Witan Jewell

by Russ L. Howard

  “You see, Hartmut,” Sur Sceaf attempted to explain, “some of us think the human body is beautiful and should be celebrated. It’s a way we show worship to our gods, in whose image we have been stamped.”

  “Now that we will be living in the vicinity of the academy,” Mendaka added, “We’ll be sending a lot more of our brighter braves and maidens to study there.”

  Hartmut pondered. “I wonder what Fromer the Pious would say about us sending our children there,” Hartmut said astride his horse.

  Mendaka declared, “That man is so contrary and controlling that if your Jesus taught there personally, Fromer still wouldn’t let them go. If there is anything I’ve learned, there’s just no pleasing small men.”

  * * *

  Long Swan’s Log: The Year is 584 H.S.O. We have left the Moonth of Long Days and are entering the Hay Moonth going into the Day of Scything when the Half Moonth of Ur is celebrated with dressing up in Wisent heads and running through the streets. It commemorates Hrus-Syr-Os whom the Pitters divided up into seven pieces like a wisent and then walked through them. The holiday focuses on putting the pieces of the wisent back together as one and is called the Raising of the Bull.

  I was sent ahead of the lord Sur Sceaf, and he is expected to be arriving today in Ur Ford with the vanguard of artisans, craftsmen, and settlers.

  Rabbi Amschel will be assisting Sur Sceaf by preparing for placing the settlers on their allotments while Sur Sceaf goes whaling on the great deep. There is much excitement in the town in anticipation of their arrival, particularly, among the Herewardi yeomen, because the lord Sur Sceaf shall take up residence among them. The local merchants and shopkeepers are licking their chops in anticipation of the increased sales coming their way. There shall surely be an increase in wealthy burghers when the settlements are finally full.

  The Council of Jywdic Women have got up an injunction requiring that the rendering of the whales be done out at sea and not ashore, due to its stench which they did not want in their backyards. To accommodate them, Sur Sceaf wrote that he has arranged for the rendering to take place in the belly ships at sea. To that end, Turtle Duck is taking the rendering equipment aboard the belly ships, thus requiring the training of new renderers. Raven’s Tongue has shown them the necessary safety requirements to prevent the fires used in melting the blubber from harming the ships.

  Rabbi Amschel has delivered an accounting of the whale oil thus far harvested by the increased number of ships. Sales have proven highly lucrative. Merchants are coming in droves from Frisco, Citriodora, the Mexus, and as far off as the Rockies to purchase it. That is why it is imperative that Sur Sceaf go to sea for the greater harvest that is surely out there over the bend where few have ventured before.

  The Rabbi’s first wife, Turfrida, my sister, has charged me to make a history of the Jywdic people of Ur Ford. Originally, they lived in the Jywdic city of Esdraelon up in the mountains of the Rockies. However, the Rabbi Amschel found himself out of agreement with their Haredic Orthodoxy and thus led a like-minded group of Jywds westward under Karl Throckmorton’s advisement. Karl Throckmorton got permission from Sur Spear to allow them to settle on the coasts. Ultimately, he settled south of Mount Hrum and formed a sovereign Jywdic city-state here in Ur Ford with it’s mixed Herewardi, Sharaka, and Hickoryan populations. Sur Spear appointed him the governor of the coasts and he has done a praiseworthy job of it.

  Pyrsyrus has been of much aid in training seamen and warriors. He parked his Pyringian Pirates brought from the East Sound of Syra-Coos here at Urford and will be rendering further training and counsel as needed . He remains ashore to build his sea palace. He told Sur Sceaf and me that ships are the horses of the sea. Just as horses control the battles on the land, so do ships control the battles on the seas.

  Soon I shall launch with my lord, Sur Sceaf, out on the Aurvandilean Sea for the great deep. Despite my sea sickness, I am determined to go on the whale hunt. It is a common endeavor and a giant step for the three tribes and needs a first hand chronicler to capture this historic moment for future generations.

  * * *

  After several hours of riding, Surrey saw signal plumes rising off in the distance. A rider clad in all black with a black hat, black hair and a mustache, and a short sword came riding from the south to greet them. As he drew near on his black steed Surrey recognized his nephew. The young blood hailed, “Greetings Lord Sur Sceaf, it is a great pleasure to see you again so soon. The Rabbi has sent me to escort you and your caravan into the town of Ur Ford.”

