Stepping out of the long grass and into the yard that surrounded Bowen and Fallon's little house was an invisible line between reality and some strange dreamlike place where no one she loved lived. This line was palpable to Petra. But as she lead the men closer, each moment took on a blurry perception in both visage and time. As Petra walked by slowly she patted the goat that bleated in recognition, ( the nanny nuzzled her hip). She shooed the chickens t'wards the coop ( each one in turn, disappeared inside). Moving slow and feeling a bit like she was in a cave or tunnel, she drew her slender fingers to her mouth and gave a long whistle, then called " Hoga ?...."
From behind them came a great rustling through the grass. Her dream state melted away at the sound. A mountain of a beast appeared, a dog of sorts. As Petra made hand gestures and a few short chirp like whistles, the beast circled and corralled the men into a tighter group further off from Petra. She made eye contact with the leader in the buckskin, then held her hand up as if to say : "Stay there". So, he did telling the others: "Men we'll wait and see what she has planned ". And of all the strange things of that day Petra was somewhat stunned to watched him sit down, right there in the dust. The other men stood pensively, looking down in awe. The massive dog walked to and fro, with and occasional growl from what seemed to emanate from the bowels of the earth .
Petra faded away,( having gathered her wits) to where they could not guess.
Around and around the dog circled, moving a little further away each time. Until one by one the men sat down aside the man in the dust. Carefully each was setting things down, gingerly tilting their scabbards to aid their descent. One man began to speak and the dog grew closer and the growing renewed and intensified. This beast had a trained eye and was watching for the slightest sign of aggression. The leader gave an weak smile at the men, then leaned back on his elbow. Again, one by one, the men reclined and settled down for what seemed might be a good while. The circles continued and spiraled outward and then all at once (or so it seemed). They were alone.
One of the men noticed the dog had left and stood saying " We had best....." The leader went to take him by the arm, but before he could, there was the briefest sound like thunder, then the dog was upon the man. Front paws on either shoulder, a bark, no....a howl - almost a roar issued from the throat of the great beast ( who stood taller than the man). Trembling he dropped to his knees. The deafening sound, and snapping teeth caused each man to ready their swords. But the leader's hand went up,"Steady Men !" Apparently the man was not repentant enough: the huge paws pressed him to the ground and planted the man's chest and face into the dust. Before his fellows could move, another series of growls began. Up went the buckskin clad leader's hand again "Wait Men ! " He dropped his hand and head, in a sign of acquiescence , the others followed his example. The growling ceased and they peeked carefully past shielding brows. Tension vibrated through the men as they waited to see what they should do.
"Hoga," called Petra,..." Come", she pointed to her feet and the beast took his weight off the mans back and head, and bounded for her. She took him by either jowl and drew his face to hers " Good Hoga" and she kissed him between those huge dark orbs. The brute clearly loved her and took orders from this girl. Turning to her side a sentinel waiting for her bidding.
While the men were still bowed witnessing the spectacle, a woman appeared from behind the girl. Taller, with wavy, blonde hair. Her bearing was graceful, controlled and almost regal. She took in the scene: the men, Petra, the things they had deposited on the ground and Hoga. Her face changed and she quickly set down the water pots she had been carrying. Again her face changed, it seemed to irrupt as her thin lips parted, she gaped and then burst with laughter. She leapt forward much like the beast, but grabbing the leader up onto his feet, she embraced him and continued laughing, to the point of wheezing. Her face grew red and as she was compelled to gather her self. "Ah. cousin ! Has marriage changed me so much ?!" Again her laughter punctuated the silence like a volcano. " Petra.." ( she managed to spit out) as Fallon motioned to her niece to come forward. Taking the leader's right wrist and Petra's right wrist , she raised them both to their fullest extension shaking them and said: " Family ! do you hear me this is my family !" With that she began swiftly walking (dragging them behind her), t'wards then into the house, bubbling as she went. At the doorway she had pulled her two baffled captives behind her so swiftly she wedged them side by side, breaking her grasp and sending herself tumbling to the floor of the modest circle house. It was quiet for a moment, then she irrupted once again. Soon her levity was joined with the two who had just managed to extricate themselves from the doorway. (Which was a challenge with the beast leaning heavy trying to get to his mistress.)
Once through the narrow doorway they were almost bowled over as Hoga pressed past to reach Fallon, soon he was on the floor and her lap. Confused but happy Hoga's tail beat a rhythm any bodhranist would be envious of. "Yes, yes my boy, all is well ..." Fallon patted Hoga vigorously on his broad shoulders, then began picking burrs out of his coat and tossing them into the small fire in the middle of the room.
The amber sunset had splashed shafts of light through the open doorway, but now were obscured by the shadows of the three men who had been left out side to wait ....
Monday, September 30, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
# 9 ...What Should Come Next.
Petra had almost given into the rocking motion and had felt drowsy, but here was something about getting back out into the sunlight and moving through the long grass that revived Petra. She looked around considering the route and what lay before them. It was clear these men intended to take her home to her own people. She felt badly that she should have to bring these strangers to Fallon, her solitary ways made her seem so vulnerable. But without the clans men at the ring fort, it did not seem prudent to bring them into their ranks. Fallon might just be the distraction or delay needed. "Oh if there were some other way !" she thought.
When Petra first came up with the idea of going to Fallons, she felt as though she was betraying her in some way, but having spent more time with these men now, they seemed less threatening. She knew that these were "grown folk" sort of decisions she was making, and the gravity did not escape her.
The hills and trees obstructed the view of the ring fort, by the time the view cleared, Bowen and Fallons home would be the first to be seen.
When Petra first came up with the idea of going to Fallons, she felt as though she was betraying her in some way, but having spent more time with these men now, they seemed less threatening. She knew that these were "grown folk" sort of decisions she was making, and the gravity did not escape her.
The hills and trees obstructed the view of the ring fort, by the time the view cleared, Bowen and Fallons home would be the first to be seen.
The sun was still hot, but slowly descending. The birds over head called, as though sending some foreign message back and forth one to another . Bees hummed and went diligently on with their work, kissing one flower after another. Every now and then, a breeze broke the monotony and oppression of the heat. The group would catch their breath and respond ( with what Petra assumed was gratitude). The men would smile and catch another refreshing breath until the breeze faded into nothingness. Their brows would furrow slightly, then one of them would say something or playfully punch someone. It seemed as though they were egging each other onward and forward.
The way grew rough, on and off some one would stumble. Then pick up things they had dropped. (The men had taken to collecting things on their own now, plants, herbs and some crab apples.) Petra thought "Perhaps 'tis a long day for 'em too". She had been busy all day long and although she was not walking, she was getting rather tired of being jostled about. It reminded her of what her Mother often said when the other children were babes in arms. "Pet, ya can no' lug the wee ones 'round like sacks o' taters; It makes for two bone weary bodies." She understood how her back and shoulders could ache, until now she never quite understood how it would feel for them.
