The Eaorl (The Casere Book 2)

by Michael O'Neill

  Conn looked at him in confusion.

  ‘She is what is what I think is called a Sacerd.’

  Conn maintained his look. ‘Sacerd?’

  ‘A Sacerd is a Folgere that can speak to all Folgere.’ It was Derryth’s turn to look confused. ‘In some ways you could be considered a Sacerd – except that you are not female. Anyway, I didn’t think that a Sacerd was even possible – it was a story that arrived from Sytha. Apparently there was a Sacerd in Sytha that had something to do with Osstan – so I’m now really confused.’ He indicated in the direction of the military camp. ‘Anyway, you stand here gawking while I go and see what the Rakians are up to.’

  He returned to returned to say that the Rakians seemed to have no idea what to do. There was no sign of an imminent attack.

  Morna escaped from the clutched of her adoring Folgere, and went to Conn and hugged and kissed him, passionately. She then reluctantly pushed him away. ‘I’d love you to stay but you need to go. We will go and distract the wiga while you can find your way out of here. Oh, I left a present in your room – she is one of Inanna’s Folgere. She is there to say thanks. She will leave when you have satisfied your lust for her.’

  As she spoke, Derryth reported that the Rakians had finally decided to come and investigate – so the Folgere headed out of the ruins and down to the camp – to the probable amazement of the Wiga who saw the slightly glowing naked women arrive. With everyone’s attention suitably diverted, Derryth and Conn easily made their way down the mountain.

  The path down was slightly different to the way up, and they stumbled into ruins, now almost reclaimed by the forest, of a town. The remnants of the palisades could be seen, as could the foundation walls of the hall and donjon. The stones that made up the rest of the walls lay scattered around site. They searched quietly until they sat on a boulder looking at the ruins eating some of the emergency rations.

  ‘Any ideas?’ Derryth asked.

  ‘I think this is actually the old town of Ilissus. I’ve been getting the librarians in Silekia to find all references to Ilissus and collect them for me.’

  The process of turning all the manuscripts in Silekia into Codex has commences some years ago as well – progress was only commencing at a proper pace now as the numbers of librarians increased. Teaching people to read and write was not something that you could do overnight. Much easier to teach them to fight.

  Conn continued. ‘There hasn’t been a lot so far but I do know that the town was slighted before it was abandoned. It would seem that the Eaorl was determined that the Aebeling of Rakia not benefit from his demesne. Apparently he took nearly every able person with him.’

  ‘Isn’t there a Thane?’

  ‘There is – Ceolred or something; I read that descends from the second son of the Eaorl. He stayed behind with a small group of people. He’s around here somewhere.’

  Derryth searched the ruins. ‘There is certainly no indication of war – nothing charred – no arrows.’ He then looked at the sun. ‘We need to move if we want to get into position unseen.’

  They got back to the shore at dusk, and waiting under cover until the night was pitch black. They then waited for the arrival of the boat, providing a beacon on the shore as a guide light. Back on the Cog, they returned to Mantu, where they arrived after three days, in the evening.

  Finally back in the Inn, Conn was surprised to see the Folgere waiting for him. He had forgotten about her. She stood and moved towards him as he entered. She was older – thirties perhaps – and still pretty and probably very voluptuous under the cloak. She bowed.

  ‘Eaorl, if I may, can I have a private word with you?’

  ‘Can it wait – I was going to get an ale…’

  ‘I’m sorry but it can’t – I’m desperate….’

  ‘Very well, why don’t we go up to my room? We can discuss it there…’

  ‘I will be very grateful…

  ~x285~

  Conn surfaced two days later, when he joined Derryth at the ‘Salty Eel’ for breakfast. He had managed to spend some time out of his bedroom to eat but the Folgere would soon find the need for “another” urgent and private discussion.

  ‘I’ve got to say that Inanna is very appreciative of my efforts.’

  ‘Have you sent her away?’ Derryth was always amused by the Folgere.

  ‘I have – there are only so many times that one needs to say thanks – and she’s tried every possible way to say thanks. Anyway, when does everyone arrive?’

  ‘They should be here tomorrow. Oh, and this arrived for you.’