  “Os-Frith, El Yid.”

  “That name is going to stick with me, isn’t it?” The young handsome man smiled.

  “Of that you can be sure, Zeru-Herewardi, the Caballo Blanco has tagged you well.” They laughed. “No more Zeru, but I think I shall now rather prefer calling you El Yid. The Ur Fyr tells me you shall make quite a name for yourself in the Ea-Urth.” He paused for a moment. “And if not in the Ea-Urth, then on the sea.”

  “Mo-Bro, I guess it’s no worse than Mo Fa’s name of Francis.” They both laughed. “Wasn’t it Francis Bacon when he was a beard back east?”

  “That it was. The gods have named you Yid.” Sur Sceaf said. “Live with it. You will see, they will make it your crown.”

  “I am honored to be a Jywd, so I will. Now if you will permit me to escort you into Ur Ford, my lord, I will bring you up to date on everything that’s going on there since you left.”

  As they rode into the town with all its small shops, tidy wooden houses, and sturdy docks, the fleshmongers and fishmongers were busy distributing their products while the vegetable producers offered mostly leeks, beets, onions, cranberries, and potatoes. A great number of residents had turned out to wave and shout their greetings. Riding through the town center, Sur Sceaf spotted a tall brown haired man with a slim face, dressed in a long raven black gabardine coat with a wide brimmed black nipple hat.

  Sur Sceaf pointed out to Hartmut, “There’s the Rabbi” Then turning to Mendaka, said, You’ll find he is a man of both passion and compassion. His status in the White Horse Society as a pillar of wisdom and strength has been established for many years. You can bet he will be a binding force for the unification of all our diverse peoples. Mark my words on that.”

  The Rabbi stood at the well in the center of the town, waiting in the company of a dozen black clad students, each armed with their short swords at the side.

  Holding his hands out in front with palms up, the Rabbi Amschel intoned, “Welcome, welcome, welcome, Sur Sceaf and friends,” as he spoke he lifted his hands up and down in a traditional Jywdic greeting.

  Sur Sceaf and his men dismounted. “Greetings my brother,” they embraced one another in a hug. “I am much appreciative that you sent El Yid to escort us in.”

  “What? Who?”

  “Zeru!” Sur Sceaf declared with a laugh.

  “Oh, yes. El Judio—El Yid. I almost forgot the Caballo Blanco took such a special liking to my son and that Turtle Duck branded him Yid. Have you noticed he’s beginning to take on a dashing personality to befit his nick name.” The Rabbi glanced at his boy. “He’s quite the hit with the young ladies with that rapier, don’t you think?” El Yid grinned and took his one hand from the broad sword to place the other on the rapier. “Can you believe it, Oy, he even cut the corners of his beard. And now,” Amschel threw his arms up, “that royale on his chin. Oy! What would my father say about that? But what do you do? We were all once young. He’s powerfully handsome, isn’t he Surrey?”

  “I leave the young maidens to determine that. But what would his grandfather say about you?”

  “Yes, yes, of course, you’re right, you’re right. Yid’s grown to be such a looker. Makes me wish I had those looks and his age again.”

  “I think you shall find in him a son you can be very proud of,” Sur Sceaf said, “Lord Pyrsyrus already sings his praise and that counts for a lot. Let me take this moment to say, I am much appreciative of all your preparations and thought
fulness for the settlers, Rabbi.” Turning he introduced the others who had arrived.

  After the greetings were exchanged between the Rabbi and Sur Sceaf’s men, Sur Sceaf pointed, “As you can see the hosts of settlers are coming this way. This is our first wave.”

  “Well, as promised, we are ready to accommodate you in any way you may need.”

  “Do you think the sea is ready for us?” Sur Sceaf asked.

  “Yes,” the Rabbi said. “The sea is ready to marry you. She will wrap you in her gentle waves. Almighty God favors you. I feel it in my bones. She is no longer the turbulent wench she used to be. Let’s see if you can tame her like you tamed that wild stallion you ride.”

  Sur Sceaf noticed that several of the young men accompanying the Rabbi were busy taking notes. The Rabbi raised his finger glancing at Sur Sceaf. “You notice how all of my people are carrying short swords these days.”

