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The Ugly King Chapter 1 - An Old Foe
11 March, 2007
Author: Ing Twi Demalah

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The moon beamed softly, its pale light caressing gently the fallen snow; which glittered like so many diamonds upon the wooded hillside. Faint wisps of smoke and steam rising ever so slowly from solemn chimneys, gave the only hint of life in the slumbering village. The blue-grey shadows of the evergreens danced playfully as a chill breeze whipped through their stout branches. Below too, other shadows loomed, though these moved not of the wind but of their own accord. Silently these shadows slipped into the wood cabins that comprised the town and then, one by one, could be heard from within, the muffled cries of children. Then, as silently as they had arrived; the shadows slipped away, melting back into the forest from whence they came. All was quiet once more, the blowing wind and snow covering all evidence that the shadowed figures had ever been there, or from what direction they had come. As if of cue the wind died down and there was utter silence. Yet only for a moment as the night was split by the horrified screams of a grieving mother, which startled the sleeping villagers. Screams and wails of other mothers waking to find their little ones gone or cut down added to the first. Until there seemed a mournful,angered chorus filling the night air.

Men took up arms and ran about in a tangle of confusion. Fathers, brothers, sons, some half dressed having been roused suddenly from sleep, trudged through knee deep snow in vain pursuit of their attackers. The elders of the town did as they could to maintain some form of order during the ensuing chaos. The town guard, trying to shout above the screams and mournful cries, ushered the people to gather in the Mead Hall of old king Cupwine. In his mid sixties now, Cupwine was bald and his grey, braided, beard hung to the middle of his barrel chest. His robes were of fine, soft, doe hide and his cloak of wolf skins. He sat uneasy in his intricately carved mahogany throne at the far end of the Mead Hall. His head resting on a fisted hand, his face bore a stern, thoughtful, look and his crown slumped low on his now furrowed brow. His ears rang as advice from the village elders mixed with pleas for vengeance from those who had lost son and daughter.

“We must request aide from high king Alric me lord. A’ fore all our children are sufferin’ this same fate.” An elder spoke out.

“Aye a’ fore its too late we must send riders to all the kingdoms of Oure. That we may take vengeance for this night.” Cried a grief filled woman, still half sobbing as she clutched her husband who wept silently beside her.

“T’would be sarvin’ no purpose to request aid to be fightin’ an enemy we can not the now identify.”
A stern voice stated matter-of-factly.

A tall broad chested man pressed forward through the crowd. His dirty blonde hair hung down to his shoulders, covering the top of his velvet, olive green cloak. He wore a fine chain-mail hauberk which hung to mid thigh and doe skin pants. His boots were of heavier cow hide and lined in soft fleece. His greaves and vambraces were the make of a fine studded leather and bore the crest of Cupwine. His steely blue eyes had a fell look about them. This, as everyone knew, was Bealdaeg captain of the guard and beside him in like dress was Hunlaf his sergeant-at-arms. Younger that Bealdaeg, Hunlaf was of a slighter build and seem less stern, though a fierce warrior none the less, his brown locks were pulled back and tied with a thin rawhide strap.

“Bealdaeg, are ye come to make report?” Cupwine asked softly

“Aye” Bealdaeg said standing tall and proud before his king. “I’ve mustered our army, such as it is and sent scouting parties in all direction. Though there is slim hope in finding a trail out there now.”

Before the noble captain could finish his report a scout came hastening through the doors of the Mead Hall, His hauberk and helm frosted over from the cold and beads of sweat had formed on his forehead matting his pale blonde hair to his scalp. Hunlaf recognized this scout as Eorpwald a very tall and very slender, usually calm though some what annoying man who had settled here not 3 years past, and had once served High king Alric. There was now however an anxious, frightened look in his eyes.

“Me King” Eorpwald said “we were scoutin’ to the south and had found nothing, then on our way back to the village we happened across a man lyin’ face down in the snow. The was a vicious gash about his head and dark robes about him. One of our children lay dead beside him….”

“Do we know yet whose child?” Bealdaeg asked abruptly

“Nay me lord, but what we do know is that the man wore an amulet and it bore the crest of…..” Eorpwald’s voice seemed lost to him, his eyes glanced around the room nervously and the color seemed suddenly drained from his face.

