Viking Shadow

by Griff Hosker

  They had to run around the fire to get to us and that broke up their line, “With me!” The two men with whom I fought were younger and fitter but I had done this for more years than I cared to contemplate. I stepped forward, drawing my seax as I did so. Using my sword, I blocked the spear which was rammed at me by the eager young warrior and, as I shifted the shaft away, I eviscerated him with my seax. I did not stop but stepped forward. The men who followed all had swords and one had a small shield. Ráðulfr Magnusson grabbed the shield with his left hand and pulled it forward. The man was not expecting that and he did not react quickly enough. Ráðulfr’s sword took his head.

  The man who faced me saw an old man. He was careless. He feinted with his sword but I watched his eyes. When the real strike came it was easy enough to use my seax to hold him at the hilt. I brought down the sword which was touched by the gods and hacked deep into his neck.

  I heard a roar as Olaf Leather Neck and Haaken led my warriors to smash into the men of Om Walum. Arrows still plucked men from their feet. The leader suddenly seemed to realise that he had not managed to surprise us. Perhaps he had thought that we were drunk. It was a common misconception amongst the men we fought. I know not the reason but the sudden attack had failed and failed disastrously. He shouted something and his men tried to disengage and run back to the cliffs. That was easier said than done. The jarl had been attacked and the Clan of the Wolf had vengeance in their hearts. Olaf led my men to purse them.

  Aiden and Sámr appeared. I saw that Sámr had his Saami bow. As I wiped the blood from my sword on the kyrtle of the last man I had slain I pointed to the body with an arrow sticking from its skull. “Was that you?” Sámr nodded. “A fine arrow!”

  Aiden looked concerned, “And you Dragonheart?”

  I pointed to the skies, “The Allfather was watching over me. I rose to make water and I spied them. Had I not risen then they would have been upon us before I could give warning. We would be dead.”

  Aiden touched the red stone he wore about his neck. “I see the Norns hands in this. We are still too close to Syllingar. The men of these parts would not attack Vikings without reason.” He waved his hand. They have been slaughtered.” I looked and saw in the flickering firelight that there were at least nine bodies close to the fire. Further away I saw shadows which could have been bodies.

  I turned to Arne, “Go fetch a horn and sound it. There is little point in losing more sleep. Get the men back. I will make water and then I will sleep.” I smiled at Aiden. “I will not need the sleeping draught this night.”

  Chapter 2

  It took time to gather all of our men. When I awoke the sun was up and we were sailing along the coast. The men were rowing. The wind was not with us. Was this the work of the Norns? Aiden watched me as I rose. He pointed to a patch on the deck. “You might not have needed the sleeping draught but you needed Kara’s potion. You bled.”

  I had felt the dampness. Perhaps that had awoken me. “It could have been worse. I will take it now. Let me make water first.” As I stood at the leeward side I asked, “Erik, have we come far this day?”

  I heard him say, “No, Jarl Dragonheart. It took time to collect all of the men. We left later than I would have wished.”

  That was my fault. I should have stayed awake and chivvied them. As Aiden had said, this was the work of the Norns. I wondered why they had delayed us. Was there some danger gathering ahead?

  Aiden gave me the draught to drink. I did so. I looked at the crew. They were silent. Their faces were dark. They had almost lost the Dragonheart. If they returned home with the news that they had allowed me to fall in battle it would mark them for life. Some would be angry with me. The exception was Haaken One Eye. He was grinning.

  “Even when he is unwell the Dragonheart is still a force to be reckoned with. Next time, Jarl, you and I will stand watch and then our foes will have to watch out!”

  I laughed, “Aye for Haaken One Eye will talk them to death!”

  After a short while rowing, and with the island of Wihtwara on the larboard side, Erik and I noticed the storm clouds looming large ahead of us. The wind was already freshening and shifting. At the moment it was blowing from the south and east. Which way would it turn? There was no point in lowering the sail yet for it swirled around. Erik shouted, “Ship’s boys, be ready to lower the sail but await my command.”

