The eastern horisont is painted in a warm orange hue, signaling a new dawn on the rise. In this morning glow I'm up and about tending my farm and looking after the few animals I have. Today I'm off to see the blacksmiths and hopefully get myself a new sword. While I’m collecting eggs from the henhouse, I see a large man approaching my farm waving his arms in a friendly greeting.
Duncadda you scrawny rascal! It is you! The man is laughing as he approaches me. I had hoped to avoid this man, but somehow he had managed to find out where I live.
I put down the basket with my gathered eggs and walk towards him. You lost your direction again, Eadrinn? This is not a tavern.
The large man laughed in response. The little scout has turned into a court jester eh? He does not stop until he stands right in front of me, towering and looking down, trying to intimidate me with his bulk. But you should be glad I like you Duncadda, few stand their ground in front of me. He says grinning. But then again, wits and strength have never been your greatest attributes eh? Why else do you always end up beaten and bedridden?
Ignoring his familiar taunts, I try to change the topic. Why are you here, Eadrinn? I thought you were stationed at Helm deep.
He steps back, giving me some space. Ah you know, the usual, drinking and fighting with lesser riders. He chuckles. And on my oath, they transferred me to this dump of a village. He looks around, spreading out his arms. Even the beer they serve at the sorry excuse of a tavern, tastes like arse. He spits on the ground, before smiling again. But you can remedy that, with that dark mead of your, eh? For old times sake?
I shake my head. There is no dark mead here, I haven't had the time to make any lately. But why are you here at my farm, aren't you supposed to be on duty?. I look at him in the new hauberk that has been issued to the garrison riders just recently, signaling that something is brewing.
Supposed to? Do you think I’m neglecting my oath? He says somewhat offended. I’m here on order from our esteemed Captain. He starts to chuckle again. He’s been an arse from day one, giving me latrine duty.. But I do not mind. If you don't mind the smell, it's easy duty. He laughs. Do you remember the battle with the Dunlendings… that battlefield smelled bad a few days later...
I decided to interrupt him. Your orders here, was? I let the words hang in the air.
Ack… you are no fun Duncadda, serious as an elf sometimes. He shakes his head in amusement and reaches for a shield strapped to his back, which he hands over to me. The Captain has ordered that all fighting men in this shithole of a village, should be armed with shields and spears. His face is filled with amusement. No good it will do you, if it comes down to heavy fighting. You scouts are only good at running around and hiding and not used to a good scrapping.
Heavy fighting? I look at Eadrinn. What do you know? What's going on?
You sure you do not have any of that dark mead? He asks. I shake my head in response.
Well, then you can stay in the dark as well… orders from the Captain to say nothing. He says laughing and turns around to leave my farm, leaving me alone with a brand new shield in my hands. What about that spear then? I shout after Eadrinn.
He turns around. You do not need it, I know you have a sword.
Which I do not have, but will not tell Eadrinn, because that will only encourage him to stay longer and I just want him off my land. It's time to visit the blacksmith, before it’s too late.