" AH ! " she called out bobbing, rocking and pointing down. It dawned on her: this man had been carrying her for a long time now. Friend or foe she should ease the burden. They had taken care of her, and she had begun to think: thrashing them about may have been a mistake brought on by a misunderstanding. All the same though she'd best continue to be cautious and lead the way to Fallon .
She rocked, grimaced and pointed until at last, the men stopped and freed the boss man of her. Two of the men lifted her down from her willow throne ( her chew stick looking like a scepter They looked anxious as though she might run or attack again. She pulled at the covered fagot of willow, finally the boss man gave a wave (to the man with the swollen nose) to untie it from his lower back. Petra took the two ends of the rope (that had secured the bundle around his hips) and wrapped them several times around her good hand and hoisted it up and over her left shoulder. Her up-turned arm tethered it into position.
The men breathed a collective sigh, seeing her intention. She noticed the one mans nose and the red stain, then looked around at the others. Her mind raced (feeling a nervous giggle welling up in her throat) half pleased that she had defended herself, and half ashamed she had not noticed before, that they tended her injuries, but had done nothing to ease their own. She began walking, her knee had been numb for a while now, but it was beginning to burn and ache again. She caught another side ways look at the barrel chested man with the hurt nose, and thought how he had catered to her grunts and demands. She put her head down (focusing on the ground) having dropped her addled routine and walked a little faster determined to press on. The long grass pushed her skirt against her knees, she she trudged forward, blood began to appear through the skirt. She kept moving and ahead of the men. The boss man stayed close behind her.
Shortly there after the small cone shaped house came into view. She had considered several different options, including screaming for Fallon to run for help, but now all she could think of was finding water. Not for herself, but for these men, her water bladder had been drained of every drop, to satiate her thirst and minister to her needs.
A friendly banter bounced between the men, with the exception of the man who had carried Petra, he seemed pleasant enough, but introspective. Petra felt distanced from the moment ( her thoughts pressed hard upon her). The closer they were to the house, the worse she felt. The last several steps in the long grass, seemed like forever as she reasoned out what should come next.
The way grew rough, on and off some one would stumble. Then pick up things they had dropped. (The men had taken to collecting things on their own now, plants, herbs and some crab apples.) Petra thought "Perhaps 'tis a long day for 'em too". She had been busy all day long and although she was not walking, she was getting rather tired of being jostled about. It reminded her of what her Mother often said when the other children were babes in arms. "Pet, ya can no' lug the wee ones 'round like sacks o' taters; It makes for two bone weary bodies." She understood how her back and shoulders could ache, until now she never quite understood how it would feel for them.
" AH ! " she called out bobbing, rocking and pointing down. It dawned on her: this man had been carrying her for a long time now. Friend or foe she should ease the burden. They had taken care of her, and she had begun to think: thrashing them about may have been a mistake brought on by a misunderstanding. All the same though she'd best continue to be cautious and lead the way to Fallon .
She rocked, grimaced and pointed until at last, the men stopped and freed the boss man of her. Two of the men lifted her down from her willow throne ( her chew stick looking like a scepter They looked anxious as though she might run or attack again. She pulled at the covered fagot of willow, finally the boss man gave a wave (to the man with the swollen nose) to untie it from his lower back. Petra took the two ends of the rope (that had secured the bundle around his hips) and wrapped them several times around her good hand and hoisted it up and over her left shoulder. Her up-turned arm tethered it into position.
The men breathed a collective sigh, seeing her intention. She noticed the one mans nose and the red stain, then looked around at the others. Her mind raced (feeling a nervous giggle welling up in her throat) half pleased that she had defended herself, and half ashamed she had not noticed before, that they tended her injuries, but had done nothing to ease their own. She began walking, her knee had been numb for a while now, but it was beginning to burn and ache again. She caught another side ways look at the barrel chested man with the hurt nose, and thought how he had catered to her grunts and demands. She put her head down (focusing on the ground) having dropped her addled routine and walked a little faster determined to press on. The long grass pushed her skirt against her knees, she she trudged forward, blood began to appear through the skirt. She kept moving and ahead of the men. The boss man stayed close behind her.
Shortly there after the small cone shaped house came into view. She had considered several different options, including screaming for Fallon to run for help, but now all she could think of was finding water. Not for herself, but for these men, her water bladder had been drained of every drop, to satiate her thirst and minister to her needs.
A friendly banter bounced between the men, with the exception of the man who had carried Petra, he seemed pleasant enough, but introspective. Petra felt distanced from the moment ( her thoughts pressed hard upon her). The closer they were to the house, the worse she felt. The last several steps in the long grass, seemed like forever as she reasoned out what should come next.
# 8...The Long Way Home
As they entered the the wood the men realized why Petra had bundled the faggot of willow pieces into her skirt, the way was just too narrow, with too much to get tangled up in. They also saw that there was no way Petra could be carried by two men abreast. The convoy shuffled around, some backing into trees and prickly things, while others swapped places and burdens. It became clear that they should double back into the clearing.
Back at the log benches, they set everything down and began anew. Petra rested on a log while the man with the swollen nose watched over her. The boss man had his mate (the one with the hurt throat) tie the bundled willow on his lower back, ( like a large bustle). Pausing to cough, he took off his coat ( he had a barrel chest, the broadest of them all) . The other two hoisted Petra atop the bundle facing opposite of the boss man. The man with the coat threaded the boss mans arm into one of the sleeves, he had Petra raise her arms high above her head. The coat went across her chest, then the second sleeve was put on. The boss man grasped the front of either side of the coat and nodded for the same man to lead the way. Back to back the boss man followed with Petra.
Petra brought her arms down crossing them high on her stomach, pulling her elbows in.( She guarded her right hand.) She put her left ankle under her right ankle,trying to take some tension off her right knee, which was burning and throbbing.) The man with the swollen nose came next, then one with the hurt hand trailed behind with her water bladder and basket.
Soon, the first man of their convoy was making great strides, and the boss man (with Petra) followed, but not too closely. As they went on Petra tried to plan how she might avoid the men realizing that she did not speak their language. She understood some of what they had said. Facial expressions, gestures and paying close attention to what each man was doing helped. She had decided that she might do well to act the child and draw them into her pantomime.
Petra recognized a near by plant,she pointed saying "Oooo !" the man following directly behind her furrowed his brow at first, then Petra said "Hmmph" pushing out her bottom lip just a little. His face relaxed. "You want that ?" he said, raising his brows while pointing to a small Salt Bush. She nodded and clapped her unhurt hand on her thigh. " Ah" (she thought) "... might just work". He snatched it up and handed it to Petra who giggled and tilted her head to one side and smiled as she inspected the plant.
