The day of the Moot had come. On this day, all those who were noble or notable among the Thane people had gathered from all across their kingdom to hold a great council during the ending of winter, and the coming of a new year. During this Moot, the councillors would go lay down all the year’s events, and discuss what was to come. A great circle of thinning snow was cleared on an empty field outside the walls of the old city. Tents and pavilions were raised, though the Moot itself would be held beneath the open sky for the heavens themselves to look down upon and witness.
Erasmus, feeling much more refreshed since receiving Lady Erda’s treatment the day before, threw himself into the preparations. Assigning duties and directing the efforts of the soldiers with the same fervour he had when commanding a company of his fellow Paladins, back when he was still an officer of the 8th Order. His father had often boasted how his son would rise through the ranks if the 8th and perhaps become Grand Master of the Order itself, perhaps even rise to Lord of Hosts. What would his father say if he saw Erasmus now? He did not like to think about it.
The hour of the Moot was drawing nearer. Erasmus, donning his finest cloak with ruby studded brooch, looked over himself in a polished silver mirror. There was a knock on his chamber door. He turned, and there stood Myra. It seemed she had bought herself new clothes, if only a humble tunic and skirt. Though she looked like a rather plain serving woman, she seemed so much more feminine. Erasmus couldn’t help but suck in his breath a little.
“Sir Erasmus,” she said, stiffly bowing her head a little.
“Oh, Myra! I’m glad to see you are in good health. I haven’t seen you since the day before yesterday. I was beginning to think that you might have left the city by now.”
Myra shuffled her feet a little. “I… I don’t think I’ll be leaving too soon after all. I’ve decided to abandon my quest…”
“Oh? Was Pike not able to give you any information?”
“That bas… he managed to talk me out of it, made me realise what a lonely path I was heading towards.”
“That is…” Erasmus said, a little confused. “I didn’t think Pike would have it in him. But I am glad to hear it. Tell me, what do you plan to do now? Will you take to the road again?”
“I might do that. Though I don’t know where. Figured I’d have time to think of something while scrounging up some money here. For supplies and all that.”
“Of course, of course. Well, as I’ve said before, I can still see about finding some work for you in the palace, if you’re interested.”
“Thank you. But I don’t think I will fit in very well there. The farms might need extra hands for the spring. I’ll start there.”
“Well that’s good. Very good. I have heard rumours though, about what the lords will be discussing in the Moot today. It may be that I’ll be riding out from this city before long. Be that as it may, if it is in my power to help you in any way, do not be afraid to ask.”
Myra nodded. “Thank you, Sir Erasmus,” she said, her voice wavering a little, “for everything…”
Erasmus smiled. He didn’t believe that he had done enough to deserve such praise. But for those who lived hard and cruel lives, a little good will meant the world. “As always, you are most welcome, Lady Myra. Say, I don’t suppose you have any plans for today?”
Myra shook her head.
“Well in that case, my man Rollo came down with a cold or some such yesterday and is rather indisposed. He said something about getting a nasty fright from a dog near the stables or something.”
“Oh, how terrible…” said Myra.
“Anyway, now I’m short a servant for today, of all days! I don’t suppose that you would be interested in taking the job for a bit? Just to run messages.”
“Messages?” said Myra. “Wouldn’t that kind of stuff be… important?”
“Why yes, I suppose. You’d be representing me, and by extension King Magnus.”
“You… you would trust me with that?”
Erasmus cocked an eyebrow. “Should I not?”
“No. I don’t believe. I have done nothing in my whole life to deserve your kindness, let alone your trust…”
Erasmus laughed. “Myra, I already know that you were a killer and an outlaw before we met. I can tell when somebody is carrying that kind of burden. Trust me, I understand that all too well.”
“Then you understand why I don’t deserve your help…” Myra said, eyes falling to the floor. “I’ve killed at least a score of men over the years. Some warriors, some merchants. I’ve always tried not to think about the families of those men. Told myself I didn’t care. I figured I’d end up dying horribly anyway, that the Fates would see justice delivered in the end and I would die beside the man I loved. But when that justice finally caught up to my crew, I got out of with my life.” Myra tried to blink away the tears welling in her eyes. “I didn’t know how hard it would be, to be given mercy.”
Erasmus laid his hands on her shoulders. “Myra, there is nothing in my oaths that have anything to do with vengeance, only justice, and the championing of the law. There are many ways that a crime can be paid for, but shunning happiness? What good is that to anyone?
