Britons and Celts

The War For Scotland

“Meanwhile the cities, having been stripped of their defenders in this way and abandoned except for a few simpletons who were devoid of all skill in defence, were surrounded by the Romans.” […]

Human Affairs

A Premium Sacrifice

“Sometimes it occurred that even kings were chosen by lot in similar fashion to be sacrificed, and since this was considered to be an offering most favourable for the kingdom.” […]

Human Affairs

Beware Vikings at Play

“They kept pushing the other players around, hitting out at some and knocking them flat. In the evening three had broken arms, and a good many others were bruised and maimed. The Earl’s men felt they’d been given a rough time of it.” […]

Violence

Grinding Out a Win

“And the rays of the sun, falling on the damp garments of the barbarians, made a cloud of vapor rise up to the heavens, inspiring hope and trust in the people of God, the clarity and serenity of whose countenance shone upon them.” […]

Britons and Celts

Blood and Grace

“The cleanness of the strike cleaved the spinal cord and parted the fat and the flesh so far that the bright steel blade took a bite from the floor.” […]

Britons and Celts

Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Coven

“Jean Martein is MAIDEN to the Coven that I am of; and her nickname is “Over the Dyke With It,” Because the DIVILL always takes the Maiden in his hand next to him, when we dance Gillatrypes, he and she will say, “Over the dyke with it!” […]