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Back to Empire on the HPe3000
... and ...
Ansgar watched from the tower. His eyes felt heavy with sleep
and he would every now and again pour water from a jug and wash them
clear. No more ale in the watchtower on pain of exile or death, Nosnra's
promise to any who would transgress his word.
The night had been without event and it seemed to drag slowly on,
still two more weary hours before he could go back to his bed and rest.
Ansgar watched the southern approach, nearby Hugolin watched the east and
Atheling watched the west, the sloping roof that peaked over the great
hall would have blocked any view to the north, no window had been cut
along that face of the tower.
It had turned clear, the rain had stopped, but the field was lit
only by the stars. Ansgar saw nothing, just wished he could close his
eyes...
"Ansgar!" yelled Atheling, "What was that!"
His eyes snapped open and his drooping head shot up from where it
had fallen against his arms. "What.."
"Were you asleep!" Atheling said with a shocked accusation.
"No! I..." Ansgar began, but then a groaning wail reached his ears
and sent shivers down his spine. "What was that?"
"Thats what I want to know?" Atheling stepped over to the southern
window.
"Get back, watch your post." Ansgar commanded, glad to criticize
and shift the talk from his moments dereliction. "I'll call out what I
see. Hugolin do you see anything?"
The wolves outside the wall began to wail, and then were shortly
joined by those within. A drifting glowing cloud rose from the southern
road and then a second mist tagged after the first.
"I know not what that is, but it is strange." Ansgar said halt to
himself.
"Sound the alarm!" Atheling cried, "The wolves are roused, Nosnra
will have our hide if we are slow."
Hugolin turned away from his post and grabbed an iron hammer and
rang the metal bar with deafening blows.
* * *
Engenulf took a secret stair and pushed open a hidden door. He
passed through the chiefs private meeting room and out into his trophy
hall. "Nosnra!" he called and Thiodolf ran from Nosnra's door.
"He's putting his boots on." said Thiodolf. "He'll be out in a
moment."
A pair of elder warriors came down a northern corridor, the outer
door let in a rush of cold night air and a blast of noise from howling
wolves.
"Enemies are near." yelled Engenulf, "Set the wolves loose, let
the entire pack give chase."
"Gosfrith has been given word, he will be leading them out even
as we speak." said one.
"Good!" A voice called from nearby, Nosnra stood bleary-eyed but
steady on his booted feet. "I hear the alarm sound, the steading is roused
again, another sleepless night, Thiodolf take charge, I will follow
Gosfrith and the wolves. What of you Engenulf?"
"I will come with you my friend." said Engenulf.
They passed through the northern door and out into an empty yard,
a length of open ground within the walls, where the wolves and children
played. A dozen giant warriors had gathered there and waited for word from
their thegn on where to go or what to do.
"Eight of you come with me, Breme, you pick four and stay behind,
Thiodolf is in charge till my return." said Nosnra to a balding, heavy,
warrior. Two ran and opened wide the eastern gate that lead from yard
to fields beyond. But as they passed through Engenulf gave a terrible cry
and clutched with both hands at his eyes.
"Engenulf..." Nosnra grabbed his friend and held him up, the witan
groaned and sagged at the knees, Nosnra lowered him to the ground.
"Engenulf.." he said again, and the witans face ran red with blood like
tears flowing from each eye.
* * *
(To Be Continued)