Rude Awakening

The Adventures of Prince Micheal: Episode 26: 

Following their guide who moved quickly but as quietly as a shadow through the woods, Micheal and his companions did their best to keep up. The sun was sinking when they caught the sound of drums and wild chanting and cries. At last they reached a clearing........ 

Micheal ordered his men to ready their weapons, but to hang back and not strike a blow. Quietly they watch their guide walk forward to join her people. The dancers at once moved towards the newcomers with screeching cries and threatening gestures, but their guide cried out and spoke to their leader who in turn called to his warriors and gestured to them to stand back while he listened to the woman's tale. 

Finally he laid down his weapons and advanced, holding up his hand. Micheal laid down his weapons and stepped forward to meet him. With no words in common, the conversation was carried out by gestures but it was soon clear that they were about to move to attack these evil intruders who were camped nearby, and that  the white men were welcome to join with them. After a hasty meal, and a rest for the foreigners, the alliance of Britons, Saxon and Mq'ma warriors moved out in silence.

After a two hour march, the scouts reported that the enemy was gathered around a large fire, preparing their meal, and had had a few sentinels, but had none at all now. With a few gestures, the two parties agreed on a plan. The local warriors surrounded the enemy camp while the foreigners in their shiny coats hid until the signal was given and were then to charge into the middle of the enemy, kill their leaders and rescue the Lady Alison who was present, dressed only in a simple native dress.

Micheal and Alfred crouched just within the forest edge and waited. Suddenly a shower of arrows flew from the forest followed by a screeching horde of nearly naked warriors. Michael gave the word and Saxon and Briton, weighed down by armour and shields, broke cover and rushed at the enemy leaders. A long and bloody fight ensued. The evil Wizard and two burly guards seized their captive and drove her back towards the fire while fending off the rescuers.

The fighting was fierce and prolonged with heavy losses on both sides but eventually numbers began to tell and the raiders circle steadily shrank. Alfred approached the wizard and with one swipe of his blade, separated his head from his body. 

Micheal pulled his sword back to finish off the Brigand chieftain then suddenly froze, his vision blurred, his mind swirled and a sound like a laughing man filled his ears. Slowly he focused and realized that he was lying down, soaking wet and surrounded by laughing comrades! 

Had all those months been just a dream?

"Good morning sleepy head" said Sir Gawain with a chuckle "I don't know what strange dreams you had but you have spent half the night thrashing about, calling out, and generally disturbing our sleep, so I had the lads return the favour! 

But, its time we were a horse and on our way, or we'll be late for the New Year's Eve feast! So hurry up or you'll get another bucketful!" 

Happy New Year to you all!

We Now Return You To.....

 The Adventures of Prince Michael

In moments, the crew was armed and ready as the ship rode the waves in toward the beach. Soon arrows were flying back and forth.

The fight did not last long. Soon the enemy broke and ran into the trees, presumably to carry a warning to their chieftain. Well, their trail looked easy enough to follow.  After a quick conference, a boat guard was detailed  with orders to find sweet water, fill the ship's barrels and to hunt for meat and smoke for the return journey, or for the coming winter! 

The rescue party started to prepare to follow the enemy into the woods when a young, dark skinned woman approached cautiously. She had been spotted by the fire as the ship had run in and obviously she was neither British nor some sort of beast-man, had been a captive herself, and was grateful for her rescue. They had no words in common but by drawing pictures in the dirt and using gestures, while repeating "Awli-son", they soon understood that she had met the Princess Alison and knew which direction she had been taken. Armed with the news that the Princess had survived the voyage, and with a guide, the rescue party could make better time than anticipated, and with more hope of success rather than mere vengence.

There was no time to lose. The rescue party, cleaned the blood off their weapons, and prepared to follow their guide.

Merry Yuletide 2023

I wish a joyful day to all my readers and your families and friends!