Beowulf: Curse of the Dreygurs

ROUTHEBIRIA BURROWS

As the sun set behind the clouds, the group pitched camp inside a large circle of big stones topped by an enormous capstone. Inside the cromlech, the men unpacked their woolen bedrolls along with their bags. They were pleased to find such a good spot for the night. The massive stones holding the capstone contained spacing between them only wide enough in most places for a single person to enter, giving them a natural defensive position. The stone roof protected them from the snow, much better than using their lean-to tents of woolen cloth. The large structure allowed them to place their horses at one end where the body heat would warm them. Plus, the animals would have some measure of protection as well.

In the distance, stumpy hills of brown grass and green areas of forest could not hide the outline of a destroyed farmhouse. Below their position was the village of Routhebiria, which appeared abandoned. As some of the men grumbled about not going into the village where they would find a building to warm themselves, Weohstan rode up after scouting the area. As expected, he reported that dreygurs ravaged the farm. He went on to explain about the trail of footprints split away into two trails. One line of prints led into the hills while the other followed the path past the village. Beowulf nodded at the news as he scanned the landscape.

"I'm not sure but I think someone is following us," Weohstan said to Beowulf. "I noticed movement in the area along the road behind our camp. Not sure of how many but they are keeping out of sight. Should I ride out and check on them?" Beowulf shook his head as he rubbed his hands together for warmth in the frigid temperature.

"No, you get food and drink. It's either enemy scouts or locals spying on us is my guess," he said. "When the night turns black, a couple of warriors will join me to find out more."

"What about the monsters," Osberht asked.

"If the dreygurs are bold enough to attack us, they will find the Nægling able to speak for me," Beowulf declared as he tapped his scramasax, the single edge sword given to him by King Heardred. He turned to Weohstan. "If you hear a battle, you will join us. For now, let us pull out our bags of food and drink to ready ourselves for the night.

After the moon finally crept from behind a few clouds on the horizon, a pale cast fell across the landscape. Beowulf shook Swidhun and Aeschere from their slumber to begin their mission. He watched them gather their weapons and join him outside of the cromlech. The largest warrior among the group, Swidhun was quiet and remote. He was a Saxnat or spirit chaser. The warriors respected his ability to communicate with the spirit world, often advising them about future events. In battle, the man fought with a determined savageness. His massive chest and thick arms gave him a great advantage when using the spear. Swidhun might speak little, but his fierce green eyes showed others his mood. Aeschere, on the other hand, was not a Geat but a Dane from the nearby peninsula. The warrior, who stepped next to Beowulf in the cold air, joined the group just before Sigibert. Actively competitive, the Dane warrior boldly challenged his future leader to a wrestling match before King Heardred. While Beowulf finally overcame the Dane, both men were bloodied and bruised from the great brawl. Despite his roots with a different tribe, instant respect went to Aeschere that night in the mead hall. The other men quickly regarded the Dane fighter as a valued member of Beowulf's group.

The three warriors left camp and moved across the open land on foot. They took a circular route to the spot to the camp of their followers. As they closed in on the area, they could smell the wood smoke of a campfire, hidden from sight. Using hand signals, Beowulf ordered his men to spread out into a line as they closed in. Slowly each fighter pressed forward in a crouch to blend into the night. Several paces away, they saw the intermittent yellow flame jumping above the improvised fire pit made of stone. Near the fire, two men slept, each wrapped in dark-colored blankets. Signaling stop, Beowulf paused while he listened for movement.