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"Know you me not, messire?" quoth he.
"Why," said Sir Jocelyn, knitting delicate brows, "surely thou art the
forester that o'ercame Duke Ivo's wrestler; aye, by the silver feet of
lovely Thetis, thou'rt Beltane the Smith!"
"Verily, messire," nodded Beltane, "and 'tis not meet that knight cross
blade with lowly smith."... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And how an he prove worthy?" questioned Beltane.
"Then will I ride with him, to share his deeds and glory mayhap, Sir
Smith--I and all the ten-score lusty fellows that muster to my pennon,
since in the air is whispered talk of war, and Sir Benedict lieth ready
in Thrasfordham Keep."
"Two hundred men," quoth Beltane, ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Now by sweet Cupid his tender bow!" panted Sir Jocelyn--"by the
cestus of lovely Venus--aye, by the ox-eyed Juno, I swear 'twas featly
done, Sir Smith!"
Quoth Beltane, taking up the fallen sword:
"'Tis a trick I learned of that great and glorious knight, Sir Benedict
of Bourne."
"Messire," said Sir Jocelyn, his cheek... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So saying, Sir Jocelyn smiled his quick bright smile and reached out
his hand to my Beltane, and there, leaning upon their swords, their
mailed fingers clasped and wrung each other. Thereafter he turned upon
the three, but even as he did so, Walkyn uttered a fierce cry, and
whirling about with axe aloft, sprang into t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O Black Roger!" he groaned, "I grieve to have brought thee to this!"
"Nay, lord," quoth Roger, lifting high his drooping head, "'tis but my
wound that bleeds afresh. But, bond or free, thy man am I, and able yet
to strike a blow on thy behalf an heaven so please."
"Now God shield thee, brave Roger!" sighed Beltane.
"... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
But now, from where the van-ward marched, came galloping a tall
esquire, who, reining in beside Sir Pertolepe, pointed down the hill.
"Lord Pertolepe," he cried joyously, "yonder, scarce a mile, flies the
banner of Gilles of Brandonmere, his company few, his men scattered
and heavy with plunder."
"Gilles!" quoth Sir P... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Aye, lord!" growled the four.
Then Sir Pertolepe, fondling his great chin, smiled upon Beltane and
lifted Beltane's glittering sword on high, "Advance my banner!" he
cried, and rode forward among his men-at-arms. On went the company,
grimly silent now save for the snort of a horse, the champing of
curbing bits and th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"To be torn by hounds is worse!" growled Roger.
"Nay, my Rogerkin, the fire is slower, methinks--I have watched good
flesh sear and shrivel ere now--ha! by Saint Giles, 'tis an evil
subject; let us rather think upon two others."
"As what, archer?"
"The long legs of our comrade Walkyn. Hist! hark ye to that bruit! Here... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O, Walkyn o' the Long Legs--a rescue! To us! Arise, I will arise!" Now
while he shouted thus, came one of the four archers, and Giles was
smitten to his knees; but, as the archer whirled up his quarter-staff
to strike again, an arrow took him full in the throat, and pitching
upon his face, he lay awhile, coughing, in... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Stay," cried he striking right and left. "Halt, dogs, and take up the
prisoners. Ha! will ye defy me-rogues, caitiffs! Fulk! Raoul! Denis!
Ho, there!"
But no man might stay that maddened rush, wherefore, swearing a great
oath, Sir Pertolepe spurred upon Beltane with Beltane's sword lifted
for the blow. But, from the ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"As I went, nigh swooning in my bonds, methought I heard tell that Sir
Gilles of Brandonmere had captive certain women; so now must we deliver
them, thou and I, an it may be so."
"Lord," quoth Roger, "Sir Gilles marcheth with the remnant of his
company, and we are but two. Let us therefore get with us divers of
these ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"'Tis but the wind, Roger."
"'Tis like the cries of women wailing o'er their dead, I have heard
such sounds ere now; I would my belt bore fewer notches, master!"
"They shall be fewer ere dawn, Roger, I pray God!"
