Traveller Inceptio
69

After they had stowed their gear, Tatae reluctantly left Michael so he could meet with Godric. There he learned what he had feared, that the Vikings had established a camp. The hunters believed their enemies would, in their insatiable lust for loot and murder, eventually find and attack the temporary village. The thegn called a gathering of the village men in the large cavern. There, Michael, Desmond and Eadric told them of their journey, their battle with the Vikings, and how they had buried additional tools and weapons and then hid the empty cart. Michael noted with relief that Ceolwulf and his apprentice, Offa, were there as well as Hereric the hunter and others. In all, thirty-two men and lads gathered in the gloom while miniature bats fluttered over their heads and into the night.

As they described their battle at the river, eyes shone, for Eadric’s sword, and Eadric, had been tested and, even better, blooded. The monks then described their mission for the Holy Scriptures and the sacred relic to an outpouring of relief and the feeling that, despite their trials, God’s favour was upon them.

Michael soon quenched their celebratory mood. “Brothers, we aren’t yet safe. Know that the Vikings will offer no mercy. If we’re found, they will slaughter us all, women and children included. They’ll inevitably follow our cart tracks as they seek this camp. Don’t forget that our victory and the deaths of their brothers will change things. Giolgrave is no longer just another village to loot, for now the blood of those we slayed will cry out for vengeance.”

There was silence as Michael continued. “But, time might be on our side. Though some of us may have wounds, few are truly crippling. Remember they will likely be suffering from their consumption of the beor. There is enough to have them drunk or shitting for at least three days. It’s important that all men and lads, and even some of the girls, help in maintaining watch, take turns at sentry duty, and practise to sharpen fighting skills.”

Eventually it was agreed. Early in the morning, before it was light, some of the men would collect the buried weapons and Desmond’s tools. Godric assigned which men were to keep watch through the night and Michael noted with approval that each shift included experienced warriors to oversee younger, less-experienced men. Michael was given the night off and told not to rise until just before dawn. There were more than a few knowing glances between the men, with a raised eyebrow and the twitch of a mouth.

The villagers then gathered in the smaller cave and ate while the rain steadily fell. The recent arrivals were famished and devoured their hearty stew. There were even flatbreads made from flour laboriously ground using circular stone grinders brought from the village. Chunks of the looted ham were also provided to all, so even the old and toothless gummed at the meat. Hilda and the village women were well organised, determined none would go hungry, and delighted at the addition of the most capable Edyt to their village sisterhood.

Tatae sat excruciatingly close. Michael could feel her, could smell her, and wanted nothing more than to love her fiercely. It took all of his control to be still and stay for the village meeting. The sentries had been posted and the men who were to take the first shift at guard gathered their spears and slipped into the damp night.

The villagers listened in rapt silence as Eadric told his tale. Michael was heavily featured and was obliged to acknowledge the many nods of admiration and gratitude.

Godric could barely believe the change in his son. Earlier he had told Michael, “Ahh, the differences in the lad. I can’t thank you enough. Not only is he alive, but the change! He was always a good lad, but now,” Godric nodded with pride, “now he’s a warrior, blooded no less.”

Eadric described their flight to Giolgrave, the discovery of the slaughtered villagers at Nether Haddon, and the battle with the Vikings. The tale left all villagers fearful.

Tatae placed her head on Michael’s shoulder and their fingers intertwined as the night settled. They hoped to sneak off without being noticed, but so many of the villagers were crowded around them they could barely move. Then the questions came, leading Michael to explain every detail a second and third time. Eventually he could wait no longer, and as they crept out of the cave, the entire village erupted with good-natured ribbing and ribald comments into which Hurley happily joined. Red-faced, there was nothing for the lovers but to flee into the night, laughter ringing in their ears. Holding his hand, Tatae guided him to a place she had prepared in a tiny, hidden cave, perfect for only two.

Michael was weary and travel-stained, but all was forgotten as Tatae threw herself against him. Between deeply passionate kisses, clothes were cast aside. Michael’s struggle to undress had him fall, bare-bottomed, onto the chill stone as he tried to remove breeches over his boots.

A fat-soaked taper burned, giving a faint, smoky yellow light and they soon became engrossed in their own world, where there was only each other. Their loving was hungry, passionate and desperate. Tatae moaned as he gently bit the nape of her neck but she was in no mood for foreplay, pulling him into her as she lay back on a warm bed of blankets on the stone floor. She gripped him with her ankles as he surrendered to the moment while he tasted her kisses and her honey-coloured skin. Always there was that lovely face, her smile, and those beautiful eyes, now dark in the golden light.

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