Mitering Avalee: A Castre World Novel, #2

By E.A. Shanniak

Avalee is a polite, quiet lass from a clan near the sea who is a master carpenter, creating magnificent works with her hands and her heart.

 

After a plague devastates their land, wiping nearly everyone out, Avalee agrees to a political, loveless marriage to save those who remain. For her King. For her people.

 

Secrets abound in her new clan. The more time Avalee spends with them, the closer she gets to uncovering their painful surprises. Can she survive her cruel, bitter husband? Will she speak up for a chance at true love?

 

If you love a fantasy historical world and brave heroines, then you'll love this entertaining series. Come back to the land of Castre where women and love are more than what they seem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.A. Shanniak
• Release date: Jul 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223314905

Book preview

Mitering Avalee

A Castre World Novel

E.A. Shanniak

Eagle Creek Books LLC

Mitering Avalee: A Castre World Novel by E.A. Shanniak

Copyright © 2017, 2020 by E.A. Shanniak

All rights reserved.

Cover Design by: Vikki -- vikncharlie at fivrr

Developmental Editing by: Lauren M.

Proofreading: Michelle F.

Formatting by: Grace P.

Published by Eagle Creek Books LLC of Molalla, Oregon

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical by photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized printed or electronic editions and do not participate or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the authors rights is appreciated.

www.eashanniak.com

Dedication

To My Kids,

Follow your heart, it will lead you to wondrous places.

Follow your gut, it never leads you astray.

Think, with your own decisive opinions.

And never let a person try to make you into something you know you aren’t nor could ever be.

Love,

Mommy

More By: E.A. Shanniak

Fantasy Romance – A Castre World Novel Standalones

Piercing Jordie

Mitering Avalee

Forging Calida

Uplifting Irie

Braving Eavan

Warring Devan

Hunting Megan

Shifting Aramoren – short story

Anchoring Nola – short story

A Bayonet Books Anthology

Storming Area51 – Stalking Death

Sleigh Bells Ring – Stocking Gryla

Clean & Sweet Western Romance – Whitman Series Romances

To Find A Whitman

To Love A Thief

To Save A Life

To Lift A Darkness

To Veil A Fondness

To Bind A Heart

To Hide A Treasure

To Want A Change

To Form A Romance

Slow Burn Paranormal Romance – Dangerous Ties Series

Opening Danger

Hunting Danger

Burning Danger

Contents

1.One

2.Two

3.Three

4.Four

5.Five

6.Six

7.Seven

8.Eight

9.Nine

10.Ten

11.Eleven

12.Twelve

13.Thirteen

14.Fourteen

15.Fifteen

16.Sixteen

17.Seventeen

18.Eighteen

19.Nineteen

20.Twenty

21.Twenty-One

22.Twenty-Two

23.Twenty-Three

24.Twenty-Four

25.Twenty-Five

26.Twenty-Six

27.Twenty-Seven

28.Twenty-Eight

29.Twenty-Nine

30.Thirty

31.Thirty-One

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgement

One

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Year of Corwaithe 1231

The plague that ran unbridled through her homeland had finally dwindled down. Now only a few people were dying in a week’s time instead of more than ten people in a day. It finally had no one left to take. Whatever the disease was, it left her motherless with a bedridden father. It left many children without parents and a grieving king trying to handle it all.

Her king, Folermon Swanshé, was a good man who had tried everything in his power to rid his land of this epidemic, but even his valiant efforts were for naught. He too lost his wife and the small child she carried. His son, Warren, barely made it through his sickness. In all of Swanshé, no one went untouched. Even the animals, both wild and domestic, passed through the crucible of the plague and either died or survived unscathed, like her.

Avalee walked out of the home once holding joy and laughter for her, to the cliffs overlooking the roaring, swelling sea. Swanshé was a beautiful and rugged land, covered in giant rocks and coastal cliffs. On a clear morning, she could just make out the waterfall tumbling out to the ocean not far from her home. She loved living here, where her face met the crisp, salty sea breeze every morning and her eyes greeted the vivid sunsets every night.

The wind teased her untamed honey hair, whipping her dark forest green dress against her body. Not too far from her own home, Shona Castle stood tall and proud above the crags, but after the devastation of the plague, the once noble building seemed hollow. No laughter came echoing out of the stone walls. No children chased through the courtyard. The castle itself stood in mourning for the lives lost in such a short amount of time.

Getting a cleansing breath, I see, Avalee, a man remarked.

She turned her intense gaze to the king beside her. Greetings, my liege, she said, dipping her head respectfully.

