The Glen

[Henry]

Henry the young lad, who had been washed upon these shores during the heights of the attempted Frankish invasion, was now sitting solemnly next to the man who now considered as good as his father.

His thoughts went back in time …

To the day he lay battered upon the shores of Windstorm, only to be found and rescued by some Rangers who had fought his own people … how they had treated him kindly, not like an enemy … how he had recovered, and learnt a new tongue … all that because of one man. a burly large hulk of a man whose name, Henry now knew, meant the exact opposite of what he looked like.

The small boy crouched next to the man sleeping with his back against a tree. His leg was bad, that much Henry knew. He had seen Gerrard redress the wound, had sat beside his fatherly friend, silent, fearful. Now he was holding watch over Ranger Little, and wondered what he would do without that man to protect and guide him in a land which Henry still found very strange at times!

[Dream Loxley]

The simple gesture.....as Halethala gently but firmly gripped her hand.....she felt the other woman's strength and courage....her commitment and friendship soothed her heart and mind......it helped more than words could say. She was so relieved to see Perran had not failed in his mission...........

"Oh Letha, ye have come........I can nae thankye enough.......but alas I do nae know what we shall find at the Glen.......only that....... " She realised Halethala may not even know where or why she was needed.....Dream smiled softly to them both and gathered up two baskets of herbs and bandages, offering one to Perran.

"Come... we must nae tarry. Gerrad came......he wished me to tell ye of his love......he needs our help.....his men are ill.....but I nae know of that which ails them.....he himself took on the look of one poorly.......lost and even afraid......I can nae recall ever seeing him as such."

She continued to explain more as the group made their way towards the Stables....including telling her more of the fire and what damage had been done. Perran made a brief apology and ran on ahead, he was eager to get his own horse ready to accompany the ladies and to give what aid he could.

When they arrived back into the Courtyard Dream could not help but smile when she saw Ranger Owen with two other men she knew by sight but not by name.......the simple wave and acknowledgement earlier between him and Gerrad had obviously registered and Owen was quick to take the basket from her, securing it with the other supplies that he had got from the kitchens. He did not know just how long they would be gone...or if he would ever return to the Castle.

Dream had made provision with Mary to take care of her children, the small party now all ready to move on......she was apprehensive and more than a little afraid of what was to come......but with the support of those who cared for her......she nodded a farewell to the Guards and did not look back towards the Castle.......her beloved Husband's habit she took as her own. Always look forward......and never back........

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold saw Letha stranding with Lady Dream in the courtyard, apparently ready to move on to some urgent task. Quickly he enfolded his wife into his arms, the grime and smoke of the stable fire still clinging to him.

“Oh Letha, how glad I am to see you well and healthy. You be going with lady Dream. Always the helper and carer. I shall remain here and help with the stables and…. something else!” Worriedly he looked over to where the Frank Lord Rainald was being treated. “All shall be well, I am certain! Go now, and I’ll pray to Freya that she’ll send you back to me soon!”

With a last kiss onto Letha’s lips, and a smile to lady Dream, Sinold went over to the Frank, and then proceeded to the castle gate. Something was amiss, and badly so. he felt it in his blood and in his heart!

[Halethala]

Her heart had swelled again at the mention of Gerrad, the memories of his taking her to himself as kinsister had always seemed as a dream realized, a rich and splendid gift. A flicker of a smile crossed her features as she remembered, despite the chaos that surrounded them, quickly replaced by an almost pained frown. She couldn’t imagine him as Lady Loxley described . . . afraid? Whatever he was facing, whatever his men were dealing with, had to be truly dire . .

She so dearly wanted to ask of Lord Loxley, wondering if . . but she could not. If Lady Dream offered, perhaps, but she could not just ask. Something inside could not agree with any thoughts of his hurt. Silent for the most part, nodding now and then to affirm that she was hearing all the Lady spoke of as they moved to take their leave, her questions were gradually being answered before they were framed. Letha could not help but admire her friend’s carriage and composure, even in this uncertain, pressing time.

“You presence will be balm to nae only their wounds, Lady Dream, but their spirits as well, I wager.” Glancing about, hesitantly, she added, “I know time be of the essence, but can I hae but one spare moment tae . . “

Before she could even finish, there he was, before her, gathering her into his strong, loving arms. As always, her worried eyes swept him, more often than not marked with fresh wounds himself, though mercifully not so this time. “Sinold, it seems the Rangers . . hae need . . I nae know what of, but must help as I’m able.” She paused, casting another worried look to the Frank, wanting to ask more, but seeing his tending was already well in hand. “It be my brother, Gerrad, Sinold . . Petition your gods, Love, for it seems our times of peace be . . again shaken.”

