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"'Tis so I've heard, my Beltane," quoth Sir Benedict, and smiling his
wry smile, he took a small hunting-horn that hung about his neck, "let
us therefore make it larger--"
"How so--how so, good Benedict?--Ha! mean you--"
"Watch now!"
So saying, Sir Benedict set the horn to his lip and winded it three
times loud and sh... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
CHAPTER LV
HOW THEY MARCHED FOR WINISFARNE
At peep of day the trumpets blew, and Beltane, starting up from
slumber, found the great camp all astir about him; the smoke of a
hundred watch-fires rose up into the stilly air of morning and made a
fragrant mist amid the trees beneath which armour glinted as guard
relieved... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now hereupon my Beltane must needs catch his breath and flush to the
ears of him, and therewith strive to look at his ease, like the very
youth he was.
"How, messire, hath Roger babbled to thee?"
"Babbled?" quoth Sir Benedict, shaking his head, "nay, Roger is no
babbler of secret matters, for many do ken of thy love, ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Aye, dear Sir Benedict, in such sort and so greatly that my passion
oft doth fright me, so fiercely do I yearn and long--yet tremble and
grow faint at thought of it!"
"Yet art thou here, bedight in arms, O man--thy yearning body far
removed from all temptation till thou hast proved thee worthy her
embrace! And thus i... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now spake to them Sir Benedict, short and soldier-like:
"My lords, this is he of whom ye all have heard, Beltane hight, son of
Beltane our Duke, for whom we together have held Thrasfordham so long
and painfully. My lord Beltane, of all the knights and nobles of the
Duke thy father's days, here do stand, sire or son, a... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O men! who would not be a man to fight in such just cause? Who would
not cherish life that he might lose it to such noble purpose?
"Now therefore, all ye that do love Pentavalon--follow!"
Thus saying, my Beltane wheeled his horse; and with rhythmic ring and
clash, together, rank on rank, horsemen and footmen, they fo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Loved she my father?"
"Aye, verily--she was his wife! Thy father was a noble knight and
peerless--and oft warring on the marches, but methinks--she was
something lonely--at times, Beltane."
"Alas!" sighed Beltane, and again "Alas!" So fell they incontinent to
deep thought and rode full long in silence. But ever and a... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And the soft wind crooned and whispered in the leaves--leaves that
parting, showed other shapes swung high in air, whose pallid faces
looked down on them, awful-eyed, from the tender green, faces drawn and
haggard, with teeth agleam or open mouths whence screams had come, but
very silent now until the Day of Judgment.... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now above this ruin divers gibbets had been set up, and behold! these
gibbets each bore a heavy burden. Then Beltane lighted from his horse,
and going apart, laid by his casque and sat him down, his head bowed
betwixt his hands as one that is direly sick. In a while as he sat
thus, heedless of all things, cometh Roger... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Lord Beltane," he cried, harsh-voiced, "thou seest I do love thee--yet
'twas I did bear thee captive to thy foe by command of one I love
beyond all others. But thou, lord Beltane, thou at peril of thy life
did save her from shame and fiery death when Ulf could not--so do I
love thee, lord Beltane, and will be thy sla... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Behold us here--speak on!" quoth Sir Benedict.
"Thus, then, saith Walkyn o' the Dene: That scarce had he stormed and
set fire to yonder prison-keep, than from the south cometh a great
company, the which he at the first did take for ye. But, in a while,
behold Sir Pertolepe's accursed Raven banner, the which giveth Wa... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now came Sir Benedict to grasp Ulf's great hand.
"Forsooth, hast done a great and noble thing!" quoth he. "Thy twisted
body doth hide a great and manly soul, meseemeth, so ne'er shalt lack
for friend whiles Benedict doth live!"
And after Sir Benedict came many other knights and esquires of degree,
to bring him of thei... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And indeed the air was full of a strange droning sound that rose and
fell unceasing, a drowsy, ominous hum.
"Ah, Benedict," said Beltane, frowning a little, "I like not that
sound! Summon we our wisest heads, for here is matter for thought and
sudden action methinks!"
