odins bird chapter 5,6

8/2/2019 Odins Bird Chapter 5,6

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Chap t e r F i v eCamlach led Finn to a drab yet comfortable inn called the SunkenAnchor that he apparently frequented often when in Lerwick. The

thought of a warm meal and a bed suddenly appealed greatly toFinn. He had been aboard The Skaldfor nearly two weeks and evenhis last night back home was spent in a barn so the modestaccommodations offered by The Anchor seemed like luxury.

Uncle Camlach said Finn as they entered the inn I have so manyquestions for you.

And I for you replied Camlach but first let us get a room and more

importantly, some ales. Then we shall talk young nephew.

Ales questioned Finn, but my father has never let me try alebefore.

Finn, you will learn repeatedly that I am not your father exclaimedCamlach with yet another grin. After a hard days work a mandeserves a good ale wouldnt you say?

I suppose said Finn weakly, not seeing any connection between thetwo.

Camlach purchased a room for them for the night and waltzed in tothe noisy tavern to return moments later with a frothy flagon ofamber fluid and two questionably clean mugs. They made their wayup the creaky stairs and found the room. Inside Finn saw twosubstandard beds and little else but it looked like a palace to him justthen.

Get comfortable lad and we shall toast to a family reunion saidCamlach happily. Then well look into that message and answer ourquestions, eh?

Finn flopped onto the bed and could already envision his first goodsleep in many a day. Camlach went to the small table and went


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about pouring them each some ale. He pulled up two rickety chairsand motioned for Finn to come and join him.

Come lad said Camlach, come have a pull of some good Island

ale.

Finn reluctantly got off the uncomfortable yet heavenly bed andjoined his uncle. Camlach handed him a mug and the two sat downtogether.

Not the most glorious setting for a meeting such as this saidCamlach raising his mug, but it shall serve. Now young Finn,slangevah!

Finn, uncertain, hoisted his mug to his uncles with a dull thud andtook a big mouthful of the ale. And promptly spit it out. Camlachroared with laughter and almost lost his mouthful as well. There wego lad he laughed. Graceful as goats we two are!

Uncle said Finn after recovering, this is terrible stuff.

An acquired taste perhaps said Camlach still chuckling, and we will

work on its acquisition with proper diligence. Now take a smaller pullthis time

But what about the message asked Finn anxiously.

Finn, you have the attention span of a sparrow said Camlachimpatiently. Tend to your ale lad! Let it help ease you to the place ofrelaxation you so need.

I dont see how this sour stuff will help me relax but Ill try somemore said Finn. They sat in relative silence while Camlach drankfrom his mug and watched Finn attempting to do the same.

After Finn had made it halfway through his mug Camlach toppedthem both up again. There, can you feel it lad?


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Feel what Uncle?

Why, the spirit of course exclaimed Camlach enthusiastically. Itslike a warm glow spreading through your body or perhaps a slight

tingling sensation. Damn it Finn, doesnt it make you feel just plainold good?I am sorry Uncle said a confused Finn, perhaps this stuff doesntwork on me. Finn stood to get up from the small table andproceeded to trip over his own feet and crashed none too gracefullyto the floor. Camlach again roared with laughter and rose to helpFinn back into his chair.

I suspect this stuff, as you so eloquently put it, might just have an

affect on you after all young lad. Excellent said Camlach gently.

Finn would normally have been horribly embarrassed for being soclumsy but he now found himself struggling to contain a grin. To noavail, Finn burst out laughing and was joined by a seemingly satisfiedCamlach.

There lad, now just sit back and enjoy yourself for awhile and weshall chat. I find that a little ale can sometimes elevate a

conversation to new heights.

C AM A ND F IN N S PE AK O FF T HE AM B ER G LI MP SE , A SC A M C A L L S I T . .S I M I LA R T O R I C E S G O L D E N M O M E N T Or new depths at times, eh Uncle said Finn suddenly feeling veryclever but sporting a silly grin that spread from ear to ear.

Ha! I do believe you are getting the hang of this Finn. And I do

believe that the rest of the ale is for me as you learn to handle whatyouve just consumed. Now lets see about this message from mydear sister. Move slowly Finn, slowly.

Finn made his way awkwardly over to his bed and took the scrollfrom his travel sack.


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Now, you have read this of course stated Camlach.

On the ship one day, I couldnt help myself said Finn sheepishly.

Its all right Finn, I would have too. Camlach unrolled the scroll andleaned back to read it while Finn eased slowly back into his seat. Hewas not sure of this new feeling he was experiencing and might notcall it relaxing but it certainly seemed to make things appearamusing. Finn studied Camlachs face as his uncle absorbed thecontents of the message, seeing Camlach smile, then furrow hisbrow, then smile once more. By the time Camlach was done readingFinn was about to burst with anticipation as to his uncles response.Uncle exclaimed Finn, what do you think of the message.