"Master--an I am slain this night, think ye I must burn in hell-fire--
remembering these same notches?"
"N... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Pray, Roger--I pray God Sir Gilles' men be few, and that they be sound
sleepers. Howbeit we will go right warily none the less." So saying,
Beltane turned aside from the road and led on through underbrush and
thicket, through a gloom of leaves where a boisterous wind rioted;
where great branches, dim seen, swayed gro... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Master," panted Roger, "a God's name--what was it?"
"A woman screamed!" quoth Beltane, staring upon the lighted window. As
he spake a man laughed sleepily beside the nearest watch-fire, scarce a
bow-shot away.
"Look'ee, master," whispered Roger, "we may not cross by the ford
because of the watch-fires--'tis a fair li... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"The holy angels have thee in their keeping, lord and master!" he
sighed, and so turned with head a-droop and was gone. And now Beltane
began to clamber out across the swirl of dark waters, while the tough
bough swung and swayed beneath him in every gust of wind, wherefore his
going was difficult and slow, and he took... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Sir Gilles half stood, half sat upon the table, while the nun faced
him, cold and proud and disdainful, the gleaming dagger clutched to her
quick-heaving bosom; and Sir Gilles, assured and confident, laughed
softly as he leaned so lazily, yet ever he watched that gleaming steel,
waiting his chance to spring. Now as th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"My lord is a-weary and sleepeth. Hush you, and come again with the
dawn." Now was a moment's breathless silence and thereafter an evil
chuckle, and, so chuckling, the man Lupo went down the rickety stair
without.
And when his step was died away, Beltane drew a deep breath, and
together they arose, and so, speaking no... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Lady," says my Innocent, staring and rubbing his chin a little harder,
"surely all nuns, young and old, be holy women, worthy a man's
reverence and humble service. So would I now bear thee from this
unhallowed place--we must be far hence ere dawn--come!"
"Aye, but whither?" she sighed, "death is all about us, messire... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Quoth Beltane, deeply conscious of the slender hand:
"To die, nay--nay--thou'rt too young and fair to die--"
Sighed she, with rueful smile:
"Thou too art neither old nor cold, nor bent with years, fair son. Come
then, till death let us speak together and comfort each other. Lay by
thy melancholy as I now lay by this h... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now swift and silent came Beltane to where the horses champed, and
having made choice of a certain powerful beast, slipped off his chain
mittens and rolled back sleeve of mail and, low-stooping in the shadow,
sought and found the ropes whereto the halters were made fast, and
straightway cut them in sunder. Then, havin... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Blue eyes, long and heavy-lashed! Surely blue eyes were fairest in a
woman? And then the voice of her, liquid and soft like the call of
merle or mavis. And she was a nun! How white and slim her hands, yet
strong and resolute, as when she grasped the dagger 'gainst Sir Gilles;
aye--resolute hands, like the spirit withi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Messire," she murmured, "pray now, wherefore do ye sigh so oft?"
"For that thine eyes do waken memory, lady."
"Of a woman?"
"Aye--of a woman."
"And thou dost--love her, messire?"
"Unto my dole, lady."
"Ah, can it be she doth not love thee, messire?"
"Indeed, 'tis most certain!"
"Hath she then told thee so--of herself... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now did my Beltane frown the blacker by reason of bitter memory and the
pain of his wound. "Her lover, aye!" quoth he, bitterly, "and she hath
a many lovers--"
"Lovers!" sighed the nun, "that hath she, the sad, sweet soul! Lovers!
--O forsooth, she is sick of a very surfeit of lovers,--so hath she fled
from them all!"... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
But Beltane, my Innocent, rode stiff in the saddle, staring sad-eyed
into the gloom, nor felt, nor heeded the yielding tenderness of the
shapely young body he held, but plodded on through the dark, frowning
blacker than the night. Now as he rode thus, little by little the pain
of his wound grew less, a drowsiness crep... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then, at last, memory awoke within him, and lifting himself upon a
feeble elbow, he stared upon her glowing loveliness with wide, glad
eyes.
