The Blighted Fortress

by David E Dresner

  They started down the tree and took their time descending. They climbed from limb to limb. Their footing was secure but their nerves were not. Both had their minds on the challenge ahead and neither wanted to try a faster descent.

  When they finally got back to their sleeping nest, they sat down to settle themselves. “One last little cookie snack before starting?” asked Traveler as he reached into his backpack.

  “OK, but save something, you may need it later. I’m going to save my last two cookies and apple, they may be all we have for the rest of the day. Remember food is survival for these village people and I doubt they’ll be inclined to share with a couple of strangers.”

  Half listening to Glenda, Traveler’s stomach welcomed the cookie while thinking, I always get what I want. Brains never get hungry so they don’t understand.

  The brain responded, You’ll regret this later, Mr Pig. Act with self-control like the girl and survive.

  As they were ready to descend to the forest floor Traveler quipped, “Do you think we’ll ever be out of the woods on this mission?” Glenda shook her head at his weak pun. “Sorry princess, but I’m trying to keep a little humor going, I think humor may serve us as well as food.”

  “Humor accepted and appreciated.” Smiling, Glenda continued, “Seriously, I think we need to make our opening moves very carefully. We certainly don’t want to alert the creature we’re here and it may have spies. Let’s casually approach a local and find out how the village works and who’s in charge.”

  Then she added her own deprecating humor, “Let’s ask about their turnip crop this year. We’ll say we just fell off our turnip wagon and need directions. A grinning Traveler shook his head. She can make a joke, good for her.

  Chapter 24

  Life in a Field

  With the food inhaled they accepted it was time to move ahead. Traveler said, “I think I know the best way out of these woods to the open fields we spotted. Mind if I take the lead?”

  “You lead and I’ll follow, you are the scout here.”

  Traveler only heard the “I’ll follow” and felt his spirits take a little jump up.

  “The good news is the floor is easy to walk on. The overhead canopy is so dense there’s not much growing down here.”

  They descended from their sleeping quarters until they finally reached the soft forest floor. Having their feet back on the ground was reassuring, now they would move horizontally rather than vertically. Resting on the ground they paused for a few minutes to center mind and body. When they were ready they nodded at each other and began their hike toward the village.

  They walked for a number of hours constantly weaving around trees and occasional thickets. Time in the forest without a watch was difficult to judge. Just as Glenda was getting ready to ask Traveler if his mental compass was working, they both saw the beginning of the field in front of them. “I see light at the end of this forest tunnel!” exclaimed Glenda.

  The surrounding trees were all still huge and dense but they ended abruptly with an open field. One minute they were walking sheltered by the overhead canopy and the next they were squinting into bright sun.

  “Looks like the farmers have cleared trees for their crop fields,” said Traveler. “Man, the clearing must have been impossibly hard to do. Cutting down these trees would have taken forever, then pulling out the stumps must have challenged even the best oxen team.”

  Motioning to Glenda he said, “Let’s do some easy field walking now. I was getting dizzy circling those monster trees.”

  As Traveler was stepping into the field, he felt Glenda’s hand on his arm. “I think a little caution is in order. Let’s stay hidden here and check out the field. We don’t want to be spotted suddenly appearing out of the primeval woods. People may view us as advance scouts for some raiding party or as thieves.”

  Then she added, “Plus we’re taller than the locals in this time period. Just our size may identify us as trouble. According to M they are paranoid toward strangers and may automatically view us a threat to their livestock, crops, and lives.”

  “Good point,” agreed Traveler. “You move along the right side and I’ll take the left side. Staying within the tree line will give cover while we see if there’s anything to avoid. Let’s meet back here in about an hour.”

  Pointing up to the sun, extending his arms then stacking the fists he said, “Watch for the sun to drop down to about two stacked hands from the horizon.”

  “Nice hand-clock Mr Scout and no battery required.” With that they parted and moved through the edge of the woods in opposite directions.

  On a regular basis each would stop behind a large tree, pause a minute, and survey the field. Every experienced hunter knows that it’s movement that draws the watchful eye of stalking animals and people. When the hunter remains stationary, deer quickly continue their feeding.

  Glenda was the first to discover a necessary asset. Using her hand-clock, she was about ready to turn back when she saw a nice-sized stream. The stream followed a manmade channel cut away from the river to water the crops. The wide channel branched periodically as it flowed along. It was a clever form of irrigation requiring little effort on the part of the farmers.

  One branch flowed into a manmade depression and filled it to create a small pond. The pond was adjacent to the crop field and close to the woods. It was clearly intended as a water source for the workers. They could drink and seek shade under a nearby tree.

  She advanced through the tree line until she was directly across from the pond. There were no people visible and she boldly stepped out and crossed to the pond. Kneeling, she studied the placid water. No visible sediment, it must quickly fall to the bottom. The top water looks as pure as tap water. Her inspection satisfied she cupped her hands and began to drink. At first she took controlled, slow sips but quickly they were followed by huge gulps. She realized how thirsty she was, the ham sandwiches had created a strong demand for water.

