Passion And Glory

Chapter 8: Rumcofa Part 1

Journeying along the borders of Mercia and Wessex proved to be more manageable for Liv and Kanut than they had initially anticipated. The common folk they passed seemed unfazed by their Danish heritage, preoccupied with their own troubles.

England was a multitude of kingdoms, each governed by Earls or Lords. Conflicts among these realms were common, yet in the face of the looming Norse threat, a rare unity emerged as they banded together to combat a shared adversary.

Despite the ongoing strife, King Alfred the Great tirelessly strived to cultivate peace and order in the realm. Rumors abounded of Alfred's aspiration to unify England under one banner. His vision entailed not only repelling Viking incursions but also expelling them from English soil entirely.

Those who sought to settle down were mandated to embrace Christianity, assimilate the local language and traditions, and pledge fealty to the crown. Though a stern decree, many Danes acquiesced, yearning for a fresh start in a foreign land.

Liv and Kanut harbored hopes of evading such a fate. The idea of entanglement with King Alfred weighed heavily on their minds.

"There lies a town ahead," Kanut noted, gesturing toward a cluster of dwellings on the horizon. "Rumcofa. I've heard it to be a modest yet thriving settlement. We may find employment there."

"Excellent, I long for respite from the road," Liv replied wearily, her voice betraying the strain of constant conversation. "I pray they offer lodgings for weary travelers."

They rode on in silence, engrossed in their own thoughts. Drawing closer to Rumcofa, they beheld its stout defenses: a wooden palisade encircling the town, guarded by a protective moat.

"This town appears almost looks untouched," Liv observed, surveying the tranquil settlement.

"Aye, it does," Kanut concurred, a flicker of relief evident in his tone. "Should be a tavern or in somewhere Where we can rest for the night. Let's secure lodgings for our horses and locate such an establishment."

Together, they traversed the cobblestone streets of Rumcofa, Liv's gaze alight with curiosity as she absorbed the sights and sounds of their newfound surroundings.

Liv found Rumcofa to be quaint compared to the bustling towns she had traversed with the Danes, yet it exuded a unique charm. The structures, a blend of timber and stone, boasted roofs of thatch or slate.

Merchants hailing from far and wide displayed their wares in makeshift stalls, presenting a medley of cloth, tools, and victuals. The tantalizing scents of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air. "There's the stable," Kanut announced, gesturing toward a sturdy, wooden edifice a stone's throw away. "Took them long enough."

Leading their steeds inside, they entrusted them to the stable boy's care. Satisfied that their mounts were tended to, they exited the stable, eager to explore the town. Cobblestone thoroughfares flanked by tidy residences and verdant plots greeted their eyes.

Inhaling deeply, Liv absorbed the unfamiliar yet comforting fragrance of the town. "It's truly lovely here," she remarked with a sense of wonder. "I have a good feeling about this place."

"Let's not lower our guard just yet, Liv," Kanut cautioned, his tone tinged with wariness. "Danger may lurk even in the most picturesque of locales."

"Kanut, after all this time on the road, we both deserve a respite to regain our strength. Let's focus on securing a place for rest," Liv asserted, her gaze unwavering.

Agreeing with her pragmatic approach, Kanut nodded in acquiescence as they continued their exploration. Their meandering path led them to a cozy tavern named 'The Wandering Oak'. Inside, the ambiance was warm and inviting, illuminated by the flickering glow of a crackling hearth. Patrons engaged in animated conversations over tankards of mead and ale at solid wooden tables.