Beowulf - Curse of the Dreygurs - Chapter 20

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Chapter 20

Then, he overheard the voice of Appa again. Weohstan recognized he moved toward his position. At first, he wanted to confront the Angle nobleman. However, he carefully backed away when he heard another voice. Fortunately, the pine needles covering the ground helped to cover the noise of his footsteps as he burrowed low through a line of thick undergrowth.

Weohstan watched the outline of Appa coming through the brush, followed by someone in a white robe. Weohstan pulled back the foliage trying to identify the other person, but he only caught glimpses of the two individuals.

“Why did you do this?” he overheard the continuing conversation. “I couldn’t explain the lost horse to my brother.”

Weohstan noticed the hint of fear in the man’s voice.

“I have my reasons, and did as I needed,” a woman’s voice coldly replied as she put her leather boot triumphantly upon the dead beast.

“You will come to understand soon,” she continued. “But you must learn not to explain your actions unless it benefits your cause. Think of your father’s abilities. A king must keep things hidden from view. Men will show you no respect if you answer to them.”

She sighed. Her new partner remained unconvinced.

“Tell them wolves attacked and got the horse when you return.” Verch turned back the way they came, wondering if this young Angle warrior might not be smart enough for her needs. “Since I have no horse, you must take me to a place where the rivers merge as one. I will show you the way.”

Appa’s expression turned dark, but he followed the queen. While fuming about his treatment, Appa hurriedly caught up with Verch. She told him she would return to her camp.

Weohstan pushed forward, but he could only glimpse a sight of her garments. He noticed the quality stood out, likely a noblewoman as she wore a white flowing robe and leather breeches. However, the hood covered her hair and face.

As he listened to the two scheming, Weohstan found himself torn. He wanted to confront them. It was apparent that Appa was involved with something. But Weohstan could not defy Beowulf’s command. It left the Geat unable to follow from his place of concealment for the moment. He missed the rest of the conversation after the two figures’ voices drifted away.

“Go back to the Geats with that talisman I made for you,” Verch hurriedly explained. “I’ll return to my husband for the next part of our plan.”

“But why not stay here?” Appa asked. “I can take care of the Geats. Next mound we come to, I’ll send them in and let the tunnel collapse on them.”

“I’ve seen the visions about these warriors and your brother,” she scoffed. “They know the secret of the monster’s rebirth. If those monsters cannot destroy them, you can’t do it alone.”

“My plan is good,” he replied defensively.

Then he grabbed Verch by the shoulder and forced her to look at him.

“I need to know what you are planning. A righteous king must trust his wife. Especially when she’s planning to dispose of her husband.”

Her faint scowl turned into a smile when she looked at him. She took his hand and placed it upon her heart.

“Take me to the river, and I will tell you all you need to know,” she said breathlessly.

The man’s expression relaxed slightly, and he found himself pleased by her actions. He nodded, and they entered the clearing.

To his surprise, Appa’s horse reared back as they approached. The frightened whining continued while Appa hurried in front of her to calm the animal.

“He must smell the blood of the other,” she coolly stated.

“He’s bred and trained for battle,” the man growled as he held the reins.

Slowly, Appa coaxed the horse, and it calmed enough for them to get on the high back saddle. The quietly left the area.

As Weohstan hurried back to his mount, he spotted a brown-robed rider quietly pushing through the foliage. The hunched over person followed the trail leading toward Appa and the woman.

Cursed gods! Who’s following them?

Weohstan waited a split second before deciding to find an answer to his question. Staying out of sight, he ran in parallel with the horse before slipping behind a large pine. The trail turned next to the pine, near a small rock outcropping. Remaining hidden, Weohstan heard the snort of the horse as it came alongside the tree. In a flash, he used the rock to jump from his position. He was on the back of the rider. As the rider pulled their seax, he wrapped his arm around the person’s waist. Using his other hand, Weohstan struck the hooded figure in the head with the pommel of his sword. The rider dropped hard to the frozen soil while the Geat slid off the horse. At first, he thought he killed the stranger. However, the figure stirred. Weohstan used his foot to turn the person over.

Leofe shook her head; then her eyes blazed at him when she looked up. He kept his sword pointed down at her while he glanced at the figures he was following. However, Appa was now out of sight.

“I was right with them.” She whispered urgently. “Let me go.”

“I didn’t know your ploy, but Appa’s my concern,” he grumbled, then hurried away.

“Go back to your people!”

~~~

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