One moment young Finn said Camlach and grabbed the flagonitself and downed the remnants of the ale. Give me but a momentto digest and ponder this information and we shall continue.

Finn watched curiously as Camlach pulled a small bag from anotherof the pouches inside his cloak and produced a handsomely carved,long-stemmed pipe. He then grabbed a pinch of some dried-up,brown grass, stuffing it into the bowl of the pipe and picked up a

small grey stone which he scraped against the edge of the bowl ofthe pipe. This somehow seemed to ignite the grass. Camlach againleaned back and put the pipe to his lips, drawing upon the stem.Finns eyes lit up as Camlach then proceeded to blow a ring of smokefrom his mouth.

Uncle Camlach questioned Finn again what is it youre doing nowexactly?

Smoking Finn, smoking my thinking pipe replied Camlach. For Imust think for a moment you see.

Finn sat back in his own chair and let his uncle think. He noticed thathis own thoughts were swirling about a little too freely to form anyconcrete ideas so he just began to relax. Perhaps this awful drink did


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have its benefits after all. After several minutes and smoke rings hadpassed Camlach drew himself back up to the table.

All right Finn he said answer me this first. Of what manner was

this trouble you brought upon yourself?

Uncle, I truly meant no harm that day said Finn pleadingly. Imerely wanted to stop those boys from throwing rocks at the ravens,I swear.

Sounds a noble enough venture to me offered Camlach. So whathappened?

Well I figured that since ravens cannot throw rocks back in defense,I thought that I would, um, help out a little.

I see, so you must have smote one of the thugs with a well placedtoss then, I suspect.

I only meant to hit the tree behind Snorri, just to distract them whilethe birds flew away.

Snorri, sounds like a charming lad. All right Finn, that seems tomake sense. Your mother says you are a good young chap and ofcourse I would agree. But are you really prepared to live with me for,it seems, a number of years?

Uncle, I am prepared for none of this.

Hmmm, yes of course. Well met Finn. I can see you have notchosen this direction with purpose. Well Finn, rest easy. Duty bound

or no, I am honored to serve as your guardian for as long as youdeem it necessary and I will do my best to assist in your journeytowards manhood and independence. But, young lad, I daresay lifewith me may be somewhat removed from your norm.

Ive had a feeling that may be the case sir said Finn, intending nodisrespect.


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Indeed laughed Camlach. Well, I suppose as your newly appointedguardian I should provide some food for you.

But Uncle asked Finn, what is this Order my mother refers to?And I still need to know how you knew I was here and

Finn, you need some food first to calm your thoughts and refineyour questioning. Let me see to supper. Camlach stood and pattedFinn on the back and then slipped out of the room.

Finn sat there feeling rather dazed and found that his eyelids weregetting heavy. Camlach returned a few minutes later with some

steaming bowls of stew and bread, a feast for kings thought Finn. Hewasted no time in helping himself as he found he was absolutelyfamished. Camlach watched him eat, feeling a little pleased withhimself at providing for his nephew. As Finn quickly consumed hismeal Camlach slid over his bowl towards Finn.

Clearly you need this more than I Finn said Camlach.

Uncle, I dont mean to be a glutton but resisted Finn mildly.

Camlach just gestured towards the bowl so Finn carried on. Beforelong Finns eyes had all but closed as all his adventures slowly caughtup to him. Camlach watched Finns head droop to the table.

Rest well young Finn whispered Camlach as he lifted his nephewout of his chair and brought him over to the bed. Then he turned hisattention back to the letter that lay waiting on the table.


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Chap t e r S i xFinn awoke feeling like he was once again aboard the Skaldyet he

realized that should be impossible. There was no steady and nowfamiliar rocking motion of the ship but his head was rockingnonetheless. He carefully glanced around the room and then therhythmic sound of his Uncles snoring caught his ear. Ah, yes. theSunken Anchor. And yes, the port of Lerwick. And, of course, the ale.He admitted to himself; perhaps a little too much ale.

Finn forced himself out of the questionable yet welcome comfort ofthe little cot and glanced over at the table where he and his Uncle

had begun acquainting themselves the past night. The freshly writtenparchment that lay thereupon fast became his first point of interestof the morning. With all the stealth he could muster with his thuddinghead, Finn made his way over to the letter that Camlach must havewritten after he retired rather ingloriously for the evening. Seeingthat his Uncles competent snoring showed no signs of losing


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momentum, Finn allowed curiosity to once again augment his braveryand sat down at the table. Then he proceeded to reread his mothersletter once again.

