Pagan Revenge by Sam Taw

Author:Sam Taw
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical
Publisher: Carantoc Publishing
Published: 2020-01-25T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Every set of eyes trained on me, as the women of our tribe moved from my side, showing me cowering at the back of the hut. My own nephew blamed me for taking control at a time when his own brother was too struck with anxiety over Blydh’s injuries to make a decision. Now he was encouraging others to cast me as the villain for my initiative. The women were untrained because he and Tallack could not agree on a division of labour, not because I stated the obvious fact that we simply did not have the numbers to fight against our enemies.

He had conveniently forgotten that the reason our neighbouring tribe were after our blood was a direct result of Blydh’s order to kill his own half-sister. Add that to the fact that the treacherous Lady Brea was spurned by Tallack and war was inevitable.

They were all still looking at me, expecting me to apologise or atone for the sins laid at my feet. What could I say to confirm my innocence? Every phrase swirling about in my head was likely to anger Blydh all the more. Swallowing my fear, I stepped forward.

“It was my suggestion to arm the women, yes. They need to train as hard as the men if we are to survive what’s to come. I make no apologies for my part in the tragedy, just as Blydh shouldn’t have to apologise for losing men during his failed raid that almost killed him.” Looking up to the broken man in the wolf’s head seat, I summoned my courage and continued. “I know not how I’ve offended you, nephew. I did all I could to patch up your skull, for better or worse. Hear me now, Chief, if you waste time casting blame about instead of making sensible preparations, then we are all done for.”

His snarl was instant and violent. He spluttered with a rage that would not be quelled, struggling to get to his feet. Tallack raced from his tall chair to intercept his brother, muttering soothing words into his ear and persuading him back into his seat.

What was clear to me most of all, was that I had lost the ear of my nephew. I ambled from the Long Hut, hiding my tears from the world in the fabric of my cloak. By the time I was half way across the compound to my hut, Kewri had caught up with me.

“Fur Benyn…?”

“I’m fine, Kewri. Go back to the gathering. I will need you to be my eyes and ears at this time.” I didn’t look back at him, but I knew that he was standing with his arms limp at his side, unable to choose between comforting me or following my orders. When I said nothing more, he turned and retraced his steps.

For all my previous moaning about being cramped, my shelter suddenly felt cold, empty and unwelcoming. I tried to bank up the fire and sort

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