I'm still working on Fascination. But the muse is pointing me here. And after I realized how long it has been since I introduced this story, I thought it time to give it some attention. Let me know what you think.
Two days passed and they neither saw nor heard anything of the strangers. On the previous day, Ead had explored in the direction that they had taken away from the village but saw no sign of them. She thought they must have moved on. Now, as the sun was passing mid-day, there was a disturbance in the woods to the north. Ead watched the sky for birds, hoping they might give a clue. Could it be the strangers or perhaps one of the tribes from the north? Some of the northern tribes raided her people's villages, especially in the summer when the weather was generally fair.
Again. Cathasach and the men gathered and Ead joined them. It wasn't long until the raiders revealed themselves and they were from one of the northern tribes. Ead couldn't explain why, but she felt relieved. There was just something about the strangers, especially their leader, that made her hope they would never be enemies. As the northern tribe closed in, a fierce battle ensued just outside the village and with so many men of the village away, the invaders were winning. Ead fought as her father had taught her and managed to hold her ground, but only just. And she suspected it was also because two of the strongest village men fought close to her.
The sounds of battle were so loud that Ead did not hear the thundering that came from behind. It was only when she saw the giant break through her village's line that she realized the strangers had come to their aid. Her attention on her own skirmishes, she was only able to catch glimpses of the giant as he waged war on the tribesmen from the north. He wielded his sword as one who had great experience and the fierceness of his blows spoke to his strength. Once the battle fell into disarray and the combat was too close for his steed, he left his horse and brandished his weapons on foot, swinging first this way and then that. Several of the invaders moved toward him, leaving the village warriors. Consequently, Ead was able to step back and watch the giant in action. He was a beautiful man, she decided as she watched him. His movements were athletic and graceful, fluid and even. The ripple of muscles along his arm and across his shoulders fascinated her. Suddenly, she felt a presence at her own shoulder and turned to see his interpreter watching also. "Anzo is a powerful warrior," the man commented.
"Anzo? When you came to the village you said he is Arnporr." Edith was confused.
"He is. But many call him Anzo and he seems to prefer it among his people. It means giant and he is; he laughs about it, being so much taller than anyone around him but I know at times he wishes he were more like everyone else."
"But why? Surely it is an advantage in battle?"
"In some ways it is, but also makes him an easier target. But that is not why he wishes to be smaller. It makes him different, apart from the others. As much as any of our men would follow him anywhere, even die for him, he is not a part of them."
"My father says that leaders must always be apart; that they can never be one of the men."
"Your father sounds wise."
"I believe he is. But just now I am wondering where he is," Ead confessed. "We are less likely to be attacked when Father and all the men are here. We are very grateful that you came to our aid."
The battle was winding down, most of the invaders either dead or dying or running away. The giant, Anzo as the interpreter had called him, along with several of his men and villagers were giving chase. They returned a few minutes later satisfied that the danger was over.
Ead approached the man, Anzo, and thanked him for coming to their aid. Anzo looked down at her as if she were nothing, a child. Cathasach approached offering his thanks and had Anzo's full attention. It angered Ead but still, she was mesmerized by the strange man. As he spoke with Cathasach, the giant's eyes flashed in each direction, taking in the activities that surrounded them. As things became calmer, so did his eyes. Finally, they settled into a beautiful blue, the color of the sky on a beautiful summer day, she thought. And they were so bright, brilliant even. She was fascinated.
"I wish you would teach me to fight like that," she said boldly. Anzo looked at her, annoyed. The interpreter hurried to her side to explain to his leader. Anzo listened and glanced at Ead before responding. The interpreter nodded and said to Ead, "he says you are just a boy. You should begin at the beginning and then go to your masters for instruction."
She decided it would be best not to reveal that she was indeed a girl, a woman in fact, although a young one. "But I know how to fight. I fought today. My father has taught me and well. But…"
Anzo, impatient with her argument swept his arm at her as if to say "enough!"
Ead blinked but stared straight at him. "I want to learn," she said through clenched teeth.
His eyes narrowed as he stared at her. She couldn't decide if he was angry or simply measuring her determination. Finally, he said something to the interpreter, who then spoke to her. "He says meet him tomorrow mid- morning in the clearing down the hill by the river. Come prepared to demonstrate your skills."
Ead nodded eagerly and the two men turned and left. She turned her attention to the villagers. Several were injured and the dead needed to be buried.