Part 2: The Danes
After fifteen long days and nights, Oslavado finally beheld the land of the Danes. He was tired, hungry, and he longed for a rest. His clothes were tattered and he looked worse than a beggar. The sun was just setting.
In times past, the Danes had been a kind and welcoming people under the rule of King Hrothgar. Oslavado knew he was long dead, but he hoped that the new King still retained the same qualities.
Once upon the shore, Oslavado searched for some form of shelter to stay in for the night. He traveled for what seemed like hours. Finally, he beheld the great hall of King Hrothgar. He silently opened the golden doors, and walked in. Sitting upon a throne was the new King. He looked, to Oslavado, to be a kind man.
Oslavado walked up and bowed before the king saying, "Hail the great King of the Danes! I am Oslavado, son of Violeta, I have come to ask for your assistance on a quest!"
The wise King looked upon Oslavado lightly and proclaimed, "You look like a fine man, Oslavado, but I do not know what I can do to help you. Our monsters have all been slain by the wondrous Beowulf. I have nothing to offer you."
"Oh but you do, great King. I come not looking for a fight of valor, but for knowledge. My King has sent me on a quest for the Holy Grail. I come looking for information on its whereabouts," said Oslavado gallantly.
"Hmmmm... the Holy Grail," the King pondered as he stroked his beard, "Tomorrow we will discuss this farther. Now, get cleaned up and have some mead."
"As you wish wise one," Oslavado said gratefully to the King. He departed, got cleaned, and changed clothes. Oslavado found a bed in the hall and slept until dawn.
Feeling refreshed from his journey, he left to find the King. After searching high and low, Oslavado found no trace of the King. He decided then to walk around the village looking for any answers or information that could help him on his quest.
He found an elderly man sitting by a well. He was telling the infamous story of Beowulf and the monster Grendle.
"…He ripped the beast's arm off and Grendle went running back to his mummy!" the man told to some wide-eyed children in a mocking voice.
Oslavado coughed, "Excuse me sir, but may I have a word with you? I have a couple of questions."
The man grunted and grumbled, annoyed that his story was being interrupted. "Oh yes, you are the talk of the village boy. So you want to know about the Holy Grail? Well, you aren't going to find it, and you are not going to get ANY help from the King!" the man said tersely.
"What do you mean the King won't help me?" Oslavado said frustrated.
"The Holy Grail was stolen from King Hrothgar shortly after Beowulf killed Grendle. It is why he lives so long you know," the man said dismissively as he started to walk away.
"Wait! Who lived so long? What are you talking about?" Oslavado started to run after the man.
The man pulled him into a nearby hut, "Beowulf you idiot! He drank from the cup, and that is what has made him so invincible. Even King Hrothgar lived much longer than the average man because of that cup! I doubt Beowulf even knew of its power. All he cared about was the monster."
"Alright, so let me get this straight. The Holy Grail used to belong to the Danes, and then someone stole it. Where is it now?" Oslavado pondered.
"No one knows," the man replied. " some believe Beowulf and his crew took it, but that is wrong. I was a young boy when it was stolen. I remember the shame of it all. One of our own stole it. The King tried to cover it up as much as he could, but word got out. The King still has not heard the end of it. I'm surprised he didn't kill you the minute you mentioned the Holy Grail!"
Oslavado groaned, "do you think it is still in the land of the Danes?"
"Of course not! Our King might be ignorant and prideful, but he is not stupid. We scoured the entire land for it. It is lost forever to us," the man said sadly to him.
"You don't understand! If I don't get that cup for my King, he will kill my mother! That is the price of a failed quest! I need to get it!" yelled Oslavado.
"You were foolish to take this quest!" the man said angrily as he looked out the window, "If you want to live long enough to even attempt to retrieve it, I suggest you leave. The King's men are coming." The man then grabbed some supplies and ushered Oslavado towards his boat tied up at the makeshift pier.
"Thank you for everything you have told me. I am forever indebted to you for your knowledge, kindness, and saving me from the wrath of your King," Oslavado stated as he was untying his boat from the pier.
"Yeah, yeah, thank me when you get that cup!" the man yelled to him as he was sailing farther out to sea. When Oslavado looked back, he swore he saw the cranky old man smile.