?Right here, my lady. I did not think you would be impatient for me already, the sun is just above the horizon.? Ewan stepped in the parlor, closed the doors behind him, and awaited the more news to his summons.

Her arm flung out towards the desk, ?Read the missive. Concerns coming to a fore, I fear.?

As the lady continued her pacing, Ewan turned to the desk and selected the missive from atop of the other items. The reading of it set fire to implications and possibilities in his mind, avenues diverged and split, and all managed or discarded. ?A strong visual presence needs be made, and soon.? He set the message aside and leaned against the desk, arms folded and ankles crossed.

She gave him a nod, but did not stop pacing. ?Cian is four, Ewan, and I doubt he will make much of an impression.?

?Not by himself, no, and I know your thinking that you will not serve either, but he is not alone in the world save you, my lady.? His blunt speaking stopped her pacing and she watched him in waiting for more. ?Princess Rian, Lady Lyana, Baroness Marghaid, Baroness Britta and their husbands. Perhaps it is time the full power of his family to show their support of him.?

?They have not all gathered since Kieran?s Remeberence, Ewan. Do you not think the King might take too much notice if we brought attention to how much influence Yransea wields?? Her mouth pursed in the thought.

Ewan chuckled, ?The King knows how much power the family wields, which is why he was so receptive to Rian?s marriage to Maelgwn. He has at least one of your family members in his pocket, so to speak.?

The smirk revealed much of what she knew of Rian, and how the woman had so often sided against her family with her husband on matters. ?Which makes it unlikely she will assist in this matter.?

?At this point, she may not be necessary, but I would not leave her out of the asking. Marghaid and Britta will be there with Connor and Eadric. That I can assure you. Lyana is always about and ready for a confrontation.?

It was in her shoulders, he could see it in how she held them tight. The forgetfulness of chewing on the corner of her mouth in thought, a habit broken years ago returning. He saw uncertainty plague her, and did not say word against it. He knew her well, and knew that to others that might take advantage she did not show the frail inner workings. Few saw it, and he had to be sure it stayed that way.

Sylvia shook her head and began pacing again, ?A confrontation is what I wish to avoid, Ewan. And should it be a confrontation, I promise you I will be at the front of it.? She stopped and looked over books that lined a wall of the parlor.

Ewan waited for more questions or the decision and prompting neither.

There had been no word sent ahead except to Colwyn. Sylvia could rely on him to make preparations in some secrecy. Since their last journey had not been long ago, all that was required was the carriage, and that was done without rousing the curiosity of the household or Lord Keefe and the counselors.

It was on the crisp edge of eventide, the skeleton branches leaf bare laced across the sky upon the road, that Sylvia and her party arrived without announcement in the courtyard of Seansloe Manor. Cian had been instructed to wait inside the carriage, and as the manor came alive in surprise at the arrival of the family, it was soon full. Sylvia looked back to the carriage where Cian stepped down and played his role well. ?Time to play your father, Cian.? she had told him. He was a bit too stiff backed, but he did not scamper or run wild. He wore the depth of green suede and leathers, made small and in copy of his father?s wearing. It brushed and whisper of memory with his surpressed stride.

Colwyn bowed his greeting to them and walked with the family, being sure to be a step behind Cian who had with some reminding encouragement stepped to the front of the group and walked to the house. It pained Sylvia to have such a burden set on young shoulders, that in some sense felt the pressure even disguised in a game of pretend. ?You have done well, Colwyn, with the instructions. I trust it was not too difficult,? she spoke to the Master of the Household, a new position since Cian had no need for a manservant at his age.

?No, Your Excellency,? he spoke in the same restful tone, ?no difficulties, though I anticipate word is flying upon swift feet to Lord Keefe.?

?I am sure you are right.? The smile held an edge of anticipation to it. The confrontation would be at her timing. She stopped as they entered the double door entry and reached to touch a stone of the doorframe. The cold solid presence was alive beneath her fingertips, and the strike of thought that Kieran would be with her through this was her armor. ?Let us see this through then,? she whispered and the family and their close servants, more friends, sought the comfort and strength of their family rooms.