Hereupon Sir Benedict beckoned to his five chiefes... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha! 'tis well be-thought, Benedict!" growled old Hubert of Erdington,
"so let me march with the pikes."
"Art silent, lord Beltane," quoth Sir Hacon, "dost agree?"
"Aye, truly," answered Beltane, rising, "but let our pikes march in V
formation, our mightiest men at the point of the V, and with archers
behind. Then, er... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now out from the green Sir Benedict paced astride his great black
charger, and behind him his two hundred steel-girt knights and
men-at-arms, their vizors closed, their shields slung before, the
points of their long and ponderous lances agleam high in air. Then
turned Sir Benedict and looked on their grimly ranks, gla... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay, methinks he is too wise in war, he fighteth ever with calm head,
Sir John."
"But, messire, do but see--his charge is checked--see--see, he
yieldeth ground--he giveth back!"
"Aye, verily!" quoth Beltane, springing to saddle, "but behold how he
orders his line! O lovely knight! O wise Benedict! See you not his
wis... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So cut they bloody path through Pertolepe's deep array, on and forward
with darting point and deep-biting edge, unheeding wounds or shock of
blows, until Beltane beheld the press yield, thin out, and melt away,
thereupon shouted he hoarse and loud, rode down a knight who sought to
bar his way, unhorsed a second, and w... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And with the word, even as he stood 'twixt Roger and the archer, the
stout old knight was dead. So they laid Hubert of Erdington very
reverently upon that trampled field he had maintained so well.
"A right noble knight, my lord," quoth Prat, shaking gloomy head, "but
for him, methinks our pikemen would have broke to t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Knight and man-at-arms, limping and afoot, on horses weary and blown,
they came at the summons--archer and pike-man they came, a blood
be-spattered company; many were they that staggered, faint with wounds,
and many that sank upon the trampled grass a-swoon with weariness, but
in the eyes of each and every was the loo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Yolande!" said he, hoarse-voiced and low.
"Benedict!" she murmured.
Slowly Sir Benedict bowed his head, and turning, laid his hand on
Beltane's mailed shoulder.
"Lady," said he, "behold here Beltane--that is son to Beltane
heretofore Duke and Lord of Pentavalon!"
"Ah!" she whispered, "Beltane!" and of a sudden stretc... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now as he watched this devilish light, Beltane arose and reaching for
his sword went soft-footed to meet it, then paused, for the light was
moving towards him. Near and nearer it came, until, into the glow of
the fire, his betousled head wild and bare, his link-mail yet befouled
with battle, Walkyn strode, and hurling... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"To God!" cried Walkyn, his eyes wild, his hands tight-clenched, "to
God!--ha! master, ye left him to God on a time and because of thee, I--
I that had my dagger at his rogue's throat--I, yearning to slay him,
did but mark him i' the brow--aye, forsooth, we left him to God and lo!
to-day he burneth, he slayeth and han... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Mannikin?" roared Ulf, great hands opening and shutting, "unworthy to
touch axe of thine, thou pestilent beast! Dare ye so say to one gently
born, base fellow? Now will I break thee thine accursed axe--and thee
thereafter, an ye will!"
So saying, Ulf the Mighty caught up the axe and wheeling it full-armed,
smote and ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Would all feuds might so end, sweet son," sighed the Abbess, her
wistful eyes down-bent upon the fire.
"Would there were more sweet souls abroad to teach men reason!" quoth
Beltane.
"Why sit you here, my son, wakeful and alone and the hour so late?"
"For that sleep doth fly my wooing, holy mother."
"Then fain would I... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Liveth thy father yet, my son?"
"'Tis so I pray God, lady."
"And--thy mother?"
"'Tis so I've heard."
"Pray you not for--for her also?"
"I never knew my mother, lady."
"Alas! poor lonely mother! So doth she need thy prayers the more. Ah,
think you she hath not perchance yearned with breaking heart for her
babe? To hav... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then she lifted her hand and blessed him, and, ere he rose up from his
knees she set that white hand upon his bowed head and touched his
yellow hair--a light touch, furtive and shy, but a touch that was like
to a caress.
