Alcingeria

Chapter Nineteen: Meeting The Vipers

Chapter Nineteen Meeting The Vipers:

Thursday June 24th 1690

Before I knew it, I could hear the distant tone of a dinner bell. I guessed that two hours had passed since I began working in the fields, and I was starting to get hungry. I saw all of the field workers begin making their ways back to the house for what I assumed to be dinner. It had gotten darker in the last few hours, and it was now twilight. The golden sun cast its last hours of light on the land for that day.

I made my way to the house along with the other workers. I spotted Don, Macalister and Robert among them. I dropped my basket off in front of the house. They were to be collected by Martha, who stood on the porch, ringing the bell.

"What's for dinner tonight, Martha?" I heard a younger man ask.

"Just you wait and see, Francella." Came Martha's answer, accompanied by a wink. "You'll like it. I promise."

"Good evening, Martha. I just can't wait for dinner." I heard Raymond say.

I walked behind all of the others. We filed into the house, some asked Martha how she was and what dinner was going to be. She ushered them all inside with answers similar to the one she gave Francella. When all who remained outside were Macalister, Don Robert and I Martha smiled.

"Oh, the new boys!" She clapped joyfully. "How did you like working in the fields?"

"It was good," I replied. "Nothing too hard. It certainly builds an appetite, though."

"Go on inside and get yourselves washed up. Dinner will be on the table in just a few minutes."

I stepped into the house. The other three followed. I walked into the kitchen and found a washbasin filled with water. There was soap on the counter as well. After I was finished washing my hands, I walked across the room to the table, the cards now cleared away.

I saw Raymond, Francella, William and Ceberus as well as a few other men and women that I didn't know. They were all talking. Martha wasn't in sight, and Macalister, Don and Robert were all washing their hands in the kitchen.

Macalister, Don and Robert all finished washing their hands and they sat at the other empty chairs next to Ceberus and I.

Martha came to the table bearing platters of food. Sauced meats and vegetables, mostly.

"Eat up, boys!" She said cheerily.

"Thank you very much, Martha." Ceberus said, kissing her. It wasn't until then that I saw a wedding band on each of their fingers. "Let's dig in."

When the others started grabbing their food, I reached out and grabbed a fork and knife, helping myself to the meat. I stabbed a few steamed carrots with my fork and put them on my plate. I grabbed the mug of water that was in front of me and I took a few swigs from it, emptying it. It was cold and clean tasting, no doubt from a well.

"My heavens, where are my manners?" Asked Ceberus. "Ladies and gentlemen I would like you to meet the Scorpions. Lads, why not introduce yourselves?"

I stood up.

"Hello, everyone." I greeted. "My name is Redmond."

"Come on!" Ceberus pleaded. "Tell us a little about yourself!"

"Well, um," I decided to start off with how I met the others. "I first joined the Scorpions when I was fourteen. I was on the run from the Law Enforcement for theft. I managed to escape before my trial, and that's when I met these guys. They thought I was some kind of spy, so they held me for questioning!"