Original Fiction Caustic

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 1

“Come on Graham, we’ll be late to the Elder’s campfire stories!” Sigrid called out to her best friend.

“I’ve got to finish these arrows up first,” The apprentice Fletcher replied. “You know that we have to finish our responsibilities first.”

“Alright,” the girl sighed. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Can you grab the bag of feathers in the next room over and bring them to me?” the boy asked. “I’ve still got a dozen of these to finish for the hunters.”

“Alright,” Sigrid said, her red hair flowing behind her as she went inside the storeroom of the Fletcher’s house. “This bag?” She asked as she brought out a bag that had many white feathers in it.

“That’s the one,” Graham said with a nod as he stood up from where he was melting beeswax and getting the finishing touches on six arrows. “Thanks, Sigrid.”

“You’re not going to make it to the Elder’s house in time for the story today, are you?” Sigrid asked.

“Sorry, Sigrid, but I’ve got responsibilities that I’ve got to see to first,” Graham replied as he stopped talking to stick his tongue out while he worked on precisely fletching an arrow, sealing the feathers in with a mixture of beeswax and silk. “I’ll join you if I can, but I don’t want to make you a promise if I can’t keep it.”


“That’s alright,” the young girl said cheerfully. “I’ll just stay and help you. Who cares if we miss a story or two?”

“Alright then,” Graham replied as he began to show her how to heat the bellows for the small forge that was kept in the Fletcher’s workshop. “You’ve got to be strong to do this,” he told Sigrid. “It’s not exactly like the training that you’re doing to be a Valkyrie, it’s a different kind of strength.”

“I can see that,” Sigrid said with a roll of her eyes as she pumped the bellows just enough to keep the beeswax and other mixtures used in the correct state without burning or scorching them.


“Graham, Sigrid,” Charles, the Fletcher that Graham was apprenticed to greeted the two inseparable children as he entered his workshop. “Let’s see what kind of progress you’ve made today.”

“Graham, these look good,” Charles said as he picked up each of the arrows out of the pile that Graham had already finished. “You should be mindful about this slight bend though,” he pointed out where one of the feathers wasn’t quite set into the seal straight and where it had curved. “This will fly decently straight for one of our hunters, but for any sort of long-range practice this could spell disaster.”

“Can you show me how to do it better?” Graham asked as he continued working under both the eyes of Charles and Sigrid.

“Maybe later,” Charles chuckled. “You’ve been hard at work all day, why don’t you and Sigrid get over to the Elder’s house before you miss his story, eh?” Charles patted the young boy on the back. “If I remember correctly, tonight’s story is about the War in the Heavens, and you don’t want to miss that.”

“Come on!” Sigrid pulled at Graham. “I don’t want to miss the story!”


“I’ve got to put my tools away first,” Graham said as he took off the apron and gloves along with the small set of apprentice tools and began putting them away. “My family needs this apprenticeship, so I need to do things right.”

“I know,” Sigrid said as she helped Graham take the heavy gloves off.

“Thanks for the help,” Graham pulled Sigrid in for a hug before giving her a gentle shove. “Race you to the Elder’s house!”

“Oh no, you don’t!” Sigrid said as she burst into a sprint, quickly catching up to Graham and maintaining an even pace with him.

Reaching the Elder’s house, they burst in through the door just as the Elder had begun his story.

“You almost missed it,” Graham’s little sister whispered to him as he and Sigrid sat down next to her.

“Sorry sis, I had work to finish,” Graham whispered to Brenda as he pulled her into his lap so she could see the Elder’s shadows better.

“Shh,” Sigrid hushed the siblings. “He’s starting.”

“Long ago, the world was a vastly different place,” the Elder began his story by drawing the door closed for effect, casting shadows over his house and causing the children to immediately stop whatever conversations they were having so they could listen to the Elder.

“Cities and towns, villages, all of it was in the sky, for that was the domain of us all, the magic that drove the world was inset into our cities, and we lived peacefully in the heavens with no need for war or strife.” The Elder paused for a second to breathe as he looked around at the children. “The gods were pleased with us then, and we had plenty of everything to eat and were all satisfied. But then, a man named Alexander who ruled one of the cities began to dream of ruling all of the Heavens. And so he prepared his weapons of war, made ready his armies, and began to take over the Heavens, city by city he moved, establishing his rule and authority on them, until one day the other cities were finally ready to strike back and to take what he had stolen. And they did so. Retaking much of the cities in the Heavens that Alexander had taken. And this continued for generations. Until one day, Alexander set forth a challenge to his opponents. They would meet on the field of battle, and whichever one of them was the victor would be the Ruler of the Heavens. But on the day that the two armies clashed, the gods were angered and the cities fell from the sky. The magic of the world ceased to provide except for in a few locations, and the cities lay scattered and in ruins, waiting for an intelligent and noble adventurer to find what secrets lie within.” The Elder ended the story and began lighting candles for light.

“Do you think that the story is real?” Brenda asked as Graham stood his sister up in front of him so that he could get to his feet.

“I don’t rightly know,” Graham responded after a moment of thought. “But I suppose that if it is true then one day we could see about trying to locate some of those ruins.”

“Aye,” Sigrid said as she helped Graham to his feet. “Maybe one day we’ll be able to go see the ruins. But for now, we’ve got to get back to our homes. We’ve a long day tomorrow after all.”

“We’ll walk you home,” Graham said as he hoisted Brenda up and onto his shoulders to her squeals of delight. “Onward my steed!” Brenda pointed towards Sigrid’s house.

Graham just laughed and began walking beside Sigrid toward her house. Playing with his sister and best friend the entire time.

“Night Sigrid,” Graham said as Sigrid walked into her home. “I’ll see you on the morrow.”

“Aye,” Sigrid said. “Night Graham, Brenda.”

“Thanks, Graham,” Ødger, Sigrid’s father nodded at me.

“Aye,” Graham replied.

“Let’s go home,” Brenda yawned from her place atop Graham’s shoulders. “I’m tired.”

“As am I,” Graham said as he yawned in tune. “Let’s get you home and into bed,” he said as they walked into their home. “Mother, we’re home!” he called out as they entered the front door.

“You’re just in time,” Cathrène, their mother said as she set the table with a couple of bowls of soup. “I managed to bargain one of the hunters down enough for us to afford a couple of hares.”

“Mother, are we sure that we can afford this?” Graham asked as he helped get Brenda to a place where she could properly eat at the small table.

“Yes dear,” Cathrène replied. “The fees you’ve been earning from your apprenticeship have made our meager funds stretch much further than normal and so I was able to afford some meat.”

“Alright then,” Graham said as he dug into the stew that his mother had made. “I’ll take care of the chickens and the garden come morning, and I’ll have Brenda work on the stitching so that you can get some rest.”

“I’m fine,” Cathrène said with a soft smile. “I feel better now that I’ve gotten some rest.”

“Mother,” Graham said bluntly as he met her eyes. “You have just recovered from that sickness, and should not be out of bed. Now, please try and go get some more rest, I’ll take care of the rest of dinner and the cleanup.”

“I am capable,” his mother said as she nearly fumbled with her own bowl of stew.

“Mother,” Graham pleaded, his eyes making his case clear. “You need to continue to rest. Once you have recovered your full strength then you’ll be able to help again, but until then allow Brenda and I to take over your duties.”

“Fine,” Cathrène gave in finally as she began to eat some of her own stew. “But I will at least help with the stitching, Brenda will not work on it alone, she still needs to be taught many things about how to properly stitch some of the clothing that gets commissioned by the merchants from out of town.”

“If I need to I can remain home,” Graham told his mother. “Master Charles knows that you are not well, and will grant me some leave to tend to you until you are well enough.”

“Nay,” Cathrène shook her head. “That will not be necessary. I shall rest until my body has recovered from this ailment.”

The family ate in silence after Cathrène had stated that. The warm stew filled their bellies as it settled. Once they had finished eating, Graham stood up and collected the wooden bowls and spoons to wash them while Brenda and Cathrène began to change their clothes for bed.

