by Griff Hosker
"I doubt not that there will be Danes who will return from whence Iron Shirt came and they will tell what we did. Some may even come and seek his body but I do not think they will risk our wrath again. However, Wolf Killer, you need to watch your borders even more."
He shook his head. "It is too far from your home, father. When I first chose to live there I was arrogant. I thought to outdo you and create somewhere as fine as Cyninges-tūn. I was wrong. I freely admit it now here in front of your warriors."
"It shows that you have grown into a fine man, my son, that you can admit to that. I do not call it arrogance. It is the process of growing up. You would live in Cyninges-tūn?"
"No Jarl, with your permission I would settle the land at the head of Windar's Mere. It is good land and I can protect the way to Cyninges-tūn." He looked at Ketil "But if you wished to rule where your father did then I would understand."
"No, Wolf Killer. This is wyrd. I would find the memories too painful and besides I like Brougham."
I nodded. "Good then that is settled and we now need to decide what to do about Egbert."
Sigtrygg said, "He is a powerful king. He rules most of the land of the Angles."
I laughed, "You must think me arrogant as my son once thought himself, Sigtrygg. We cannot defeat King Egbert but we can punish him."
I could see that they were intrigued. Asbjorn leaned forward, "Punish the King of Wessex; how?"
"Egbert attacks others. He rules Kent and he has captured Corn Walum. He has defeated the men of Dyfed and he has repulsed Coenwulf and his Mercians. We attack him. We raid his heartland, the place he feels safe and secure and we will let him know the price he pays for this blood feud. I will invite those like Hakon the Bald and Thorfinn Blue Scar to join us on this raid. They will gain much treasure and the extra numbers will show King Egbert that we are serious."
Haaken advised caution, "Remember when we allied with Sihtric Silkbeard and Ragnar Hairy Breeches. That did not end well."
"And this time I make them swear to follow my orders. If they do not then they do not come."
Haaken seemed happiest of all. "I think this is a good thing Jarl Dragonheart. It does not do to run from our enemies. Egbert especially."
"We did not run."
I looked at Wolf Killer, "We did my son but we had but two boat's crews and we were in Lundenwic. Only a fool would have stayed but Haaken is right. You face up to your enemies. You either defeat them or go to meet Odin. It is as simple as that."
I glanced around at the faces. Some, especially the Ulfheonar were nodding. Some of the others had doubt etched on their faces.
"I will not order any jarl to follow me. My son and I will go but each warrior makes his own decision. It will take me some time to seek out allies who may wish to raid with us."
Haaken rubbed his hands together, "It is said that the churches of Wessex are filled with gold!"
"I doubt that but they are richly endowed."
Snorri said, quietly, "Aiden will know such things. He has his maps and his writing."
I was tired and I lay down to sleep. Just before I slipped off into a deep sleep I wondered about the chests which we had recovered from St. Asaph,. What had Aiden found in those? What twists and turns had the Norns laid in store for me?
We returned to the land around Elfridaby slowly. The captives had suffered enough and there was no need to hurry. Some of Wolf Killer's men stubbornly chose to live in the land they had farmed. He brought the rest of his men to Cyninges-tūn. There were things he needed if he was to build a new town. We headed through the dale of Grize. As we passed through those fly infested woods I saw to my great relief that Finn, his son Sven and Thora, Sven's wife had all survived unharmed. I was happy. In fact it brightened and lightened my mood. Thora had lost her first husband, Gray, when outlaws had come to my land. She had saved my life and she was a symbol of hope. I returned to Cyninges-tūn with more optimism than when I had left. Ketil left us to head north to his home. He wished to raid but he had no drekar and he needed to protect his land.
The women of Cyninges-tūn had word from Grim the Fisherman that we were heading back up the Water and they were waiting at the gates to greet us. We had been away for a short time but they knew we were chasing Danes. They felt for the captives and when they saw them returned there was great celebration. I allowed the other families and Wolf Killer to go ahead of me. Brigid would understand. I went to my hall where she waited with Gruffyd and my servants.
"You saved the captives. I am glad."
"Some died. They were young girls."
"I will pray for their souls."
Even though they were not Christian Brigid still believed that they had a soul and that her prayers would help them. It was kind but it was a wasted gesture. Kara and Aiden came to visit with me when they had seen to the wounds and hurts of those who had returned with us.
"I have spoken with Wolf Killer. He tells me you intend to raid King Egbert."
There was no judgement in Aiden's voice. He had a mind which could think things through well. "If we do not he will send more men to do us harm and the next time we may not be so lucky."
He nodded, "I think it is a good idea, Jarl Dragonheart, so long as you choose the right place."
I smiled ,"And, of course, you can tell me the best place."
He laughed, "Aye, I believe I can."
"Tell me, did you examine those chests we brought back?"
"Not yet Jarl. They are here in your hall. I had thought to do so when you are present."
"Then when we have supped we will do so. It will be a diversion after the last few days."
A brief silence descended upon the hall. Kara said quietly. "Ketil performed the blood eagle."
"Aye daughter. He had much anger in him. I did not think that Wolf Killer would have done so alone but Ketil... it was his father."