  Four of them swarmed up the forestays and back stays to reach the yard. With feet dangling they looked in a precarious position. I was glad that Sámr was on the deck holding the forestay in preparation to tightening the sail when it was lowered. The oarsmen were struggling to make their strokes for the sea was becoming wilder.

  Erik shouted, “In with the oars. We have a blow coming! May the Allfather smile kindly upon us.”

  I was wearing my wolf cloak but now I went to my chest and took out my sealskin cape. It would keep me drier. I put my boots and wolf cloak in the chest. The chest was also lined with seal skin. It would be dry. In the time it took to do that the wind increased and the first squall hit us.

  Erik shook his head, “We will have to use the sail, jarl, and go where the wind takes us. We have no control at the moment. It is like fighting a sea monster!” I nodded, “Lower the sail!”

  As soon as the sail was lowered he put the steering board over. We would be driven south rather than east. It could not be helped. At least we had sea room there. The only land were some islands many hundreds of leagues to the south. I had never seen them but Aiden said he had seen Roman maps where they were marked. When Sámr and Arne tightened their stays, the sail cracked and then tightened. The wind took us and we flew. The sky blackened as though it was night. This would be a test of the captain, the ship and the crew. ‘Heart of the Dragon’ was not a young ship. She was, however, sound and she had the spirit of her maker, Bolli, in her. She would not die easily. Erik kept one eye on the masthead pennant which fluttered to show us the direction of the wind. We had sailed enough together in conditions like this to know that the wind could veer in a heartbeat. Erik had to watch the pennant and react. If we were caught beam on in full sail then it could be the end of us all. Now I saw the Norn’s web. We had been delayed so that we would meet the storm at sea rather than being close to a beach or a port. What had the sisters in mind for us?

  The wind shifted to take us south and west. We were sailing further from land. Each change meant work for the boys. I saw that Sámr’s strength was a true asset. He was not yet ready to row but it would not be long for his chest was broad and, for his age, he was well muscled. He and Lars were the two strongest and they were the rocks upon which the others depended. We had no idea how long we sailed south and west. Erik and Aiden would have no idea where we were. The wind began to veer and we found ourselves sailing what appeared to be north and east. It was then that the Norns played one more trick. The ropes and the rigging had all been replaced before we left Whale Island but one of the forestays snapped.

  Erik knew the danger. If we lost the mast and the sail then we were doomed. “Get another one rigged, loosen the back stays and the other forestay!”

  This time old hands like Olaf Leather Neck helped the ship’s boys. Their prompt action saved the mast but not the other forestay whish also snapped. Our bows and our stern plunged into troughs as Erik fought to hold the drekar on course. It was not easy. Aiden went to help him. Once the two stays were replaced the ship stabilized and we resumed our course. We were just going where the sea determined. We were now heading for the coast of Wessex. There lay a country of my enemies. I made my way to the mast and peered up. There was a crack in the yard. It was not a large one but it was a warning.

  I made my way back, “Erik there is a crack in the yard.”

  He handed the tiller to his son Arne and went to look for himself. When he returned his face told the story. “I thought there might be. I have a spare but that is not a task when we are on a stormy sea. We need a beach or a port.”

  Aiden said, “Then
we are forced to head for Bruggas. It is safer than a Frankish port and, if my calculations are correct, then it is also the closest port.”

  Erik nodded as he helped his son to strain against the steering board, “And there are few beaches which we could use. Let us hope the storm abates soon.”

  Aiden nodded, “As the wind has veered in a circle then I think the wind will continue from our stern.”

  Erik shook his head in dismay and he looked at me. “We will be losing both time and distance. We sail north and we will have to spend a day, at least, in port. I am sorry jarl.”

  “It cannot be helped. It is the Norns.”

