laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

As his armada was unloading their horses and gear, Jilahd jumped down onto the soft beach and walked towards the walls of Brynmar. It didn't take long for him to recognize the thunder of hooves heading his way and glanced through the sparse pine to see four riders, two of them his own sons. A sight that brought a smile to his face as Gerlach and Amund reined in their steeds alongside two others on smaller, normal sized mares. And smelling of perfume.

"Hail, father," Amund slid off of his saddle as the rest followed suit and quickly strode to him. Jilahd grabbed both of his sons in a bear hug. Being in their forties, they were still his children.

"Good to see you both," Jilahd laughed as they backed, then turned aside as Gerlach motioned to their host.

"Father, this is Baron Miles Gerard of Brynmar and his chamberlain, Sir Albert."

"It's an honor to have you with us, Sire," the baron greeted and bowed. "I've been looking forward to your visit for some time."

"I hope my men haven't made too big of a mess of your town," Jilahd smiled and shook the man's hand which was engulfed by the larger and stronger one.

"Not at all. Though the supplies of food are running low, I'm afraid. How long will you be staying?"

"Only a day, we have a job to do."

Miles straightened, "Oh. Well then, my home is yours," he motioned to the castle.

"Many thanks." Jilahd turned as Haakon approached with his horse and led the rest of his royal guard. Once saddled, he rode up to his new escorts as they also mounted and followed them through the immense tent city now commanding every open space between farms and the main road. "How was your journey here," he asked Gerlach, now king of De Haan and his eldest surviving son.

"Lost four ships and around a hundred and twenty were claimed by the sea."

Jilahd nodded quietly, then turned his attention back to the encampment as warriors stood and bowed to him as he rode by. They looked bored, which was a bad thing. "About the same here. How long have you been in Brynmar?"

"Four days now."

He glanced up into the sky and noticed the sun was fairly high, then glanced to the gatehouse as they approached. "Have your men begin carrying the boats south to the Linder River. We'll follow with ours tomorrow." A comment that gained the baron and chamberlain's attention immediately.

"Yes, father." Both sons reined back around to carry out the order and begin their march southward.

Smells of cookfires, forges and all the multitude of other products of civilization hit him as they passed into the main street of the city. Homes rose two and three stories and hemmed in the central thoroughfare as they rode through the crowd whose nervous faces watched the newcomer and his fearsome entourage pass by.

"Carry your ships, my lord," Miles said in disbelief. "That's a few days ride south to the river." His right hand rose in defense. "I don't mean to discount their ability, but...is that possible?"

Jilahd turned and smiled to his host. "You'd be amazed what these men are capable of."

That evening, Jilahd stood on the small patio overlooking the port and sea beyond. Mug in hand, the baron stood with him as they watched the Varangian army tie hewn trees below and along the keel of each vessel, then lift them in time and lay each beam onto the backs of their horses now lined up down each side, then as one, carry the longships from the shoreline and head southward out of sight beyond the city walls.

"Had I not seen this with my own eyes, I would never have believed it," the baron stated in disbelief.

Jilahd laughed, "This has been done many times on campaigns in the past. We build our ships light, yet strong enough to go anywhere we need to get to quickly." He raised his tankard and took in a drink of the beer he was offered. Not bad, for humans. Dwarven ale was a delicacy not often enjoyed and he hoped an opportunity would avail itself while near the Black Mountains.

"Whoever has gained your ire, I hope they've made peace with their gods."

Pride quickly turned to disdain. "I hope they dig their graves before we arrive."

* * *

After a restless sleep, Jilahd awoke to the continued sound of activity in the dock below and outside the seaside gate. Sunlight caught the stone rail beyond the gently flowing curtain and announced a new day which prompted him to sit up. He determined that they would get information in Fletcher's Point and let fate guide him from there. If Zariva or Carbost had been taken, he would march to the liberation of those towns, but he needed to find out first. No doubt, the king of Davos wouldn't be very happy about the newcomers. He should pen a letter first stating his intentions.

Once dressed, he descended the long staircase into the main hall and headed towards the Great Hall where he found Baron Gerard conferring with his wife. A slightly attractive brunette whose brown eyes smiled at him as he approached, prompting the baron to turn and greet him as well.

"Morning, Sire. Did you sleep well," Miles inquired.

"I did. I was hoping for some parchment and quill. I need to pen a letter."

"Of course..."

"I'll get those for you, Sire," Lady Rebecca curtsied, then departed as Jilahd continued to the nearest table and sat down.

"She's a good woman," he grinned to the baron as Miles sat down as well.

"Yes, she is. She has a sister that's unmarried, if..."

"No," Jilahd raised a hand. "I'm married."

"But your home is far away and you've been traveling for some time now. Men have needs, Sire."

Jilahd grinned as his left hand went to the necklace buried within his braided beard. "They do, and if you think that something like that would go forgotten, then clearly you've never met a Varangian woman."

Miles chuckled. "I've heard stories, Sire."

"Stories are meant to amuse or laud the heroics of a warrior. Our women sponsor different visions, indeed."

A long silence lingered as servants brought baked bread, meat and bacon then set the various dishes out before both men as Haakon and his royal guard filtered in and joined the chamberlain at the many tables.

"If I may," the baron began. "Where are you headed?"

Jilahd glanced at the inquisitive noble for a long moment. "Still not sure actually. But, we'll know soon enough."

"I..I'm not sure I understand."

"The Aesir sent me on this quest. They guide as they will," he informed and continued eating.

Miles nodded. "Well, if there's anything I can help with, just say the word."