She pressed him to herself, savoring the last kiss, and forced the tremor out of her voice, “Have a care to your own wellbeing, Love.”

Releasing him with reluctance, she fell in beside Lady Loxley as they rode beyond the castle gates, oddly grateful for the scent that clung to her.

[Gerrad]

He had ridden out from the Castle at a hard pace, anxious to get back to his men in the Glen. He had ridden for some time when warning bells went off within his mind.

His horse had slowed and was labouring heavily, yet it seemed to have lost its will. He pulled up and dismounted. The horse was spent, it had the staggers, so he removed the heavy armour from it and covered the amour over with leaves. He looked at the horse and spoke with purpose, "now yers just stay hereabouts and i'll come for ye when yers rested good & proper like".He patted the horse gently and picked up his bow and quiver.

Sighing deeply he moved off. The pain in his side screamed at him for a while, but as he got into the rythym of his run it was lost to him and he picked up speed, the speed increased more as he shifted his weight from his legs to his upper body, the gait that typically allowed the Rangers to run for hours when needed. The sway from side to side calming and soothing.

He closed his mind to all else other than maintaining his run and being aware of his surroundings, and it was this way until just a few miles from the glen ...when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

There was something else in his vicinity and he looked about him carefully. What was it? he tried to focus harder...his head still swimming...

Then he saw it, a young buck Deer standing watching him closely just a hundred yards from where he stood. He unslung his bow, thinking of his men back at the Glen, food..cooked food...that would be well and good.

He took aim and let loose his arrow. It missed by a yard iffn nae more and he chastised himself but the deer had not moved and was still watching him curiously. He took aim again and this time his arrow hit the target but not cleanly ...it thrashed upon the ground and he ran towards it quickly drawing a dagger from his boot he quickly slit its throat. He sat next to the deer for a moment and looked into its eyes as its life left it.

"Ahhm so sorry ...so sorry" he said quietly beneath his breath..

He looked about him and grimaced....Owen would find his horse he'd left, and this he would see also.. "Very sloppy work Gerrad" he said to himself.. "Tis a good thing yer in Windstorms Realm and not elsewhere"...

With that ... he struggled to lift the beast onto his shoulders and stood up...regaining his breath he moved forward. Regaining his run, yet now slowed down by a burden he could barely carry.

He made it to the glen somehow. and dropped the carcass, covered by it's blood he walked over to Ranger Little and sank to the ground. He looked at the man who seemed to be sleeping and then at young Henry by his side.

"Henry..do ye think ye could prepare that deer for cooking and cook it " he asked softly and getting a nod in answer he smiled at the boy "good lad...i'll take over now an look after Little fer yer"

He looked over the glen...more men had arrived..some whose bodies were racked with coughing fits.....others who looked like they were on their last legs and then there were those that were carried by their friends...but by far the worst were the ones that groaned in pain. The noise almost drove him insane and he rose and tended those he could....giving solice to those he could nae and handing out tankards of rum to all to kill the pain and memories......it was all he knew to do, he was so tired.

It would be another half day before Owen arrived with the Lady Loxley he was sure. He sat down again next to Ranger Little and went over the last few months events. He thought of His Kin Halethala...would she come he wondered. No he thought..it would be far to much to expect, after all she had her own to care for and from the looks of the stables and Master Sinold himself all covered in ash...she would nae come... but it was a nice thought and he held onto it as he watched Henry preparing the food...then a half sleep took him.

[Dream Loxley]

They made good progress at a steady pace through pathways that seemed to dissapear just as quickly as they appeared, how any could find their way in the dense forests she did not know......memories flooded back of her time long ago, lost in the woodlands......the wolf who aided her.....saved her life even. Although such beauty could be seen within the trees and the ground, it could become such a dark and lonely place, filled with terrors fueled by nightmares and imaginations.......she felt a shiver run through to her bones and tried to focus upon the journey ahead.

Halethala had helped more than she realised already, although seeing her with her Husband Sinold only reminded Dream of her own beloved Robin. Gerrad had said he was safe......and yet something had stopped him from coming, sending word.....perhaps he had not told the whole truth, to protect her..... it was confusing, frightening, and only time would tell and give her all the answers she did seek. Both women acknowledged one another often as they rode, but few words were spoken as they gave one another the strength and courage to continue.

