It is time to move on from the battle, for all of Bancross.
It is time for me to set in motion those actions that will see my village regain its grasp on a normal, everyday life.
Ealdbriht and I have both walked the bounds several times. We have spoken with what folk we may. Words of condolence where needed, of encouragement to all. I am heartened by the way my people have responded. They are true, red-blooded Rohirrim, thank Bema.
Those structures that were damaged, or set afire in the conflict, are already being repaired. Family helps family. The frail and the widowed are included. Horses are cared for, well rewarded for their own effort. Scattered livestock has been gathered back where it belongs. Well, all but that dratted Fell-Goat who struts about the village like he owns it, sampling food from one and all. I supposed he has earned that much. He is something of a hero in many villagers' eyes. Next I know I will be having a statue put up to the Goat of Bancross, in the Market Square. Beware traitors, for here, if you manage to escape our justice, our goat will get you!
Cap stones have been placed on the three fouled wells, that none may forget and drink from them inadvertently. I have noticed Northgyth and Ymma, bidding access to them to measure their depth with rock and rope, and to fish out the rotting carcasses. What they plan, I know not, but I trust them, and know the Lady will inform me soon if she has any ideas. The village has enough water at present, and of myself I know of no way to restore tainted water to fresh.
I do not forget there are still several possible threats, not the least being certain others in Edoras knowing we will not easily become a convenient staging post for their ilk. None here will harbor those who would see the Mark harassed by lesser sorts. Those would be traitors, they know…..we know!
So to action it is!
I visited Captain Denholm this morning to set my requirements before him. Requirements I say, rather than straight out commands, for he is a most capable man whom I can trust, and I would hear his suggestions if he has any.
I arrived at the Garrison in his absence, speaking with the few men taking breakfast. All were in good form, save that another of their wounded had been lost in the night.
“All had been done, that could be done.” they had said. They paid particular compliment to Waelden’s young daughter in that regard. If the surgeon, three healers and the girl had been unable to save the man, I was sure they were right.
And I went upstairs to wait in Denholm’s office.
After a short time he arrived, taking off dusty gauntlets and his helm, and laying them on the chest by the door.
“My Thane!”
I indicated that he should take his usual chair, while I stood, and paced a little. He looked exceptionally tired. That was not surprising.
“I will not take up much of your time, Captain. I know you are a busy man. I would, however, make you aware of my remaining considerations before we can regard the matter of the battle closed.”
With the professional nod of someone in command of their own exhaustion, he nodded. He poured out a mug of a weaker beer to quench his thirst and loosen his throat, pointing at the jar of ale as he offered a mug to me.
I shook my head. “Not for me, thank you Captain. But drink as you will. You have earned what respite you can take. Now, to the matters. First I would know when we will hold the funerals for the fallen. The sooner the better I deem. It is right we pay them a fitting honour.”
Now I had seen the beginnings of three pyres being raised outside the Mead Hall, so I knew Denholm was already dealing with the situation.
“I agree with ‘soon’, my Thane,” he replied, his gravelly voice clearing a little due to the amber liquid he was drinking. “But I would rather wait a little longer. We have two remaining guards who are seriously injured and may yet succumb. I would rather not have a separate pyre and assembly. The eve after next would be my chosen time, with a remembrance and farewelling in the Dragon beforehand.”
I nodded. His words were practical.
“Those villagers who lost folk have mostly made their own pyres already, and said their goodbyes.” he continued. “I have seen the smoke rising these last two evenings. I saw the flames up near Duncadda’s place. I know he lost someone close. It’s all grim watching at the moment, but we need to make endings and go forward, knowing we bested the enemy that chose to attack us.”
I halted in my steps. “Aye. I wish none of this was necessary. But we must defend ourselves and our families, as you well know. Life can be cruel, yet it is worth that fighting for. And Duncadda, I had thought to ask him to track the Dunlendings, but he is a man sunk in grief it is said. I will not require more of him than he can give. Two others are already on their way.”
Denholm almost relaxed then, sinking back into his chair, though looking as if he could jump up from it at a moment’s notice.
“I am at your disposal for the ceremony, of course. I would like to speak to all, though I am content if you wish to direct it yourself. I shall see that our Hildfrith has enough supplies to make a good supper and provide enough mead for everyone.” Halting my list a moment, I gave voice to a more challenging thought. “It would be fitting if a bard or story teller gave an account. May it be a song that could be sung in future days to remember the charge, but alas, I do not know if we have anyone suitable. I have not heard there was a good bard here since Frithewald moved to Aldburg.”
The Captain nodded, pondering the last point. He scratched his beard. “We have a few with strong voices. I will ask around. Maybe that Hillman?”
I remembered Eadrinn well. Who could forget! He was not exactly a man of Bancross, but if he could help in this matter that mattered naught.
“Almost any would be better than Hildfrith’s singing. And I would rather it did not come to that,” I commented.
Hiding a faint grin behind his hand, the Captain nodded. “I will speak with a few folk. We shall see if we have a hidden bard among us.”
“And finally, I need messages sent out to three trusted Thanes, and wagons sent out to restock our supplies.”
Did Denholm roll his eyes at that? I wasn’t quite sure.
“I am already on the supplies, my Thane. Our food stocks were mostly undamaged, but I have four empty wagons ready to depart within the week. Supplies may still be scarce in other places, so I thought to send to Aldburg and Snowbourn. Also, I have friends in both places who may just spare us a little more.”
“Though closer, sending to Edoras would be unlikely to gain us much. I have some there who would see us perish. But I do have a good standing in Aldburg. We shall hold hunting parties again once we know it is safer, and our undamaged early crops will soon come through.”
“And the messengers, sir?” Denholm leant forward, his desire to get on with the tasks coming to the fore.
“I need an urgent message sent to Elfmar at Faldham. I would have him informed on everything that has transpired.”
Elfmar was indeed a most trusted Thane. I sought his advice first and foremost. Placing the first of my three letters on the Captain’s desk, I continued. “And those horses he loaned to our kidnaped tavern keep and her daughter should be returned.”
Barely pausing to give it thought, Denholm replied ”I shall send my brother-in-law, Waelden, if his injury permits. He is a good and trusted man. He knows Elfmar well.”
I placed the second letter down. “This is for Radwig of Floodwend. And this for Mildred of Elthengles.” The final letter went down.
Denholm picked them all up, and placed them in the drawer in his desk.
“It shall be done as you say, sir.”
I looked at him keenly a moment more. He was so tired. My best strategy was to let him get on with his work.
“That is all then.” I stated. “I shall await your instructions on the funeral, and am available if required for any other matter. Now I return to my house. I shall release two of the guards back to you. They are unnecessary now.”
With a sharp nod of understanding, Denholm rose to his feet and bowed.
I dipped my own head in respect.
“Also, if you chose to take the wagons to Snowbourn yourself, I shall not hold it amiss. You have family there you have not seen for some time. Go and visit, perhaps. You leave a capable sergeant here. Ealdbriht will help her if need be. ”
I hoped he would take up the suggestion. I valued him highly and would have him well.
“I shall consider it, my Thane” His parting words brought a small smile to my lips.