"Helen!" he sighed, "O--Helen!" And, so sighing, fell back, and lay
there pale and wan within the dawn, but with a smile upon his pallid
lips.
CHAPTER XX
HOW BELTANE PLIGHTED HIS... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Not so," she murmured, "Helen was duchess whiles she was in Mortain,
but I that speak with thee am a lonely maid--indeed a very lonely maid
--who hath sighed for thee, and wept for thee, and for thee hath left
her duchy of Mortain, Beltane."
"For me?" quoth Beltane, leaning near, "was it for me--ah, was it so in
very... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now Beltane forgot his weakness and rose to his knees and lifted her
bowed head until he might look deep within the yearning tenderness of
her eyes. A while she met his look, then blushing, trembling, all in a
moment she swayed toward him, hiding her face against him; and,
trembling also, Beltane caught her close with... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"'Tis so I would be worthy of thee, beloved," he sighed, "for know that
I am pledged to rest not nor stay until my task be accomplished or I
slain--"
"Slain! Thou?"
"O, Helen, 'tis a mighty task and desperate, and many perchance must
die ere this my vow be accomplished--"
"Thy vow? But thou art a smith, my Beltane,--w... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O sweet mistress," quoth he, "now glory be to the kind Saint Martin
that I do see thee again hale and well. These many days have I followed
hard upon thy track, grieving for thee--"
"Yet here am I in sooth, my Godric, and joyful, see you!"
"Ah, dear my lady, thy wilfulness hath e'en now brought thee into dire
perils ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Verily thou hast found me, Godric!" sighed the Duchess, looking upon
Beltane very wistfully.
"So now will I guide thee back to thine own fair duchy, gentle
mistress, for I do tell thee here in Pentavalon shall be woeful days
anon. Even as I came, with these two eyes did I behold the black ruin
of Duke Ivo's goodly ga... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Mayhap," he answered heavily, "mayhap, an God spare me long enough.
But now must I leave thee--"
"Aye, but wherefore?"
"Thou hast heard--I am a hunted man with a price upon my head, by my
side goeth death--"
"So will I go also," she murmured, "ever and always beside thee."
"Thou? Ah, not so, beloved. I must tread me ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now of a sudden Beltane lifted his head and seized her in his arms and
held her close.
Quoth he:
"So be it, my Helen. To wife will I take thee so soon as may be, to
hold thee ever in love and reverence, to serve thee ever, to live for
thee and for thee to die an needs be."
But now strode Godric forward, with hands out... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
By pleasant ways they went, past smiling fields and sleepy villages
bowered 'mid the green. They rode ever by sequestered paths, skirting
shady wood and coppice where birds sang soft a drowsy lullaby, wooing
the world to forgetfulness and rest; fording prattling brook and
whispering stream whose placid waters flamed t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Sweet lady--'twas but chance--an you mean Duke Ivo--he came--I saw--"
"My lady Winfrida, I pray you go before, we will speak of this anon.
Come, Godric!" she called.
Then the lady Winfrida, her beauteous head a-droop, rode on before,
sighing deep and oft yet nothing speaking, with the Duchess proud and
stern beside h... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"My lord Beltane," she sighed, "happy art thou to have won the love of
our noble lady--aye, happy art thou! But as for me, alas! messire,
meseemeth her heart is turned 'gainst me these days; I, who was her
loved companion and childish play-fellow! So now am I very desolate,
wherefore I pray you speak with her on my be... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ah--and would'st be going, messire?"
"'Tis so methinks my duty."
"Go you alone, messire--or goeth she with thee?"
"Ah, God! How dare ye so think?" cried Beltane, in anger so fierce and
sudden that though she fronted him yet smiling, she drew back a pace.
Whereat his anger fell from him and he reached out his hands.
"... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
She wore a simple robe that fell about her body's round loveliness in
sweetly revealing folds; her hair, all unbraided, was caught up 'neath
a jewelled fillet in careless fashion, but--O surely, surely, never had
she looked so fair, so sweet and tender, so soft and desirable as now,
the tear-drops yet agleam upon her ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O Helen!" he groaned, "thou art--so beautiful--so beautiful that I
grow afraid of thee! Wed me this night or in mercy let me begone!"
