Kuhlain's Quest

Chapter 1 – Despair and Hope

Kuhlain! yelled Farel and Beorg as they saw Kuhlain kneeling next to the butchered carcass of a huge bear.

Upon hearing the lads’ cries, Kuhlain looked to the south and saw Old Bane lathered to a frenzy pulling the wagon as fast as her old legs could go. He jumped up to grab the trace and soon had the frantic horse quieted down. You trying to kill Old Bane? he said with a gruffness that startled both lads. How are you going to haul slate for my roof then? Unhitch the old girl and rub her down while I load the wagon.

Kuhlain, said Farel, jumping down from his seat. It’s Ceili…she’s in trouble. You’ve got to help her.

"Ceili’s in trouble? What are you blathering about, lad.

She wanted to come with us, said Beorg, worried that Kuhlain would blame him for Ceili’s peril. But when the soldiers came…

Soldiers? Soldiers have never come here before. What did they look like?

They were on horses, two of them, and they had lances and big red shields. Ceili saw them first and jumped out of the wagon. She said they would kill us and to go as fast as we could to get you.

With a big arm around each lad and swallowing the fear he felt for Ceili’s safety, Kuhlain said, You did the right thing - I am proud of you. We have to let Old Bane cool down before we start out. Vieg needs to know what happened. Do not worry lads. We will find Ceili and if they hurt her, they will have to answer to me. Now let’s get to work.

Seated on opposite sides of the load and hanging onto the antlers of a great elk, Farel and Beorg stared dumbfounded at the huge curved teeth of the big cat. I’ve seen old bones before, but I never thought I’d see a freshly killed one. I hope I’ll be as good a hunter as Kuhlain someday, said Farel. Me too, echoed Beorg. Feeling the wagon slow down and stop, the boys looked up at Kuhlain.

What do you make of that, lads? he said, pointing off to the right. Standing to get a better view, the boys looked where Kuhlain was pointing and saw a saddled horse browsing on tufts of grass.

Looks like one of the soldier’s horses. Do you see that red shield hanging on the saddle horn? I wonder where the rider is.

You lads stay here and take care of Old Bane while I go check it out.

Be careful, said Beorg. It may be a trap.

Are you daft? said Farel, shooting of look of derision at Beorg as soon as Kuhlain was out of earshot. There are only two of them. I would bet Kuhlain could handle twice that. Did you see his sword? I wonder where he got it."

Maybe Ullar presented it to him for killing the great elk and that big cat, said Beorg.

Maybe the god of the Hunt did give it to him, I know he didn’t have it when he left a few days ago, said Farel.

The sound of galloping hooves struck Farel and Beorg with fear until they saw Kuhlain riding toward them on a red horse with black mane and tail.

He’s a little skittish, but with the proper care he’ll be just fine. I suspect his previous owner mistreated him, said Kuhlain patting the muscled neck of his new horse. You lads drive the wagon and I’ll scout ahead for any trouble."

At the place where the soldiers captured Ceili, Kuhlain glanced down to the left and saw a body sprawled on the rocks at the bottom. The ravens had already begun to feed. He dismounted and tied the reins to a bush, then went to the edge to get a better look. The creaking approach of the heavily burdened wagon prompted Kuhlain to wait for the lads. One or both of them would be eager to descend the cliff.

Does that look like one of the men you saw? said Kuhlain pointing to the body.

Ceili did that? said Farel in wide-eyed wonder. It could be. Do you want me to go down there and check it out?

I want to go too, said Beorg, eager to help.

I would greatly appreciate it lads. Check his pockets and bring up any weapons or coin. Mayhap there is something that will tell us where he came from or who he works for. I have no doubt Ceili sent this one to the world of shades. This means she has but one captor for the moment. By blood and thunder, if he has hurt her he will soon join his companion.

The two boys clambered down the steep cliff while Kuhlain brooded over the dark turn of events. In three days, he and Ceili were to wed. Everyone in Torvik anticipated a great feast, a celebration that would last for three days and nights. He pulled his new sword from its scabbard and pointed it defiantly at the sky. He raised his left hand in a fist and called out in a voice to rival thunder, KAYLEEEE! The sound reverberated through the hills and ravines of his beloved northland. By earth and sea and sky, I will find you and bring you home. By the nine I swear it! His oath thus sworn, Kuhlain thrust his sword back into its scabbard.

