The Visit

"Aye, he's comin'! His Lord Bishop!" a scout announced.

A wave of hurry nearing panic dispersed as the soldiers placed themselves for the coming guest. Alastar prepared himself, adjusting his regalia and armor. The word was that the bishop and abbot of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Aiden, was paying visit to His Majesty's troops. A high honor for such, yet something clutched at Alastar's conscience.

From what he has heard, Bishop Aiden was highly enthusiastic of the mystical traditions. The traditions of retreating into one's closet to pray; lying in silence while listening for the comforting voice of the Divine. The idea was outrageous! Sitting alone in a cave was dangerous, for demons hunted for lost souls there! One should be in the light of day, doing what is right. Oh, but Alastar wasn't afraid of being alone in the dark, no! He's a soldier, and a soldier isn't afraid of whatever crosses his path. Why should he be afraid of something that only a child would be afraid of?

"Men! May I present to you, our Lord Bishop Aiden of Lindisfarne!" a scruffy looking commander named Torin declared in a shrill voice. The crowd of soldiers hushed upon hearing the bearded man. He opened the gate to the camp as the bishop made his way.

Cloaked in blue, and dressed in the golden fire he extinguished, Aiden radiated a light around him as he gently treaded among the soldiers. The soldiers bowed their heads in reverence for the holy man. His eyes met Alastar's whilst the young squire kept messing with his cape. Alastar's eyes locked into place as his heart quickened its pace.

Lord Bishop is coming towards me!, he yelped to himself, his hands then shaking and his breath becoming noticeably loud. He gave his furry cape a final adjustment, swallowing his anxiety.

"There isn't any reason to be afraid, young one," Aiden whispered, "You are a soldier, yes?"

Alastar nodded. The presence of Bishop Aiden was intimidating and domineering, yet the squire felt his breath deepen and his feet become light. The squire loosened up a little from his state of being petrified, but a scent of fear still radiated from him, for his fear for his immortal soul lingered.

"A soldier requires strength. After all, he must win the battles ahead. But strength doesn't just come from the tense atmosphere before war," noted the bishop, "Strength also comes from silence."

Alastar nodded again, for he even couldn't even mutter out a, "Yes, my Lord."

The bishop then chuckled. "It seems as though you are already on the path," he jested.

The squire's eyes narrowed and his eyebrows lowered, for he taken offense to Aiden as the other soldiers snickered.

"Right..," Bishop Aiden muttered, clearing his throat, "Remember this. Be mindful of the destiny you choose. It may seem appealing at first, but if one is hurt in the process, you are also hurt as well."

The soldiers surrounding the squire and bishop marveled at the advice that was given. Aiden muttered a quick blessing, waving his hand in the sign of the cross. Alastar received it as he bowed his head, his eyes closed. The bishop then left the young squire to talk with the other soldiers who flocked to see him.

Alastar sneered as the crowd brought the holy man their praises and requests for advice. His face flushed, and he tightened his fists. He looked like an absolute fool in Bishop Aiden's presence, and he was going to one day lead the troops!

Wisdom, indeed! Seems more like the musings of the lukewarm who are afraid to truly fight!, Alastar snarled in his thought. He dashed off opposite of the bishop.

He dashed off opposite of the saint.


-Yeet! Felt as though Alastar would meet St. Aiden like Odhrán. But of course, Alastar takes the advice very differently.

The Secret of Kells (c) Tomm Moore

Alim of the Near East

New dude! This guy's name is Alim and he's a scholar. Before Faolán joined Lindisfarne as an apprentice, he was also his tutor, teaching him science, astronomy, philosophy, and even his native language of Arabic. As a method to help Faolán become more passionate in his learning, he would play Devil's Advocate, taking on different points of view to debate. This in the long run, helped Faolán build his courage for any situation, especially when standing up to Alastar a few years later as an apprentice. Alim is also a devout Muslim, pursuing studies in honor of God. Though he personally is a religious man, he never fully encouraged Faolán to convert, as religion isn't compulsory in Islam, not to mention to enforce religion would infringe on Faolán's education.

The Secret of Kells (c) Tomm Moore