[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-20-2006 @ 04:10 PM).]
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-20-2006 @ 04:10 PM).]
"Focwald! Join us!" one of the revellers called out to him good naturedly. "Plenty to go around! Take your brother's share since he isn't coming to claim it!"
"Leave it for the Vikings," Focwald answered.
"It'll be awhile before any of them come around again to claim any ale from this tavern!" shouted one of the revellers. Boisterous laughter followed this pronouncement.
"So you would think. They come even now, by the river, and are heading straight for our village's docks. Put those tankards down! We have a village to protect!"
The laughter died away very quickly. "But we vanquished them, sent them back to their ship."
"Not adequately. So if you value your homes, your families and anything else, put down your drinks and mount your horses. Then follow me to the river dock!"
Thumps resounded across the bar as the men put down their tankards and abandoned them as they ran to the tavern's main door. Sadly, only a few were still steady on their feet. Some of the steadier soldiers had to stop to assist others who were less than steady. Focwald followed behind the last of them and stepped outside to see his mounted army struggle to not only become mounted but to stay mounted. He shook his head in dismay as he mounted his own horse and commanded them to follow him. He dared not look back at that moment to see how many would or even could answer his command. He selected a god and said a few words in prayer hoping it would not be in vain, and then galloped down the main street of the village on his way to the river docks.
"Father, I followed your instructions. You said ambush them."
"Yes, the war party, which is what I expected. Not the delegation. No wonder you caught them by surprise! Still, it cost us half our force by your reckoning."
"Yes, twenty. They others are in the tavern."
"In the tavern? And what do you think the rest of the Viking warriors you didn't kill are going to do? Send you more ale by which to celebrate?"
"We killed their leader." Ratbodo's face reddened and the markings of anger began to crawl across his brow and tightening lips.
"Oh, even better. Now they'll be furious and girded for war! Their leader is dead and revenge is a notorious Viking pleasure!"
Ratbodo was beginning to feel his own fury rise in parallel. "Why is it, father, I never do anything right in your eyes?! No matter what I do, it is never right!"
"Because, Ratbodo, it The door flew open and a riverman almost flew in, his haste was so great. "Vikings, by river, they come even now! Focwald is meeting them with Ratbodo's men!" Hathowulf looked at the riverman for a stunned second or two and then turned to glare at Ratbodo. "Do you finally see what I mean? This may very well be your last chance to learn, and mine to teach. Get to your brother's side, Ratbodo, and make sure he isn't a victim of your poor judgement too. I'll be right behind you with whomever else I can find. Now go!" Ratbodo's hand shook but he knew better than to challenge his father's will at this particular moment. He spun on his heels and ran out of the gaol unceremoniously leaping onto his horse for the gallop to the river. At the moment, thoughts of the woman he recognized as the wife of the Frankish Captain he killed were distant and of little importance. ___________________________________________________________ The first thing Aldric noticed about the small, leather bound book placed into his hands by Adalwi was the dark red staining that contrasted with the mottled brown of the leather. Saint's blood he realized... St. Boniface's blood. Almost forgetting himself he moved as if to fall on his knees and pray, signing himself with the cross at the same time. Instead, he caught himself and turned his gestures into an awkward bow. Adalwi stared at him curiously, "Strangely you bow to me or the book? Which is it and why?" Aldric found himself unexpectedly irritated. Oh! She is a questioning one indeed! "We merchants in antiquities and curiousities are always impressed when something of authentic worth is uncovered, no matter the way," he said trying to seem open and honest despite the less than accurate nature of his words. "This is a special item and will stand us all in good stead among our peers." This was true enough in actuality. "Are you sure it's what you were looking for?" Adalwi asked, not knowing why such a unimpressive object should be of so much interest. She'd snuck into the room before and tried to read its content but could make nothing out of the ancient language written down on its pages. Aldric opened the book and began to scan some of the pages. There were notes written down, prayers and records of the acts of St. Boniface in the saint's hand scribbled in the margins where the monk who made the original text and illuminated its pages allowed room for such entries. Aldric, the assistant to the monastic librarian, knew a true relic when he saw it. "Yes, Adalwi, it is exactly what I was, I mean, we were looking for." He glanced up at Liudger and nodded, passing on as well a meaningful look that said their mission thus far was successful. "Adalwi," Liudger added to Aldric's words, "I am grateful to you. How may we repay you for this kindness?" Aldric swallowed hard. He wished Liudger hadn't taken that particular route. The door was wide open and he feared what this unpredictable young woman might choose to bring in with her. Adalwi looked at Liudger, then at Gisela. Finally, her eyes fell on Aldric even as she replied to Liudger. "Take me with you, wherever you go! I can't stand living in this town another minute! I want to see what there is in the world to see! I want to travel from here and see it all, all that I possibly can!" Her eyes had a look of pleading that was as close to begging as could be, yet staying unsaid. Gisela spoke up for the men who could not immediately find the words to respond with. "Adalwi, I am a woman and say to you, do you, a woman, understand what you are asking for and what can happen to you?" "Yes, I'm old enough to know. I hear stories from the men whom my brother commands. They think I don't understand so they talk obliquely behind my back. I know what their stories mean no matter the way in which they couch them to each other." She suddenly stepped close to Aldric and grasped him by the arm pressing her bosom to him just below the shoulder, and holding what she grasped of Aldric close to her in a kind of tight embrace. "I shall be safe in the company of Aldric... and Liudger. I am not afraid. No more than you are when in their company." Adalwi elevated her chin to display her strength of will. Gisela could see the glistening in the younger woman's eyes, accented by the flickering of the two torches the group carried. Adalwi was very serious about this and very determined. Gisela glanced at the now very uncomfortable Aldric and with a sigh communicated the fact of Adalwi's sincerity to Aldric. This did not make the young apprentice monk any more comfortable than before. In fact, it made him very uncomfortable indeed. Aldric found himself understanding the girl's desire to see beyond the boundaries of the village and he discovered that her physical closeness in that moment, the scent of her immediate presence, was stirring something within him he did not know was there. He knew he should separate himself from her grasp, but something else compelled him to stand where he was and make no such move at all. That something else for the moment was more powerful than anything he had known before and was victorious over Aldric. He made no effort to release Adalwi or to encourage Adalwi to release him. ___________________________________________________________ From the bend in the river, Focwald could hear the thumping of the dragon ship's drum giving timing to the rowers. He could hear, just above the rush of the river water, the commands being given in the gutterals these northmen called a language. Then the great obscene head of the dragon creature the Vikings place on the bows of their ships appeared and Focwald knew without doubt the Vikings would soon be there. He turned about and raced back to the makeshift barriers constructed across the entrance to the village from the docks, mounted his horse and joined the rest of the village cavalry. One man, green of face, leaned over from his saddle and emptied his stomach onto the ground. This made the horses and riders in his vicinity agitated both by the sound of his retching and the stench of the ale permeated vomit. Relieved of his stomach's content, the rider weakly resumed his position on his saddle and sat there silently, beads of sweat on his brow and his hand shaking while holding the reins of his mount. Focwald said nothing, fearing a single word of reprimand from him and the man might bolt for the country leaving one less to defend the village. He waited patiently to see what direction the Vikings would take so he could direct his men accordingly. [This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-08-2007 @ 10:03 PM).]
