FOR THE LOVE OF EALDOR

Chapter 2

Uther had often cherished these trips away from Camelot as it had always given him time to relax and gather his thoughts. The warmth of the sun on his face and the feel of the warm breeze gently lapping at his brow, it was truly invigorating. What he liked most about these short excursions away from Home was the fact that he was able to travel under cover, in secret or incognito; if you will. Yes there was no big hoopla and definitely no big Royal fanfare.' Not a lot of People would have figured Uther to be quite so down to Earth" but if the truth be known' he had never felt more relaxed then when he was away from the prying eyes of the court." Here, he was able to just be himself,' Just a man, on pilgrimage. Yes, Uther rather loved that he could pretend to be just your normal Squire or lord. No fancy royal attire, and definitely NO Crown!' If pressed to be honest, he really hated to wear his Crown' because it really did give him the most incredulous, damn, blasted headaches!

Uther listened to Sir Duke's gentle panting as they trotted along and leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "Not far to go now old friend, You'll be able to rest up and have something to eat and drink soon enough." Uther smiled gently rubbing the tops of Sir Dukes ears, as he continued saying"… there' there' good boy'…

Nearing the crest of Ealdor Uthers thoughts now rested on that of his only Son' and heir, "Arthur." He had often laboured long and hard thoughts over his Son and worried whether Arthur to be truly ready to rule Camelot someday, or govern their People and lands Justly.

The Years had come, and gone so quickly. It seemed only like yesterday that he had married the woman of his dreams; Ygraine, and within the same Year she had given birth to their only son and heir. But at the height of what should have been happiness there was great sorrow, pain" and the loss of a loved one. But Uther knew that if Ygraine could see their son, she would be so proud of their Boy, as he himself was' so proud of Arthur. he had grown up to be a very fine handsome, healthy Happy Young Man, "Well' he had hoped" Arthur was Happy". Uther smiled with pride knowing that some day soon Arthur would rule all the known lands of Albion as a fair and Just KING" But for now he would not worry about such matters and needed to concentrate on the matter at hand.

Cresting the mountain top that now looked down over the quaint Village of Ealdor, Uther gently bringing Sir Duke to a halt as he gently patted his mane, as he whispered..

'EALDOR"... Well we are here old friend; I suppose we should go acquaint ourselves with the people of this village. What say you old boy?,"

Uther grinned at Sir Duke as he neid, and shook his head up and down, as if to say" to Uther..."Well come on then, what are you waiting for, I'm hungry"...

Smiling at his old friend, Uther motioned his reigns for Sir Duke to lead on as his trusty steed, swished his tail behind them.

Arriving in the little village Uther was somewhat relieved' at the fact that no one had recognised who he was. Noticing the Sun, low in the beautiful blue skies, he quickly made his way to the nearest Inn to seek lodging for himself and Sir Duke knowing full well that it would soon be dark. Sir Duke however had posed to be every bit the proud stallion when the young stable boy had tried to lead him off. Uther grinning gently patted him and whispered in his ear saying…

"Come' on now; off with you" You old rascal!" I shall see you on the morrow 'and he gently slapped his rump, as he now let the stable boy lead him in the direction he had tried to coax him.

Uther observed the quiet Village and it's People.' He liked the atmosphere and the Merriment of the small village. For it's people were very friendly, pleasant and seemed to be very receptive of new comers despite their past hardships. Uther now feeling a little regretful, thinking back" at not having given help' to this humble village during a time when it was so desperately needed. But was relieved and truly glad that the village and it's people had been able to hold it's own and overcome the plight of such attacks and tyranny which in a sense showed a great strength of the village itself and more so the strength and unity of it's People. Uther now smiled knowing full well that he had witnessed and admired the same strength and determination in a small genteel woman named Hunith.

Uther could see now' she would have surely initiated and rallied it's humble People to rise above their troubles and over come all obstacles of their demise and fight back no matter the cost! Never giving in for one second. Breathing in sharply he knew he had to meet this gentle woman again,' as the very thought of meeting her again gave him butterflies to his stomach.