And now did the Duchess look down upon him with eyes of wonder changing
to a great and tender joy, and stooping, put back his mail coif with
reverent hand and laid her cheek upon that ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
But now, even as they fell on their knees, 'mid cries of gratitude and
joyful acclaim, she, smiling and gracious, passed out of the hall: yet,
as she went, beckoned the lady Winfrida to follow.
Being come into her chamber, all three, the Duchess sank down beside
the open lattice and looked out upon the garden all bath... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So came Winfrida, and falling on her knee gave the goblet into her
lady's hand, who, rising, turned to Beltane looking on him soft-eyed
across the brimming chalice.
"Lord and husband," she breathed--"now do I drink to thy glory in arms,
to our future, and to our abiding love!" So the Duchess raised the
goblet to her l... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And now he saw her very pale, sighing deep and oft and with eyes
dilated and heavy.
"Beltane," said she slowly, "I grow a-weary, 'tis--the fire,
methinks." And smiling faintly she closed her eyes, yet sighed and
gazed upon him as one new waked. "Did I sleep?" she questioned
drowsily, "Beltane," she sighed, speaking lo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Helen!" he whispered.
But she paid no heed, busied in fastening about her the nun's long
cloak that veiled her down from head to foot. So the mighty arms that
held Beltane bore him to a horse near by and across this horse he was
flung; thereafter the monster mounted also, and they moved off amid the
trees. Thus was B... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now as Beltane lay helpless in his bonds he felt a hand among his hair,
a strong hand that lifted his heavy, drooping head and turned up his
face to the glare of the torches.
"How now, Fool!" cried a gruff voice, "here's not thy meat--ha, what
would ye--what would ye, Fool?"
"Look upon another fool, for fool, forsooth... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha, by the eyes of God!" quoth Sir Pertolepe, "'tis he himself--O
sweet sight--see, I grow better already! Who brought him, say you?"
"Lord, 'twas the Duchess Helen!" said one. "Helen!" cried Sir
Pertolepe, "Helen of Mortain?" "Aye, lord, as her wedding gift to our
lord Duke Ivo." Now hereupon Beltane's staring eyes ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Helen!" he whispered, and so whispering, his strong fingers writhed
and clenched themselves within his yellow hair. And thus sat he all
that day, bowed forward upon his hand, his fingers tight-clenched
within his hair, staring ever at the square flagstone beneath his foot,
heedless alike of the coming and going of hi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now hereupon up started Beltane that his fetters clashed, and laughed
so sudden, so fierce and harsh, that Raoul the esquire clapped hand to
dagger and even Red Pertolepe started.
"Sweet lord," quoth Beltane, "noble messire Pertolepe, of thy boundless
mercy--of thy tender ruth grant unto me this boon. When ye shall ha... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha, would'st mock me, knave?"
"For perceive me, fair and gentle lord, as this base body of ours being
altogether thing material is also thing corruptible, so is it also a
thing finite, and as it is a thing finite so are its sensations, be
they of pleasure or pain, finite also--therefore soon must end. Now
upon the ot... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now presently, as he sat thus, upon the silence stole a sound, low and
murmurous, that rose and fell yet never quite died away. And Beltane,
knowing what sound this was, clenched his hands and bowed his face upon
his knees. As he listened, this drone grew to a sudden squealing cry
that rang and echoed from wall to wal... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And why would'st give me life, Fool?"
"For that 'tis a useful thing, messire, and perchance as sweet to thee
this night within thy dungeon as to me upon a certain day within the
green that you may wot of?" So speaking, Beda the Jester cut asunder
the chain that bound the fetters, and Beltane arose and stretched
himse... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O, mercy of God!" whispered the jester hoarsely at last, "what need
was there for this--they would have slept--"
"Aye," smiled Beltane, "but not so soundly as now, methinks. Come, let
us go."
