by Griff Hosker
Agramaine said, “That would be hard to take, Warlord.”
“We need not take it. However, it poses a problem for King Penda. If he comes north to conquer this land then he would have to have his men bleed on its walls. Eoforwic would be as hard to take. King Oswiu has learned how to fight. Llewellyn and Agramaine, you stay here with four archers. If any messengers head north then take them. Arturus and I will do the same for the road south. If we find none then we will rejoin you on the morrow and head home.”
We had a long loop to ride to reach the road which headed to Eoforwic. I did not think that the others would find a messenger. The journey to Din Guardi was a long one. This was the wrong time of year to send a message across the land. A ship could more easily sail up the coast. Stanwyck was the western defence. I hoped that there would be traffic.
We reached a spot where we could watch the road a short time after dawn had fully broken. We tied the horses and then spread out to watch. We had been there but a short time when we heard the sound of men approaching. It was a thegn with twenty men and they were marching from Stanwyck. There were too many for us to attack. We would reveal our position. They were singing as they came. The song was a marching song and showed that they were in good spirits. This was not the army we had defeated by Oswald’s Tree!
We settled down to wait patiently as they headed down the road. A wind came from the east. It would herald snow. It was the wrong time of year for it to settle but it was a warning that we needed to get home as soon as we could. Just after noon a flurry of snow made the road white. When it stopped the road was invisible. It was not deep but the icy wind stopped it from melting. One of the archers, Beli, waved to me. He had seen someone approaching from the south. We drew weapons. Our four archers each nocked an arrow. The snow muffled the sound of their hooves but there were two men on horses. The snow suddenly came again from the north and the east. The air itself became white and the two figures pulled their cloaks tighter about themselves. They would soon be in the warm and safe.
We needed them alive. The snow and the wind would make our archers less accurate. As we were a mile or so from the hill fort and with the snow still falling I took a chance. Drawing my sword, I said. “Step out before the horses. They will stop. I want these as prisoners.” We were fortunate that the riders were not confident. The slippery road was treacherous and they were walking with their heads looking at the ground immediately in front of them. It allowed Arturus, Pelas and Ban to step out unseen. The horses stopped and reared. One of the riders fell from his horse and cracked his head. The other drew his sword. Two arrows struck his back. My archers had been protecting me. It was annoying but I could understand why they had done what they had done.
“Search the body and then take it and hide it in the woods.”
My archers ran up. Dai said, “I am sorry, Warlord. We could take no chances. Captain Daffydd would have our skins if aught happened to you on our watch.”
I nodded. “Tie the wounded man to a horse and fetch the other animal.” I looked up at the snow laden sky. “The snow will cover our tracks. We will head back to the rest.”
It took us longer to get back to the place we had left Agramaine and the others. Despite our furs I was chilled to the bone. I made a decision. “We will ride back to Morbium. We need a fire and we need to question this messenger.”
The wind began to veer from the east as we headed up the road. When it was no longer in our faces it was a relief. The snow began to ease and I saw that there was less of a covering closer to the river. We crossed the bridge as the snow turned to sleet. We dismounted inside the fort and helped the unconscious Angle from his horse. We had found, on the dead one, a metal token. It matched the one we found on the unconscious one. They had learned from King Penda and used it to identify men who were trustworthy. Whatever they knew was important. There was nothing written down.
We lit a fire and Arturus and I sat on either side of the messenger. Head wounds are unique. If a man has a cut to his body then, by and large, it can be healed. A head wound often has no sign. The man had been wearing a helmet and so there was not even a bruise to be seen beneath his long lank hair. We ate and we waited. I had seen this before. Men had head wounds which did not kill them straight away. They slept, sometimes for days and then slipped silently into the Otherworld. I wondered if this would be such a case.
Arturus had dozed off when I felt a movement. Warrior growled, waking Arturus. I held up my hand and the dog became silent. The Angle’s eyes opened and he stared at me. “Who is there and where am I?”