“Well speak up man!” Hunlaf snapped

“…..the amulet me king, it bore the crest of the……..of the Saison me king.” Eorpwald said as his voice wavered in fear.

The very life seemed taken from the Mead Hall as its occupants gasped in unison. The Saison were an old enemy from across the sea to the south. It had been a long number of years since they had dared to set foot on the shores of Oure. Now, however it seemed as though there evil was once again spoiling the shores. Even more disturbing was the fact that now they seemed to be targeting the children.

“Well now, we have no choice then but call upon Alric for aid.” Said Hunlaf poignantly

King Cupwine who had remained silent, lost in thought since news of this nights events reached him, now spoke for the fist time.

“True enough we must have needs to send riders straight away…” Cupwine said “….but Midlan is far to the north, eight days no less and we’re havin’ no to wait for aid from so far off.”

“There are others we might call on me lord King.” Said a soft yet confident voice from the back of the hall.

Bealdaeg spun on his heels when he heard that voice. Eying the crowd hotly until his blue eyes met the the blue-green eyes of a lovely red headed woman dress in a flowing green gown. Emma was her name and Bealdaeg knew well the those gentles eyes hide a plan that he would not be to his liking. Bealdaeg knew her well indeed, they had been married now nigh on four years and always she kept him on his heels or his toes. He was not fond of her fierce independence yet, was intrigued by it all the same.

“Emma!” Bealdaeg barked “hold your tongue woman, we have no time for yer banter.”

“I’ll do no such thing and I’ll thank you to not talk to me that way again.” Emma quipped

“Hold now the both ye, we’ve enough trouble without fightin’ amongst ourselves. Now Emma, tell me, who do ye know what can help now in this hour of need?” Cupwine spoke gently

“Me lord King, I was thinkin’ that we could call upon Quinlan and His Cavaliers.” Emma said and a hush fell upon the Mead Hall.

------- Author's Notes -------

Chapter one of my book....hope you all enjoy

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Comments on this poem/writing:

Bipedalguy (4.156.129.180) -- Sunday, March 11 2007, 02:44 pm

This looks like an excellent start.

I'm anxious to see what comes next. You can really write. The detail which you weave into each line makes it read very well. I'm already hooked on this story.
Terrie* (75.37.61.165) -- Monday, March 12 2007, 03:38 am

Master Ing, King of Poetry

very invitin' come to life poetry..'aye sweetie it's been awhile since i read ya, this is brilliant!! i came here to relax with tea in hand and a good read, i am sooooo glad i stopped by, you my friend have an electrifyin' way of connectin' with a mind to keep one interested and enthusiastic enough , to come back for more..i shall return...i agree w/Bipe i too am anxious ...
Ing Twi Demalah (159.105.102.42) -- Saturday, March 17 2007, 01:22 am

Bipedalguy....

Thank you very much. I'm glad you find my story worth reading. Hooked already, well I shall do my best to make sure chapter 2 is just as good.
Ing Twi Demalah (159.105.102.42) -- Saturday, March 17 2007, 01:28 am

Mistress Terrie...

Sure now darlin' I'm knowin' how much ye likes a good poem. Twas not so sure ye would like my story. But seein' as yer words are filled with much praise. I'm thinkin' twas a good idea to post this as well. Thank you Terrie, that you like this story makes me anxious to post more of it. Thank you again, hope you like chapter 2.
Meridian (151.199.134.18) -- Saturday, March 17 2007, 10:26 pm

Ireland

Hey Ing! I love the first chapter! Saison - the old foe. W.O.W. Was the setting in Ireland? The character's names reminded me of the characters in Lord of the Rings. I.E. Bilbo...Gandalf...
Your chapter is like a drug. I just can't say no. I'm addicted to your stories as well. Fabulous Ing!
Ing Twi Demalah (159.105.102.6) -- Saturday, March 17 2007, 11:21 pm

Actually Meri.....

the story is set in the fictional Island Oure (pronounced: OO-Ray) but, the names of the characters are indeed from "old english" origin. I am a huge fan of Tolkien and the fact that you even campared the characters to his is an honor and very flattering. I hope you enjoy the first part of chapter 2 as well. will hopefully have the rest of Chapter 2 and part of three up this week. Thank you for your Kindly words Meri, I hope my work is worthy of them.
 
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