Silently the jester went on before, by narrow passage-ways that
writhed and twisted in the thickness of the walls, up sudden f... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Messire," said he, "yonder lieth thy way to life and the world. As
thou did'st give me life so do I give thee thine. Thou wert, as I
remember thee, a very gentle, tender youth--to-night are three dead
without reason--"
"Reason, good Fool," said Beltane, "thou did'st see me borne in a
prisoner to Garthlaxton; now, tel... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Hath Sir Benedict many men?"
"Aye--within Thrasfordham five hundred and more."
"So few, Roger?"
"And mayhap as many again in Bourne. But, for Sir Benedict--a right
lusty knight in sooth, master! and he doth hunger for sight of thee. He
hath had me, with Walkyn and the archer, speak full oft of how we fired
the gibbet... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay master, within Thrasfordham ye shall laugh at Black Ivo and all
his powers--let us then to Thrasfordham, beseech thee!"
"Nay, I'm for the woods in faith, to seek me desperate rogues, wild men
whose lives being forfeit, are void of all hope and fear. So, get thee
to Sir Benedict and speak him this from me, to wit:... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay, it mattereth not so long as I can lie hid a while, for I must
sleep, Roger."
"Then can I bring thee to a place where none shall ever find thee--
Come, master!" So saying, Roger turned aside into the denser wood,
bursting a way through a tangle of brush, plunging ever deeper into the
wild until they came to a pla... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
To him went Roger to shake him into groaning wakefulness and to point
with eager finger to Beltane. Whereat up sprang Giles and came running
with hands outstretched in welcome, yet of a sudden, paused and stood
staring upon Beltane, as did the others also, for the place was very
bright and moreover Beltane's mail-coif... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
OF THE PLACE OF REFUGE WITHIN THE GREEN
It was toward evening that Beltane awoke, and sitting up, looked about
him. He was in a chamber roughly square, a hollow within the rock part
natural and part hewn by hand, a commodious chamber lighted by a jagged
hole in the rock above, a fissure all o'er-grown with vines and
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now while he spake thus, the archer was busily setting forth the viands
upon a rough table that stood hard by, what time Beltane looked about
him.
"'Tis a wondrous hiding-place, this, Giles!" quoth he.
"Aye, verily, brother--a sweet place for hunted men such as we. Here be
caves and caverns enow to hide an army, and r... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Giles," said he softly, rocking the archer in his grasp, "O Giles
Brabblecombe o' the Hills, did I not save thy roguish life for thee?
Did not Walkyn and Roger preserve it to thee? So doth thy life belong
to Walkyn and to Roger and to me. Four men are we together, four
brothers in arms, vowed to each other in the ful... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Pertolepe's wolves!" he panted, "two of them have I--slain--within the
last mile," and grinning, he patted the haft of his axe.
"What news, Walkyn?"
"Death!" panted Walkyn, "there be five dead men a-swing from the
bartizan tower above Garthlaxton Keep, and one that dieth under the
torture e'en now, for I heard grievo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"No food left, say ye, Giles, no food, and I a-famishing? You and
Walkyn drunk up all the wine betwixt ye, and I a-perish--ha--so now
will I let it out again--" and out flashed his dagger.
"Nay, 'tis but the archer's folly," quoth Walkyn--"sit, man, eat,
drink, and speak us thy news."
"News," growled Roger, seating hi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"An hundred, belike!" said Walkyn.
"Less," quoth Roger; "Garthlaxton is so strong a score of men have held
it ere now. 'Tis accounted the strongest castle in all the Duchy, save
only Thrasfordham."
