The Loneliest Little Hovel, Deep in the Woods of Blackmore - Home of Gerard the Woodcutter

[René Artois]

wip.

[Agamemnon]

Bishop Aethelred passes by on his yearly excursion about England and Wales.

"Ho, stranger! How has the Good Lord been blessing you today?"

[Carl von Döbeln]

The road through Blackmore was narrow and dark. During the night it had snowed, but only a little, and a cool blanket thus covered the road ahead of the horsemen as they rode on. At their front rode Sir Godfrey of Ascalon, a grizzled veteran of war...

[René Artois]

Bishop Aethelred passes by on his yearly excursion about England and Wales.

"Ho, stranger! How has the Good Lord been blessing you today?"

It took Gerard a few moments to identify the bishop, but as he did he bowed,
Your excellency, the Lord has not blessed these lands for many years.

The road through Blackmore was narrow and dark. During the night it had snowed, but only a little, and a cool blanket thus covered the road ahead of the horsemen as they rode on. At their front rode Sir Godfrey of Ascalon, a grizzled veteran of war...

Gerard was hacking away at a tree by the side of the road as they passed. Noticing them, he left his axe buried in the trunk and turned to admire the famous and feared crusaders.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Greetings, boy.

Godfrey pulled in the reins of his horse and it soon halted infront of Gerard.

Do you have any food to spare? We've ridden hard all night and this morning, and are very weary and hungry.

[René Artois]

Gerard nodded respectfully.
Certainly Sir.
He pulled out his axe, swinging it over his shoulder and picking up his sack as he began to walk down the muddy path to the village.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Godfrey and his followers followed Gerard down the muddy path on horseback...

[René Artois]

Gerard led them slowly until they reached the village. People came out of their workshops and homes to admire the splendour of the knights. Gerard tunred to Godfrey and pointed at the inn.
You can get food in there sir.

[Carl von Döbeln]

You have my thanks, boy.

Godfrey quickly dismounted. Even though he was somewhat old his body was still quick and agile. He motioned for one of the squires to take care of his horse and turned to Gerard...

What is your name?

[René Artois]

Gerard swung the axe into a tree stump with one hand and left it there. He turned back to Godfrey.

My name is Gerard sir.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Join us for a drink and some food then, Gerard.

Godfrey smiled and pushed open the doors of the inn.

[René Artois]

Of course sir.
Gerard followed them in and kicked some drunkards out of the seats to free them up. He shouted to the innkeeper.
Food and drink for these gentlemen Harry.

[Agamemnon]

It took Gerard a few moments to identify the bishop, but as he did he bowed,
Your excellency, the Lord has not blessed these lands for many years.

"Really now? That's rather unfortunate. And dispense with the formalities. I am Aethelred, or if you must Bishop Aethelred."

[Carl von Döbeln]

Of course sir.
Gerard followed them in and kicked some drunkards out of the seats to free them up. He shouted to the innkeeper.
Food and drink for these gentlemen Harry.

So, Gerard, you're a woodcutter?

Godfrey said as he swallowed his last piece of bread and took a gulp of wine...

[René Artois]

I am indeed sir, as was my father before me. Though i'm afraid I won't be for much longer.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Why not?

Godfrey replied, as he put down his goblet of wine.

[René Artois]

I cannot stay here. God has abandoned me I think.
He shrugged and drank down some wine.
It feels like it at least. Perhaps I have sinned.

[Carl von Döbeln]

They say that in Jerusalem one can erase ones sins.

Godfrey said, and had yet another mouth of wine.

[René Artois]

They do?
Gerard looked curious.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Aye, they do.

Godfrey nodded almost solemnly.

In Jerusalem lies a new world. For you see, a man, who in England had no fortune, is in the Holy Land the master of an entire city. He who was the master of a city begs in the gutter. There, at the end of the world, you are not what you were born to be, but what you have it in yourself to be. If what you seek is forgiveness, you will surely find it there.