Owen suddenly halted the small party and told them he would ride ahead, they would continue with the other Rangers and be safe, he promised such and would meet us at the glen. Whispered words between the men, and then he was gone, swallowed up by the trees and shrubs. The birds continued to sing......Spring was in the air at last after a long and tiresome Winter, a time to celebrate, but at this moment in time, she could find nothing to lift her spirits.......what she would find at the glen filled her heart with pain and sorrow, dreading the fact she would not be able to help.......so easily doubt crept into her mind as always......but onward they went, each step of the horses hooves bringing them closer to their goal.

[Ranger Owen]

Owen felt the presence even before he heard the faint munching and grinding of teeth......he looked to his left and then right....listening intently and finally seeing the horse. He recognised it immediately and pulled his own horse up firmly, halting the small party of followers. There seemed to be no armour or saddle on the horse, but he knew it had to be Gerrad's obviously left for a reason. Speaking quietly to his fellow Rangers, he bid them continue and told them he would make haste to meet them in the glen.

With a reassuring glance to the ladies he waved them on and immediately dismounted from his steed, walking the few yards on to where the lone horse was contentedly munching on the fresh new grass. Owen stroked it gently but firmly to make sure it showed no obvious signs of injury and then lifted each hoof in turn, checking for stones. "Ahhhh there ye have it.....a loose shoe would slow ye, and that of yer rider, and weary ye be aye" He spoke softly to the horse and left it to graze, his eyes taking in the surroundings and falling upon the half hidden armour. Gerrad had covered it with winters fallen leaves but the breeze had uncovered it enough to show. If he had been in a better state of health then none would have come across it, this much Owen knew and shook his head solemnly.

He mounted up again and slowly moved off, following the trail left by Gerrad, obviously in his haste to return home he had left many a clue as to both his poor state of health and his mind. Owen did his best to cover their tracks but doubted any others would see them and be able to follow. It was when he came across the blood that he dismounted again, this time with more urgency, afraid of what he might find.......he scoured the ground, finding the evidence he needed. The animal had fallen badly and thrashed about far too much, he frowned and felt pity for it......Gerrad had done what he had to but.........Owen grumbled beneath his breath, wondering how the Rangers had come to this.

If it were a deer, and it had to be for the mess it left behind, then it would slow Gerrad down.....Owen urged his horse on and soon came upon the glen. The sight that greeted him made him feel sick to his stomach. Injured friends, fellows he trusted completely, brave men, honourable and wise....now broken and dying. He had wondered before.....and now he wondered again as he spoke the words. Quickly dismounting, he moved further into the small camp looking at them all. "How in tha Gods did ye all come to this?"

[Henry]

As he was wont to, Henry worked in silence over the deer carcass, helped by another ranger, one of the few who were not ill and weakened. Their knives slid through the skin of the animal, then sliding underneath the thin layer just above the muscles, loosening the skin from the carcass. It would be prepared later and serve the men well for warms and other things. The moment they had laid clear one of the hind quarters, the young lad began to cut pieces of meat off the leg. It was a shame, to ruin such a fine leg which could be braised over a good fire, but a soup from the meat would be much quicker to prepare, so a soup or stew it would be.

Worriedly, Henry looked over to where Gerrard sat by Little’s side. “He will die, won’t he?” henry spoke to the man helping him with the deer. “I have seen men with bad wounds, like those, on the ship. When they were that bad, we throw them into the sea … to end their pain … “

The man next to him just shook his head, and continued cutting the skin off the deer, while Henry took those chunks of meat he already had cut off the leg back to one of the fire places to begin make a strong healthy soup.

[Ranger Little]

Little had been aware of the lad Henry but his deep slumbers kept him from awakening, breathing slow and with a purpose, his large body rose and fell again.....all the while dreaming of hunting in the woodlands.

He drew his bow and aimed straight and true, the arrow seemed to take flight far too slowly and lingered in mid air.....he watched it, mesmerised by the feathers, which took on the shape of a bird. Fluttering before him the bird became larger and larger, its beak opened and it spoke to him in a voice he remembered from long ago. Its hard shell like beak soon took on the form of soft feminine lips, full and warm....ruby red, soft and moist as they kissed his brow.

He tried to open his parched dry lips but failed to do so as the creature continued to speak.......the voice of an angel, his long departed Wife, could it be so, he allowed her to wrap those huge wings about his body and relaxed into them listening to her dulcit tones....telling him to stay with his men for it was not his time yet. As he slept on the arrow took shape again in front of him and reached its target.....a huge stag that would feed them for a month. He saw it then as chunks of meat boiling up with fresh vegetables in a large pot.....he could almost smell the aroma wafting past his nostrils making his belly grumble.

Once again he tried to open his mouth, believing Gerrad to be there with him but he stayed safely within his deep sleep, wrapped up in the birds wings, dreaming of better days and his beautiful Wife.

