Beowulf: The Next Heroes

Chapter 4

Marius

Marius had to admit, he felt terribly afraid. He had spent half the night praying feverishly, and with great earnest. By morning, is fear had turned into firm resolve and zeal, firstly to protect Alexia and Lucia, and secondly to destroy the demon which had plagued him in his nightmares that night. When morning came, he rose early, and began fiddling with his carved wooden cross. It something he had worked on from a young, age, slowly carving it into a curved and smooth form. Its funny, he thought, that the most simple and ordinary things could inspire such hope in a person or calm one's fears. He would need all his courage for today.

Marius saw that the sun was rising, and that soon they would have to leave. Saying another prayer, he got up, and got ready for the day. Once the old monk had gathered some supplies and wrapped himself in clothes for their task, he woke the girls. After getting them up and all set for the day, they began to eat. Nobody said anything, as there was not much to be said.

After finishing their modest breakfast, Marius gathered a few other materials, and prepared a travelling bag for the journey. About the time they were all set, there was a knock on the door. Marius knew that it was time. Slowly getting up, he very gradually reached for the door and opened it. It was Regin.

"Alright monk." He said rather seriously, "Are you and your girls ready to go?' Marius merely nodded grimly. "Good. Now c'mon, we've got to get going, and demons to slay!" Regin gave a laugh and walked off.

Marius looked back at the twins. They stood there, stiff, and clearly frightened. "Alexia, Lucia," he said in a gentle, fatherly voice, "Come here. I will be right here, with you, the entire time. Stick close to me and defend yourself! This will all be over soon." He hugged them tightly, and then stepped outside with them. Whatever happened, and whatever they would face, they would face it as a family.

Regin was waiting for them, along with an old man that Marius recognized as King Wiglaf. Turning to greet them, Wiglaf said "Ah, so these are your little witches, eh Regin?"

Marius stiffened, surprised that the king knew. But of course, Regin would tell the king about his little plan. Marius said in a controlled voice "They are not witches. Sire."

Wiglaf eyed him, then gave a good laugh. What is it with these Norseman? thought Marius, as Wiglaf said "That seems to be the case, good monk." Wiglaf looked around at his men, who had gathered around their king. Wiglaf then proceeded to tell them that he would be venturing out, to avenge their king Beowulf, and to kill the wretched mother of Grendel finally purging the land of her tyranny. As Wiglaf was thus addressing the people, a lone monk, clad in simple brown robes, greeted Marius. Marius recognized him as Brother Rolf. Marius had talked with many of the monks on his arriving at the city (which was yesterday), and one of them was the young Brother Rolf.

"Father Marius!" said the boy as he approached him.

Marius smiled and asked "Hello Brother Rolf. What brings you here?"

"The fellow brothers of the monastery have not sent me to see how you are doing." The boy replied, "And we also hear rumor that you are going out with the king?"

Marius sighed, and explained, "Unfortunately yes. I'm afraid I cannot speak of it right now, but I must travel with him today, for...assistance. But rest assured that as soon as the day is over, I shall be back soon and join my brothers at the monastery. Will you please tell them that?"

"I can, and I shall Father. I pray for Godspeed for you, and safety!"

"Thank you, Brother." Marius smiled warmly, touched by the boy's youth. "Do not fear. All is as it was meant to be."

With that the young monk left, just as the people gave a great cheer for the king. Then everyone quickly returned back to their homes, as the daily life continued.

Half an hour later, Marius, the twins, Regin, and King Wiglaf with a few of his men were all riding horses, with the great castle of the city looming behind them. Regin was naturally in the lead, followed by Wiglaf, then Marius, the twins, and a few guards at the back. Clouds rolled overhead, signaling the battle that would soon take place.

As they trotted on, Marius, still remaining close to the twins, began to wonder and dream off what they would face. He had never seen a demon before. Would it be a terrible and hideous monster, with a crone's face, sprouting horns and relishing in fire? Or it might be a conniving succubus, a trickster, a vile schemer. A witch. Marius always knew that knowledge was power, or power to be used responsibly. He always felt better and secure knowing the facts, all of them, which made him on of the favorite judges back in his land. He needed to know, and to plan.

"Sire," he said, coming up near the old man, "May I inquire about a few things?"

Wiglaf looked back at him. He had thick grey hair, and very sad eyes, which told of loss and the burden of kingship. "What do wish to know monk?"

"May I ask, what is Grendel's Mother like? I wish to know so that I may better know how to defeat her."

Wiglaf looked forward, drawing back into his vast memory, "I have never seen her myself, as I did not enter the cave to kill her, as my dear friend Beowulf did. He did not say much about her, only that she was terrible beast. But I fear she may be a tempter, an enchantress and one who takes the form of a woman, to thus seduce men to her own bidding." While he was speaking, Marius noticed that the King's face seemed distraught, as if an internal conflict was waging inside his mind. Kings usually had something like that, but Marius wondered what it could be. Wiglaf continued, "In truth, I cannot be certain what we will face, or what magic she has in her employ. I suppose it is a good thing we have your little wizards, eh?" Wiglaf gave a little laugh but noticed the serious face Marius had. "My monk, you're quite the serious type! Ah, don't worry. I have no need to meddle in the affairs of you priests and such, and your little girls will be just fine!"

While Marius did have some doubts, the king seemed trustworthy and all. But eager to change the subject, Marius uttered, "Sire, mentioned your friend Beowulf. I've only heard a few tales of him, but what does he have to do with this demon, exactly? You are very keen to kill her, I dare say."

King Wiglaf looked forward, his eyes looming back to remember days long past. "Yes. Grendel's Mother has caused much pain to me. My friend, Beowulf, ah there was a true Norseman. He could swim for days on end, kill monsters with his bare hands, even kill a dragon! Truly, he deserves his place in Valhalla. But, let me get back. Long ago, my friend and I sailed her, long ago, to slay Grendel, the wretched beast. And he did, taking its whole arm off! But Grendel's Mother took back his arm, and so Beowulf and I travelled to kill her. He always told me that he had slain her, but then came that dragon, the wretches spawn, which killed my king!" Wiglaf looked like he wasn't even talking to Marius, but rather himself, whispering inner thoughts, "I saw her, when his ashes were sent to the All-Father. Staring in the waves, mocking me. She will pay! That dragon was his-"at this, Wiglaf, suddenly stopped himself, as if he had just been pulled out of a long dream. Shaking his head, he rode ahead of Marius and said coldly, "You have had your talk monk. Best pray to your gods for the coming battle."

Marius wanted to correct him (it wasn't a few gods, it was THE God), and ask Wiglaf more questions, but held his tongue. Something is off here with this hero Beowulf and Grendel's Mother. She was said to be dead but appeared later with a dragon-child. Marius was starting to piece the parts together but kept his ideas to himself. It mattered little, with what they would be facing soon.

Marius said another prayer, and continued to ride, preparing himself for what was to come. Horrible visions plagued his mind, for what to come, but he kept thinking I must have courage! For the twins, I must! This demon is nothing compared to the Most High! He kept like this, for the rest of the ride, until a shout came out "We're here!"

Marius looked out, and saw before him a swamp setting right in front of a great mountain, where there was set a huge cave, looming large and open, a consuming mouth which swallowed up all who entered in.

"Lord help us" was all Marius could say.