by Griff Hosker
He smiled, “I look forward to travelling on your contraption but some of my men are a little fearful and think it is the work of a wizard.”
Myrddyn did not take offence but merely smiled, “A wizard did help to build it majesty but I can assure you and your men that it is as safe a way to cross as any.”
We did not overload the bridge and only a few of the bodyguards accompanied us. Mungo’s men ensured that the crossing was both speedy and smooth. They had operated the bridge for so long that it was an easy task for them.
As we stepped ashore King Iago laughed. “The last time I crossed to Mona, as a young man, I landed in the surf and was soaked to the skin. This is by far a better way to travel. You have some good engineers.” He looked at the fort and then waved to the mainland and Brother Oswald. “You are building powerful forts Lord Lann. Are you expecting trouble?”
I detected an edge to his question. “No your majesty, but the Hibernians and the Saxons have both attacked us recently and we have found that solid walls are the best protection and deterrent.”
He seemed satisfied and we entered the hall. By the time his men had all been ferried across and settled into the hall it was almost time for food but the king asked for a meeting with Myrddyn and our sons. I think Pol and Pasgen were a little put out to be ignored but Iago was a king and they had certain privileges. As I told them quietly as we left the hall, “You will find out all eventually. Keep your ears open and listen to his bodyguards.”
Mungo had allowed us to use his chambers which looked towards Wyddfa. “This is a good view Lord Lann. You know that Wyddfa is special to us?”
I nodded, “Myrddyn had told me.”
“Ah your wizard, who was one of my people, before he chose to serve the Wolf Warrior.” Once again I sensed an edge to the king’s words but I just smiled. “You have a great reputation Myrddyn. They say you can see the future. Can you?”
“I dream your majesty and the closer I am to Wyddfa then the more accurate are my dreams.”
“Can you dream for me?”
“I do not choose my own dreams. The spirits who control Wyddfa choose what I see. It is a little unpredictable.”
A flash of annoyance crossed the king’s face and then he smiled. “I understand. I suppose that makes it a little more believable then and, of course, gives you scope for creativity.” Those who did not know Myrddyn would not have seen the glint in his eyes which told me that he was annoyed for his face was as impassive as the rocks of Wyddfa. “One of the reasons I came here was to tell you of my great victory. We pursued Aethelfrith and all of his Saxons back to their fort at Deva. We routed them and sent them back north. Deva is now mine. Gwynedd now has its old borders and I have avenged my father and his defeat.”
I was genuinely pleased. “That was mightily done, King Iago, for the Saxons do not give up what they have captured easily.”
“Aye we lost many men but I am grateful that you and your army managed to hold them until I was in position to spring my trap.”
I was suddenly on the alert. “You knew of the presence of Aethelfrith?”
“Of course. My scouts in the borderlands tracked your army and the Saxon warbands. It allowed us to get into position and attack once they were committed to an assault upon you and your men. It worked well.”
I could feel the anger rising within me. We had been used and many good men had died. Myrddyn sensed my rising temper. “And will you invest the Saxon forts?”
“You are a wise wizard Myrddyn. I have already garrisoned them. And now on to the second reason for my visit. You saved my son’s life and for that I am grateful. In return for that kindness I will allow you and your people to live on Mona.” He smiled at me as though he was doing me a favour. If he thought he could drive me from my land as he had the Saxons then he was in for a rude surprise.
Cadfan stood and took a pendant from his leather pouch. “I would like to give you this Warlord of Rheged. It was given to me by my grandfather and I know that he held you in special regard. It seems right that I give it to you.”
I shook my head. “No Prince Cadfan, I cannot take a gift from your grandfather for doing something I would do again in an instant.”
King Iago took the pendant and placed it around my neck. “No Lord Lann, it is the way of our people. We repay kindness with gifts and treachery with death as the Saxons discovered.” Was there an implied threat in his words? I would need to speak with Myrddyn later. “And now my stomach tells me that it is time to eat and my nose tells me that the venison from our forests is ready to be devoured.”
