Caradoc's Last Stand by Llawerch Will

Author:Llawerch, Will [Llawerch, Will]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: [9781778236143]
Publisher: Endeavour Productions Canada Ltd
Published: 2022-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

HERE COME I, THE BLOOD RED BOAR!

It was during this time of turmoil and uncertainty that across the sea, at his father’s house Vernogenus was discussing his voyage to Hibernia to find her. At first the boy had meant to go accompanied only by Cuall, but as more people became aware of his proposed journey, the more interest was stirred in the hearts of the young warriors desperately seeking adventure on some perilous quest that would make their names as great warriors.

Cuall still accompanied the young nobleman. It seemed that the shepherd was eager to make sure Vern found Diana before returning home and in fact had left his family behind on Vern’s return journey from Cefn Carnedd, instructing his eldest son to tend his flock and look after Rhiannon with a present of many pouches containing dead men’s wealth. Vern turned away at that moment and groomed down his steed.

Cwn sent two men to Hibernia with the intention of finding out where Diana was staying so that his son could take gifts of thanks and friendship to the chieftain on whose lands she had been a guest. Meanwhile, after learning from Cuall about his young son’s prowess and terrible set-to in battle with the Romans the week before, the old chieftain instructed that the day was to be the day when Vernogenus should receive and bear arms as a warrior in his own right.

That night in the large gathering house, all the families of wealth and note who resided under the safe rule at Crymmych gathered expectantly beneath a myriad of candles as the scene was prepared for the presentation of arms.

Amid the general hubbub and jovial conversation, warriors arrived and joined in the crowd standing with their backs to the lime-washed walls which bore the madder root red paintings of ritual and told the story of the tribe’s history.

Cwn the Noble entered resplendent in his most expensive clothes of the finest weave, all crimsons and greens with a purple-and-yellow chequered cloak trailing the dirt floor behind him. The great man was accompanied by two young attendants, one carrying a splendid white, lime-washed shield and iron sword, the other bearing a full shirt of the finest, riveted chain mail.

As Cuall and Vern made their way to the entrance through the darkness in an air of quiet excitement, the shepherd noticed how the slight naivety which had been evident in Vern when they first met had now become a quiet, confident self-assurance as he asked the young nobleman, “Are you ready for this? ”

“By the gods yes ,” replied the young nobleman laughing with a broad, happy smile. Cuall slipped in through the entrance first and stood with hands clasped lightly in front of him before Vern entered to the general applause, which surprised him. As he walked slowly forward, the young man surveyed the scene. In the centre stood his father. The boy walked towards him. Two women came out from the crowd, they were priests of the

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