Startled by Kuhlain’s outburst, Farel and Beorg paused in their descent and looked up at the man standing like an enraged god at the top of the cliff. They wished that they could help Kuhlain in his search for Ceili, but they both knew they were too young and inexperienced to be much help. Even so, they would do anything Kuhlain asked of them, mostly out of friendship and respect, but also because they felt guilty for bringing Ceili into danger.

I pity whoever has taken Ceili, said Beorg. Their life is forfeit when Kuhlain catches up to them."

I hope when my time to take a wife comes that I will love her the way Kuhlain loves Ceili, said Farel leaping down from a rock to level ground at the bottom.

I hope my wife loves me the way Ceili loves Kuhlain, said Beorg, following Farel.

As they approached the body, a conspiracy of ravens reluctantly relinquished their feast in a blur of black wings and raucous protests.

Morraghan’s mercy, said Farel looking at the bloody eye sockets of the dead man.

Never mind that, said Beorg. Let’s get this done and leave him to the corbies.

Watching the two lads climb the cliff, Kuhlain wondered who would come to this land and steal his beloved Ceili. She had put up a valiant fight to retain her freedom, the proof lying on the rocks below.

Here are his weapons, said Farel handing Kuhlain a sword and a dagger on a belt. They were good weapons made of fine steel but nowhere near the quality of workmanship as the ones Kuhlain found.

He also had a smaller dagger hidden in his right boot, continued Farel. His spear was broken but Beorg broke off the steel point. It is good steel. He also had this, tossing a leather pouch to Kuhlain. There are gold and silver coins and a few coppers. The man he worked for paid well. Oh, and he had this on a gold chain around his neck.

The gold and silver amulet featuring a red enameled shield in the center surrounded by silver lettering intrigued Kuhlain. He thought it must bear some relation to the shield hanging on the saddle. He knew that the words on the amulet referred to a red shield. Brog, Daragh the blacksmith’s son, would be able to tell him more. He put the amulet in his belt pouch and tossed the bag of coins to Farel saying, We’ll give this to Vieg along with the weapons. He is an honorable and generous chief. He will give you some silver at least for your help. Throw the weapons into the wagon and let’s get going. The sooner we get to Torvik, the sooner I can begin searching for Ceili.

Kuhlain was about to turn off the north trail and head toward the village when he noticed something white on the ground.

You lads go on ahead, he said dismounting and leading the horse by the reins. I saw something on the trail ahead and want to check it out. Wait for me at the edge of the village. I want to tell Vieg myself about Ceili.

We’ll wait for you, said Farel, relieved that he and Beorg would not have to tell their chief about his daughter’s abduction and that they had taken her with them to meet Kuhlain.

With the reins gripped in his left hand, Kuhlain searched on foot for the thing he had spotted earlier. What he found made his heart leap to his throat. He bent down and picked up a familiar object, one he had seen Ceili wearing many times. A careful examination of the object revealed that it bore no bloodstains. Good lass, he said, looking down the trail to the south while placing Ceili’s comb in his shirt next to his heart. With hope renewed, Kuhlain mounted up and trotted quickly toward Torvik.

Chapter 2 – Allies

I don’t blame you lads for what happened to Ceili, said Vieg ushering the trembling boys to his door with a huge arm around each. She’s a headstrong lass. If I have a hard time getting her to do what I say, I do not expect a couple of green sprouts like you to do any better. Here’s some silver for helping Kuhlain.

Each clutching a silver penny, the boys thanked their chief profusely before Vieg closed the door and turned to Kuhlain who had been comforting Thula. She had taken the news of Ceili’s abduction hard, her heart set on the upcoming festivities and seeing her only remaining child married. Nothing like this had ever happened before. It was one thing to lose dear friends to sickness, storms, or accidents, but to have strangers come and take her daughter was beyond comprehension.

Oh Vieg, what will we do? What will we do? she pleaded through her tears.

Kuhlain will bring her back, don’t you worry, said Vieg patting his wife on the back as she buried her tear-stained face in his burly chest. I only wish I could send more of the men with him, but with last year’s poor harvest we can’t afford to let the crops spoil in the field while they chase after our daughter. We cannot face another winter with nothing to eat but fish and a little meat. It is not easy being chief. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. I would go myself but you know I am not as young as I was. I’d only slow him down and it would take longer to bring Ceili home.