I had no time to talk to either Hogan or Myrddyn about what had transpired and the food, well cooked though it was, tasted to me of sawdust. I smiled during the feast and, fortunately, my lords made witty banter and told tales of the Wolf Warrior. It allowed me to listen to stories about myself and wave my hand in embarrassment during the telling. I was able to half listen and think back on the king’s words. His son had seemed genuine but what were Iago’s motives? When I thought about the meeting I could see that my position had not changed but there had been an underlying theme to the king’s philosophy, that I was his vassal. Had he stated that I would have refuted it but now I was annoyed with myself for keeping silent.
The next day I had little chance to voice my opinion as we were in the public view when the king and his entourage said their goodbyes as they stepped onto the mainland once more. “Farewell Lord Lann. Between us we will tame this Saxon beast eh?” We waved our goodbyes.
When he was out of sight Mungo and Pasgen both beamed, “That went well Warlord. It seems we are secure again.”
Pasgen must have seen my black look. “What is the matter Warlord? Did I miss something?”
“Come with me and we will ride up yonder hill where we can talk without being overheard.” I could see that both of my leaders were confused as well as intrigued. Once we reached the top of the hillock which overlooked the building site I told them of what had transpired. “Myrddyn, was I being over sensitive? Pray tell me.”
I hoped that he would nod but instead he shook his head. “No Warlord, you were right. He sees you as his vassal.” I saw Hogan nodding. “He also said nothing about our settlements on the mainland. I think our Iago is a cunning king. He allowed us to bleed for him and he will let us build a mighty fort for him. This building,” he pointed to the work below us, “is a hostage to fortune. Whilst it protects our island if it belonged to Iago he would, effectively, control the island.”
Pasgen almost exploded with anger. “I have not exchanged a Saxon ruler for a jumped up Welsh one!”I smiled and said, “Calm down Prince. I have no intention of being a vassal for King Iago. He can desire your fort all he likes but I would like to see him take it.”
“The Warlord is right. The king will do nothing until the fort is built and besides he still has to fortify his borders. I believe we have a period of grace but it makes this castle even more vital.”
Mungo stroked his red beard. “I think we will recruit more men.”
“We are already seeking new men.”
“I am sorry Warlord I did not make myself clear. I would recruit more men from Strathclyde. Just as there were warriors of Rheged in hiding I am sure that there are warriors in Strathclyde who yearn for freedom. I could sail north with a couple of men. Any recruits would be more than we have and we would only be away from here for a month.” He gestured at Prince Pasgen. “I am sure the prince could manage to control both forts.”
“Of course.”
“I think that is a wonderful idea and I am annoyed that we did not think of it sooner.”
“Amazing! Myrddyn confesses he is not perfect.”
The all laughed and Myrddyn smiled, “Not yet anyway!”
Chapter 9
My brothers were less worried than I had been. Aelle was particularly philosophical about it all. “Why are you surprised? We come and take over the most fertile part of his land and you do not think he wants some of it.
”
“He will not get it.”
“Of course he won’t but we now have another potential problem apart from the Saxons and the Hibernians.”
“I think the Saxons will lick their wounds for a while and one good aspect to King Iago’s belligerence is that the Saxons will have to come through him first. Mungo will return to Strathclyde to gather more warriors. It is warriors that we need. He is already speaking with Gwynfor to arrange passage. Until then we need to see if there are any volunteers for the new fort.”
Aelle nodded. “Some of my warriors wished to stay together and, with all due respect brother, they wanted to be a little independent of Garth and Ridwyn. I think that they would be good for the garrison. I mean no offence.”
I smiled, “I know that my two captains tend to be a little harsh with newcomers and are both inordinately proud of my shield wall. But I take no offence.”
“That is an understatement. It is as though no-one but they have ever fought before.”
Aelle was right. I had overlooked their arrogance because it had not caused a problem until now. I would have to speak with them. “Then can I leave it to you to organise? You will need to speak with Prince Pasgen. I am allowing him to be lord of the Narrows. It must be hard for the man who could have been king to lose it all. We must be careful with his feelings. Your senior man can command the fort until Mungo returns and then we can make decisions.”