"Boy-0 it worked, now what's next ?" she thought. She began to whistle lowly and continue her downward gaze . She plucked a few leaves off and chewed them ( her whistle had morphed into a hum). She chewed slowly offering some to her benefactor, who shook his head no.
After a while, she spied some Wild Angelica (Ghalfheabran): " Oooo!" she piped, and she pleaded with her eyes, pointing. Again, he asked "You want that ?" she clapped, nodded, reaching forward in anticipation. ( She mused at the pink flushed white flower, it smelled sweet and she knew it's value at meals,and the stems were as a yellow dye.....) "Oh... ( she thought ) ... I 'ave to pay attention".
She went on with her act: sniffing and admiring the new plant, beaming the man ( his nose was so swollen), feigning to be oblivious: she offered him a sniff and to this, he rolled his eyes and furrowed his brows again. She pressed him delinquently, finally just to mollify her: he attempted to sniff, but surely no scent passed his nostrils.
After a while, she saw a good deal of Field Bindweed (Ainleog) she tucked more of the Salt Bush leaves in her mouth. Then grunted and pointed "Mmm Mmm ! " To this he shook his head. She grunted all the more and began rocking . The boss man asked what the trouble was ( he had been lost in him own thoughts). " Well , She wants the vines now and I didn't want to trail behind...". To this the boss man said: " It's fine, we'll take a short break, and you can coil up some". She looked up at the man off and on smiling gently. " Alright then miss, how much can I get you ?" She stretched her arms out wide, chewing and champing all the more.
The boss man leaned against the coughing man, and eased himself down on a large rock, this left Petra facing off away from the others, but it worked out well. While they rested, she fashioned a chew stick from the remains of the salt bush. "This will keep meh gob busy" (she thought). Soon they were all looking around, ( with a lighter mood ) taking in the scenery. After several minutes: "Up we go", her bearer said ( teetering some until he rose to his full height again). "Ooooo" she said, then caught herself, and shoved the stick back in her mouth.
The four men began talking among themselves ( as they continued on their way). This left her to think, "Well, I 'ave them 'appy 'n busy enough, an' I s'pose I can bluff along , but how meh gonna keep them away from 'ome ? !".
By the time the group was exiting "the wood" as she called it, ( Ards Forest) each of the men were carrying more than ( just) the battle gear (that she had originally heard), but Bramble - Black Berries (Dris), nuts from the Hazel tree ((Corylus Ave Llana), Crab apples (Porta'n Ubull), wild Garlic (Fia'i'n Gairlog), Onions, (Oinniun ) and a few other plants. From her lofty perch she sat with a large coil of the vines crowning head with her locks wild as a wood nymph. The trumpet like flowers jutting out here and there . She could see (from the change in light) that they would be stepping out into the open very soon. She would have to think and act quickly.
Clearing her mouth of the chew stick, she whistled high and long, then followed up with "Ahhhh". She began rocking excitedly , twisting and pointing off to her far left. Then she whistled and clapped her left hand against her thigh and rocked as though spurring a horse on to victory. As the boss man grabbed another fellow's arm to steadying himself, he called out " Forward men ! she's navigating ." They spread out now, having been in line longer than any of them liked. Onward they went, in the direction that would lead them to the far side of the ring fort and Aunt Fallon.
.
Back at the log benches, they set everything down and began anew. Petra rested on a log while the man with the swollen nose watched over her. The boss man had his mate (the one with the hurt throat) tie the bundled willow on his lower back, ( like a large bustle). Pausing to cough, he took off his coat ( he had a barrel chest, the broadest of them all) . The other two hoisted Petra atop the bundle facing opposite of the boss man. The man with the coat threaded the boss mans arm into one of the sleeves, he had Petra raise her arms high above her head. The coat went across her chest, then the second sleeve was put on. The boss man grasped the front of either side of the coat and nodded for the same man to lead the way. Back to back the boss man followed with Petra.
Petra brought her arms down crossing them high on her stomach, pulling her elbows in.( She guarded her right hand.) She put her left ankle under her right ankle,trying to take some tension off her right knee, which was burning and throbbing.) The man with the swollen nose came next, then one with the hurt hand trailed behind with her water bladder and basket.
Soon, the first man of their convoy was making great strides, and the boss man (with Petra) followed, but not too closely. As they went on Petra tried to plan how she might avoid the men realizing that she did not speak their language. She understood some of what they had said. Facial expressions, gestures and paying close attention to what each man was doing helped. She had decided that she might do well to act the child and draw them into her pantomime.
Petra recognized a near by plant,she pointed saying "Oooo !" the man following directly behind her furrowed his brow at first, then Petra said "Hmmph" pushing out her bottom lip just a little. His face relaxed. "You want that ?" he said, raising his brows while pointing to a small Salt Bush. She nodded and clapped her unhurt hand on her thigh. " Ah" (she thought) "... might just work". He snatched it up and handed it to Petra who giggled and tilted her head to one side and smiled as she inspected the plant.
"Boy-0 it worked, now what's next ?" she thought. She began to whistle lowly and continue her downward gaze . She plucked a few leaves off and chewed them ( her whistle had morphed into a hum). She chewed slowly offering some to her benefactor, who shook his head no.
After a while, she spied some Wild Angelica (Ghalfheabran): " Oooo!" she piped, and she pleaded with her eyes, pointing. Again, he asked "You want that ?" she clapped, nodded, reaching forward in anticipation. ( She mused at the pink flushed white flower, it smelled sweet and she knew it's value at meals,and the stems were as a yellow dye.....) "Oh... ( she thought ) ... I 'ave to pay attention".
She went on with her act: sniffing and admiring the new plant, beaming the man ( his nose was so swollen), feigning to be oblivious: she offered him a sniff and to this, he rolled his eyes and furrowed his brows again. She pressed him delinquently, finally just to mollify her: he attempted to sniff, but surely no scent passed his nostrils.
After a while, she saw a good deal of Field Bindweed (Ainleog) she tucked more of the Salt Bush leaves in her mouth. Then grunted and pointed "Mmm Mmm ! " To this he shook his head. She grunted all the more and began rocking . The boss man asked what the trouble was ( he had been lost in him own thoughts). " Well , She wants the vines now and I didn't want to trail behind...". To this the boss man said: " It's fine, we'll take a short break, and you can coil up some". She looked up at the man off and on smiling gently. " Alright then miss, how much can I get you ?" She stretched her arms out wide, chewing and champing all the more.
The boss man leaned against the coughing man, and eased himself down on a large rock, this left Petra facing off away from the others, but it worked out well. While they rested, she fashioned a chew stick from the remains of the salt bush. "This will keep meh gob busy" (she thought). Soon they were all looking around, ( with a lighter mood ) taking in the scenery. After several minutes: "Up we go", her bearer said ( teetering some until he rose to his full height again). "Ooooo" she said, then caught herself, and shoved the stick back in her mouth.
