Peter James ONeill

Background The name is the same in Irish as in English and for 1,000 years O'Neill has been one of the most prestigious of Irish families. Niall means "champion" and was first used by Domhnall, grandson of Nial Glun Dubh (black knee), King of Ireland, killed in 890 by Norseman. The O'Neills go further back, claiming descent from the legendary Niall of the Nine Hostages. They were very strong in Ulster, and to curb their power Queen Elizabeth had the Tullahogue inaugurated stone broken up. In the 14th century they separated into two main branches; the senior branch were Princes of Tyrone while the junior branch were the Canaboys of Antrim and Down.

Peter James was born of this senior branch. He was taught the ways of a warrior since he could pick up a sword, which was at an early age for he was strong even as a young lad. When old enough, around fifteen, he saw his first battle and many more after that as he reached his thirty-fifth year. Some did wonder as this still youthful appearance and health, but such was hinted at having part Fae blood somewhere in his lineage. He stood six foot four and weighed about two hundred and thirty pounds. All muscle. Some gray was mixed with dark blond going unnoticed as it blended in. Sun streaked of a length kept just below his shoulders.

A red and brown sleeveless tunic was worn over light mail. Supple leather pants of brown gave him freedom of movement along with form fitted leather booths. Eyes of a rich, warm burnt sienna held a keen intelligent quality hinting at his perceptiveness. A customized sword fitted to his own hand had been a gift of his father and had seen him safely through many a battle coupled with his natural skills. Even with his preference of sword he was skilled in various weaponry and their usage. He came with little or so it would seem other than the clothing he wore, his sword, dagger and Thunder, his deep chestnut brown Morgan stallion, trained as a warhorse and built for speed.

Even if such was in his blood he had tired of wars and battles that left the blood of many to soak within the Earth's soil. He had never settled and for good reason as he was never long in any one place and his life too precarious. Times warranted a change so he set out on a journey taking him through many lands seeking his fortune, lending a hand and sword where deemed for he lived by the old code of honor and chivalry. He found he still wanted more even if such could not be defined as to exactly what that was. He had never been in love and would not settle for less and for the first time in his life he took into consideration of having a family of his own, he didn't feel he was too old. Still, there was the factor of love and he had not found anyone that kindled such a desire in him.

In his wanderings he came to the lands aptly named Rhydin, not being outwardly social had him making few friends but the few he did held the promise of the right kind of friendship. He was soon expanding his knowledge of the lands and found himself following a few others to the one called Ballicastle. Here he was given room and board without coin as it seemed these lands were structured such. It was unusual but he was of the type to help out and earn his way even in menial tasks such as cutting wood. He enjoyed hard labor, it kept his mind and thoughts were they should be and not the devil's playground even if he could become quite devilish with those he became comfortable with, otherwise one would find him aloft to even stoic and cold. He was picky in those he would become close and would remain a polite distance from others unless they were rude enough to push, then they would reap the results of such.

He eventually entered the 'Tournament of Champions' conducted by Heathfield and became one of the three champions at its conclusion. One goal now being achieved. He was knighted in an induction ceremony gaining the title of 'Sir' and becoming one of the bodyguards and champion of Queen Honeee Barrett. A cape, shield and one of the '100 Swords of Heathfield', empowered by the Druid Prince Andrew were bestowed upon him along with the other two champions - bodyguards. He was now learning that the antics of the Queen were as challenging at the spars he participated in to get him this position. Life would not be dull in his new residence of Heathfield Castle.

Innis Daingneach Island Fortress of the O'Neill Clan. It had been fortified with high walls around its perimeter. They were a warrior people and heavily devoted their energies in training of such. It was natural for them to develop a fleet of warships in the process being on an island. The ports were where the money was made. Exporting, importing and mercantile businesses sprung up. The kingdom on a whole became wealthy over time. Their reputation preceded them especially on the high seas. The Kavanaugh family had come with the O'Neills and were one of the major founding families. Their own history was written alongside the ruling family.

It was a good size Isle with a few mountain ranges and even one dormant volcano. Legend had it that one day the sleeping giant would awaken as a dragon that had been place under a spell. There had not been even a rumble in the centuries it had been inhabited by this offshoot of the O'Neills of Tyrone. Lush tropical lands produced a harvest of citrus fruits but even in the mountain ranges there was mining for precious gems. Fish and seafood was another big commodity and fresh daily catches were smoked to keep them longer. Others were kept in tanks on special ships for exporting.

Thunder was raised by Peter since he was a young man. Horses were a luxury as most of Innis Daingneach was focused on the sea rather than land. It was when Thunder was about three years old that he earned his name. For a large horse he had speed but the way his hooves dug in for traction sounded like a distance storm on the horizon. The yearling had been gotten for him by his father, James, when he was earning his own way amongst the warriors and peers, making his father and family proud. He had been given Thunder as a reward after winning one of the tournaments for his age group. Something he had worked hard for since ten years old and won on his sixteenth birthday.

When Peter was exiled, he took Thunder with him for he would not part with his 'friend'. Thunder saw him through many a battle and kept him safe. Peter knew there were times on those bloodied battlefields, that if it hadn't been a sharp turn, shift of a flank, or lunge at the right moment, his own fate may well have been different.

Horses were used as the rewarding incentive during these tournaments to match and hone the skills of their warriors in training along with swords, shields and armor. They had some of the finest craftsman and smithies around. These too were exported to trade for wool, silk, satin, ready made clothing, lumber, furniture and grains.. some of the few.

The past has a way of catching up and becoming part of one's future again and so Peter's own story would soon be unfolding... in the future to come and more would be learned of him in the process.

Letter of Thanks

By way of air did the falcon arrive after being sent to fly early in the morning. Vanessa had released him to flight in the wee hours to arrive at the Innis castle. The black falcon stopped its flight at the guard shack on the castle grounds with a small leather pouch tied with care about his neck. The small pouch included the throng for the cuffs to keep him from flight when needed close, and a letter. The included letter read:

Dear Majesty O'Neill,
My thanks for you kindness of assisting clean up in the Avian Gardens and the stock of firewood to last the winter season. Please accept this companion into your services. The Black Falcon is well trained and his arrival to the Avian Gardens, he seemed to have the proper air about him that reminded me of your kind ways.

Instructions to basic commands have been included in this letter. He is capable of scouting, hunting.
Command to fly from your arm: Push your arm and the falcon up to cue flight.
Command to hunt: Let him scent a strip of dried meat before sending him to flight.
Command to scout: Send him to flight with three clicks of your tongue.
Command to return: Hold your receiving arm skyward and whistle sharply.

If you seek any further training for him, feel free to let me know and I will assist you. I hope he serves you well.

Again, thank you for your kindness.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Baltimore

Heathfield Website * Heathfield Messageboard

Trangressions of the Past

Hit Counter