Bjorn peered ahead under the bright light of the high sun. There seemed to be no activity on the dock or along the edge of the river. Far up the river he could see a vessel slowly floating down the river bearing five people. One was a young girl, two others were grown women and the other two were men. No bother. He waved his sword and pointed towards the distant vessel. Three Viking archers separated from the main body of the war party and took up positions on the shoreline, arrows nocked in bows. Not a word was said by the hunkered down occupants of the small river vessel steadily approaching. One Viking bowman loosed a single arrow that crossed high over the approaching vessel as a warning. One of the men in the vessel straightened, held up two empty hands and bowed, then placed an empty hand on his mouth to signify they would make no sound. The only noise that could be heard was the wash of the river water around the banks, and the rustling of the Vikings in their armor waiting for Bjorn to give the order to advance.
Bjorn waved his sword and the archers returned. Then the new king raised his sword and lowered it with its point directed at the path running from the docks into the village. Wordlessly, the Vikings began their advance. No walls obstructed them, no villagers were in sight who might give the alarm. They progressed without incident, that is, until they were confronted by the villager's hastily built barricade running between two elevated pieces of ground and the sight of a small mounted group of cavalry standing at the ready far behind the wall. At this Bjorn called a halt.
Suddenly the collected shout of dozens of Frisien voices arose from behind the cavalry positioned in the pathway causing even the Frisien mounted soldiers to look over their shoulders at its source. Pressing as much speed out of old and young legs from round the bend in the path came two score of Frisien townfolk bearing all manner of weapons from vintage swords to hand tools. Most were men, but among them were a few burly women who might be something of a match for an unwary Viking who underestimated them and overestimated his own prowess. Also among them was Hathowulf, who had hurried to all corners of the town to gather any who had the means and would fight.
Bjorn raised his sword ordering his men to halt. Of course they could attack, but that was not what Bjorn wanted. He came to regain his honor for that was the last command from his dying father's lips and he would obey it. In halting Frisien Bjorn cried out. "Stay your men whoever your leader is. I come for the man who murdered my father and dishonored me! I come for the one called Ratbodo! Let your leader show himself!"
Hathowulf stood up behind the barricade and answered. "I am their Sheriff, their leader. What interest have you in Ratbodo?"
Bjorn in only a few sentences relayed the beating he took and the ambush of his father, who only sought a parley not a battle. The Viking noticed the unease of their leader and knew the man understood how he felt. He made his offer. "I am called upon by my father to avenge him and regain my honor. I challenge Ratbodo to single combat, sword and shield. Should I win, I shall have accomplished my purpose and you shall have but a few hours to render tribute or your village will be sacked! If I lose, then my Vikings will return to their ship peacefully for a new king must be selected and that requires our return to our own village. Where is Ratbodo? What is your choosing?!" He waited for the Frisien response.
Adalwi offered a cynical observation. "My brother's doing we'd most likely discover were we to stay and sort through everything." The others looked at her curiously. "Well, whenever there's trouble, somewhere in the middle of it at its beginning is Ratbodo." She edged a little closer to Aldric who surprisingly made no effort to expand the distance between them. The color was beginning to return to her face and lips. Aldric glanced at Liudger. The Frank noted the substantial color in Aldric's face but suppressed the smile trying to find its way onto his face. The youngster is going to find the rest of this journey quite challenging concluded Liudger with an inwardly directed, silent laugh.
They had decided in the tomb the only route safe to take was by the river. The Vikings should by then have been traveling by land, hence their surprise when they saw them on the shore of the village instead of seeing an abandoned ship much farther down the stream. No need for pretense so far as personal goods was concerned. The horses were expendable, even good Hisbald, and they were adequately dressed for travel. Food was a problem, but they had coin to buy what they needed, their weapons to hunt what they could find, and they discovered fishing line and crude hooks in the small vessel to use to catch fish.
Travel by river and sea seemed the fastest, safest for now. Adalwi knew the way to the seacoast, but that was all. A village there was a trading site and so she had indeed gone that far into the world outside her village, but always with brothers and others surrounding her, smothering her with protection. It wasn't possible to experience or see anything in their company!
Aldric felt increasingly guilty about having Adalwi accompany him. What were they to do when they reached the sea village? Abandon her? How cruel. God would not find favor with him if he left her alone and on her own in a distant village. He began to assess the penance he must do for all of the sins of his current behavior. He lost count well past their sighting of the Viking ship and quiet passage past the gathered Viking war party.
They discovered the place where the Viking's first landed, directed their vessel to the shore, and found the Viking's hasty departure was incomplete and some foodstuff remained that hadn't spoiled. Somewhat re-supplied, they set out again down the river to the sea feeling increasingly convinced they had not been seen throughout the course of their escape. Their conviction was unfounded. By the time they reached the sea village and its shelter events had unfolded in Dokkum which would set in motion the end game to their adventure, and a time of danger unseen and unexpected.
Liudger looked up and down the streets of the now abandoned village and wondered what had chased them away. Adalwi pointed to one of the structures and told them it was the village general store. They hastened to it to see what might be found. He would leave coin for whatever they took. They were not thieves and he would not have the villagers think of them that way.
___________________________________________________________
Ratbodo knelt on two knees exhausted by the demands of the duel he just fought. Across from him Bjorn did the same, lifting pain ridden eyes up to those of his nemisis. The Viking looked down at the sword protruding from his belly and wordlessly toppled over. Ratbodo slowly regained his feet and walked to the prone Viking, grasped his own sword by its hilt and yanked its bloody length out of the dying man. Ratbodo saw the Viking weakly trying to place his hand on his sword where it lay nearby. In a rare act charity, Ratbodo walked to the sword, bent down and picked it up and layed the hilt of the weapon on Bjorn's chest, the sword's point directed to his feet. The Viking raised his hand and sought the hilt, placing his hand on its hilt. As he did so his death rattle loudly sounded and Bjorn passed into Valhalla, sword in his grip, to join his father.
Ratbodo gave no attention to the Vikings, but turned and walked towards the barricade where his older brother waited for him. Speaking hardly any words at all, the Vikings picked up their dead king and turned towards their ship. One stayed behind his hand raised, palm open. "We shall honor our king's words and leave this village. We thank you for honoring him with a Viking's death, sword in hand. There will be no further dealings between us and this village. We shall not land on its shores again. This is what I was ordered to say by our king should he die." The Viking dropped his hand and turned about to return to his ship. The Frisiens remained silent until the Viking was out of sight and then raised a great cheer for Ratbodo who by now had climbed the barricade and was standing among them listening to the departing Viking's words.
A woman ran breathlessly through the men and up to Hathowulf, Ratbodo and Focwald. "She's gone! Kidnapped they say!" Nearly out of breath she paused to regain it.
"Who's kidnapped, woman?! Tell me!" shouted Hathowulf trying to be heard above the celebratory din.
"Adalwi, your daughter, by the Frank and the Frisien youth!"
"Kidnapped? How? Which direction did they take?!"
"The river. They were seen on the river after the Vikings came!"
"But why?!"
"Nobody knows why, but an old book in a box in the crypt is gone too, they told me."
"No! They couldn't!" cried Hathowulf.
Ratbodo and Focwald had stopped their own celebrations when the woman approached. Said Focwald, "Very possibly could have, Father. He is a merchant in artifacts is he not?"
"But who could have shown it to him, or told him where it was?" Hathowulf paused to consider. "Adalwi knew and that's why they've taken her. Threatened her no doubt, within a pin's length of her life. Made her show it to them. The thieves! Focwald and Ratbodo, no time to waste! Grab food, bedding, clothing and your horses! We ride to rescue Adalwi!"
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-11-2007 @ 09:49 PM).]
His commanding tone and brisk demeanor was not what Adalwi was accustomed to. She immediately bristled as she was directed to gather up some of the supplies that they had taken. An aggravated huff slipped from her.