Thereafter, Beltane, coming into his hut of woven wattle, rolled
himself in his weather-worn mantl... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay, Roger shall answer thee this, Jenkyn. So now begone and God speed
ye, good comrades all!" Hereupon the mighty four made their obeisance
and hasted away, rejoicing.
Now Sir Benedict's hurt had proved an evil one and deep, wherefore the
Abbess, in accent soft and tender, had, incontinent, ordered him to
bed, and t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now as Beltane walked beside the stream, head a-droop and very
thoughtful, he paused of a sudden to behold one richly dight in
gambeson of fair-wrought leather artificially quilted and pinked, who
sat ensconced within this greeny bower, his back to a tree, one
bandaged arm slung about his neck and in the other hand a ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And thou didst know her well--long years agone, Benedict?"
"Aye, long--years--agone!"
"Very well, Benedict?"
"Very well."
"She was 'Yolande' then, Benedict?"
"Aye," quoth Sir Benedict, lifting his head with a start and looking at
Beltane askance, "and to-day she is the lady Abbess Veronica!"
"That shall surely dose t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Benedict!" cried the Abbess, and, all forgetful of his hurt, caught
him by his wounded arm, "O Sir Benedict!" Now, man of iron though he
seemed, Sir Benedict must needs start and flinch beneath her hold and
grow livid by reason of the sharp pain of it; whereat she loosed him of
a sudden and fell away, white hands tig... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
CHAPTER LX
TELLETH HOW THEY MARCHED FROM THE VALLEY OF BRAND
Within the camp was prodigious stir, a fanfare of trumpets and hoarse
commands, where archers and pikemen, knights and men-at-arms were
mustering; but nowhere was hurry or confusion, wherefore Beltane's
heart rejoiced and he smiled glad-eyed as he came wher... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"So should we strike camp and march forthright," said Sir Brian.
"March--aye, but whither?" questioned Sir Hacon. "We are threatened on
two fronts and for the rest, we have the trackless wilderness! Whither
would'st march, Brian?"
"South to Belsaye," answered Sir Benedict. "South through the wild
until we strike the w... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And I!" nodded Sir Brian.
"And I also!" quoth Sir Hacon, "though 'tis a far cry to Belsaye and I
love not to be pent within walls, and with Red Pertolepe threatening
our flank 'tis a very parlous case, methinks."
"And thou art ever at thy best where danger is, Hacon," said Sir
Benedict, "so will I give thee charge of... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Beltane," said she soft-voiced, "thou didst yearn for thy mother, so
is she come to thee at last, dear son!" So saying, she drew him down
into her embrace. "O Beltane, son of mine, long, long have I waited--
aye, bitter, weary years, and oft-times in my sorrow I have dreamed of
this hour--the arms about thee are thy ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So presently Beltane brought the Abbess where stood Sir Benedict with
an easy-paced jennet for her use and his company formed up in column
beyond the camp. Then Beltane lifted the lady Abbess to the saddle and
with her hand yet clasped in his, reached the other to Sir Benedict.
"My lord of Bourne," said he, "dear my f... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then Beltane spake them plain and to the point, insomuch that when all
was said, these hardy foresters stood mute awhile, desperate fellows
though they were; then laughed they fierce and loud, and flourished
sword and bow-stave and so fell to clamourous talk.
Now did Beltane divide the three hundred into five companie... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Thus, as night fell, the valley of Brand lay deserted quite, and no
sound brake the pervading quiet save the wind that moaned feebly
through those dark and solitary woods wherein Death lay hid, so very
silent--so very patient, but Death in grim and awful shape.
CHAPTER LXI
HOW THE FOREST FOUGHT FOR THEM
A hum upon th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Hereupon, Beltane reached out in the dark and touched the small man
Prat the Archer. Quoth he:
"Hither come their outposts, go now and bring up my company,--and bid
them come silently!"