Walking outside the small house on the outskirts of their village, Graham took the dishes over to the barrel of water that had been collecting rainwater over the past few weeks. Removing the lid of the wooden barrel, he took a sip of the fresh clean water before dipping a pitcher into it to collect some and began clearing the dishes of the remnants of the stew. Once the bowls were clean, he spread some sand over them and scrubbed the sand off with a rough piece of cloth, thus removing any of the water or sand that might have been left over. Then, taking the dishes inside, he kindled the fire again, keeping it low so that the embers would keep the rest of the stew warm for a breakfast in the morning.

Graham, now that his chores had been completed, checked on his mother and sister to find them both asleep in the room that used to solely belong to both of his parents, and looking at the sword and shield that hung over the fireplace turned and walked out of the door to look at the stars.

“The War of the Heavens huh?” He said as his mind churned over the story that the Elder had told him and the rest of the children in the village. “I wonder what that was like,” Graham mused to himself as he lay down in some of the grass that was outside of their fenced-in garden while he continued to look at the stars.

Graham did this for a little while before making his way into the house, closing and barring the door before moving to the table, and unrolling a blanket, he prepared to sleep in front of the stove, wanting to make sure that breakfast would be ready for both his mother and his sister come morning.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 2


“Sigrid, up with you girl,” Ødger said as he splashed some water into his daughter’s face. “It’s time to train.”

“Aye, father,” Sigrid said as she woke up and stumbled into her training gear, grabbing her small recurve bow and the sling and stones that she had been training with over the last few years before walking over to the training yard.

“You won’t need those,” Ødger said as he stabbed a spear into the ground. “Today we cover something different. But first, we’ll begin with stretching, flexibility is one of the keys to survival in battle. Especially for a Valkyrie or shieldmaiden. Can you tell me why that is?”

“Because as I grow older I will begin to be physically outmatched by men of the same size or even smaller than I will grow to be,” Sigrid said with a shrug. “I’ve already noticed that Graham has little to no trouble moving me if I am in his way while he is working at the Fletchers.”

“Aye,” Ødger replied with a smile. “It’s not enough for you to be strong anymore, you have to begin to outwit your opponents as well. That is where we begin today.” Ødger began to lead her in a series of stretches designed to maximize flexibility throughout her life as long as she maintained them. “Now, do you know why I started your martial training with first the sling and stone, and then on to the bow?”

“Because it’s helpful to any army that I would be a part of,” Sigrid replied. “Good archers and stone slingers are few, and it is also a valuable survival skill that will allow me to provide meat for my family if we are going through lean times.”

“That’s important too,” Ødger replied with a grin. “But that’s not why I taught you those arts. The reason I taught you the art of distance shooting was to teach you how to be patient. Sigrid, the gods know that I love you, but you have a tendency to become easily distracted and lose focus. These arts helped to keep you grounded, and made your mother able to instruct you in how to repair clothes. Your stitching improved nearly overnight after you began to learn archery.”

“Then what are we learning today?” Sigrid asked as she sprung to her feet, the last of her stretching completed.

“Today I begin your instruction in the way of the spear,” Ødger said as he grabbed the two spears that he had thrust into the ground of the training yard. “The spear is the most common weapon used by soldiers in this era, it is an easy weapon to learn the basics of, and is essential to countering both cavalry and most enemy shield walls. Mastering the spear takes a lifetime of dedication, and once you begin to learn it then I won’t be letting you stop until you have shown me your mastery of it.”

“Why not on a sword and shield instead?” Sigrid asked curiously. “Shouldn’t I also focus on learning those martial skills as well?”

“Nay,” Ødger replied. “While you learn the spear you will also be maintaining your skills with both the Sling and the bow. The Sword and shield will be the last of the weapons that I teach you to wield.”

–
–

“Again,” Ødger called out as Sigrid thrust the spear forward at the target as it moved out of the way. “You must move faster than that,” he said as he knocked her spear to the side and hip-checked her into the ground. “Maintain proper balance and I won’t be able to do that to you, now, again.”

The two of them continued training until noon when they finally broke their fast with a mixture of fresh bread, cheese, and meat from last night’s meal.

“Now, go see to whatever chores your mother has for you before you go and visit with Graham and his family,” Ødger smiled at the blush that appeared on his daughter’s face at the mention of her friend.

“Yes father,” Sigrid responded sheepishly.

“Come here you,” he pulled the young woman in for a hug before mussing up her hair and placing a kiss on her forehead. “Now get on home, I’m certain that your mother has something for you to do.”

The young girl ran off, heading for their home. Eager to get whatever her mother needed to be done finished with so that she could go and pester Graham at the Fletcher’s once again.

“Slow down,” Edda, Sigrid’s mother called out as she ran through the front door of their house. “And take off your shoes, they’re muddy and need to be cleaned before you start on your chores.”

“Yes ma’am,” Sigrid replied as she backed up, took off her leather sandals, and began to wash her feet off. “What am I to do today?”

“We’ve washing to do and a dinner to cook,” Edda replied. “Graham’s mother has not completely recovered from taking ill, and despite her best efforts has not been able to sell her usual amount of homespun clothing. They’re hungry and will need some food for the night.”

“Yes’m,” Sigrid said as she moved to help her little sister Frida with gathering up the laundry and washing the clothes. “I’ll make sure to clean the floor after I’m done with the washing.”

“Yes, you will,” Edda replied as she met her eldest’s gaze. “Especially after tracking the mud from the training field in after ye.”

“Hep,” Siegmund, the youngest said as he reached up for his oldest sister to pick him up. “I hepping!” he cheered as Sigrid put him up on her shoulders and allowed him to wash some of the clothes.

“Yes, yes you are helping,” Edda smiled at the boy as he cheerfully made a mess of the clothing that they were working on.

“Mother, Father’s clothes need to be patched again,” Frida said as she pulled a pair of torn breeches out of the laundry bin.

“How bad off are they?” Edda asked from the hearth where she was working on food.

“I’m not sure that we can patch this,” Frida said. “Mrs. Cathrène would be able to tell you more.”

“We can afford to pay her for new breeches if they cannot be repaired,” Edda stated. “They need the income anyway. The small fees that Graham brings in on top of the small stipend that they draw from the Duke are barely able to feed the three of them without her also working.”

“How many pairs are in need of repair?” Edda asked as she left the food she was tending to so she could take a look at the breeches in need of repair.

“All of them,” Sigrid said as she pulled out more pairs of breeches that were in need of repair or were beyond damaged. “Father’s been having to train some new guards for the palisade, and he says that they’re none too bright.”

“Aye,” Edda agreed. “I’ve also had the displeasure of meeting the newest members of the watch, I am not impressed.”

“Father said that Graham was a better student before he was apprenticed to the Fletcher,” Sigrid said as she began to scrub one of her tunics in the tub of sudsy water.

“Graham is the sole man remaining of his family line,” Edda reminded her daughter. “And is one of the few men in the village to own a sword and shield forged entirely of steel. It’s expected that he trains and becomes skilled in the use of it, even while he is learning his trade. That sword and shield have been passed down for generations after all.”

“It was given to his family by the king,” Sigrid said as she tried to recall the village’s history. “On the condition that as long as the family had possession of the sword they were to rally to his call should it be given.”

“His family is still held to that promise,” Edda stated. “It is part of the reason why Graham is only able to spend a fraction of the time that he desires learning his trade. For if the call to war comes, he is expected to be among the first to arrive at the capital, just as his father and grandfather did before him.”

“How did they earn such a sword?” Frida asked, this being the first time she had ever heard of such a thing.

“The story changed every time the old man told it,” Edda said with a wan smile. “But whatever it was that he did, it doesn’t really matter all that much to us. Now get back to washing the laundry, it won’t clean itself after all.”

“Yes ma’am,” both of the girls replied as they began to finish up the laundry, the two of them quietly chatting as they finished it up and hung the clothes out to dry in the mid-afternoon sun.

“Sigrid, come help with this food,” Edda told the girl before she got carried away. “If you help me then we should be finished by the time Cathrène and Brenda are getting ready to eat.”

“Coming mother,” Sigrid said as she finished hanging up the last of the clothes. “What do you need me to do?”

“Peel those and add them to the pot on the hearth,” Edda instructed. “Then chop up the last of the hares that are left in the icebox. They’ll need the meat if Cathrène is to regain her full strength.”

Sigrid began working as instructed, and soon enough the pot hanging over the hearth began to bubble, releasing an appetite-inducing smell that only began to grow as they added a small handful of spices that they had painstakingly grown in the small herb garden that they possessed.