Gisela watched the young woman with narrowed eyes as she gathered up what she and Rosamund would be carrying and stole a look at Liudger.
He was busily at work securing what was left of the stores they would be taking. Movements of military efficiency brought back memories of Rosamund’ Gently she placed her slender hand on his big arm, which drew his gaze back to hers. Standing just behind him she quietly whispered close to his ear. “ Gisela could feel her eyes filling with tears and looked down quickly so he would not see them. In a quiet voice only she could hear Liudger spoke to her. “ “ "It’ Blue eyes filled with a hint of fear and questioning locked onto his. Liudger felt his tough demeanor slip away as he was lost in her gaze. [This message has been edited by Lady Arcola (edited 01-17-2007 @ 05:01 PM).]
Seraph Lady Arcola
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." -Walter Winchell
~ BFME2 Heaven | Stronghold Heaven | Stronghold 2 Heaven~
«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»
Something fell over as if pushed and a tiny intake of breath by someone nearby revealed the location of the culprit. Liudger pulled a small boy from amidst a collection of odd rejected objects, mostly cracked wooden barrels, and turned the Frisien youngster over to Aldric to interpret his words.
"I'm not hurting anyone!" cried the boy in protest at his somewhat rough handling by a hurried, wary Liudger.
Aldric tried to calm the boy the best he could. "Nobody will hurt you, child. Not even that big, bad man there." He motioned to Liudger who retained his frown but felt somewhat insulted by the reference, even though he knew Aldric to be gaming the boy and not meaning at all what he said about Liudger.
"He won't?"
"No. I won't let him."
"Okay. You seem nicer. And you're Frisien."
Aldric smiled. "Yes I am. Will you answer a question or two?"
"Maybe."
Aldric looked the boy over and noted he seemed somewhat too thin, even for a lad. His clothes were shabby and needed cleaning as did the boy by the look of his patchy brown skin and clumping hair. "Are you hungry? Will some food help you answer some questions?" Liudger inwardly groaned. They had just about used up all of their coin and had barely adequate food for their journey. Aldric ignored his companion's pained expressions. "We will give you some food for some answers."
"If you ask them..."
Aldric began. "Where are your parents?"
"Have none. I'm a village orphan."
"Where are all the villagers?"
"When the Vikings were sighted they fled into the hills. Buildings can be rebuilt, people can't be reborn, not into this world anyway."
"I see no Vikings. Why have the villagers not returned?"
The boy started to laugh. "You are not much on knowing about Vikings. They go up the river, so they must come back down the river, to get to the sea. The villagers won't be back until someone spies the Vikings going back out to sea. Then they'll return."
Aldric nodded. Of course. That makes proper sense. "Is this sea vessel ocean worthy?"
"That one? Of course. It's the best of the lot. Belongs to the village chieftan. He runs it south and north without any problems, even in rough seas. Are you going to steal it?" This question he asked with an excited look in his eyes.
"No, we'll pay for it."
"Oh. I wish you'd steal it. He isn't a very nice man. Treats me badly, he does."
"We won't. Have you seen any strangers here since the villagers fled?"
"No. Nobody at all." Aldric glanced at Liudger to see if there were any questions on the soldier's mind. He could tell by the shake of his head there weren't. "Is there a safe place for a lady here?"
The boy looked at the two women. Gisela stepped closer to Liudger as if to say 'No, not me, her.' Then he looked at Adalwi with her anger charged reddening face and her knitted brows. "No safe place anywhere here except with the rest of the villagers when Vikings are around."
"Aldric! Don't you even think of it!" Adalwi stamped her foot raising some dust, but mostly scattering sand in all directions including onto her other foot. "I didn't do this to be left behind in this forsaken broken down stinking fish pit! How dare you even suggest it!"
The boy laughed. "Same way I think of this place, lady."
Suddenly, uncharacteristically, Adalwi broke down into tears. "Please don't leave me behind. I want to go where you go, Aldric. I promise I won't be a bother." She forgot herself and everyone around and in just three quick steps threw herself into Aldric's arms pouring tears onto his shoulder and sobbing into his neck. "I love you," she said in a tortured whisper, "like nobody ever before. I must be with you."
Aldric held her, not tightly, but in a supportive manner. He glanced at Liudger, whose left eyebrow was raised as if to signal it was all in Aldric's hands, literally and figuratively. Gisela relaxed somewhat sensing in her mature womanly way that this girl was not acting. Perhaps they all would be safe afterall.
The tableau was broken by the boy's question. He wrinkled his nose at this display of femalism. "Girls," he mumbled under his breath. "Nothing but trouble. Can I have some food now?"
Aldric gently released Adalwi who was still sobbing but beginning to regain some of her previous composure. "Yes, here." Aldric reached into a bag of dried beef and gave the boy a handful of dried lengths. It would be enough for a child of his size to last a day or two. The Vikings would return and pass by them or never pass by them at all.
The boy accepted the food and then his eyes went wide. Almost tearing the food from Aldric's hands, the child turned and fled up the embankment and towards the village just as a party of six riders appeared and galloped directly towards Liudger and the others.
Adalwi groaned and stepped close to Aldric. "Father," was all she said. Indeed it was Hathowulf, Focwald, three soldiers of Dokkum, and Ratbodo. Ratbodo's eyes were focussed on Gisela, and there was no doubt he meant to finish the entire affair very soon. Gisela's heart turned to lead and fell into her heaving stomach. Rosamund sensed serious trouble and gripped her mother's leg tightly. Liudger grasped the hilt of his sword and Aldric began to whisper a prayer for their safety. He even included Adalwi; for the look in Hathowulf's eye was one of deep fury. Aldric sensed that the fury was aimed not just at himself and the others, but also at Adalwi, Hathowulf's wayward daughter.
"We are at your mercy, Sheriff of Dokkum. What will you do with us?" he asked in an essentially desperate act to get some kind of communication underway.
Hathowulf cast a steely glare at Liudger. "Your woman we'll imprison. The child will serve some innkeeper well. You two men we'll hang."
"What of your daughter?" asked Liudger maintaining tight control over his rising anger.
"I have no daughter," was the ice cold reply.
"FATHER!" Adalwi cried out. "I am your daughter. You cannot deny me!"
"I can deny any daughter of mine who disobeys me, dishonors me and the Frisien people."
Ratbodo struggled to suppress a smile all during this exchange between the prisoners and Hathbodo. Good! Serves her right, and the rest of them too, especially the wench. His thoughts charged back to his experience of her in the Frankish farmhouse. His smile nearly escaped his control. He considered the condition of their gaol and its opportunities and instantaneously planned for a future day... or night.
A woman's voice shattered his pleasurable thoughts by interrupting with these words: "Listen to me! All of you!" Gisela placed a hand on her clinging daughter for reassurance and continued. "You need to know why we did this! You have that right, Sheriff Hathowulf! Assert your right, now, this instant! Let us tell you our story."
"What do I care of your story. You have stolen from the people of Dokkum! That's story enough for me."
"Then you treat your daughter even more unfairly than the rest of us. I ask this for her sake, for the blood that runs in her veins. Please hear our story now, this intstant, and judge from knowledge and not ignorance."
Hathowulf's fury had subsided little and had even increased a notch upon hearing the Frankish wench's plea. "How dare you, Frankish wench, address me like that! You should..." But a hand on his arm distracted him and involuntarily he stopped and looked down to see that it was Focwald who had placed a hand there. "Father," Focwald began with a voice that was gentle and soothing. "Perhaps we should take a moment and listen. Only that. Just listen. I would like to hear this story they wish to share. No harm can come from listening." His soothing voice began to calm his raging father. Hathowulf couldn't help himself but glanced at his mortified daughter. Maybe there is something I should know. Anything. Oh, Adalwi! Why must you bring matters to such a state. Daughter of mine... I do not want to lose you...
