The Kingdom of the Emerald Hills

"So you're telling me that the smaller duchies received supplies from an undisclosed source?" demanded the battle hardened officer.

The young scout nervously choose he next words wisely as he frantically contemplated how much better it would have been to have never left his post over the south wall of the kingdom keep's wall.

"Aye, sir. We have reports of shields and materials for polearms having reached not only some of the kingdom core shires...but those of the northern keeps as well." Beads of sweat began to stream down the young mans quivering forehead.

The war weary officer shifter in his wooden chair as he examined the cobble wall beyond the cowering youth.

"Any word on who supplied this contraband to these malbreed rebels?"

"No sir, we weren't even aware the natives had any knowledge that our ships had landed on their shores."

The large man scowled remembering he was not back home. He remembered receiving word from the chieftain of his plans to invade this ridiculous little smattering of shattered tribes. Why should their kind soil their boots with the likes of those they were about to conquer.

"The Konungr has outlined the invasion...and no feeble resistance will hinder his wishes nor those of the Drottning..." muttered the monolith of the captain.

The scout nodded with eager anticipation of being excused.

"Scout, take two of the best trackers with you...and find this benefactor. Bring them to me. An example must be made."

Relieved, the young shrouded figure bowed and left the overwhelming presence of the plotting warlord.

S
[con't]

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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

The seagulls cry out in cacophonous harmony. The dark waters angrily swell at the coasts defiant stance, hammering wave by wave. Like clockwork.

Tick.

Soon, the man made levies will gave way and the lands will be blanketed in sea foam green waters. Eventually stagnating and inviting pestilence and decay.

Tock.

The kingdom would rest easy one more week before the reported viking long ships would make landfall. The storm had delayed their travels, but not their will to rape and pillage.

Tick.

Soon, his homelands would be overrun by barbaric foreigners bent on burning the very kingdom walls he had once personally helped to restore seasons ago.

Tock.

The shadows cloak fluttered in the strong gale. He would seek shelter before his own youthful pride got the best of him. Some storms were better left to their own devices.

Tick.

Talk of resistance had managed to reach the farmers and vagabonds in the kingdom outskirts. Only time would tell if the kingdoms children would take these words to heart and act upon them.

Tock.

Sutra shielded his eyes from the dagger sharp drizzle. Though the horizon was obfuscated by the approaching darkness, he could still see.

Tick.

He could still see.

S
[cont]

[Wyrd oft nereð unfægne eorl, þonne his ellen deah.]

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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu