Hello, Benjamin from Brother’s Campfire here!
It has been a long year so far and we have to stick together and encourage one another.
Without further ado, join me while I spin a tale of the Land of La Longi!
It was growing late when Ashton decided to return to the Wanton Thief Inn at Hahyrst. There was cargo to unload on ship’s light.
Hearing a voice on the trail, Ashton was drawn to see what was going on.
A man was singing the most ridiculous of songs, the lyrics unworthy of mention. With him was a crew of the strangest folks a man could ever meet carrying all manner of props and equipment headed towards Hayhyrst.
It was a fool, or jester.
“My boy, he cried, come forth and save the day, poor maiden is lost and can’t find her way!”
In a wheelbarrow was a woman dressed in long, black mourning attire. She looked dignified, proper, and serious as one could be in a one wheeler.
She was accompanied by a man with an absurd suit of clothing.
Ashton assessed the situation, noting that the men with the equipment continued down the road without them. Ashton was wary and observed the two from a safe distance so he could run if need be.
“Hello, my name is Ashton. How may I be of assistance?”
“My dear sir, Yon maiden has been abandoned in the forest like rubbish,
Push her to Hayhyrst, and of your exploits, I will publish.”
Ashton laughed. “Why, I can almost see Hayhyrst right down the path.” He looked at the maiden. “ma’am, is everything ok?”
She was woefully woeful in expression.
“I go to Hayhyrst for dinner of eggs, but I cannot, for I have no legs.”
It was obvious that she had legs, but Ashton did not find it fitting to challenge the assertion. She persisted.
“Nothing romantic, or mushy, all that I ask is to Hayhyrst you push me.”
Ashton looked at the jester. “Can you not push your friend to Hayhyrst?”
He replied simply. “I cannot, for I have no arms.”
Ashton scratched his head. Clearly, the man had arms. “Umm. Yes you do.”
“No, I do not,” replied the jester.
“I see them. They are attached to your shoulders.”
The jester pulled his arms in his shirt. “Do you see them now?”
“You two are silly. I have to get going.” Ashton began walking off.
The jester called after him.
“Push her through town, I pay you proper,
Do it at once, and I’ll pay you some copper.”
Ashton, hearing of coin, turned. “How much?”
A reasonable agreement was made and he pushed the woeful woman in the wheelbarrow to Hayhyrst.
Ashton quickly saw that the two were promoting a show at the inn and Ashton assisted, pushing the cart through the streets of Hayhyrst. They carried on the whole way, the woman lamenting that she had no legs and the man bemoaning his lost arms.
Ashton was embarrassed to be in the middle of it all, but the coin kept him motivated.
A small crowd began to follow, wondering what additional antics would transpire, and the jester gestured for Ashton to change direction with the wheelbarrow.
Arriving at the Wanton Thief, Ashton saw a crowd of paying patrons already assembled.
Sybel, the innkeeper was expecting them and beckoned for Ashton to roll the wheelbarrow right in.
After securing his coin and ensuring all his gear was intact, he settled down near a window to watch for the incoming merchant ship.
It could be minutes, It could be hours, but Ashton wanted the work and it was worth the wait. His day had been profitable, and a night’s work would sweeten the pot. Ordering a cider and securing his belongings with Sybel, he settled in.
Looking around, he saw that stage hands had put together props for the event and the show began.
In an obviously fabricated voice, A flashy young man of the troupe introduced the show.
“Ladies and gentlemen, highborn and low,
Welcome and Wanton, to today’s show!
I present words soft and hard,
Mel, and Galvin the Bard!
Still, Galvin looked absurd in his outfit, and carried a strange instrument. He wondered if he was the minstrel what kept him up the night before.
“Friends!” He proclaimed, placing a bucket before him. “To ALL ranks and stations, my services, for your donations!”
Galvin played his music and it seemed off key and contrary to anything Ashton had heard in his life. In fact, It was downright disgraceful that his music sounded that way.
The crowd clapped and cheered all around. They soaked up the very introduction all the way to the final note. It was awful. Any sane person… no… any sober person could hear it was awful.
Likely, they were full of the free ale that came with admission to the Wanton Thief.
The melodrama of the jester and his companions grated on his nerves, but Ashton endured. Perhaps his mind was fragile, but Galvin was one step above rambling to him. Mel, his friend stayed in the background for the time being.
Finally, he stepped outside for fresh air, taking in the night chill and smelling the sea. It was more welcoming than the confines of the crowded inn.
Athyes, the grocer arrived at the inn. “You ready, young man?”
“Yes sir! I probably should have rested, but I made myself useful in town today and earned a fair bit of coin.” He shuddered. “Those musicians in there are wretched.”
Athyes frowned. “Don’t be going about saying such things. It is a good way to get robbed. Furthermore, Galvin and Mel are fundraising for a just cause. Have you not heard of the wars for La Longi?”
“No sir. I have heard somewhat of far away battles, but I know little.”
The shopkeeper lightened up a little.