Uther had taken to his lodgings and got himself a good nights rest. In the morning when he awoke the sun was already high in the sky, as he thought to himself how tired he must have been for he was sure he could have slept the whole day away. But had been awoken by the noise and commotion of towns people. Peeking out of his window to see men and woman preparing for a celebration of some kind, and watched woman and young girls weaving dried corn, garlic, and red onion charlotte garlands and watched as they now strung the garlands together along with other beautiful decorations of different coloured dried wild flowers, streamers, ribbons and Lanterns. Uther had to wonder what the celebrations were for. Finishing a hearty breakfast of blue cheese, fresh fruit, crispy cobb-bread, pickled-eggs and honey-smoked ham, as he now contemplated his day. First things, first, he would need to find out where Hunith lived. At that moment a sudden feeling of overwhelming anxiety came over him, which for him was highly unusual and very strange, as he knew he was never one to suffer such things as butterflies to his stomach" he just simply 'didn't do nerves." But of recently he had found himself in a constant" state of anxiousness and was surely bemused as to why,"but of cause decided that maybe a little distraction was definitely called for'. He dressed casually in black leather pants, a white linen shirt and matching leather Jacket, vest and gloves and made his way to the door. pausing he clicked his fingers, suddenly remembering he had just about forgot something… Oops…that reminds me" I had better not forget to deliver this package for Gaius."

Double-checking his saddlebags for the package he quickly swung it over his shoulder as he turned the handle of the door to make his way down stairs. Uther wasted no time in asking the Innkeeper if he knew of Hunith and where he might be able to find her humble dwellings. Smiling the Inn Keeper placed a goblet in front of Uther filling it with bubbly fresh mead, as he then said"…

"Why yes, of cause, but you won't be finding her home today; milord'. Mistress Hunith, is away on Harvest business. Uther listened as the Inn keeper explained. She along with some of the Elders and Farmers of the Village all left not more than 4 days ago' but are expected to arrive home today" very soon in fact. Well in time for the harvest Celebrations so I believe."

Uther now remembered the women and young girls hanging garlands, Aah, Yes of cause" the Harvest Celebrations.' Uther had to admire Hunith to make such a journey and from what the Innkeeper had said; She had made that same trip every Year; Uther thought, t'was truly a mark of ones dedication and love for her people. Especially knowing full well that in most cases it was a mans duty to take care of such matters. Uther smiled it had seemed that the more Uther had gotten to know of this humble woman's goings on" the more enamoured his thoughts of her were becoming.

Lifting his goblet and sipping the cool beverage he placed the goblet back down on the counter Smiling at the Innkeeper. As he could hear himself repeating…

"Harvest celebrations" ...and looked up at the Innkeeper who smiled at Uther and said…

"Oh I" tis' a good time to be had milord" tis a chance for all those that have laboured long and hard and have worked tirelessly all Season long. Tis a wonderful thing to celebrate what we have all' yielded so abundantly; so we give our thanks milord; to mother nature for all her goodness. 'Though I'd say tis an opportunity for all to kick up their heels a little; enjoy the fruits of what's laboured. Besides" tis a good ol "shindig" to be had now and then.

"Why I rekon" we shall all be having a good time tonight" the Innkeeper chuckled" there'll be plenty of food for all" lots of dancing" and lots of pretty" maidens" he chuckled. ' I'd dare say mistress Hunith will no doubt join the celebrations too.

Uther now looking at the Innkeeper recognised the tone in the innkeepers voice, something that sounded a lot like respect, Uther then quickly asked"… so this, Mistress Hunith, does she not usually celebrate these festivities!... The Innkeeper smiled and then said…

Oh I" Yes, she does" but she generally likes to just sit and watch & listen, she rarely ever dances" But I can tell she like's the Music."