Forthwith Prat sank down among the fern and was gone, while Beltane
watched, keen-eyed, where four men of Sir Hollo's outposts climbe... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
At last, faint and far across the valley, rose the doleful cry of a
curlew thrice repeated, the which was answered from the east by the
hooting of an owl, which again was caught up like an echo, and repeated
thrice upon their right.
Then Beltane sheathed his dagger.
"Look," said he, "Cnut--Prat, look north and tell me... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Within the little valley of Brand Death was rife in many and awful
shapes that no eye might see, for the many watch-fires were scattered
and trampled out; but up from that pit of doom rose shrieks and cries
and many hateful sounds--sounds to pierce the brain and ring there
everlastingly.
Thus Beltane, marching swift t... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Show me!" said Beltane.
And when he had viewed and touched those stark and pallid forms that
lay scattered here and there amid the bracken, his anxious frown
deepened. "These have been dead men full six hours!" quoth he.
"Aye, lord," says Prat, "and 'tis unmeet such good fellows should lie
here for beasts to tear; sh... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"'Tis strange," said he, "and passing strange that they should all lie
dead--not a living man among them! How think you Roger?"
"I think, lord, others have been here afore us. See you this knight
now, his gorget loosed off--"
"O messire!" said a faint voice hard by, "if ye have any pity save me
from the crone--for the... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So swift had death been dealt that all men fell back a pace and were
yet staring down at this awful dead thing when forth from the brush an
archer crawled painfully, his bow yet in his hand, and so lay, panting
loud and hoarse.
"Ha!" cried Cnut, "'tis lusty Siward of our archers! How now, Siward?"
"I'm sped, Cnut!" gr... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"I am called Beltane the Outlaw, sir knight--and I charge thee to heed
that thy bandage slip not, lest the bleeding start afresh--fare thee
well!" So saying, Beltane turned and went on across the ford what time
the young knight, propped upon weak elbow, stared after him wide of eye
and mouth.
Forthwith Beltane, settin... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Art doleful, Benedict?" questioned Sir Brian, "'tis not like thee when
steel is ringing, man."
"In very sooth, Brian, I hanker for knowledge of our Beltane--ha,
Walter!" he cried suddenly, "lower thy vizor, boy--down with it, I
say!"
"Nay, dear my lord, fain would I breathe the sweet, cool air--but a
moment and--"
Th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ah, Benedict," cried the Abbess, pale-lipped but calm of eye, "of what
avail? 'Tis me they seek, though wherefore I know not, so--dear
Benedict--let me go. Indeed, indeed 'tis best, so shall these fair
lives be saved--ah, sweet Jesu, 'tis horrible! See--O see how fast
they fall and die about us! I must go--I will go!... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then of a sudden Walkyn shouted fierce and loud, and sprang forward
with mighty axe whirled aloft.
"Ha--Pertolepe, turn!" he roared, "Ho, Bloody Pertolepe--turn, thou
dog! 'Tis I--'tis Waldron of Brand!" So cried he, and, plunging into
the thick of the affray, smote aside all such as barred his way until
he fronted Si... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"And there," quoth Beltane, "there spake Vengeance, and vengeance is
ever a foul thing and very selfish!" Now hereupon Walkyn's scowl
deepened, and, falling further to the rear, he spake no more.
"Beltane, dear my lad," said Sir Benedict as they rode together, "hast
told me nought of thy doings last night--what of Sir... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Hast good eyes, Walkyn!" said Sir Benedict, peering 'neath his hand
toward the advancing host, "aye, verily--'tis Ivo himself. Sir
Pertolepe must have warned him of our coming."
"So are we like to be crushed 'twixt hammer and anvil," quoth Sir
Hacon, tightening the lacing of his battered casque.
