Taking a final look over the tavern’s well set tables, Hild nodded to herself with satisfaction. Though her heart was not in this, she had made sure Captain Denholm’s instructions had been properly fulfilled. The ‘Dragon’ was ready to host any mourners, for those whose funeral was imminent, or those who had already bid ‘farewell’ to lost loved ones. The room felt respectfully somber, but also held that balance of their folk’s determined survival. Some would be thinking of kin rejoining ancestors in the Halls of their Fathers. Some would be thinking of the days ahead, and ensuring their kin survived.
She had not lost anyone in the recent battle for the village. Indeed, only a few well known guards had sustained mortal wounds. Under Averel Thane’s orders, the garrison had been built up the last few months. There had been over two dozen newer guards, as far as she could tell, added from some of the local villages. There had been a few more ‘trustworthy’ wanderers added. All had taken coin offered by the Thane, and spent a fair amount in her Tavern when they could. All had been well drilled by the captain and sergeant Thilwend. And sadly, it had cost a few their lives.
Hild did not like death. Best avoided, she thought grimly. But it surrounded them at times be it orcs or Dunlendings; disease or starvation. It had to be taken in one’s stride.
That’s what she was trying to do. Take her husband’s murder in her stride. He had betrayed her and Bronaa, but…..
At that moment Bronaa entered the tavern from the kitchen.
“Seldis will make sure the stew pot is refilled, mama. There are a few more platters of meat and cheese if needed, and plenty of fresh baked loaves.”
Hild nodded, momentarily her mind lingered on Paega.
“And Ymma just left us two large Honey cakes”
“Honey cakes, eh? Not the best for a funeral perhaps, but I don’t expect that many will be in the mood for eating.
“It was kindly meant, and probably intended to lift low spirits, if I know Ymma.”
There was the sound of Bronaa’s foot fall as well as her words, as she crossed from behind the bar.
The tavern-keep turned to properly face her daughter, noting the girl was already wrapped in her warm cloak, and had her new prized possession, a fine dagger gifted her by the Thane, sheathed and attached to the leather belt about her waist.
“It is safe for now, dear. Maybe not forever, but for now. You don’t need that knife, but you may do as you wish. I shall stand at the back of the gathering and pay silent respects for those who gave their lives to defend us. I would appreciate you standing with me, but again, you may do as you wish. Then I will be back to Waelden’s house for a good, undisturbed sleep. Tomorrow is another day. May it be a better one.”
There was a moment’s silence, before Bronna ran to give her mama a supportive hug. “We both wonder about papa. I know,” she said softly. “We both have good memories as well as bad? But for my part I am coming to think he did what he could. Some others would have done better, some would have done worse. I shall not hate him.”
Hild hugged her daughter in turn, realising how fast she was growing up in mind as much as in body.
“I shall stay with you, mama. I was thinking Ethel may find tonight a bit difficult, what with losing her mama, her real mama, and all. I want to try and keep an eye on her, but from a distance you know. And the dagger,” the girl patted the weapon hilt proudly, “Well I just want Averel Thane to see me wearing it. And maybe to thank him again directly for his gift, rather than pass a message through Ealdbriht.”
Hild stood back a moment, taking in Bronaa’s growing confidence with an approving look. “Soon enough I shall be turning to you for advice it seems.”
Bronaa chuckled slightly, and headed to the door.
Hild turned to the cloak rack on the wall to take down her own. It would be warm by the pyres, but it would also smell rather unpleasant. She intended to stand well back. Neither was she in the mood for any idle talk. Now that was perhaps a first?
So they left the ‘Roaring Dragon’, joining those others who were ascending the hill to the Mead Hall in that early evening. This was a remembrance of the past, not a celebration for the future. Folk tended to be quietly respectful unless personally grieving.
Hild saw Waelden, Yllfa and Ethel across the yard, and raised a hand in greeting. They did not seem to see her, the adults being focused on their girl. Bronaa nudged her mother slightly.
“Poor Ethel. She told me about her mother’s funeral. I hope this doesn’t bring back too many memories.”
Hearrd , Heartha and Agnes stood a little closer. That was the first she had seen of Heartha since the battle. Hild’s sharp eyes took in the way the smith was standing, supporting her left arm in a sling. She noted the way her assistant was watching her. ‘She has taken an injury as folk were saying’ Hild thought to herself with some concern.”
“Mama!” Bronna tugged on her arm a moment.
Hild had just noticed Gamferth was there. She missed that man’s company in the ‘Dragon’. He was always a pleasure to have in her tavern, even if his visits were rare. And there was Brynleigh, from the stables nigh the river. Ah, she was pleased the woman was out and about, even if it was for such an occasion. Hild turned to see who else she knew.
“Mama!”
“Aye, my dear. Look, there is the Captain!” She pointed as Captain Denholm and Sergeant Thilwend arrived, and dismounted. “They will start the proceedings as soon as the Thane arrives. Oh…”
Hild found herself being turned away from the gathering folk by a very determined Bronaa.
“Look there, mama.”Bronaa said more forcefully. “Standing right at the back….there!” The girl indicated a group of three men standing far to the back of the assembly, in the growing shadows of the waning day. “Those are some of those rough looking men I saw here before all the troubles started.”
With a deep intake of breath, and slight alarm, Hild tried to focus her eyes on the shadowed figures. “You are sure?”
Bronaa’s hand was on her dagger hilt. “I would know them again anywhere. Just look..well one has his hood up…but aye….I know it’s them!
“Didn’t Duncadda chase them away?” Hild grasped for another explanation.
“Aye, mama. He did that. But some at least are here…oh!”
Mother and daughter stood momentarily open-mouthed, and seized each other’s hand as the figures turned towards the Thane’s house, and disappeared into the darkening night.
“Averel!” Hild hissed her concern.