The four men began talking among themselves ( as they continued on their way). This left her to think, "Well, I 'ave them 'appy 'n busy enough, an' I s'pose I can bluff along , but how meh gonna keep them away from 'ome ? !".
By the time the group was exiting "the wood" as she called it, ( Ards Forest) each of the men were carrying more than ( just) the battle gear (that she had originally heard), but Bramble - Black Berries (Dris), nuts from the Hazel tree ((Corylus Ave Llana), Crab apples (Porta'n Ubull), wild Garlic (Fia'i'n Gairlog), Onions, (Oinniun ) and a few other plants. From her lofty perch she sat with a large coil of the vines crowning head with her locks wild as a wood nymph. The trumpet like flowers jutting out here and there . She could see (from the change in light) that they would be stepping out into the open very soon. She would have to think and act quickly.
Clearing her mouth of the chew stick, she whistled high and long, then followed up with "Ahhhh". She began rocking excitedly , twisting and pointing off to her far left. Then she whistled and clapped her left hand against her thigh and rocked as though spurring a horse on to victory. As the boss man grabbed another fellow's arm to steadying himself, he called out " Forward men ! she's navigating ." They spread out now, having been in line longer than any of them liked. Onward they went, in the direction that would lead them to the far side of the ring fort and Aunt Fallon.
.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
# 7 ... Back To Where She First Stopped...
As she went sprawling onto her hands and knees, Petra realized that running was not an option now. Her pursuer ( #1) had caught her by the left ankle. She rolled on her back, (twisting free) quickly drawing her right foot up to her chest, then gave a hard kick striking her pursuer in his mouth with her heel (gobsmacked).
Like a cornered cat, she sprang to her feet, crouching poised with her pin (still in her left hand) ready to strike. She had been taught some self defense, most of which designed to help her make a hasty retreat. The stunned men shook off their surprise and came t'wards her. She realized she had to make her stand, on the mound.
Tucking back the fingers of her right hand, she also bashed the man (#1) in the nose with the heel of her palm. Seeing red stain his face, she turned to see the other three men who had gotten their wits about them.
Her thoughts became action as each man climbed a separate sets of stone steps. "Next" she thought, then "pounce" and she did, at the closest man (#2). Seeing her intentions, he jerked back, falling off balance to the floor of the clearing, landing hard on the flat on his back. Had he not moved, the scratch Petra left on his cheekbone (with her pin) would have been much deeper.
The next man (#3) came from behind, and at her left and she swept around in a circular motion sticking the pin into his raised left hand, "AWWWW" he howled , she employed the same heel to nose maneuver, and another red stain.
The next man (#4) lunged at her waist, she managed to side step his grasp, but the thong which held her water bladder across her chest was caught in the curve of his elbow. She felt tethered to this brute. She tried to pull the thong over her head as she clawed at his face, ( barely making contact) next she punched him in the throat, but the thong caught in her hair. Again red stain and as he stumbled forward, holding his throat coughing, the others recovered all standing on the mound. The last man, while falling (#4) pulled Petra down on her side. Those "precious moments of action", were well spent, but now every drop of energy seemed to have been drained out of her. The three men who were upright came at her. She began to thrash and kick like a lamb caught in a thicket, while the pone man hollered and tried to set himself free of her. After much shouting and minor injuries the men had her pinioned, the man in the buckskin (#1) reached t'ward her with a knife. She wailed again, so high and shrill (the men's faces grimaced) but none turned her loose. She felt the thong loosen across her body, though it was still caught in her hair. "Hush woman !" she opened her eyes, ( surprised she had closed them). He was cutting her loose and now took her by the hair, "I SAID HUSH !!!" pulling her head aside for what she could only assume would be some horrible fate, she waited but the blade never touched her. The man (#1) pulled the thong and water bladder free, tossing it aside. His fellow (#4) rolled free of her "Wild cat !" he shouted and murmured a curse while cupping his hand over his nose and shielding his nethers. He re-positioned to in support of the others pinning her left leg down at the knee and shin with his greeves.
The men bound her at the wrist and ankles with a length between, then stood back taking in the sight and a few deep breaths. Petra shrieked all the louder, until the boss man (#1) (or so this lanky buckskin cad man seemed) took a cloth and went to bind her mouth. Petra clapped her mouth shut, and clenched her jaws tight. "Ah, there we go, hush and I won't gag you, be good and we might loosen the ropes." They stepped off the mound all four of them. "Silence at last", she thought as her ears rang. Petra realized how much noise she had been making and wondered if the sound traveled far enough for anyone else had heard her. The men whispered into each others ears, with many gestures. Then the four approached her.
" Now miss, since you have done us each some damage; we shall leave you bound for the moment. Listen, ( he flashed his teeth) NO BITING ! " he said (#1) pointing as he looked her in the mouth. Next shifting his stare t'wards two of the men, motioning. Two of the men went, back up on the mound they took her under the arms (one on each side) lifting her up, going over to the steps placing her feet one step below her bent hind quarters. She did think for a moment about doing a bit of chewing on these two while they were carrying her, but the boss man still had the cloth in his hand and she might better reserve her only defense for later.
The man who had been tethered to her (#4) was sent off into the wood. The boss man drew closer now, while the others to held her by her shoulders. He had her water and said "You've hurt yourself..."pointing ,then plucking the under skirt with two fingers, she flinched a bit) he lifted it exposing the right knee and nothing more. He began speaking quieter and in a calming manner: " .... it wouldn't be right to leave you bound and bleeding, so just let me minister to these wounds." She looked rather dumb founded from his face to her knee. In the heat of it all she hadn't realized she'd been hurt. Pointing again "...And your hand." he said as he rinsed her knee. She had a substantial gash about mid knee ( from falling on the steps), her right hand was scuffed as well. He motioned to one of the men at her shoulders, he poured water on the cloth and pressed it to her knee. "Here man hold this". The man with the scratch on his cheek acquiesced, eyeing Petra with caution.