  Conn unwrapped the parcel; heavily protected by waterproof leathers. Inside was small codex and a note. Conn read it out aloud to Derryth.

  ‘Earl, as per your instructions we have made a priority of all manuscripts that have any special references to the former Eaorldom of Ilissus. This is the faithful duplication of a scroll we just found aptly titled “The beginning and end of Ilissus”. We hope you find what you want in it.’

  ‘Who wrote it?’

  Conn looked inside the cover. ‘Fiontan il Ilissus, Eaorl. He was the last Eaorl.’ Conn continued to read as he ate his breakfast, and read parts to Derryth as he went.

  After breakfast, they went for a tour of the ever expanding harbor of Mantu. Because of its position, it was becoming the hub of most new activity in Silekia. Conn’s Engineer Corp, reinforced by an extra three companies, and with the assistance of the Twacuman from Halani, had finally completed most works in the new harbour, and the new availability of docks, cranes and warehouses, had allowed the number of ships arriving and delivering and goods to escalate dramatically. With Silekia back in Silekian hands, the numbers of people arriving to go “home” was also significant, as was depopulation of parts of Lykia that had been controlled by Conn – every one of his demesnes would see a significant decline in population; but he had always maintain an over capacity of staff; so those leaving would not result in a great decline in production. It would result in an increase in profits however.

  Also leaving would be huge numbers of sheep, goats, pigs, and cows; herds would be taken to the towns and auctioned off. Luckily finance for such purchases was available at the MFIC, and the Silekian demesnes would start to be restocked – albeit with larger and improved breeds of livestock. With his greater understanding of genetics, Conn had started to see the results after ten years that Bakewell and Coke took fifty years to accomplish; he had already differentiated breeds for different purposes; the Veii sheep, for example was designated the sheep to produce fine wool; while the Faleri cows were for milk production. The Atrak pig was the largest in Meshech; and excelled as a source of bacon, and the two maremma dogs he brought with him were the ancestors of thousands of the best guard dogs in Meshech; and every one of the puppies sold for a huge sum.

  With Derryth in tow Conn inspected the new works commenced by the Engineer Corp – including new water and sewerage treatment systems for Mantua and Tovio. It was there that a wiga found them to inform them that there were visitors at the gate. As he spoke, a second runner arrived.

  Conn looked curiously at the second before returning his attention to the first.

  ‘So, the Wealdend of Silekia has arrive?’

  ‘Eaorl; that it correct. As well as the Eaorl of Tovio.’

  He turned and left; while the second runner remained. Conn looked at him. ‘Is there something else?’

  ‘Yes, Eaorl, there are Twacuman riders as well.’

  Twacuman from Halani were everywhere so were not “special” any more.

  Conn looked at Derryth and back at the by. ‘So do they want to see Derryth?’

  ‘No, Eaorl, they want to see you. And they are not from Halani. I was told they are from Piada. One said her name was Elva?’

  ‘Elva? Piada? What an earth are they doing here?’

  Without looking like they were rushing, they headed for the recently completed great hall; a new construction of stone, timber and tiles. It was a magnificent b
uilding. Inside Conn joined the Wealdend of Silekia – a very surprised Wealdend – playing host to five Twacuman from Piada. Elva turned and greeted them both; kissing Conn. As she turned away, Conn was faced with a more severe looking middle aged – for the Twacuman – woman; she radiated power. She was also very direct.

  ‘You are the wearer of the ancient amulet that belonged to Sherric, Casere of Meshech?’

  ‘I do.’ He took it off and handed it to her. She looked at it, nodded, and handed it back.

  ‘And you also wear the Torc last worn by Goibniu, the last Casere?’

  ‘I think so.’ Conn held up his sleeve to reveal the circle of gold around his wrist.

  She nodded, as if to confirm information she already knew. She then smiled and bowed. ‘Feorhhyrde, we are pleased to make your acquaintance. We have always hoped that the medallion would return one day.’ She smiled another thin smile. ‘It is well not to expect such things of the Gyden as their plans are sometimes very different to ours.’