"So will I give thee ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Back and back the rear-guard staggered, hewing and smiting; twice
Beltane reeled 'neath unseen blows and with eyes a-swim beheld Roger
and Ulf, who fought at either stirrup: heard of a sudden shrieks and
cries and the thunder of galloping hooves; was aware of the flash of
bright armour to his left, rank upon rank, whe... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now, as he stood thus, from a tangle of the fallen near by a bent and
battered helm was lifted and Sir Benedict spake, faint and short of
breath:
"'Twas nobly done--sweet lad! 'Tis enough, methinks--there be few of
us left, I fear me, so--get thee hence--with such as be alive--hence,
Beltane, for--thy sweet mother's s... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So came they at last unto the gates of Belsaye town that were already
a-throng with many wounded and divers others of Sir Benedict's company
that had won out of the affray; now upon the drawbridge Beltane paused
and gave Sir Benedict and brave Hacon into kindly, eager hands, then,
wheeling, with Ulf and Roger beside h... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
And now was a rush and roar of fierce voices as over them sprang Roger
and Giles with Ulf and Eric, and, amid the eddying dust, axe and sword
swung and smote, while came hands strong yet tender, that bare Beltane
into the city.
Now beyond the gate of the city was a well and beside the well they
laid Beltane and bathed... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Six days and nights my Beltane kept his bed, seeing and speaking to no
man; and it is like he would have died but for the fostering care of
the good Friar Martin who came and went softly about him, who watched
and tended and prayed over him long and silently but who, perceiving
his heart-sickness, spake him not at al... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then Beltane sheathed his sword and went softly up the narrow stair
that led to the battlements.
It was a bleak dawn, full of a thick, low-lying mist beyond the walls,
but within this mist, to north and south and east and west, was a faint
stir, while, ever and anon, rose the distant cry of some sentinel
within Duke I... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ha, tall brother--good brother," he stammered, "noble lord, God den to
ye--hail and good morrow! Verily and in faith, by Saint Giles (my
patron saint, brother) I do rejoice to see thee abroad again, as will
our surly Rogerkin that doth gloom and glower for thee and hath hung
about thy chamber door morn and noon and n... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Truly, love is teaching thee wisdom, Giles," said Beltane, smiling.
"Indeed, my lord, my wisdom teacheth me this--that were I the proudest
and noblest in the land yet should I be unworthy!" and Giles shook
miserable head and sighed again full deep.
"Who is she, Giles?"
"She is Genevra, daughter to the Reeve! And the ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Here, lord," quoth Giles, "behold my 'mockery' wherefrom it is my wont
and custom to curse our foes thrice daily. The which is a right good
strategy, brother, in that my amorous anguish findeth easement and I do
draw the enemy's shafts, for there is no man that heareth my
contumacious dictums but he forthwith falleth... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Indeed Giles, being a forester I could scarce tell you one from
another."
"Ha--then you'll know nought of their nature and use, lord?"
"Nought, Giles. Ne'er have I seen their like until now."
"Say ye so, brother?" cried Giles full eager, his brown eyes a-kindle,
"say ye so in very truth? Then--an it be so thy wish--I... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Aye, verily--'twill suffice!" said Beltane, rising. "Truly war is even
more terrible than I had thought."
"Why lord, 'tis an art--a notable art and--ha! this doth mind me of my
heart, heigho! And of all terrible things, of all the woes and ills
man-hearts may know is--love. O me, alack and woe!"
"When doth thy watch ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
But presently, as he knelt thus, he was roused by the clank of steel
and a shuffling step, wherefore he arose and crossing to the shadows of
the choir, sat him down within the deeper gloom to wait until his
disturber should be gone. Slowly these halting steps advanced, feet
that stumbled oft; near they came and nearer... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Then came Beltane and looked down into Sir Benedict's pale, sad face.
And beholding him thus in his abasement, haggard with wounds and bowed
with grief, needs must Beltane kneel also and thereafter spake thus:
"Sir Benedict, who am I, to judge of such as thou?"
"I tempted her--I wooed her to shame, I that loved her be... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Eric--Brian, what meaneth the tumult?" questioned Sir Benedict, his
eye kindling, "are we attacked--so soon?"
"Not so," answered Sir Brian, "at the least--not by Ivo's men."