Vieg’s right,’ said Kuhlain. He’s chief and his place is here protecting the village. We do not know if more of these men are coming. Vieg will be busy preparing defenses and making sure all of you are safe."

I suppose you men know what’s best, said Thula pulling away from Vieg, but I tell you this, if any strangers poke their noses in here they’ll have more than the men to fear."

Ha, ha, laughed Vieg, slapping his thigh. That’s my girl, he said, hugging Thula from behind and kissing her neck. Eh Kuhlain, you see what kind of woman you’re getting? Ceili came from this one’s belly and she has my blood too.

Vieg, you’re embarrassing me, said Thula turning to embrace her husband.

I don’t think it’s wise for you to go alone, said Vieg in a serious tone. Most folk do not think much of Daragh’s son Brog, but at least he is strong and he will keep you company. Besides, maybe you can help the lad a bit. What do you say?"

I have my doubts, but if you see something in him then I trust your judgment. After all, you are letting me marry Ceili.

Good, then it’s settled. I’ll let Daragh know what we’ve decided.

No need to bother, said Kuhlain. I’m going to see Daragh anyway about this sword I found while hunting. I am hoping he can tell me something about it. I also found this dagger at the same time, he said, handing it to Vieg.

This is a truly magnificent weapon, said Vieg tossing it in the air by the blade and catching it by the handle. The balance is perfect and I’ve never seen such fine steel. Show me the sword, he said handing back the dagger.

Kuhlain drew the sword slowly from the sheath on his back and watched Vieg’s eyes widen in disbelief as he presented it to him hilt first.

This is a warrior’s weapon, he said reverently, tracing the runes with his fingers and testing the edge. Use these weapons to bring my daughter back. And punish those cowards responsible for taking her.

My oath has already been sworn, said Kuhlain. Now I must talk with Daragh.

"And it would be good to talk with Brigdsuil. She often fares forth in Ahronrot, the Land of the Silver Wheel, in pursuit of ancient wisdom. Her ways are strange, but she may know something that will help you find Ceili. Take this purse as well, you may need it, said Vieg as Kuhlain hugged Thula in parting. I added some of my own to it so you wouldn’t have to worry about any expense."

I will do as you say. I will find Ceili and bring her home, said Kuhlain, as he bade farewell to Vieg and Thula.

#

Let me see that sword! said Daragh, pointing to the golden hilt protruding over Kuhlain’s left shoulder as he welcomed Kuhlain into his shop.

Aye, ‘tis why I’ve come to see you, said Kuhlain pulling the sword free and presenting it to Daragh. What can you tell me of it?

Daragh studied the magnificent weapon for a long moment before replying, ’tis the weapon of a god. I have never seen such fine steel, not a mark or scratch on it anywhere, sharper than a razor but no marks from a stone. It’s impossible, but here it is.

I doubt that any god would be so careless as to lose such a fine weapon, said Kuhlain. Take a look at this dagger as well.

Obviously made by whoever made the sword. Where did you find these weapons? said Daragh, his eyes narrowing.

North of Torvik in a stream bed. They must have been under the ice a good long time.

And not a hint of rust, said Daragh looking in wonder at the dagger. I would give anything to learn that secret.

Daragh, I must ask a favor, said Kuhlain, placing his left hand on the big man’s shoulder as the blacksmith handed back the dagger.

A favor? Of course, just name it, said Daragh.

Ceili has been taken and I am going to get her back…

Taken? What do you mean?

Farel and Beorg were going up the old north trail in the wagon with Ceili when they spotted two men on horseback following them. Ceili saw the danger and sent the lads to get me. She killed one but the other one captured her. Vieg says I should take Brog with me…

Brog? Why in thunder would you want to take him? said Daragh turning away.

Vieg sees something in him that you obviously do not, said Kuhlain through gritted teeth. He’s a strong lad and I will need his help.

Conceding to Kuhlain’s smoldering anger, Daragh replied, He’s not much good to me here anyway. Take him if you wish.

Where is Brog? asked Kuhlain, happy that the confrontation with Daragh had not escalated.