Folermon smiled. I believe we are past this now as your father is my oldest and dearest friend.

One must always pay proper respect, even amongst friends.

He rubbed his chin, nodding. Very astute of you, my dear girl, and now I need you to use your wise head again.

It’s my pleasure to be of service to you in whatever you need, she replied without hesitation.

Folermon nodded.

Every day for the past week, Folermon and her father spoke about what to do for their people, and about what to do with her. Her father wanted her to marry a man from Hernan Castle in order to align Swanshé with the wealthy Meerdoran clan, to bring peace and trade. Although Avalee had secretly hoped to choose her own husband one day, she’d always known a political alliance was a far more likely fate for the daughter of Swanshé’s master carpenter, and friend of the king. She discerned as much on the king’s countenance.

Avalee turned back to the waters, taking a deep breath as she did so. Leaving this land and all she had ever known was going to be difficult. But if marrying a stranger could help her to save her people, she would do so without hesitation.

She peered at her king. Silent tears rolled down his tired, worn face. His beautiful wife, Bethany, had been the first to perish from the plague. Her unborn babe never saw the light of day. Avalee placed a comforting hand on his arm as they watched the sea together.

In everything that happened, the roaring of the waves remained a constant for the people of Swanshé. Watching the waves hit the sandy beach helped Avalee to forget her own troubles and the new ones soon coming.

Folermon patted her hand, stuffing it into the crook of his arm as he led her to her home. Avalee walked with him, allowing him to lean on her to steady himself. The sickness left him weaker than he let on. To the public, he seemed to be doing better, but Avalee knew the truth.

I know what is to be discussed, she offered after a bit.

Folermon hesitated. Do you? he asked, coughing into his handkerchief. So, tell me, if you know. What is your answer?

Yes, she said, without reluctance.

She knew what her father wanted her to do. Even if he didn’t discuss it openly at home, he did so in his sleep. Luchak wanted her to marry Justin Hernan of Hernan Castle, and in return, the Hernan’s would send men with food, clothing, and supplies to help Swanshé rebuild. Accepting this marriage was an easy decision for her to make.

But the look on Folermon’s face was one of sadness and torment. She realized he didn’t want to ask this of her, but then again it wasn’t truly his choice to make. For the good of her people, or what was left of them, she had to do right by them.

Yes, I will. It is my final answer, she said more firmly.

Folermon embraced her. You are the daughter I would have wanted mine to be.

They continued walking back to her house in silence. There was nothing more to say or do. In truth, she didn’t want to talk anyway, but Folermon already knew that.

She opened the door to their home to welcome the king of Shona Castle. The winded man entered, immediately sitting in the nearest chair. He was sick. Sicker than he tried to let anyone know. It seemed to her time was running short for everyone—for all but the rare few whom the fever touched but then passed over. And there seemed little she could do to help.

She went over to the pitcher of boiled water and poured Folermon a drink. He drank greedily from the mug. Silently, she waited until he was done before helping him out of the chair and directing him to the place where her father was resting.

As they shuffled to her father’s chamber together, Luchak opened his somber eyes to greet his old friend. Her father’s green eyes brightened at seeing the person who was like his brother.

She knows, Luchak, and has agreed, Folermon began, sitting in a chair with a tired sigh. Nevertheless, I still do not agree with you.

That’s fine. You don’t have to agree with me, Luchak replied. Sitting up, he coughed into his hand. Sometimes I think she is too wise for her own good.

Your daughter is a very perceptive woman, Folermon praised. It is a good thing.

I hope you know, Avalee, I only want what is best for you.

Avalee nodded.

I love you with all my being.

I love you too, Papa.

She stayed back in the shadows of the darkened room. Light seemed to bother her father’s sensitive eyes since the sickness. Seeing him so deteriorated brought tears to her own eyes and sent icy trickles through her gut. Her father was the last person in all of Castre she had.

And she knew her papa only wanted to ensure her future. He didn’t want her to be alone or find herself stuck in a situation of being used by a man. She wasn’t mad at the idea of an arranged marriage. Honestly, she was more worried Justin Hernan would take one look at her and then back out of the arrangement.

She stood to the side of the doorway while her father and Folermon discussed the details of her future marriage. It was decided as her godfather, Folermon would adopt her and legally make her a princess. Then he would offer her hand in marriage to the Meerdoran prince. As a wedding gift to her, the Meerdorans would send supplies to her clan. As a gift to her husband, Swanshé would offer coin and Avalee herself, a skilled carpenter. While she listened to the men discuss her future, she knew she should be smiling, but she wasn’t. She didn’t care about having money or titles. She wished to keep the life she had.

