Drake’s
residence of service?”
Liam looked keenly at Dayn. “Long enough. Pastor Connor
Drake had assigned to me in his service to him, to find the
ring of Sir Drake.” His arm rested on the table, he held his
glass of Guinness near his mouth.
Dayn inserted again. “ I bet it’s quite convenient to have
Tauna around you in search of many answers to clues.
Perhaps Tauna and I can collaborate together in finding the
sword. And Detective Niles, it would help you to focus more in
your investigation to find the ring.”
Liam, observing him in silence, then intervened. “Thank you
Mr. McConol. I’m sure we will find the sword. Now, please
excuse us. Tauna, shall we dance.” He takes Tauna’s hand
escorting her to the middle of the room. “Tauna, I know
where the sword is. We’re going to confiscate it before he
does. Please prepare for my thorough shameless behavior.
I’m about to provoke a reaction.” He suddenly yanked her
close at himself in sensual aggression, took hold of her head
with both hands, embraced her with an aggressive kiss on her
lips boldly.
Tauna places her hand upon his chest in enjoyment.
Liam pulls away from her with a smack from her lips.
Tauna, astound. “Why did you do that?”
Liam, in quick response. “Because I wanted to.”
Dayn whips his napkin down on the table with fury. With a
wry look of disgust, he pulls away from the table to leave the
room.
Liam sees Dayn leave the room. “Thank you love. Now, to
find the sword.” He takes her hand, leads her out of the room
following him out into the foyer, then inside the sanctuary.
On the sanctuary’s rafter, a thurible pendulum of fire freely
swings back and forth across in ceremonial ritual, in
commemoration the monks’ celebration as monks stand in
line in humble prayer to god.
Liam and Tauna, hand in hand, inconspicuously tread past
each column then halts to observe Dayn in avoidance around
the crowd of people and the swinging pendulum. Then sees
him stepping away from an unattainable door in frustration,
going back to his room. Satisfied with proof, he held her hand
tighter. Liam, poised for a sprinting run through. “Sir Drake’s
sword. It’s hidden, or rather, it’s encased within the effigy.”
Hold tight, we’re going after it. You are good at timing, right?”
Tauna steps forward to see the thurible pendulum swinging
toward them, then away from them. Giving him a straight
dignified look of seriousness “ Oh you’re not serious? Are you
serious? Really?” As she kept staring at the coming and going
swing of the fiery ritual. “But in what way? Run with it, or….”
Liam, adventurous. ”There’s only one way to find out.”
Tauna, on high gear. “There’s a double meaning in that!”
Liam, seeing the timing of the thurible pendulum swinging
toward them, then going upward high into the air, in
command, he quickly moves forward. “MOVE!!!” As they
swiftly ran inward toward the center, the thurible once again,
began to swing back down toward them, a heated swooping
sound of spewed incense engulfed the room chased after
them as they ran faster across the mid room row, were about
to leap out from it, Liam grabbing her out of harm’s way,
making it onto the other side, then halt next to a door with a
wooden sign with the words: ‘Chancery’. Raised his brows. “
Are you ready to retrieve?”
Liam and Tauna opened the door, crept inside, shutting the
door. Entering further to observe the room, the atmosphere
filled with spiritual ambiance as they proceeded to take their
steps toward a stone memorial. While approaching the effigy
image, the sun’s rays beamed its light upon a depiction of an
ancient knight from medieval times. As they approached the
image closer, they proceeded taking more steps around the
stone, sliding his fingers around the stone’s parameter, then
stop for a last look at the depicted face.
Liam signaled. “Right. Let’s do it.” He grips his hands tight
onto the edge of the stone, inhaling deep breath, then hoist
himself on top the stone, sat, grabbed her hands to lift her up
with him, swung his body toward the effigy, then began to
search with his fingers for any indentations around the
depicted sword carved image. Feeling around the edges, they
heard voices of the priests coming near. He waved his hand in
front of her to halt for a moment to check with a view at the
closed door. Her long auburn hair dangling to one side, she
joined his cautious paused stare. Not hearing anymore, he
proceeds further once again in search, as she follows him. A
bright glimmer showed through the small nook as the ray of
light shined upon it. Taking his fist, he bashed upon it, as a
small piece stone broke loose. Then another and another, as
he took his fingers to break off more. Repositioning
themselves, they wrapped their hands around the revealed
hilt as they lifted upwards with all their might and strength,
pulling hard, gritting their teeth as it finally popped out of its
casing, the remainder of small stone pieces flinging to the
floor. In awe, she sat looking at the depicted face once again.
Liam’s accomplishment on his face. “Let’s get out of here.”