I clutched the wolf clasp on my cloak and answered him in his own language. “You are safe in the hill fort. We drove off the horsemen but your companion is dead.”
“Aethelfrith was my brother.” He suddenly winced and then, waving his hand before his face said, “I cannot see and my head hurts. I beg you put me closer to the fire for my feet are frozen.”
His feet were just the length of an arm from the fire. He was dying. I did not have long to question him. “I am Egbert of Hagustaldes-ham. What is your message?”
He smiled, “God has sent you to me for it was you I sought. King Oswiu wishes you to bring all of the warriors from the north to Eoforwic at Hrēðmonath. We go to bring devastation to the pagan Mercians. We have a holy banner from the monks of Holy Island!” He gave sudden shake as though wracked by pain. “Ale!”
We had no ale. “I will have some brought. Tell me…”
“How did my brother die? Has he been buried yet? I ...” Suddenly his head lolled to the side and blood began to ooze and trickle down his nose. He was dead.
I shook my head, “I did not like deceiving a dying man. I have to save Rheged and that means making sacrifices.”
“He had no wound, Warlord, how could he die?”
“See the blood coming from his nose. I have seen this before. His spirit was strong. He delivered his message. We have to ensure that King Penda knows this. No matter how many men he thinks he will have to fight there will be far more. They are emptying the north.”
We buried the Angle in the Roman cemetery. He would be with other brave warriors. Arturus said he had not confessed before he died and his spirit would not go to heaven. That did not seem fair to me. We headed home the next day. The snow had ceased and was replaced by sleet and snow. It made even the Roman roads treacherous and added half a day to our journey home. We met Llenlleog and a patrol of equites by Shap.
The leader of my equites looked relieved to see me. “You are days late and we were worried.” He saw the two extra horses. “I see that you have found the Angles.”
“We found some and, more importantly, we found information. We have much to do.”
Chapter 11
Winter came upon us rapidly. I did not trust to the roads and so I had Daffydd ap Gwynfor take me to the Dee. I could sail to within a few miles of Ethelbert of Tatenhale’s hall. I took with me my new squire, Pol and Griflet with his squire. With ten of my archers this time we were prepared for an attack at sea. It would be a much shorter journey than the one to Dogfeiling. Arturus was happy to stay at home. His wife was now entering the last few moons of her pregnancy. He rarely stirred from her side.
Before I left Gawan spoke with me. “We know where Lang Seax is. He has taken over part of the land of Gwynedd. Our ships’ captains have spoken with other sailors who have warned them to steer clear of the Welsh river mouths. Cadafael is a weak king. He has allowed the mercenaries to take over the Afon Mawddach.”
I looked at him in surprise. “That is where we found the blue stones. Wyrd.”
“He is clever. His ships can attack the vessels which ply those waters and yet, by heading through the mountains he can strike at the heart of Mercia. It may be that he wished to conquer Gwynedd and not Rheged.”
I smiled, “Do not try to fool your brother. You have dreamed and know that he wishes me dead and Rheged for his own. This venture in Gwynedd is just an interlude. He is building up numbers a
nd he is now a near neighbour. We will need fighting ships of our own.”
Gawan nodded, “This is the wrong time of year to build them but come the new grass and we will.”
“And did you dream my death?”
There was the slightest hesitation and then he smiled, “No brother. You will return for there is a battle to be fought. We do what we can and the rest in the hands of others. We do not have great numbers any longer. While the Angles and the Saxons wax, we wane. The glory days of Rheged are gone but we can hold on to what we have. You have done much already. The towers and the men who are trained to defend their homes will ensure that no matter what happens Rheged will survive. It will be a glorious, golden memory which will light the dark days ahead.”
I laughed, “Gawan, you are getting more like Myrddyn each day. You talk in riddles and depress me beyond belief but I will take each moon that we survive as a blessing.”