  Our galdramenn was right although our torment lasted the rest of the day and into the early evening. As it began to abate we saw the estuary ahead. It was risky travelling along it at night but we had no choice. Our exhausted ship’s boys were called into action again as they lined the prow to watch for danger. It was with some relief that we saw the dim lights of the houses of Bruggas. We had made a port. We had survived.

  “It is too late to do anything about the yard this night. The crew are exhausted. They did well Erik Short Toe.”

  He nodded. He looked exhausted too. “I will go and pay the port dues.”

  “Aiden and I will see if we can buy some ale and some hot food.”

  Olaf Leather Neck struggled to his feet. He had worked as hard as any. “I will get my weapons and come with you.”

  “No, Olaf. I have my sword and I have a galdramenn. I will be safe.”

  We stepped on to the quay. Erik bad found the first berth that he could and that meant we were many paces from the nearest dwelling. I spied, ahead, a lively place. Hanging from a yard above the door was a saddle. I smiled at the memory. This was Freja’s inn and she was a friend. “I think I know where we can get some food.” As we approached the door Aiden was startled to see a Dane being hurled, bodily, into the water.

  “Are you certain, jarl?”

  I grinned, “I see, Sven, that you are affording your usual welcome to sailors.”

  He laughed, “Welcome Jarl Dragonheart! He tried to pay his bill with a lead coin coated in copper!” He shook his head, “As if that would fool Freja! Come inside, she will be pleased to see you!”

  Inside it was busy, not to say rowdy, but I knew that there would be no trouble. Freja had eight horns pf ale in her hand and was serving a table of Saxons. She saw me and squealed, “Jarl Dragonheart! You are a sight for sore eyes. An honourable man at last.” She turned and glared at two Frisians. “You two have been nursing those ales for long enough. Drink and leave or order more!” They immediately complied. After downing the ale, they scurried out of the room. You did not argue with Freja. I saw Aiden’s eyes widen.

  We sat and she pulled up another stool. She was a large woman and her buttocks hung over the side almost touching the ground. It did not seem to bother her.

  “Olga, two ales! What brings you here, Jarl Dragonheart? More treasure for old Isaac the Jew?”

  “No, we were caught in a storm. We have to repair the yard. I need a barrel of ale and hot food.”

  “The ale is ready now for I brewed a batch yesterday but the food will take a short time. You are at the end of the quay?” I nodded. “I will have the barrel sent down. We cannot have the Clan of the Wolf thirsty.” She stood and glowered at the Saxons, “They are real men!” They recoiled at her words. She stood and went to the back room where they prepared and cooked the food.

  Aiden said, “Is she volva? How did she know where we would be moored?”

  “This is her town. She has the best ale and when ships arrive their captains and crew call in here. If she does not like them she sends them on their way but this way she keeps a close eye on how many ships have arrived.”

  I saw her men manhandle the barrel out of the door. Olga arrived with the ale. Aiden tasted the beer and nodded appreciatively. “This Jew, he is the one who sent us the money for Queen Osburga’s crown?” I nodded as I quaffed half the horn. “Then we might visit him on the morrow. I have with me two holy books Gruffyd took in a raid on Wessex. I think they might fetch a higher price here than in Miklagård.”

  “I will take you then. I cannot see the yard being repaired in a hurry. Erik will want to replace the ropes too. The Norns have already delayed us.”

  “And I fear there will be more delays. We can expect such storms until we reach the Blue Sea.”

  Freja joined us a short while later. “So, jarl, I hear that you escaped the disaster of Aclea and the Danes perished?” I nodded. She shook her head, “I know not why you took up with them.”

  I finished my ale and Freja waved over Olga to refill it. “I gave my word. This is Aiden. He married my daughter and is a galdramenn.”

  “A witch?” Her hand involuntarily went to the charm around her neck.

  Aiden smiled, “I prefer the term, wise man. I will have even more knowledge when we return from Miklagård.”

  Her eyes widened, “You sail the Blue Sea. Truly Jarl Dragonheart you are the stuff of legend. Others raid abbeys and you go to raid the Emperor.”

