I have finished NaNoWriMo 2020 and did so with a new record for words written for the event – 77,447 words. Now that I have finished, I am setting that story aside and taking up one that I had been working on before the first of November. But, perhaps almost as important, since it is the first of December, it is time to make our home look festive. The tree, of course, is at the centre of it all. New lights and new garland were applied before adding in the old treasures that have been used for almost four decades, with new ones added by each grandchild.
I am going to share the “prologue” for the new story which is the second in a number of tales that will tell the story of my family over the centuries. This particular story is about a Guillaume de Longpré who made the history books as a participant in the Battle of Hastings of 1066 on the side of William the Conqueror, as well as found in a second book about the Knights of Christ who took part in the First Crusade of 1097. This prologue will make for a long post. I understand if you now skip the rest of this post. But, be warned. Nudity was not such a strange site in that era. Now, with that said, if you dare, read on
Prologue
The sun came through the branches to leave a mottled appearance to the almost invisible path through the forest. The morning was promising a hotter than normal day for early June as I made my way towards the village of Abbéville with my companions Cernunnos, Áine, and Brigantia at my side. Abbéville wasn’t our destination, but it was the place where we would appear in the mortal world in the guise of ordinary people. Our real destination was a village called Longuet. Our journey would have been much quicker had we walked directly to the village, but we didn’t want to appear at Longuet there without establishing a normal presence in the area. The Christian Church was always on the lookout for heathens and heretics, and Celtic immortals were definitely on their blacklist.
Áine is like a sister to me, a younger sister. Her red hair stirred with the passing breeze as we lead our horses through the forest. She wore only a green skirt that contrasted with her hair and the gossamer wings which were folded and invisible as we walked. She was the only one amongst us to be wearing any clothing in the depths of the forest. Her horse, a roan, followed with the others as we made our way down the faintly visible trail. A bow intricately adorned with both silver and gold, was her weapon of choice. As well, hidden within the folds of her skirt were a set of throwing knives.
Walking beside Áine was Brigantia who is more like my twin sister with her long blond hair. Her body was covered in blue tattoos that were hypnotic to anyone who dared to stare at them. She walked holding her golden spear, which was longer than she was tall. Many of the same sigils that were found on Áine’s bow appeared on Brigantia’s spear. Though she is beautiful beyond imagining, seeing her left most men quivering in fear. She radiated a powerful aura that was enhanced by a fierceness in her gaze. A circlet of gold on each arm matched the golden necklace she wore. Her horse was as black as midnight with a white star on its forehead and white socks on three of its feet.
Cernunnos is my best friend. He had dark hair, almost black. Like Brigantia, his body was covered in blue tattoos. He was fearsome in his appearance, especially when he wore his crown of stag antlers. His physical power and strength evoked both awe and fear among men, and desire in women. Cernunnos was quick to take advantage of women who wanted nothing more that to mate. No one claims that Celtic immortals were saints. We have a purpose to serve the light and Cernunnos lived that purpose to the full. He carried several weapons, a long oak staff that was stained from many battles in the past, a longsword sheathed and carried on his hips, and a pair of shorter swords that rested on his back in crossed sheaths. His horse was a dark destrier, wrapped in protective armor as befitted a war horse.
As for me, I also wore a long-sword and carried a long bow. Like Cernunnos, I also rode a destrier that was well-trained and tested in battle. I had other weapons as well which were secured to the saddle of my horse. I wore a wide circlet of gold on each wrist. Other than a few burns from working at the forge where I crafted weapons and other objects, I was unmarked. I’m not big into tattoos.
We had left an unnamed hamlet secreted in the depths of the forest south of the Somme River almost two hours earlier. The hamlet was well warded so that strangers wouldn’t accidently stumble upon it. The power source for the warding came from a krommlec’h, a circle of stones surrounding a raised stone altar in the centre of the hamlet. The hamlet was Cernunnos’ home if it could be said that he needed a place to call home.
As we neared the river and the first signs of other people, each of us hid our natural appearances behind clothing, which had been stored in packs on our horses. Brigantia cast a small spell that would prevent others from paying us too much attention. We soon blended in with the others we began to meet. Yet, we made sure that there was no mistaking that we were well-born Franks, rather than peasants. We had an image to project, and being taken for serfs was not going to serve our purpose. Magic hid the blue tattoos and the brilliance of the gold bands on necks and arms, and the quality of our weapons. We left the forest and entered onto a rutted trail that led to the river crossing that would take us into Abbéville.