Prepared with fires in the fireplaces and warmed drinks drifting their delectable aromas of spice and sweet above the tang of woodburn, the rooms lifted joy in their welcoming of the family home. There was some time left to let Cian relax and be at ease before he must play the role again. The scene had to be set for their guests. Sylvia moved chairs and turned tables along with Miriam and Colwyn. Beata sat upon the quilt covered floor with the support of dainty pillows. Toys were put away except one or two for Aidan and Beata. Sylvia surveyed the scene and finding it arranged to her liking, the curve of the seats and the presentation of their ease within their home provided the perfect subtle cue to their place in the barony.

She breathed out her challenge, ?Let them come to us.?

Keefe was cool and sharp and gave nothing away in his manner now that the astonishment had passed. He bowed to her as well as to Cian, ?I swear to you that I have no intention of claiming Yransea for my own, my lady. Please, I ask that you and I speak together privately on this matter.?

A slow shake of her head, ?No, I will not. First matters to rest are that of the counselors. I will have Lord Geoffsson and his son here as well, and we will speak to that.?

?My lady, I have been accused of sedition, and I will have my name vindicated before the end of the night.? Color had begun to rise in Keefe?s cheeks. A quiet hand upon his elbow from Master Kalensson caught the strength of his glare.

?Will you?? Sylvia narrowed eyes upon him. ?Very well. Speak to the matter.?

Keefe took a step forward and Colwyn made his presence known. ?I am not going to attack her, Colwyn,? Keefe hissed.

?Then keep your distance, my lord.? Colwyn had age against him, but he showed not intention of giving way to the younger man and his superior.

?Has it come to this? That I am suspected now of wanting to harm your person?? There was sorrow tainting the eyes of the man, drawing a downward pull of his mouth open with disbelief.

Sylvia shook her head, ?No, not as yet, Keefe.? A smile for Miriam, ?Miriam, would you take Aidan and Beata to their room for their late meal? Cian will join them shortly.? The lady nodded and complied with the request.

Numbers down, Sylvia waved a hand for Keefe to begin. His complexion drained of the heat of anger, looked moist with ill emotion. ?It is word against mine, and I have no way to prove it to you other than ask you to look at my actions. Have I once done anything to cause concern??

?There is always a first time, Keefe. We are but five months past my lord husband?s death, and one cannot plot an overthrowing in a lesser amount of time. In fact, I find it somewhat impressive that you have done it so quickly.?

?I have done nothing of the kind, my lady, and served the needs and purposes of this Barony faithfully in Cian?s name. I begged for more time with him, which you denied me, and I have sent frequent missives, and even sought you out.?

Sylvia stood in abrupt aggression from her seat. ?And yet you dismiss and change counselors without my knowledge or my son?s??

?I am the Protectorate, my lady, and your voice has no presence in the workings of this barony. Cian is too young to understand the need.?

?But I am not, and you may find my voice has a great deal of presence in the workings of this barony, Keefe. I am still Baroness, foreign born or not, and I have the instruction of my son as much as you do.? The words came cold and cutting. ?Do not presume to tell me of what matters my presence is needed or not. I was too lenient with you in my mourning, but be assured that will not be so from this point forward.?

Keefe?s hands clenched, ?That is not necessary, my lady. I-?

She interrupted him, ?You are doing very little good in convincing me of your good faith, Keefe.?

He stepped close again, Sylvia waived off Colwyn?s motion to intercede. ?Sylvia,? he breathed, ?if we could but speak alone, I promise you I will tell you all.?

She felt her eyes move from one of his to another so near he was, and in them was the depth of sincerity. ?What is it you cannot say in front of my trusted friends, family, and our counselors??

?I ask you trust me just some moments longer, and I will say then.?

It was a temptation too great to cast aside. Sylvia wanted to know more of the man who was to spend hours and days with her son, who would be the de facto leader of the barony, and perhaps in this vulnerable state he would be forthcoming to that knowledge. ?Very well,? she said. ?Colwyn, see Cian to the others and that they are ready for bed.?

She moved to give Cian a hug and kiss, ?You did very well my brave little man.? The hug from Cian was fierce as little arms could give, and he was reluctant to leave his mother, but he did so. Sylvia waved away the counselors, ?Gentlemen, we will see to the unfortunate matter in the morning.? They bowed and departed.

The room was still and Sylvia took her seat and motioned for Keefe to take another. ?Convince me that I should not write to the King and to Cian?s uncles of your dealings and pull together the full power of Yransea against you remaining as Protectorate.?

?Because I am the only one who can keep away the very thing you fear to happen, and you know that is true.?