Placing the sword onto the edge, they dismounted, jumped
onto their feet. Retaking the sword, they commenced toward
the door, opened it quietly, peered around in secret, closed
the door to begin their walk back to his room. Half way back,
a sly smile expressed upon their faces, sword by his side, they
effortlessly entered back inside the room, closed the door.
The mission completed.
The Next day….
Church sacraments:
Tauna sees Dayn following her from her room, to the kitchen
breakfast, then to the sanctuary.
The choir’s music spread throughout the castle.
Tauna stood in prayer while listening to the music.
Dayn stood next to her, attentive to the church choir. “Where
is Detective Niles?”
Tauna stood cautious. “He’s investigating.”
Dayn, cunningly waited. ”Word is out, the sword was found
and was taken sometime last night. Do you know how it was
done? It was told that it was done skillfully.”
Tauna, slyly. “How interesting” Turned to leave the room.
Dayn follows her out of the room, walking along with her
down the hall. ”It was done practically under the presiding
priest’s noses.”
Tauna nonchalantly continued her walk. “Quite intriguing.”
Dayn continued after her. “A two man job, they say.”
Tauna, with a wry smirk “Magnificent.”
Dayn grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him.
Tauna takes one look of disdain at him, jerks away from him.
Dayn glared at her. “I’m only going to say this one time.
Where is the sword?”
Tauna adamant. “I have no clue of what you’re talking about.”
Dayn clenched his teeth. “I think you do, Miss Drake.”
Tauna tighten her expression. “Good day, Mr. McConol?” She
walks away toward her room, then notices him following her.
She continued her walk across the room, across the hallway,
then outside into the drizzled rain, then stopped abruptly. She
peered to her right, then left, then stood in her thoughts in
the pouring rain as rain droplets drenched her hair, dripped
off. Swallowing of his disappearance, she began her slow
walk back inside the castle. Reentering in the forefront, an
illumination of candles lined up on both sides of the chancel
as the atmosphere filled with silence, the flames warming her
body. She continues her steps towards the sanctuary’s
chancel. The warm flickering reassured her senses of god’s
presence. She turned to walk back to her room to see Dayn
sitting in a corner of her room.
Dayn, twiddling his thumbs. “Why are you following me?”
Tauna stood firm. “I should be asking you that question.”
Dayn stood up taking steps toward her. “Tauna, Perhaps you
will join me in this quest to find the sword’s new location.”
Tauna began to move around him. “That is for Detective Niles
quest. Good evening?”
Dayn sneered. “Ah yes. The Master Detective Liam Niles. and
his apprentice, I suppose.”
Tauna kept her vision aligned to him in straight faced silence .
Dayn snickered. “Yes, just what I thought. And does this
partnership come with fringe benefits, you and him?”
Tauna takes three steps up to him with adamant glare. “Good
evening, Mr. McConol.” She swiftly turned to walk to her
room.
Dayn stands with a wry twist upon his mouth, seeing her
walking back out of her room, he grabs a dagger from above
the fireplace, hurls it towards her as it struck her bedroom
doorframe with a hard thud as the blade embedded into the
wall, stuck in warning.
Simultaneously, Liam suddenly appears entering the room,
immediately halts to see the eminent threat.
Simultaneously, Tauna immediately turns to see Liam, then
back to Dayn.
Liam, in quick response, grasps the dagger in anger, pulls it
from the doorframe, and swiftly hurls it back at him in
defense, as it struck his long loose shirt, pinning him to the
wall on the other side of the room. “Tauna, call the police.”
He looks at her, straightens out his sleek long black trench
coat. “And I’ll see you later love.”
Tauna gives Liam a reassured smirk, then does what he asked.
Liam turned back to walk to him up close and personal. “Dayn
McConol. There is no doubt in my keen deductive mind, that
you and only you pulled it off in orchestrating this
monstrosity, am I right?”
Dayn , clenching his teeth. “I take the fifth”.
Liam, with disgust. “Show up inside this castle once more and
I’ll have you do the fifth-permanently.” His teeth clenched
back in retaliation. He grasped the dagger, pulling it out from
the wall as the police arrived.
The Police placing Mr. McConol in handcuffs, taking him away
from the castle.
Liam readjusts his jacket’s collar in a cool calm way. “Right.”
Then walks to greet Tauna inside her room with an unamusing
look. “Blimey. Now what am I to do with you little girl?” He
reasoned with her, pacing back and forth beside her in
concern. “What on EARTH, were you thinking?!”
Tauna watching him move side to side. “I was trying to divert
him .”
Liam quickly turned to her. “Trying to Divert him? That was
your motive? Really? Did you think of the potential dangerous
consequence?!” He sighed.
Tauna, offended. “Oh, Liam, do credit me with some
intelligence.”