"Who will tell this story?" came Hathowulf's response. Gisela relaxed ever so slightly. "Aldric the Frisien will," she answered.
Aldric's stomach knotted even more than it was already, but he steeled himself and began.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-18-2007 @ 04:07 PM).]
"HAH! I'm to believe that? Why, Frisien traitor, am I to believe you are speaking the truth?!"
"Because," proceeded Aldric, "I am a monk of the Abbey of St. Remacle of Stavelot and I have taken a vow before God to speak the truth." Aldric heard the sudden intake of breath and looked to its source. Adalwi's face registered shock, then disbelief and then a pained expression as the implications of what Aldric said began to take firm root. She stepped back from him as if realizing her close proximity would somehow cause him to shatter or go up in flames or have some other horrible effect.
"You said you were merchants," countered Hathowulf.
"Aldric translated my lie," said Liudger in broken Frisien, "but never spoke them as his own words."
Aldric looked at the ground on which he stood. "I shall seek forgiveness for this subterfuge with prayer and sacrifice. I did not mean for anyone to be harmed or be misled, least of all your daughter."
"I have no daughter."
"Yes you do!" This time it was Aldric who spoke forcefully. "She is the lovely young woman standing next to me who placed more importance in commitment and love than in a book of little positive value for her people!"
"So you came for the book?" Focwald asked, his mind racing down multiple paths and possibilities and hoping to divert his father's mind from his daughter's plight.
Aldric nodded. "Yes, Master Focwald. We came for the book that was stolen from the Abbey."
"Why?"
"Because, Master Focwald, the book is considered a sacred relic and of great importance to the Abbey. We believe it to have special grace which upon its return will help the Abbey and may return the Abbot to good health. We even believe that its return will be of benefit to Dokkum and my people in this land."
"Your people? How do you..." Ratbodo was silenced by a glare from Hathowulf. The Sheriff returned his attention to Aldric. "How may it benefit we Frisiens."
"Sheriff Hathowulf, even now Charlemagne of the Franks is considering sending his army into this land because of the acts of Frisiens against his people and his soldiers. We are on a mission begun in the Abbey, but the origin of the request for this mission is Charlemagne himself. This man, Liudger, who travels with me is his messenger. He is an officer in the Frankish cavalry."
All eyes moved to Liudger. He addressed them through Aldric's translation where Liudger's rudimentary knowledge of the Frisien language failed him. "There have been raids into Frankish land, murders committed and violation of Frankish women. With me is Gisela, a victim of such a raid very near your border. At their Frankish outpost her husband and his men were massacred. She was violated. The Frisien war party came from Dokkum."
"Who led it?" asked Hathowulf knowing the implications and feeling the heat rise up his neck. He suspected the culprit, but hoped it would not be so.
"Your son, Ratbodo."
"A LIE!" bellowed Ratbodo, moving his sword and horse as if about to attack. Liudger's hand instinctively went to his sword, but he did not have to use it. A man on a horse inserted himself between Ratbodo and Liudger, the man's sword pointed straight at Ratbodo. It was Focwald.
"No, Ratbodo, you will not silence him with your sword this day!" Focwald cried out. "Father, some of the drunken men I collected at the village tavern before the Vikings arrived spoke of this with their thickened tongues. They found amusement it seems in Ratbodo's adventures with the Franks and this woman. The Frank may be telling the truth!"
Gisela collected every bit of courage she could muster, but little Rosamund spoke first. "Mama, I remember that man," she said pointing towards Ratbodo. "He's the one who hurt you."
Gisela gave Ratbodo a look of pure hate. "Yes, Rosamund, he is the one who hurt me."
"He is a very bad man, Mama," said the little girl as she pressed herself closer to Gisela for protection. "I don't like him."
Hathowulf turned his horse to face his youngest son. "We will deal with this later, Ratbodo. Sheath your sword." Ratbodo hesitated a moment and then did as he was told. Only then did Focwald return to his place at his father's side. "Continue," Hathowulf said to Aldric.
"Yes, Sheriff. We found the woman and the child in the cottage. We buried her dead husband and his soldiers. We brought her with us for her protection. We feared what might happen to her if she stayed in the cottage all alone. Finally we arrived in Dokkum. We spoke of artifacts and..." Aldric hesitated.
"Go on."
"Your daughter developed an interest in us. Well, in me actually, and I'm not unwilling to admit I have developed an interest in her as well. She sought nothing more than to accompany us. Perhaps more. I'm not sure. I... I'm a monk and in matters of romance I am new. She is very strong minded... We accepted her offer to show us the book. It was the only artifact she knew of. She could not have known our true mission and should not be blamed because we took the artifact. She did not know of its worth to us. The Vikings arrived and upset matters. We took the book and together fled the Vikings."
"Like thieves," added Hathowulf.
Aldric's eyebrows knitted and he felt a touch of anger. "Are they thieves who recover their own property taken from its place in their Abbey, or are they thieves who take the Abbey's property without permission in spite of its honest and open hospitality?"
Hathowulf knew the unfavorable answer and did not reply.
Aldric decided his point was made and so he chose not to belabor it. "Sheriff, letting us pass to the south without harm with the artifact will be a sign to Charlemagne that Frisiens do not want war. Liudger will convey that message to the King of the Franks." Liudger nodded to add punctuation to Aldric's words and to signal his pledge.
Focwald leaned in his saddle closer to his father. "I think there is much to consider in his words, Father. I have seen signs of a threat on the borders. Ratbodo has been too active there. I do not see how returning this useless book can hurt us if the Franks place such value in its return. We have the village and the lives of our fellow Frisiens to consider. Such an act may placate the Franks. At worst it will buy time for us to prepare for a Frankish incursion." He straightened himself out in his saddle and said nothing more in order to give his father time to consider his advice.
Hathowulf said nothing as he considered all that he heard. Then he spoke. "My daughter will never be welcome in Dokkum again. The people of the village will not understand. She cannot return with us even if we agree to let you pass to the south."
Aldric looked at Adalwi who by now had realized her double loss: first Aldric, and now her family. Tears began to fill her eyes and to trickle down her flushed cheeks. Suddenly she heard words from Aldric she never thought he possibly would say. "I have come to know her well these days and I believe your daughter will never be happy living in Dokkum whether married or not. Let her go with us, with me, for as a man pledged to God and as a Frisien, I shall vow before both and before you that Adalwi will be kept safe and made happy by us and by me. I shall make that my new mission, Sheriff Hathowulf."
"But your vows as a monk... I know something of this and you cannot do all of what you say."
"I am an There was silence all around. Adalwi stared speechless at Aldric, but as realizations gained ground in her confused mind she began to understand all of what had just transpired, and the promise of what might be possible. Her dazzling smile returned and her eyes sought out her father conveying a silent message of pleading. Father, please, please, don't hate me. Just let me be free and to go with this man... Hathowulf considered the monk's elegant words and their meaning. He saw the look on his daughter's face and realized then and there what her destiny must be. With a great sigh of resignation he reached his decision. [This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-19-2007 @ 09:52 PM).]
"No, Master Focwald, he would not tell me the exact nature of the mission; only that he was to meet a delegation of Frisiens on the border and that is why we were to be in the cottage for only a brief time. He had only a few soldiers with him since his mission was not to populate the site as if it were a fortress, but to use the cottage as a place to stay while awaiting a Frisien delegation or instructions on where to meet the delegation. They were looking for Frisiens to arrive there and so were not alarmed when Ratbodo's troop first appeared."