"And if you behave I'll cut this length and tend to your hand,... you will won't you ?" He nodded,willing her to give her assent. She mimicked him and he cut the rope the that connected her ankles and wrists. He took her by her left wrist and said "Now let's just turn..." he tried to rinse her hand but the angle of her manacled wrists didn't allow real cleansing. "Ah, miss this is not working, I shall untie your wrists but, do behave". His men looked on dubiously as he untied the rope and began rinsing the grit from her hand. He drew her arm out away from her body and began picking her palm clean of debris, "...ah hold tight this is going to hurt". Before she knew it, he had pulled a thin shard from just below her ring finger, it bled freely, so he drew her hand further away and rinsed it again. Just then she heard the man return from the wood with green foliage and purple blossoms. (She was grateful for the distraction, when the blood hit the floor of the mound she had remembered some ugly shadow from the distant past. ) She knew the foliage well and felt encourage at the sight of it. " If they know enough to stanch these wounds then...",
Her thoughts were interrupted again as the boss man took the foliage and instructed her to "Open your mouth..." demonstrating , before he finished speaking she dropped her jaw and he placed the alfalfa in her mouth. As she began to chew a slight smile swept across his mouth and faded away. She chewed and swallowed. Again he said " Open" he had produced another offering: yarrow with pale pink blossoms, to which she complied, she stopped short of swallowing and dropped her mouth open. "I have told you not to bite , I will remind you... "( she rolled her eyes ). He pulled the masticated herb from her mouth and had the man who brought the alfalfa give her a drink. ( She rinsed her mouth and spat it out) This forth man bristled a bit. " Come now, let her drink, she must need it", the boss man instructed, and it went on like this until she was well quenched, her hand and knee tinctured ( with the yarrow and some honey ). She was shocked to see the honey brought out from some un-noticed pouch on one of the men. Then she had both her knee and hand wrapped.
Before long the faggot of willow was re- bundled into another man's coat. " Now miss I'm going to untie you, put your skirt on then lets talk." The boss man reached for the rope at her, ankles
she stretched her legs to accommodate. Now her ankles were loosed, standing he handed off the skirt and said "Miss, I restore your dignity, now let's take you home." In a moment or so, she was fully clothed, and two of the men were carrying Petra, ( lead by the boss man in buckskin) back to where she first stopped before entered the clearing . The man with the pin stuck hand followed behind with her basket dangling from his elbow.
Like a cornered cat, she sprang to her feet, crouching poised with her pin (still in her left hand) ready to strike. She had been taught some self defense, most of which designed to help her make a hasty retreat. The stunned men shook off their surprise and came t'wards her. She realized she had to make her stand, on the mound.
Tucking back the fingers of her right hand, she also bashed the man (#1) in the nose with the heel of her palm. Seeing red stain his face, she turned to see the other three men who had gotten their wits about them.
Her thoughts became action as each man climbed a separate sets of stone steps. "Next" she thought, then "pounce" and she did, at the closest man (#2). Seeing her intentions, he jerked back, falling off balance to the floor of the clearing, landing hard on the flat on his back. Had he not moved, the scratch Petra left on his cheekbone (with her pin) would have been much deeper.
The next man (#3) came from behind, and at her left and she swept around in a circular motion sticking the pin into his raised left hand, "AWWWW" he howled , she employed the same heel to nose maneuver, and another red stain.
The next man (#4) lunged at her waist, she managed to side step his grasp, but the thong which held her water bladder across her chest was caught in the curve of his elbow. She felt tethered to this brute. She tried to pull the thong over her head as she clawed at his face, ( barely making contact) next she punched him in the throat, but the thong caught in her hair. Again red stain and as he stumbled forward, holding his throat coughing, the others recovered all standing on the mound. The last man, while falling (#4) pulled Petra down on her side. Those "precious moments of action", were well spent, but now every drop of energy seemed to have been drained out of her. The three men who were upright came at her. She began to thrash and kick like a lamb caught in a thicket, while the pone man hollered and tried to set himself free of her. After much shouting and minor injuries the men had her pinioned, the man in the buckskin (#1) reached t'ward her with a knife. She wailed again, so high and shrill (the men's faces grimaced) but none turned her loose. She felt the thong loosen across her body, though it was still caught in her hair. "Hush woman !" she opened her eyes, ( surprised she had closed them). He was cutting her loose and now took her by the hair, "I SAID HUSH !!!" pulling her head aside for what she could only assume would be some horrible fate, she waited but the blade never touched her. The man (#1) pulled the thong and water bladder free, tossing it aside. His fellow (#4) rolled free of her "Wild cat !" he shouted and murmured a curse while cupping his hand over his nose and shielding his nethers. He re-positioned to in support of the others pinning her left leg down at the knee and shin with his greeves.
The men bound her at the wrist and ankles with a length between, then stood back taking in the sight and a few deep breaths. Petra shrieked all the louder, until the boss man (#1) (or so this lanky buckskin cad man seemed) took a cloth and went to bind her mouth. Petra clapped her mouth shut, and clenched her jaws tight. "Ah, there we go, hush and I won't gag you, be good and we might loosen the ropes." They stepped off the mound all four of them. "Silence at last", she thought as her ears rang. Petra realized how much noise she had been making and wondered if the sound traveled far enough for anyone else had heard her. The men whispered into each others ears, with many gestures. Then the four approached her.
" Now miss, since you have done us each some damage; we shall leave you bound for the moment. Listen, ( he flashed his teeth) NO BITING ! " he said (#1) pointing as he looked her in the mouth. Next shifting his stare t'wards two of the men, motioning. Two of the men went, back up on the mound they took her under the arms (one on each side) lifting her up, going over to the steps placing her feet one step below her bent hind quarters. She did think for a moment about doing a bit of chewing on these two while they were carrying her, but the boss man still had the cloth in his hand and she might better reserve her only defense for later.
The man who had been tethered to her (#4) was sent off into the wood. The boss man drew closer now, while the others to held her by her shoulders. He had her water and said "You've hurt yourself..."pointing ,then plucking the under skirt with two fingers, she flinched a bit) he lifted it exposing the right knee and nothing more. He began speaking quieter and in a calming manner: " .... it wouldn't be right to leave you bound and bleeding, so just let me minister to these wounds." She looked rather dumb founded from his face to her knee. In the heat of it all she hadn't realized she'd been hurt. Pointing again "...And your hand." he said as he rinsed her knee. She had a substantial gash about mid knee ( from falling on the steps), her right hand was scuffed as well. He motioned to one of the men at her shoulders, he poured water on the cloth and pressed it to her knee. "Here man hold this". The man with the scratch on his cheek acquiesced, eyeing Petra with caution.