“Go wash up,” Edda told Sigrid. “Then go collect Cathrène and Brenda and bring them here, they’ll sup with us tonight.”

“Yes mother,” Sigrid said as she went over to the tub of soapy water that had been refilled after they had washed the clothing. “Do I need to fetch Graham as well?”

“Nay,” Edda said with a small smile. “Your father will be doing that.”

–
–

“Well, the breeches can be saved,” Cathrène told Sigrid’s mother. “But I’m not sure that it would be worth it.” She showed the family that the pair of pants were worn thin in more than just the usual places. “Better off to just make a new pair and use these for rags.”

“Brenda,” Cathrène called her daughter. “Run and fetch me my patch kit, we might as well earn the meal that we’re about to partake in.”

“Yes ma’am,” Brenda said as she left the house and went to go grab the sewing kit that they had put together over the years.

“Now that the listening ears have left,” Cathrène said to Edda. “Care to tell me what is going on?”

“Graham and Ødger are in negotiations today,” Edda confided in her long-time friend.

“Ahh,” Cathrène smiled before coughing into her fist for a minute. “I had wondered why he was putting so much money aside, has he finally managed to ask for Ødger’s permission?”

“I believe he asked a week ago,” Edda replied with a matching smile. “They are a good match, and have long been friends.”

“I wish that William were here to see this,” Cathrène said sadly. “Graham has been growing into a fine young man, and has done well to take care of both myself and Brenda.”

“There is much good to be said about your son,” Edda agreed. “He was already considered a part of our family before Graham began to ask around for which merchant might have gold on the next visit.”

“I suppose he thought he was being subtle?” Cathrène asked.

“He was subtle enough,” Edda laughed. “But you know how silver-tongued my Ødger is, he worked it out of them without too much difficulty.”

“Of course he did,” the other woman began laughing with her old friend. “Let’s just hope that Ødger doesn’t try to scare Graham too badly.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be concerned about that,” Edda said with a smirk. “I believe that he’s taking Graham to the tavern for the evening.”

“Hopefully they don’t get up to the kind of trouble that William and Ødger used to get up to,” Cathrène chuckled. “I’m not sure that Graham’s ready to handle that kind of trouble yet.”

“Give him time,” Edda said. “I’m sure that they’ll be starting bar brawls soon enough.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 3

“Get started on sorting the pile of feathers over on your workbench,” Charles told Graham as he stumbled into work for the day. “I hear you had a busy night. Care to tell me about it?”

“If I remembered anything beyond negotiating for Sigurd’s hand I would tell you,” Graham said as he clutched his head. “But I don’t remember all that much after we started drinking. I suppose that’s one way to find out if I can hold my drink though.”

“Well, I’ll start ye off easy on the work today, but I fully expect you to be back at full strength and awareness tomorrow,” Charles stated. “And if you break anything over the time period today I’ll be taking it out of your pay.”

“I’ll be careful,” Graham said as he sat down and began to sort through the bag of feathers that had been left for him. “What sort of arrows are we supposed to be making for this order?”

“We’re to begin an order for several hundred steeled arrows,” Charles said as he began to split the wood that would soon be smoothed out and used for arrows. “It seems that our duke feels that his current arsenal is not enough, and has commissioned some extra arrows for his forces. Once this batch is done I’ll be sending you to the castle with them. The Duke will already be expecting you for your training anyway.”

“Aye,” Graham replied. “I’ll be sure to do my best, my livelihood depends on it, after all.”

“You won’t be an apprentice for much longer, Graham,” Charles said after the two had worked beside each other in steeling some of the iron arrowheads. “You’ve learned most of what I have to teach you, and are going to be able to figure out the rest of it on your own as you go. I figure I’ll make you a full partner in around a year or so barring any unexpected situations that may arise.”

“Thank you,” Graham inclined his head, grateful to the master fletcher for having taught him the trade. “You’re a good teacher, Master Charles.”

“Now, I’ve heard rumors of our neighbors to the north preparing for some sort of movement over the last few weeks via the merchants that have come through the village lately,” Charles the Fletcher said as he began to melt the wax and cut strips of silk for the fletching of the batch of arrows they were making. “Given that they haven’t raided us in four years or so, I figure that we’re going to have to deal with some raiders. Business will make an uptick should that happen, and I expect that we’ll need to start making some of those batches of arrows now if we want to be able to keep up with demand come spring.”

“Aye,” Graham agreed as he finished sorting the feathers and began to start splitting them for the fletching. “It’ll take me some weeks to travel to Focal and back once we are done with this batch though.”

“I’m counting on it,” Charles smiled. “I know that you’re required to make an appearance at the Duke’s Court to establish yourself as a successor to your father, and this would make a good opportunity for you and Sigrid to get away from everyone for a bit if you know what I mean,” the old man winked at the fourteen-year-old as he turned back to the bowl of molten wax and silk.

“I’ve set a two-year betrothal period, Master Charles,” Graham said as he blushed bright red. “I have no intention of dishonoring her or her family.”

“I meant no ill,” Charles chuckled. “I was just poking fun at you, I doubt that anyone would doubt you at this point in time. You have a reputation for integrity and responsibility, and you should keep ahold of that. It’ll do you well in the future.”

“I’ll do my best,” Graham began handing the split feathers over to the Fletcher for him to inspect before binding them to the arrows. “I’ll go see if we have any more boughs, if not I may have to make a trip out into the woods to fell the right tree for us.”

“Agreed,” Charles said as he picked up a small coin pouch and tossed it at his apprentice. “Make sure to pick up some more wax while you are out, we’ll need more of it.”

“Aye sir,” Graham said as he caught the pouch. “Anything else I should do while I am out?”

“A pitcher of ale from the tavern would be nice, but only get it if there is some coin left over.”

“I’ll be back once I’ve gotten everything,” Graham said as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped it around him before walking out into the slight chill that the autumn weather brought into the warmth of the Fletcher’s shop.




“Come on Sigurd,” Ødger said as he threw his daughter over his shoulder while ducking underneath the overextended spear. “I know you’re excited to finally be betrothed, but you need to focus on what I’m teaching you if you’re to survive the next war that is coming.”

“Aye father,” Sigurd stood up from the muddy ground and braced her spear against it to steady herself. “Now, what were you telling me about my shield?”

“Ahh, yes,” Ødger said with a smile as he braced himself against the charge of his daughter as she rushed him with her spear and shield. “A shield is not merely a tool for defense,” he said as he thrust his shield into her face and used it to assist in throwing the young Valkyrie to the muddy ground again. “A shield is a weapon, it has many uses aside from defense, and if necessary can even be used to assist in moving the wounded off of the battlefield once the battle is over.”

“Show me how you did that,” Sigrid said as she flipped her muddy red hair out of her face before standing up again. “And let’s go again,” she grinned as her father began to walk her through the steps of how to use a shield offensively.

“Now, there are many ways to use a shield,” Ødger said as he adjusted his stance. “And they are all different to the individual. A shield can be used with an ax, a dagger, a sword, and a spear without any problems. The basics remain the same regardless, and you’ll need to use a shield properly when it comes time for the most dangerous part of the battlefield.”

“What part of the battlefield is the most dangerous?” Sigrid stopped training to look at her father, knowing that he didn’t often tell personal tales of the battlefield and that she should pay attention to what he was saying.

“The shield wall,” Ødger said as he moved over to a log that was used for strength training before sitting on it and gesturing for his daughter to do the same. “The shield wall is both the safest and most dangerous place on the battlefield,” Ødger gazed off into the distance before meeting Sigurd’s eyes. “The reason for this is because your life is in the hands of people who might break, and if the shield wall breaks then you are likely to be run down and killed by the attackers,” Ødger sat there for a moment before continuing to speak. “This is why I am teaching more than just how to stand in a shield wall because if it comes to it, I want you to be able to fight and survive to return home to us alive.”

“Then let’s get back to training,” Sigurd said as she helped her father stand up from his seated position. “I want to be the best on the battlefield, and that won’t come from us lazing around when there is training to be done.”

“Aye,” her father grinned as he stretched. “I seem to have not thrown ye into the mud enough today.”

