Serenity Valley

by Rocky Bills

  Someone was calling her name. “Nesta lass, Nesta girl, you there?” Nesta realized it was Ira talking to her. “We be here, darling. Yer feller be comin' up the road right there.” Nesta opened her eyes. They were behind a crowd of people that lined the roadway. She began to swing her leg over Whip’s sweaty rear to dismount. Ira said, “Gots ta let go now, darling.” Both of her hands clutched the neck of Ira’s breastplate, and he was gently tapping them. “Got ta let go naw, lass.” With a conscious effort, Nesta let go and began her descent from Whip.

  When Nesta got both feet on the ground, she tested the firmness with her feet. Her legs were unsteady, but within a few more moments she was recovered. Ira was pointing to the procession walking up the path. “He be right there in front, with Mildred next to him. Gamel’s on ta other side of Mildred carrying Basilea. Gots ta go, darling. Go get 'im if'n ya want 'im.” Ira was whooping as he turned Whip around and dashed away. Nesta pushed her way through the crowd until she was in the roadway. Still trying to retrieve total control of her legs, she teetered from side to side a bit. At last, she spotted Demon parading in front of a procession of people. She spotted Mildred, and then she saw Gamel on one side carrying a wrapped up Basilea. Fulk walked on the left side of Mildred. She could no longer restrain herself. She took off at such speed that, once again, her flaming red hair was pulled straight back in the wind. Fulk saw her running his way, and his face broke into a face-splitting smile.

  Gamel said, “Well, don’t just walk along here; go get your girl. GO!”

  As if released from a prior obligation, Fulk took off to meet his princess. When they reached each other, Nesta launched herself into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. Shaking, she said, “I was afraid that I lost you!”

  “No, my lady. I had someone to come back for.” Tears freely flowed down both their faces. They broke apart slightly and kissed each other passionately on the lips.

  Basilea was taking all this in from her cradled position in Gamel’s arms. She said, “Oh my goodness, look at those two.”

  “Guess those two are getting along pretty well, then,” Gamel murmured.

  Basilea said, “No doubts.”

  The group following directly behind Gamel consisted of Ox, Bells, Fina, and Nesta’s mother, Trina. Fina looked at Trina and asked, “How do you feel about such goings-on as this?”

  Trina answered, “The rogue lad is of pure heart an' fancies me daughter more dan a girl deserves. Dat clear up any question on me feelins.”

  Fina said, “He be a fine young man indeed!”

  “The boy is like a son ta me,” Ox chimed in. “Yer girl best not be a breakin' him heart or we be havin' words, you an me, Lady Trina.”

  “Oh, so 'tis words ya be wantin' from me, is it? Way ya been lookin' at me, I was thinkin' ya mightin be wantin' a roll in da hay now.” Bells started to chuckle. Fina gasped at the accusation.

  Ox responded, “Well, of course me be wantin' ta partake in yer womanly pleasures, who wouldn’t?”

  Fina gasped. “Oh, would ya listen ta the twos of ya. I think the younglings got yer blood up.”

  “Be careful what ya be wishin' fer, Mr. Ox,” Trina said. “Not many men can survive me heavenly delights and live ta tell 'bout it.”

  “It be worth da risk. All the same ta you, I’d soon take da chance. If a lived, it be a bonus!”

  Bells burst out laughing. Fina was embarrassed at their banter, but Ox and Trina just smiled and looked at each other. “Well now, Mr. Ox, haves ya ever been wits a wild woman now?” Trina jibed.

  “Never one that being wild 'nough.”

  “Well, just how wild a woman ye be needin?”

  Without missing a beat, Ox fired back, “I always says da ideal woman would be needin' shaked out a tree when it be time ta come in da house at night!”

  Bells was laughing continuously now, but Fina looked as if she was about to faint. She gasped for air and fanned herself. Trina said, “In that case, Mr. Ox, you be promisin, but me got an old man.”

  “You want that I should kill 'im?”

