Beowulf - Curse of the Dreygurs - Chapter 16

A Trap

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Chapter 16

Leofe looked over his shoulder to see the men standing around a campfire near the collapsed entrance to the mound. Beowulf and Glappa stood near the area of the crypt, where strange sounds emanated. She slid off the horse before Sigibert could reach out to help. He followed her off the mount and gave the reins to the girl, asking her to hold them while he talked with Beowulf. He removed the skin wrapped sword as he walked over to Beowulf.

“What are you doing here?” Beowulf asked, noticing that Appa walked to the mound from near the trail. He appeared in good spirits, which surprised Beowulf.

“I bring a gift from Malo and the villagers,” Sigibert slid the sword and scabbard from the pelt, presenting it to Beowulf. The Geat took it and began examining the sword. He stepped away to test it, slashing the air with a series of battle practice movements, feeling its balance and handling. It had two edges, unlike his broken scramasax, appearing more like the ancient’s weapons held by the dreygurs earlier. However, this weapon carried a longer blade, and it had inlaid triangles of copper, brass, and silver along the pommel. Under the symbols were Latin inscriptions that he did not understand. Satisfied with the temper of the weapon, he stepped back to Sigibert.

“You have done well, my friend. Tell me of the inscription upon the blade,” said Beowulf.

“The sword was called Eotenisc, brought by Saxons,” the monk said. He paused.

“You are not telling me something,” Beowulf observed with a raised highbrow. “Also, you’re not good at lying to me.”

Turning red, the monk explained the inscriptions. “It says consummatum est. In Latin, it means it is finished,” he told him. “It was the last words of our savior.”

“So, the Saxons call it giant, while these Romans call it the finisher,” replied Beowulf after thinking on the words. “It’s well crafted.” He stared at the blade for a while.

“I will have to find out the strength of its steel. However, for now, I think it will do.” Sigibert liked his leader coming to his conclusion, although he was not sure it was the lesson he wanted to teach him. Naturally interested in the new weapon, the other men drew close to see the sword.

“I’ve seen such folded metal only a few times. It appears made from six twisted rods of iron, which only skilled armors could do. It reminds me of others that the Roman used. But it’s longer with a wider blade,” Ecgberht told them. “My guess is the weapon must have come to other lands. That would mean it should carry a great warrior legacy. Are you sure it will work for you?”

“Yes, it will do,” Beowulf told him. “I appreciate the generosity of our new friends in the village.” He slid the blade into the scabbard. As he worked on tying the scabbard to his belt, Beowulf caught sight of Leofe staring at him.

“Now, my God thegn, tell me why this woman comes among us?” He asked Sigibert.

“I can speak for myself,” said Leofe, stepping forward. “I come to let you know that your wounded thegns should be better with some food and rest.”

“So you come all this way to inform me about something I already knew,” he told her with a grin. “Please tell me the real reason for your visit?” The woman flushed as she gave him a hard stare. The warriors who overheard the conversation began laughing. Beowulf laughed with them; then he waved her over to him.

“Come; let us talk in private since you must have something you wish to say. Sigibert, find something to drink while I speak to your friend,” Beowulf told him. He glanced back at Leofe. She looked around, contemplating her next move, before she reluctantly joined him.

“You have great courage to come alone among us barbarians,” he observed. “Are you not afraid of what we might do to a young, beautiful Brython?”

She kept quiet for a moment, carefully watching him.

“If you are half of the hero that I’ve heard about, I have nothing to fear,” she told him.

He snorted at her answer.

“I like a woman with strength,” he said. “Now, explain why you come to us. You are one of the new followers of Malo, but I saw by your expression in the great hall that you did not agree with Malo about the galdere.” The Geat warrior glanced over, but she showed no surprise at the words.

“You are observant,” she said. “Upon your word of honor, if I tell you something about me, will you keep it to yourself?” Beowulf came to a stop, surprised at the request. He nodded slowly. She hesitated before continuing.

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