You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reason:
The action you have requested is limited to users in the group: Write.
It was late autumn when sir [[Cynyr]] came riding to Hindon manor. A fog drifted over the fields and all seemed quiet. The ruins of the old [[Roman Villa|Roman villa]] lay like a pile of bones on the edge of the grounds, looking less alive than ever. All work on it seemed to have stopped. [[Cynyr]] wondered if something had happened here. The place seemed too quiet. Just as he had thought it Sir [[Ennis]] came out through the manor door, and sir [[Cynyr]] asked for his hospitality. “''I’ll give it to you, but be warned,” added [[Ennis]] as [[Cynyr]] got off his horse. ”The [[Hillfort Cough]] has taken its’ hold on Hindon and I couldn’t guarantee that you don’t catch it.''” “''I had heard. It has taken [[Ludwell]] also, most of the manor is laid low. And my wife.''” Somehow that last was the heaviest, the word like a weight of stone. [[Ennis]] looked at the other knight worried but yet slightly amused and confused. “''Then why, by Ceasar’s toga, would you come here voluntarily?''” [[Cynyr]] hesitated for a moment, casting an eye around the yard. “''Hm. You are a man wise in many things Sir [[Ennis]]. The ancient knowledge of the [[Romans]] live well in you. I had hoped you would know how to end the contagion, or at least assuage its ravages''” “''I’ll teach to all the tricks I have if you help me perform them today. I must say, I’m a bit tired.''” [[Cynyr]] looked relieved “''Thank you sir. Thank you.''” “''Don’t thank me yet. Please, come inside''” Inside the manor both children, servants, lineage men and women were coughing and snivelling. Only a few seemed to be working. In a corner lay a huddle of children in blankets, sounding for all the world as if their last breath was fighting to leave their breasts. Immediately [[Ennis]] was set upon by the few servants standing, bombarded by requests for help and guidance. For many long hours both he and [[Cynyr]] strove to ease the suffering of the afflicted. Though it was women’s work, neither man complained, for it was also good work. The memory of his wives’ laboured breathing spurred [[Cynyr]]’s curiosity and quelled any misgivings. “''Does this ill befall [[Hillfort]] often, Sir [[Ennis]]?''” asked [[Cynyr]] as they took ashort break to eat something. [[Ennis]] was cradling his only son who seemed to barely cling to life. His expression was of the deepest of concern as he stroked the crying 4 year old. “''To me it seems like it comes and goes. Some people it revisits more often than others. I’ve heard that your father fought it constantly in his late years.''” [[Cynyr]] said nothing and [[Ennis]] continued of his own accord. “''I remember when [[Melkin]] first got it as a baby. My mother always made sure to surround him with burning herbs to ease his breathing. She made broth with white willows bark to salve the throat and heated blankets to burn out the fever.''” [[Cynyr]] noted this well, and applied it in practice many times during that long day. Come evening the two men gathered around the fire and drank mulled cherry wine that [[Cynyr]] had brought from [[Ludwell]]. As they sat there together [[Cynyr]] suddenly asked: “''You spoke of losing years, how did that happen?''” Reluctantly [[Ennis]] answered: “I lost myself, first in fear, then in the cave and later in [[faerie]].” “''I don’t quite follow. What do you mean?''” [[Ennis]] finished his cup of wine looking at it as if he was thinking of taking another. Seeing his hesitation his fellow knight lifted the half-full flask inquiringly, but [[Ennis]] only smiled and shook his head. “''I’ll hear it from my wife later if I do.''” “''Better not then.''” [[Cynyr]] commented with a knowing smile of his own. “''But tell me, what do you mean?''” “''Well,” [[Ennis]] sighed, “I… don’t remember it very well, but when [[Saxons]] came during [[The Night of the Long Knives|the night of the long knives]] I was the oldest of all the children, however…''” [[Ennis]] quieted, hunting his memory for fitting words. “''There was nothing you could have done. Don’t blame yourself. You were a child.''” “''I was almost fifteen!''” “''Barely a squire [[Ennis]], we don’t expect squires to stand against fully armoured [[Saxons]].''” “''I ran,''” said [[Ennis]], flatly. “''I would have too, as the oldest your first duty was to survive.''” “''No. I was a coward, and because of it I lost my mother, and another brother.''” “''Would anything have been better if you had died as well?''” “''I had just lost my twin brother… I think I wanted to die at times, but… well it doesn’t matter now. Anyway, I ran to the cave in Modron’s [[forest]] where we were all going. I crawled my way further and further into the cave and eventually, I came out on the other side.''” Both men stared into their cups. The fire danced and consumed, turning wood to ashen remains as the hour grew late. At length, [[Cynyr]] found his voice. “''This cave, I think I’ve been there once, when I lost myself. I don’t remember it but I hear it haunted my brother all his life.''” “''I guess we should name it the [[cavern of the lost]]''.” [[Cynyr]] barked a short laugh. “''Apt.''” [[Ennis]] was smiling too, but the smile soon faded. “''When you came out on the other side… what happened then?''” “''A woman greeted me. She had long black hair and deep blue eyes. She told me that… I don’t know… Something about protection, and I agreed. I remember she said I was hers to keep.''” “''Go on.''” [[Ennis]] shook his head. “''That’s all I know. Parts of it I don’t even remember, but was shown in a stone circle on Ireland, but I know it to be true.''” “''When did you come back?''” “''The year my last brother died.''” “''But they say you have been living in [[Hantonne]].''” [[Ennis]] looked up at [[Cynyr]] and looked as if he was going to correct himself but then he closed his eyes and shook his head. “''I guess that depends on how you look at it,''” he answered. “''I’m going to need a little bit more wine to decipher your riddles sir [[Ennis]].''” “''That’s fair.''” As [[Cynyr]] drank [[Ennis]] continued: “''I… was in [[Hantonne]]. I spent years there. I fought, I served and I lived. At least I thought I did. I don’t really dwell on it. The memory only brings sadness to me now…''” “''How come were they bad years?''” “''They were great. Eventually I was made a [[Household Knight|household knight]] instead of an eques and served my lord more dutifully than any other knight in his service.''” An angry, sad expression chased the shadows on [[Ennis]] face as he continued. “''But he had hidden my identity from me. He knew who I was, had known for years and only told me on his deathbed when the [[Saxons]] attacked us. I came to [[the Rock]] not knowing if it had all been a lie or not, and the first thing I do is see my sister and call her mother.''” “''It was an ill thing your lord did. You and I share many things, we have both lost years of our lives and brothers we have never really known. We have both served as household knights and served well. And now we are faced with families, who do not know us.''” “''Or trust us.''” The words were barely audible but [[Cynyr]] could still hear the bitter tone in [[Ennis]]’ voice. “''There at least I am more fortunate. The Anarawd are more trusting and heartfelt than most. They honour me with their trust. Tell me [[Ennis]], speaking of trust, what lies between you and sir [[Cadry]].''” “''I’m not sure. Or, maybe I am. I guess he hates me for challenging Melkin’s heritage. Showing up too conveniently just after Melkin’s passing.''” “''Sir Cadry is known as a just man, Hindon is yours by right. Surely you cannot be held responsible for your own misfortune.''” “''I guess we will just have to see about that. Those who live, will.''” He turned towards the sick in their beds and [[Cynyr]] saw [[Ennis]]’ eyes linger on his only son. “''That is always the way of it. Is it not?''” <comments />
Unfinished Comments active
Save page Show preview Show changes Cancel