"Truly 'tis very strong!" said Beltane thoughtfully, and lying down
again he closed his eyes and spake slow and drowsily-... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Hereupon Walkyn rose and taking up his mighty axe twirled it lightly in
his hand. "Behold, lord," said he, "by virtue of this good axe am I
free of the wild-wood; for, long since, when certain lords of Black Ivo
burned our manor, and our mother and sister and father therein, my twin
brother and I had fashioned two axe... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Lord," said he, "thy long sword is missing, methinks. Take now this
axe in place of it--'twas my brother's once. See, I have kept it
bright, for I loved him. He was a man. Yet man art thou also, worthy,
methinks, and able to wield it. Take it therefore, lord Duke that art
my brother-in-arms; mayhap it shall aid thee ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So went they, following a narrow track that wound betwixt slow-stirring
sedge, past trees huddled and distorted that seemed to writhe and
shiver in the clammy air until, beyond the swamp, they came to a place
of rocks where ragged crags loomed high and vague before them. Now, all
at once, Walkyn raised a warning hand,... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Not so," answered Beltane. "Methinks we come in good hour. I am fain
to speak with Tostig--come!" and he stepped forward, but Eric caught
him by the arm:
"Messire," said he soft-voiced, "yonder be over five score lusty
fellows, fierce and doughty fighters all, that live but to do the will
of Tostig and do proclaim hi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Oswin!" he cried, "Walcher! Throw me this useless carrion into the
pool!" Hereupon came two sturdy rogues who, lifting the dead betwixt
them, bore her to the edge of the silent pool. Once they swung and
twice, and lo, the floating stars shivered to a sullen splash, and
subsiding, rippled softly to the reedy banks.
Sl... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And now, no man spake or moved, but all stood rigid and scarce
breathing, waiting for the end. For Tostig, smiling no more, stood
agape as one that doubts his senses, then laughed he loud and long, and
turned as if to reach his sword that leaned against the tree and, in
that instant, sprang straight for Beltane's thro... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then turned he to the outlaws, and catching up his axe therewith
pointed downwards to that stilly pool whose placid waters seemed to
hold nought but a glory of floating stars.
"Behold," he panted, "here was an evil man--a menace to well-being,
wherefore is he dead. But as for ye, come tell me--how long will ye be
slav... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now hereupon, divers muttered in their beards and others looked askance
on one another. Then spake the man Eric, of the wry neck.
"Messire," quoth he, "all that you say is sooth, but what remedy can ye
bring to such as we. Say now?"
Then spake Beltane on this wise:
"All ye that have suffered wrong, all ye that be brok... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Aye," cried a score of harsh voices, "but whither--whither?"
Quoth Beltane:
"Be there many among ye that know Sir Pertolepe the Red?"
Now went there up a roar, deep-lunged and ominous; brawny fists were
shaken and weapons flashed and glittered.
"Ah--we know him--the Red Wolf--we know him--ah!"
"Then tell me," said Be... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Garthlaxton!"
CHAPTER XXX
HOW THEY SMOTE GARTHLAXTON
It was in the cold, still hour 'twixt night and dawn that Beltane
halted his wild company upon the edge of the forest where ran a
water-brook gurgling softly in the dark; here did he set divers eager
fellows to fell a tree and thereafter to lop away branch and twi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now in a while, looking upon that awful, dim-seen shape, Beltane spake
low-voiced.
"O Beda!" he whispered, "O manly heart hid 'neath a Fool's disguise! O
Fool, that now art wiser than the wisest! Thy pains and sorrows have
lifted thee to heaven, methinks, and freed now of thy foolish clay thou
dost walk with angels an... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Agreed! agreed!" came the gruff and whispered chorus.
"Then last--and mark this well each one--till that I give the word, let
no man speak! Let death be swift, but let it be silent."
Then, having drawn his mail-hood about his face and laced it close,
Beltane caught up his axe and stepped into the tunnel. There he kin... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Roger," he whispered, "what place is this?"
"'Tis Red Pertolepe's bed-chamber, master."
"Ah!" sighed Beltane, "'tis rank of him, methinks--lead on, Roger, go
you and Walkyn before them in the dark, and wait for me in the bailey."
One by one, the wild company went by Beltane, fierce-eyed and stealthy,
until there none... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Master, I began to fear for thee. What now?"
"To the arch of the parapet yonder. Let each man crouch there in the
gloom, nor stir until I give word."
Now as they crouched thus, with weapons tight-gripped and eyes that
glared upon the coming day, a sudden trumpet brayed alarm upon the
battlements--shouts were heard fa... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha, master!" he panted,--"'tis done already--see, they break and fly!"
