Where Truth Lies...

The room was dark. He saw on the floor chained to a wall. The door opened. First Magnis and then Soren stepped inside. They were followed by Ida and Freya. Ida walked until she stood in front of him, “What do they call you?”

His eyes met hers, “Armod.”

“What can you tell us about these men who have attacked my brother’s land and the ones here now?”

“I need a cup of water or some ale...ale would be better.”

Ida looked at Soren, “Would you get a cup of water, Soren.”

“Yes, Lady Ida. Right away,” he replied before hurrying out of the room.

Freya stood next to Ida, “What will we do with him?”

“We could kill him.”

“Please. Please. I beg of you, Lady Ida. I can be of service to you.”

She scoffed, “Service to me. I do not trust you.”

Soren returned with a pitcher and a cup. He poured and then handed it to Armod as he sat with one arm free. “Please young Soren, help me. It seems that someone has broken my hand,” he said as he side-eyed Magnis.

“It would not have been broken had you just stopped when I instructed you to do so.”

Soren bent down and placed the cup by his mouth, within seconds, Armod swallowed the contents, “Um, much obliged.”

Soren stepped back and placed the pitcher and cup on a block of wood.

“Now tell us what you know,” demanded Ida in a firm tone.

He grinned. His face was covered in dirt and specks of blood, “If you spare my life, I’ll tell you everything.”

“And why should we let you live?” she asked angrily, “you helped those men attack our lands. You are not in a position to bargain.”

“I know I do not deserve your trust but on my honor...I wanted nothing to do with any of this.”

She stooped down and looked into his eyes, “You will keep your life.”

He smiled.

“For the time being, but if you so much as falter in any way, I will chop off your sack and feed it to the hounds.”

He gulped, “You have my word.”

She stood, “Now speak.”

*****

East Anglia

The breeze was lovely. She stood by the window. Her mind was on what Prince Liam did to her the night before. She smiled. A voice spoke to her, “You must speak to Samba.”

“About what great-grandmother?”

“You know. That woman.”

Yande sighed, “Samba is a man and he will do as he wishes.”

“Please Yande.”

“I’ll speak with him.”

Yande took a deep breath. She shook her head. Samba was her little brother but he was now a man and she was a woman. She nodded and proceeded to dress herself.

****

The Prince was up. He walked the halls with his friend Lord Edgar. They saw her approaching. Edgar’s eyes popped, “That is some dress,” he whispered to the Prince who was equally impressed but concealed his expression.

It was crimson with gold on the lapel. Her hair was braided on top with the back in loose curls. Her face was adorned with her traditional markings. She bowed, “Prince Joseph and Lord Edgar.”

Edgar reached for her hand, “Lady Yande, you look radiant.”

She smiled, “I appreciate your kind words.”

“I only speak the truth. You will make a fine bride. And I hear congratulations are in order?”

Her head tilted.

“I saw Prince Liam with your father early this morning. He has asked for your hand.”

Her cheeks blushed. He smiled, “I can tell that news is welcoming. I hope to be in attendance at your wedding.”

“I am sure you shall be invited.”

After extending her final courtesy, she saw her brother walking down the hall. She made quick steps and called his name when he was in reach, “Samba.”

He turned to her. He looked different. She knew it in her spirit. “Yande. Sister. Hello.”

She reached for his hand and she saw it. He pulled away, “Yande, no,” he spoke firmly, “you must not speak of it to anyone.”

“I do not wish to see you lose your head and though she is no lady, I will not disparage her name,” she replied, “so, tell me, what are your plans? Are you taking her to Portugal? Because that is where your destiny lies.”

“Why can’t we just live? And just see what happens. That is what everyone else gets to do. I did not ask for this. I do not wish to be this thing.”

She took a deep breath, “I understand—”

“No. You don’t. You enjoy seeing things and knowing things. I want to live. That’s all. And I would appreciate it if you did not read me,” he said before storming off.

She stood there trying not to explode. She heard her name, “Lady Yande.”

She turned and saw the Princess, “Princess Winfred, how are you and the little one?”

She touched her belly, “he or she is growing. I am well. We will be leaving shortly. I heard that you are traveling with us.”

“I am. I want to have a word with my father before I leave.”

“I am excited to have you travel with us. And when you and the prince are wed, we can spend more time talking.”

“I will enjoy that as well,” she said before excusing herself.