  It was finally too much for Fina, who barked out in alarm, “All right now, the two of you just stop. Stop it right this instant!” Bells laughed heartily. Fina turned scarlet and then crimson while Ox and Trina stared at each other with huge grins. Fulk and Nesta returned to the group, and Nesta immediately went to Basilea to check on her good friend as the procession continued. Trina bent forward and looked over to Ox, all the way on the other side of Bells. Ox bent over to look her way and returned the look. He gave her an obvious wink. Fina cleared her throat and said, “Moving along now.”

  Gamel took Basilea straight to the sleeping quarters upon their arrival at Sirates House and carefully placed her in his bed. Healer Warin and Giselia descended on the injured girl as soon as she was settled on the bed. First, her back wound was cleaned with boiled wine, packed with a poultice, and bandaged with fresh white linen cloth. Her upper torso was soon wrapped, covering her from her arm pits to the sternum. Gamel stood back and watched the two healers work on her leg next. The bolt had passed through the midthigh without striking bone. The wound was cleaned with boiled wine and also wrapped with poultice and bandage. Giselia explained to Warin that the hollow stem needed to remain in Basilea’s side for several days. It would be removed when the lung had healed enough to block the flow of leaking air into the chest.

  Bells had gone to check on Goodwin’s condition. Ox, Fulk, and Nesta stood back with Gamel to observe the procedures. When the two healers had finished with Basilea, they turned their attentions to Gamel and Fulk. They tried to examine both young men but found they were too covered with gore and blood to determine what would be an injury. Giselia looked at Ox and said, “You, Fulk, Gamel take to cleaning, cleaning must to be done.”

  “Get clean clothing da two a you,” Ox said. “We be headed to da brook; only way ta get ta mess oftin you.” Gamel and Fulk both retrieved fresh clothes, but Gamel was reluctant to leave Basilea long enough to get cleaned up.

  Basilea waved Gamel to her and said reassuringly, “Go get cleaned up. I’m fine. I’ll be right here, and Nesta is with me.”

  Gamel followed Ox and Fulk out of the house and headed for the brook. Ox brought a large torch for light and planted it in the ground next to the water’s edge. Ox helped the boys out of their overshirts and breastplates. He had them bend over double while he pulled the chain mail suits over their heads. This is when Ox and Fulk noticed Gamel had numerous patches of dark red showing on his heavy padded shirt. One stain started just below his elbow on the right side and continued to the length of the shirt.

  “Well, this don’t look good, “Ox said. “Let’s get ta rest off.” Once everything was off, Ox examined Gamel’s wound that had bled so much and stated, “You being lucky wit this one, lad; just missed da liver. Both of ya get in da brook an scrub up, be sure ta get da hair too.”

  Gamel and Fulk waded out in the brook and began the task of scrubbing dried blood, gore, and bone fragments from their bodies. They used sand when they found a stubborn patch that wouldn’t readily dissolve. They scrubbed their hair and dunked underwater until they could finally pull their fingers through the strands.

  With the almost full moon and the light of the torch, Gamel could see his reflection clearly in the still water. His light brown hair was too long. His high cheekbones led to a lantern jaw that tended to distract from a nose just a bit too large for his face. The most intriguing thing he observed was his eyes. The whites were now dark red. The normally light brown irises were dark mahogany in color. Gamel asked, “Master Ox, how long will my eyes be like this?”

  “It being one er two month 'fore dey clear completely.”

  Gamel stood up and looked at his body’s reflection. His thick neck flared into broad, powerful shoulders and chest. He had always been large, but the countless hours of running and exercise since they had started training had packed lean muscle on his frame. His impressive torso tapered to a slightly smal
l waist. Powerful, well-defined legs finished the picture. The most unusual thing he saw about his body was that there seemed to be countless bruises forming everywhere, along with a number of cuts, some needing stitching. He knew he would be miserable and sore within a day. Fulk fared much better, with just a few bruises and cuts for his troubles.

  Ox said, “Get ya clothes on'n let’s get back, some a dis cuts needin' stitching.” The boys dressed themselves with fresh clothes and gathered their gore-covered clothing and mail. They began the ascent up the stairs to the house. “Ya boys be havin' problems in days ta come regardin' what happened today. Be botherin' ya what ya done during battle maybe, or what da enemy done. Gamel boy, ya may be fearin' what damage be done ta ya soul, I thinks. When dis be happening, you boys come talk ta me. I been havin' da blood rage, been through whats you two be going through next few days. I be helpin' ta explain things when da time come.” Both boys agreed to seek out Ox when the need arose. They continued to the house.

