To the Danelaw

[Danelaw Farmer]

"By Thor's balls, will you MOVE? You stupid beast. GET GOIN OR YOU'LL BER SAUSAGE!!!"

The older man was sitting on his horse, in his hands the reigns of three horses ,a fowl running along very close to one of the small horses, its mother. The hill was steep but beyond it was their destination – the castle of Kent, where the king resided.

Finbrok cursed some more. His wife was too kind, and foolish at the same time. How could she give that stranger two of his best mares, a fowl AND a stud from his herd of iceland ponies for a mere 0 pieces of gold? Yes, he had worked a bit on their farm for food and lodging, but to give him such a price for these animals, as stubborn as they were? Finbrok had to again curse the day this strange man had come to his farm in search of some wedding paraphernalia. did he not have a family of his own to provide something so important? Lucky Hellagund had not given her own bridal crown to that fellow as well.

Dusk was already falling when Finbrok finally made it to Blair Athol's gates.

Rubbing his butt, he then snorted into his hand, wiping it on his trousers and then hollering up to the guards manning the gates.

"Yo there good men. My name is Finbrok, I have been told a man named Bragasson has been taken here. I got a delivery for 'im!" He pointed to the four Iceland ponies and waited for the guards to let him pass.

[Righarde]

*Bessy was in shock to be sure. cows Urine, gentlemen did not use such a thing. It was foul and she was certain that the cook would trounce her if he knew what she was told to boil up. Still, the handsome gentleman had a pleasant smile and the way he jingled his purse made her think that he may be a generous soul. Maybe the cook would not notice if it were to be but a few minute*

I'll do as ye ask Sir but if m'Lady sees what I do I will nae take the blame. The divel will take da blame

*with a grin she headed out in the hopes that the cook was out to market.

The courtyard was abuzz with sound. The blacksmiths fires threw out constant heat and the incessant banging and tapping made one think that there was more than one man in the forge.

Horses cried out and clopped along with impatience, some were cast in a sheen of sweat, others were obviously fresh. Stableboys ran too and fro fetching hay, oats and water and doing what ever task their master wished on them. All in all it was a turbulant affair.

Amid all this was the laughter of the maids who knew no sorrow and seemed not touched by all that happened here. their lives were of service and their simple days held much happiness.

Bessy slipped into the Kitchen and cast a furtive eye about. Cook sat on the chair before a spit, his hands were on his large belly and the sound of sleep came loudly to her ear. Good she thought as she snuck in a pot of urine and placed it over the fire. She gasped as cook stirred in his sleep then sighed with relief. Sinolds smile would cost her a lot if that man woke. The odour off the urine was strong and grew to scent the room about them. Bessy prayed the time away then brought pot and all off the pot and up the stairs.

Cook was awoken by a loudly spoken soldier who wrinkled his nose and looked to the venison on the spit*

Ye Gads Man, what have ye done to our dinner!

*the surprise on Cooks face was met with the soldiers darkening face. Thats it cook thought. I quit!

*Lady Erin was met on the stairs by Bessy who gave a guilty cry and looked sheepishly toward her*

I take it that be for Sir Bragasson

*Bessy lowered her eyes and nodded. Lady Erin directed her to go about her business then wondered to herself. Had this man no faith in her or in Kent. She would remember this she thought when next she looked in on him


Righarde walked the courtyard with Lord Tybalt, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully and held an open hand behind his back. Two boys were playing with wooden swords and their play became filled with determination when the King walked on. Righarde stopped and asked one boy for his sword. The lad bowed and gave his sword up for a while. Righarde approached the other and bowed*

now, attack me.

*he shook his head urgently almost in fright. Attack the King?, never!*

Come on lad, attack me, or prepare to defend yourself!

*hesitently he began by attacking Righardes right. It was easy to stop such a blow*

again!

*He took his stance again and attacked this time on both sides*

good lad, again!

*several minutes of this went on till Righarde laughed soundly and tossed the lads hair. he bowed again, meaning that the spar was over*

you are doing very well Erik, but is it not time for your schooling?

*Eric frowned and gave a stubboen kick into the ground*

go on now, don't be late

*once more Tybalt joined Righardes side. They walked toward the stables and out of sight of all who would look from the windows*

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold was relieved when Bessy brought him the small pot with the remedy he had requested. Carefully undressing his wound, he dabbed it thoroughly with the urine, then rewound the herb-soaked bandaged around his lower right leg again.

"Thank you, Bessy. It might not smell pleasantly in a day or two but by then the bandages can be changed. It will help stem infections, ya know?" He then laid back onto the bed, closing his eyes. "If you have some bread or meat for the morning, it would be appreciated. And please tell your Master my thanks again."

All of a sudden, Sinold felt an enormous tiredness coming over him, his snoring soon gave an indication that the Norse was soundly asleep.