She found her father outside in the court speaking with Liam and his parents. Queen Margaret smiled, “There you are, we just speaking about you. We wanted to tell you the news before it got around.”

She looked into Liam’s eyes. They shined with joy. He seemed as if he was going to burst into the air like confetti. “News, your majesty?”

“Liam has asked for your hand. Is this something you wish? To have my son as your husband.”

“I would be delighted, Your Majesty,” she replied.

“This is marvelous,” the Queen said smiling as she reached for Yande’s hands.

Yande smiled. She hugged her father, “Thank you, father. You have given me the best gift.”

He touched her face, “You deserve the best.”

King Oswald touched Yande’s shoulder and in that moment, a sharp vision flashed in her mind. She was frozen for a second and then smiled, “King.”

“Are you all right, child?”

“I am. Just overwhelmed.”

“We will be leaving shortly. I’ll leave you to speak with your future husband.”

They left. Yande stood in front of Liam. He reached for her hands, “I am happy,” he said smiling so big it made her blush. “How did you sleep?” he asked.

“Wonderfully. I could not stop thinking about you and how you made my body quiver.”

“I can do that again if you like.”

“I would love it more than anything.”

“Than anything?”

She chuckled.

*****

Kent

There was a small village where one man governed. Lord Bartholomew. He was of medium build and height. His dark hair was groomed neatly. He sat at his desk looking at the books which showed he was low on resources.

His wife and sons died when a terrible plague struck the area. Even though his farm was doing okay, he was in debt. He ran his hand over his head and grumbled, “We need the people to work harder and faster.”

His assistant nodded, “The workers are doing as much as they can. If we ask of more, I’m afraid they may become angry and disturb things.”

Bartholomew stood, “They’ve never complained before. Why now?”

It’s the one you found in the woods. The man with no name. Lately, he has been stirring up a fuss about the conditions here on the farm and throughout the town.”

“Him,” he said disgustingly, “he was hardly worth saving. I wish my wife would not have insisted that I help him. Take me to this man.”

They strolled casually to find this tall man speaking to the crowd, “Workers should be paid a fair wage. Should be allowed rest, and decent work conditions.”

The people cheered.

“Hey, you there!” Bartholomew belted out.

The crowd hushed.

“There he is. Our **** driver. We work our fingers to the bone. We starve. And he sits in his nice home getting richer and fatter.”

Bartholomew marched up to him, punched him in the mouth, “There. That ought to shut you up.”

The man touched his bleeding mouth.

“Now the rest of you get back to work,” he fussed.

The man swung and punched Bartholomew in the belly. He folded over and cried for help. His men rushed to his aid and took the tall man away.

*****

After a proper beating, he was on his knees with his wrists chained on the left and the right. Lord Bartholomew eyed him with contempt, “You have been nothing but trouble since the day you got here. And what is your name?”

“I do not know. But everyone here. The people call me, David.”

“David. They should call you an old fool,” he hissed, “I should have you burned for trying to cause an uprising.”

“I have done nothing wrong. Only telling the people to stand up for themselves.”

Lord Bartholomew reached for a gold cup and threw it, it hit David in the head. His eyes closed and his body hung.

The men in the room stared. “Is he?”

David groaned.

“He can’t even die in peace,” he fussed.

Take the bastard away. Just as the men were about to undo his chains, David had a memory of his past life. He saw his former wife’s face, his daughter, and the last time he spoke to the King, his brother. He even saw Lord Bartolomew’s former wife and remembered her kindness.

“You must release me. I must return to Mercia immediately to see my brother, King Charles.”

Lord Bartholomew erupted into laughter and everyone followed suit. He pointed, “You really are an old fool. You expect me to believe that you’re a King’s brother.”

“Why yes.”

“Then why were you left in the woods like an old dog ready to die?”

“I was traveling back to Merica when I encountered some bad people who took everything I had. I was struck in the head and lay sleeping for days. When I awoke, I remember being here and being put to service like some ****. But I do remember the kindness of your sweet beautiful wife.”

Bartholomew eyed him suspiciously, “Do not speak of my wife. You did not know her.”

He nodded. But he was more acquainted with his former wife than Bartholomew realized. “My name is Lord James. I am the brother of King Charles in Merica. I assure you if you were to assist me in getting to Merica, my brother would pay a handsome price to have me returned...safely.”