Focwald's frown increased in magnitude the more Gisela offered of the story of recent events. Finally, he motioned to her it was enough. Focwald turned to his father. "This was the delegation from Charlemagne we were told was coming. I was one of those asked by the Council of Elders to meet them. You were asked to meet them as well, issues of the village being few at the time. Now they are dead and their message to us equally dead along with a possible peace with Charlemagne, thanks to Ratbodo's rash stupidity. We must make amends somehow and perhaps passage for these people and the book is the best we have. I am more convinced of it now than ever, Father."
Ratbodo broke his silence. "Convinced of what, Brother?! We do not need to accept peace overtures from the Franks! We should impose our own. See how easy it is deal with Franks! Watch me!" So saying, Ratbodo again pulled his sword out of its sheath and put spurs to his horse. Startled by Ratbodo's action, Liudger did not have time to bring forth his own sword. Instead, he prepared to leap to the side to avoid Ratbodo's sword swing. This Liudger didn't have to do.
The flat of Focwald's sword slammed into the back of his brother's head as he galloped at the ill-prepared Frank. Daylight suddenly brighted and then exploded into a million particles in Ratbodo's mind as Focwald's sword slammed into his target. Ratbodo fell from his horse onto the sand of the beach and lay there unmoving while his unconscious brain tried to reasses matters and form a plan. It failed and Ratbodo continued to lie on the sand, alive but oblivious to his location and circumstances.
"I regret that, Father, but I had no choice."
Hatowulf stared at his youngest son knocked out and lying helpless on the sand. "You had a choice, Focwald, and you made the right one. I have a choice now, and if ever I was wavering before, I am not wavering now. The decision is now made, perhaps it was made for me the minute my son ventured into your husband's presence, Madame Gisela. I offer you my sincerest apology for what was done. I am aware I cannot undue the harm, but I can offer amends. You and the others, including my daughter, are free to leave this land. We will not hold you from your departure a moment longer. But tell me this, Frank. How do you plan to sail this vessel which you do not own and plan to take from its owner?"
Liudger saw the look in Hathowulf's eye. Testing, always testing. "We will not 'take' this vessel, we shall buy it. Here Sheriff are my coins. The quantity of coins is plentiful enough I believe to pay for it. I shall trust you to place the sum in the hands of its owner when he returns and convey our thanks." Liudger reached for the coins secured to his belt and after releasing the pouch threw it to the Sheriff.
Hathowulf nodded. "How will you sail it then? I do not see a sailor among you."
A young boy's voice sounded out from behind a pile of abandoned cargo containers. It was the young boy who fled previously but apparently not very far. "I've sailed the ship they are buying on many a fishing expedition. I can provide them the information they need. They have to promise me a home where I go, and an apprenticeship, since I'll be going with them and never returning to his miserable village.
Liudger promised. Hathowulf took note of it. "So, boy, are you ready to show these pilgrims how to manage our nearby sea?"
"I am, Sheriff Hathowulf."
"Good! Then I suggest you cast off before the Vikings take a notion to arrive here and change your plans for you." Hathowulf dismounted. "See to Ratbodo," he said to two of the mounted soldiers. "Focwald, let's lend them a hand and get them into the water." Hathowulf then turned to his daughter.
"You are more a daughter to me with your wild ways than your youngest brother is a son. I shall give you into the care of this young monk. I do have a daughter, and you are she." Saying this, Hathowulf threw open his arms and welcomed Adalwi into them for a farewell hug, possibly the last he would ever be able to give her. She ran to him and they embraced warmly, both happy to do so, but sadly too as it was farewell with no expectation of reuniting in the future.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-24-2007 @ 09:30 PM).]
As Liudger steered them into a central section of the west-flowing river he looked hard over the stern into the distance and could see the barest hint of the red face of a mythical creature just beginning to appear above riverside vegetation. It was too far away to matter to them, and too big to try to chase them down in the narrow confines of the river. Their far more maneuverable boat would out run the Viking vessel so long as they were in the river. In the sea, he would direct the boat to the south, and the Norse would naturally turn to the north. He relaxed at last feeling matters were in control. The red dragon on the Viking ship's prow disappeared again, a fact Liudger attributed to the probability the Norse landed on the shore of the fishing village. He whispered a momentary wish that Hathowulf and Focwald would fare well under the circumstances. They were decent men, even if pragmatic under the circumstances. He made no such wish or even thought to mention Ratbodo by name in the same vein.
Finally, Adalwi settled down in a place on the boat clear of ropes and other equipment. Her face was buried in her arms and her arms rested on her knees, which she had brought close to herself for comfort. Time passed this way for a distance until Aldric glanced at Adalwi and noticed that she now rested her chin on her arms and was staring intently at him. He could not fathom what was going through her mind, but just to show he knew she was there he smiled at her. It was a gentle smile, filled with respecful familiarity and a bit of affection that seemed to well up just as he sent it her way.
The corners of Adalwi's eyes crinkled as if somewhere behind her arms she had created a smile of her own, placed it on her face, but refused to let any of it be seen except for the little hint granted by her eyes. Aldric still could not fathom what was passing through Adalwi's mind, but he never doubted for an instant that something was being contemplated there and he eventually would learn what it was.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-24-2007 @ 09:53 PM).]
Liudger had been at the rudder for hours now and had guided them safely to the coastal water way which they would follow home. The young lad who had accompanied them was a good sailor and had guided them well. He realized it had been hours since he had seen Gisela and called Aldric back to him. Several minutes were spent showing him how to steer the vessel, a relatively easy job in their present location. He watched the young novice for about 15 minutes to make sure he had the hang of handling the rudder and then winking at Aldric he started off to go below.
Rosamund had fallen asleep and Gisela was just coming above when Liudger had reached the decking that led below. The couple ran into each other with a jolt.
“ Laughter spilled from her as she caught his startled look knowing he didn’ “ A hot flush filled her cheeks and a smile spilled across her delicate features as she felt his hand slide gently around her tiny waist and surprise filled her as he pulled her closely to his side. “ “ Oblivious to any eyes now they sat and watched the sun setting. Gisela’ Liudger was lost in the moment and toyed with stay strand of hair that had fallen from her braided locks. How had he been blessed with this fair maiden? “ “ “ Gisela slid her slender hand up and touched his handsome face. Tracing the line of his jaw she looked up into his eyes and was lost as she answered; “ A huge smile spilled across the soldiers tanned face. His eyes twinkling with joy he pulled Gisela across the front of him and bent his head to kiss her waiting lips. From Adalwi’ The sun had slipped below the horizon and the sunset had turned the clouds pink to peach, bathing the sea surface with its color. Looking to the back of the boat she watched Aldric in the growing twilight. Knowing the couple in front of her would not see or hear her through their laughter, she quietly rose and stole to the back of the vessel. Aldric heard her quiet steps approach and stiffened as he realized it was Adalwi. Not sure what to expect the young novice watched her draw closer with bated breath. “ A soft smile spilled across her features. It was a truthful request and it came with a truly beautiful genuine smile. “ [This message has been edited by Lady Arcola (edited 01-29-2007 @ 01:45 AM).]
Are you well? Rosamund must be asleep.”
Adalwi had fallen asleep during the hours of travel and had awoken when the couple collided. Now she watched attentively as the couple strolled to the front of the vessel. Noting that Gisela had used no fresh coyness in her answers with Liudger only laughter and joy, the young maid watched the couple in awe.
