Synry
Episode One
When the party of armed men rode into the farmyard, Hob looked up from his work, and leaned on the shovel. The leader of the men wore a chain byrnie and a full helm, and had a huge sword hanging from the saddle. Gwillem hurried out of the barn to see what the noise was, and gasped when he saw the squadron of men waiting on their horses. He rushed out to stand before the leader, cap in hand, bobbing his head at something the leader was saying.
The lord read something from a scroll that caused Gwillem to pale. Hob wished he could hear, but knew that moving closer would draw Gwillem's attention, and that attention would translate into harsh words and a blow. He watched the scene played out on the far side of the farmyard, and felt something stir within him: this was the moment, he realized, when he would be reclaimed. The man was obviously a servant of his real father, or perhaps his father himself, come to bring him home!
Despite Gwillem's tirades and Sorya's tearful assurances, he had always known that his parents weren't really dead. They had hidden him on this out-of-the-way farm to keep him safe from their enemies, and didn't even tell Gwillem and Sorya the truth. Now, the day had come when it was safe to send for him, and he would be returned to the royal life that had been stolen from him, and Gwillem would be punished for the harsh treatment that Hob had endured at his hands.
He would be merciful, though, and not have the man stoned to death. He would allow him to keep his farm, and his wife, but would forbid him to ever touch beer again, and to eat only the leavings of the family table. That was just, and more than kind.
The Great Lord pointed to young Darid, and Hob's stomach lurched with fear that his birthright might be stolen from him, but he saw that Gwillem, obviously fearful of reprisal if he should try to deceive, point over to Hob and begin speaking quickly. The Lord turned to face Hob, and, at length, nodded. Gwillem rushed over and grabbed Hob's arm, pulling him back to the company, whispering frantically in his ear.
"Hob, ye're leavin' with these fine gentlemen. Mind ye keep a rein on yer tongue, and try not to wander in yer head."
"Aye."
He stood before the Lord, who looked him up and down, and then spoke to Gwillem.
"This one is not your son?"
"Nay, Cap'n. His folk was burnt out o' they farm near fifteen year past. Me missus and me, we took him in. He ain't all right in his head, but his back's strong, and he don't talk much."
"What's your name, boy?"
Hob glanced at Gwillem before responding, "Hob, Cap'n."
"Can you fight, Hob?"
"Nay, Cap'n. I'm a good lad."
The Captain turned to look at Gwillem, who grinned ruefully, and tapped the side of his head.
"Gather your things, Hob. You're joining the army."
Hob blinked at the Captain, and didn't move.
"Don't you have anything you want to bring with you, boy?"
"Nay, Cap'n."
"What about your shoes?"
"I got none, Cap'n."
Again the Captain turned to look at Gwillem, who laughed nervously, and said, "Come, now, Hob, we'll see you set right for yer trip. Come into the house, now."
Hob followed Gwillem into the house, and stood quietly while Sorya packed him some of Darid's old clothes and a fresh loaf of bread, and Gwillem browbeat Darid into surrendering his shoes for Hob. Across the bustle, Hob saw little Maryin watching him with her big green eyes, face solemn. He made a funny face for her, but she just clutched the corn doll he had made for her, and looked even sadder.
"Enough of that, lad. Mind on yer business, hear?" Gwillem was shoving the bundle of clothes into his arms, and guiding him back to a chair, forcing him down and prying the shoes onto his feet. He looked up into Hob's eyes, and Hob saw a rushing jumble of emotions working through Gwillem's head. Gwillem said, "Wait here, boy,”and went into the bedroom."
When he returned a few minutes later, he had a leather bundle, as long as Hob was tall, in his arms, which he thrust at Hob.
"This were my Da's. Ye're to be soldier, now. Ye'll need it more an' we will hereabouts."
Hob peeled the leather back, and looked open-mouthed at the double-bladed sword nestled inside. His eye was drawn to the symbol in the crossguards of a wol's head. He wrapped it tightly, and looked into Gwillem's face again. He realized for the first time that he was taller than Gwillem.
"Thank'ee."
When he rode out of the farm, he broke his promise to himself and looked back. Maryin stood in the road, still holding the doll. Hob waved, unsurely, and she waved back.