  “It’s one of the first things I noticed.”

  “Since your visit two moonths ago, when you and Pyrsyrus trained us in fighting, we have taken very seriously the admonition that every able bodied man must be a warrior. I had put Zeru,” he coughed and chuckled, “El Yid, in command of all our warriors, but Pyrsyrus has insisted on recruiting him along with some of our other Jywdic young bloods for the pirating ventures. Lord Pyrsyrus is such a master of movement. Oy! You should see the strange exercises that brother of yours puts the young bloods through. I wouldn’t have believed a man could run straight up a building or leap over walls in a single bound. He even has them jumping from roof to roof and climbing through trees like squirrels. And then there’s the swimming in the deep and running longer than deer. I shan’t mention the sword dancing he does with them. And that rapier! Oy!” His eyes looked down. “My boy has grown up. He’ll be leaving with you soon, and that saddens me.”

  “Yes, he will, but in Turtle Duck’s crew. From this point on, Rabbi, our activities will require both sacrifice and eternal vigilance. The Pitter Worm must not scent out any of our preparations. Even now, they are straining at their leashes to feast on us and have sent out their unholy elite to slay us in our beginnings. Only the pain we can inflict will keep them at bay. My moving here has made us all targets of their wrath during this, our most vulnerable transition.”

  The Rabbi nodded. “Sur Sceaf, please bring my boy back to me alive.”

  As Sur Sceaf surveyed the young students, the Rabbi’s newest wife, Ruth, came up from behind them. As he recalled from earlier conversations she was the same age as Mendaho and equally attractive, in fact, she reminded him of his wife Milkchild with her porcelain complexion and intelligent grey eyes. They greeted one another and then Surrey introduced her to the others.

  She went down the line offering her hand, recounting to each what Surrey had told her about them. He was impressed by her recall and it was apparent that the others had found her as charming as he did. With almost military exactness she turned on her foot and declared, “It will be my pleasure to show the settlers their camps at the base of Mount Hrum.

  The Rabbi beamed, “She’s the organizer of the family. She’s even more detailed than me Surrey.”

  “Impossible!” Sur Sceaf found her smile most enchanting.

  Ruth beamed. “Surrey, Bnimin has said so much about you in his letters. I received one today saying he was traveling with your son Arundel to deliver some mares to the settlement at Powers. Of course, our daughter, Machbah, rode over to Powers as soon as she heard. We are grateful your son is teaching him the Herewardi ways. He has so much wanted to join the young blood fyrd. And, of course, we are forever indebted to you for allowing us to form a new sovereign Jywdic tribe under the Herewardic wing.”

  “It is we who should be thanking you, Lady Ruth. You have brought naught but blessings upon our house. My father has found Amschel to be a man of great knowledge and to be a detailed organizer along with his ability of being a profound peacemaker. Traits we can readily make much use of with the gathering of nations here in Ur Ford.”

  “You do us too great of an honor,” Ruth said. “But it is your father, the king that shows the bigness of heart in being tolerant of so many different peoples.”

  “Truth be told we have found no other people so adapted to our lifestyle as you nor so tolerant. It shows us a different view of ourselves and I find that very refreshing.”

  The Young Bloods arrived in the city center. As he continued to speak with Lady Ruth, he directed the young bloods through signing where they should take up position.

  “I am very pleased to be taking up residence in Ur Ford. I have always valued your husbands counsel. He only takes serious things serious, but is never troubled by the superficial. He has the gift of seeing the good in evil and the evil in the good so that he can discern the substance behind the image and has seldom been deceived. He has served us without fear or favor and you should know the king greatly values him.”

  She turned and smiled at her husband. “You are all that Surrey says, my dear husband.” It was clear the Rabbi was embarrassed by the praise. He rubbed his mouth and shook his head.

  Mendaka spoke up. “Lady Ruth, all that is said of the Rabbi confirms your assessment, but I fear in the coming days, we will have problems enough to test the Rabbi’s skills and ours as well.”

  * * *

  Accommodations for a large number of settlers had been set up on the outskirts of Ur Ford in a dry grassy field behind a large woods at the foot of Mount Hrum, the height of which would break the sea breeze and add to their comfort. The Rabbi and his stewards assisted, with Ruth directing the placement of each group.

