BEYOND THE NORTH WALL

The fight had erupted with little warning.
A couple of raised voices quarrelling over an unpaid debt… Most of the men in the tavern paid no heed; as such bantering was all too common.
A local farmers son refused to pay an alleged outstanding bill for some undisclosed service and much to the surprise of the finger- wagging, town market trader, had protested with his fists.
In less than a minute, the usually quiet alehouse was transformed into a seething pit of fury and brawling.
Tables and chairs were snatched up and used as impromptu weapons as the crowd in the tavern divided into two groups.
As is common with man, once a fight breaks out, the mind identifies like with like and sides are taken.
It was on the side of the farmers and fieldsmen that Ross felt allegiance, many of whom hailed from Kingstown as too did he.

With all thoughts of a quiet drink with friends fast disappearing, he found himself caught up in the skirmish.
Pausing only a brief moment to bark a warning to one of his company, he ducked under a wildly swung blow with a stool, and then sent a booted foot at the midriff of his opponent.
The man dodged back and Ross clenched his teeth in anger at his miss.
He struck out with a right punch, which caught the townsman in the side of the head.
He watched in satisfaction as the tall, almost gangly man, span to the ground with a loosening of his limbs.
With a shout of first victory, Ross spun around to find the next target.

He didn’t have to wait very long!

Strong arms closed around his neck and pulled him backwards.
Ross pivoted and elbowed at the same time.
This loosened the grip of his attacker somewhat and Ross used this advantage to pummel his ribcage with both fists.
Ross caught, in way of reply, a punch just above his left eye, which sent purple sparks of pain flashing across his forehead.
Another exchange of blows sent both men tumbling to the ground still striving for the upper hand.
Various women in the tavern gave cheers of encouragement, while the more sensible partners pressed themselves against the plastered walls in an effort to avoid the flailing mass.