Avalee had enough responsibility on her young shoulders as it was. Before the epidemic hit, she had to care for the three orphaned children, but now there were twenty. Avalee didn’t mind. As an only child, her parents had given her so much love, she felt free to take that love and lavish it on the orphans. And love them dearly she did.

She looked up at her father, who was quietly conversing with Folermon. Luchak had meticulously trained her since she was five to be his apprentice. Even when she was still a child, her father was hard on her. He constantly critiqued her work—the sanding, beveling, sculpting designs, lacquering the wood, and so on. At the end of the day, she knew he was proud of her.

Her stunning mother, Gloria, was the beauty of the land. Her luscious honey-blonde hair used to fall in waving locks down her back. Her vivid green eyes made even the grass envious of their intensity. Gloria was charming, polite, and sweet, always serving others before considering herself. And her father was the master carpenter who built and designed many intricate small pieces of décor the king wanted. Together, her parents were the center of the village clan. Well known, respected, and loved by everyone.

But her? She didn’t like to socialize like her mother did. She preferred the quiet sound of the beveled chisel against a piece of oak and the velvet of a smoothly sanded surface to the touch of lace. So, her father took her under his wing, turning her into his proud prodigy. Her mother protested tremendously, wanting her to make friends, to sing and dance. But Avalee already had a friend, a large tomcat named Humphrey. Eventually, and to her utter relief, her mother gave up trying to mold her into an outgoing lady and finally accepted the fact her daughter preferred the quietness of the shop.

So, Avalee. Are you ready for me to adopt you and to continue on with this plan of offering your hand in marriage? the king asked, breaking her reverie. You can say no.

She smiled demurely at the king who offered her a way out. She wouldn’t take it though.

Avalee squared her shoulders. Yes, I am ready.

You will not be coming back here, Avalee, her father warned her.

She nodded.

I only want the very best for you in this life, Luchak reiterated.

Avalee dipped her head, tucking stray hairs behind her ear. Yes, Father.

I will not see you again, my daughter. You need to know that.

But she did know it. She knew this all too well. She knew by saying yes, when the time came, it would be the last time she would ever see her beloved homeland. More importantly, her father. It left her feeling empty inside. Almost sick to her stomach.

Avalee looked down at the floor, blinking away tears. I’m aware, Father.

You can take Humphrey, Folermon added, trying to ease the ache.

Avalee nodded. When will I be getting married? she ventured to ask.

In a few days’ time. As soon as your groom arrives.

So, he was already on his way? Her father and the king knew she would say yes, for she could never say no to helping her clan in need. But this blow felt like a betrayal, even if she hadn’t been betrayed. She had known of their intentions all along. Still, it stung her heart they hadn’t asked her prior to today.

I’m ready, she said, trying to make her voice sound convincing. But it wasn’t.

Justin Hernan, her betrothed. She was going to become Lady Hernan. She snorted. Hernan, she thought to herself. Sounds almost like hermit. She closed the door and went to sit on the bench out front. The wind picked up, wildly whipping her hair all over the place. This was one thing she knew she wouldn’t miss—the fierce ocean wind in her face.

Her tawny cat came out from under the bench, twirling himself in between her legs. Avalee smiled at the aging beast. Humphrey had been hers since she was five and she was nineteen now. It would be painful to leave him behind. She would just have to pray what Folermon said was right and she could take her only friend.

Humphrey leapt into her arms, purring.

I love you too, she said, burying her face into his long, warm fur.

Avalee smiled at her friend, petting, and snuggling him close. In only a few days, she would be a different person with a different name. At this point, she could only pray her husband would be a decent man.

Two

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L ady Avalee, Bella called, can we swing yet?

In a moment, Avalee replied, trying to keep the annoyance from her voice. I just need to tie the swing to the hook.

It took her three days to build the swing set the children begged her for. In the past year, she had made them an obstacle course with a slide and a teeter-totter. The slide was, by far, her favorite piece of work, carved out of a single tree trunk, sanded and lacquered.

Avalee put the rope through the metal hook, tying it all together. Six sets of eyes eagerly awaited her consent to play on their new toy. It took her a while to get the blacksmith to make the metal hooks, and it took her a while longer to get the wood cut down to size, even with the help of her father’s magic stone.

The muscles in her arms burned to quit, but this was the last swing. Then the kids would leave her alone. Avalee looked at all the eager faces. She was going to miss them when she married and left. Hopefully, at her new home, there would be more children to make toys for.