"And if you behave I'll cut this length and tend to your hand,... you will won't you ?" He nodded,willing her to give her assent. She mimicked him and he cut the rope the that connected her ankles and wrists. He took her by her left wrist and said "Now let's just turn..." he tried to rinse her hand but the angle of her manacled wrists didn't allow real cleansing. "Ah, miss this is not working, I shall untie your wrists but, do behave". His men looked on dubiously as he untied the rope and began rinsing the grit from her hand. He drew her arm out away from her body and began picking her palm clean of debris, "...ah hold tight this is going to hurt". Before she knew it, he had pulled a thin shard from just below her ring finger, it bled freely, so he drew her hand further away and rinsed it again. Just then she heard the man return from the wood with green foliage and purple blossoms. (She was grateful for the distraction, when the blood hit the floor of the mound she had remembered some ugly shadow from the distant past. ) She knew the foliage well and felt encourage at the sight of it. " If they know enough to stanch these wounds then...",
Her thoughts were interrupted again as the boss man took the foliage and instructed her to "Open your mouth..." demonstrating , before he finished speaking she dropped her jaw and he placed the alfalfa in her mouth. As she began to chew a slight smile swept across his mouth and faded away. She chewed and swallowed. Again he said " Open" he had produced another offering: yarrow with pale pink blossoms, to which she complied, she stopped short of swallowing and dropped her mouth open. "I have told you not to bite , I will remind you... "( she rolled her eyes ). He pulled the masticated herb from her mouth and had the man who brought the alfalfa give her a drink. ( She rinsed her mouth and spat it out) This forth man bristled a bit. " Come now, let her drink, she must need it", the boss man instructed, and it went on like this until she was well quenched, her hand and knee tinctured ( with the yarrow and some honey ). She was shocked to see the honey brought out from some un-noticed pouch on one of the men. Then she had both her knee and hand wrapped.
Before long the faggot of willow was re- bundled into another man's coat. " Now miss I'm going to untie you, put your skirt on then lets talk." The boss man reached for the rope at her, ankles
she stretched her legs to accommodate. Now her ankles were loosed, standing he handed off the skirt and said "Miss, I restore your dignity, now let's take you home." In a moment or so, she was fully clothed, and two of the men were carrying Petra, ( lead by the boss man in buckskin) back to where she first stopped before entered the clearing . The man with the pin stuck hand followed behind with her basket dangling from his elbow.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
#6 ...Hexagonal Stones.
It was cooler beneath the boughs, but still warm. Again she made her way into the woods, passing the area where she had found the mushrooms and then the roots, she ventured deeper and deeper. On she went until at last: the light over head glowed a warmer green, each step drew her from the verdant canopy to one punctuated with golden shafts of light.
Standing on the perimeter of a large clearing, she paused surveying the near perfect circle, she repaired her hair, which had gone askew while passing beneath many-a limb, leaf and needle. She walked into the clearing, it was furnished with prone logs about six strides from the treeline. In between these natural benches and closer to the center were several charred remnants of fires long since extinguished (spirals had been etched in the ashes whilst someone was checking for lingering embers). At the center was a dais of sorts: a turfed mound, with hexagonal stones around it. These stones were arranged in sets of two short, two medium, and two taller, placed around the large mound ( looking a bit like a wave pattern) but in actuality the stones served as multiple sets of stairs going up to the flattened top of the mound. The mound itself was not very high off the floor of the clearing, but anyone on the mound could easily be seen and heard. (The acoustics were somewhat of a marvel to Petra although she had been here many times). On the far side were three unique trees, beautiful as three points on a crown.
Stepping out into the sunlight she made her way to the mound ( not walking too close) she continued to the far and opposite of where she entered the clearing. She stopped, set her basket down and tilted her head up, shielding her eyes with her hand, she admired the massive Wych Elm- straining to take in it's height ( a long standing homage of hers since she was a wee lass.) She thought how interesting it was,( given they are often seen near graveyards). To it's left was a lovely Yew and to the right a graceful Willow. She stood remembering times with her parents, one or the other craning their necks. She began rubbing her neck , then laughed a loud at herself. Shaking off her nostalga, she went to the Willow, working swiftly around the circumference and it's bottom most appendages. She removed, and gathered the whip-like pieces. Having gathered a sizable pile, she removed her skirt, put them into the skirt, and tethered it all together with her rope. She took her rock and apple and began filing and sealing all the wounded ends. By the time she had finished, the tree had a nice trim , she had a good bundle and she was hot and tired. Taking a long draught from her water bladder, she made her way under the low hanging limbs of the Elm. She turned her back against the trunk and sliding down it she came to rest on a peculiar root that substituted for a stool. Petra had sat here more times than she could remember. Before ceremonies and rituals, she had been brought to this very spot, sometimes her mother stayed, but more often, she was left alone with very specific instructions not to move. She remained hidden there, but she had a clear view of all that proceeded. She particularly remembered the dancing and music, she often dozed into an oblivious slumber, before these rituals grew intense, ( but we shall not indulge in thoughts of such things). She would wake long before others and only then - make her way to her prayers and oblations.
As Petra sat in the sanctuary and comfort, she began to cool off, "WHAT !" her mind shrieked - she heard a crack in the distance behind her, and another and another. Another series of cracks came closer accompanied by the rattle of metal, into the fourth series of noises her could hear the creaking of leather as well. By this time she had slid down ( like a melted candle) at the foot the Elm, her pin removed, she gave the slightest shake to her head and her hair flowed over her bowed head covering her face and shoulders. In her praying position with her arms tight under her chest, she traded the pin to her left hand. Her tawny head, beige blouse and underskirt made her look somewhat like a large embedded rock, she remained motionless trying to breath very slowly through her nostrils. The footfalls and movements of three men fit with battle gear came closer and closer. Almost lifeless, Petra remained there until she heard the men move towards the mound, she dared only the lowest of breaths (remembering the acoustics) and tilted her head up only slightly to see the men through the mop of her hair and the low secretive branches. ( Now she had a glimmer of understanding: of those years of training, alone in silence under these very limb, oh this was truly a sanctuary and without a hint of her "....presence !"( - again her mind shrieked). ("OH NO ! please yeh blundering clods, don' look back !") . Petra was out of view, but her basket, bundle and the tree's new trim could give it away. They might start searching ...... anxiety swelled within her, but she willed herself to return to those nights, there alone, willing a slumber to take her away. Well practiced, she could almost hear the music, and feel the rhythm of the dance, ( Ah yes...) as her eyes began to close again into thin slits she saw the well worn paths in the turf... from those dancing feet ... ( bliss washed over her as head tilted slowing down) "...FEET !!!" Slumber broke away and reality wrenched the word from her lips. Banshee- like wails pierced her quietness spewing out of her unbidden, the sound provoked her to instant motion. Clueless the ghastly sounds emanated from her own pipes. Petra bolted: not from... but to... the mound, the feet she saw were not part of a vision or memory, but a tall man dressed in buckskin as a scout, long legs, bare feet and great long hands, moving t'wards her. Swift and deliberate she took long strides for the mound, but the long legged man was upon her, grasping her by the shoulders, hard. The momentum of the two sent them both down like a caber. Petra slid forward whilst the man fell in a heap. Still on the move, she went for the mound, just starting to realize the wails were her own: she also saw the other three men standing stock still, mouths agape and eyes wide and startled, (" These men are STARTLED!") the thought. She had seen that look before, here in this clearing. She knew, only too well, how few and precious were the moments one had to act. While they were still gaping at the spectacle, Petra made it to the mound, but she went sprawling, while trying to climb up the hexagonal stones........