“As the sworn-sword of King Magnus, and of Palladium, I must bring you to justice. But I would see that done in my own way.”
Myra wiped her eyes and looked up at him. “What must I do?”
“Live,” said Erasmus. “If not for yourself, then for others. There are always those who need the help of someone stronger than them.”
Myra couldn’t help but smile a little. “I know a certain someone who warned me about your words. He called them flowery foolishness.”
“Oh he did now. And what do you think?”
“I’ve always loved the smell of flowers.”
Erasmus laughed. “Good enough for me. Now then, about your punishment. As a man of the law, I shall see that you carry out your repentance. Starting perhaps, with giving me a helping hand today? And then after that, why not join me at the Moot?”
“I would like that,” said Myra. “Very much.”
Pike chewed on an apple and listened to the talk of the Moot with wavering interest, hanging lazily in the boughs of a tree while the Moot proceeded below. The great tree stood just outside the great circle cleared for the council, some of its branches hanging over it. Pike guessed it was sacred or something, considering how no one else had thought to do as Pike had done, though people jostled each other to be closer to the inner ring of the Moot to hear what was being discussed. They weren't missing out on much, Pike had quickly decided.
Avoiding the barracks since the day before, Pike had decided that he might as well listen in on the Moot before leaving the city. And so, when no one was looking, he had scaled that tree and hid while he kept an ear out for any interesting news. After all, if there were any lords in the March that was going to pay good money for sword-work, Pike just might catch rumour of it there.
The noble families and their more notable sycophants were crowded around a circular patch of grass, sitting on stools while drinks were occasionally passed around. Beyond them was a small fence erected around the perimeter, which the common folk pressed around to hear the proceedings. Pike glanced at the nobles, trying to pick who looked both the richest and the most anxiety ridden. There were plenty who seemed anxious, though few of them seemed to dress well enough to have much money to spare. He spotted Erasmus in the inner circle, close to the King and royal family. And close to the paladin stood Myra, curiously enough.
Foolish woman. Of course she didn't listen to my warning, Pike though bitterly. Even from the distance, he couldn't help but chuckle at the outlaw-woman's attempts at trying to look like some normal serving-girl.
The afternoon dragged on while the lords discussed minor things, listing off notable births and deaths of the year, crop yieldings and herd counts. Much news of the paladins to the south was told, and of the wars across the sea. There were always battles fought in the fabled cities beyond the Thunder Gates, the straight that connected the Great Circle Sea and the Outer Sea. It seemed every year, more and more northmen took ship to those lands to find fortunes as mercenaries. Pike wondered about sailing there himself quite often. But then there was the issue of sea-sickness…
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Pike's thoughts were interrupted by a herald, who cried out: "Now stands before us Lord Rurik of Helmsgard! Warden of the Eastern Passes!"
A tall, severe looking Thane in dark armour stood up and marched into the center of the ring, his sword resting at his hip and his cloak flung wide. The man's hair and beard were long and black, save on the side of his face that was marred by an ugly pattern of scars. Pike had heard rumours about raiding parties of Wargs snooping about the easter passes. This lord certainly looked like he had seen a few battles not so long ago.
"My King! My brothers and my sisters!" lord Rurik cried out. "A few months ago, ere this winter began, that the fortress of the Hawk's Tower, through stealth and and treachery, was captured by Warg warriors. Throughout the winter, the lands of my neighbours and I have been assailed by raiders. The swords of the eastern passes have been busy, and we have made these raiders pay dearly for every loss we have endured. And though the fighting was hard, a small band of our warriors, led by my brother, was able to recapture the Hawk's Tower from the Wargs, and put the savages to sword. But that victory was of little assurance. For we found that, while we were busy defending our lands from the raiding parties, the Wargs had been busy dismantling the tower's defences. And we were too late to stop them.
It was not long after, that a message was delivered to us, from the Wargs. A warhorse belonging to one of our knights who had disappeared in pursuit of raiders, wandererd out of the forests and into our hands. Tied to the horses saddle thirteen rights hands severed at the wrist. No doubt to account for the thirteen missing knights. And upon the horse's flank were runes, carved into its very skin. And the runes spelled out a message, and the message is thus:
"Long have I watered my horses by the banks of the River Ruga. But now they thirst for waters of the Skane.
"Beneath this message was the image of an arrow, left by a branding iron. I have no doubt in my mind that this message was sent on the orders of Moloch Kane, king of the Wargs!