"On!" cried Beltane, "on--pursue! pursue! after them to the gate!"
With axe and spear, with sword and pike and gisarm they smote the
fugitives across the wide space of the outer bailey, under the narrow
arch of the gate-house and out upon the draw... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Not so," cried one, a great, red-headed rogue, "we have fought to
pleasure thee--now is our turn--"
"Loose me these women!" cried Beltane, his blue eyes fierce.
"Nay, these be our booty, and no man shall gainsay us. How think ye,
comrades?"
Now Beltane smiled upon this red-haired knave and, smiling, drew a slow
pace ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Sang Giles, a sprig of wild flowers a-dance in his new-gotten,
gleaming bascinet, his long-bow upon his mailed shoulder, and, strapped
to his wide back, a misshapen bundle that clinked melodiously with
every swinging stride; and, while he sang, the ragged rogues about him
ceased their noise and ribaldry to hearken in ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ah," muttered Roger, "he grieveth yet for Beda the Jester--and he but
a Fool!"
"Yet a man-like fool, methinks!" quoth the archer. "But for our tall
brother now, he is changed these latter days: he groweth harsh,
methinks, and something ungentle at times." And Giles thoughtfully
touched his arm with tentative fingers.... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Here now, we have each one his line apiece, which is fair--and the
lines trip it commendingly, how think ye?"
"I think it a lie!" growled Roger.
"Aye me!" sighed the archer, "thou'rt fasting, Rogerkin, and an empty
belly ever giveth thee an ill tongue. Yet for thy behoof my song shall
be ended, thus:
"They gave Gar... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Foul daughter of an accursed dam!" quoth Roger, spitting and drawing a
cross in the dust with his bow-stave.
"With the eyes of an angel!" said Giles, pushing nearer where stood a
maid young and shapely, trembling in the close grasp of one Gurth, a
ragged, red-haired giant, whose glowing eyes stared lustfully upon her... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha!--the Witch--'tis the witch of Hangstone Waste herself!"
Very still she stood, looking round upon them all with eyes that
glittered 'neath the shadow of her hood; and when at last she spake,
her voice was rich and sweet to hear.
"Liar!" she said, and pointed at Gurth a long, white finger, "unhand
her, liar, lest t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"She is a hag--she's demon-rid and shall to the fire!" they shouted
amain. "Ha!--witch!--witch!"
"That doeth no man harm by day," said Beltane, "so by day shall no man
harm her--"
"Aye, lord," quoth Roger, "but how by night? 'tis by night she may work
her spells and blast any that she will, or haunt them with goblins
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Thou dost know me for a hunted man with a price upon my head, but thou
art thing so poor thy death can pleasure no man. So take thy life and
get thee hence, but come not again, for in that same hour will I hang
thee in a halter--go!" So, with drooping head, Gurth of the red hair
turned him about, and plunging into th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now while Beltane stood yet pondering her words, came Roger to his
side, to touch him humbly on the arm.
"Lord," said he, "be not beguiled by yon foul witches' arts: go not to
Hangstone Waste lest she be-devil thee with goblins or transform thee
to a loathly toad. Thou wilt not go, master?"
"At the full o' the moon, R... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
In very truth, a turbulent company this, prone to swift quarrel and
deadly brawl; but, at these times, fiercer than any was Walkyn o' the
Axe, grimmer than any was Roger the Black, whereas Giles was quick as
his tongue and Eric calm and resolute: four mighty men were these, but
mightier than all was Beltane. Wherefore... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha! Bows--bows!" cried Giles, tossing up his bow-stave and catching
it featly--"Oho! tall brother--fair lord Duke, here is a sweet and
notable counsel. Ha, bows! Hey for bows and bills i' the merry
greenwood!"