"I will speak with him when he comes for the raid. I have potions which will help him to sleep and to clear his mind." My daughter was even more powerful than Aiden. Her skills and knowledge were legend.
Aiden had Uhtric bring the chests to us. It was tempting to open the largest one first but the smallest of the three looked the most intriguing for it was delicately carved and had, upon the lid, a dragon. A Viking couldn't ignore such signs. Aiden patiently worked his picks into the lock until it rustily groaned open. There was a heavy, musty smell within. The box appeared filled with wood shavings. I felt slightly disappointed. Then I removed the shavings. I found a dagger in a sheath and a ring. There was nothing else. I had seen daggers before but the ring intrigued me. I held it to the light of the candle. It was a signet ring and had the image of a mounted man on a rearing horse. I handed it to Kara. She closed her eyes. "This belong to an ancestor or yours. It speaks to me." Opening her eyes she handed it to me. "Put it on your finger."
I took the ring and slipped it on my forefinger. It fitted perfectly, "Wyrd."
"Aye father. You must wear it and use it."
"But mine is the sign of the wolf."
Aiden said, "I believe it was also the sign of your ancestor. My wife is right. You should wear it. You need not use it; you do not write but its power will protect you."
My attention returned to the dagger. The sheath was decorated in the same rich fashion as the sword we had found but when I took out the blade it was not rusty. The wood chips had, somehow, protected it. The blade was much slimmer than a seax and had a sharp point. The pommel was plain save for a single small blue stone. I handed the blade and sheath to Aiden. "This is the blade the ancient Roman soldiers used. It is called a pugeo and I saw them in Miklagård."
I nodded, "It would be a good blade to use. Its tip would find its way through chinks in mail."
"Aye."
We put the dagger to one side and Aiden opened the second chest. This one had felt heavier. When it sprang open there were no wood chips but it was filled with coins. Most were of silver but I saw the glitter of gold amongst them. Aiden and I pic
ked some up to examine them. Some were marked on one side with the same image as my signet ring. Aiden held up one golden one and turned it over in his fingers. "This one has the mark of Rome upon it. I wonder why these two chests were placed in the monastery."
I went back to the smaller chest and rubbed away some of the dirt and detritus on the top. I could see something. "Uhtric fetch a cloth and some water." When he returned I rubbed the side of the wooden chest with the water. It revealed the carved horseman on the rearing horse. I repeated it with the second chest and it was there also.
Aiden went to the lock of the other chest. "Then this may contain more clues to your ancestor."
"Hold, let me clean the top." I used the dampened cloth to clean the top. This time there was no rearing horseman but a cross. "This did not belong to the warlord."
"But we shall open it anyway."
It proved the hardest to open and when it was opened, like the first one it was covered in a layer of wood shavings. Aiden cleared them away and his face showed that he had found the greatest treasure of all; writings.
Brigid could not keep the disappointment out of her voice. "No gold? I thought it would be a suit of golden armour at the very least."
Kara smiled and put her hand on my wife's arm, "This is greater treasure. This is knowledge. Knowledge gives us all more power than any suit of armour."
Aiden took them out one by one and laid them on the table. He unrolled them as he did so and organised them. When he had the parchments on the table they filled it. He pointed to a large number on one side. "These are maps, charts and lists. The others are writings. I have much reading. Could I take them to my hall, Jarl? I will need to study them."
"Of course."
I took the pugeo again and took it from its sheath. It looked as though it had been used but yesterday rather than many years ago. Kara and Aiden carefully studied the rich haul of documents. I knew that they could not resist. Kara gave a little squeal of joy. "The lists are lists of herbs and how they can help cure ailments. I know some but there are others here that I have not seen. There are even drawings of what the herbs and plants look like."
I laid the dagger down and went to look at them. I recognised them. "I have seen these before." I pointed to one.
It was rare that I could surprise Kara but I did. "I have never seen such plants and I wander the land looking for new ones constantly. Where did you see it? In the east?"
I shook my head, "No, we have seen these," I jabbed my finger at another four, "and these at every Roman fort we have visited. They are a normally growing wild in a small walled area. I only remember because I once slept there and I noticed their fragrance."
"Then I will take my women to the Roman fort close to Windar's Mere. We will bring them here. This will help our people live long and healthy lives. This is wyrd."
Just then Aiden laid down the parchment he was reading and poured himself a horn of ale. "These were written by the priests of the monastery. Most talk of the saint, Asaph who founded it but there are many references to someone they call the Warlord of Rheged and, at other times, in different hands, the Dux Britannicus. It is your ancestor." He picked up one parchment. "Here the priest says that the Warlord was the most Christian pagan that he knows. He says he is more Christian than many priests and yet he is pagan."
Brigid came and stroked my hair, "And that is like someone else that I know. I find this strange, husband. Does the blood course through the centuries? Are the dead reborn?"
"We are all tied by threads to the past and to the future. There are threads which bind us together. There is a plan to all this. We are human and we do not see it but the Norns and the Gods, they do."
The two of them left with the parchments leaving Brigid and I to reflect on the night. "They are right, husband, the gold is not as valuable a treasure as the others. You have learned about yourself."