"My king. My brothers and my sisters. Long have we heard rumours of the Wargs gathering their strength. Had the Wargs held the Hawk's Tower against us, they would have a bulwark to stop us from making a preemptive raid into their lands. But instead, they destroyed the tower, and the way is open for an army to pass through. Long have we waited for a sign to warn us against the next great offensive from the Wargs. Here is that sign!"
There was an explosion of talk from the onlookers. Pike scratched his skin. Seems he wouldn't have to go very far to find sword-work. He looked towards King Magnus, who's eyes seemed dark and heavy. Not a sign of a man who carries much confidence. Pike wondered what kind of pay this Warg king offered.
One of the king's retainers blew a horn, the sound cutting through the din of conversation and returning silence to the ring. When all voices had quietened, old King Magnus rose to his feet.
"I hear your words, Lord Rurik, and I doubt them not. The next great battle is upon us. Moloch Kane has offered us battle. Tell me brothers, do the Thanes accept?!"
The Thanes leapt to their feet and roared in approval. Magnus let them carry on for a little before raising his hands for silence once more.
"Then the Thanes have spoken. Let the messengers go forth to all corners of the March with the red banners unfurled. All you great lords and ladies, all the strength of the Thanes will be needed in the coming days. Leave behind only enough warriors to defend your homes and your people. But let the summons go out to the common men, that every man with a weapon and the strength to wield, every man that can be spared from the spring sowing will be welcome in the hosts. And those who stay behind for crops, let them follow after. When the paladins ceded these lands to the rule of our forebears, they swore oaths to defend this land from the northern hordes till the last drop of blood. I ask you now, all you brave Thanes, let us honour those oaths. Ancestors watch over us!"
There was much cheering and stamping of feet. Not a bad speach, Pike thought. But every man can talk boldly about a danger that is not yet in front of him. There was the call of a horn, the Moot was ushered into silence once again. The herald stepped forward.
"And now, the final speaker…"
About time, thought Pike.
"…Princess Erda, of the House of Tree!"
Pike sat up, making the tree branch shake a little bit. Myra, from where she stood beside Erasmus, looked up at the tree curiously.
Erda, resplendent in her white dress and her hair held back by a gold circlet, stepped forward and bowed before the assembly. King Magnus looked on sorrowfuly, fearing what was to come.
"King Magnus, my brothers and sisters!" Erda spoke, her voice carrying on the wind. "It has been many years since I left the land of my birth, to the land of my husband, in the western highlands. Ever since the Battle of the Iron Hill, where Ranger and Thane fought together against the Wargs, the Rangers have always looked to the people of the March as their most noble ally. My lords and ladies, my husband, woefully crippled and confronted with troubles in our lands, has bidden me come here on behalf of the House of the Tree to share with you our troubles in the west. For we are besieged by enemies."
There was a murmur amongst the crowds. King Magnus tensed up in his seat.
"The Rangers have never been great in number," continued Erda. "Always, they have relied on secrecy and cunning to safeguard their homes. The towns and villages may be overrun and burnt, but no enemies have ever found the hidden refuges of the Rangers. And thus the Rangers have remained strong in the west, though they be few and scattered. However, a great fear has settled on the hearts of my people. For it is our fear, that the secret haven of my tribe, the House of the Tree, has been discovered by enemies.
"Ever have we been in blood-feud with a fierce race of hill-men we call Berserks. Often their warbands have swept south to challenge us, only to be thrown back by our arrows as they vainly sought out our havens. But in the past few years, the raids of the berserks have gotten bolder, and more cunning. Many of our secret outposts have been found and destroyed. Many of our warriors are already slain in the fighting. The Berserks now stand in places that have not known the feet of enemies for hundreds of years. We know not how, but we believe that all our secrets have been revealed to the Berserks.
"Denied our weapons of secrecy and surprise, my people now fight valiantly to hold back the foe, as they draw ever nearer to our Haven. If the Haven falls, the House of the Tree will be extinguished. We have sent word to all the other Ranger houses, though we fear to summon too many of our kindred in one place. And thus I am here, to beseech the Thanes to remember our friendship and alliance. Our situation is dire, and we need the help of brave warriors in the defence of our people."
There was silence. The Thanes sent glances to each-other and towards their king, who could not bear to raise his eyes from his feet. Erda too, did not look up, only looking at the grass as she waited for the reply. With the news from the eastern passes, it was evident to all what the response would be. Pike new, of course, that Erda had come here looking for warriors, but now he saw just how desperate her need was. And how hopeless her journey turned out to be.