“Have at thee!” Sigurd cheered as she charged forward, her dulled spear flying in front of her as she narrowly deflected her father’s own spear before using her shield and the weight of her body to throw Ødger into the mud, the two of them eventually casting aside their weapons and beginning to wrestle before Sigurd finally shoved her father’s face into the mud before grabbing her weapons and rushing home, laughing hysterically as he father roared and began chasing her.

“Do you have any idea how long it will take to get the mud out of my beard?” Ødger began to laugh with his daughter as they neared their home. “Your mother will have both of our hides if we come in this filthy.”

The father and daughter looked at the house and then saw the tub that was used for bathing already set out and ready to be used.


“I think she was ready for us,” Sigurd said with a peal of laughter before she jumped into the clean water, the mud caking off of her as she disrobed and grabbed the soap that her father passed her while she scrubbed her hair and body clean, ridding herself of the mud and allowing her vibrant red hair to shine in the evening sun. “I’m clean,” she said as her father helped her out of the tub and handed her a clean robe to cover herself with as she headed inside to dress.

“Now, it’s my turn,” Ødger said as he grabbed the soap and ducked down into the tub, shuddering as he first dipped his body down and then soaped off the mud, the water in the tub becoming filled with the dirt as Ødger cleaned himself and his robes before stepping out of the tub and dumping out the water.


“Good, you’re clean,” Edda said as she handed him a towel. “Make sure to mop up your footsteps and put your clothes in the basket by the door, I’ll make sure they’re cleaned tomorrow.”

“Thank you, love,” Ødger said as he leaned in and kissed his wife. “What’s for dinner?”

“I’ve got Venison strips and some potatoes waiting to be put into a stew,” Edda replied. “Now go get dressed, dinner will be ready in an hour or so, and I think your weapons need to be taken care of.”

“Aye,” Ødger replied. “I’ll sit down with Sigurd and make sure that everything is taken care of.”

 

[ATP]

Good story - but,i see few problems:
1.If it is our future,then current human belifs should still exists - like christianity,islam,buddhism,marxist,etc.
2.Technology should still works - unless it is some kind of machines which made it impossible
3.If they could made steel swords,they should made muskets,too.

But,please continue

 

[nomad345]

3.If they could made steel swords,they should made muskets,too.

And what in the story so far tells you that they know about gunpowder? Kinda important for muskets, after all.

 

[ATP]

And what in the story so far tells you that they know about gunpowder? Kinda important for muskets, after all.

They belong to people who lost almost all technology - but,making gunpowder is easier than making steel,or even bronze.
As long as they remembered formula,they should be capable of making blackpowder.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 4


“Come on lad,” Charles said. “Pump those bellows more, we’ve got to get these arrowheads poured into their molds and cooled before we can steel them.”


“I’m working on it,” Graham replied as the flames rose in the forge, the heat feeling unbearable initially but eventually settling into something familiar. “Should be at the right heat in a moment.”


“Keep at it for a bit longer,” Charles said as the iron began to melt. “This should be the last batch we need for the winter and for that contract we’ve got with the duke.”


“Aye,” Graham said as he watched the metal begin to pool as he pumped the bellows for a little bit longer, watching as the heat in the forge rose until the iron was at the right temperature to be poured into the molds for the arrowheads they were making.


“Careful,” Charles said as the two of them grabbed ahold of the crucible and shifted it over to the molds, pouting the molten material into the clay molds that were prepared by the two of them earlier in the day. “We’ll have to let this settle and cool before we can steel them.”


“I’ll go ahead and start splitting the wood for the arrows while the molds cool,” Graham said as he took his gloves off but left his apron on. “I got a pretty good haul of proper wood for the arrow shafts.”


“Aye,” Charles said as he triple-checked the molds to ensure everything was setting properly. “We got a pretty good haul.”


“It’ll take us a couple of days to finish up this batch and then I’ll head on up to the capital with the shipment,” Graham replied as he continued working. “I’ll have to take tomorrow to do more practice with my family sword and shield before I depart.”


“Aye,” Charles said. “You’ll likely need an escort if the rumors I’ve been hearing are true.”


“I’ve not the funds for that,” Graham stated. “I’m lucky that we still have Rose.”


“That old mare is still kicking around?” Charles asked. “I thought she’d be done in by now.”


“Nay,” Graham shook his head. “She’s still capable, a mite bit slower than she used to be, but she’s always asking me when I’m going to take her out for a ride again.”


“Well, you may want to replace her sooner rather than later,” Charles said as he moved to shape the arrow shafts he was working on. “I’m likely to send you to make more trips to Ramsford if the Duke continues to make commissions like this.”


“I’m not likely to afford that at this point,” Graham responded as he continued working on the fletching. “I’ve been putting aside the funds for Sigrid’s and my home.”


“I’ll fund a replacement horse if Rose isn’t capable of making the trips in the long term,” Charles said. “I’ll consider it a long-term investment.”


“We’ll see how she handles the trip,” Graham replied. “Ross is still hardy enough after all.”


—

—


“I’m heading to the training fields,” Graham told Charles as they broke their fast for lunch. “I’ve got to get my skills back up before I leave next week.”


“Aye,” Charles said as he finished his bite of a small loaf of bread. “I’ll finish this order while you prepare for the trip.”


“I’ll be back on the morrow,” Graham said as he gathered up his outer robes and wrapped them around himself before opening the door to the workshop.”


“See you in the morning,” Charles dismissed his apprentice. “We’ve still got quite a bit to be done, eh?”


“Whatever you say,” Graham rolled his eyes as he walked out the door and began the trek to his home.



“Mother, Brenda, I’m home!” Graham called out as he opened the door to their house.


“You’re back early,” Cathrène said as she glanced up from the trousers she was patching.


“Aye,” Graham agreed. “I’ve off to the training fields.”


“Good,” Cathrène replied. “You’ll need all of the training you can get if the rumors I’ve heard recently are true.”


“I figured I would ask Ødger who he recommends I travel with,” Graham said as he grabbed the leather gambison that barely fit his lean frame and began to strap it and the sword belt on. “He’s more familiar with the trip than I am, after all.”


“ ‘Tis a good idea,” Cathrène looked at her stitching to ensure it was straight. “He’s likely to know who can be trusted on the roads. Especially with all of the stories coming from the North.”


“I’ll be home around dinnertime,” Graham leaned down to kiss his mother on the forehead before grabbing his father’s heater shield and swinging it up and onto his back, using the guige. “Save me some supper if I’m late.”



–

–


“Graham,” Ødger greeted his future son-in-law with a nod as he entered the training field. “I take it you’re here for some training before you leave for Ramsford.”


“Aye,” Graham replied as he stood his ground. “I know I’ve not kept up with it as often as I should have, but I hope to still be able to defend myself.”


“I’ll go over your basics once again,” the older man replied. “Better to have a firm foundation than a fancy move any day of the week.”


“Then let’s get to it,” Graham said as he shifted his shield to his left hand and drew the hand-and-a-half sword that his father had passed down to him.


–

–


Sigrid walked quietly through the forest, trailing the hare that she had spied in the distance, hoping that it would lead her back to its den so that she could bring more meat home to her family.


Stepping cautiously, making sure that any noise she made was minimized, she continued to walk after the hare that darted to and fro in the trees and bushes, disappearing in and out of her view as it tried to find food.


Hearing a slight yipping sound, Sigrid steadied her bow and drew an arrow that she nocked, but did not draw. Then, spying a slight shade of red, she turned, drew, and released, catching the fox behind the heart and causing it to drop the now-dead hare as it fell.


“Well, at least we can sell the pelt,” Sigrid sighed to herself as she picked up the hare and the fox and used a small string to tie their hind legs together. “But I was hoping for better game today.”


Tucking the two dead animals into a small pouch that she carried, she began to head home before stopping as she heard a sound she hadn’t heard in a couple of weeks. Stilling her breath, she knelt down and concealed herself in the bushes, watching in awe as a young buck moved into view, the six-point buck stopped and began scratching its antlers against the side of a tree as it makes the does in the area aware of its presence and scent


Nocking and drawing another arrow, Sigrid loosed her arrow once she thought she had a good shot, watching as the arrow flew into the shoulder of the deer, the buck darted off, taking off at a dead run.


“The chase is on!” Sigurd grinned to herself as she began to follow the blood trail, the deer running away from the source of its pain.


Sigurd began jogging, moving just fast enough to see where she was going and to continue to follow the trail that the panicked deer was leaving behind.


