Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. As the seasons roll on, so do the tales of our kind, and I've been feeling a powerful urge to share the happenings of this year, 837 AD, with you. After all, history is not just about the kings and queens - it's about the horses who shaped the lives and livelihoods of people across the lands!
My hooves are busy today, pacing my stall as I type this, and it's quite the feat for a horse, let me tell you! But with my master's daughter, a sweet young lass called Lily, by my side, it's becoming quite an easy affair. She learned the secrets of these newfangled machines, called "computers," just last year, and helps me record these tales for you all to read on www.equiworld.org, the most wonderful platform for sharing our equine experiences!
Now, let's turn the pages of time and dive into 837 AD - a year that feels like both a distant whisper and a lively memory. The year began as all years do: with the first whispers of spring in the air and the warmth of the sun bringing life to the barren landscape. As usual, my role was a busy one. Pulling ploughs, hauling loads, and even, as I always enjoy, participating in the local games at the spring fair - a chance to show off my strength and grace, which always earns me a handful of sugar cubes and an appreciative nod from the crowds.
But this year was unlike any other. It started subtly, with hushed whispers amongst the men. News trickled in from the south, about a new King in England. They called him Alfred, and rumours circulated of great ambitions and a desire to unite his people. These rumours reached even our remote corner of Scotland, where we still lived under the watchful eye of King Kenneth MacAlpin, the first ruler to unite the Picts and Scots.
As summer flourished, news of a great invasion, carried by mighty Viking warships, reached Hayfield. These powerful men from across the sea, skilled warriors who sailed on their impressive longships, were seeking new lands to conquer and plunder. The talk of war hung heavy in the air, and we horses, naturally, felt the tension.
This year, our masters weren't just tending to the fields; they were preparing for battle. Swords and shields were polished, battle cries echoed through the valley, and even the air seemed to crackle with the energy of war. We, the horses, knew our part in all of this. We were the vital force behind the army, our strength and resilience would carry the warriors, carrying the hope and determination of their people, into the fight.
As autumn's leaves fell, I watched the preparations, my strong, grey body becoming a familiar sight pulling carts laden with provisions and carrying brave men towards the conflict zone. Some of the finest riders from the surrounding areas trained with the warriors, learning the skills needed to guide their steeds through the chaos of battle.
Our part in these battles was vital, our bond with our masters stronger than ever. And even when the battle cries were silenced, our work was not done. We became messengers, our strong hooves carrying vital dispatches across the lands.
In this year of 837, a sense of urgency pervaded all aspects of life, and for us, the horses, it was more than just an emotional feeling. We were the muscles and stamina behind the effort to maintain peace and stability. We helped carry people, transport supplies, and act as scouts and messengers.
But within the hustle and bustle of these events, life also brought its joys. There were the warm nights under a star-studded sky, where I, a big, strong grey, relished the gentle grooming by Lily, her soft hands a comfort and the quiet nights under a full moon a reprieve from the constant hum of anticipation and war.
Then there was the joy of a simple, heartfelt companionship with my fellow steeds. We huddled together for warmth and shared a mutual understanding that transcended words, our neighs communicating joy and reassurance as the days shortened and the long winters approached.
The year drew to a close with a peaceful air, though a weary kind of peace. The warriors returned, bearing tales of battles fought and losses endured. Their faces held the weight of their experiences, a testament to the harsh realities of war.
Yet, despite the hardships, life carried on, as it always does. Farmers returned to their fields, and we horses to our daily work. There was the quiet beauty of the winter landscape and the simple joy of finding a patch of green grass amidst the frost-kissed ground.
Though war is always a harsh reality, and we, the horses, play our part, the real heroes of these times are the people themselves. Their strength, their resolve, their love for their lands and their people, are the things that keep us, their trusted companions, galloping towards a brighter tomorrow.
Until next time, fellow equines, I hope you enjoyed this journey into 837 AD! I’ll keep you all updated with the latest news from the horse world here on EquiWorld. Have a safe journey and remember, "horses are like a compass in the hands of destiny; they guide us through the greatest trials of life and take us where we need to be."
Yours truly,
Emma the Grey