Finally, Magnus spoke. "Lady Erda, my dearest niece…" he looked like he was on the verge of tears. "I would desire nothing more than to ride west and deliver our friends the Rangers from all peril. Yet… what do the lords of this Moot have to say?"
A nobleman rose to his feet. "My king, the Wargs are too great a threat. None of us will be able to spare even a single company of fighting men, no matter how just the cause is."
And then a warrior spoke up. "Bandits and tribesmen in the mountains will surely surge into our lands once the hosts have gone east to face the Wargs. Those who remain behind cannot leave these lands undefended.
And another. "Though we have an oath of allegiance to the Rangers, our oath to the Paladins is older, and must take precedence!"
King Magnus raised a hand. "Erda. You have heard the judgement of my vassals. It grieves me to say it, but we cannot send help to the House of the Tree without endangering our own people. I am sorry, but I must forsake the oath for now…"
"No!" The cry rang out. The moot was abuzz in activity as they look for the source of the cry. There was little need however, for Erasmus was already striding into the ring, cloak trailing behind him. Pike watched with baited breath.
"Sir Erasmus? What is the meaning of this?" said Magnus. But Erasmus continued forward, drawing his sword and kneeling before Magnus' seat.
"My liege," he said. "I am sworn to follow you into battle, and to defend your blood and kin. Yet is not Lady Erda your blood? It grieves me to see your name dishonoured and your oath gone unanswered. I beg you, my lord, do not turn Lady Erda away empty handed. I ask that you release me to ride with her to the Westlands and honour the oath of allegiance, even if I must go alone into certain death!"
Myra looked on with wide eyes and her hand covering her mouth. King Magnus looked at the kneeling paladin before him, his face a battlefield between surprise, grief, and joy.
"Sir Erasmus," he said. "I would have liked to have you by my side in the battles to come. All my battle-lords will I summon to the east. But you, a single man, may go where you wish. Aye, if you would pledge your sword to my niece's cause, then I release you, though it grieves me. Arise, Sir Erasmus."
The paladin stood up and bowed before his king. "Thank you my lord," he said, then he turned and strode towards Erda and knelt before her too, sword held up to her. "Will you accept my service, Lady of the West?"
"Aye…" Erda said. She cupped Erasmus' head in her hands, and kissed him on the forehead.
Pike gripped a tree branch so hard that it snapped in his grasp. "Erasmus…" he hissed through gritted teeth. "You… bastard."
"This cannot be borne!" a deep voice boomed from the crowd. A tall, bear-like warrior strode forward into the ring.
Erasmus rose up. "Kregan? What are you doing?"
Kregan seemed to ignore him. "Look at us all! Who will let it be said, that the Thanes would forget their oaths, where a Paladin would not?! My axe thirst for the blood of Wargs. But if my lord will release me, then I will follow Erasmus and see what these… Berserks are really made of!"
Joren, the red-haired warrior stepped forward. "Erasmus, you southern swine! You've gone and shamed us all. Now there's no helping it. If I have permission, I will go too!"
"And I" said another warrior. "My father had his life saved at the Iron Hill by a Ranger. I will return that favour tenfold!"
Now the entire ring was a aflame in excitement, many men young and old suddenly feeling swept up in the scene and shouting their intentions. While others argued between each other who should go west and who should go east. Erda looked about in joyous surprise at the scene. Though she knew she would not ride home with a full company of warriors behind her, she had succeeded in her quest. Help was on its way. Ruadh (who was there the whole time guys I promise) from where he stood in the crowd, was almost doubled over as he cried with tears of joy. Erda looked towards Erasmus, who was smiling back at her. Tears trickled down her cheek. She could only mouth the words, "Thank you."
Myra watched on, unsure of what to think or to feel. So there it was. Erasmus was going west to fight in the hills, for the sake of a beautiful princess. Did she expect anything less of the man. Yet she could not help but feel dread creep up from the bottom of her heart.
A soft thudding sound to her right caught Myra's attention, though nobody else seemed to notice. She saw a man sprawled on the ground beneath the tree, stray leaves floating down after him. Pike stood up in a fluster, brushing himself off and glowering around. He locked eyes with Myra. She smiled at him.
"Smell any flowers up there?"
Pike turned and stormed off.