Darting forward with small darts of speed, Sigurd finally found where the young buck had collapsed. The buck saw her, and struggled to stand up again but fell instead.


“Shhh,” Sigurd got close and cradled the head of the deer into her lap, being careful to navigate the antlers so as not to be injured. “It’s okay now,” she spoke calmly to the beast, easing its panic and allowing it to breathe its last breath in peace.


Once the deer had finished its last breath, Sigurd grabbed it and slung it across her shoulders, grunting from the weight, but standing firm and turning to the sky to see figure out how she was to get back to the village.


“Let’s see here,” Sigurd stuck her tongue out as she figured out where north was. “I’ve got a ways to go,” she muttered as she began walking through the forest back toward her home. “I should be home before dark.”

 

[ATP]

Basic over fancy moves - true.
When i cosplayed as english archers,one of friends to mock fancy moves invented "Viper of Monfort" - he keep sword behind his back and then attacked with it.

About arrows - if they have obsidian,it would be as good as steel,and much cheaper.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 5



“I should have stopped earlier,” Sigurd sighed as she began to set up a small camp for the night, knowing that she wasn’t going to make it back to the village before it became too dark to continue. Gathering some kindling, she cleared the underbrush and began stacking her fuel on top of the kindling before pulling out a small piece of flint along with her knife.


Kneeling, she began to strike the flat piece of flint with her knife, sending sparks flying out and into the kindling where small bits of it began to light. Continuing to strike her flint, she caught up more of her kindling up in flames before using the rest of her knife to push the kindling under her dry bits of fuel.


Standing up and brushing her knees off, Sigrid grabbed the hare from her small game bag and hung it up next to where the buck was strung up. Grabbing a knife with a small hook worked into the tip of it, Sigrid began the grisly work of skinning the hare and harvesting the pelt as well as she could.


“The fox can wait,” Sigrid muttered as she continued cutting the fur off of the hare. “Mother may want something special made out of that one.”


“Hail by the fire,” a voice said from over to her left, causing Sigrid to draw the longer hunting knife she carried at the small of her back.


“Who goes there?” Sigrid called back, bracing herself for a fight.


“Just an old man seeking a bit of comfort before I am on my way,” a voice responded as an old balding man stepped out into the light of the flames.


“I ask your word that you will remain on the opposite side of the fire,” Sigrid stated firmly, keeping her eyes fixed on the old man as he hobbled over to the fire and seemed to relax into its warmth.


“Aye,” the older man grunted as he eased himself down into a sitting position with the aid of a small walking stick. “You can trust that I won’t be moving much at all.”


Sigrid shifted her body so she could watch the man as well as continue to skin the hare.


“I’ve not much to offer in exchange for the warmth of the fire,” the old man said as he tossed a much larger piece of fuel into the fire to keep feeding it. “But I’ve a couple of words of wisdom for one who would listen.”


Sigrid stepped a bit closer, just enough for her face to be illuminated as she finished skinning the hare and stabbing it on a spit to roast over the fire.


“I’m listening,” Sigrid said as the old man helped her set things up to cook the hare, the smell of cooking meat slowly filling the air as they sat there.


“Ahh, you look familiar,” the old man said as he considered the young woman in front of him. “There was a young man who passed this way many years ago who looked akin to you. Now if only I could remember his name”


Sigrid said nothing, content to simply turn the spit over periodically as she listened to the old man’s ramblings.


“Ahh, Ødger, yes that was it, I remember it now,” the old man said with a start as he shifted and his eyes seemed to change a bit. “I’ve some words for you Sigrid Ødgersdotter,” he rocked back onto his feet, his walking stick in hand. “When you find yourself at the crossroads, remember that your responsibilities lie at home. For there, your happiness and peace will be.”


The old man then seemed to vanish into the night, leaving Sigrid with a cooked hare and many questions that needed to be answered.


Sigrid, once the hare was cooked, wrapped it in a small piece of hide that she brought with her, and set it to the side so that she could climb up into a tree to sleep for the night.


Using the rope that she had hung the deer with, she pulled the buck up higher and out of reach of many predators before tying it down and climbing up the tree herself. Seating herself in the corner of a bough, she used a small belt to strap herself into place and began to nibble at the cooked hare as the fire began to die down.








“Come on lad!” Ødger shouted as Graham neatly stood his ground against the old soldier. “Your stance is good, but you’ve got to move a bit more.”


“Aye,” Graham gasped out as he blocked another swing with his shield before dodging backward to avoid a kick.


“Now, it’s getting late,” Ødger said as he knocked the young man down to the ground once again. “I figure we should both be getting home.”


“Aye,” Graham stumbled to his feet. “I’ll be back on the morrow for more training.”


“Good,” Ødger clasped forearms with his future son-in-law. “You have a good head on your shoulders, and you don’t seem to have forgotten as much as you feared.”


“I’ve got to be better though,” Graham said as he began gathering up his supplies while taking a drink from his waterskin. “Especially if the rumors I’ve heard from Charles are true.”


“Aye,” Ødger responded as he took a swig from his own waterskin. “I’ve heard much the same. I’ve got a few friends who may be willing to assist in your delivery to Ramsford should it come to it.”


“That’s all I ask for,” Graham replied as he stopped at a small fork in the village road. “Thank you for this, Ødger.”


“Think nothing of it,” the older man replied. “It's good to keep up the practice when Sigrid is gone.”


“Hunting again?” Graham asked with a smile. “What do you reckon she’ll bring back this time?”


“A brace of geese,” Ødger laughed in response. “On her last hunt, she brought home some sort of fowl and they lasted us a good while. I figure she’ll seek the same.”


“See you in the morning?” Graham asked.


“Aye,” Ødger replied. “I’ll be there soon after dawn.”


“I shall see you then,” Graham gave a brief wave and started off toward his home, his stomach rumbling with a hunger for whatever it would be that his mother was making for dinner.


“Graham!” Brenda rushed and gave her big brother a hug as he entered the house. “I haven’t seen you all day.”


“I’ve been busy,” Graham ruffled his little sisters’ hair. “I’m preparing for a trip to Ramsford, after all, and I wouldn’t want to be ambushed by some bandits or anything.”


“Oh good, you’re home,” Cathrène said as she walked into the room. “You can help set the table for supper while Brenda gets you some fresh clothes to change into.”


“Yes mother,” Graham said as he took off his outer tunic and placed it into a small basket of clothes that were to be washed later. “I’ll get everything sorted out now.”


The young man grabbed the plates that were set out and placed them on the table by the hearth for the trio to eat.


“I’ve got us some fresh bread to go with the meat that Edda sent home with us,” Cathrène said as she spooned a small bit of stew out into a bowl for each of them. “And this is the last of the stew that we had for breakfast.”


“The meal is good,” Graham said as he began to eat, dipping his bread into his stew to soften it before taking a bite out of it. “I’ll have to save some of this bread for tomorrow, I’ve a training session with Ødger shortly after dawn”


“Just make sure that the chores are done first,” Cathrène responded as she ate her own portion. “I know that you’ll be gone for several weeks, but I’ll need your help to set things up for when you’re gone.”


“I’ll leave you with as little to take care of as possible,” Graham promised. “I’ll leave some of my savings here in case of trouble as well.”


“You’ve no need to do that,” Cathrène said with a frown. “That money is supposed to go towards your future with Sigrid.”


“I won’t have a future with Sigrid if you and Brenda are gone,” Graham said as he began eating some of the venison that had been set aside. “You two are just as important right now, and I’m to keep the two of you whole until Brenda finds a husband,” Graham shrugged. “Besides, if things go well in Ramsford then Charles has said he’ll be willing to finance a new horse, which means we can loan Rose out if necessary.”


“Fine,” Cathrène continued to frown. “I’ll try to keep your savings intact.”


“You’ll do no such thing if there is trouble,” Graham stood up and pulled his mother in for a hug, the small and stubborn woman seemingly falling apart as he did so, tears appearing in her eyes.


“You’re all grown up now,” Cathrène sobbed. “I wish John were here to see it.”


“I know,” Graham said into his mother’s hair as Brenda joined the family hug. “I wish father were here to help as well.”


“I’ll ask Edda and her family for help if I need it,” Cathrène said as she collected herself once again. “They’re good friends after all.”


