All around the Bancross the sky dusked and the shadows was getting longer and darker, reflecting my brooding mood. Casting a guilty glance towards the farm of Waelden, Yllfa and Ethel, I return my attention to my task at hand. I'm trying to saddle up a skittish dark brown filly, but it has proven difficult. The filly has sensed my dark mood and it unsettles her, making her skip away, each time I get too close. But as I move gently towards her, putting my right hand slowly at her neck and moving my head toward her, I whisper softly Boe annin mened… That settles her somewhat, so I can tighten up the saddle. Next I place the bedroll and baggage, behind the saddle, making sure it is tightened up firmly and will not fall off.
As I'm nearing the end of these preparations, I hear somebody approaching my farm. I look up and towards the road leading to my farm and see a young man on a white horse, followed by an elderly man sitting on a rustic wagon, pulled by a gray horse. I'm pleased to see that Eormen and his father are here on time, as agreed upon. As they are getting closer, I raise my hand in greetings and start walking towards them, leading the frilly behind me.
Young Eormen jumps down from his horse, moves towards me, before he clasp his hand with mine, as warriors do when they greet one another. Ferthu hal Duncadda he says in a low voice. You are ready then I see? He seems to take a measure of me and the frilly behind me, while he awaits my response. Ferthu hal! I respond back and only nod in response to his question.
I raise and point my left hand behind me. The farm is now in you and your fathers care. I say. The animals are tended for and there should be enough food for the both of you through the summer. I pause for a moment, before I continue with my instructions. I expect you to keep your end of the bargain… I pause only to see that he gives me a solemn nod, eyes sharp and paying attention to what I say. Good… you will need to tell Waelden that I’m not around and that I have left Bancross. I look sadly towards the direction of Waeldens farm again . You will also be offering your support to him and his family, even if that takes you away from Bancross… I pause and again I see an understanding face, offering no objection. I pull out a small polished white rock from one of my pockets. This you will give to Yllfa. He looks at me puzzled. She will understand. I say with a smile.
I point towards my barn. Inside the barn there are three small barrels with mead of my own design. I want you to bring one to the garrison and to a brute of man, by the name Eadrinn. I shake my head in amusement, thinking of the havoc that man can cause with that barrel within his belly. The second one, you can bring to Ethel. She is the daughter of Waelden as you might remember I told you about? He only nods in response. And the third and final one, I want delivered to Gamferth, who lives up northeast from here. I point in the direction. You can ask Hildfrith in the Dragon for directions, if you can't find the place.
I look around and nod my head towards the other horses that grass within the fence. If you or your father need any help with the horses, you can reach out to Brynleigh. She will for sure help you out, if needed. I pause, trying to think of whether there is anything else to say. Eormen puts his hand on my shoulder. Do not be too concerned. Your farm is in good hands and I will do my utmost to help and protect your friends here. He looks up to the elderly man who had been sitting still during the entire conversation. Ain't that right pa? The old man only smiled broadly at me in return, showing a mouth with only a few brown and yellow teeths left.
As I have no further instructions or anything else on my mind, we both come to silent agreement that our conversation has come to an end.
No more words were spoken as they moved past me and toward the house, while I mounted the frilly and slowly rode away from my farm and into the silent darkness of the night, singing softly to myself.
Hearing the soft tune play… you will rejoice on a busy day… some may like it but some may… the sound of the wind in your hair will take your dark thoughts away…