"'Tis worse than that," sighed Eric, shaking his head, "yonder cometh a
churchman, borne on the shoulders of his monks, and with choristers and
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now hereupon Giles made his obeisance, and together with Roger and
Walkyn and Ulf, hasted up to the battlement above the gateway.
"Benedict," said Sir Brian as they climbed the turret stair, "blasphemy
is a dread and awful thing. We shall be excommunicate one and all--
better methinks to let the populace yield up the ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Slow and solemn the procession advanced, and ever as they came the
choristers chanted full melodiously what time the white-robed acolytes
swung their censers to and fro; and ever as they came, the folk of
Belsaye, from wall and turret, eyed these slow-pacing, sweet-singing
monks with fearful looks and hearts cold and ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Let now your gates unbar! Yield ye unto your lord Duke his mercy! Let
the gates unbar, I say, lest I blast this wicked city with the most
dread and awful ban and curse of Holy Church--woe, woe in this life,
and, in the life to come, torment and everlasting fire! Let the gates
unbar!"
Now once again the men of Belsaye... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Thus, from his "mockery" perched high above the battlement, spake
Giles, with many and divers knowing gestures of arm, waggings of the
head, rollings of the eyes and the like, what time Roger and Walkyn and
Ulf, their heads bent close together, busied themselves above a great
and bulging wine-skin.
And now on wall and... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O frater fat and flatulent, full foolish, fatuous Friar
A prime plump priest in passion seen, such pleasure doth inspire,
That sober souls, 'spite sorrows sad, shall sudden, shout and sing
Because thy belly big belittleth baleful ban ye bring.
Wherefore with wondrous wit withal, with waggish wanton wile... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Arise, arise!--ha, Beltane--Pentavalon!"
"Beltane," quoth Sir Benedict, smiling his wry smile as he turned to
descend the tower, "methinks yon roguish archer's wit hath served us
better than all our wisdom. Belsaye hath frighted away fear with
laughter, and her men, methinks, will fight marvellous well!"
CHAPTER LXV
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Now mark yon tower," said Sir Benedict, closing his vizor, "here shall
be good sport for Eric's perriers--watch now!" and he nodded where on
the battlement below, crouched Eric with Walkyn and Roger who laboured
at the winches of a great trebuchet hard by. To left and right on wall
and turret, Eric glanced, then blew... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
More than once he had thought to hear again that indefinable stir and
whisper the which had thrilled him on that first morning, and, starting
up, he would peer into the vague shadows. Twice he had thought to see a
draped figure bending above that long, white stone, a veiled figure
slender and graceful, that upon his a... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Beseech thee," he whispered, "O beseech thee unveil, that I may behold
the face of one so tender to her that was my dear-loved mother--O
beseech thee!"
As he spake, he drew a swift pace nearer, hand outstretched in
supplication, but, because this hand shook and quivered so, he clenched
it, whereat the unknown shrank ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Giles," quoth he, sharp and stern, "whence had ye that flower?"
For answer, Giles, straddling the wall, laid finger to lip, then
dropping cat-like to his feet, drew Beltane down an adjacent lane.
"Lord," said he, "yonder is the Reeve's garden and in the Reeve's
garden cometh the Reeve to taste the sweet dawn, wherefo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay, take it, Giles,--take it!" quoth Beltane, sighing. "I did but
find it in my going, and this rose--I found also, but this will I keep.
Methinks thy love is what thy heart telleth thee--a maid very gentle
and sweet--so God prosper thy wooing, Giles!"
So saying, Beltane thrust the shoe upon bewildered Giles and, tu... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
For answer Beltane slipped the basket on his arm and they went on
together talking whole-heartedly of many things. Thus the gentle friar
brought him at last to a low-arched portal within a narrow lane, and
pushing open the door, ushered him into the great refectory of the
abbey, where Beltane set down the basket, and ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay, master, her eyes do be maid's eyes, look'ee, very soft and sweet,
and her hair, look'ee--"
"Her hair do be like a forest-pool brim-full o' sunset--"
"Not so, master, her hair is red, look'ee--"
"And each day she do bring us flowers, master--"
"And suckets, look'ee, very sweet and delicate, master."
