Traveller Inceptio
37

Hunter emerged from the room he shared with Hurley to replace a few of the men lounging in the common room adjacent to their accommodation. Furnished with wide-screen television and soft lounge-chairs, it was a place where the men were most likely to crash when not studying. Their language training meant that any discussion was now in a bastardised form of Latin and Saxon, with English virtually forbidden.

The joke was they were the Travellers of Inceptio, Latin for beginning. That was assuming there would even be a beginning.

“Have you seen the new blacksmith?” asked McAlister. He jerked his head. “We’re just about to have a quick look.” As he followed, Hunter was struck with the incongruity of the men with whom he had been training. While each was a well-respected soldier of more than exceptional ability, there was a feeling that this was like a summer camp. They kept fit and able and looked nothing like when they had first arrived. Close military haircuts had grown out and faces were now masses of itchy bristles. Some continued to shave and leave the moustache to grow as an essential sign of a Saxon warrior, a privilege not permitted to priests or slaves. Like long hair, Hunter knew the growth of an impressive moustache was essential if they were to ever hope to fit into Saxon society. While military issue boots were still worn, some components of their attire were decidedly not regular. Shapeless, homemade woollen shirts and freshly tanned belts and pouches added functionality and odour.

They had already become competent at tanning and leatherwork, with the objective to make their own boots and packs, but a blacksmith attracted keen interest. Behind the main Abbey, a stout shed had been constructed and already the hiss of the bellows and clang of hammers on metal could be heard. As they approached, the smell of smoke and iron captured Hunter’s heart. Soon the brawny arms of Morris and McAlister found a home while all the team took delight in the physical challenge of blending, shaping, and sharpening metals. The aim was to make their own seax, the traditional dagger worn by the Saxons, and the source of their name.

It became a competition to look as close to a Saxon warrior as their research and materials could allow. The rivalry was intense, though Anderson’s effort to not shower for a month soon ended when Osborne soaked him with water from the forge.

Professor Taylor and his team of historians and craftsmen continually offered advice, insights and documentary resources to assist the men to become Saxon warriors; a ruling elite in a society that was largely agrarian and could, at times, be ridden with violence. The men had significant input into their training and regular meetings with Murdoch and Professor Taylor to determine what would be most important. While the team were acknowledged experts on living off the land, some of the team, especially Hurley, McAlister, and Anderson were renowned specialists in survival, and in replaceing, preparing, and eating wild food. As a group, they identified hunting as a valued skill set. While the Americans and Morris were expert hunters, the Australians and English lacked extensive practical experience.

So, at one briefing, they were advised to have their kit ready and be dressed in civvies to move out within the hour. According to Murdoch, they were going to have some fun.