  I laughed, “I go to trade and… to seek advice.”

  She seemed disappointed, “Oh.”

  Olga brought my ale over and said, “The food is ready.”

  Freja nodded. “Have it taken to the Jarl’s drekar.” She had not asked for payment yet. I took two of the gold coins I had brought from my purse. It was more than enough for the food and the ale.

  “That is too much.”

  “I need another barrel tomorrow before we sail. I would not leave you without your ale to sustain us.”

  “And you have such consideration! If I thought to take another husband then he would be just like you!”

  By the time we returned to the ship the men had eaten. We had eaten in the ‘Saddle’. We were both full and ready for sleep. Olaf Leather Neck had placed two men at the quay. “Just to make certain that no one tries anything.”

  I laughed, “I saw one Saxon and two Danes tied up. The rest were little Frisians. I think we are safe.”

  The next morning, I was woken by the sound of men working. The old yard was being lowered. I was still replete from the meal the night before and so Aiden and I left, without eating, for the home of Isaac of Bruggas. Aiden carried the books in a leather satchel. Isaac did not live in the safe part of Bruggas but his home was like a fortress. No one bothered us for my sword marked me as a warrior.

  We were greeted by Oddvakr, Isaac’s Viking bodyguard. He recognised me, “We heard you had returned, Jarl. You are welcome.” He glanced at Aiden. He did not know him.

  “This is Aiden. He is married to my daughter. He is safe.”

  The Viking nodded.

  Isaac appeared not to have moved since our last visit. He glanced up at me as though I had left the room but an hour before. “Ah Jarl. How can I be of service? Do you have another crown you wish ransomed?”

  Aiden took out the books. “We are sailing to Miklagård and thought you might pay more than they would for they are Orthodox.”

  For the first time that I could recall Isaac looked surprised. He did not even look at the books. “Can you read minds?”

  “I do not understand.”

  He smiled, “I am sorry. Forgive an old man. How could you know?” He waved a hand at the books. “Yes, I will pay you for them and it will be a higher price than the Greeks might pay. There is something else.” Like Oddvakr he glanced at Aiden.

  “He is to be trusted.”

  Aiden shook his head, “Do I look like a brigand?” He was not used to this sort of treatment. At home he was treated with respect and honour. Here in Bruggas he was questioned.

  Isaac spread his hands, “I apologize. There are many evil men in this town. It pays to be careful. If Jarl Dragonheart vouches for you then you are welcome.” He waved over a servant who poured three large goblets of deep red wine. He raised his goblet, “Here is to the intervention of Mistress Fate.” We drank and he wiped h
is mouth with a napkin. “I have a nephew, the son of my brother. He is staying with me. David brought me … well let us say he had a perilous journey from Jerusalem to Bruggas and the journey was necessary. I have been trying to get a passage home for him but there are few captains willing to sail to the Blue Sea and the ones who have offered to take him I do not trust. You I trust and I would make it worth your while for you to take him with you. If he is not safe with the Dragonheart then he is safe nowhere.”

  “Thank you for the compliment but we do not go to Jerusalem.”

  He flapped a hand, “If you can take him to Constantinopolis then he can easily make his way home from there. He knows the city well. He has a home there as well as in Jerusalem. It is in the west and the land of the Franks where Jews are in danger. We are the Christ killers. What say you?”

  “Of course, but I have to warn you that the journey will not be without risks.”

  “When David arrived here we knew that. His mission was vital. He is a good boy and can use a sword. He will not be a hindrance to you.”

  “Then we will take him.”

  He laughed, “Without agreeing a price?”

  “I trust you and if the price is not enough he will have to wave farewell to us from Bruggas’ quay.”

  “Quite so. Oddvakr fetch David ben Samuel.”

  When David ben Samuel came I saw that he was of an age with Gruffyd. He had the dark looks of his uncle but without the hook nose. His darker skin told of a life under the hot sun.