Chapter 5 Old Joseph

Old Joseph liked to garden while deep in thought. He had much to think about. He had overheard Thomas and their visitors this morning. In his great wisdom he let the new king's words sit with Thomas all day. Good King Lovejoy gone! So sad. The good king had lost his wife when she bore their only child. It was then that Old Joseph had counseled the king to go into hiding like so many others had. There was hardly anyone left. King Lovejoy didn't want to move his wife before she had her baby. Old Joseph and the other wisemen were too old to follow. Many of the wisemen had died, but a few of them still remained. Old Joseph would honor his king's memory by honoring his son and his wife, the new royal couple.

What good news, the throne taken up again. It had been many years since Old Joseph had seen signs of the plague upon anyone. He had feared he and his wisemen may be all that's left of the world. If the royal couple lived, perhaps others have also survived. Perhaps some have already arrived at this great kingdom. Old Joseph felt confident that people would come. After such devastation, the security of a kingdom is just what people need.

He would have to speak with Thomas. As the oldest of the wisemen, it was his responsibility to counsel the others.

Thomas did not need much counseling. Like his father, King Erik's words have a way of striking the very heart of a man. They'd been eating Thomas up all day. He felt quite foolish. Instead of admonishing Thomas, Old Joseph encouraged him. "You seem to have learned from this experience Thomas. Do not fret anymore. I trust you didn't mean harm." Thomas nodded solemnly. Old Joseph could see a couple arriving at the sanctuary. Joy rose within the old man. "Here is your chance to try again. Greet our visitors Thomas. " He quietly left his younger companion.

Thomas was a little startled to see a viking. Old Joseph had taught him to welcome all at the sanctuary, from the highest king to the lowest prostitute. He swallowed. Then he swallowed again. The viking had a woman with him. Had he done the woman harm? Thomas knew he shouldn't judge....he still couldn't stop himself from wondering.

"Welcome to The Sanctuary. I am Thomas."

The viking gave a loud and hearty laugh. Then he firmly grasped Thomas's hand and shook it.

"I am Lord Sven the Lionhearted, Nobleman of Good King Erik Lovejoy. This be my wife, the Lady Brooke Lionheart."

Thomas felt relieved. This viking meant the kingdom no harm. He invited the couple to come here as often as they pleased.

Sven was also relieved. He had promised to take his wife out and about, but had been secretly hoping not to run into any people. While Sven appeared confident, even overbearing at times, he was very slow to trust. He is a viking after all. And Brooke...his sweet innocent wife. He is the only person she has laid eyes on. He had been only good to her. He didn't want her to meet anyone who would treat her otherwise. A stern look or a harsh word in her direction would break his heart.

As a viking Sven also knew that a confinement does no one good. A viking likes to be free. He imagined a woman would like the same. He had no idea it would be like this, wanting to give his wife freedom, wanting to protect her. Sven had great doubt that Brooke would tell him if he erred. Worse, she might not know it if he didn't treat her right and love him right through it. It only made him more determined to do right by her.

Sven grabbed his wife about the waist somewhat roughly, but kissed her cheek in the most gentle way.

"We are safe here. Wander about as you please. I'll be nearby if you need me." He spoke softly that she may be the only one to hear. Brooke's face lit up. She gave him a little squeeze, then bounded off like a little cat, both timid and bold.

Lady Brooke soon encountered Allen. They'd barely been introduced when he swept her up in a great hug. Brooke laughed, both nervous and delighted at the old man's kindness.

Allen chuckled as well.

"My Dear Lady, your laugh is like your name, a lovely Brooke."

Later that night, after the viking couple left, Allen took an evening walk about the sanctuary.

Allen had found much delight in Lady Brooke, especially her pretty little laugh. He had meant well when he had told her so...but wasn't sure she took it right.

Allen is not one to hurt anyone, in jest or otherwise. Had he hurt this sweet young woman? He wasn't certain.