Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 09:03:42 -0500
From: Tom Cup <tom_cup@hotmail.com>
Subject: Raptors by Richard Dean - Chapter 1 GM - Y/F- A/Y - Historical
Raptors by Richard Dean, copyright 2001, 2002 by the Paratwa Partnership: A
Colorado Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical, except in the case of reviews, without
written permission from the Paratwa Partnership, Inc, 354 Plateau Drive,
Florissant, CO 80816
This is a fictional story involving alternative sexual relationships. If
this type of material offends you, please do not read any further. This
material is intended for mature adult audiences. Names, characters,
locations and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination
or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales, or
persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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>From the Author:
Thanks
My special thanks to Mr. Tom Cup, my mentor/advisor and friend. His patient
advice and insightful thoughts have given impetus to a fledgling author. He
has enriched my life beyond my expectation.
Dedication:
I dedicate this story to a very special friend in Los Angeles, "lth". He is
in all facets my mental equal. He challenges and encourages me as no other
can. He is my `brother'. I love you, "lth".
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Raptors
by Richard Dean
Chapter 1
A Viking We Will Go
Nearing dawn a damp chill permeated the miasma of fog as it rolled in
blanketing the fjord. On shore with waves lapping at the stony, pebbled
waters edge paced Vorni Bjornsson (Vernee Byernsohn) and his grandson, Arne.
It was a sleepless, restless night for them both. Upon the dawning first
light of day, the shore would become a bustle of men, equipment, food stores
and sundry supplies necessary to load the Longships and prepare for another
successful voyage.
For two long years, 13 year old, Arne had prepared himself in mind, body and
spirit for this day. This event. He would join the community as a novice
Viking. His grandfather took him under his wing and tutelage to prepare him
for the grueling sea voyage, the rigorous fighting skills necessary to
outmaneuver his adversaries, and the wiles to defend himself from some of
the drunken louts who, without women, would look with favor on the youth and
beauty of this fledgling Norseboy. If the raids were successful, Vorni knew
that their attention would be drawn to the captives, the women and
children. Until that time Arne had been told, time after time, to keep his
eyes and ears open. Failing that he would become known as a catamite: a boy
used as a substitute woman.
"I've trained and prepared you as well as I know how, my boy. You've been
diligent and alert to every task and lesson I've set upon you. I still fear
for your safety. You are the last male heir and I can't stand the thought
of losing you for two long years or more, while you ache for adventure in
foreign lands. You do not have to go, my boy. Your father and two older
brothers left only three days ago to prepare the way. We have no need for
more wealth or more land. There is no shame in staying behind and helping
me, your mother and sister tend to the farm."
"Grandfather, I love you with all that is dear. I must say, though, that I
hated you for every rock and stone you made me carry to build up my
musculature, for every step you made me climb those hills and mountains to
build my legs, for every cut and scrape, I got when you stabbed me with your
damned wooden sword or dagger. Because of you, my grandfather, I am now a
man. I'm stronger and taller than my brother, Ralf, who has two summers on
me. There is no one in the village who can outfight me, except you, my
grandfather. Well...I've never challenged my father or oldest brother, but
from all of the others, its no contest. You said so yourself, my
grandfather. When I step onto that Longship, I step onto it in your name
and the name of Odin, as my protector. I want more victories to be added to
your name, when you are laid to rest on your funeral ship to Valhalla."
"I could ask no more than that, Arne, my boy. I confess to many nights of
worry and concern for your welfare. You come from good strong stock."
Chuckling to himself, Vorni added, "Did I ever tell you the story about
your mother when she defended you, your brothers and sister, while your
father and I were gone Viking?"
"Our family had a large tract of land encompassing the lowland of the farm,
to the rising hills and mountainous area all the way to the fjord. Of
course, we've added to our holdings since then, but let me get on with the
story. Your mother, who is an able and strong minded woman, was left with
you three boys, all under 10 summers and your sister who was still suckling,
if I remember correctly. Arne, you must have been 4 or 5 summers, so you
were helping her with chores near the house, the others were tending the
sheep or cows. We may have had two or three slaves at that time, I really
can't remember, but one day 5 nasty, grubby looking fellows came up to the
house and asked for shelter and food. Oh before they came up to the house,
your mother noticed them walking and looking about the place, she thought
they might be raiders, so she sent you to get your brothers and bring them
into the house. Once all of you boys were inside the house, she left the
baby with you lads, and walked outside to meet them. Wrapped in her shawl
she asked them what they wanted. They asked for food and shelter. She told
them she would not allow them shelter, but she would give them food, and for
them to be on their way. One of them said,
{"Mother, we can take what we want. We don't have to beg."
"Yes you can. But first, before you even think about that, let me tell you
something. You'll have to step over my dead body to get near my home or
babies. If one man or all of you even dare to touch me or mine, with
whatever you use to touch us, you will have it severed and lain on the
ground. Odin is my protector. Should you be lucky and kill me, then you
will have to face my eldest son, who will stand to defend and protect his.
Should you be lucky and kill him, my next eldest will present himself before
you and stand and defend. By that time there will be only one left alive,
and he will be mortally wounded. Think hard on your choice. Food or
death!"
"Mother, you leave us no choice, feed us and we will be on our way. The
fire and strength of Odin shows in your eyes and resolve."}
Your mother, Arne, called out to the lot of you to bring out food and water,
which you did. Standing around them with fire in your eyes and axes and
knives in your hands, you watched them eat and depart like dogs with their
tails between their legs."
"Hear me clearly, Arne. Take this tale and remember it well. When a
challenger confronts you, give him a choice. Come to you as a friend, or go
from you in death. Do not wound, kill! A wounded man will confront you
again, sooner or later. Kill the offender the first time and you are done
with it."
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This story is part of the TomCup.com Library.
Send comments to: richard@tomcup.com
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