The soldiers reached the tree. The first was hit by a rock but the rest got across. They locked shields and sheltered from the missiles. More were hit but the outcome was never in doubt. As soon as enough men had been assembled, they broke ranks and dashed up the slope. The warriors were swiftly overwhelmed. The women and children struggled on and were soon captured.
***
The early morning light streamed through the trees and shone on the brambles. Dying wasps crawled amongst the clusters of blackberries and fought to get a hold on the trailing vines. Alison watched the struggling insects then returned her attention to Fury who was making his way through the wet grass.
It still seemed like a dream. She remembered how they had left the village and travelled along a narrow track that led to a thickly wooded valley. After that her memory was patchy. She remembered the moonlight on Fury's hair. She remembered crossing a stream ... and she remembered the bear.
The huge animal had loomed up causing the horse to shy. For a few terrifying moments it seemed that it would attack. But Fury knew how to handle the situation. Remaining calm, he took a small earthenware pot from one of the saddlebags and walked towards the huge animal, calling it brother. Then he poured the contents of the pot onto the ground and watched as the bear licked up the sticky liquid.
He was everything she had ever dreamed of. When they had consummated their love, he'd not disappointed her. He'd been tender and gentle. There was nothing pushy or macho about him. There were occasions when she'd almost had to guide him.
Now, in the light of day, the warm glow, which had sustained her during the night, lost much of its force. She felt cold, damp and very tired. She pulled the hood of her cloak down about her head and waited for Fury to return.
He'd told her that they had committed a great sin to be together. They had transgressed the sacred pathways, which led between their two realms. They now had a burden to carry. She had it beneath her cloak. It was wrapped in red cloth and was the shape of a rugby ball. She didn't know what was inside. All she knew was that they had to deliver it to an old woman who lived in the marshes. They would then be free of sin and able to live together for the rest of their lives.
***
Tom picked up his brooch of office. It was made of silver and inlaid with gold. The motif was a double-headed eagle holding a shield in its talons. The smiths had worked all night to produce the magnificent object and he was proud of the honour bestowed on him.