The Great Eel

April 30

They marched towards the Gwaltho, almost like a mini army.  Yet, as Emma thought about it, so far from being an army.  They carried no crest or banner, each of them had different weapons, different armor and different experiences.  She had asked to come along, yet when Ryheric had challenged her to tell him why, she could not.  Why?  On some level, Emma understood why Ryheric, Eirik, and Aeldiet wanted to kill the creature, a great eel.  It was part of who they were.

In the end the whole clan had come. As they trode along in quiet, each of them preparing mentally in their own ways, the question echoed over and over in Emma’s mind.  Why? Why? Why?  It was not until she saw the creature again, face to face that she understood her own motivation, but then there was no time to think.

Ryheric had given instructions. Emma, with her new bow, stood her ground, careful with her aim and timing.  As with all battle plans, adjustments had to be made when the fight started and chaos erupted.  After the first couple of arrows, everything was a blur.  More arrows flew toward their mark,  and somehow Emma was knocked off her feet and into the water.  How much time passed?  She came to on the bank of the river coughing up water.

On their return to camp, Emma took the time to reflect on why.  It was time to take responsibility for her own safety. One piece at a time she had started taking responsibility for herself. She was not a warrior, she probably would never become one, but she could no longer hide behind the Riders who protected her father’s community, or Ceth, or even the warriors of the clan. There would never be a guarantee of safety, but she needed to be able to face their enemies.

Their victory was overshadowed by the grave wounds sustained by Aeldiet and Emma remained conflicted.  They had worked together.  They had adapted.  They had killed the creature.  They had made the waters of the Gwaltho safer for any future travelers.  She had stood face to face with something that terrified her, kept her head and followed instructions.  She had not recklessly thrown herself into the desire to do something to protect the others.  Yet, she was reminded of the cost. She was reminded of her grandmother’s words, and the grandfather she never knew.