Mungo sailed two days later with four trusted men. They planned on spreading out once they landed to avoid detection and to increase the number of warriors they might be able to recruit. Gwynfor and the ship would sail further north to establish trade links with the free peoples of the north. It looked like we would soon need even more friends.
I spent a precious week with my new bride. Since we had married she had become less critical of me, warmer and more loving. She listened more and spoke less. I found that I could tell her my inner fears and thoughts in a way that I could only do with Myrddyn. The problem with talking to Myrddyn was that you never knew if he had read your mind already. With Myfanwy you got a real opinion.
“I agree with your brothers. It changes nothing. You will not bend the knee to any man and I cannot see any man besting you. We stay on this fortress island and our people will grow stronger. You will build a kingdom for your son to rule.”
I shook my head, “Not a kingdom my love, people envy and covet kingdoms. I will rule as Warlord and if my son is ready to be the next Warlord then he can do so.”
She kissed me. “That is another reason why I love you so. You are the most sensible man I have ever met. Any more sensible and you would either be a wizard or a woman!” Her giggling laughter was infectious and we spent the next hour just enjoying ourselves. I came out feeling ten years younger.
I rode with Pol, Aelle and the new garrison for Pasgen’s fort. I was not worried about the prince’s reaction but I knew that my presence would ease any tension. Myrddyn and Oswald had finished their labours and the fort and its defences were almost complete. Mungo’s men were busy deepening the two ditches while Oswald and Myrddyn supervised the building of the bolt throwers which would be mounted on the towers.
As I had expected Prince Pasgen was just grateful to have a garrison to man his walls. He also liked the fact that his garrison would be made up of men from Rheged. His equites needed to be beyond the walls controlling the countryside. Aelle’s man, Calum was put in temporary command of the forty men that Aelle had brought. Calum was a sound warrior who had defended Glanibanta for years. He was a good choice. After my wizard and my priest had left to improve the stronghold I rode with Pol and Prince Pasgen on a patrol to see the land we now managed.
It was autumn and the winds from the west brought rain. I wondered why the snow only ever fell on Wyddfa? We never had any on the island. Even the waters around the island seemed quite warm in the depths of winter. I was beginning to see what Myrddyn meant about the magic and the power of the mountain. It was no wonder King Iago had chosen the dragon standard. The dragon that was Wyddfa was truly powerful. There was an irony in that the cavalry standard of Rheged, which Prince Pasgen still carried proudly, was an ancient dragon. It made an eerie and chilling wail when carried into battle. The fact that the mountain was also supposed to house a dragon was wyrd! Perhaps the prince was always intended to be here.
The prince showed me the passes where he intended to build towers. I could see that there were many places where a handful of men could hold up an army. We had chosen the perfect position for our fort. Already there were sheep dotted around the hillsides and the foothills of Wyddfa. The settlers waved at us, no doubt comforted by the sight of the mailed equites; they were a visible reminder of the power of Rheged.
When we returned to the fort we found that Tuanthal had sent four of his equites to supplement the garrison until Mungo had returned. One of them was Adair who had fought so valiantly for me before. Prince Pasgen said, “It is kind of Captain Tuanthal but I think we have enough horsemen. Besides we have little enough forage for the winter anyway. Why not keep them with you as your bodyguard until you return to the stronghold again.”
It was a sensible suggestion and it allowed me to explore more of the land which was further afield. We managed to cross to the southern end of the peninsula. It was beautiful and rugged country but there were places where I could see we could settle more of our people. There were bays for fishing ports and sheltered valleys which were perfect for sheep and cattle. Once we began to grow then we had room to spread.
When we returned there was a message from King Iago. I read it and turned to Pol and Pasgen. “It seems we are invited to Deva. The king wishes to invest his son with the title Prince of Deva and, as the man who saved his son, he wishes me to be there.”
Prince Pasgen furrowed his brow. “I can only spare a few men Warlord. Perhaps we could send to the island for more?”