Both Áine and Brigantia now appeared to be younger, unmarried women in the mid-teens. Cernunnos was to act as Áine’s brother, and my squire. I had the role of being Brigantia’s older brother, the first son of the Sieur de Crécy. The colours and sigil of the Crécy family were displayed on our horses. No one would question the veracity of our disguise, as the real Sieur de Crécy was a very minor noble at a considerable distance to the north, closer to Flemish country. Áine was in the role of being my niece. Our group was purportedly heading to Amiens to secure the bishop’s blessings, a pilgrimage of sorts. Of course, we really had no intention of ever getting to Amiens.
“Lew, I have to say that you don’t look too imposing or regal as a Lord,” laughed Cernunnos. “You certainly won’t appear to be a threat to anyone wanting to steal your niece. You look more like a church man than a landed lord.”
“I’m not to look to intimidating, Cern. After all, the young Raoul doesn’t need to feel threatened by me, or by any of us,” I reminded Cernunnos, glancing at both women just to make sure they got the message as well.
The talk soon shifted to be more in keeping with what would be spoken by travelling nobility. Occasionally, Cernunnos would interject a ribald comment about Áine’s coming assignment, the bedding of Raoul.
“Cern, you’re such a pig,” Áine spoke with disgust. “There is a higher purpose here. Don’t forget it.”
“He can’t help it,” laughed Brigantia. “After all, he is the Green Man who thinks with his other head.”
Lugh grinned at their banter emerged. They soon arrived at the river crossing and found themselves in a small crowd waiting to cross the river in flat-bottomed boats, which were tethered to a long rope that spanned the river. The convivial conversation of others surrounding them was just as raunchy. The only one that seemed to take offence at the ribald talk wore a threadbare brown robe which proclaimed him as belonging to the Church.
Lugh held out a few coins to pay for their passage to the opposite shore. Since it was a market day, the town of Abbéville was attracting quite a few visitors, a situation that would make it even easier for Lugh and his companions to blend in and escape undue attention.
Brigantia was barely controlling her anger when Lugh spotted her ready to strike a large oafish and overweight man who had crudely commented about her shapely buttocks and alluring breasts. Lugh gave a shake of his head in warning. The last thing they needed to do was to have her teach the oaf a lesson. There were too many clerics around. Rather that strike the man, she simply glared at him. Just enough of her fury showed in her eyes to have the man back away lifting his arms as if proclaiming his innocence. The incident passed and soon we found ourselves off the ferry and riding through the market place in Abbéville.
“You know who we’re looking for, Raoul de Longpré. He should be easy to find when he comes into Abbéville as he’s going to be taller than most of the other men. He will likely have quite a following of friends,” I reminded the group. “If he’s anything like his great-grandfather, we shouldn’t have much problem completing our assignment.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” grumbled Áine. “You’re not the one who has to get pregnant with his child.”
“Poor Áine,” Cernunnos teased. “With any luck, you might even like the young lad. How long has it been anyway since you’ve …”
Áine rapped her riding crop off Cernunnos’ shoulder with just enough force to cut off what he was going to say, “ …Ouch!”
It was Brigantia who first spied the young Raoul sitting on a keg with a mug of ale in his grip. “There he is.”
Three other young men stood around with mugs, with a fourth man, a few years older Raoul, sitting on a keg opposite him. A few of the men were laughing at a pair of young boys who were using sticks as swords. A dog lay in the dust beside the man opposite Raoul. As we approached the market, Cernunnos eyed a few young women who were dressed in their Sunday clothing strolling along the street pretending to be looking at the various market stalls instead of at Raoul and his companions. Their laughter was easy to hear above the din of market goers and shopkeepers hawking their wares.
“Now, this is what it’s all about,” Cernunnos commented to his companions. “Life! Isn’t it grand?”
Our group dismounted, with Cernunnos and I taking the horses to the stables at the side of the Inn. Brigantia stopped at a stall near the young men and pointed out some colourful material to Áine, “This would make a wonderful dress for you, Aimée, don’t you think?” she addressed Áine using her mortal name.
“Hmm? Don’t you think it is too expensive, Brigitte?” Áine returned holding the material up to her face and looking in Raoul’s direction with a smile. “Papa doesn’t want us to spend all of our money before we get to Amiens.”