Finn bellowed a presumably sleeping Camlach sitting bolt uprighton the edge of the bed you do seem to have developed a penchantfor reading other peoples missives!

But Uncle, I thought you were asleep? replied Finn sheepishly.

Old trick, the snoring. Over the years it deterred many a brigandfrom slitting my throat while sleeping on the roadsides.

Oh exclaimed Finn, uncertain but I was only just about to rereadMothers letter to you.

As a preamble to reading my letter no doubt replied Camlach, nowstretching away the evenings rest. Read on Finn. You and I are soonto share little secrecy.. in the years to come.

Do you mean that Uncle exclaimed Finn excitedly.

As I said Finn; read on said Cam with the look of a man who hadmade an important and sound decision.

Finn reviewed his mothers words needlessly, for they were forever inhis mind as her heart was forever within his own. So he turned hisattention to Camlachs words as his Uncle busied himself preparingfor the day.

Caetlyn

Please rest easy dear sister as I have had the fortune of havingyoung Finn find me here in Lerwick, not long afterdisembarking from the Skald. You have a fine lad Caet, a veryfine lad. In our very brief time together I see in Finn already anhonest integrity that will yield an exemplary man.


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Though slightly daunted by the task of guiding him these nextyears, I am honor-bound to do your bidding. Tull is right, asalways. Finn needs not the distractions of his peers angry grief

to deter his development.

I shall do right by Finn and by you my sister. I will not willinglyshare with Finn my history with the Order but I must needs saythis dear sister; Finn is a curious lad. Boundlessly curiousindeed, I sense.

Fate will guide him now as much as I. But I shall be therebehind him through all I can. Be well my sister and mayhap we

can all unite happily soon.

Camlach

Finn drew a long breath and stood up from the table and lookeddirectly at Cam.

Camlach, buckling on his sword belt, glanced over and said

somewhat sternly Best not let your head swell yet young man, wehave many a mile and road to travel and I wouldnt want you toprove me wrong prematurely but allowed a small grin to slip free.Yes sir, I mean no, sir. I mean Cam stammered an excited Finn.One of his greatest fears had been alleviated for the time as it lookedlike he would go on to live with his somewhat mysterious UncleCamlach. He was not on his own anymore.

Now said Camlach getting on with business let us away from the

Anchor and indeed Lerwick and acquaint ourselves further upon theroad. Gather your gear Finn and we can be off before most folk riseand become curious.

Finn went about collecting his modest belongings with an air ofadventure setting upon him. This was even more exciting thanpreparing for a trip up to the glacier back home as he had done so


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many times before. This was the unknown. The kind of thing a youngboy leaving childhood behind thrives upon.

So the two unlikely companions set out from the room and went

downstairs to leave the Anchor behind. As Cam settled the note forthe room Finn noticed a large disheveled figure looming unsteadilynear the exit.

Cam turned away from the inn keep and proclaimed happily All rightlad, let us be on our

Mac Connell the figure by the door bellowed.

Camlach swiftly looked towards the door. Then smoothly said Ahhh.Doane, of course. How did you fare at the table last night then?

The man stepped forward and said Mac Connell, thatll be the lasttime you cheat me and the last time I let you slip away.

Doane, let me make this perfectly clear to you. I neither cheated norslipped away on you at our last game. Your own regularoverindulgence has led you to believe both to be true.

There you go again with your fancy words bird-man. No more talk.Outside with me now yelled the visibly angry man.

Has that ever yielded a good result for you in the past Martin? saidCamlach now aware of Finns growing discomfort. I have justreceived my good nephew from Norway and we wish to be on ourway.

Finn wished to be on their way very soon. This man stood a full headtaller than his Uncle and was very broad about him.

Doane grabbed Cam and pushed him through the doorway of theAnchor following quickly behind with raised fists. Finn feared for hisUncle and went out directly after. He saw Cam roll and rise to his feetwith the ease of acrobat.


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Martin, you are as devoid of character as you are bereft of charisma.Here is a bag of coppers if youll drop your grievance for now. Wellsettle the rest later, yes as Cam tossed a small pouch on the ground

in front of Doane.

Too late Mac Connell and Doane threw a fierce blow that Finnwould have sworn would knock down a horse. But as Finn was aboutto close his eyes to avoid the result he was certain he saw Camlachclose his own eyes. Then seemingly disappear below Doanescrushing strike. Finn could not believe his own eyes. Having only justfound his Uncle he was sure that Cam would succumb to this attackbut he had never seen anyone move so fast. Ever. Camlach

sidestepped the much larger Doane and delivered a piercing blow tothe side of his head, dropping the larger man in an instant.

Camlach stood up and away, brushing off the dirt from the street andthrew a nervous Finn a confident wink. Relax young Finn. This kindof thing may happen from time to time. You just always have to beprepared, for fellows like Doane never show up conveniently.