Liam steps aligned to her sides vision, adamantly looking at
her. “And what would have happened if I didn’t show up?! I’ll
tell you little girl, never do anything of this detective game
you play without me, is that clear?” He stepped close to her.
Tauna looks at him for understanding. “Liam, I was only……”
Liam’s adamant eyebrows rose. “Ah….”
Tauna, again tried to explain. “But, I only wanted…..”
Liam once again raised his brows. “AHH---SHHH…..
Tauna stared at him mesmerized, trying to find more opened
mouth explained words.
Liam reasoned. “I’m going to tell you, leave the sleuthing to
me. And you, as your father’s heir, are to be the heir to his
chapel. Is that clear?”
Tauna looked straight at him “Quite. And now what are you
going to do? Tell my father?” Sarcastic.
Liam gently took hold of her chin, looked straight into her
eyes. “ If I was your father, I’d put you over my knee giving
you a good smack.”
Tauna gave him a bold look back. “That’s funny, I would have
thought you’d put me in bed as punishment.” Sarcastic
scalding him back in return.
Liam looked at her. “That, no doubt, would come after.”
Tauna stood up to him. “So no penance?”
Liam, stood close to her with a hover. “You’re dismissed of all
charges. Case closed.”
Tauna, comforted by him. “ Am I dismissed?”
Liam gave her a lingered look of response. “No.”
The sun beamed a soft glow ray into the room of the great
hall.
Tauna stood in questionable mode. “And Detective Niles,
what are we here for?”
Liam, grasping hold of two swords. “ We, are here, so I can
teach you the fine art of swordplay. So you can learn to
protect yourself. He gave her a sword.
Tauna, taking the sword. “My father has already taught me.”
Liam, looking straight at her. “Your father taught you as a
young lady as beginner, until your mother took you into her
world training you to be a fine mannered Lady of the chapel.
Now, I’m going to finish what your father had started. En
garde.” He poised himself in front of her, his feet into
position, his sword raised pointing toward her.
Tauna, with a cocky expression. “And how do you know about
that?”
Liam, with a slight dimpled wry. “Because, I’m your detective.
Sword up.”
Tauna, places her feet into his same shown position. Her
sword pointing opposition to his.
Liam, step by step slowly began to continue her training, with
each move as a reminder of what her father established, then
taking advanced steps toward her sword with slight to louder
parry clinks of clashing blades.
Tauna, being reminded of her father’s first trainer, in cocky
manner, whipped her sword at him as like a child.
Liam, hit her sword harder, knocking her sword from her
hand. “Touch’e.” His face with serious look. “Pick up.”
Tauna, with an ugly expression, picked up her sword, poised
herself, her sword at him again.
Liam, poised, once again stood instructing her. “Again.” Taking
a wider lunging step toward her.
Tauna, once again blocking his sword against her sword.
Liam, parried back at her sword. “Keep your balance, parry,
parry, Hold your defense” “Extend, lunge at me.”
Tauna, getting a slight steel lashing hit on her side and pulls
away fast.
Liam continued. “Don’t be reckless Tauna, missing just ONE
PARRY can be YOUR fatal blow, PAY ATTENTION and protect
yourself! Now, once again.” He lunged hard at her.
Tauna, parried her sword at his sword, blocking the hit, once,
twice, thrice, with improvement steps as they continued to
perfect the art of swordplay, then, her well trained
movements with ease and grace, her hair flowing around her
shoulders in her own experience, then intermediately
integrating into his experience. Their shared advanced stance,
they come face to face, as though in a state of mesmerized
meditation, becoming one with each other, practicing their
rounds around each other, over and over again, until, he
quickly raised his sword in endeavored cross sword of winner
over her, pushing her up against the wall. Staring at her,
coming an inch of her face. She stared back into his. Heavy
breath against heavy breath in a moment of time they stood,
they met each other’s match. In another moment of time,
their eyes in serious contemplation to one another.
Liam, satisfied, looking her over with care. “Well done Tauna.
Well done. You are now dismissed.”
Tauna, loosening her grip.
Liam, once again pushing up against her. “NEVER let your
guard down.” He lovingly looked at her with instruction.
“Never.” He loosened his grip upon her, their swords to their
sides, then reached his hand out to gently touch her soft face.
“I will inform your father of your achievement. You have
done, very well.” For a moment in time, he lovingly gazed
upon her, turn to leave the room
Tauna, keeping her eyes on him. “Liam.”
Liam, looking back at her, seeing her need of him, retraces his
steps back to her in his need for her, drops his sword to the
floor as he clamps his hands upon her face, grasping his
mouth upon hers in tenderness.
Tauna, dropping her sword next to his, lovingly grasps his
arms.
Liam, pulls away, takes another look, then leaves the room.
Tauna, watching him leave with much respect for him as
gentleman. And with much need of him.