  By sunset the Herewardi craftsmen and their wives had a large campfire built in the circle of their wagons over which several muttons were soon simmering on a spit. The Quailor women were busy cooking in their cauldrons, making stew and passing out bread while the Sharaka camp was occupied making stick bread, smoked salmon, and venison.

  Sur Sceaf motioned for Elijah to join their company. He expained to them some of the plans he had developed as he and his company looked from a low rise over the camps. After the long ride on an empty stomach, his mouth was salivating from the savory odors that drifted in from the diverse cooking fires.

  “These folks all look nestled in and cozy.” The Rabbi commented. “You’re looking pretty hungry. It’s probably time we head over to Turfrida’s house for our own dinner.”

  Sur Sceaf, the Rabbi, Ruth, Mendaka, and Elijah mounted and rode the short distance into Ur by the Sea. Turfrida’s home was a lovely two story, grey, wooden house with maroon trim that sat on the cliffs by the bay. Amschel knocked on the door, kissed the mezuzah affixed to the door post, then opened the large maroon door leading into a spacious living room opening into an equally large kitchen where Turfrida was supervising her cooks. Older than Sur Sceaf by ten years, and the dearest friend to Va-Eyra, his half-sister, the daughter of Brunswan, Sur Spear’s thirteenth wife. Even at this age she looked much younger than her years with her milk-white complexion and the very little grey in her tawny curls. “Bless me, if it ain’t my favorite brother, Sur Sceaf. Had enough of camping, have you?”

  “Hah! Frida! I’ve heard you say that to Pyrsyrus and Long Swan before, my dear fickle sister.”

  “I just love you all so much. You’re all my favorites.”

  Sur Sceaf took her in his arms, squeezed, and said, “Frida, it’s great to see you again and the delicious odors that your kitchen breathes have set me to drooling. It’s great to be back. This is truly my home away from home.”

  “I knew you’d be a hungry wolf so I made your favorite. Goose, pumpkin, and chestnut,” Turfrida said. “Besides, it’s Long Swan’s favorite too, so he helped me cook it. He’s back in his room journaling right now, but will be here anon.”

  “Please let me introduce Elijah von Hollar, my mo fa bro and high priest of the Quailor.”

  “Os-Frith! A pleasure to meet you, sir. Please feel welcome in my home,” Turfrida smiled as she dried her hands a
nd reached for a handshake.

  “And this sorry soul you already know.”

  “Of course, how are you Dak,” Turfrida said as she hugged him. “How is Little Doe these days?”

  “She is delighted we don’t have anymore harsh winters to deal with up in the mountains. She’s staying over in Witan Jewell with our youngest, Going Snake until the final move.”

  “The little imp must be what? Eight or nine by now.”

  “He’s pushing nine.”

  “The same age as our son Ariel.”

  “Sounds like an army out here,” Long Swan said as he suddenly appeared from the hallway.

  “Come, join us.” Turfrida called out to the company. “We’re ready to eat. Please, everybody be seated. Amschel you want to take your place at the head of the table. Sur Sceaf you will sit here beside me. Mendaka you sit to my other side, Elijah you sit right beside the Rabbi, and Sister Ruth, you may sit on his other side. Long Swan, you sit next to her.”

  Everyone found their seat at the table. Sur Sceaf held the chair for his sister and Long Swan seated Ruth before taking his own place.

  Elijah picked up an object next to his plate and said, “What is this four-sided object that looketh like a top?”

  “Oh,” Turfrida said, “it’s a dreydl the kids left on the table. I got it out today to show the children that a great miracle is about to happen here. You see, I’ve etched runic letters on each of the four sides to show our cultural blending of Herewardic Judaism. Thus it represents, as the world spins, so expands the Holy Elfabet.”

  “Thank thee for that enlightenment, my lady,” Elijah said. “Thou hast such a lovely and cozy home. It remindeth me much of the home I left in Salem. And what a view of the great deep from these windows.”

  “Thank you, Elijah. I am sorry you have been displaced, but soon you shall have a new inheritance. If you turn that dreydl you will see the letter Elwas is boldly written on one side and pertha on the other. My children always enjoy playing with them. Perhaps you would like to give it to one of your grandchildren?”