But Uncle exclaimed Finn, visibly shaken why didnt you draw your

sword on him? He is much bigger than you.

Finn, Mister Doane here was unarmed. To draw my blade upon anunarmed man over a mere wager would tarnish the image I havetailored carefully over the years. You see?

Not entirely Uncle. That man seemed angry enough to tear your armoff, or worse. Why worry about your image when so threatened?

Finn, you will learn as you grow older that men like Martin are fartoo common, unfortunately. They are quick to anger and give littletime to consider any consequences their brash actions may invite.Take your friends in the alley when first we met last night. Of thesame stock maybe eh? They cared little what may happen when theyset upon you and they were lucky to only receive a little fright from


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me. And Finn, Ill wager that one day soon you may be teaching alesson or two.

I dont know Uncle. The more I see of the world the more bullies I

come across. I dont feel Ill be teaching any lessons soon.

Come Finn, cheer up. Therell be many good folk to meetthroughout your life. Id wager Doanes bag of coppers there that youmet an interesting fellow or two upon the Skald, no?

Well, yes, I suppose said Finn thinking of Skiff and of courseCaptain Timgrinn. Uncle Cam, are you just going to leave thosecoins for him?

Of course, Finn. That will make him feel even more foolish. Andlikely more dangerous, so we best stay away from Lerwick for awhile. So let us be off. It is a glorious morning waiting to embrace usboth.

With that the two companions left the Anchor and Doane behind andmade their way towards the deserted streets of the small village port.Neither saw the grey shadowed figure off in the alley who had

watched the incident. And now made to follow as Cam and Finn setoff.

As they passed the many stone houses of the town, signs of folksrising for the day became evident, both sounds and smells. Finnrealized that he was suddenly hungry again. Uncle, I am getting alittle hungry. Should we not break our fast before we leave thetown?

Cam, Finn. Please call me Cam. There are many small brooks thatoffer up a fine fish on our way to Scalloway. Well soon have us a finemornings catch but first let us leave the confines of fair Lerwick saida slightly impatient Camlach.Finn complied and matched his Uncles stride as the two began toascend a steep rise at the edge of town. Soon the port of Lerwick laybehind them and Finn saw a beautiful vista as the rise gave way to


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sheer cliffs dropping steeply to the sea below. He suddenly becameaware of birds, thousands of birds teeming in the clear morning skyas the sound of the surf thundered against the rocky shore.

Behold the majesty of the Shetlands Finn exclaimed Camlachexcitedly. These fine birds are gannets that gather here to breedafter traveling farther than you or I ever will. Watch how they flywith elegance and majesty, capturing the wind as surely as we take abreath of air. Truly, the greatest of creatures, as close to God as thesky will allow wouldnt you say Finn?

Finn, rapt with the sight, agreed quickly I do agree with you Cam. Ihave always followed the flight of the birds with admiration but I

have never seen so many at once. And then Finn also caught hisfirst glimpse of the open ocean since turning away from the Skald.The very sea that had brought him here so far from home. After somany days staring out at the endless horizon Finn had thought hewould never want to gaze upon it again. But now, here with Cam onthis brilliant morning, he found himself imagining what his motherand father were doing now back home in Kopervick across thoseopen waters. Camlach looked at Finn in his reverie and let the ladhave his moment.

And as Finn reluctantly turned away he could have sworn he caughta glimpse of two familiar silhouettes in the morning sky but he knewthat Caeg and Ceem could not be soaring amongst the shorebirds.There was no way possible for them to have journeyed to Shetlandas well. Was there?

Finn did not have long to ponder this for soon after Camlachproduced a small leather armguard out of his pack and strapped it to

his left forearm. He smiled at a now perplexed Finn then turnedtowards a small copse of trees nearby and whistled a shrill call.Alighting from the tallest tree, the sleek and graceful form of a redhawk made its way swiftly towards them. The great bird seemed tobe carrying something in its sharp talons, a catch of some sortperhaps. The bird continued closer and to Finns surprise landedfamiliarly upon Cams outstretched arm.


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Greetings Huntly my good chap, please do say hello to young Finnhere said Cam as he worked the strange object from the birdsgrasp. Finn saw Cam fasten to his belt what seemed to be a copper

ring holding many different kinds of bird feathers. There. That feelsmore complete. Well say hello to Huntly Finn, the little bird who toldme of your arrival of course.

Bewildered, Finn managed a weak Hello and gazed briefly back tothe rising sun and the glorious wind dance of the birds in themorning sky. Cam smiled again and casually reached into his cloakpocket and produced a small mouse for Huntly.

odins bird chapter 5,6

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