The Lord called at Dawn
The fine dew works its way through my shoes to my feet, whilst the pungent aroma from the heated piles of wood reminds me of my grandfather. He came over with William the Duke of Normandy. Memories they are strange, one moment I am thinking about the woman Sarah, then I find myself wondering what sort of trees have fallen under the foresters axes. I can smell the faint trace of smoke, and see the shimmering haze from the charcoal burners camp.
The time has come to claim my right, for I am the lord of the castle. I will take Sarah to my bed, before she weds the young forester at noon. A young bucks desire is a hard task master, he will not thank me for my actions, but I am the lord of the manor and it is my right. These Saxons my not like me, but they will respect my power and bow down in duty to my rights.
Gaspard: The woman has stabbed me. Take the guards. Fire the village.
This Post Has 17 Comments
You set up a wonderful scene then suddenly he becomes a tyrant! I’m so glad she stabbed him. Seems like he deserved it! Great story Mike!
He did because he was bright enough to know better. Thank you PJ
Michael, fetch me my horse! Rousing stuff!
Thank you Martin. Are you going to chase him back to his castle?
Sometimes, trying to assert the right of the first night doesn’t turn out well. So glad he got stabbed – very well deserved! I pity the village that suffers his wrath though.
Thank you for your comments, history tells us very little of how individuals coped with this esoteric ritual
Takes me to the middle ages… loved it!
So glad you enjoyed the story. It was a mysterious time, and seems to have been rather hard on those who were considered to be part of the lower class.
Never mess with a woman, especially when she’s planning on marrying a young buck.
That is so true, . I see a rebellion coming,
I second what Martin said_ rousing stuff indeed. Onward march, protector of all who are wronged. Great story, Michael.
In this day and age like many before, we need those who care for the people.
You do historical fiction well!
Thank you Rosemary. I do enjoy looking at history, which helps.
Wow Michael, definantly a medieval type Lord here. Thinks Only himself and what his station allows him to do. I feel terrible for those from the village who are about to have their small existence of goods, shelter destroyed while their Lord lives in his castle. That’s feudalism I guess. Great descriptive writing as well 🙂
History is a rich source of material for me, I thank you for your positive comments.
Yes, I can see that, you use it well 🙂