“Aye,” Graham smiled. “And hopefully family soon enough.”

 

[ATP]

It seems like conan village before attack in "Conan the barbarian".I hope,that they would survive.

P.S old man - is he ghost or AI?

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 6


“Mother, Father, I’m home!” Sigrid said as she approached her house in the early morning. “I’ve had a successful hunt and need assistance in getting it prepared.”


“That looks like a decent-sized buck,” Ødger stated as he moved to remove the deer from her shoulders. “I’ll take care of skinning it should you want to wash up.”


“Nay,” Sigrid shook her head. “I killed it so I shall take care of my other duties as a huntress.”


“Alright then,” Ødger said with a smile at his oldest daughter. “Did you manage to get anything else?”


“I killed a hare that I cooked and ate part of,” Sigrid admitted before reaching into her hunting satchel and pulling out the red fox that she had slain. “I’ve also got this, I figured I could take it to the market and see what kind of price we can fetch for the pelt.”


“It’s beautiful,” Edda said as she moved outside to help take care of the animals that her daughter had brought back from her hunt. “I don’t think we should sell it at all, in fact, I’ve just the idea for it.”


“Oh?” Ødger asked with a raised eyebrow.


“Yes, I shall use it to make something for Sigrid’s wedding,” Edda smiled at her daughter. “But first, let’s get all of this harvested, I would hate for the meat to go to waste.”


“So, I take it you had to track down the buck after you took the shot,” Ødger began to discuss hunting techniques with his daughter.


“Aye,” Sigrid said with a small smile on her face. “It delayed my journey home by enough that I camped out the night as you taught me,” her face changed as she considered what else had happened that night.


“What’s the problem?” Ødger asked. “Did something go wrong on your hunt?”


“Nay,” Sigrid replied. “Something odd did happen though,” she began to explain the old man who appeared around her fire.”


“Ahh, Old man Ranger,” Ødger laughed. “He makes appearances every so often and gives words of advice to those who are polite and use manners.”


“Well, he did say some cryptic things,” Sigrid replied. “I’m not even sure what they mean.”


“I didn’t until afterward,” Ødger laughed. “It happens to everyone who Old Man Ranger has visited. Now let’s get this done, I’ve got more training to do with that man of yours.”


“You started without me?” Sigrid asked. “I wanted to train with Graham as well!”


“Well, you took too long hunting, and he leaves in two days, so I had to get in what training I can,” her father replied. “Besides, he still remembers the basics well, he just needed to be reminded of some of them. He’s also going to be hiring Takeshi as an additional guard because of some of the rumors he’s heard.”


“Takeshi is still working?” Edda asked. “I thought he retired to leave the business to his son.”


“Jasmine has taken ill,” Ødger said with a sad expression. “And they can scarcely afford the medicines that she needs, so he’s taken to working again while his son continues to work the family business in guarding merchant caravans.”







“Good, very good,” Ødger said as he barely avoided a thrust from Graham’s sword. “You’ll be ready come time to leave.”


“I’m worried that the King or the Duke may request my sword arm,” Graham said as they clashed once again. “With the North threatening to push again it may happen this year or the next.”


“Aye,” Ødger replied as he deflected the shield away from his face. “Should they push again I fear we may not be ready. The harvest was weak this year, and we lost many good men the last time we held them off.”


“The harvest being poor may be because of the loss of men,” Graham replied as they took a break. “It’ll require more men than we have to properly get our harvest back to reasonable levels.”


“We shall see,’ Ødger replied. “The Duke may be able to hire more hands to help us or send some of the extra hands from Ramsford to assist. I’ll have to see if Takeshi can petition him while you are present in the city.”


“I’ll see if Charles has anything to add to our shipment,” Graham responded. “He may have some contacts in Ramsford that will be able to argue our case.”


“Either way, we’ve got a few days work ahead of us to get you back into fighting shape,” Ødger said with a smirk as he readied his weapons again. “Now, have at you!”








“I’ll write a letter to my cousin in Ramsford, he’s well connected with the merchants there and may be able to lean on them for some information at the very least,” Charles said as Graham and he sat down to finish the last of the batch of arrows that the Duke requested.


“All finished,” Graham said as he fletched the last arrow before placing it in the barrel with the rest, packing it with loose straw to prevent the arrows from breaking, and sealing the lid with a small amount of wax. “I guess I leave tomorrow then.”


“I’ll go ahead and write that letter,” Charles said as he stood up and walked over to a small desk where he kept his writing instruments. “Best to keep it in a proper pouch though, lest it gets ruined by the weather on your trip.”


“Aye,” Graham nodded. “I’ve got one that should work, mother and Brenda have made some changes to my clothes for the trip.”


“Also, take this,” Charles tossed a coin pouch to his apprentice. “Takeshi will need more funds if he aims to take care of Jasmine.”


“I’ll make sure that it’s included in what I’m paying him,” Graham replied with a smile. “Have the wagon ready to go in the morning, I’ll make sure that Rose is ready to move out along with Takeshi and Sigrid.”


“You’re a good lad,” Charles embraced the younger man. “Take care and stay safe, the roads seem to be filled with rumors of ambushes and other foul things and deeds.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 7


“Wagon looks to be in decent shape, and the barrels are sealed right and proper,” Charles said as we backed Rose up to the small wagon to be hitched up. “You’ll likely have to walk beside it instead of ride, given Rose’s age and all, but aside from that I expect you to make good time.”


“Aye,” Takeshi said as he examined the old mare. His padded armor and long curved single-edged sword marking him out as different from the spear-wielding Valkyrie and the sword and shield that Graham was using. “Should take us about two months if all works well.”


“We have the provisions,” Graham said as he hefted a pack with rations onto the wagon. “And Sigrid has her bow as well if we find some game worth having on our journey.”


“You’ve all said your goodbyes?” Takeshi asked, the older man’s slightly slanted eyes showing concern for the two young adults.


“Yes,” Graham nodded. “I’m ready to set off if the rest of us are.”


“Aye,” Sigrid agreed. “And my father said to remind you that this counts as training for us as well.”


“I’ll ensure that I disperse some of my knowledge then,” Takeshi smiled as they began to lead Rose out of the village. “If you’re willing to listen to the advice of an old campaigner that is.”


“I believe we are both willing to learn,” Graham exchanged glances with Sigrid. “My father had nothing but good things to say about you before he passed.”


“Then let’s be off, there are many leagues to move and much to teach and learn,” Takeshi said as they began following the dirt path that led to the city of Ramsford. “Much of it must be shown as well, words mean nothing if you are not putting the lessons into practice.”








“First lesson,” Takeshi said once they made camp for the night. “Latrines, they’re more important than you might think, they must be dug far enough away from the camp that no plague descends on the men, but they must also be close enough that your men are not at risk of being picked off by enemy spies and raiders.”


“Also,” Takeshi dug the latrine with the two youngsters. “Remember that the larger the army the harder it is to get things in order. Some armies are disciplined enough to always do their duties when they make camp, but others are not so, and the groups will have clashes occasionally.”


“But aren’t we part of the same nation?” Sigrid asked. “Why would our allies clash with each other?”


“Because we’re still human,” Takeshi moved to show them how to properly set up a tent and a fire. “The disciplined will nearly always clash with the undisciplined, and it normally takes a plague or a sickness striking the army for the undisciplined to learn their lessons.”


“So why set up a shelter like this?” Graham asked as he gestured towards where they had cut several large boughs and rigged up their canvas over it for protection. “Doesn’t leaving part of it open like that leave us at risk?”


“If we weren’t going to be rotating watches then yes,” Takeshi said as he began to bring a small pot to a boil with some hardtack and dried salted meat strips that they had brought as provisions. “It would be dangerous, but given how little protection we have in this area we will be rotating our night watch every three or so hours or so once the fire has died.”








“Wake up,” Takeshi shook Graham and Sigrid awake while making sure they remained quiet. “Grab your weapons, we’ve got some sort of movement outside. I’m not sure if it’s bandits or not but get ready anyway.”


Graham, having slept in part of his gambeson, grabbed his sword belt and strapped it into place while also grabbing his heater shield.


Sigrid, merely strapped on her knives, grabbed her spear and shield, and walked out following Takeshi.


“Who goes there?” Takeshi called out to the figures that were partially visible in the dull moonlight as it pierced through the canopy of the forest.