  Conn directed them all chairs in the great hall, while servants rushed out with food and drinks. Conn asked what it was that they needed – as it was very unlikely that they came for no reason.

  ‘My name is Allynne, and I am Wothbora. Your son Jowan insists that we come to find you – and to request your help. Oisin is gravely ill and he believes that you will be able to save her.’

  ‘Of course – we will leave first thing in the morning. I will make arrangements immediately. However, I’m sure you are all tired – Derryth will show you to suitable quarters. Please come back later for supper.’

  Derryth, who had hardly said a word the entire times, stood and guided them out. He spoke quietly to Elva as he left.

  Ailidh watched them leave and asked for a report of what had happen in Soloes. He mentioned the ruins.

  ‘I know little about Ilissus.’

  Conn showed her the book, and she read some parts that he recommended. She was surprised, and a little confused. ‘I didn’t know that but I will check. Is that useful for you?’

  ‘Yes, as well as what we have already agreed, I’d like you to add the Eaorldom of Ilissus to my list of rewards.’

  The last page of the codex was a proclamation by Fiontan il Ilissus, the last Eaorl, that his heir for the Eaorldom was to be the Healdend of Silekia, and that his sons would be heirs only to the Thane demesne of Silekia until such time as the Eaorldom was reunited with Silekia; and consequentially the Eaorldom itself was in rebellion to the Aebeling of Rakia in perpetuity. It also stated that the next Eaorl could be anyone that would attempt to reunite the Eaorldom to Silekia.

  She read it again. ‘I’m still unsure what it means.’

  ‘It means that as Eaorl of Ilissus I can rebel against the Aebeling and not risk a war involving all Meshechian Healdends. In the war of 636, the forces of Fiontan never surrendered; he in fact defeated a larger Rakian force – one of the last battle of the war. The other was a victory by the Rakians against a combined force of Gatinans and Silekians. Unfortunately the Healdend of Silekia and his Eaorls, with the Healdend of Gatina also complicit, negotiated a treaty to end the war – and seceded Eaorldoms in Silekia and Gatina to the new Healdend. That is why Fiontan refused to acknowledge the authority of the Rakians. It is also why he slighted the town, closed the Cirice and moved most of his wiga to other parts of Silekia. I gather he died in Grexa.’

  By the time the Twacuman returned, Ailidh had agreed and the Witan in spring would confirm all the new titles – including his two – the Barony of Mantu and the Eaorldom of Ilissus.

  Conn introduced Lile to Allynne.

  ‘From Sytha? It is a long time since I have heard that term.’ She held out her hand and Lile put her hand in the Wothbora’s hand. She looked up sharply. ‘You are a Folgere?’

  Lile shook her head explaining her current situation. Allynne nodded at the end and didn’t comment. She then held out her hand to Ailidh; ‘There a thread of blood that runs between all of us; I am Oisin’s aunt, and like her I descend from the first Sythan to be called Casere – Osstan. Osstan was the son of the Healdend of Sytha. It is good that we are reunited as well. Nothing will ever be the same.’ She looked at Conn when she said this, and then let go of Lile’s hand. She turned to look at Ailidh. ‘You are pregnant – with twins. To be burdened such it is well that you are protected.’

  ‘Protected? I don’t know what you mean.’

  ‘The Gyden protected you children. It means they will live.’

  Ailidh almost cried. She wipe tears from her face. ‘I have been fearful. I have lost several before their time. Thanks be to Inanna.’

  Allynne just smiled but didn’t say anything. Conn noticed that every time she looked at Derryth it seemed to be disapproving.

  Conn was curious. ‘Derryth has given you a tour of our town.’

  She nodded. ‘I am very impressed. We once had harbors and ships. One day it may be possible for us to do that again. We will look to the Feorhhyrde for assistance at that time.’

  When it was time to leave for bed, Allynne called Derryth to attend her. He had been silent most of the evening, and he dutifully followed the Wothbora out of the room.

  Conn and Elva were the last to leave, and they walked back together to the Inn together. Conn was worried about Derryth.

  ‘What’s with Derryth? He seems out of sorts.’