“
I could help you stay awake.”
Aldric surprised at the lack of coyness she usually used with him, smiled back at her.
Seraph Lady Arcola
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." -Walter Winchell
~ BFME2 Heaven | Stronghold Heaven | Stronghold 2 Heaven~
«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»«..»º©º«..»º©º«..»
That was the last question he expected to come from Adalwi. Up until now he expected the questions to be framed more in her own personal terms, not a request from him in his terms. This girl is either remarkably clever or...or... Well, something is certainly different. Her eyes, now focussed on his face and nothing else, did not have the artificial look of feined curiousity or naivete he too often saw in the eyes of immature woman-children prone to airs and calculated relationships. This was not the Adalwi of their first meeting.
"We live quiet lives, Adalwi. We work in the light of day and we pray in between our times of work. We pray six times each day."
"What kind of work?"
"We do what is necessary according to our skills and training. Those who have a skill preparing food are cooks in the galley. Those who have a knowledge of metalworking are blacksmiths. Those who have facility with animals are shepherds or liverymen. Younger monks are taught by those who once did the work they are teaching so that the skills can be carried on. We draw from nearby villages if the work is beyond the skill of any of the monks."
"And what is it you do, Aldric?"
"I am an assistant to the Librarian of the Monastery. My skill with Frisien makes it possible for me to translate certain Frisien texts. Otherwise, my task is to ensure the orderliness of the library so that others will find what they seek. I also guide those who must do research by showing them the texts we have that will help them. I have learned bookbinding as a skill by which to help keep old texts protected. There is much knowledge in the library that I have enjoyed learning when time permitted.
"I think I understand. We have such in the village, one in particular who takes groupings of papers my father writes and sews them together with leather as a cover. My father calls them his journals and I've watched him record the names and events surrounding people who he gaols or otherwise come under his authority. He will refer to his journals from time to time when an accused person is being judged." Aldric nodded as he has bound such collections of papers for the Abbot on occasion, though the documents had nothing to do with punishments.
Adalwi was not finished with her questions. "I am told monks take vows. What are they?"
Aldric swallowed hard. "We take vows twice. The first is when we are an apprentice monk and the second is when we are admitted to the order. The vows are promises of obediance, poverty and chastity."
"Which one do you take first, poverty? Then obediance when admitted to the Order?"
"No, we take all three at the same time and all three again."
"Why twice. Isn't the first time enough?"
The first time when we are apprentices, like I am, the vows we say are revocable. The second time, when we enter the Order, is permanent under pain of mortal sin and eternal damnation."
"Revocable?"
"Yes, revocable. We are not committed to our calling until we make the final vows. We can choose at that time not to become a member of the Order and then we are free to leave the monastery."
"I see." Adalwi's mind was racing. All isn't lost with him. He might still choose her over 'his Order'. She debated with herself over this while returning to being the silent companion she had been just moments before. One thought she rejected outright. No! She would not do that to him! What good a surrender obtained through such evil ways. The choice would have to be his. She could only be what she believed she should be for Aldric and hope that it was what he wanted.
"Aldric, I don't want you to do anything except what you believe to be right. I would be devastated to know I've made you do anything other than what you want to do. You know how I feel about you, I think. That is enough for me, just to have this feeling." Adalwi said this knowing full well it might possibly be exactly what Aldric wanted to hear, these words of hers, words that very well might drive him happily back into the confines of the monastery for the rest of his life.
Well, if it must be then it must be. Unlike nobody before, Aldric has made her the happiest she has ever been...and the saddest she's ever felt. More than likely he will be lost, she concluded after more thought. There and then she decided to simply enjoy his company to the greatest extent she could, respecting his vows, and then say the final fairwell to him that she must. The temptress was left behind in Dokkum. For the first time in her life she realized what it really meant to be a woman. One that was truly in love.
Gently she slid over the very short distance separating herself from Aldric and softly layed her head down on Aldric's free left shoulder, his other shoulder and arm steadying the tiller up and down the gentle ocean swells. She demanded nothing and asked nothing more. He was there with her. That would be enough so long as it lasted.
Aldric didn't flinch at her approach. In fact he welcomed the closeness, the warmth of her body, and its softness. Quickly he reviewed his knowledge of his vows and all that he was taught they meant. With confidence that nothing ever said to him prohibited it, he lifted his arm over her head and placed it around her shoulders, pulling Adalwi closer to him with no space left unfilled. He heard her sigh and he smiled.
Thus they sailed their southerly course for the while, both silently observing the last of the waning sun and the appearance of multitudes of celestial points of lights above and the passing lights of coastal villages off their port side. Though lanterns were lit by the boy sailor, there was no special need; for the moon that night was full and bright, and by the light of that orb alone Aldric guided them ever closer to home.
Meanwhile, word of what had occurred in Dokkum spread swiftly. It spread faster than the vessel they were in could sail the irregular coast southwards. Its spread was aided by a small delegation of Frisiens from Dokkum who hastened their horses as fast as they could to the monastery that was Aldric's home. There they offered Dokkum's apology to the gravely ill Abbot and brought presents to demonstrate their goodwill: a Frisien text for the monastery's library and other goods of Frisien origin. When they left the monastery grounds, this time without theft and subterfuge, Focwald said to the others, "We have done our duty. Let us hope it is enough to ensure peace."
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-29-2007 @ 05:52 PM).]
"I am Liudger in the service of Charlemagne," Liudger said to the more forward of the fishermen. The Frank had no knowledge of the fact his name was already on the lips of the locals by virtue of the news that rushed pall mall through the region just the day before.
The fisherman's face lit up and his expression changed from caution to glee. "Welcome! Welcome! We know your name and what you have done! Is this young lady Gisela?" said the fisherman indicating Adalwi.
"No," answered Aldric. "This is Adalwi of Dokkum, daughter of Hathowulf the Sheriff and sister of Focwald." He deliberately left out Ratbodo's name. "She is the one who guided us to the hiding place for St. Boniface's book. Gisela is here at Liudger's side with her daughter, Rosamund. Her husband was killed in battle and we provided protection for her on the journey. She assisted us in gaining the relic."
"The boy?"
"The newest fisherman among you and owner of the vessel we have travelled the coastal waters in these past days."
"A boy? A fisherman and boat owner?" The fisherman were incredulous.
"Wise beyond his years and a fine sailor," added Liudger who on sighting the fishing village promptly announced to the Frisian orphan that the boat was his so surprising him that the boy nearly broke into tears. Just in time he raced to the bow with his back to them so they would not see his struggle with tears of joy. "I trust you will honor the Fisherman's Code with him despite his tender age. I will hear of it if otherwise."
These fishermen were of no mal intent and smiled amusedly even as they agreed to provide the boy the benefit of the Code. Liudger was satisfied and he and the others willingly followed the fishermen as they led them into the
village to the town leader where they were welcomed heartily and provided with food and clean, warm shelter. Their clothing was washed or replaced and soon they found themselves on wagons and being escorted back to the Abbey about 65 kilometers away.
Every village they passed through learned quickly who was in the caravan and escorts were exchanged at each stop so that Liudger, Aldric, Gisela, Rosamund and Adalwi were never without protection. Depending on time of day they were fed heartily by the local villagers and given a place to rest so never were they without sustenance or a roof over their heads. Thus the journey progressed until the great gate of the Monastery appeared in the distance.
They had not progressed very far towards the great wooden gates when the bells of the monastery chapel began to ring vigorously. Aldric frowned. "That's strange, Liudger. The bells shouldn't ring at this hour. Why do you suppose they are ringing now."