The figure continued moving and the trio braced only to stop as they realized that it was a horse whose rider was being dragged along behind it.


“Grab the horse,” Takeshi ordered Sigrid with a harsh whisper. “I’ll check on the rider while you go see if you can figure out what the other figures are.”


Graham nodded, moving closer and identifying some of the figures as riderless horses and others as dead soldiers strung from the boughs overhead.


Slowly walking backward, Graham glanced at Takeshi to see the old soldier shake his head.


“There’s a bunch of dead bodies up ahead,” Graham reported. “I can’t tell if they’re part of the Duke’s soldiers or not.”


“I’ve got him calmed down,” Sigrid said as the horse snorted behind the two men. “What do we do next?”


“Daybreak’s about two to three hours away,” Takeshi said after he cut the dead soldier free from the horse and glanced to what sky they could see. “We’ll hold out until then and go check it out once we’re able to see everything properly.”


Sigrid took the now calmed horse over to where Rose was waiting quietly, the two horses having enough lack in their leads for them to graze a bit.


“Graham, come take a look at this soldier and tell me if you recognize the insignia he bears,” Takeshi said. “I’ve not seen one like it in my years as a soldier or a mercenary.”


“This one isn’t one of the Duke’s soldiers,” Graham said as he knelt down and looked at the small piece of livery that the dead soldier had decorated his neck. “The Duke’s colors are normally yellow and gray. I’ve not seen something this shade of blue before”


“Well, he’s got a decent sword,” Takeshi said as he knelt down and unbuckled the sword from the soldier’s waist before passing it over to Sigrid. “Here, this’ll serve you better than your knives.”


“Why are we taking his arms?” Graham asked. “Isn’t this disrespectful?”


“A touch,” Takeshi replied as he continued to remove the items of value and use from the dead soldier. “But he’s not among the living and has no use for them now. Whereas we are still alive and might have great need of them soon if there are more of what he faced out and about.”


“He had more provisions in his saddlebags,” Sigrid reported as she began to go through the canvas bags that were seated behind the saddle. “There’s some rope here and some extra knives.”


“Keep it all in there,” Takeshi ordered. “We may have need of that rope soon.”


–

–


After a couple of hours of waiting, the sun finally rose, revealing what the ominous shadows in the distance really were.


“Pack up our gear,” Takeshi said. “I’ll go see what lies ahead.”


The older man moved and inspected the half dozen men that had been hung from the boughs of the canopy, their weapons either still on the ground or on their corpses.


Checking the surroundings, Takeshi looked for signs that would indicate how long it had been since the skirmish had occurred.


“It’s been a few days,” Takeshi concluded as he looked at the bodies, the rust on the weapons, and the horses that were still grazing along the path. “Now, for the hard part,” he muttered as he began to climb the trees to cut the bodies down. “Burying the dead.”

 

[ATP]

Why killers do not take weapons? especially good ones?
as far as i knew,after battle bodies almost ALWAYS were robbed.

Only cases when it not happened - when victors offered their enemies to their gods.Sometimes happened among Vikings.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 8


“Why are we just stripping them of their gear and putting them all into one grave?” Sigrid asked as she dragged another of the half dozen bodies over to the hole that Graham and Takeshi were digging.


“Because whoever did this to them saw no need to strip them of their weapons and armor,” Takeshi said as he flung a shovel full of dirt over his shoulder. “That means they were either so arrogant as to think they would not need it or they are coming back for it later. Either one means that we don’t really have enough time.”


“Is that why you had me gather up all of the horses?” Graham asked as he helped Sigrid toss a body into the grave they had dug.


“Aye, we’re going to be riding out of here once we’ve taken care of the dead,” Takeshi said as he began to toss dirt over the grave. “We’ve enough here to sell and make a small fortune or keep and make the village more able to fend off any future raids. Either way, we’ve got decisions to make on how the loot is divvied up,” Takeshi sighed. “But for now, let’s finish this grave. There’s enough sadness in the world without us getting into that right now.”


Takeshi began to lay the bodies in a row while Graham started to scoop dirt back over them. This was heavy, hot work, but it was necessary for them to do in order to prevent the carrion and other scavengers from tearing at the dead.


“Alright, they’ve been laid to rest,” Graham said as he packed the dirt down around the grave. “Are we to leave some sort of marker behind for the dead?”


“We’ll leave something with their colors behind as a marker,” Takeshi said as he took a spear and stabbed it into the ground with a strip of cloth on it that had the soldier's colors on it. “Now, make sure that the horses that we’re not riding are tied to the wagon, I’d hate for us to be slowed down now that we know there are potential enemies about.”


Grabbing one of the mares, Takeshi pulled himself up and into the saddle while Sigrid and Graham did the same thing with their own two horses.








“Why are we taking such a roundabout way to Ramsford?” Graham asked as they made camp well off the main road. “I understand why we don’t have a fire, but the wagon won’t hold up to this kind of terrain for long.”


“We’ll swing back over to the main road once I believe that we’re out of the way of a potential ambush,” Takeshi said as he tore a strip off of the dried beef that he was eating. “But for now we’ll wait here.”


“Should we keep some of the weapons that we want to have later?” Sigrid asked as she sharpened a very high-quality iron sword that she had pulled off of what appeared to have been the leader of the group of dead soldiers. “I think this sword and bow are of too high quality for me to just allow them to be sold like that.”


“That is up to you,” Takeshi said with a shrug. “If you feel that it does not defile the weapon or yourself to do so then you may as you wish with your share of the weapons and armor.”


“I’m keeping some of the knives we found on them,” Graham said as he slid one of the knives into his boot. “Steel is expensive, and I could use these for decades if we keep them maintained properly.”


“The armor is probably the most important thing to keep,” Takeshi said as he fingered some of the mail. “Good mail is expensive, and you can probably find a good smith to resize this for you until you’re fully grown.”


“We’ll look through everything and keep the armor that seems to be in the best shape,” Sigrid said as she exchanged glances with Graham. “I’ll take second watch,” she said after she finished her cold rations and laid her pack down to use as a place to rest her head. “Wake me up when it’s my turn for watch.”


–

–


“Keep quiet” Graham shook Takeshi and Sigrid awake. “There’s a large group with torches on the main path.”


Sigrid nodded as she got up and began putting on her armor.


Takeshi, having slept in his armor, sat up and grabbed his sword belt, buckling it on as he stood up and took a sip out of a water skin.


“Keep quiet,” Takeshi instructed as he peered through the trees. “Get the tent picked up, and our gear stowed. We need to ride out ahead while they’re searching for the soldier’s bodies.”


No sooner had he finished saying this than an armored figure burst through the underbrush surrounding their small campsite, sword in hand.


Pulling out a small dagger that he had sheathed in the small of his back, Takeshi darted forward, sinking the dagger into the soldier’s throat with one hand while he covered his mouth with the other. “Hurry!” He whispered harshly at the two young adults.


Glancing down at the man bleeding out beneath him, Takeshi knelt to get a closer look at the clothing in the moonlight. “Northern savages,” he spat as he pulled a necklace off of the dead man.


“We need to ride,” Takeshi said as he hurriedly rolled up the canvas they were using as shelter and tossed it onto the wagon pulled by Rose. “The North is moving already, and the dead soldiers were supposed to be a way to anger our forces. The Duke will need those arrows more than ever before.”


“And I’m to submit in cases of war anyway,” Graham said as he gestured towards the sword sheathed at his side. “I’m sorry Rose, but it seems we’ll have to ask for one final ride from you.”


The old mare just snorted and stomped her front hoof, ready for one last adventure.


“We’ve got everything,” Sigrid said as she swung up onto the stallion that she had picked. “If we’re going to leave we need to do it now.”


“I’ll manage Rose,” Graham said as he climbed onto the wagon after making sure that everything was secured properly.


“Then we ride,” Takeshi said as his horse began moving at a canter, the horses tied in a row following their leads that were attached to him. “Sigrid, take up the rear, we need to ensure that these arrows make it to Ramsford, a siege may be coming and arrows will be needed.”


“I found Ragnar!” a voice yelled in the darkness. “It seems we’ve got some rats around here trying to escape! Hunt them down, none shall impede our progress!”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 9


“They’re still there,” Sigrid said as the trio swung back up onto horses and wagon respectively. “They’ve been chasing us for days, shouldn’t we have lost them by now?”


