A Test of Faith

I gave one final push before the pain began to subside. I could hear Guinevere's cries from beside me and then all went silent.

~*~

"Aerona, Aerona! She is awake!"

"I, what has happ... my baby!" I sat bolt upright.

"Please lie down," a voice commanded.

"Is my baby ok?" I inquired.

"Yes Aerona, she is fine," a midwife replied handing me a beautiful baby girl.

She was so cute and innocent looking up at me with her big blue eyes. I ran my hands through her short blond hair.

"She is so beautiful. Aren't you, Mary? What do you think of that name?" I asked.

"That is a lovely name." Guinevere nodded from the bed beside me.

My thoughts drifted to yesterday, when the war had started. Most of the women had been sent off to King Arthur's new castle, Camelot. Queen Guinevere had chosen to stay behind with her ladies in waiting because she did not want to risk the life of the unborn heir to the throne.  Lately she had only had miscarriages. I had also decided to stay behind because of my child.

I watched everyone leave the room before I spoke.

"Guinevere, did your child, make it?" I turned to face her.

"Yes, he is a beautiful boy! The midwife is caring for him right now. When will you leave for Camelot?"

"Soon."

"Will you baptize Mary before you leave, for me? I know you aren't a true Christian but I just ask that you rid her of the original sin before she travels." Guinevere pleaded.

"I will ask Bishop Preston tomorrow."

"Let us sleep." Guinevere murmured.

~*~

Guinevere was still sleeping when I left our room. I left Mary with the midwife; I was determined to find Bishop Preston before I changed my mind. Over the past few days I had noticed just how Christian Guinevere really was.

My thoughts drifted to my husband Pryderi. As I walked in the sunlight I thought of the last time I had seen him, getting ready to leave to fight the Saxons at Mount Badon.

"I know I have to leave but, what if I never see you again? You could die in childbirth." Pryderi cried!

"I'll be fine," I told him while helping him put on his breastplate. "I am more worried about you. You are leaving to go to war!"

I looked into his brown eyes, there were tears. He moved his long wavy hair out of his face and grabbed his helmet.

"This is it, I'm ready. I'll miss you. Goodbye." With one last kiss he put on his helmet and left.

He had been so worried about never seeing his child.

"Aerona?" My name startled me. I turned around to see Februus, a pagan. "Hello my lady," Februus began, bowing. "Yesterday, I overheard you talking to Guinevere; you were talking about baptizing your child. I know that is not what you really want. Guinevere can be very persuasive at times. You seem so unsure of what to do."

"That is not true. I would love to have my child baptized; I was just surprised she wanted it done so soon," I lied.

"I know your mind falters, please think about it." He bowed again and left.

Maybe he was right; I would think about it tonight. I headed back to my chamber. Entering I found Guinevere on the floor crying surrounded by her ladies. I rushed to her.

"What has happened?" I looked to the midwife carrying Mary. Mary was crying so I took her and tried to calm her down.

"Guinevere's child died," the midwife whispered. "I tried to tell her that few kids make it to the age of fifteen. You spend most of your child's life fearing it may die.

"Most girls do not even stay in your house that long. I was married off when I was twelve," I responded

"Yes, it is sad. I have sent word to her father King Leodegrance. I must leave now." The midwife left the room

I walked over to Guinevere. "You should eat, I will tell the cook to prepare some meat if you wish."

"No, I cannot eat meat today. The Church forbids it on Wednesdays and Fridays," she insisted between sobs.

"Come and weave. Maybe weaving will help calm your mind."

Everyone left for the common room to begin weaving. Several hours later even Guinevere was laughing although, I still could not think straight. The death of her baby clouded my judgment.

"Weaving like always," one lady started, "If only we had a bard to entertain us. Just like the old times."

"Yes," I sighed. "I think I will sleep now."

Bidding everyone goodnight I left for my chamber.

~*~

"Aerona, wake up!" Guinevere shook my shoulder. I brushed my auburn hair out of my eyes and looked at her. "Mary is missing!" she cried grabbing my arm.

With tears falling from my eyes, I ran out of the room with Guinevere in pursuit.

"Tell everyone; I must find her!" I ran in the direction of the Chapel. I would pray.

As I walked into the Chapel I heard crying, Mary's crying. She was lying on the ground in front of the cross. I ran to her and cradled her.

"How did you get here?" Tears still fell from my eyes, "I was so worried!"

"So this is your daughter, is it? I was beginning to wonder," Bishop Preston noted stepping forward.

"Bishop Preston! I want to baptize my daughter." I exclaimed without thinking.

"It was you that Februus was telling me about? I will do it today if you wish." The bishop smiled.

"Please."

"Very well, I will go prepare. Come back in an hour."

I went to find Guinevere and tell her. I knew now that I was a true Christian. This had all been a test of faith.

~*~

An hour later, Mary was baptized and I was able to leave for Camelot. My test of faith was over.