Lady Avalee? Bella asked.

Avalee smiled at the adorable but impatient little one. Yes, Bella?

The girl pointed to the road. Who are those men?

Yeah, they look nothing like us, a boy chipped in.

What are they doing here, Lady Avalee? another girl asked.

Avalee stooped down to their level, gazing at each face endearingly. Taking a deep breath, she began, They are Meerdoran men from Hernan Castle, way off in the north. And just because they look nothing like us doesn’t mean we have to be afraid. It doesn’t mean they are evil and it doesn’t mean we have to be unkind. As for the last question, she paused, looking at their questioning faces. Sadness crept over her. She held Bella’s hand as she said, they are here because I am marrying one of them.

Why?

Because, Bobbert, the king asked me to.

You mean ordered?

No, I mean asked.

Oh, the other young girl replied, so, the king asked and you said yes?

Yes.

With the final definite and firm answer, they stopped asking her questions and turned their attention to the six-seater swing set. She watched them play, savoring their enjoyment on what would be the last structure she would ever make here in Swanshé.

A clatter of hooves trumpeted through the small valley around the castle as the Meerdorans approached the castle gate. The men rode tall in the saddle with wagons of supplies rolling behind. They ignored her, much to her relief. Avalee walked back to the obstacle course, sat down on a stump and pulled out her whittling knife.

She was nervous. If it weren’t for her people being in dire need of help, she would never have agreed to this marriage. But the children were hungry, and so was she. She was no hunter. She couldn’t kill an animal, only carve a wooden one.

Avalee sighed. Today or tomorrow, her life would change forever. And she knew she wouldn’t like it. She would have to obey her husband in everything. In many ways, she was spoiled with the freedom she now realized she took for granted.

What if he doesn’t like me? she wondered with a frown on her brow. What if he takes the things away from me I love the most?

She didn’t know how she would handle it, if it came down to it. If she lost not only her father, her king, Humphrey, and her carpentry, would she still know who she was? Would she still be her?

Humphrey came over to her, a dead mouse in his teeth. He laid it at her feet before jumping into her lap. Avalee wrapped her arms around him as he curled into her lap for a nap. She began whittling away. The soft sounds of the wood curling, falling in shavings at her feet, lulled the cat to sleep. Avalee kissed his head.

The shape of a horse began to form in her hand. She had carved so many of them over the years that making them appear was as second nature to her as breathing. The wind picked up, causing the shavings to whirl around her feet. Her skin prickled at the cool breeze.

Lady Avalee, a man’s voice boomed.

His rough and hard accent started her. She jumped. Peeking over her shoulder, she gazed at the man with stern brown eyes. Rising to her feet, she tucked Humphrey in one arm and the knife clutched in the other. Yes?

Yer presence is required by yer king, said the man nearly triple her petite size. He wore a skirt of all things. His long hair was done in braids at either side of his head, and his hair was just as long as his beard. In all, he was a frightening specimen of a man, with rippling muscles and a deep voice. If her husband was anything like the man approaching her, she was certain she would be hiding from him most of the time.

Humphrey cried irritably and leapt out of her arms. Avalee headed toward the castle. She walked under the portcullis, past the thick stone walls, and entered the keep. She knew exactly where she was going, for she had been to the king’s solar often enough.

Folermon’s solar was tucked away in a small secluded spot where it was nice and quiet. Just what she liked. The same interestingly dressed men stood outside the door, but they stepped aside to let her in.

She kept her face impassive as she walked past them, studying them in a quick glance. The men wore braids at the sides of their heads. But even more peculiar, these men didn’t wear trews but some sort of knee-length skirts in red and black plaid. They all wore tall leather boots as well. It was all very peculiar, and she wondered if they ever got cold wearing women’s garments with boots.

Avalee gingerly opened the door to see two men sitting in chairs with their backs to her. One had dark graying hair peppered with white and black. The other had a long dark brown braid starting at the scalp and descending the back of his head like a woman’s.

She kept to the shadows, waiting to be addressed by her king. Folermon saw her come and inclined his head to her. Avalee fidgeted, straightening her plain blue dress and pulling down the hems of her sleeves.

Now, the older man said as he stretched himself up in his seat. What is this lass like? Is she quiet, talkative, rude, bold?

Nothing like that, Folermon replied. She is quiet and shy, at first. She doesn’t say much, but she is perceptive and smart.

What skills does the lassie have? asked the younger man.

She is an excellent carpenter.

A carpenter? And a woman? the younger snorted. I have never heard of such a thing.

"You’re talking about my daughter,