Beowulf - Curse of the Dreygurs - Chapter 24

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Chapter 24

As the group rode ahead, Appa trailed behind the rest. He remained disgusted at the display of respect and admiration he witnessed from his brother. He considered the remarks unworthy of a future king of Bernicia. Appa had his own plans, and they did not include his brother, the Geats, and their hero. His sights were on Bernicia and the surrounding lands. It was something even his father never considered when King Ida sent for the Geats.

As the thegns made their way from the river, the trees thinned to open grassland, and they found small farms dotting the landscape. The locals paid little attention to the group. Only occasionally did they stare at their unfamiliar armor the Geats wore. Nevertheless, the locals remained friendly.

Leofe, who acted as translator and guide, aided them. The farmers knew about the dreygurs, telling Leofe about monsters who attacked their cattle and sheep with the savageness of wolf packs. So far, they had attacked no villages. However, people saw the walking dead at night. The inhabitants of the lands expected King Urien to stop the attacks on their farms. They were upset with his failure so far.

Beowulf told Leofe to inform the villagers that they were there to destroy the dreygurs. She glanced at him about his boast, but she had to admit his confidence was infectious. It inspired even a few villagers enough to give them directions to a large mound where they believed the after walkers were last seen.

At one point, Beowulf leaned in close to the woman where he quietly told her not to mention the involvement of King Ida and his sons in their venture. He explained how he wanted the people to believe they were friendly.

“If we destroy the monsters with the encouragement of locals, it might delay a sudden, violent response from the overlord of Rheged,” he said.

Leofe noticed Beowulf did not intend to explain his intentions to his Angle comrades. She also remained confused by the man’s single-minded focus against the monsters. He appeared unconcerned by the two enemy forces pressing on either side of their small group.

As they proceeded deeper into Rheged lands, Weohstan pulled his mount next to Beowulf. He told Beowulf about the Leofe’s spells and the unease of the men about her motives. Surprised by the extent of her magic, Beowulf asked him about his impression of the woman. Weohstan told him she seemed honorable, but he planned to keep a close watch on her activities. Beowulf nodded his agreement.

“Yes, let me know if you notice anything. I believe Leofe hides her reasons for staying with us,” Beowulf cautioned Weohstan. “Maybe two witches are using us as pawns in their game.”

“Then, we should remove her,” Weohstan stated.

“Just keep an eye on her for the moment,” Beowulf answered. “She got our men across the river with her spell.”

Later that night, as the sun set across the ridgeline to their west, the group of travelers finally stopped to make camp. As each person thought of sleep after the tiring day of riding, Beowulf walked among his warriors. Weohstan stopped him, then suggested that they keep two warriors on watch during the night.

“We have enemies all around us,” he reminded Beowulf.

“I would never have thought of that!” The biting reply forced Beowulf to shake his head at Weohstan’s expression from his caustic slight.

“Sorry, my friend. I guess I’m tired,” he explained. “You’re correct, we need to have guards awake while we’re in these lands. Have Osberht and Sigibert do the job. One can sleep while the other is watching over us.”

They noticed Leofe coming toward them.

“I’ll tell them,” Weohstan said as he left Beowulf.

“You’ve been quiet,” she told the Geat leader. “And I’ve noticed you and Weohstan keep glancing my way. You still don’t trust me?”

“Any idea if Queen Verch is following us?” he asked. The question surprised her.

“I…I feel her presence, but it’s not clear,” she told him. “Perhaps I will know more after tonight. Why do you ask?”

“I would think that’s obvious. Someone had to lead the Brythonians to that village,” Beowulf stated. “If not her, someone else must have. I know Appa has betrayed us, but I’m not sure of your intentions. You’ve been too willing to help your enemy.” He stared at her for a moment, and she realized what he was thinking.

“You think I’m working with Verch? I could never do such a thing,” Leofe exclaimed.

“Why? You have the same powers of magic,” he maintained. “Also, you’re the one who insisted we go after this queen. Then, you join us. I think there are too many coincidences.”

“I could have just left your men on the other side of the river,” she shot back. “You have my oath that I’m not in league with Verch. Do you want me to leave?”

Beowulf turned away, then stopped.

“No, I want to trust you,” he explained, then walked away.

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