Uther now looking up at the Innkeeper then asked…How so"... The Innkeeper then chuckled"saying… because I've seen her tapping her foot on the floor"…both men now looked at each other and shared in a lite-hearted chuckle.

Uther smiled to himself, he had quite liked the fact that the Innkeeper had thought & held Hunith in such high regard especially enough to give her such a Title as… MISTRESS, but of cause Uther thought it to be much suited to her.

From what Uther could see and tell of it's town's people, there definitely was a common respect of Mistress Hunith and was someone of whom the village of Ealdor and it's people held in very high esteem. For all intent purposes she was someone of great importance to them and they're tight knit little Community but obviously more so Hunith's love for her people. Hunith had proven herself to be wise and very knowledgeable Leader; Someone who in time of strife and trouble could be counted on.' Uther himself thought the honour and respect could not have been bestowed upon a more worthy or deserving person, especially knowing what he now knew of her.

Garvy the Innkeeper was now seeing to other waiting patrons, as he left Uther to quietly ponder his thoughts and enjoy his ale beverage. Watching, Uther smiled at the easy persona of the Innkeeper, and thought him to be well suited to his trade of work, as he mixed and mingled with his customers with such ease and genuine appreciation. Uther marvelled at the Innkeepers, ability to hold a great conversation' especially when speaking of topics that he seemed to be quite knowledgeable about, and spoke at great lengths of family and of cause his passion" to hopefully one day make all different kinds of mead. Uther smiled, as he now listened to the Innkeeper, there seemed to be no end to his knowledge and expertise on these Particular topics.

Uther liked the elderly gentleman, and thought he reminded him so much of his dear friend and confidante; Gaius. Uther had known Gaius for such a very long time and could scarcely remember there ever being a time when Gaius was never there for him. For Gaius had remained a true, Loyal friend to the Royal Family, and now Uther and his own family. In times of sorrow and joy, Uther could never fathom the idea of Gaius never ever being there" and smiled at the comforting thought of it.

Stirred by the sounds of People and horses pulling up outside the Inn.

Uther now focused at the gathering Party of farmers and harvesters alike that had just arrived back in Ealdor. Looking no worse for wear from their long arduous travels" he had tried to see if he could make out' Mistress Hunith"but was not able to see her within the arriving Party.

The Innkeeper now greeted the boisterous travellers as they now all piled into the little Inn to make themselves comfortable at one of the large tables" laughter and gest could be heard from some of the members of the Party who were now seated and some who stood around the large table and were instantly spurred on by the presence of the Inn keeper as he now placed a trey of tankard ales on the table.

Uther quietly sat finishing his own ale, he listened while the harvesters chattered about their trip" which by the sounds of things" had been a very successful trip away indeed' thanks to; you guess it," Mistress Hunith" all the Harvesters were well pleased at the handsome prices they had received for their wares, it was then that the Innkeeper had asked about Hunith' and why she had not arrived with the party? At this Uther listened intently, for he also had wondered why she to had not arrived as well'. The Youngest lad of the party then quickly informed the Innkeeper that Mistress Hunith had asked to go directly home to freshen up, saying… that she would ride out on her own steed, making her own way to join the festivities much later.

Hearing this Uther quietly contemplated whether he should still call upon Hunith, not wanting to disturb her, but reasoned with himself saying, well it's practically on my way home, either way I will need to deliver this package no matter what' and the sooner I deliver it" the sooner I can head home to Camelot.

Quickly finishing off the last of his ale, he quietly thanked" the Innkeeper, tipping him as he paid him for his kind service.

Now dipping his head in acknowledgment as he slung his saddlebags over his shoulder and made to leave.

Uther was somewhat appreciative that none of the arriving party or customers in the Inn, had not found his presence anything too out of the ordinary, as the busy little Inn was now starting to pile up with more towns people and customers.

Quietly Uther now took his leave of the little Inn to set off in search of Mistress Hunith's humble dwellings.

AN: Hey there, kinda excited about the next chapter, I just hope I can make it a little more interesting for you all wish me Luck!"***