  Finally she was satiated. The restorative feeling was wonderful, We take water for granted but it is truly the elixir of life. You only miss it when you don’t have it. We can go many weeks without food, but water is critical after just a few days.

  Chapter 25

  Soldiers Arrive

  Traveler was quietly watching the workers as they planted. They were a mix of younger children, men, and women. The adults talked among themselves and appeared to be enjoying their task. Occasional chuckles could be heard interspersed with occasional grunts. The children were given wide latitude to plant, then chase each other. The only reprimands came if they ran into a planted area.

  Traveler noted the obvious strength of the men. Their forearms and biceps bulged. They had thick chests and necks. They could replace the oxen to pull out the stumps if need be, he chuckled to himself.

  The women appeared stout but muscular compared to today’s standard of model thinness. As he watched the women working, he realized they had developed muscles to efficiently work beside the men. There were no fat adults or children.

  He began to see the division of labor between the children, women, and men. This was a group that seemed to enjoy working beside each other. Physical labor has its rewards, he thought. They have learned how to enjoy hard work without complaining about it. The children see their parents hard at work and will copy them as they grow up.

  He did his hand-clock check and realized that considerable time had passed while watching the workers. He was preparing to return to Glenda when a group of mounted men appeared and rode across the planted field toward the farmers. These men were obviously overseers of some sort and barked commands at the male workers.

  The largest rider moved close to a large farmer who was clearly unhappy with the message. Traveler watched a short verbal exchange take place. The protesting farmer was arguing his case with the lead rider. The horseman suddenly bent in the saddle and struck the farmer with a gauntlet fist.

  The blow was hard enough that the farmer was instantly fell
ed but soft enough not to disable the man. Don’t damage the assets, Traveler thought. This time the farmer wisely remained prone and quiet. He carefully avoided any eye contact with the mounted soldier. Direct eye contact is easily interpreted as a challenge.

  With their message delivered the riders turned their mounts. To make a point they galloped through the recently planted field. New plantings flew up behind the horses’ feet as they galloped away. “Know your place, stay in your place,” was a clear message to all field workers.

  Traveler observed that the standing men were furious. Several shook their fists. The fist-challenge was offered only when the riders’ backs were turned away.

  The women were the practical peacemakers. They understood the rules of expected behavior and wanted their men to survive the insults from the soldiers. They were clearly advising caution to the angry men. Live today to plant another day was a common sense approach for farmers in the face of superior hostile forces.

  While the female adults reacted with calm subservience to the mounted soldiers, they were direct and commanding with the children. They issued sharp commands to the older children that left no room for questioning.

  The youngest children instinctively huddled together trembling, seeking comfort from their playmates. Traveler observed the children were behaving like scared puppies after being given a nip by the mother dog. Misery seeks company, he thought.

  When Traveler finally met up with Glenda he was in an angry mood. Glenda listened then said, “Relax big boy, we are in the Wild West and the cowboys run things. In case you don’t know, the cowboys are the guys on the horses. Horses in this time identify the alpha males. Horses are a significant asset and beyond the common peasant’s reach.

  “Now to balance your mood, I have good news, follow me.” She led him through the fringe of the woods then out to the watering pond. “Drink up. I’ve already been the official taster and I feel great. This pond water is as clear as a mountain stream.”

  Traveler was amazed at how much he needed the fresh water. He was equally amazed at how much he drank. When he finally lifted his head he simply said, “So necessary. Well spotted.”

  Chapter 26

  It’s a Dog’s World

  As Glenda studied the buildings ahead, she said, “I believe we’re coming in from the backside of this village and that’s good, we’ll be able to get close without being observed. I think the field workers are still down where you saw them and I haven’t seen a single person all morning.”

  Traveler nodded, “Lead on, this field is your scouted turf, I’ll follow you.”

  Glenda accepted the forward scout role and thought, Finally, big boy is accepting I’m his peer as a leader. This reflection gave her spirits a nice lift.

  Glenda followed the stream through the field toward the hamlet buildings. The stream was both a boundary to the field and also a source of water to the village. Once they were out of the field, they found the main stream which flowed behind a large wooden building. This was the largest structure they saw as they approached and they assumed it had an important role in the village.

  As they were studying the back side of the building, low growls were heard coming from around a corner. They instantly froze in place as moments later a pack of very large, brutish appearing dogs rounded a corner. These dogs would dwarf a German shepherd.

  The dogs immediately paused, studied them, and sniffed the air. They remained in place but crouched into attack stances. Their lips were pulled back in snarls displaying long, pointed, front teeth. Deep-throated growls were sent as rumbling warnings to the intruders. Traveler and Glenda were clearly in the pack’s territory, and were definitely intruders.

  Rising over a head above the pack was the alpha male, it was a giant among huge dogs. Its heavily lidded eyes were narrowed as it assessed them. Thick hackle hairs were raised up from its neck and down the length of its back. Traveler thought, So that’s what having its hackles up means. It means serious business is coming, so beware puny human.

  The alpha’s powerful rear legs were bent at an angle for springing forward. The intelligent dark eyes continued to sweeping across both of them. Each was a potential victim being placed into an attack order.