“There have been two wars for the throne of La Longi. First, Lord Rainport and the Alchemist tried to usurp the King, then the Carsiolians. Bloody affairs they were, and many lives were lost.
“The troupe in the inn are raising money for the families of those who served to preserve our way of life. There are those that lost limbs or are so injured they cannot work to provide for their families anymore.”
Ashton was shocked.
“My apologies, I had no idea.” He quickly changed the subject. “May I ask why we are unloading in the dead of the night?
Why can’t the ship come to shore?”
Athyes looked at Ashton, confused at the question. It was an obvious answer to everyone in his industry.
“The water is too shallow and the ship must move in haste. There are pirates about.”
Ashton was wary, and curious.
“Are you talking about the longboatmen? I know many of them.”
“Nay son, the scourge of La Longi, Captain Gryll is about, and no ship is safe along this coast. Even now, he could be just out of sight, waiting to take the merchant ship when she drops anchor.”
.
Author: Benjamin
Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...
An enjoyable read!!!
Thank you. I must say, I draw inspiration from Bonjourfrombrittany.WordPress.com
You are an amazing writer!
Haha, then I’m humbled because your site is always worth a read and enjoyable! Stay Safe! 🙂
Likewise. I have learned no small amount of lore from you!
🙂
You as well, I am on holiday with my family. While it is at home, it is 10 days of listening to good music and eating my Beloved’s cooking!
Ha, that sounds like a glorious wy to pass the time! Enjoy 🙂
You have a great imagination. Good morning, you guys are having fun!
Thank you! We are having a lot of fun.
How is your Saturday? Any big plans?
Not really, just quiet. No hiking like you. Perhaps a walk in my subdivision, lol.
A walk is a walk! Make an adventure out of it!
Ok my friend!
Well done! And your Fair Lady is both beautiful and a good sport! 😊
Ha ha! Thanks!
Bravo to everyone at Brother’s Campfire for their support and roles in the creation of this enjoyable story!! 👏👏 You are truly gifted and blessed, nephew. 🙂
Thank you! And yes, I have received a lot of assistance along the way!🤠🔥
You’re welcome, That is great. 😎
love the pics of you and your wife( I think), Ben. This sounds like life as we know it these days.. taking a coin at the expense of truth and integrity. Shame on you Ashton. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. too much news. fun read! ❤️ Cindy
Good to hear from you Cindy. It is indeed my Beloved pictured in the wheelbarrow.
In all fairness to Ashton he did apologize for his words toward Galvin and Mel. I wonder if he would have advertised with them for free if he knew it was for a cause.
I reread the tale, in which the characters surprise me all the time and read,
Ashton was shocked.
“My apologies, I had no idea.”
I do not think you are reading into this too much. It has provided a lot of thought fodder.
Thanks for reading Cindy!
Benjamin
Brother’s Campfire
Thanks Ben! It is adorable!
Yes, very true!
Good question, you’ll have to ask him and we’ll wait to hear! 🤗
It just shows how the world affairs these days has given rise to comparisons, we might not have ever made.
You’re welcome. it was a great story!
Happy Weekend!
❤️
Cindy
Have a good one!
You too! 😎
Awesome post. Its a fun read.
I am glad you enjoyed it#
Oops! I meant !
Gryll! I thought we were rid of him. I wondered if that was Galvin, previously.
Ah, yes. Galvin the Bard. He once frequented the Puking Peasant Inn if I am not mistaken.
Captain Gryll, scourge of the La Longi sea.
Ben, your imaginative tale carries us on an adventure to a different time and place, in itself a good thing. It also manages to be thought-provoking, also a good thing as we try to make sense of our own time. 🙂 Have a good week!
Thank you Cheryl and sorry for the late response. (Spammed)
I really appreciate your kind words as they keep me writing when I look back at them!
I like the Ongoing Tale! It is an excellent outlet!
Thanks for the follow and I like your Indiana Jones gear
Ha ha! Thanks. I believe it to be Brother’s Campfire Attire!
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO?! JEEZ!
Is it too much? Start at chapter 201!
WHAT
Is it too many chapters?
No I’m just impressed
I mean, I’m on chapter 30 with my story
You started well after me. The quality of your work is high as well.
Thank you!
Absolutely. When you are down for it, you are welcome to write something here!🤠🔥
Oh… maybe!
And yeah I definitely started after you
Yes you did.
Brilliant!!! Great to see Mel back – and raising money for a good cause too! 👍
Although you do realise she’ll be squirreling away a few coins for a pint or two for herself back at The Pheasant right? 😉
Great work my friend 👍 🖤 🖤
That sounds like Mel. Methinks she gets a little thirsty.
Indeed she does! 😁😉🖤
A wonderful read..! A great insight and approach out there🧡
Ha ha! Thank you Akshita Bansal! Have a beautiful day, or Evening, if I guess correctly!
The pleasure is all mine 🙂🧡
You too have a beautiful day ahead.🌸
🤠🔥
You as well!
🥰💕
Thank you!