“Nay,” Takeshi shook his head as he ran a whetstone over his sword. “We’re going to be leaving tracks that are easily followed, we’ve a wagon and horses after all, and that’s not a small thing to hide,” Takeshi sighed. “It’s also obvious where we’re heading, and there are not many ways to cut us off from Ramsford that we don’t already know of, so they hope to exhaust us in the hopes that we make a mistake.”


“We can take turns riding on the wagon,” Graham said with a yawn. “It’s a decent way to sleep while we move without having many issues.”


“Aye,” Takeshi said as he eyed the wagon wishfully for a moment. “I’ll go last. Sigrid, you’ll get on the wagon now, we’ll wake you up when it’s time to trade out.”


Sigrid just yawned in response and climbed up onto the wagon, curling up on the canvas shelter and nodding off immediately.


“I’ll take up the rear,” Graham offered as he climbed up onto the horse that Sigrid had been riding previously. “We should probably get going though.”


Takeshi simply nodded, and grabbing the waterskin at his hip, took a sip, and swallowed it down before beginning a steady pace down the path towards Ramsford with Graham and Sigrid following close behind.


–

–


“Did we lose them?” Graham asked as they came into view of Ramsford’s city walls.


“Likely not,” Takeshi shook his head. “A group that big can’t stick to outer pathways and is limited to footpaths already tread for the most part. We’ve also got to account for the fact that they’ve gone undiscovered until now, so must want to still be able to ambush what soldiers they can.”


“Why push this far into our land though?” Sigrid asked. “It can’t be worth it for them to keep attacking us like this.”


“We’ve wondered that before,” Takeshi replied with a shrug. “They want to conquer the world, likely due to how cold their own land is. So they end up pushing into our territory to raid and hopefully take over better farmland. Remember, they might seem savages and barbarians, but they are still men and women, with all the same things that drive us forward inherent in them.”


“You haven’t slept yet,” Graham noted as he looked at the older man. “Rest, I’ll wake you when we reach the gates.”


“Fine,” Takeshi replied as the whole group slowed to a stop so Sigrid and Takeshi could change positions. “But wake me if there are any problems.”


–

–


“Takeshi, we’re at the gates,” Graham said as he shook the older man awake. “They won’t let us through unless you speak to them.”


Takeshi simply groaned as he shook the weariness from his bones and stood up from the wagon. “Last I checked, you didn’t need to bribe the city guard to let you into a city when you’ve been summoned to fulfill an order of the Duke’s.”


“And where is said proof of this order?” The guard asked with a smug look on his face. “Because what I think I see is a bunch of thieves. Who stole arms and armor from some poor soldiers they killed.”


“Maybe this will help,” Graham offered as he pulled the commission letter from a small waterproof pouch. “It’s the initial order of arrows that the Duke ordered from myself and my master.”


“Oh, and now you’re a Fletcher, are you?” The Guard mocked Graham. “You seem a bit too well-armed to be a Fletcher.”


“Wait,” Takeshi restrained Graham from moving forward and decking the guardsman in the face. “These sorts of people won’t be persuaded by force or by sense, sometimes you have to take a better approach.”


“How much is it to enter the city?” Takeshi asked the guard.


“Well, it was going to be a measly twenty coppers,” the Guard said as he crossed his arms. “But now it’s up to a whole two silvers.”


“Fine, here’s three for your trouble,” Takeshi dug into his coin purse and pulled out three silvers. “Does that get us entry?”


“Aye,” The guard smirked, the greed showing in both his eyes and voice. “That it does,” he motioned for the group of horses and wagon to pass, along with the trio of humans that were guiding them.


“Sorry,” Takeshi murmured as he stumbled into the guardsman as he stepped off the wagon. “I’m getting a bit on in age and I’m not as steady as I used to be.”


“Just move on, old man,” the Guard shoved him a bit. “We’ve more people to see to.”


“Why’d we just give him the money?” Sigrid asked in a higher-pitched voice as soon as they were out of earshot.


“You can’t argue with all of the idiots in the world,” Takeshi said with a shrug. “Sometimes it’s best to just give them what they want,” He smirked. “Besides, I think I came out the better paid of us two,” Takeshi began to toss a coin pouch up and down that he hadn’t had before. “A Guardsman should know better than to try those sorts of tricks.”


“You stole his coin purse.” Graham gaped for a minute before recognizing they were in public and shutting his mouth. “We should get lodging, yes?”


“I know a place that’ll have stables for the horses and good meals for the night,” Takeshi nodded. “We’ll bunk down there and then Graham can deliver the arrows to the Duke’s Armorers while Sigrid and I sell the arms and armor from the soldiers after we get an idea of where they were from.”


–

–


“A weeks stay?” A woman asked as she stood across the bar from Takeshi. “You’re actually going to be in town that long?”


“Yes, we’ll be in Ramsford for at least that long,” Takeshi responded. “I’ll give you the money now if you’ll accept it, Analise.”


“I know you’re good for it,” the woman waved him off. “You’ve been a friend for years now, why would I make you pay full price when I know that you’re still trying to take care of Jasmine?”


“Because you know I’ll still somehow pay you,” Takeshi smiled. “Besides, the old crew still needs to get the news about each other somehow.”


“Well, it’s good to see you again, once your youngsters are settled in I’ll pour some ale and we’ll talk about how Ødger and the rest of the group are doing.”


“Wishing you had settled down in the village with the rest of us?” Takeshi raised an eyebrow.


“Oh heavens no!” Analise laughed. “I like my comfort a bit too much for that, but I do miss being able to spend time with the old crew.”


“Graham, Sigrid, meet Analise,” Takeshi said as the two of them walked into the inn. “She’s an old friend and will be handling our stay while we’re in Ramsford.”


“The horses have been taken care of,” Sigrid said as she sat down. “If I can have a meal and a room I’ll go on to bed.”


“We’ll get you a bath too,” Analise’s nose crinkled at how Sigrid and Graham smelled. “I’ll not have you stinking up my rooms like that.”


“Just let us get some food first, please,” Graham replied. “We’re in need of some rest that’s not in the saddle or on a wagon.”


“Hard ride?” Analise asked Takeshi.


“No, the Northerners are at it again, this time they took out a group of soldiers and were waiting along the roads,” Takeshi responded. “It seemed a sizable group so we may end up staying later than expected if a siege takes place.”


“Well then, I guess I’ll be getting things prepared then,” Analise sighed. “I’ll send my boys out for provisions in the morn while you’re all running your errands.”


“Aye, preparing for a siege is best done in advance,” Takeshi agreed. “I hope that I’m wrong, but I feel that I’m right.”


“And if you are right,” Analise trailed off.


“Then war has started up again,” Takeshi agreed as he finished off his mug of ale. “And we’re once again having to fight off the North.”

 

[ATP]

Why they do not found them? their pursuers do not have wagons,only horses.

 

[RuneQuirk]

Why they do not found them? their pursuers do not have wagons,only horses.

Yes, but they have a lot of people, and a large group is only as fast as the slowest member, not to mention they require more food, and have to stick closer to the roads so as to not get split up or lost

 

[The Whispering Monk]

Why they do not found them? their pursuers do not have wagons,only horses.

Yes, but they have a lot of people, and a large group is only as fast as the slowest member, not to mention they require more food, and have to stick closer to the roads so as to not get split up or lost

...and they are trying to remain unseen till they get to their main target.

 

[ATP]

Yes, but they have a lot of people, and a large group is only as fast as the slowest member, not to mention they require more food, and have to stick closer to the roads so as to not get split up or lost

They still could send 4-5 on best horses.It should be enough.

...and they are trying to remain unseen till they get to their main target.

Another reason to kill all witness.But,it would kill story,so i undarstand why author let them live.

 

[Bear Ribs]

They still could send 4-5 on best horses.It should be enough.



Another reason to kill all witness.But,it would kill story,so i undarstand why author let them live.

Four or five against three isn't such a sure thing, especially against an archer like Sigrid who may easily kill two or three of them before they can close. The defender will always have the advantage, especially in something like an exchange of arrows because they'll pick favorable ground to make a stand on, such as placing themselves on a hilltop and using the cart as an impromptu fort to fire from cover. They would need to send a dozen or two, and at that point they're back to "slowest member."