LITMIR.BIZ

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strange tactical game with a hammer, sword, or ax? They each continued to utter beastly laughs, moving together, then apart, chasing each other.

      Soon, the whole family stood outside, wondering what had disrupted everyone’s sleep. Ava was a bit frightened by the noise and clung to my blanket. Att-a walked toward the two unknown figures, with a sword in his hand, thinking they were intruders. His demeanor changed, when he recognized the two figures, as Arnold and Uncle Vaclav.

      “Are you both trying to chase the skoh-sl (evil spirits) away, or awaken them?” Father shouted. They continued their antics, despite a short pause in their attacks on each other. “You both should be ashamed, acting as two wild men waking everyone!”

      “We must determine the winner of this challenge, since Vaclav and I are eager to play pranks on each other!” Arnold exclaimed, almost breathless.

      “Ja! Arnold thought I was a wild heathen, when he came outside to use the latrine. I leaped off the roof with my ax. He swung a club at me. You should have seen his eyes, when I jumped before him in the dark! I laughed so hard, I . . .” Uncle Vaclav said, as Adalwulf interrupted him.

      “You men are so amusing, with only blankets draped around your waists, looking as though you are having the best time,” Adalwulf said. “Arnold, I see you left the house heavily armed.”

      “That’s right, my friend! I dislike being attacked by a wild animal with my trousers down in the middle of this darkness and fog. When I saw it was Vaclav, I was determined to scare him in return!”

      “Well, don’t go anywhere without your weapons, even in midday. Many dangers await you. You have not bathed in days, so your scent is ripe for predators, my good comrade,” Adalwulf added. Everyone laughed at that comment and returned to the house. Arnold and Uncle Vaclav shook hands and slapped each other on the back.

      “Oh, to know Uncle Vaclav is to love him for his pranks,” I said to Ava with a cheery smile upon my face. “I remember when I was younger, Uncle came to our house, and hid behind my bed in the dark, scratching at the wood very quietly, as a small beast; ready to pounce upon me in the middle of the night. I yelled and cried for Att-a to find the beast. When Att-a found Uncle Vaclav there, he swept him out of his hiding place and let me hit him with the broom, all the way to the doorway, as Uncle yelped like a little dog. He is scary, but amusing.”

      “I hope Uncle Vaclav never frightens me that way!” Ava noted. “I would tickle him, until he begged for me to stop.”

      I hugged her and went into the house to help prepare a breakfast of sausages, bread with butter, and sticky porridge. We had to help with the laundry and feed the animals after breakfast.

      At midday, when things had quieted, it seemed the men had nothing to do, except rest and talk amongst themselves; the women tidied up their houses and hung up the clothes to dry in the cool, midsummer breeze. It was Friday, so I was ready for an afternoon of leisure before cooking began again for the festival of the summer solstice. I reclined, with my eyes closed, on a pile of straw near the stalls, where we kept our pigs, cows, sheep, goats, and horses. I loved the smell of the animals nearby. Their familiar bellowing and neighing felt comforting.

      “Ah! There you are, Ermentrude. We decided to keep you company,” Adalwulf announced. Arnold and Bertram were beside him. I sat up, startled.

      “Oh! You came in suddenly—I wasn’t expecting you. What do you need, Adalwulf and friends?” I asked.

      “We were looking for you, so we could talk,” Adalwulf said.

      “You mean you want to torture me with endless questions!” I pouted.

      “Ne, we just want to get to know you better, Ermentrude,” Bertram explained, “You said you wouldn’t mind.”

      “Fine, what do you want to know, that isn’t your business?” I retorted, feeling bothered at the moment .

      “For instance, you are fifteen. Have you ever thought of marrying someday?” Arnold inquired.

      “Ne, not really. I have thought about marching off to battle with my sword, and perhaps marrying my horse!” I replied with my usual humor. “My wish is to wander about and see all of Middle Earth.”

      “Well, you can do all that, er, except marry a a horse, of course!” Adalwulf declared. “You must seriously begin to think of marrying someone, Ermentrude. Our parents cannot afford to feed and clothe you forever.”

      “Well, it seems they don’t mind feeding you; you eat more than me! Why haven’t you married, Adalwulf?” I answered, with a smirk.

      “If you must know, I have plans to marry next spring . . . to Amalia,” he replied.

      “Oh, I didn’t know, Adalwulf. That’s good news! Congratulations on your decision. Have you told Amalia, yet?” I asked.

      “I haven’t, yet. As you remember, I was away from home. I am going to propose to her this summer. I will give her a wedding gift of amber beads from the coast. Do you think she will treasure it as a gift of my love?” Adalwulf searched my face for approval.

      I smiled and told him, “Amalia will accept your proposal of marriage because she thinks you are quite handsome and brave.” He returned my compliment with a hug. Arnold and Bertram watched, hopeful that I would regard them with such affection someday.

      Our conversation continued during the next hour. It was apparent that I had to persuade Arnold and Bertram to give up their thoughts of betrothal to me. I thought them handsome and charming, but dull.

      Late in the day, I helped Mama to prepare a simple meal of cheese and bread, when she spoke to me of the day’s events. I told her about Adalwulf’s insistence that I marry one of his friends, Arnold or Bertram. I asked what she thought, before revealing my intentions. She grinned and disclosed that Father had already discussed the matter with her. She also told me that Arnold and Bertram each had a valuable gift for me if I accepted marriage to either of them.

      “Your father secretly told me this . . . last night. Isn’t this exciting, Ermentrude? You may choose who you feel is better suited to you. You will marry a strong, handsome, noble man, either way. We have known their families for a long time. They have many cows, sheep, and go . . .” she was suddenly distracted by my tears. “What is the matter, Ermentrude? Surely you must be happy with tears?”

      “Mama! How can you insist on my marrying a stranger? I don’t want to marry a stranger! I don’t want to marry anyone! I only think about leaving after the summer festival to help win battles against the enemy tribes. I only think of traveling far away from here. Perhaps, one day I will marry someone—someone I love in my own way,” I said, feeling betrayed.

      Mama swallowed her words and turned away from me, as though I had extinguished the fire in her heart and the hope in her eyes. She would not speak to me of these dreams I had for myself. She thought only of her dreams. Did she not deserve little grandchildren running about the house?

      She sighed, “Your father will decide what is best for you, Ermentrude.”

      I gasped at her words, “Att-a will listen to me, Mama. He knows what is in my heart. I am sorry to disappoint you.” I turned and walked outside to find my father. I would soon learn of his thoughts.

      Father was with the horses, speaking to them in quiet tones, soothing them, as they were disturbed by something outside the barn. I entered abruptly and spoke to him.

      “Att-a, I must speak with you, please, Att-a.” He could see my tears and sense that I was upset.

      “Yes, Ermentrude. You must speak, and I must speak as well . . . of your betrothal to one of your suitors. Have you decided who it will be? Who do you choose to marry?” he asked patiently, knowing that I was upset at being told to marry. “You have the choice of who you want to marry.”

      I heaved a sigh in my breast and walked closer. I reached out my arms to embrace him, as I attempted to explain how I felt. His mind was made up.

      He replied patiently,

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