As the two chatted back and forth, Raoul and his friends took notice of the young women. Both Áine and Brigantia had the appearance of being about sixteen years old because of the magic. The young men didn’t stand a chance regardless of the use of magic. They were normal young men who were ruled as much by their instincts than they were by their customs. The women pretended to ignore them while they continued with their charade.
Lugh looked on, satisfied with what he saw, Cernunnos focused on gathering a few extra provisions from the various stalls, things that would likely come in handy for the next stage of their journey.
Lugh walked into the Inn and asked the proprietor for two rooms.
“My good sir. I hope that you have two rooms for the night for my sister, my betrothed and my squire.” As I spoke, I held a purse in my hand jingling it just enough to draw the innkeeper’s attention. “If possible, we would like a bath made available for the young women. Of course, I’ll pay well for the extra attention.”
“Most certainly, my Lord …?” the innkeeper responded with the hope of eliciting a name.
“Good. My father, le Sieur de Crécy will be told about your hospitality.”
“Your horses, my Lord?”
“My cousin and I left them with your men at the stables. While we wait for my sister and my niece, perhaps you could bring a flagon of wine. Travelling is such thirsty work.”
“Of course, my Lord”
Cernunnos entered the inn only moments later and found me sitting at a table with a flagon of wine and two wooden goblets already poured.
“Áine is making quite the impression on Raoul. The poor bugger doesn’t stand a chance.”
“The same could be said about you, Cern,” I laughed. “Only with you it is the women who are being gripped with an unconscious need to mate.”
The rest of the day passed as expected. At the evening meal, our party of four sat a table not too distant from the table being used by Raoul’s group. Raoul could be seen sneaking occasional glances at Áine hoping to catch her eye. Of course, she obliged occasionally offering him a shy smile in return. No magic love potions were needed to bewitch a young man. Hormones and a pleasing woman who smiles at you are all that are needed to think you’ve fallen in love.
When Áine left with Brigantia to retire to their room, I walked up to Raoul, “Sir. I noticed your attention upon my niece.” Cernunnos stood just behind me to my right as I looked down on Raoul. “I must make you aware, painfully if I must, that she is not to be trifled with.”
“I am sorry,” Raoul was quick to apologise. “I have no intention of trifling with your niece. I merely returned the smiles she directed at me. I am a married man.” Raoul offered as proof of his honourable intentions. I knew that his marriage was a loveless affair and that no child had been born to provide young Raoul with an heir. Theirs was an arranged marriage between two families with the intent of enlarging the family estate.
“No offence is then taken,” I said while offering Raoul a smile that matched my words. “Pray do tell, to whom do I have the privilege of speaking. It is obvious that you are a man of status as well as stature.”
“I am Raoul, son of Pierre de Longpré. And yourself, sir?”
“Laurent de Crécy, eldest son of the Sieur de Crécy.” Turning to point to Cernunnos, I added, “And this is my cousin, Cedric de Crécy.”
Cernunnos and I then spent another hour with the group before leaving to establish ourselves in the room we had rented for the night. Our task for the day had been achieved, contact had been made.
~
As expected, it took little effort to have Raoul and his companions travel with us towards Longuet, Raoul’s destination. We left the next morning, a large party of young people intent on enjoying life and each other’s company, a group in no hurry to reach their destination.
Later, when we had stopped for a picnic, Raoul offered us an opportunity to stay at his uncle’s manor in Longuet. Once we arrived at Longuet, Raoul’s uncle, Rolfus de Longuet, formalized the invitation, inviting us to stay before we travelled on to Amiens the next morning.
“Our tasks in Amiens can be done in short order,” I affirmed. “We could return in three-day’s time, if possible. It would then be a privilege to stay a few days with you and your nephew in Longuet.”
Upon leaving Longuet, it didn’t take us long to disappear into the forest where we made our way to a meadow hidden about two hours distant from the road between Longuet and Amiens, where another krommlec’h stood at the centre of a clearing. This krommlec’h was tilted, with the top stone barely held up by one of the support stones. Though most thought of it as a burial site marker, it served as a portal to the alterworld of the Tuatha de Danann, our homeland. Three days later, we re-emerged in front of the village of Longuet as we had promised. Word soon had Raoul ride out to meet us and lead us into his uncle’s palisade that surrounded the manor house.