[Halethala]

The Rangers were nervous, there was no denying it, even though they hid it as best they were able. Her mind was torn, thoughts circuitously chasing each another. The need that compelled Gerrad to ride to the castle to bid their aide must be great, and yet she could not imagine him willingly placing them in any harm’s way. Were they connected, the burning of the stables, and whatever lay at the end of their travel? And what of . .

She straightened herself, willing a banishing the gloominess that was descending upon her spirits from fretting over the unknown. After several long moments of riding along in silence, Letha quietly began to hum beneath her breath, that only she could hear. It always calmed her to sing. She must have eventually allowed a note or two more audible, the air forcibly expelled when Vardian’s jostling prod it forth, for Lady Dream turned to her and smiled a little. Aware that the men had keener ears than she herself, at least for certain things, and would be straining to catch anything out of order in their surroundings, she risked a few lines of aimless melody.

When Evening Primrose wafts her scent
Upon the storied breeze,
And moonlight weaves a silvered thread
Amid the forest leaves,
Then dance the little Faerie folk
To flute and cheery pipe,
Their songs weave cloaks of fearlessness
Against the dreary night.

Try as she might to imagine Ranger Owen watched over by the woodland sprites, she still disliked having him gone, and wished they were to the Glen already.

[Gerrad]

Gerrad, eyes closed but hearing and feeling everything going on around him, had rested lightly.

It was the best rest he had had for two full moons. He opened his eyes as another small group of Rangers walked into camp.

Two rangers helped another get the body of a ranger off his back and they laid the man down gently and tried to shake him awake. Gerrad ran over to help but before he had reached them he knew that the man was not alive. One Ranger swore and kicked at the dirt with his boot and the others just stared disbelievingly at the body they had carried so far.

Gerrad consoled the men and welcomed them home…. Yet he knew it was not enough… “yer lads go an see young Henry over there and get some warm food into yers… I’ll take care of thy friend here”

He watched as they moved away and it was then that Ranger Owen appeared into the clearing. It was clear that the sight that greeted him was a shock for him.

“How in tha Gods did ye all come to this?" he exclaimed before Gerrad could stop him.

Gerrad motioned for Ranger Owen to join him and waited for the man to come over. “Ah’ll tell yer all later Owen ….How long afore ther others get here ” and before the man could reply “Here help me get this man buried afore they come…quickly now”

Gerrad didn’t want his Sister nor Lady Loxley to see this when they got here….there would be surely enough to see over the next while, one less would be a good thing.

[Rangers Todd William Smith]

The Rangers oft looked at each other , none saying a word, too intent on their own thoughts and making sure their path was safe for the Ladies Loxley & Halethala.

At one point they rode ahead, just out of ear shot of the ladies and spoke in hushed voices. "there was nae a horn calling us " noted William to which Todd replied "In which case they did nae want any to know they are back"

"But why" joined in Smith

Todd replied "We'll find out soon enough, although i have to admit it nae bodes well lads....now back to your duties lads, no more talk"

They rode on and suddenly their ears picked up a melody coming from Lady Halethala.

Ranger Todd fell back alongside Lady Halethala and smiled, " A pleasant tune M'Lady, maybe one day ye'll sing it loud for all of us. "

He looked at her and then at Lady Loxley "Tis alright M'Ladies we'll let no harm come to ye..and besides were almost there. He moved forward again taking up his position, almost inperceptable nods and gestures towards unseen guard posts taking up most of his time for the next while.

[Dream Loxley]

Biscuit chose his steps with care as the small group made their way further into the thick woodland, every now and then she thought she recognised an area, and then it was lost to her. Try as she may, she would never remember how to find the glen, no matter how many times she visited. The sombre mood seemed lifted slightly as Halethala softly sang her tune, a glance and a welcome smile to one another helped to calm them all........even young Perran who was taking in every sight and sound offered a thankful smile to the Lady with the beautiful voice. As Ranger Todd gave praise to Halethala, she smiled to him and nodded when he told them they would be safe, she had every faith in them all.......as always.

Suddenly after many twists and turns, the giant oak trees gave way to a clearing, as if a veil had been lifted. Dream allowed Biscuit to continue on his way, moving along with the others towards where several men were gathered around a single fire. She glanced up to the treetops and noticed some of the dwellings were empty whilst others had men within them, obviously going about their normal tasks. Her times spent herein had always been pleasing and welcoming, this time she felt herself shiver, even though it was not unduly cold.

The men seemed to have lost their spirit, some clearly had injuries, from battle perhaps......and some were plainly exhausted and hungry. She offered a smile to Halethala who was also taking in the scene before her......silently Dream hoped she had brought enough medicines with her...and the right ones.