In a while Be... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Nay," quoth he, "fear me not, sweet maid, methought thee other than
thou art--I grieve that I did fright thee--forgive me, I pray," so
saying, he sighed and bowing full humbly, turned, but even so paused
again: "Thou art methinks the Reeve's fair daughter--thou art the lady
Genevra?" he questioned.
"Aye, my lord."
"T... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ah, messire," said she, "surely thine are the eyes of one who loveth
greatly and well! And I do so love her that fain would I have her
greatly loved--so will I tell thee despite my word--hearken!" And
drawing him near she laid white finger to rosy lip and thereafter spake
in whispers. "Go you to the green door where ... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
A while stood he, viewing her with eyes aglow with yearning tenderness,
and she, knowing this, kept her face down-bent, therefore. Now
beholding all the beauty of her, because of her gracious loveliness,
his breath caught, then hurried thick and fast, insomuch that when he
would have spoken he could not; thus he worsh... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O my lord," she sighed, bending over idle fingers, "methinks you came
seeking an angel of heaven and find here--only a woman."
"Yet 'tis this woman I do love and ever must--'tis this woman I did
know as Fidelis--"
"Alas!" she sighed again, "alas, poor Fidelis, thou didst drive him
from thee into the solitary wild-woo... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now as Giles stood to rub his arm and gape in wonderment, he started to
find the Duchess beside him; and her eyes were very bright and her
cheeks very red, and, meeting her look, poor Giles fell suddenly
abashed.
"Noble lady--" he faltered.
"Foolish Giles!" said she, "go, summon me my faithful Roger." But as
she spake... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"A right fair morning, my Beltane," quoth he.
"Aye, truly, Benedict," sighed Beltane, "though there be clouds to the
west. And the causeway across the moat groweth apace; I have watched
yon cat creep a full yard--"
"Aye, verily, by mid-day, Beltane, 'twill reach our wall, then will
they advance their ram to the batter... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"To-day," sighed Beltane, frowning, "to-day she spurneth me! Kneeling
at her feet e'en as I was she shrank away as I had leprous been!"
"Aye, lad, and then--didst woo as well as kneel to her, didst clasp her
to thee, lift her proud head that needs must she give to thine her
eyes--she is in sooth very woman--did you th... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Giles," quoth he, looking up, "a heaven's name, what aileth thee,
man?"
"'Tis my eyes, lord."
"Thine eyes are well enough, Giles, and see wondrous well to judge by
thy shooting."
"Wondrous well--aye, there it is, tall brother, mine eyes do see
wondrous well, mine eyes do see so much, see you, that they do see
over-mu... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O brother--a shapely man, a comely man--a man of words and cunning
phrases--a man shall sing you sweet and melodious as any bird--why, I
myself can sing no sweeter!"
"Cometh he there often, Giles?"
"Why lord, he cometh and he goeth--I saw him there this morning!"
"What doeth he there?"
"Nay, who shall say--Genevra is... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
CHAPTER LXVII
TELLETH WHAT BEFELL IN THE REEVE'S GARDEN
The moon was already filling the night with her soft splendour when
Beltane, coming to a certain wall, swung himself up, and, being there,
paused to breathe the sweet perfume of the flowers whose languorous
fragrance wrought in him a yearning deep and passionate... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Aye, but I shall!" quoth Beltane softly, and came a pace yet nearer.
Now because of the grim and masterful look of him, her heart fell
a-fluttering, yet she fronted him scornful-eyed, and curled her red lip
at him.
"Messire," said she, "methinks you do forget I am the--"
"I remember thou art woman and thy name--Helen... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"O my lord," she whispered, "have mercy, I pray! Dear Beltane, loose me
for I--I have much to tell thee."
And because of her pleading eyes he loosed her, and she, sinking upon
the bench, leaned there all flushed and tremulous, and looking on him,
sighed, and sighing, put up her hands and hid her face from his regard.