I shook my head, “I think Pol and these four warriors will be more than enough. There are no Saxons now to worry us and the king will have his whole army at Deva. I think we will be safe enough.”
The prince was not convinced but he bowed, “As you wish Warlord. When do you leave?”
“The ceremony is the day after tomorrow . We had better leave now. We can stay overnight at the monastery.”
“Very well I will send word to Myrddyn, Garth and your wife where you will be.”
We took two spare horses for our armour and we left in the early afternoon. We would reach the monastery by evening and I knew that we would have a warm welcome from the new bishop, whoever he was.
The monk who greeted us was the one who had brought the news of the bishop’s death and the monk whom Bishop Asaph had leaned on in his latter days. “Welcome Lord Lann, I am Bishop Stephen. Will you stay the night?”
I grinned. “We were rather counting on it.”
The meal was well cooked but simpler than in Asaph’s time. “I am sorry that the food is plainer than it was but we now believe that we must adhere to Christ’s principles and live a life which is more austere.”
“Do not worry bishop, we are plain folk ourselves. We enjoy rich food but so long as our bellies are full… Are you pleased that the king has secured the borders?”
He frowned a little. “I am not sure of what to make of King Iago. He wanted to enlarge the monastery.”
“That is a good thing surely?”
“Perhaps but the price we would have to pay would be to call it St. Beli after his father.”
“Was his father a saint? I did not know that.”
He grimaced, “I am not even sure he was a Christian but he was no saint. If we were to name it after anyone it would be St.Kentigern its founder or Asaph. Anyway I told him we would have to deliberate. He did not seem pleased.” He took a sip of wine. “It seems to me that he does like opinions which differ from his own.”
“No, he appears to want his own way. Still so long as we have stability.”
“Yes Lord Lann. Tha
t is a good thing. We shall have accommodation for you on your return.”
“Thank you bishop, this is always a beacon for us; a place of sanctuary.”
We rode easily down the vale. This time we were not hiding and we could use the main roads. Two of the equites rode ahead of us and two behind affording Pol and I the chance to talk. “Are you still happy about being my standard bearer?”
His face fell, “You would get rid of me?”
“No, you misunderstand me. I thought you might want to join the equites, there you could have the greater opportunity for glory rather than just watching my back.”
He laughed, “The greatest glory I can have is holding your banner and watching your back. Do you know how many others would give their teeth for such a chance? No, Warlord, I am happy with the arrangement. Of course should Hogan wish the honour then I would not stand in his way.”
“I do not think Hogan would be content to hold the standard. I think he dreams of glory; as I did. Besides he must be trained to lead men. Soon the duties of being a squire will pale.”
“But no longer eh Warlord?”
“When you have seen many brave comrades die in battle then the glory does not seem so great.” I looked at the sky. It was coming in to rain. My wolf skin would keep me dry, and Pol had one too, but the four equites would suffer in the storm which was about to break. “Let us kick on a little.”
We dropped over the vale and down into the flat lands which lay before Deva. There was a little shelter here from the bushes and trees which not only lined but also overhung the road. “That’s better!”
Suddenly the two equites ahead of us were attacked and felled by men dropping from the trees above the road. “Ambush!” I drew my sword and prepared to defend myself. Four men ran at me and I chopped awkwardly down on one and he crumpled to the ground with his brains showing through his skull. My horse reared and that saved me for its hoof caught the warrior attempting to spear me. I turned and saw Adair and the other equite behind me being chopped and hacked by five warriors. The ambush had been so swift that they had no time to defend themselves. Pol had despatched his men and I shouted, “Ride to the left!” I noticed that the ground dropped to a small valley and I hoped to hide there. As we raced I saw that the four equites were dead and the ten or twelve men who remained from the twenty or so who had ambushed us were chasing. Fortunately they were on foot while we were still mounted. There was a slight chance that we could still escape. Then there was a flurry of four or five arrows. I saw Pol’s mount stumble and gamely try to carry on but it was no use, it was dying. “Jump clear and climb up behind me.”