Standing on the perimeter of a large clearing, she paused surveying the near perfect circle, she repaired her hair, which had gone askew while passing beneath many-a limb, leaf and needle. She walked into the clearing, it was furnished with prone logs about six strides from the treeline. In between these natural benches and closer to the center were several charred remnants of fires long since extinguished (spirals had been etched in the ashes whilst someone was checking for lingering embers). At the center was a dais of sorts: a turfed mound, with hexagonal stones around it. These stones were arranged in sets of two short, two medium, and two taller, placed around the large mound ( looking a bit like a wave pattern) but in actuality the stones served as multiple sets of stairs going up to the flattened top of the mound. The mound itself was not very high off the floor of the clearing, but anyone on the mound could easily be seen and heard. (The acoustics were somewhat of a marvel to Petra although she had been here many times). On the far side were three unique trees, beautiful as three points on a crown.
Stepping out into the sunlight she made her way to the mound ( not walking too close) she continued to the far and opposite of where she entered the clearing. She stopped, set her basket down and tilted her head up, shielding her eyes with her hand, she admired the massive Wych Elm- straining to take in it's height ( a long standing homage of hers since she was a wee lass.) She thought how interesting it was,( given they are often seen near graveyards). To it's left was a lovely Yew and to the right a graceful Willow. She stood remembering times with her parents, one or the other craning their necks. She began rubbing her neck , then laughed a loud at herself. Shaking off her nostalga, she went to the Willow, working swiftly around the circumference and it's bottom most appendages. She removed, and gathered the whip-like pieces. Having gathered a sizable pile, she removed her skirt, put them into the skirt, and tethered it all together with her rope. She took her rock and apple and began filing and sealing all the wounded ends. By the time she had finished, the tree had a nice trim , she had a good bundle and she was hot and tired. Taking a long draught from her water bladder, she made her way under the low hanging limbs of the Elm. She turned her back against the trunk and sliding down it she came to rest on a peculiar root that substituted for a stool. Petra had sat here more times than she could remember. Before ceremonies and rituals, she had been brought to this very spot, sometimes her mother stayed, but more often, she was left alone with very specific instructions not to move. She remained hidden there, but she had a clear view of all that proceeded. She particularly remembered the dancing and music, she often dozed into an oblivious slumber, before these rituals grew intense, ( but we shall not indulge in thoughts of such things). She would wake long before others and only then - make her way to her prayers and oblations.
As Petra sat in the sanctuary and comfort, she began to cool off, "WHAT !" her mind shrieked - she heard a crack in the distance behind her, and another and another. Another series of cracks came closer accompanied by the rattle of metal, into the fourth series of noises her could hear the creaking of leather as well. By this time she had slid down ( like a melted candle) at the foot the Elm, her pin removed, she gave the slightest shake to her head and her hair flowed over her bowed head covering her face and shoulders. In her praying position with her arms tight under her chest, she traded the pin to her left hand. Her tawny head, beige blouse and underskirt made her look somewhat like a large embedded rock, she remained motionless trying to breath very slowly through her nostrils. The footfalls and movements of three men fit with battle gear came closer and closer. Almost lifeless, Petra remained there until she heard the men move towards the mound, she dared only the lowest of breaths (remembering the acoustics) and tilted her head up only slightly to see the men through the mop of her hair and the low secretive branches. ( Now she had a glimmer of understanding: of those years of training, alone in silence under these very limb, oh this was truly a sanctuary and without a hint of her "....presence !"( - again her mind shrieked). ("OH NO ! please yeh blundering clods, don' look back !") . Petra was out of view, but her basket, bundle and the tree's new trim could give it away. They might start searching ...... anxiety swelled within her, but she willed herself to return to those nights, there alone, willing a slumber to take her away. Well practiced, she could almost hear the music, and feel the rhythm of the dance, ( Ah yes...) as her eyes began to close again into thin slits she saw the well worn paths in the turf... from those dancing feet ... ( bliss washed over her as head tilted slowing down) "...FEET !!!" Slumber broke away and reality wrenched the word from her lips. Banshee- like wails pierced her quietness spewing out of her unbidden, the sound provoked her to instant motion. Clueless the ghastly sounds emanated from her own pipes. Petra bolted: not from... but to... the mound, the feet she saw were not part of a vision or memory, but a tall man dressed in buckskin as a scout, long legs, bare feet and great long hands, moving t'wards her. Swift and deliberate she took long strides for the mound, but the long legged man was upon her, grasping her by the shoulders, hard. The momentum of the two sent them both down like a caber. Petra slid forward whilst the man fell in a heap. Still on the move, she went for the mound, just starting to realize the wails were her own: she also saw the other three men standing stock still, mouths agape and eyes wide and startled, (" These men are STARTLED!") the thought. She had seen that look before, here in this clearing. She knew, only too well, how few and precious were the moments one had to act. While they were still gaping at the spectacle, Petra made it to the mound, but she went sprawling, while trying to climb up the hexagonal stones........
Monday, September 2, 2013
# 5... En Route
Throughout the day they moved from one chore to another, periodically changing work mates. Their efforts complimented each others strengths and weaknesses ( much to Cahlien and Petra's credit). Cahlien and Petra moved with ease and efficiency, compensating and teaching as they moved along. Horses, cows, goats, and pigs were fed, ( The chickens had been fed earlier while the three girls gathered eggs) stalls were mucked and fresh straw laid down. There was weeding, hoeing, some harvesting and the perpetual clean up. Hay was cut from time to time with both sickle and scythe, pitch forks came out and it was not long before the dried fodder was domed high. There were the odd jobs of repair, and skill that fell to the aged, the infirmed or boys not yet of age. These things the women dared not encroach upon, these folks flourished and were esteemed for their diligence and expertise . The lines between male and female roles were never blurred, chores and duties were carefully dispersed edifying each clan member. It was in this manner the clan functioned and prospered in both times of peace and ease and those times of unrest and want. The duties of chieftains and their families, were to attend to the needs and education of all it's members.
Feorras was traveling to the isles Toraigh, Inishtrahull and Rathlin,. The trek and voyages would give Feorras an indication of the boys penchant, so he might know what skills to nurture. He had taken Rogan and Vaughn (the twins - 13) along with men including some of his own brethren and Cahlien's as well. This was the first year the boys had been allowed to go out with the men. These excursions were usually for hunting, fishing, and the occasional tribute to Niall. This time their purpose was to make a show of strength.(This is not to say they did not secure meat and fish or conduct commerce with bordering clans). There were raids from both country men and foreigners to be suppressed and thwarted regularly. There had been the threat of Rome invading, but it had not yet materialized. Feorras had a keen mind and being chieftain held many responsibilities,( perhaps more than the privileges it afforded). He found it needful to watch for patterns, and formulate strategies at every turn, there were too many lives in the balance for him to be slack.
