Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 54

 54

 

The account of the fight between Pascentius and Uther was to be narrated by the warrior at the scene.

“Both leaders stood facing each other while the fighting warriors cleared the space for them. Uther stood firm in the soft sands at the beach, while Pascentius had just disembarked from the ship. The waves were at the knee of the latter who had cursed at his oarsman for the late arrival then.”

“I guess I am never too late to kill you, Pascentius called out then while drawing his sword with his right hand. His shield was handed to him by the one still on the ship. He was dressed in an iron-clad tunic and his arms were covered by leather coverings to give him added protection. He had discarded his headpiece with his hair billowing to the wind. He took heavy steps on the waves to approach Uther.”

“It’s always a good day to kill. Uther had called out. You left like a cowardly pup with your tail between your legs then. Uther was referring to their last battle. Now you return here for me to have the task fulfilled.”

“I did not run, Briton. I took a … retreat to regroup. Pascentius called out in reply to defend his honor. Hen then mocked Uther’s Lords.”

“Your Lords are not here. I hear they feared me this round.”

“Boost your courage for you won’t need to use it after today. Uther had then replied, and took a step forward. He was dressed in the iron chest piece and his sword was also gripped in his right hand. He held the round shield but was without any leather coverings”

“I saw Uther stopped short of the wet sands, lest he is sunken to his knees. I had seen many warriors who had themselves caught by the wet sands that were swayed by the waves. It was like wadding in the mud.”

“Pascentius found that out and moved against the waves to step on the dry sands.”

“Aye, try your feet in the sludge left by the pigs.” The herder called out. “I tell you…”

“Shut your piece, Ron. We are hearing a battle and not of yours with the pigs.” Another called out. “Continue, Achilles.”

“Soon Pascentius took leave of the waves and faced Uther. The latter did not wait and charged at Pascentius. Their swords clashed with both testing each other’s strength. Their feet sank into the sands but they held firm there. Pascentius swung his shield at Uther. The side of the shield hit Uther on the right elbow but the latter ignored the pain and held on.”

“Soon, Pascentius pulled away from the hold lock and swung his sword from the midriff. Uther stepped back but due to the soft sand, he fell on his haunches. His sword went up and deflected the slash by the other. He kicked out with his right foot the sand at Pascentius. The other in reaction used the shield to block the sand at his face. It was then Uther kicked out at Pascentius on the left knee, and topple the latter back to the waves.”

“Archie, you going to talk while I served no meads?” The barmaid cut in. She knew him as Archie. “If so, do it at the sty with the pigs.”

Another round of meads was called for, and the parched throats were cleared.

“Pascentius go up on his knees before he dropped the shield. Uther had then also removed his feet and stood on firmer sands facing the other.”

“It was Pascentius who then rushed at Uther. Their swords swung and were deflected before they swung again and again. Uther was defending and retreating at the slashes, and then when all was to be expected, Pascentius got the first blood.”

“Uther was cut at the left forearm. Not deep but blood spurted then.”

“Just when you thought Pascentius to gloat on his move, he resumed his attacks, and then Uther was forced backward.”

“My Prince, have my shield. A shield was tossed at Uther but he did not pick it up. In turn, he charged at Pascentius with renewed attacks. That time, Pascentius was without his shield and had to deflect the slashes with retreating steps.”

“Uther got his mark then. The sword cut into Pascentius on the left shoulder but not deep the wound. The iron tunic held the killing slash but it also gave courage to Uther. He went on his attack like an enraged animal.”

“Grrrr…. Roar!” It was the herder who interrupted the narration.

“Throw him out. And give him a bone.” The herder was tossed out from the gathering.

“Pascentius was blocking the attack, and then the second wound was inflicted. The slash cut into the right forearm of Pascentius, and the other’s grip on the sword was loose. Uther took an upward swing and his sword forced Pascentius to lose his sword.”

“It’s over, lads. Now drink up and get the next refill or leave your coins for what you drank.” The barmaid cut in.

“Give us a chance to listen. Mandy. I promised I will listen to your heartbeats later.”

“I’ll be darned if I will let you listen to my heart. You are as heartless as the stud in the barn except the stud could still mount but you only moan most times.”

“Okay, as I was saying just now. Uther was on the way to victory, but Pascentius was a tougher foe. He had rolled to the side and retrieved his sword. Uther pressed on his attack, and both of them got into another hold lock with each other’s blade at the necks.”

“Pascentious was still strong to resist the kill then and held on hard …. And Uther saw the opening to cut the blade into the other’s wound at the shoulder. Pascentius screamed out when the cut went in deeper. The arm lock released and Uther pulled the sword out to thrust it into Pascentius’ chest.”

“The victory belongs to Uther.”