Falls Ende - Quintus by Paul W. Feenstra

Author:Paul W. Feenstra [Feenstra, Paul W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Medieval
Publisher: Mellester Press
Published: 2022-05-10T04:00:00+00:00

The arrival of thirty-five cows and two bulls created quite a sensation in Mellester. Benedict and Grace, accompanied by another six hired herdsmen to help, and two men-at-arms for protection, finally arrived without incident. Odo was thrilled. Reeve Petrus and Herdsman Daniel ensured the animals were led into the field Odo had designated near Wadenham and that they couldn’t escape. Odo’s other cows would be added after milking.

The field they now used for his cows had previously grown wheat, and only a week or so ago, the grain had been recently harvested. There wasn’t a lot of food for them, but Odo knew they’d forage a little, trample the ground, and the manure would be valuable for next season’s crops, but as he informed, they wouldn’t be there long, or so he privately hoped.

Many asked why he chose to bring all his cows up from the Templar land he rented near Exeter, and Odo told them all, and quite truthfully, that he was concerned about ensuring his breeding lines were fresh and that his heifers and calves would return with Benedict and Grace.

Of more good news, Hann informed him that Sir Renier, who had been granted the estate that once belonged to Lady Constance, the wife of Sir William Ainsley, the previous Lord of Mellester Manor, had arrived along with five additional knights. According to Hann Mellester Manor could now field thirty-five knights and a dozen men-at-arms. Of consolation, he informed Odo, Mellester could defend itself against the combined forces of Wadenham and Countess Gisela.

However, any elation was overshadowed by the news that Huntsman Seth delivered. He somberly informed Hann and Odo that Sir Warwick’s knights were also bolstered by the arrival of forty knights belonging to the countess. It wasn’t unexpected, but their actual arrival dispelled any hope that, through a turn of good fortune, they wouldn’t come.

No one was more despondent than Hann. As marshal, he carried the burden of finding a solution to Mellester’s dilemma, and as he told Sir Dain, he had no answers. Rain, he hoped, would provide a temporary respite if additional water flowed into the river and was not diverted by Sir Warwick. To both seasoned knights, rain was the only hope.

Hann had diligently been strengthening Mellester’s defences, and no one was spared helping in preparations for an all-out assault that they would most likely endure. The last day of hunting had concluded that morning and brought a total of four boar and three sow. Mellester’s village would feast, while Mellester’s nobility ate well, the festivities were subdued and quiet.

Huntsman Seth had finally reported that Sir Warwick, even after the addition of Gisela’s knights, could only field forty-eight knights, which included Sir Warwick. Hann was perplexed, Sir Warwick should have had more knights, many more… Where had they gone?

Of anyone, Odo was quietly optimistic, if not a little anxious and decided it was time to call a meeting in the great hall. He informed Steward Gilo that no one could be excused.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.