Through that door, said Daragh gesturing dismissively to a closed door on his right before returning to his work. Probably has his nose in some book or scroll. Sorry to hear about Ceili, she’s a fine young lass.

Grunting his acknowledgment, Kuhlain swept past the blacksmith and opened the door to see Brog sitting at a table bent over a parchment scroll.

Kuhlain, what are you doing here? said Brog rising and rolling up the scroll.

Ceili’s in trouble and I need your help finding her, said Kuhlain.

Brog collapsed back into his chair and ran dirty hands through his blond hair. He stared up at Kuhlain in disbelief. What happened? How is she in trouble?

Kuhlain pulled over a chair and explained to Brog everything that had happened earlier. Vieg says that you should come with me to rescue Ceili. Are you willing to do that?

Vieg said that?

Yes, he feels that you have great potential.

I never knew he thought of me like that. I would be happy to help you find Ceili. When do we leave?

…as soon as we find a horse for you, any ideas?

Kal has a gelding that he might be persuaded to part with…for the right price, but I don’t have any coin.

Don’t worry about that, I have some silver that will make Kal’s mouth water.

Chapter 3 – Captive

It was obvious to Ceili, from the rising and setting of the sun, that the man was taking her south. The steep narrow valleys of her home had given way to broad expanses of forest punctuated occasionally by small meadows. The swift crashing rivers of the north became gentle streams with dark, languid pools that looked invitingly pleasant for a swim. She would have welcomed that, to feel fresh and clean instead of sweaty and grimy from her forced ordeal. At least the brute had not ravaged her as she had expected. This man General Straayer instills great fear for such forbearance in his followers, she thought. Ceili had no doubt that Goran, the man who had captured her, was a killer and worse. The way his dark, evil eyes followed her when they made camp for the night left no doubt as to his true intentions, thwarted though they may be by fear of his master. Shuddering at the thought of what he must be like, Ceili resolved to escape as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

The first day riding bound in the saddle in front of Goran had been excruciatingly unbearable with her captor’s foul breath so close and his wretched arms around her holding the reins. The next morning a fresh horse mysteriously appeared. Its owner no doubt murdered in his sleep by Goran. He kept her hands bound in front of her at all times, wrists rubbed raw from the rough rope. When they made camp for the night, Goran made Ceili gather wood for the fire and then bound her feet, throwing a dirty blanket over her after they had eaten. She despised his hands on her as he helped her up in the saddle.

Captor and captive crossed a meadow late in the day. Ceili stared numbly at the ground until she realized what she was seeing. Aside from clumps of bright juicy red berries, the glint of shiny black stones just like the ones Kuhlain used to fashion arrow points brought a smile to her face. It was just as well that Goran, riding behind her, could not see her face.

There’s a stream just ahead through those trees, said Goran. We’ll camp there for the night. Get some wood, and be quick about it. I’m hungry and I don’t like waiting for my supper.

I saw some berries back in the meadow, said Ceili. Do you want me to get you some?

Get the wood first, said Goran gruffly. Then we’ll see about berries.

I could gather wood better if my hands weren’t tied, said Ceili looking plaintively at Goran, thrusting her bound hands toward him.

Not a chance, he replied brusquely. I ain’t no fool, now get to it."

While Ceili busied herself gathering wood, Goran unburdened the horses and rubbed them down, making sure they had plenty of green grass to browse on. He then prepared the fire pit and waited for Ceili to return with the wood.

Ceili could not believe her good fortune when she saw sharp flakes of black stone littering the forest floor. She knelt and picked up a piece and hid it behind her belt buckle. When she returned to camp with her arms loaded with wood, Ceili was surprised not to see Goran. After she dumped the wood beside the fire pit, Goran’s hands startled her as he reached around her waist, spinning her roughly to face him.

Here, take my helmet and fill it with berries, he said removing his helmet with a grin. I always liked them red berries, but Pa never let me have my fill. Said I had to learn to share. How ‘bout we share some berries just to please my old Pa, ha, ha, ha.

The berries might at least sweeten his breath, if not his disposition, Ceili thought. She took Goran’s helmet and headed for the meadow. Tonight she would use the black stone to free herself while Goran slept.

