Still clutching the parchment, Gunter held up his battle scarred hands and gazed at them against the leafy oak and rowan trees. How many battles had he fought? How many had these hands slain?
Battles against worthy opponents differed from the slaughter of peasants fighting to protect their families. Gunter had done both, willingly following the clan’s orders. Vikings were trained from birth to be warriors who conquered, slayed, and returned home triumphant.
The parchment in his hands gleamed as sunlight glowed through it. The colors of ink, the drawings done by a now-dead hand, and a silent message in the strange letters—all intrigued Gunter. Why does this parchment seem more precious than any silver goblets from the church we destroyed?
Abruptly Gunter arose as he stripped off the bloodied armor and reverently tucked the parchment safely inside his linen tunic. Leaving the sound and stench of the settlement behind him, Gunter strode off into the forest. There had once been a monastery some distance inland, one the Vikings had sacked years ago.
The sword lay forgotten by the stream.
Maybe the answer will be there…
Gunter, the apostolic barbarian, now searched for answers.
Maybe he will find his peace.
ReplyDeleteI hope so.
DeleteAnd his sword was found a couple of years ago. It was all over the news.
ReplyDeleteThat would be something else!
DeleteIt really happened.
DeleteLoving this! I'm in it to win it now. Looking forward to more! My hubby loves anything Viking and noticed you were on my blog list. He said he visited the site then said: "You have a new blogger? It's about Vikings I think."...yep! He looked at me strange because he knows it's not usually my cup of tea. Never underestimate the power of blogging!
ReplyDeleteYou will teach him eventually.
DeleteI Yaya I am also waiting for more. You have created a fascinating scenario.
ReplyDeleteThe slaughter must have been unimaginable.
DeleteOf course he wouldn't know how to read it. Perhaps he will find someone to teach him.
ReplyDelete...or take it to someone who does know?
DeleteExciting exerpt and a gorgeous example of the Book of Kells.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to describe the Book of Kells. So old and so amazing.
DeleteBook of Kells?
DeleteI should write something to do with the Book of Kells. Hmmm
DeleteWhat is the Book of Kells?
DeleteBook of Kells is an ancient Bible, scribed in the 9th century in Ireland. It is incredible. That it survived to now is amazing. The Vikings made its survival near impossible.
DeleteReminds me of someone... someone who needs to look at the parchment AND the Church he ruined...
ReplyDeleteCould be many people, but I'm guessing maybe Cromwell?
DeleteI was thinking someone, shall we say, more recent... Though good ol' Ollie is a good fit, too!
DeleteOkay, not Ollie. Then who??
DeleteInteresting and thrilling. What will happen next?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
This is very interesting, I hope Gunter finds answers and maybe a new path to tread, one that doesn't involve slaying innocents. Or anybdy else either.
ReplyDeleteWe will have to see what happens with Gunter and his life path.
Deletethis is poignant and engaging read dear Susan
ReplyDeletei think Grunt has entered to the enlightened way where one is able to see flaws and tries to correct them ,i wish him best of luck and i wish he can share his light to all around him
blessings to you my friend!
You outlined exactly what he should do.
Deletesorry for misspelling the name Gunter
ReplyDeleteInteresting read. I wonder if he'll find his answers.
ReplyDeleteGunter and his bloody friends were pillaging in Ireland, so he will be finding answers there.
Deletei ENJOYED reading this. Of course well written to keep me reading. Still searching for answers like some of the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteSending Love from Florida....
Sherry & jack
Gunter will search as well.
DeletePS:I smiled at one of your answers above. WHO KNOWS?
ReplyDeleteLove it...
That is the question for the ages, I think.
DeleteHe'll never know unless he tries, right?
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to him.
Delete