  Chapter 14

  When Ox and the boys reached the house, Terric, Sayer, Goodwin, and Bells were preparing to leave out the back to make their appearance at the gate tower. Bells and Goodwin had changed into clothes they had at the house. Upon seeing the trio return, Bells said, “Master Ox, how do our young men look?”

  “They pretty much be one big bruise. Gamel going ta need some stitchins, but they be fine considerin' da alternative.”

  “Good! Good!” Bells replied. “We will be back as soon as we can. We need to make an appearance and address the people to put everyone at ease.” Bells came up to the boys and hugged each one individually, with tears in her eyes. Nothing else needed to be said. She was thankful her family had survived.

  “Sit at da tables, you two, let’s have da healers take a good looks at ya,” Ox said once Bell had left.

  We took off our shirts. Warin and Giselia began their examination in the great room. Every lamp and candle that could be found was lit. It occurred to me that the horses needed to be taken care of. I said, “Fulk, we need to tend Demon and Mildred. Demon has a deep cut on his neck that needs stitches. They both will have cuts that need cleaning.”

  Before Fulk could speak, Giselia said, “Horses you not worry, care of, Ivan be doing. Gamel, lucky you being. Wound side near liver, but not hitting, very close, stitching closed will be needing. You, Fulk, be drinking tea, water, much liquid be needing quick.”

  Healer Warin added, “She is right, you know. Both of you have lost much of your fluids.”

  Fulk said, “I’m all right. I feel fine.” Giselia moved to stand in front of him, held out her hand, and said, “You watch, see my skin.” She pinched the skin on the back of her hand tightly, then let go. The skin quickly flattened out and returned to a natural skin tone. Giselia said, “Now see hand of yours.” She grabbed Fulk’s hand and tightly pinched the skin on the back of his hand. Upon release, the skin stayed in a pinched condition for some time.

  Healer Warin stated, “Giselia is right. In another half hour, you both will have severe headaches, followed by uncontrolled fatigue.”

  “Might well be doin' whats they tellin' ya or I be pickin ya off ta ground 'fore long,” Ox broke in to say.

  Listening to our conversation from the kitchen area, Nesta came scooting over with two huge mugs of herbal tea. Healer Warin said, “You two keep drinking until you can make water.”

  Fulk and I began sipping our tea. I stated, “I must check on Basilea. I can’t stay out here.”

  Warin replied, “Basilea sleeps. We gave her a tonic. She may sleep till morning. It’s what she needs right now.”

  “Giselia, will you stay the night with us in case Basilea needs you?” I asked.

  Giselia responded, “I stay, wagon, Ivan must go be with.”

  Ox boomed, “Nonsense! Ivan be stayin' right here wits ya. I be fetchin' yer wagon for ya; will haves it moved ta da main house stables wit'in da hour.”

  Ox stormed out of the front door. Before long, his commanding voice could be heard giving orders to the soldiers posted. Soon after that, thundering hoofbeats were heard fading in the distance. Giselia was busy stitching up my side while Warin worked on a few of Fulk’s wounds. I said, “Thank you both for saving my Basilea. I am forever in your debt.”

  “Thank Giselia, Gamel,” Warin said adamantly. “I had not the knowledge nor skills to save her. She saved her while I learned. Lord Goodwin would do well if he could persuade this talented woman to stay with us. I could learn so much from her!”

  I reached to hold Giselia’s arm, stopping her in mid-stitch. “Giselia, thank you very much. You are the best of friends.”

  Giselia blushed deeply. “Friend Gamel not to thank, welcome.”

  I thought about what a pure and humble heart this fine woman had. Ox returned through the front door right then. “Well, me sees things movin' longs here. I be seeing ta fixin' da turnout gate an helps Ivan wit da horses.”

  Nesta handed Ox two huge mugs of hot tea. Ox exited out the rear door of the great room. Nesta refilled Fulk’s tea mug, then moved on to mine, smiling at Fulk the entire time. “Good sir, the captain tells me you are a local hero after today.”

  Fulk smiled at his girl. “Was nothing really. Later this evening, I plan to slay two giants and a dragon.”

  Nesta giggled. “Only one dragon, sir?”

  Fulk said, “I fear I must be satisfied with but one single dragon. They are out of season, you see, and scarce to find.”

  “Well, it is late, and you may be in need of rest, good sir.”

  Fulk responded, “Ah, rest, what is it to rest? There will be no rest for me, my beautiful lady, for every time I attempt to close my eyes, I am tormented and haunted. Visions of your fiery hair dance from the flames and but taunt me with their enchantment. I dare not lay my head down this night, my enchantress!” Fulk ended his elaborate speech with an obvious wink at Nesta. She blushed a beautiful pink and headed back to the kitchen. Giselia and Warin were chuckling.

  I said, “Well said, Fulk. I am so proud of you!”

  Fulk replied, “I will take that as the highest compliment from a master!” I could see that before long, things would get back to normal.

  Lord Goodwin, Bells, Sayer, and Captain Terric had made their way through the great hall. They slowly walked toward the main gate. Great effort was being exerted by Goodwin to walk straight and true. He refused to show any signs of his weakened condition. When they reached the great towers beside the gate, Goodwin led the party to the left tower and entered. Once inside, he put an arm over Terric and Sayer’s shoulders. They pretty much lifted him off the ground and carried him up the stairs. After allowing a few moments to regain his legs, Goodwin proceeded to the edge of the tower spires and looked out to the crowd. Hundreds of torches cast an amber light over the three thousand people in attendance. Lords and ladies, visitors, hold folk, soldiers, and entertainers all waited to hear Goodwin’s words. After taking a few moments to gather breath and strength, Goodwin began to speak in a loud, forceful tone. “Good people, lords, my ladies, visitors, vendors, entertainers, men-at-arms, and hold folk, please rest assured, the hold is secure. Your safety remains my primary concern. The danger is long past, so please, rest easy! Earlier this evening, a cowardly attack was launched by an enemy of my wife’s father in attempt to strike at King Ackmer through injury to his daughter. These invaders were well organized. Even so, they were easily swept away by De Ferrier men-at-arms, just like dust on the floor. All of the would-be attackers are now bartering with their new king in hell!” The entire crowd cheered. The men-at-arms gave a ferocious battle cry. Goodwin smiled broadly and resumed speaking. “Good people, I cannot allow any bit of a victory for the trash that would have ruined such a festive occasion. Out of respect and necessity, we will mourn and see to our dead on the morrow. Day after tomorrow, the festivities will restart and continue the following three days to complete our long-awaited festival.” The crowd broke out in cheers and applause. Goodwin continued, “I am
sorry for any inconvenience and displeasure this horrible day may have caused any to experience. Anyone who needs food can go to the temporary mess hall. It will be manned around the clock and serve all who enter. All entertainers will be compensated for an additional day to ensure everyone can enjoy their talents as anticipated when festival restarts. As many of you may be aware, I received a slight wound in the skirmish today. Although my wound is minor, my healer has instructed that I must rest the next several days. I am disappointed that I will not be among you as much as I had wished on this festive occasion. Marshal Sayer and my beautiful wife, Lady Bella, are eager to be your gracious hosts in my absence. All of us here at De Ferrier Hold wish to get this unpleasantness behind us and provide you all with the festival you looked forward to and deserve. Please bear with us tomorrow as we honor our fallen warriors. These honorable men gave their life defending lord, hold, and home, true to their oath and to God!” Another tremendous battle cry boomed out from De Ferrier and visiting men-at-arms. Soldiers were honoring soldiers. “Good people, I will bid you goodnight knowing that the hold and all those within are safe this night!” The crowd raved and applauded as Goodwin stepped away from the turret. He turned to his companions. “Well, how do you think I did?”

  Terric answered, “I don’t thinks any a the greedy lords would be tryin' anything. I likes the part 'bout our men-at-arms sweeping thems away like dust.” Now out of sight of the crowd, Sayer and Terric once again lifted Goodwin and began the descent down the spiral staircase of the tower. At the bottom of the staircase, Goodwin composed his exhausted and pain-filled body for the walk to his quarters.