What History Doesn't Know

Larger Than Life

"James! Wake up this instant!"

I felt myself being shaken roughly. I didn't want to open my eyes. I knew what was up. If people started calling a name other than Casper, it meant I was dreaming again. Damn, these dreams. They're going to make me lose my sanity! I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that maybe if I slept in my dream, I would wake up in the modern age as Casper. Not some guy named-

"James! If you don't wake up this instant, I'll throw you out the window!"

I grumbled and got up from where I was lying down. I looked up at the guy who was shaking me. The guy who had woken me up was a huge guy, but that didn't stop me from pulling off a bad attitude.

"What?! What do you want?"

"Get to the usual meeting place. We have discuss a certain problem with the generals."

"Fine. I'll go there."

The large man nodded and walked off. I sighed, groaned and grumbled. I looked for a fresh pair of clothes but all I found was a shirt of some sort that smelt like it hadn't been washed for sometime. Since there was no other clothing in sight, I had no choice but to put it on. Holding my breath, I slipped the top on. I already had a pair of pants on, so I'll not go to the trouble of looking for some.

I left the room and found myself in a castle. Servants ran left and right possibly with an task to attend to in mind. I walked for some time and realized that I didn't know where the 'usual' meeting place was. I checked a few rooms that I found. One appeared to be a place where they kept kitchen stuff. Another room was just empty.

As I was about to open a third door, the door seemingly opened by itself. I thought this place might be haunted. A very large man, larger than the one who woke me up, with long hair walked out of the room. When he saw me, he just smiled and placed one hand on my right shoulder while the other hand closed the door behind him.

"Ah, James! Had a good sleep, I suppose?"

I nodded my head. I was speechless at the man's size. His hands so huge and brawny they looked like they could crush cannonballs into dust! I gulped. I had better not get on his bad side. I prefer my body parts to stay in proper shape.

"So, what do you think old William will say about this?"

"About what?"

"Why, about Harold Godwinson? James, are you sure you're okay?"

"Umm...I think I might have a slight case of amnesia," I lied. I didn't know anything about James' life.

The large man laughed. "Had too much of the drink again I suppose? I'll revive your memory quickly or my name isn't Knut the Viking! Come, James. I'll explain everything on the way to the meeting place."

I felt instantly happy. Not only could I find out about my situation, I could get to the meeting place. Something tells me my presence at the meeting place is necessary.

"Okay, things are not so cheerful at the moment for us. Or rather, for William. You see, rumour is going around that Harold was swore an oath to the Duke of Normandy, who is William you know. So, swore oath, done. William sends Harold off. Edward the Confessor who, poor man, couldn't see another day, gave the throne to Harold. Initially, old Edward promised the throne to Duke William but something happened. I heard clever Harold got the support of the Witesomethingsomething."

"Witenagemot." I corrected him without thinking. Even though it came out of my own mouth, I was surprised I knew a word I have never heard before in my life. I guess being with Melanie made me smarter without me knowing.

"Ah, yes. Witenagemot. Thank you, James. As I was saying, Harold got their support and took the throne for himself without complaining. Now, the duke's exploding his head off at this. At the meeting place, that's where we're headed, William's called some nobles to help him out. Personally, I find no satisfaction in status. I prefer swinging some steel. The battlefield is where your manhood is really tested. Ah, we're here."

I looked where we were. I was so concentrated on Knut's explanation that I was not aware of the change of surroundings. As I opened a pair of large doors, several heads turned to look at Knut and me. The people who were looking at us were seated at the same large table. At the head of the table was the large man who rudely woke me up. No doubt that it was William the Conqueror. I still had a grudge against him. Nobody, not even the Duke of Normandy, wakes me up from my sleep like that.

The duke spoke up. "James. Knut. I'm glad you two could make it. Take your seats please. I sat in an empty chair next to a rich-looking guy while Knut sat in the empty chair opposite of me.

"Right then. As you all know, Harold Godwinson has claimed Edward the Confessor's throne for himself which should have rightfully been mine."

Everyone murmured in agreement. I followed suit to avoid unnecessary stares.

"So I'll ask you again. Will you back me up?"

"What's in it for us?" a man with a huge moustache asked.

"What's in it for you? I'm glad you asked. My friends, I promise you titles. Think about it lordships, earldoms. All yours if you assist me and that's just the entrees. All of you shall receive lands. Not lands that are so pathetic that you would rather only defecate on them but lands where you shall rule in whatever manner you please."

The nobles seemed to like the idea as they began whispering to one another.

"My friends, you should not worry about anything. I do not mean to brag but I am a honest and humble man. Help me and you shall have your dreams made into reality."

Everyone eventually agreed to declare war against Harold. All of us toasted our drinks in hopes of victory in the battles to come.