I shook my head, "I have learned what I might be not what I am. Would my ancestor, the warlord, have allowed the blood eagle?"
"Perhaps. If you had stopped Ketil would he have been unhappy? Would he have resented you?"
"He may have done but a good leader does not heed such things. He does what is best not what is popular. Besides Harald Iron Shirt deserved the death. He had neither honour nor courage."
"And that is where we differ for we are taught to forgive our enemies."
"Yet they are still punished for murder. They are hanged." She nodded. "Then the result is still the same, death. Harald would have been dead no matter what. It is only the manner which upsets you."
I awoke energised. The previous night had made me more determined than ever to punish King Egbert and send a message to the world that no one was too big to be punished by Jarl Dragonheart.. Before I began to plan this great raid I visited with Aiden. "All of these parchments," I swept my hand around them. I suspected he had been poring over them all night, "are important. I would have you record our deeds. The stories Haaken tells and sings can be passed on but he only records the glorious things. I would have the future know how we lived. It is what the monks do. Macha and Deidra can help you."
"That is good, Jarl and Macha and Deidra will be happy to help me. I have spoken with them. They miss the work they did when they lived in the Christian House of Women."
"Good." I turned to leave.
"Jarl, I have found how the Warlord died. It is written here."
I was more than interested in this. If our lives were somehow entwined through time then this could have a bearing on me.
"The Warlord was betrayed by his nephew. He was poisoned and then slain when he was helpless. His son became warlord and killed the murderer. Then he too was betrayed by his second in command. He vanished beyond Wyddfa."
"And this wizard, the one whose tomb we found..."
" Myrddyn."
Aye. What happened to him?"
"He vanished. He just disappeared. The new warlord kept seeking him but he disappeared from this world."
"And we found his tomb. Who laid him there?"
"I know not. The more we discover the less we know. There is still much to learn. I would visit Wyddfa again."
"That would be too dangerous."
Kara had been listening. "My father is right. The Weird Sisters will decide what we ought to know."
I bowed to the two of them. They knew the spirits better than I did.
Even though we had been successful in our pursuit of the Danish war band we had still lost warriors. There were homes with men who would never return. I went around each one giving them their share of the coins we had reaped as our reward. It would not bring back their men folk but it might allow them to buy animals. Our people were fine cheese makers. We would survive.
Wolf Killer took his men off to the Mere to begin to build their new home. We had all learned lessons from the places we had built and we had learned from each other. He left Elfrida and his family to be protected at Cyninges-tūn. I had given the rest of my jarls and warriors a month to decide if they would raid with me. Five days after our return I went with my Ulfheonar and some of the single men down to Úlfarrston. I told Brigid that we might be away for half a month. She understood. She was with child once more and Kara and Elfrida would be better for her than me.
When we reached Úlfarrston I warned my other captains that we would be raiding in a month or so. Olaf Grimsson was honoured that I chose 'Red Snake' to visit Dyflin and Ljoðhús. I had brought with me two swords which had been made by Bjorn Bagsecgson. They would be gifts for the two jarl. We were lightly crewed. I just had twenty men with me. We were not going to war, we were going to make allies. As we left I saw a knarr leave as another arrived. So much trade; we were prospering.
Dyflin was the shorter of the two voyages. We left at dawn and reached it by dusk. This time we would accept Hakon the Bald's hospitality. I made it clear to my Ulfheonar that they were to stay relatively sober and keep their ears open. Aiden had taught me that all knowledge was valuable; even gossip
. Olaf had brought some goods to trade. We always had an excess of fine worked metal. Bjorn's smiths made excellent tools for ship building. Olaf could build up his supply of gold and silver.
Hakon the Bald appeared more than happy to see me and even more delighted that we would stay the night. I had already primed Haaken to sing a song of our adventures. Such sagas encouraged young warriors to join a venture. "Come, Jarl Dragonheart, we will drink some of the fine wine you brought from Vasconia."
"Before we do and before I am in my cups I would speak with you on a delicate matter."
He might appear rotund and jolly but Hakon had a sharp and cunning mind. "You intrigue me. Come we will walk along the river bank it is restful there."
Dyflin was a bustling town. It was a mixture of Úlfarrston and Cyninges-tūn. There were Hibernians and Norse, cheek by jowl. The accents and the language was varied. It felt quite exotic. Hakon found a quiet spot beneath a tree. He dismissed the two boys who were fishing there. "Now then Jarl, what is this about? Do you seek revenge on the Danes who raided your land?"
I shook my head, "They are dead or fled. We destroyed them."
"Did you lose many men? I heard that Harald Iron Shirt is a cunning warrior."
I was immediately suspicious. How did he know who it was? I had not spoken his name. I kept my face expressionless. "He was a coward and without honour. Ketil Windarsson gave him the blood eagle."
He nodded, "And that is only right for such a coward. What do you wish of me then?" I saw cunning in his eyes. He knew more than he was saying.
"Do you know who put him up to this?"
Affecting an innocent look which did not fool me he shook his head. "You have many enemies, Jarl Dragonheart, but I would have thought that this Harald operated for his own gain."
