Thread: Come Hell or Valhalla...  [The Wolven Lord and AnjelRocker]

Earlier in that day had been perfectly ordinary, it had started off a bit chilly that spring morning as she went about doing the chores on their little plot of land in their small community. Mostly of farmers, there was some clergy that man the church. There was the feeding of the animals, milking of the cows, seeing if the hens laid any eggs along with getting the grains milled for the baking of bread. There was also the tending to the gardens and crops that they grew. Her husband would need his breakfast to start the day of protecting the land with the Watch. Of course, there were things to fear the wrath of God being one of the many. There was disease, a bad year for harvest and attack from Invaders. And yet, Caitriona was quite content with her lot in life as she continued on with the work outside of the house made of a stone foundation, the walls of timber and mud as for the roof, it was thatched. Simple dwellings but even with being the wife of the head Watchman well, it was not like her house could be of stone. Going inside, she went to the fire place to stoke the flames before she could look in the pot for the food of the day before. It would be pottage for breakfast along with leftover bread from the night before. Her family was a little more prosperous in the village but she still worked all day as her husband did the same with his protection of the village. There was a bit of bread, cheese and salted pork for his luncheon while she and her son would be content with flat bread on the griddle over the flames of the fire which was in the middle of their one room home. A clean and lovely home that Caitriona took great pride in. The morning went as it usually did, there was a pray and blessing of their food along with her giving her husband a pouch with his lunch in it. A kiss on her cheek. There was love there she was lucky to have it in her life. He did not hit her like other husbands tended to even with their disagreements on manners of the house and family. Her son would go and play with the other children of the village for most of the day, after his own chores were completed for the day and she would do some visiting of her own with the neighbours and come back to tend their homes. Yes, this was life and she was happy. And yet, it all changed that afternoon as the sun was low in the sky. Her husband would usually be due to come home but it all started with a scream as she was outside speaking to Brenda, their next door neighbour. Most sounds of chaos came from the north west of the village as and the blacken smoke. Someones home was on fire. That was the first notion but as her son came running to her, as fast as his little legs could take him His arms outstretched as he said. Mama He was panting as she looked down at the boy who was only six summers. Its the northern invaders. He said probably having heard it from another to repeat the information. Her heart sank as she thought of her husband, Brent. Calhoun, go inside She said as she was holding him close to her. It will be quite well. She said softly trying to comfort her son but truly not knowing what was the truth as she heard more of the sounds of unrest drawing closer to her. Men on horseback including her husband. Lord, save us from this raid. She whispered as her hand went to the cross pendant at her neck. It was only made of wood and a thin rope but it had been blessed by the church. Caitriona had a look of determination as she thought of protecting her home from these men well, her son. Her husband would protect the village Well, that was when she saw the riders coming as large men Giants. Some on foot, others on horses with torches and blades. Caitriona! Go Inside! A bellow came as green eyes went to the right side of her and it was her husband. Sweat dropping from his brow as if he had fought. Most likely. Inside He screamed as she couldnt she was frozen there as she could only watch the scene before her like he was in slow motion. Men battling there was blood. One of the giants grabbing Brenda who had gone to her own home when Calhoun had come to warn her of the invaders and yet, she watched as Brett fell from his mount and onto the ground. There was combat for moment as he bellowed again that she was to go inside and protect Calhoun. Yes, she knew what she had to do as she did go inside of her home and shut the door. Bolting it locked as she looked around frantically for the blade. It was a dagger that Brent had given her if there was ever a time when he could not protect her or his son. She went for it as Calhoun was over in the corner trying not to cry but she did not blame him. She had tears in her eyes so, fear and anguish for what she thought would happen to her and her family. Once she had the blade in her hand, she thought of the lessons that Brett had given her. The screams were echoing in her head, the lord would forgive her if she had to kill for the protection of her child Opening her arms, Calhoun ran to her as he clutched at his mother. Pray with me She whispered to him. Pray that we will be saved. Her faith strong as she looked to the door some light of the afternoon sun coming through as she waited for the hell that was sure to come