  Glenda remained frozen in place, she knew not to move as the alpha’s eyes assessed her. Any movement and the alpha could launch an attack. She glanced at Traveler to find he appeared relaxed and actually pleased while he studied the alpha.

  “Wow! I believe Fido is an old-world Molossus. He is so cool. Molossus are extinct in our time, but were the original big dogs. Their DNA is still present in English mastiffs, making the mastiffs the largest of modern dogs.”

  Traveler continued his history lesson on dogs as Glenda remained quiet and motionless. “The Molossus fought with the Roman armies, they probably brought them here when they conquered this region. They were a major weapon for the legions, much like elephants were for Hannibal. Barbarians were scared to death of them.

  “This big fellow goes well over 350 pounds, maybe a lot more. Look at his muscle definition; he’s the King Kong of dogs.”

  Glenda found she was still holding her breath and finally exhaled. “Thanks for the history lesson, professor. Personally, I would prefer facing a pack of chihuahuas right now. We could drop kick them over the roof and score field goal points. I’d break my toes kicking this mountain of a dog.”

  “Well these bad boys are just doing their job. They are trained to protect the building and are likely the only defensive weapon the villagers have. I bet the guys that are in charge around here forbid the farmers to keep weapons. No weapons mean no farmer rebellions.”

  While Traveler was still talking, Glenda started to relax and move toward him. Her motion triggered the alpha’s attack. The dog was smart and knew the man was the greater threat. The alpha sprang at the weak link, the female.

  This was a big mistake for the alpha, Glenda was nobody’s easy target. While he was in midair Glenda’s defensive instincts took over. Rather than turning her back to run, as the alpha expected, she flashed toward him and grabbed him under the chest and his rear legs while he was in midair. In a swift move she lifted the stunned dog above her head, then did a Michael Jordan vertical leap.

  Eight feet in the air, she threw the alpha hard into his bunched pack. The alpha hit his pack like a bowling ball hitting the pins for a clean strike. The pack yipped and scattered while Glenda stood over the prone alpha.

  Glenda stretch to her full height and stared down into the alpha’s eyes and the massive animal began to whimper. He rolled onto his back and presented his throat to the new alpha.

  Glenda slowly bent down then talked softly to him. She began to rub his belly then his head. Finally, she gently pulled on his ears. The alpha slowly and gently licked her hand. It was similar to kissing a king’s ring hand to acknowledge the leader.

  Traveler was enthralled. He heard Glenda whispering, “Good boy” as she welcomed the alpha to her own pack of Traveler and herself. Traveler noticed that she rubbed the head and pulled the ears the same way she did with Theo. I need her to show me exactly how to do that, he thought.

  Glenda lifted the alpha to his feet and gave him a hug. Traveler watched the Molossus’s tail wagging so hard it looked ready to fall off. Finally, she took one of her two remaining cookies and presented it to the massive dog. It gently took the cookie from her fingers, swallowed it in one bite and proceeded to again lick Glenda’s hand. The licks were not for lingering tastes, but were licks of fealty. He was Glenda’s servant now.

  Glenda gave him a final pat followed by a gentle push of dismissal. The alpha raced to rejoin his pack. Traveler noticed that the pack had circled back and had watched the exchange between Glenda and the alpha. “I think you not only own the alpha but all of his pack! Brilliant Glenda, truly brilliant!”

  With Traveler’s enthusiastic praise Glenda reddened. She tried to pull off a modest, “Aw shucks, wasn’t much.” Instead she found herself grinning, beaming,
and saying, “I was brilliant, wasn’t I? I remember an old rock-and-roll song from the sixties, ‘Leader of the Pack’.” Making the sound of a motorcycle revving she added, “Guess that’s me.”

  Chapter 27

  Meet the Neighbors

  Looking at the large building Traveler said, “I’m guessing by its size, this is the village inn. I bet it offers more than just shelter, I’m hoping food, lots of food!” Traveler found his mouth began to water with the thought. “Let’s go around to front door and see what it offers inside.”

  They walked around the long side of the building until they found themselves facing a dirt road. The front of the building faced the road and a large wooden door made it clear this was the main entrance.

  They paused to study the village, starting with the road. It was something less than a true road yet more than a widened path. “With the Romans gone I bet all these rural roads return to nature,” Traveler observed.

  Many of the nearby buildings fronted the road. They appeared to be simple farm homes clustered together. Observing the village layout Glenda said, “It’s a neighborhood. With my Scandinavian heritage I can tell you our expression of ‘being neighborly’ comes from combining two old German words meaning ‘near’ and ‘dweller’ and that’s exactly what a neighbor is.”

  Traveler acknowledged her history lesson with a smile and nod thinking, So the princess is a bit of a history buff also.

  As they studied the various structures served by the road, they noticed that at a far end of the village was a large open-faced shed.

  The shed was built around and covered a large stone fire pit. Extending into the side of the fire pit was a large bellows. This shed was the workstation for a blacksmith. This village was not large enough to support a permanent smithy so the structure sat unused until a visiting smith arrived.