  ‘Allynne is disappointed with him. She says that he has failed to complete his training – that he is a Wothbora, probably a great one, but for some strange reason has not followed that path. She told him that she will train him – and the first step is for them to fornicate – for Wothbora, it is a way of connecting their spirits.’

  Conn had always been amazing at the low sex drive of the Twacuman. Twacuman women fornicated much more frequently with Priecuman men – Conn had never seen Derryth take a Priecuman woman to bed. Conn had always suspected that Twacuman women fornicated with Priecuman out of either amusement, curiosity or kindness – he wasn’t sure. He knew that enjoyed the feeling of power and control over the other’s lust.

  At the Inn Elva invited herself to Conn’s room because it was some time since she and Conn had fornicated. She followed him in and started to strip.

  Conn looked at her as he undressed.

  ‘All your clothes – I feel honoured.’

  ‘Well, have you lost your fascination with breasts yet? Or your fondness of rubbing oil into my breasts and elsewhere?’ Conn shook his head. ‘No, I didn’t think so – better to be safe than sorry.’ Butt naked, she looked around the room. ‘Now where is that oil? I hope you didn’t waste it all on the Folgere.’

  ~x290~

  The next morning they ALL headed for Piada; Conn had thought to take just Derryth, but Ailidh and Lile insisted on going as well – and because he had the Wealdend with him, the Captain of her guard was only happy when Conn took a squad of Twacuman wiga with him.

  Conn was riding with Derryth at the front, and he looked at the string of horses behind him, nearly thirty in total as the ride to Piada was over six days and they would need food and shelter, and he shook his head.

  ‘I don’t think my point about us having to invade Rakia to get to Piada was understood, do you?’

  ‘Definitely not. However, Allynne tells me that they had little difficulty getting to Mantu...’

  ‘But there was only six of them – and no pack horses.’ Conn looked curiously at Derryth. ‘I understand that Allynne is upset at you?’

  ‘Yes – I don’t want to talk about it.’

  Conn carried on. ‘I thought you weren’t a Wothbora?’

  He shrugged. ‘I thought I had a choice – but it would seem not. I am to be trained.’

  ‘And what does that entail?’

  ‘Normally a winter in the deep forest – getting in touch with your inner self…’

  ‘And your mentor?’

  ‘Yes, and I really don’t want to talk about it.’

  ‘But you won’t be coming back
with me?’

  ‘No, I will need to stay.’

  The Twacuman Wothbora either knew everything or didn’t bother to want to understand things out of her control, but Conn found it curious that Allynne didn’t ask a single question about Taransay, or how he got here. She did ask about Inanna’s heart-stone – she had learnt from Derryth that it had been recovered in Moetia.

  She told him what she knew about the fate of that trip. ‘The ship that visited Moetia with Conchobarre was attacked by an Ancuman ship on its return – nearly everyone aboard died because they decided to fight – and that they we needed to know about the return on the Ancuman. So they fought until they were close enough to send five wiga as messengers; they gave each a piece of timber that floated; water and food, and in the middle of the night they left the craft and followed the stars home. Of the five, only one made it; they were in the ocean for three days. As soon as our ancestors learnt of the Ancuman, we retreated to the mountains. Our villages on the ocean were taken down; the harbours destroyed, and our larger ships taken apart as well.’

  ‘So you never knew of the death of Conchobarre?’

  ‘We knew that she had died but then everyone died. We did not know of the heart-stone.’

  ‘The strange thing is, if it hadn’t gone to Moetiak, it would never have been found.’

  ‘That is true, Feorhhyrde, so her death must be a thread in the tapestry of your story.’

  ‘My story?’

  ‘Life is a picture like a tapestry made up of countless threads. The Gyden teach us that each thread for your picture is given to you by a different person, day or event – some place in time. Some happen while you live, some happen before you were born – sometime generations before. On Conchobarre’s death, threads from her tapestry passed down through all of Moetia and ultimately Derryth and you. Everything is connected. Past, present and future.’

  She looked at Conn thoughtfully for a while as they rode.

  ‘The problem with your tapestry is that I feel threads that make no sense to me; I see lines; I don’t see a picture.’