Here is the second chapter of Vinland. Thank you for the reviews and reads already. Feedback is much loved and treasured by me. I hope y'all had a great holiday and as a present, I give you this second chapter of this tale! Please review!
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~Soldier78~
Vinland
Ch.2: Upon the Door
The wind carried specks of snow into the grotto. Many shivered and rushed to the fires to keep them going.
Hagan had stopped reading when he saw Kacey hook her scabbard to her belt and lift her quiver of arrows onto her back, next grabbing her bow firmly.
"Are you sure about this?" Hagan questioned as she prepared to brave the cruel winter storm to go on a hunt with the others.
"We need food." Kacey said, hiking the strap. "Chief wants those still able to gather some provisions."
Hagan sighed and stood up. He took her hand and stared deeply into her eyes.
"Be careful." He begged, softly. Kacey gave a firm nod, able to note the solemnity in his voice. For a moment, Hagan gently brushed her lengthy bangs to the side, briefly admiring the beauty of her face. He had a familiar urge…but he quickly quashed it and settled his hand on her forearm. No matter how much he expressed these things, Kacey was still oblivious. "Godspeed, Kacey."
A look of disappointment flashed across her own face but she nodded nonetheless.
"I'll be back." She vowed sincerely.
"Oi, Kacey!" Aidan bellowed loudly from the cave's opening. Both Hagan and Kacey shook their heads at their friend's impatience. Hagan released Kacey's arm and she still looked up at him.
"Keep the water boiling, try giving Gwen more tea." She instructed, glancing at the frail, old woman who was miraculously still breathing. Hagan nodded in commitment and Kacey swiftly walked passed him. Hagan, as he watched the Irish horde brave the stormy weather, voiced a prayer in their place.
"Please Father, let them return safely." He pleaded before turning to Gweneth. "God help us."
As the day dragged, so did the storm. The fallen snow was thrashed by the powerful winds. The shore started to freeze over from the continuously dropping temperatures.
Kacey squinted when she perceived a shape. Behind her, the other six tried to keep themselves warm. She ignored their complaining voices as she focused on the dark silhouette. Once it moved, her natural instincts kicked in.
"Guys." She called to them. By then, Aidan and Gilligan argued pointlessly, almost ready to pummel each other. "Oi, bi cuin!"
They contested louder and Kacey narrowed her eyes with intensity. She left her spot by marching over to the two skirmishers. Aidan and Gilligan were all ready wrestling in the snow. Kacey thrust her bow into Thady's hand aggressively and tromped up. She yanked Aidan by the collar, tugging him back while Gilligan continued to fight but Kacey pushed him hardily with her foot.
"Oi!" She hollered, throwing Aidan away from Gilligan. She scowled at them. "A chur leis, ta tu beal os ards!"
She looked again at the dark spot…that was no longer there. Kacey badly wanted to swear loudly and with Hagan not present, she did just that.
"Damnu air!" She roared, She glared at the two in frustration. "I should have your heads!"
"Kacey," Manus jumped in before she could attack Aidan as he made a crude gesture. He stepped in front of her. "Calm down."
Visibly, the seething anguish Kacey felt for Aidan quickly subsided but the aggravation of no game furthered her dolor. Eventually, Manus stepped back and Thady handed the bow back to her.
"C'mon. Let's try and bring back something." Ronan spoke up. The six wordlessly pressed forward in agreement.
The snowfall softened considerately and the winds weren't as harsh which Hagan thanked God for. He had just checked on the soupy water and returned to Gwen's side.
"…'gan?" Gwen's rough voice called. Hagan fell to his knee to the old woman.
"I'm right here." He replied, hand gently on her bony shoulder. Gwen's dull eyes joined Hagan's.
"Read…to me." She requested quietly. Hagan's face fell just slightly and went to retrieve his folder of scriptures. He thumbed through the various, separated parchments to find the appropriate script, however glancing at Gweneth the Wise.
When the Irish group returned, Hagan had paused to see the six of them proudly haul their prize to Chief Hiccup. Hagan had noticed Kacey help carry the dead doe. He noted the wee bit of cheerfulness in her due to the success and safe return.
Hiccup had thanked the team in which Kacey translated fluently. Hagan smiled a little, realizing how perfect her Norse had become. Sadly, whatever joy was had became short lived when the six went to their side. Kacey wordlessly knelt down to Gwen, she looked at Hagan before calling her name gently.
"She's asleep." Hagan informed. Kacey stood upright, noting his sullen tone. "She's not lasting long."
Kacey showed the most unexpressive stare that Hagan knew full well. For the rest of the day and night, Kacey was at Gwen's side. She tried to feed her twice but both Gwen made Kacey eat. Hagan and the others watched from a distance, perceiving Kacey begin to accept Gweneth's end. Hagan recited several prayers in Latin while Kacey translated them into Irish. Gwen's breathing became labored through the night. Hagan, when his job was done, sat at his place and continued to watch over the two Irish women.
'Death knocks upon the door of our beloved Gweneth. Like lambs, we treated her like our mother. Kacey loyally stays by Gweneth until her passing, wistful sorrow draining the very little energy she has. Multiple times, I've prayed to our Father to swiftly end this pain and end her suffering. Now we sit in silence, waiting for something that remains unknown. God have mercy on us.'
To be continued.
Footnotes
Bi Cuin- Be Quiet
A chur leis, ta tu beal os ards- Stop it, you loudmouths!
Damnu air- Dammit!
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