Skydning

 The air is crisp. The scent of freshly baked bread is carried with the breeze. The day seems filled with opportunities, but I am afraid I must turn them down. I’ve heard word of a man named Beowulf who is traveling to Daneland. I must away and follow him, for my curiosity has peaked. I will see the land of the Danes soon. -Skydning Lencten. Dæg 1, Gear 613 A sketch of my neighbor’s mill.

 We’ve arrived at Daneland after a day at sea. As I decorate this paper with ink, Beowulf and his other companions are speaking to a guard. When I was on the ship, I heard tell of a horrible beast named Grendel. It seems that Beowulf is here to slay it. Soon, we will be inside the walls and speaking to the king. That is, if we can get past these gates. I despise these paranoid guards. -Skydning Lencten. Dæg 5, Gear 613 The annoying guard. I wish that they were less paranoid!

 We’ve entered the castle and met King Hrothgar. It seemed as though that Beowulf and King Hrothgar are already acquainted. After explaining that Beowulf will fight with Grendel, notably without any armor, a feast was held. There were some… insignificant nuisances, but Beowulf took care of them. As I write this in my bed, I wonder when the beast will come. I grow tired. Wait! The doors have burst open! I see him – Grendel! So close… oh no. Hondscio has been seized by Grendel! How brutal... Hondscio is being eaten! Oh no… the beast is headed toward Beowulf! Oh, but Beowulf has grabbed Grendel’s arm! Now, we shall all attack! Revenge! Lencten. Dæg 5 (Nihte), Gear 613

 The Epic Battle!

 The skirmish last night has left everyone tired. However, as you know, I am still writing in this journal of mine. So, we obviously proved victorious against the dastardly beast. Beowulf has even kept Grendel’s arm as a trophy. And now, as we feast, King Hrothgar is giving great gifts to Beowulf. Four gems, a set of shining armor, and even eight horses! The other Geatmen and I have received gifts as well, but none as wondrous as the loot of Beowulf. Now, everyone can sleep soundly. -Skydning Lencten. Dæg 6, Gear 613 The mead-hall. Now, this place will no longer have to bear the evil of Grendel!

 We’ve arrived back at the mead-hall, only to find that the Danemen’s plight is not over. It seems that another monster is killing the Danemen now. Beowulf and Hrtohgar have already started tracking down the beast. Now, all I can do is wait here… what will become of this place? Will there be another monster spawned for every beast we kill? How much must the Danemen suffer? However, we cannot stand for this. Now is the time to take up arms! -Skydning Lencten. Dæg 7, Gear 613 My sword, Ælfweard.

 Everyone, including me, is headed towards the lake to find Beowulf. He’s been deep in the bottom of those foul waters for about a day now. Me and the Geatmen stand at the shore, waiting for him to emerge from the depths of the murky water. Wait… what is this? The water is running red with blood! § Everyone has left, besides me and the other Geats. We still wait for our friend. Wait… something is coming out of the water! Some of my fellow companions arm themselves as I write in this journal. Wait! It is Beowulf, carrying the head of Grendel… and what seems to be a sword hilt. We proceed to the mead-hall, bringing two great trophies acquired from the monster. Lencten. Dæg 8, Gear 613 The murky moor-fens.

 Another feast was held last night in Beowulf’s honor. Even more gifts were exchanged, and everyone had a great time. Now, we prepare to leave for our home. As I sit on the deck, I watch Beowulf walk towards the mead-hall. I can’t wait to get home! Oh, how I miss Geatland. § The day is fine. The wind blows in our favor, and the boat is moving swiftly across the whale-path. My home is just barely in sight. Soon, I will be home with my family. -Skydning Lencten. Dæg 9, Gear 613 On our way to Geatland!

 We’ve finally arrived back home. Me and the warriors part ways. I walk a familiar path back to my home with my family. The air is crisp. The scent of freshly baked bread is carried with the breeze. This day is filled with many opportunities, and I will now seize a very enticing one – to go to my home, greet my family, then rest. Lencten. Dæg 9, Gear 613 Home, sweet home.

 It has been a long while since I’ve written in this book – about six days. Life is good. My children live in the town, but me and my wife stay in the countryside. The air is crisp, and the scent of freshly baked bread is carried in the wind – just like that fateful day when I went on an adventure with King Beowulf. The sun is shining, and it seems like this era of peace will last forever. Unlike that freshly baked bread. Lencten. Dæg 17863, Gear 663 The last time this fresh bread was ever seen outside of my stomach.

 The wind is howling something fierce. Something feels wrong. I’ve heard word of a rampaging dragon, but that can’t be it… can it? Tonight, I will bid my wife goodbye and head toward the castle. Beowulf will most likely ready himself for battle as well. Lencten. Dæg 17864, Gear 663 Me in my armor. It seems that war will never end.

 Beowulf, along with twelve other warriors and a guide, will meet me here at the dragon’s cave some time later. But now, I cannot let this stand. From here, I can see the charred rubble of the town. I cannot stand for this! I will rush into battle myself. We will show this dragon that the Geats are not willing to back down! I will slay this fire-spitting drake, no matter what it takes. I fear no sharp claws or burning flames! Lencten. Dæg 17864, Gear 663

 In Memory of Skydning

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