Chapter I

In this chapter the foundation is layed and we meet the Morgan clan.

    The calm of the forest was broken by the shattering blows of hunting horns and the loud, drawn out baying of the hunting dogs as they chased the prey through the underbrush. Standing against the trees and brush the silent hunters waited as they baying got closer. Most had their bows drawn with arrows knocked, awaiting the boars that could be heard crashing through the underbrush. Surprisingly the yellow, brown, and faded red of their plaid blended into the yellowing leaves as they turned before winter hit and fell to the ground in later months.

    One such hunter had no bow but instead had a large blade pulled. He was Bleddyn Morgan, the leader of the feared Morgan clan. He held the land from the Southern coast to the English border on the east and extended up to the middle of what is now Wales. He was known for his ecentric way to hunt boars or bears with a sword instead of the traditional long bow that most Welsh hunters carried.

    The first of the boars crashed out of the brush into the clearing before the line of trees. The line of hunters ducked from behind the trees and raised their bows as Bleddyn raised his blade and, with a furious battle cry of "Morgan!", he charged.

    The next half hour was furious with the cries of the hunters and the clashing of the short swords that the hunters wore to finish off the boars.

    After that the forest returned to its calming quiet as the hunters returned to their horses and the servanst began to pick up the carcasses and ready them for transport back to the castle and the village outside its walls.

    Leading the column back to the castle was Bleddyn. Riding beside him was his long time friend and companion, Douglas Alan. They had grown up together as their fathers were allies and once Bleddyn assumed the role of clan leader, Douglas had sworn fealty to him. His older brother still ruled the Alan clan and every so often Douglas would return but the majority of his time was spent at Bleddyn's side as advisor, friend, and when the time came, bodygaurd.

    "They say that there is trouble coming from the east," spoke up Douglas as they rode.

    Bleddyn spurred his horse on a little farther away from the column before answering. "I have heard much news of it but so far I have come to no decision. What does your brother plan to do when the time comes?"

    "He speaks of joining some of the rogue clans on the border to fight against the Mercians and make a name for the people of Cymru. Offa will not be pleased. Many of our clans sell things at the village bazaars of Mercia and yet we still fight him. He will be forced to take action against us; even war. The Morgans are looked up to by many other clans. You must make a decision soon."

    Bleddyn looked up, "I want to speak more with you about this but not at this time. Walk with me on my evening rounds tonight."

    They now approached the village that stood under the shadow of the castle of Morgan. The horsemen reined in their horses around the well that stood in the village center as Bleddyn dismounted and the villagers began to gather.

   Walking over to the eldest woman, and also a widow and handed her a large portion of the meat. It was customary to give the first meat to the widows and elders as they no longer had a man to provide for them. After the meat was given the rest of the hunters took their portion of kill and returned to their homes as Bleddyn and a small group of men returned to the castle.

    The castle of the Morgans' stood on the edge of Atlantic atop the high cliffs. Perched on the crags and built of stone, it had withstood the test of time and remained and impressive stronghold. The keep was backed up against the cliffs with the courtyard facing North to the open plains and beyond, the forest. The location was chosen because how easy it was to defend. Unless the attackers had boats and something to scale the cliff with, the only way to get to it was from the front. Further hindering the approach were gullies and ditches leading up the hill to the base of the walls which rose more than five strories above the terrain. Most nights one could look up to the roof of the keep and find Bleddyn there, peering over his domain or off into the mists that shrouded the coast most of the year.

     The riders rode up to the gate and as it swung open they moved inside to stable their horses and prepare for the feast that was too be had that night.

Author's Note

I know its a little shaky but this is my first copy. I will be fixing and adding to it as I see fit. I was writing it at work so forgive me.

Reviews

[Hadewijch Lady of the N..]

it is a very nice start. I liked it. I would enjoy reading more.

Sincerely,

Hadewijch

[Aianarie (INACTIVE)]

A very good start. The story and the characters are intriguing. Your details here in comparison to The Mercenary are lacking in impact, but this is only your first draft so that's not really important.

I look forward to reading more of this story! It's shaping up to be a good one.