He rubbed his chin, and turned to one of his men, “Ready the horses and a few men.”

*****

Kattergat

The men were camped in the woods. One of them looked concerned, “We haven’t heard from Armod. Something has happened.”

The other men laughed, “He’s probably feasting in the halls, ha!”

He made a face, “You sent him alone on purpose. You wanted him to die.”

He sucked his teeth and spat, “Not my orders. They came from the King. It’s no secret that Armod has protested the King’s actions since we set out to do this.”

He shook his head.

“Now, you can follow orders or join our friend in Valhalla.”

He gulped. Before he could say anything, they heard a swoshing sound. They looked up and saw arrows raining down on their heads. The young man grabbed his shield and protected himself. The others fell to the ground.

The other men in the camp scrambled for their weapons. They grabbed what they had and fought as best they could. But the surprise attack had most of their men bleeding in the mud.

Armod appeared with his right hand wrapped. After getting cleaned up, he didn’t look so bad. Only, he was a tooth shy of what he once had. He looked at the one who sent him to his **** and grinned, with his left hand, he reached for his ax and dropped it on the man’s chest. Blood spurted out. His eyes were wide open. Armod yanked his weapon from the man, “See you in the great hall.”

Ida stood next to him. She had a few splatters of blood on her gear. Armod turned to her, “Everything was as I said. But we will need far more men to take back your brother’s lands.”

She nodded, “Then you’ll come with me. We sail in the morning.”

*****

Wessex

It was their hideout. A studio. One gifted to him by the Prince. He was the son of a winemaker. His mother had noble blood. He was brought into service by the King to paint portraits. Mainly of himself. King Edward was easy on the eyes and he was fascinated with the attributes God had blessed him with.

His son acquired his great looks. Many women would have died for the chance to continue Prince Michael's bloodline through their wombs. Yet. He had additional interests.

He lay naked on a covered table. A fig leaf covered his private area. Darcy stood with nothing more than his apron on as he painted, “Hold still. Yes, that’s perfect,” he said to Prince Michael.

The light hit his skin perfectly. He looked almost godlike as he lay there. His body was lean. His dark brown hair was neatly trimmed and his face was still smooth as a baby’s bottom. He did not even look his age.

Darcy smiled at his work, “You are magnificent.”

The prince left the table, “I want to see,” he said as he walked up to Darcy and stood behind him, “You are a genius, Darcy.”

He looked back. The Prince was slightly taller than him. He smiled, “I wish we didn’t have to hide.”

“In due time.”

Darcy scoffed, “There will never be a time. The world is not ready for this. Us.”

Prince Micael sighed. It did seem hopeless. If the holy word said their love was an abomination, how would they ever be free to love out loud? He dressed himself. He knew he didn’t have much time. He had to meet several women in hopes of choosing a suitable bride.

Darcy touched his face, “When you choose her, make sure she is the one.”

“The one.” He nodded.

*****

The room where he sat with his Queen and his daughter was grand. King Edward looked at his wife sitting on her throne, “And our son?” he asked elegantly.

“I’m sure he will be here shortly,” she replied.

I received a letter last night from Prince Joseph.”

“East Anglia?”

“Yes. They are interested in Agnes as a bride.”

She smiled, “You’ve had your eye on those lands for some time.”

“Those and others.”

Agnes overheard, “I do not like Prince Joesph he is quite smug and has no sense of humor.”

The Queen sighed, “Anges.”

Prince Michael made haste into the room, “My apologies.”

His father eyed him disapprovingly, “Our guests have been waiting.”

“Yes, father. I know. I have already apologized.”

Prince Michael sat on his throne and waited anxiously. He saw Darcy enter the room and stand in the rear as women were presented to the Prince.

******

The campsite was busy. King Knud was in his tent enjoying liberties with a young fair-haired woman when one of his men entered, “They’ve returned,” the young warrior said.

The king slapped the young woman’s ass to signal her to get off his cock. He sat up, then left the makeshift bed, and got dressed. He stepped outside to see Erick, Sigurd, Sven, and the other men. “So, when do we attack?” he asked impatiently.

Erick looked at him and then Sigurd, “We were talking.”

“About?”

“Why create enemies if we don’t have to? We can propose to work out an arrangement where we live here peacefully. Share resources. We can be allies.”

King Knud waited for the punchline and replied, “You can’t be serious?”