Liudger, used to the ringing of bells when victory is achieved in battle, laughed at the young man's continuing humility. "They ring the bells for us, young Aldric, to praise the success of our mission. 'Welcome home' they say with their glorious sound. And indeed, Aldric, you are now home."
Aldric smiled at Liudger's words, then glanced over his shoulder at the cart in which Adalwi rode. He saw on her face not the same bright smile he shared with Liudger, nor the relief he saw on Gisela's face as she saw her destination approach. For Adalwi it was thoughts of a certain end and an unknown future that clouded her face and chased away any happiness she might have felt at journey's end. For the first time she began to miss her family and regret her choice. This would be her last chance with Aldric, and her confidence was shaken with each tolling of the cheerful church bells.
Only a day after his return, Aldric and the others were called into the Abbot's chamber in the upper tower of the monk's dormitory. Here was the opportunity for Aldric to present the Abbot with the returned relic. Engilbert in his bed was elevated by two attending monks to enable him to view his guests in a semi-upright sitting position. He wore his Abbot's cap and robes to reflect his responsibility and to cover the nightclothing he wore of necessity. His room felt of the heavy air of unhealthy decline, but it was not offensive to their senses.
Aldric kissed the ring on the Abbot's finger. Liudger offered a formal military bow. The woman curtseyed and little Rosamund simply smiled. The Abbot noticed the child first and returned her smile. "Brother Aldric, have you the relic with you?"
"Yes, Father Abbot. It is here." He offered the book to Abbot Engilbert. The Abbot offered his hand, shaking with age and the strain, to accept the book. He quickly examined a few pages and satisfied himself that it was the very same book stolen from the Abbey when he was early in his office. Satisfied, he handed the book to Brother Anslech who was one of the two monks who assisted him to his sitting position. "We of the Abbey and I, your Abbot, thank you, Brother Aldric for all that you have undertaken on our behalf and for the return of this cherished object to its true home. We also thank you, Captain Liudger, for undertaking this mission with Brother Aldric, and wish you to convey to His Excellency, Charlemagne, our thanks and indebtedness. To you, Gisela and child, we wish you Godspeed on your return to the Kingdom of the Franks and ask you to also accept our thanks for what you have done to return the book of St. Boniface to us. Lastly, Adalwi of Dokkum, we understand how this must have affected your life and your relationship with your family. Your brother Focwald, who visited us, assured me that while your involvement in this mission created initial discord, your father Hathowulf and your eldest brother continue to think well of you and trust that your wishes are being fulfilled. My dear, are they?"
Aldric reddened knowing the implication of the question and noticing Adalwi's immediate glance in his direction. Adalwi curtseyed and respectfully answered the Abbot's question. "The Monastery and the brothers have been most kind to me, Father Abbot. I thank you."
Ill, but not unalert, the Abbot observed, "But you have not completely answered my question. I sought to know if your 'wishes' have been fulfilled."
Knowing she could not escape the elderly man's insight she chose to answer directly. "Not every wish. The Abbey cannot fulfill every wish." Again she briefly glanced at Aldric who struggled to maintain a look of indifference on his face, and failed miserably under the penetrating looks given him by the Abbot.
"I see," said Engilbert matter-of-factly. "We believe that God will provide when the time is right and we must be receptive to His intercession. Perhaps your wish is yet to be fulfilled."
"I would like nothing more than that, Father Abbot," said Adalwi. Engilbert nodded then appeared to tire suddenly as if the conversation among them had become too great a strain.
"Rest easy and plan your travels. The hospitality of the Abbey shall be yours until you are ready to depart. I ask now that you leave me, except for the brothers and Aldric. Go in peace." The abbot leaned hard against his pillow to take the strain off his upper body while Liudger and the others passed through the chamber door and into the hallway. When they were gone, Brother Anslech closed the door so they would be alone and unheard.
The Abbot reached down into his remaining strength to support the rest of what he wanted to say that day.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 02-02-2007 @ 04:22 PM).]
"Brother Aldric, you have a decision to make. There is no further need for training in matters of this Abbey. Your courage and resourcefulness are well demonstrated. It is nothing about these that we doubt."
"Doubts, Brother Abbot? What have I done to raise any doubts."
The Abbot managed an abbreviated chuckle. "You have done nothing, which is why we doubt."
"But I don't understand," protested Aldric. "If I've done nothing to raise doubts, how can there be doubts?"
"It is because you have done nothing, Aldric. You have neither confirmed your vows nor committed yourself to a young woman who has committed herself to you. We know of her affection for you, Aldric. Liudger has advised us of the circumstances. Have you no affection for Adalwi?"
"Yes, I have affection. But Brother Abbot, I have been... I mean... Never have I broken my vows!"
"We believe you, Brother Aldric, but we believe you are using them to avoid a difficult decision."
"Decision?"
"Yes, Aldric. A personal decision on how to serve God best."
Aldric lowered his eyes and looked at his hands which involuntarily he was clasping and unclasping. "Isn't the monastery the best way to serve God?"
"No, young apprentice. The monastery is the best way for "Well I... Indeed I can..." Aldric quit pretending. "I have cherished my years here, Brother Abbot; but you are correct, I have not made that determination." "We now speak honestly and from the heart do we not?" "Yes, from the heart." "Very well. In the brief time that she is here, you shall consider Adalwi and your permanent vows and decide. That is what I have to say to you, Aldric. If you decide in favor of your vows, you shall be admitted to the order as a fellow brother. If you choose otherwise, you shall always have our gratitude, our prayers and our help in any way we can offer it to you." "How much time do I have to decide?" "Not long, Aldric. Adalwi shall leave with Liudger and Gisela for the court of Charlemagne in but a few days to a week. That is the time you have." "I shall use it wisely," replied Aldric. "Very well. Go now please as I must rest. Go with God, Aldric, and think well." "Yes, Abbot Engilbert, I shall." "Oh, one last thing Aldric. See to the livery stable if you will. There is a friend there waiting for you." "Yes, Abbot." But Aldric's mind was elsewhere and not on a friend in the livery stable as he mechanically answered the Abbot's suggestion, for Aldric left the Abbot's chamber conflicted and confused, and very much torn about what to do, and lost in thought. That's why he surprised himself to find he was just outside of the livery stable and hardly aware in his deep thoughts he had been walking in its direction. Oh well, might as well look in and see who this 'friend' might be. A familiar whinney greeted him and there in his stall stood Hisbold, thoughtfully returned to the Abbey by Focwald when he and his troop journeyed there in the days before Aldric arrived with the artifact. "Hisbold! It's you!" Aldric shouted causing the other horses to stick their muzzles out of their stalls to sniff and see what the noise was all about. Hisbold whinnied again and put his muzzle out to be rubbed by Aldric. For a brief while, Aldric forgot all about the decision he was being asked to make and thought instead about stealing... er, selecting carrots from the brother's plentiful garden. It was Liudger who decided instead and announced to Aldric a day later what he, Liudger, had decided to do in the days, months and years ahead. [This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 02-08-2007 @ 03:28 PM).]