We left on an evening tide a moon before Yule. At this time of year there was more than twice as much night as day and it was fortunate we had but sixty miles to sail. I was tempted to use the cabin but decided against it. I wanted to scan the horizon. The last time we had sailed these waters we had come very close to disaster. As what passed for dawn broke I saw the sands to the east of us. They stretched for miles and made this one of the emptiest coastlines in our land. It was not until we reached the Maeresea that we would find clusters of huts and people. The winds were from the north east still and our journey was not as quick as it might have been. We reached the river leading to the old Roman fort a short while before dusk.
Thegn Ethelbert had done as he had promised. There were twenty men in the fort. Although the gates were barred I was recognised and admitted. His gesith, Edgar had a few horses and he gave them to us so that we could continue to Tatenhale. The crew of our ship and most of the archers stayed in the fort. It was a hard ride through an icy dusk to reach Tatenhale. It was late when we arrived and we had to bang hard upon the gates. Even then the sentries brought a light to ensure that we were who we said we were.
The thegn was apologetic. “I am sorry, Warlord, but we have been plagued by rogue warbands.”
I looked at him sharply, “The Clan of the Snake?”
He shook his head. “They have raided the Maeresea and the land of Dogfeiling but so far they have left Mercia alone. It is King Cadafael. He is a weak king. He is afraid of the Saxons who bully him and force him to allow them sanctuary. He thinks they will protect him but they will not. Lang Seax is building up his army. He has many new members of the clan and some wear mail. Not all fight half-naked and are tattooed. He wants numbers. I sent two of my men as spies to find out where he was based. I received their heads and hearts. We are in the dark.”
“But he is not the major problem?”
“No, for he does not bother us directly. King Oswiu has put a bounty on any Mercian head brought to him. Thegns and gesith bring greater rewards to the bandits. These are not warriors. They are small bands of desperate men. We have caught and killed ten such bands but they ambush our warriors and our thegns. We dare not travel abroad save in large numbers.”
I gratefully drank some of the warmed ale his servant had brought me. “This is a cunning plan.” I told him what I had discovered. “With Gwynedd no longer an ally and Powys and Dogfeiling having to defend themselves from these attacks it seems to me that King Oswiu has the upper hand. Thegns are not easy to replace. He is taking your leaders. When you fight him, he may not have the numbers which King Penda does but he will have the leaders and that will prove crucial.”
“Your warning helps us. If he musters at Hrēðmonath then we have time. Perhaps we can persuade King Cynddylan to aid us.”
I was not certain. It was the early hours when we retired. We had had much to talk about. King Penda trusted his Eorledman and he trusted me. If he listened to our advice then there was a chance that Oswiu could be defeated. If not then the battle would a long and bloody one.
We returned to our home safely and reached it in time to enjoy the celebrations for Yule. Winter had gripped the land and we had to cease our quests. Now that I knew King Oswiu’s plans I was more confident that he would not be sending raiders to our lands and if Lang Seax tried to raid us he would have the land to contend with. Coming in summer had been one thing but winter made the mountains impassable. Many of my people would be cut off for the whole winter. They were hardy and knew how to prepare for winter.
My home was busier now. Gwenhwyfar had brought ladies to serve her, there were four of them, and we also had more servants. In an ideal world we would have had halls for Gawan and for Arturus but we shared the hall built by King Urien. I struggled to find a place to be alone. I know that many thought me lonely but I was not. I missed my father, my family and Myrddyn. When I was alone I could close my eyes and I could speak with them. I think some thought me mad as I sat with a goblet of wine, my eyes closed and a smile upon my face.
It was one such occasion when Gwenhwyfar entered silently. The first I knew was when a cool hand was pressed upon my forehead. I opened my eyes with a start. She smiled and said, “Close your eyes, Warlord, and let me help you.” She smiled and I felt myself drowning in the deep blue pools that were her eyes. “Arturus’ father is a half wizard. I have more powers than you can possibly imagine and the child within me makes me stronger. Until she is born let me use them to ease your pain.”
“A girl?”
She put her finger to her lips. “Do not tell Arturus. Let it be a surprise for him. Now close your eyes.”