Chapter 4 – Escape

Ceili stayed awake until she heard Goran snoring on the other side of the fire. She worked the black stone from behind her buckle and clamped it between her knees so she could rub the rope binding her wrists against it. One strand then another parted as she worked the rope against the sharp stone. Soon, with hands free, she slashed the rope binding her feet. Feeling a rush of excitement at last to be free, Ceili moved carefully away from the fire fearful of making any noise that might awaken Goran. As she walked north along the trail, she waited until she could no longer see the glow from the fire before running.

Ceili ran until her sides ached, with her breath coming in quick gasps. She realized she could have covered more ground had she taken the horses, but was afraid they would wake Goran. At least she was free and on her way back to Kuhlain. With this pleasant thought giving her courage, Ceili continued walking aided by the light of a half moon. Grass and weeds grew in the center of the road making walking in the ruts a necessity. Fortunately, they were not too deep and she only had to wade infrequently through tall grass to avoid mud and water.

Dawn broke bleeding through the trees to her right testifying to Ceili that foul weather was coming within a day or two. She continued northward until she came to a road that crossed the one she was traveling. It ran east and west and looked more used with sparse growth between the ruts. Ceili decided to head east in hopes of finding someone to help her. Goran had certainly discovered her escape and was galloping northward in pursuit. She had to find help soon or face Goran’s wrath. With any luck, he would think she had continued northward towards her home.

With the sun playing hide-and-seek with the clouds, Ceili saw two figures crossing a meadow on the south side of the road. She watched the two young lads cross the road ahead of her. One appeared to be carrying a coil of rope over his shoulder. They seemed to be in a hurry, bantering back and forth excitedly as they continued north across a fallow field. Preoccupied with one another, they were oblivious of the lone figure watching them.

In the direction from which the boys came, Ceili saw a sturdy stone farmhouse with a thatched roof and a well-kept barn about a hundred paces from it. Smoke curling from the farmhouse chimney told her that someone was busy cooking. Thoughts of freshly baked bread with creamy butter and honey made her stomach growl. Her all-night-and-half-morning trek had given her a fierce appetite. She headed across the field towards the farmhouse in hopes that its inhabitants would be kind enough to feed her.

The barking of a large black dog, streaking straight toward her, surprised Ceili half way across the field. It had been lying on the stone steps of the farmhouse soaking up the warmth of the morning sun when it had sensed her approach. A man appeared in the entrance to the barn curious to discover what had set the dog to barking. At almost the same instant, a woman in an apron opened the back door to the farmhouse and stood on the top step shielding her eyes from the bright morning sun with one hand.

She stood still as the dog slowed warily approaching her with its ears laid back. Ceili watched its tail slowly swinging. It circled her in a low crouching lope, edging closer to sniff her legs and her right hand. With its tail thrashing wildly, the dog bounded towards the barn barking to announce Ceili’s presence. Abruptly it reversed direction heading back towards Ceili who had begun walking toward the man standing in the doorway of the barn.

Ho, stranger, called the man. Do not be afraid. Tor seems to like you and that is good enough for me. Come, you look to be tired and hungry. Yosie, my wife will take good care of you.

I thank you for your generosity and kind words, good farmer, said Ceili as she turned toward the farmhouse, the dog walking alongside nuzzling her hand.

Come, my dear, said Yosie who looked to be about ten years older than Ceili. You look to have been through a terrible ordeal. You’re not from around here are you?"

Chapter 5 – The Volva

Kuhlain and Brog rode along the bluffs south of Torvik on their way to visit the seeress Brigdsuil. Kuhlain would have rather headed south in search of Ceili, but he could not ignore Vieg’s advice. Besides he promised Vieg that he would seek out the seeress.

Brigdsuil’s abode was a cave in the cliff face overlooking the ever-changing sea. Two huge carved tusks of a gromadnok marked the entrance. The approach was a perilous trail along a ledge halfway down the cliff accessible by a steep ravine.

After hobbling the horses’ forelegs, Kuhlain and Brog picked their way down the ravine. Before stepping onto the ledge leading to Brigdsuil’s cave, Kuhlain handed Brog the amulet retrieved from the dead soldier.

What do you make of it? asked Kuhlain after Brog had looked it over.

"The words surrounding the image of a shield say ‘The Order of the Red