PRINCE ON THE RUN
“Oh, traveler, from what country did thou come? For you have the look of a weary and tired man, who for many days has trampled the roads and for many nights have slept out under heaven's skies.”
“My good lord, I come from the land of Dane, where my fathers were born and their fathers still. I have sought refuge my good king, in thine house, indeed in thine kingdom, for men thirsty for blood have sought my ends, for no harm have I done to them. But they are filled with a wicked greed.
“They kill, and they kill, and they kill. My beloved cousin did they slay five nights ago, in cold blood for he had not transgressed them. But they sought his treasures and position, and they hoped by the will of some dark power to take him unawares and rip from him the clutches of life.
“And so I have fled to you, my lordship. For in my own land and in my fathers house treachery lies and so the wolves are all dressed as sheep and the sheep know not who they are.”
“My young prince, grave things fill my heart at the words you speak. To think that murder of the elect in my neighbor's country. Take comfort my good prince for I will give you lodging and security as you sleep. My young servant here will take you to the home of Gregory the Tanner, he has a house filled with halls and rooms and there you shall take your leave. In the morrow we will take counsel in these matters and write a letter to your father in France. I will send for you by my young servant. Now go and be at peace.”
“Thank you my lord. You have blessed my coming, and your words have comforted my heart. I look forward on the morrow, to speak to you all that is in my heart.”
And with that farewell a young lad came and took the prince to the home of Gregory the Tanner. The tanners house was situated by a gate on the outside of the castle wall. A great road led out of the gate, by the house, across a barley field, and plunged into a deep dark forest where the trees were old and gnarled and black crows cowered in the branches.
Outside the house there were many wooden poles. Tied between them were many skins of beasts, both large and small, both colorful, and drab. The Tanners' house was a large hall, much like the Norse men’s. However it was built of two stories and it contained separate chambers. Through the entrance was a great hall and kitchen. Near the back was Gregorys workshop. On the second floor were all the chambers. Simple little rooms of wood and plaster, with soft beds, and a trunk at the foot of each, where a traveler could store his goods and lock them with key.
The prince laid his goods at the foot of the bed and sat down.
“What to do now?” he thought. “On the run, with no place to go. What if they followed me here? Will I meet them in battle? Will my throat be cut in the night? Or will I carry on, running from this kingdom to the next. Alas, my fortune is stained.”
The prince attended the supper of beef and potatoes. Later on he comforted himself by sitting outdoors and smoking his pipe. Puffs of smoke rose into the sky, the cold wind wisped them away. The stars shone brightly, the moon was gone, she had not yet risen.
He spoke a prayer to the heavens.
“Oh, God Almighty, deliver me from these present trials just as you delivered King David from the hand of his enemies. Let not your servant's blood fall to the ground while the wicked prevail.”
Late in the night he returned to his chambers and soon fell asleep. Quiet was the night. Only a faint breeze stirred. Even with barred doors and fashioned windows, the prince’s dreams were invaded with thieves and murders. He saw visions of dead relatives. His cousin lying in a pool of blood. And his father next to him with a dagger in his stomach. Dark figures crept through the woods and flew like black crows into his fathers home. The citizens of his land were weary and afraid. Their peace molested by the thieves and devils of the night.
When the prince awoke to a rapping on the door he thought the devils had come for him. However, the sunlight coming through the window and the gentle voice of the Tanner's wife reassured him that all was well.
“Breakfast is ready sir,” announced the Tanner's wife.
“I will be down shortly,” the prince replied.
“You can wash up in the hall. There is a pail of water and a cloth for you.”
“Thank you mam, that will do well.”
The prince got up and stretched. He rubbed his sore muscles. He had spent the last three days on horseback, riding for his life. Stopping only briefly to eat and drink. “The poor horse,” he thought. “He will likely be in worse shape than me. I will go check on him after the morning meal. And then I will go see the Lord of this land and plead my cause to him.”