Sigurd looked at Sven and then at him, “We are. There is no need to start a war if we can make peaceful negotiations.”

Knud shook his head, “I’ve been on many raids. Trust me when I tell you...anything you want, you must take. After blood is spilled, they can bow to us or we can eliminate them.”

Sigurd stepped closer, “Last time I checked, this was Jarl Erick’s raiding campaign.”

King Knud stood his ground, “It is. I am only speaking from experience, son. Something you wouldn't know about.”

“I am not your son,” he replied and walked off.

King Knud looked at Erick, “I wasn’t trying to go over your head. I was merely trying to help him understand that I have been through these situations before.”

Jarl Erick nodded, “I will take you advice into consideration. But for now, we will try to work this with finesse and if we have to, we can be forceful. We did not come all this way to walk away with nothing,” he said before he walked off with Harald and Loki.

King Knud looked at his man, “These fools. We may have to deal with them sooner than later.”

The man tilted his head in agreeance.

*****

Mercia

They decided to stop to see King Charles and Queen Godgifu on their way home. The carriages pulled up. First King Oswald and his wife exited their carriage and entered the castle. Liam stepped outside and held his hand out to help Yande step down. He looked at the sword she had shethed, “I told you you wouldn’t need that,” he said sweetly.

“I like to be prepared.”

“I would never let harm befall you.”

She blushed. Excitedly, Princess Winfred walked over to Yanda and grabbed her arm, “Come meet my father, stepmother, and little brother.”

Prince Liam turned to his brother and smiled. His brother hit his arm, “You haven’t taken the lady Yande to your bed, have you?”

“Oswald.”

“Just asking. You are in love.”

“I’ve loved her.”

His eyes widened.

“I can’t explain it. But she’s been in my heart for some time,” he added.

He patted his shoulder, “Well, you’ll be married soon enough.”

They continued into the castle. Lady Darleen and Samba walked in last. Samba was nervous, “Will you move to Portugal? That is where my life is.”

“I don’t speak Portuguese. I don't think I’d want to be so far away from my cousin. She needs me. You can stay here. Don’t you want to be near your sister?”

Samba nodded, “I suppose.”

“I’m sure one of these Kings can provide you with meaningful work and a handsome salary.”

Samba nodded and went inside with Darleen.

****

The King nearly burst with joy to see his daughter, “Look at you, I am surprised. I didn’t expect a visit,” he said to his daughter.

“I was in East Anglia. I met the writer Joaquin Moriera. He was there with his son Samba,” she said as she pointed to him beside Darleen.

The King nodded, “Samba. You are Portuguese?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I am also African.”

“I see.”

“This is his sister, Yande.”

The King studied her, “You are African as well?”

“That I am. Your majesty. And I am both pleased and honored to meet you. Winfred has told me a lot about you. I also share a close relationship with my father. He means the world to me.”

King Charles smiled, “And Darleen. How have you been? I trust you have kept busy.”

“I have, Your Majesty. I have been at Winfred’s side being of great assistance, haven’t I?”

Winfred hesitated but replied, “Yes. She has been by my side.”

After they spoke, they offered their guests food and wine. As they sat eating, Queen Gogifu stared at Yande. Yande caught her glance and smiled.

After they dined, she found Yande leaning over by the garden surveying the flowers. “Lady Yande,” she said.

Yande stood to greet the queen, “Your Majesty.”

“I’m sorry for staring earlier. It’s just you are fascinating.”

“It is fine.”

“I hear you are to wed Prince Liam.”

“I am.”

The Queen touched her face. Yande saw something. The queen saw the look, “I’m sorry, I should have asked, your skin, it’s perfect.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Her hand went to her little round belly. Yande knew what she was carrying. She could sense it and she also knew the father. She saw it. She hated knowing some things. She remained calm and smiled. Liam walked up, “Queen, Godgifu.”

“Prince Liam, congratulations again. Your future bride is lovely.”

He smiled as he reached for Yande’s hand. They saw the Queen walk off. Liam turned to her, “We will be leaving shortly. There is so much I want to show you. The place where we will build a life.”

She touched her forehead to his. Her eyes nearly watered. Samba was right, at times the visions could be too much. It was not easy knowing people’s fate and understanding that there wasn’t much one could do to change what was destined.

She took a deep breath and stepped back. He looked into her eyes, "Are you troubled?” he asked.

“I am fine. I wish to see our future home now.”