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Ah!" he sighed, "and methought 'twas but a dream! O Helen, sure none
ever loved as we?"
"Nay, 'twere thing impossible, Beltane."
"And thou art truly mine?"
"Beltane--thou dost know this! Ah, love--what would you?" For of a
sudden his mighty arms were close about her, and rising, he lifted her
upon his breast. "What w... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now came Beltane and took the friar's hand.
"Holy father," said he, "O good Friar Martin, though I am but what I
am, yet hath this sweet and noble lady raised me up to be what I have
dreamed to be. To-night, into my care she giveth her sweet body and
fair fame, of which God make me worthy."
"Sweet children," spake the... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So blushing, trembling, needs must she obey and yield her soft arms to
his caresses and hide her face because of their round, white nakedness.
But in a while she spake, low and very humble.
"Dear my lord, the moon doth set already, methinks!"
"Aye, but there is no cloud to dim her glory to-night, Helen!"
"But the hour... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
The great sword clattered to the floor; but now, even as she sank in
his embrace, she held him off to stare with eyes of sudden terror as,
upon the stilly night broke a thunderous rumble, a shock, and
thereafter sudden roar and outcry from afar, that swelled to a wild
hubbub of distant voices and cries, lost, all at o... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So Beltane kissed her once and went forth of the chamber, looking not
back. She heard the ring of his armour a-down the stair, the quick
tread of his feet, and leaning from the casement watched him go; and
he, knowing her there, looked not up, but with teeth hard shut and iron
hands clenched, strode fast upon his way.... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Quoth Beltane:
"How many muster ye, Roger?"
"One hundred and nine, master."
"And where is Walkyn--where Giles?"
"With Sir Benedict, hard by the gate, master. My lord, come take thy
helm--come take it, master, 'twill be a close and bitter fight--and
thou art no longer thine own man--bethink thee of thy sweet wife, Sir
... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now as Beltane stood to watch this, grim-lipped, for it needed but few
to man the barricade, so narrow was it, Roger caught his arm and
pointed to the housetops above them; and what he saw, others saw also,
and a cry went up of wonder and amaze. For, high upon the roof, his
mail agleam, his white robe whiter in the to... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
So within this narrow gap, where shapeless things stirred and whimpered
in the dark, Beltane leaned breathless upon his sword and looked down
upon the watch-fires of Duke Ivo's great camp. But, even as he gazed,
these fires were blotted out where dark figures mounted fresh to the
assault, and once again sword and axes... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
Now at this Giles bowed his head and turning him about, went heavily
upon his way. Then, sighing, Beltane arose and came where stood Sir
Benedict who forthwith hailed him blithely:
"Can we but hold them until the dawn, Beltane--and mark me, we can,
here is a work shall make us strong 'gainst all attacks," and he
point... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
But indeed, silence had fallen upon Belsaye, and no sound brake the
quiet save the distant hum and stir of conflict upon the broken wall.
Nevertheless the friar's dying face waxed bright with a wondrous
happiness.
"O blessed--blessed sound!" he whispered. Of a sudden he rose up from
his pillow with radiant eyes uplift... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Duke!" quoth Beltane, "Duke of Mortain--forsooth, and am I so indeed?
I had forgot this quite, in thy beauty, my Helen, and did but know that
I had to wife one that I do love beyond all created things. And now,
beloved, thy sweet eyes do tell me thy night was sleepless."
"Mine eyes--ah, look not on them, Beltane, for... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 | |
"Sir Jocelyn, lord of Alain, why come ye against me in arms and so
ungently arrayed, wherefore come ye in such force, and for what?"
Then answered Sir Jocelyn:
"My lord Ivo, thou wert upon a time our honoured guest within Mortain,
thou didst with honeyed word and tender phrase woo our fair young
Duchess to wife. But--... | Beltane the Smith | Farnol, Jeffery | 1878 | 1952 | ['en'] | 30 | {'Blacksmiths -- Fiction'} | PG10064 |
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