The young captain had taken it straight to Gisela. He had hoped to stay at the Abbey for at least a month to rest and give Gisela time to rest and know him better. His love for her had not diminished, but staying against the king’ Now in the stables he laughed as Aldric asked what had been Gisela’ Luidger eyed the young monk and winked. “ Aldric stared at him and a smile tugged at his face. Liudger laughed merrily. “ The next question took the captain off guard. “ “ “ “ Gisela had slipped in quietly and was on the other side of Hisbold’ With eyes brimming with happy tears she looked up and straight at Aldric. “ A smile spilled across Liudger’ “ “ Aldric paled in shock at the last statement. Hisbold bobbed his head and let out a whinny of approval. “ “ “ “ Aldric lost the worry that seemed to grip him and was caught up in the joy of his friends. “ Intending to give Hisbold one more carrot before the afternoon sun set, he slipped back into the quiet stables. As he walked quietly back to Hisbold he stopped and stared at the vision in front of him. Lost to time in the streaming afternoon sunshine and oblivious to Aldric’ Sunlight framed her and she seemed to take on an angelic quality as she laid her head against Hisbold’ Aldric was spellbound by the lovely girl in front of him and for the first time he felt his heart leap and beat with a new beat… As Adalwi ended her song she looked up and locked her pretty eyes on Aldric’ [This message has been edited by Lady Arcola (edited 02-09-2007 @ 00:28 AM).]
“
One night under the stars back when we traveled was all it took to open my heart.
It was in that instant as I held her while she wept silently on my shoulder that I knew I had lost my heart. Rosamund is a joy and I can’
Life can be cruel Aldric; she is the result of such cruelty. But she will not give in to it and she has a spirit that shines above all the pain she has suffered.
Though I am not sure what it is she sees in me. I am just in awe that she returns my love.”
I prayed that I would die. I knew that I would never be loved again. But God did not hear that prayer and had something else in store for Rosamund and I. He sent the both of you.”
As I healed and became whole again with both of you caring for me, my heart mended and pushed away my bad memories. They may always haunt me but I know now that I will never have to face them alone. The nights you slept keeping Rosamund close to you Liudger held me as I fell completely apart.
Liudger pulled me out of all the pain I buried in my soul. He broke all my defenses and the wall I had built to protect my heart. How could I withstand his love? When he told me he loved me in Dokkum I knew my prayers had been answered. God in his wisdom had ignored my prayer of death and had given me a chance to love again. And I do love him Aldric, more than you will ever know.”
“
“
Seraph Lady Arcola
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." -Walter Winchell
~ BFME2 Heaven | Stronghold Heaven | Stronghold 2 Heaven~
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"I... I have no words to say, Adalwi. I have been given a choice."
"I know, Aldric. The good Abbot told me." Hisbold watched each speak in turn as if he understood, though to him it was merely the noise coming from each human and the difference in the timbre of their voices that piqued his curiousity. Adalwi stroked the blaze on the horses muzzle before she continued. "I understand you need to choose. I have already chosen." She gave a meaningful look to Aldric. He swallowed hard in response. "But I'm sure you will decide when you are ready," she added.
"Yes, two days, is it? The service, their marriage? You know their plan? Aldric was sure she did but in struggling to find words to say, this wasted inquiry was all he could invent.
"I shall attend to Gisela and you shall attend Liudger, I was told. I am happy for them."
"As am I."
"So we are both happy it seems... For them." A look of melancholy crossed Adalwi's face as she struggled with resignation at what she believed would be the outcome of this relationship. She sighed. "Then Aldric, soon to be Brother of this Abbey, may I offer a final gesture of my feelings? I promise no vow of yours shall be broken."
Aldric didn't know what to say, and curious too, agreed. "If you'd like."
Adalwi gave Hisbold one more pat and then stepped towards Aldric. He offered no resistance as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a firm, warm hug. Then she placed her lips over his and kissed him in a way that reached his very soul. Then she released Aldric and walked swiftly from the livery stable so her tears would not be visible to him.
The Abbot improved remarkably in the days that followed their return. Though weak still, Engilbert was able to leave his chamber provided he was aided down stairs and into a comfortable chair prepared for him. Thus it was he was able to preside over the wedding two days later of Liudger and Gisela, but from his chair as they knelt before him, Adalwi and Aldric at opposite sides.
Vows were exchanged and blessings offered, and the marriage was sealed by Engilbert. A modest banquet followed and then the couple retired for their final night in the Abbey.
During the banquet Liudger found a moment to describe to Aldric the glories of Charlemagne's world, to which he was eager to return. Adalwi's attention was on Liudger's words and Gisela's confirmation of what she had observed as a child and woman. Now and then Adalwi glanced at Aldric, sometimes offering him a gentle smile or some other such acknowledgement. Aldric listened about the villages, the castles, the tradesmen and merchants and the Kingdom's library. Above all, Charlemagne needed those who knew the Frisian language and Frisian ways. There were books to be translated and diplomatic transmissions needing the same. A man of letters had a place in the court of Charlemagne, especially one who knew Frisian, Liudger told him. Adalwi remained silent throughout.
Engilbert listened as well to what was said, but offered no expression either way to guide Aldric who looked at him for direction. At last, his infirmity and his age bettering him, Engilbert asked for assistance and he too retired, but before the others. As he passed by Aldric's chair, he said only this, "Remember, there are many ways to serve God, Aldric. Choose and then serve Him faithfully."
Eventually the silence of the night closed in upon all and they slept up to the morning. This was the day they would depart, and so they did. An escort from Charlemagne arrived the previous day to see to their safe arrival in the Kingdom of the Franks. The escort led them now, the women and child in a wagon and Liudger riding next to them on his mount.
Gisela was radiant, Rosamunde quite happy, though still sleepy eyed due to their early departure. Adalwi looked off into the distance, too distraught to look back at the Abbot who waved to them from his narrow window, or at Aldric.
The soon to be Brother of the Abbey stood on the highest stair nearest the place where they departed, elevated on his toes to watch them as they left, to the extent he could see over the Abbey's walls. Within Aldric, his mind screamed at his soul, and his heart tugged at both. Engilbert looked down and saw Aldric standing on the steps of the Dormitory. Brother Anslech, standing at the Abbot's side, saw Aldric too. "He remains then to take his vows?" Anslech said, mirroring the obvious.
"So it seems, Brother Anslech."
"He shall be happy here," noted Anslech with an air of approval.
"Maybe," replied Engilbert, offering a poor endorsement of Anslech's pronouncement. "That's to be seen."
Suddenly, Aldric hitched up his robes and raced west towards the garden. So sudden was his movement Anslech and Engilbert almost missed the fact he had left the stairs. Even so, they could see him as he ran by leaning a little out of the Abbot's window, the Abbot mercifully forgetting all about his infirmity as he curiously watched Aldric's race.
Aldric paused just a moment to unceremoniously yank two carrots from the garden and then he was running again, this time to the livery stable. "Brother Gardener will not like that," observed Anslech, a smile beginning to form on his face as realization set in.
"No, but I think we can soothe his wound acceptably later, don't you think?" offered the Abbot also beginning to smile.
Aldric disappeared into the livery stable, but very shortly afterwards appeared again, this time on Hisbold's back, vigorously commanding the horse to quicken its trot. Hisbold felt the freedom of the air and the land, and the familiar figure on his back and responded zestfully. The brothers at the gate who were just about to close it were arrested in mid effort by the flying figures heading their way with every intention of passing through the gate whether it was open or not, or so it seemed. They quickly swung the gate open and Hisbold bearing Aldric, never pausing for a moment, galloped by and into the open countryside and up the road just taken by the soldiers, Liudger, Gisella, Rosamund... And Adalwi.
Brother Anslech bemusedly asked, "Now I wonder what has gotten into the lad, Brother Abbot?"
"Easily answered, Brother Anslech. He has finally chosen."
"Praise be to God, Abbot Engilbert," said Anslech approvingly.
"Amen, Brother," added Engilbert, this time endorsing Anslech's words wholeheartedly.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 02-09-2007 @ 09:56 PM).]
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