[Righarde]

*Bessy tried not to think of what the man was about. It was shocking, whats more she was sure that Lady Erin would have words with her and him should it fail to heal.*

yes Sir

*She curtsied quickly and left the room thinking this lord Sinold a strange man as she headed back to her chores*

[Sinold Bragasson]

(need to get Sinny back home folks!)

A few days more were spend with healing the nasty bite Sinold had suffered at the hands of the wolves. He wasn't sure what had proven to be more effective, Lady Erin's herbs or his own unorthodox treatment, but by the end of his fourth day in Kent Sinold was able to at least limp again. Ligea took a bit longer to heal, and for a while Sinold wondered if he should ask his hosts for a horse to borrow for his way home.

Much to his surprise, however, he was told that a man from the Danelaw had left three grown horses and a fowl for him in the Blair Athol stables. Well, they snickered, not exactly horses but rather ponies. The Norse didn't mind their sneers, they would soon come to appreciate the value of these hardy and strong, albeit a bit smallish horses which stood about one and a half hands smaller at their shoulder than the usual English horse. Aaah, Sinold just loved these Iceland horses, and now that he had two mares and a stallion, maybe he could indeed get a small breeding herd going. If anything these horses were a good investment into his and Letha's future, the coins he had received from the rangers of Windstorm had been well placed.

Soon word also reached him that he was sorely needed back in Windstorm. His own longing for Letha only sealed his decision to finally leave the hospitality of Blair Athol and King Righarde of Kent. he shook the man's hands, a promise of friendship for him and his family implied in that solemn gesture, although he still didn't think he and that twin of Righarde, Sighehelm, would be getting along well. So be it... it was not a big thing to worry about for Sinold.

On the morn of the sixth day after he had arrived in Blair Athol, Sinold finally started on his journey again, back to Windstorm, Ligea, the two Iceland mares and the pony in tow, one of which was now carrying the well packaged bridal crown and the wolf skins. Home would only be a few days ride away for him now, and he had a feeling he would not arrive back in Windstorm too soon.

[Lady Edfeil]

((OOC: you're sure you dare to come back to Windstorm after having Ligea wounded? *L* First time you sail out, Edie's both gets damaged. First time you ride out of Windstorm, the horse is hurt... I think it's lucky you didn't rip the shirt first time you wore it! *LOL*))

[Righarde]

*New had by then arrived of the situation in Windstorm and as promised, Righarde gave word to the man himself. He smiled with a warmth seldom seen on his face. Righarde shook his hand and rubbed his chin carefully. A gleam in his eye shone as he agreed to take care of Ligea.
As the time drew near and Sir Bragasson left the courtyard, Righarde lifted his arms*

ho!, stop a moment!

*he approached a so too did six men including by Sean of the crooked eye who immediately dismounted his horse.*

I would not have it that I let a man return in glory on a pony!. Come, take this horse. These men will take you to Windstorm. In times like these, it is best to travel in numbers.

*he would take no for answer. The men were in a cheerful mood for there was word of peace on the serving folks lips.
With a wave Righarde did bid the man farewell*

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold turned on his pony, a nicely docile creature and well broken in. He looked at gthe king of Kent with a grin, a friendly grin and slightly shook his head.

"Ye know what Lady Edfeil will do ta me if I dunnae come back with that horse?" His head tipped into the direction of Ligea who stood quietly next to the horse Sinold rode. "She will skin me! Don't mistake her gentle demeanour for meekness for when something she treasures is broken or nae there any longer, she becomes quite a furious creature!" he laughed and dismounted the Iceland horse, stepping towards the one offered by one of Righarde's men. "I will take her with me and I thank you for being willing to take care of her. As for these "ponies"…. They are hardy and have born many a great of my kin into battle!"

He mounted up again, waiting until the reigns of the Icelanders had been tied to his horse's back. "I accept the offer of your men for my journey home. My wife… I mean, the woman I intend to make my own would be much grieved should I not return in one piece. Thank you, Milord! You have my friendship, and so does your brother if he wants and takes it…. I hope your kingdom will find peace soon."

With those last words, Sinold turns around on his horse again, nodding to the six riders around him, and gave a whistle, the small caravan setting itself in motion., Sinold waving a last time to Righarde, hoping he would weather the future as well as Sinold would.

[Sinold Bragasson]

(Double post)

[Righarde]

they have?

*he turned looked to the Ponies*

Your race must be of the small sort then.

*Women he thought, both the bane and a gift to men. Righarde laughed and nodded*

Good enough, I would not wish a woman to soundly trounce you. Safe journey Sir Bragasson and keep thyself in good health. No more cows urine ye hear!

*He grinned as Sinold spoke of his brother*

I am sure my brother will be glad to hear of it. Safe journey Sir and tell my brother that I send you back in good health...

*with a wave once more he sent the man and his six guards to take the road to Windstorm*

[Righarde]

(Many thanks for this board role play. I enjoyed it a lot.)

[Sinold Bragasson]

(Thank you for playing, Righarde. And check your PM here on this board! )

[Lady Edfeil]

With aplause for a wonderful thread, I'll close this one, and leave ti for the archives! Well played.