Bowen (Son of Owen) was Feorras' truest friend and brother to Cahlien. There was little else that Bowen would care to do than stand at Feorras' side ( with exception to the comfort of watching his wife smile). Feorras was grateful and took care to honor his friend's devotion. There were other good and loyal men, Feorras treated them all well. Now Bowen was Petra's favorite uncle, so while the men were away Petra would regularly visit Bowen's bride Fallon. Their home was on the outer perimeter of the fort. A boon granted at their wedding, privacy was a luxury, but given gladly in respect and concession of Fallon's circumstances. Fallon's grandfather Brodie (foreign but friendly) had been a great man ( her father had died in battle, her mother died in childbirth shortly afterwards). Bowen had ( long ago )gained Brodie's gratitude and lare Fallon's hand. Fallon spoke another tongue and struggled to communicate with the other women, she found it prudent to be as independent as possible. Petra understood this but couldn't leave her to herself for long, it just didn't seem right,( Feorras and Cahlien had taught her well). She balanced respect and loving care on a razors edge, watching Fallon, anticipating her needs and desires. For this Petra had won the admiration of adults who might otherwise have faltered in her sted.
On this particular day Petra saw to it that all the chores were done, begged leave of Cahlien to go see Fallon, but before left, she prepared for the trek back to the woods to gather things that Fallon might need and have little access to.
Again with twine, rope, basket (and the bladder of water! )Petra went back t'wards the woods, passing the site of her oblations, near the fruit tree. The sun was high and hot, her locks insulated heat and perspiration against her neck, dabbing was not going to safice. Petra looked beneath the tree for a twig or branch, seeing none she closely inspected the tree for an unproductive branch. (She was an arborist of sorts already). She reached up and snapped a twig off ( just a bit longer than a hands length), then dropping to the ground (on her hands and knees) she hunted for a stone, "Sure enough ! " she thought, a smile stretched her full lips thinner into a crescent moon. This was not self-satisfaction, rather an acknowledgement of how there always seemed to be a plan set in motion that that made things easier or at the very least made sense or helped her make peace with things. She relaxed backward ( twig and stone in hand) plopping on her bottom. Swiftly she peeled the bark from the twig revealing the smooth wood beneath. With the flat sandy stone, she filed one end of the twig blunted, then filed a slender point on the other end. Quickly she combed through her hair with her fingers, then smoothed and gathered it at the back tightly. She twisted the thick hank over and over feeling it bunch and loop, a knot emerged. She pierced the knot with her newly fashioned hair pin, securing her locks up and out of her way. As she stood, she latched on to the branch again and filed the raw end flat, ( she dropped her stone in the basket ) then plucking another piece of fruit with the opposite hand. Petra pushed the fruit into the blunt end of the branch hoping the juice would seal the wounded end. As she put the fruit in the basket; she noticed the peeled pieces of bark were left at the foot of the tree like some offering to nurture the tree for it's sacrifice. Again the crescent moon adorned her face.
Quickly now she made her way to the treeline and under the boughs, following the route she walked earlier that morning.
Feorras was traveling to the isles Toraigh, Inishtrahull and Rathlin,. The trek and voyages would give Feorras an indication of the boys penchant, so he might know what skills to nurture. He had taken Rogan and Vaughn (the twins - 13) along with men including some of his own brethren and Cahlien's as well. This was the first year the boys had been allowed to go out with the men. These excursions were usually for hunting, fishing, and the occasional tribute to Niall. This time their purpose was to make a show of strength.(This is not to say they did not secure meat and fish or conduct commerce with bordering clans). There were raids from both country men and foreigners to be suppressed and thwarted regularly. There had been the threat of Rome invading, but it had not yet materialized. Feorras had a keen mind and being chieftain held many responsibilities,( perhaps more than the privileges it afforded). He found it needful to watch for patterns, and formulate strategies at every turn, there were too many lives in the balance for him to be slack.
Bowen (Son of Owen) was Feorras' truest friend and brother to Cahlien. There was little else that Bowen would care to do than stand at Feorras' side ( with exception to the comfort of watching his wife smile). Feorras was grateful and took care to honor his friend's devotion. There were other good and loyal men, Feorras treated them all well. Now Bowen was Petra's favorite uncle, so while the men were away Petra would regularly visit Bowen's bride Fallon. Their home was on the outer perimeter of the fort. A boon granted at their wedding, privacy was a luxury, but given gladly in respect and concession of Fallon's circumstances. Fallon's grandfather Brodie (foreign but friendly) had been a great man ( her father had died in battle, her mother died in childbirth shortly afterwards). Bowen had ( long ago )gained Brodie's gratitude and lare Fallon's hand. Fallon spoke another tongue and struggled to communicate with the other women, she found it prudent to be as independent as possible. Petra understood this but couldn't leave her to herself for long, it just didn't seem right,( Feorras and Cahlien had taught her well). She balanced respect and loving care on a razors edge, watching Fallon, anticipating her needs and desires. For this Petra had won the admiration of adults who might otherwise have faltered in her sted.
On this particular day Petra saw to it that all the chores were done, begged leave of Cahlien to go see Fallon, but before left, she prepared for the trek back to the woods to gather things that Fallon might need and have little access to.
Again with twine, rope, basket (and the bladder of water! )Petra went back t'wards the woods, passing the site of her oblations, near the fruit tree. The sun was high and hot, her locks insulated heat and perspiration against her neck, dabbing was not going to safice. Petra looked beneath the tree for a twig or branch, seeing none she closely inspected the tree for an unproductive branch. (She was an arborist of sorts already). She reached up and snapped a twig off ( just a bit longer than a hands length), then dropping to the ground (on her hands and knees) she hunted for a stone, "Sure enough ! " she thought, a smile stretched her full lips thinner into a crescent moon. This was not self-satisfaction, rather an acknowledgement of how there always seemed to be a plan set in motion that that made things easier or at the very least made sense or helped her make peace with things. She relaxed backward ( twig and stone in hand) plopping on her bottom. Swiftly she peeled the bark from the twig revealing the smooth wood beneath. With the flat sandy stone, she filed one end of the twig blunted, then filed a slender point on the other end. Quickly she combed through her hair with her fingers, then smoothed and gathered it at the back tightly. She twisted the thick hank over and over feeling it bunch and loop, a knot emerged. She pierced the knot with her newly fashioned hair pin, securing her locks up and out of her way. As she stood, she latched on to the branch again and filed the raw end flat, ( she dropped her stone in the basket ) then plucking another piece of fruit with the opposite hand. Petra pushed the fruit into the blunt end of the branch hoping the juice would seal the wounded end. As she put the fruit in the basket; she noticed the peeled pieces of bark were left at the foot of the tree like some offering to nurture the tree for it's sacrifice. Again the crescent moon adorned her face.
Quickly now she made her way to the treeline and under the boughs, following the route she walked earlier that morning.
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