A Ranger stepped forth and welcomed her, taking the reins and offering a hand to help her dismount. Much talking took place between the men who had gathered around the party, some scant explanations, whilst others took the baskets and bags of supplies they had brought with them. She did not know what to do first and searched the area for her Husband.....there was no sign of him, nor even Owen and Gerrad.....fear gripped her then and she fought back tears that welled in her eyes. Tears of pity for what she saw....and tears of pain to imagine what these men had been through. For a moment she stood and gathered her thoughts together, taking in a deep breath to calm her heart as it beat so quickly. Somehow courage and strength found her and she began to give some instructions to those about her. With a knowing smile to Halethala, she knew her friend would help, and with a gentle hand to the lady's arm, she offered a basket of medicines.

Firmly but with a gentle voice she asked for boiling water and bowls to make up the herbal remedies she had brought, and offering one of the Rangers a pouch filled with dark brown comfrey root, she told him to boil it up and apply it to any with small wounds. It would help to stop the bleeding and to aid healing. In another pouch was Henbane, she told them to make a tea that could be taken by any who needed pain relief, adding that they could also suck the roots. With affirmative nods of heads, several men went to carry out her bidding........she had also brought with her some salves and ointments mixed from beeswax and medicinal oils that they could use, and laudanum from the opium poppy, but hoped that would be used as a last resort.

Young Perran was quick to take the horses over to where he saw the other horses were kept, he busied himself taking care of them and making sure they had fresh water and food. He could help in his own way but would be there if he was needed for anything else. Leaving Halethala to do the same, Dream moved between those men who were being aided, some groaning in pain, some sitting quietly as they did battle with their own emotions and memories. She offered solice and comfort as she could and finally arrived at where Ranger Little was held in a deep and fearful fever. She knelt down beside him and stroked his brow, he skin was burning up and she had to work with haste lest they lost him......... quickly she went about making some willow bark tea and took off his bandages to check the wound on his leg. Frowning, she caught her breath when she saw the wound had festered, but she had faith in the medicines and hoped with all her heart he would survive.....that they would all survive.

[Henry]

The soup Henry had produced had simmered for a good hour, venison, some roots and herbs as well as a scarce carrot he had found in some parcel were all thrown together to help make a healthy brew. but Henry feared it would not be enough to save some of the men, and maybe not Ranger Little.

Other Rangers had helped him dress the rest of the deer carcass and by now larger chunks were roasting over one of the fires in the camp. Henry had taken a bowl with the soup, with lots of meaty chunks in it too, and carried it to where his friend rested and slept. however, the large man would not wake, so all Henry could do was sit next to little and hold the bowl of soup for when he would awake.

he had sat like that for maybe an hour when there was some commotion within the camp. new arrivals, some dead …. and two ladies the young lad did not recall having seen before. Both radiant and strong, these beautiful creatures began to look after the men, and one finally came over to where he sat with ranger Little. she tended his wounds carefully, although the young Frank wondered how she could stand the putrid smell of Little’s wound, when even Gerrad had shied away from it.

“He will die, won’t he? to die like this … not nice such a death. I tried placing at least a knife into his hands but…. he won’t hold onto any. he will die like a coward …. not fighting.”

Henry looked at the lady next to him with pleading eyes. “if he must die, at least make him die like a man, oui?”

[Dream Loxley]

She worked diligently, first washing the wound and drying it before applying a poultice of Plaintain......she had been told of its healing powers especially when used with a severe wound. All the while she silently spoke words of encouragement to Ranger Little....willing him to come back to them......offering her strength and courage to help him fight this battle.

When Henry spoke, she was both suprised and dismayed, had the young one not learned anything of these Rangers whilst he had lives among them so long. She frowned and shook her head.

"Nae Henry, Little is nae going to die, unless it be his time..........and ye might have better use of yer knife to eat that pleasing broth ye have so kindly made aye.......and nae any death be a goodly one, iffn it means ye leave behind those who love and care for ye........I thought ye would have learned such by now. Ye must nae ever call a true man a coward lad......nae iffn ye hold him dear to yer heart, 'tis nae how we speak of our loved ones in England."

She offered the lad a smile..........hoping he would understand more, then continued to bandage the Ranger's leg.

"Iffn ye speak soft to him.......ye can tell him ye be here and he shall know such....... ask him to stay...tell him all the things ye are to be doing when he be well again........ such can help him far more than a knife in his hand."

The yarrow tea she made earlier had cooled enough and she lifted Little's head slightly, trying to get him to swallow some of the liquid....... it was up to him to fight now....one last time.