“Ah, you have returned,” Rolfus de Longuet, boomed with a hearty laugh. He wasted no time in having Brigitte and Áine take an arm as he led them like princesses into his manor. “Agnes!” They’re back!”
Raoul’s aunt once again showed them the room which they had shared only three days earlier. “Now, you freshen up and rest. I have sent a messenger to Raoul’s home to have him informed of your return. Rolfus has planned quite the entertainments in your honour.”
While Áine and Brigitte were taken to their apartment in the manor house, Cernunnos and I were taken into Rolfus’ private den where we were given wine in crystal glasses. “Now, tell me more about yourselves. De Crécy, I don’t quite remember the family though I have been through much of the countryside in Flanders.”
“It’s a small estate, one recently granted to my father because of service he rendered to the Lord of Calais. In time, God willing,” I added with a sign of the cross carved upon my body. “Our estate may become more important and prosperous.”
The talk continued with Rolfus filling in most of the pauses with his recounting of exploits as a young man who walked in his older brother’s shadow. Before many hours had passed, Raoul had joined us. We then took our leave to prepare for the banquet and entertainments that had been planned for that evening. Our plans were proceeding without interruption. If all went as we had intended, our objective would be achieved that very night.
Like all such events, the main hall was soon filled with people in various stages of drunkenness. Even several of the women were becoming uninhibited in their approaches to the men. We knew that we needed to appear in a similar state of intoxication. Áine and Brigitte nursed their glasses and pretended to be tipsy. Raoul, as he had back at the Inn in Abbéville, couldn’t keep his eyes off Áine and found himself parked on a bench beside her. Áine played the role of love-struck girl perfectly. Raoul took courage and asked Áine to walk with him to see the stars in the garden, which his aunt maintained behind the manor house.
Áine kept a bit of reserve knowing that it would only incite Raoul to try harder to impress and please her. As Raoul led her through the gardens, Áine spied a bench under an arbor and pleaded a slight faintness. Raoul hastened to have her sit on the bench becoming concerned.
“I just need to rest a bit,” she murmured. “It has been such a long journey.”
“Can I get you anything,” Raoul expressed with a bit of alarm.
“No, I just need to sit for a bit,” she sighed. “Please sit beside me for a bit.”
With another sigh, she leaned to rest against Raoul. He felt her relax and smiled. She was so beautiful. He brushed a hand gently to bring a stray strand of her hair away from her face. His eyes lingered on her lips as she murmured, “Thanks, Raoul. You are such a gentleman.” Her hand slipped onto his lap, touching his hand in the process. Without thinking, he clasped her hand gently.
Áine leaned closer to him, opening her eyes to search his before offering a smile and a faint purr of pleasure. Raoul leaned closer and risked a hint of a kiss. With a start that surprised him, Áine drew back with tear escaping to begin tracing its way down her cheek.
“Oh this is so unfair,” she protested.
“I’m sorry, Áine,” Raoul quickly apologised. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t upset me,” she apologised in return. “It’s not fair that I have fallen in love with you and we can never be married.”
Raoul looked at Áine with disbelief. This goddess had fallen in love with him. He could tell that she was in his power and that he could have her as a lover right this moment. All he had to do was protest and profess his undying love and how their love would allow them to be together, forever. He could barely control his hunger. And when she leaned in to kiss him chastely, he unleashed his passion for her.
Less than an hour later Raoul could hardly believe what he had just done. Áine was crying as she voiced a girl’s worst nightmare, “No man would want me now, Raoul. I am a ruined woman, deflowered.” With those words spoken, she ran from the garden back into the manor. I followed her with my eyes as she garnered just enough attention to have people begin talking. Brigantia was quick to reach her side and was soon joined by Raoul’s aunt. Áine refused to speak as she was led to the room she shared with Brigantia.
When Raoul rushed in only moments later, I stepped up to intercept him. “What have you done? You’re no gentleman, Raoul. We will be leaving first thing in the morning. If all is as I fear it, you will be hearing from my father.” With those words spoken, I turned on my heels and left the hall buzzing with all sorts of innuendo and rumours. The plan had succeeded. We would be confronting Raoul in the future with his son that he would have to acknowledge, a son named Guillaume, who would become his heir. Now, I take my leave and will return to tell the story of Guillaume de Longpré