She stood behind me and placed her two hands on the side of my head. She began to murmur an incantation but I could not understand the words. Perhaps there were none for it was almost hypnotic and I felt myself falling asleep.
Suddenly I saw Aileen’s face. My wife was inside my head and my mind. She spoke. ‘Husband, you are troubled. I have not long with you but you must know that you could have done nothing to prevent my death. It was meant to be. Arturus is the future. Our children and I were sacrificed so that you could make him a great leader. Myrddyn told me. We are all proud of you. Gawan helps you but Rheged is what it is because of you. We have a place for you when you come to the Otherworld.’ There were so many things I wanted to say but it was though I was struck dumb. Then the vision went and Gwenhwyfar took her hands from my head. She looked tired.
“I am sorry I did not have the power to help you longer. I can try again in a few days.”
I stood and I put my arms around her and hugged her, “Thank you. Just to see my wife’s face and hear that she had forgiven me….”
Gwenhwyfar shook her head, “The witch who took me in told me about the plague. It killed many. It was not sent by the Mother. It came with the priests from the east. It was their curse. Our people are stronger now. The plague will not return.”
“Sit. I have not had much time to talk with you.”
She suddenly looked older and wiser than before, “And I fear that we will not have many more opportunities.”
“You have dreamed my death?”
She shook her head but it was to hide her eyes so that I could not see the lie there, “I will have a baby to care for and then I shall have another and he will be a boy. It is my first, Myfanwy she will be called, who will change the future. Women can affect change more than you think Warlord. Myfanwy will fight not with her sword but her blood and her spirit. Her child will wield a magical sword.”
“Saxon Slayer?”
“Saxon Slayer’s time is now and was the past. In the future there will be another. The blood of the Warlord will flow through her veins and she will have my magic too. The enemies of our people will overlook her. Many men will die but only one woman needs to live to ensure that our people prosper.” She stood, “You are tired. Drink your wine and then sleep. I promise that you will enjoy your dreams.”
I sat before the fire and drank the wine. It tasted better than any wine I had ever drunk and I wondered if she had used a potion
. Then I slept. And I dreamed. My wife and my family lived. My father was there with them. I could not hear them but I saw their smiling faces and I recognised the joy. The dream was a joy. The Otherworld was not a place to be feared.
Myfanwy was born at the start of Sōlmōnath. The cooks baked cakes both sweet and savoury to celebrate and the whole town was filled with joy. I thought it touching that they had named her after my daughter or perhaps it was a name Gwenhwyfar liked. I did not know but I was touched. Arturus did not mind that it was a daughter and Gwyneth was ecstatic for she had just had one boy and no daughters. After the birth Gwenhwyfar kept hold of the child until I entered. I could see Gawan’s wife and Arturus were desperate to hold the babe but Gwenhwyfar waited for me and she handed the swaddled child to me. That was unusual. There was a meaning to it that I could not discern at the time.
“You have no grandchildren, Warlord. Myfanwy might make up for that. Speak to her and tell her your hopes.”
Gawan gave a knowing smile but Arturus and Gwyneth looked confused. I looked down into the pale blue eyes of the red headed baby. To my surprise she stared back at me.
“Speak Warlord. This child is special.”
I felt foolish but I spoke. “Myfanwy, you are a lucky child for there will be three of us who will be as a father to you. This land of Rheged is yours to care for. Through your veins runs the blood and the spirit of the Warlord. I will not be here when you are grown but my spirit will watch over you always. When I am dead close your eyes and you will see me. Listen and you will hear me.” To my eternal delight she smiled at me. I put a finger towards her and she grasped it. I gently kissed her cheek.
Gwenhwyfar smiled, “Now I will have my child back for she wishes to suckle now.”
Gwyneth was shocked, “Will you not have a wet nurse?”
“A wet nurse for the child who will save Rheged? I think not.”
As Myfanwy hungrily drank I thought back to the words of Myrddyn. The old wizard had been right. The coming of Gwenhwyfar was as important an event as my father finding the sword.