"So, perceive me," quoth Beltane, "thus shall the hunters peradventure
become the hunted, for, an Duke Ivo c... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Thus it was that slowly out of chaos came order, yet it came not
unopposed, for many and divers were they that growled against this new
order of things; but Beltane's hand was swift and heavy, moreover,
remembering how he had dealt with Tostig, they growled amain but hasted
to obey. So, in place of idleness was work, ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"I am his brother-in-arms, Rogerkin, and so know him therefore as a
wondrous lord, a noble knight, a goodly youth and a sweet lad. Some
day, when I grow too old to bear arms, I will to pen and ink-horn and
will make of him a ballade that shall, mayhap, outlive our time. A
notable ballade, something on this wise:--
"... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O lady! O wilful Helen! thy soft white hand hath set its mark upon me;
the love-sick youth is grown a man, meseemeth. Well, so be it!" Thus
saying, he laughed harshly and stooping, drank his fill.
Now as he yet lay beside the brook hearkening to its pretty babel, he
was aware of another sound drawing nearer--the slow... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha, rogues!" he cried, "art become thieves and murderers so soon,
then? Would'st shed each other's blood for lust of booty like any other
lawless knaves, forsooth? Shame--O shame on ye both!"
So saying, he stooped, and lifting the unconscious knight, flung him
across his shoulder and strode off, leaving the twain to ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Meseemeth thy thoughts are evil, messire."
"Of a verity, sir knight: for needs must I think of women and the ways
of women! To-night am I haunted of bitter memory."
Now of a sudden, the stranger knight beholding Beltane in the light of
the fire, started up to his elbow to stare and stare; then quailing,
shivering, sh... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So saying Beltane rose, and lifting the bugle-horn he wore, sounded it;
whereon came all and sundry, running and with weapons brandished--but
Roger first of all.
To all of whom Beltane spake thus:
"Behold here this gentle knight our guest is for the nonce--entreat him
courteously therefore; give him all that he doth l... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
CHAPTER XXXIII
HOW BELTANE HAD NEWS OF ONE THAT WAS A NOTABLE PARDONER
Beltane awoke to the shrill notes of a horn and starting to sleepy
elbow, heard the call and challenge of sentinel and outpost from the
bank above. Thereafter presently appeared Giles (that chanced to be
captain of the watch) very joyously haling ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And therein, sweet and gentle lord," beamed the little buxom man,
"therein lieth a recommendation of itself. Divers noble lords have
kicked me very familiarly ere now, and finding me soft and tender have,
forthwith, kicked again. I mind my lord Duke Ivo, did with his own
Ducal foot kick me right heartily upon a time,... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Hold!" cried Beltane, "surely here be sins enough for any man."
"Not so, potent sir: for 'tis a right sinful world and breedeth new
sins every day, since man hath a rare invention that way. Here is a
grievous thing, alas! yet something natural: for, since men are human,
and human 'tis to sin, so must all men be sinne... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"There spake wisdom, Giles, and he is a fool that disobeys. So, Giles
--begone!"
Hereupon Giles frowned upon the Pardoner, who lolling at his ease,
snapped his fingers at Giles, whereat Giles scowled amain and scowling,
strode away.
"Now, messire," quoth the Pardoner, opening his wallet, "now in the
matter of sinning,... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now before Beltane's swift and blazing anger the Pardoner's assurance
wilted on the instant, and he cowered behind a lifted elbow.
"Nay, nay, most potent lord," he stammered, "spit on me an ye will--
spit, I do implore thee, but strike me not. Beseech thee sir, in what
do I offend? The story runs that the proud and wi... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Killed herself--and for lack of thy pitiful, accursed pardon! Heard
you aught else in Belsaye--speak!" and Beltane's cruel grip tightened.
"Indeed--indeed that will I, good news, sweet news--O my lord, loose
my arm!"
"Thine arm, good Pardoner--thine arm? Aye, take it back, it availeth me
nothing--take it and cherish ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Messire--messire!" quavered the Pardoner on trembling knees; but
Beltane, as one that is deaf and blind, strode forward and over him,
and as he went set his bugle to his lips and sounded a rallying note.
Forthwith came men that ran towards him at speed, but now was there no
outcry or confusion and their mail gleamed ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 |
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