by Griff Hosker
“They are strung out. The ones without mail lead and they stretch for half a mile. There are thirty of them.”
“Then we are outnumbered.”
“Aye, Finni, but not by many. The next time we stop it will be to ambush the leading riders and whittle down their numbers.” I remembered that it had been Finni on watch. “Why did you not hear the riders?”
He shook his head, “Sorry Jarl, I had the shits and I had gone into the woods. I heard them but I could not risk shouting. Sorry.”
I laughed. It could have been any of us, “Do not worry. The spirits watched over us. Now mount. We ride.”
We could see them just half a mile away and they were hurrying to reach us. We cantered down the slope. Our horses had had water and a little rest. They were sweating but their gait was regular. They were good for some miles yet. As we rode down the road which crossed the open bare moors I tried to picture the land ahead. Soon, within ten miles or so we would enter woodland. No one had maintained the road and there were places to ambush them. Finni and Ulf would have a problem because of their wounds but they had bows as did Aiden. We could now hear the hooves thundering behind us. Perhaps it was my imagination but they seemed to be gaining. I glanced around and saw that they were now in a single file. The first ten had outrun their comrades. It was not by much. It gave me a glimmer of hope. It was little enough but it would have to do. Warriors used whatever advantage they could get.
I saw, in the distance, the ruined and deserted Saxon church at Melmerby. That would be the place. “Turn at the church and wait. I will drop back and they will follow me. Use your bows and kill the riders who follow me.”
It was a risk for I intended to drop back as though my horse was failing. I leaned forward and spoke to Badger. “You shall have a short rest but when I command then obey!” I rubbed his ear and his mane. He whinnied as though he understood. I knew that, behind me, the riders would take heart thinking I was trying to get the last few steps from my horse.
I glanced repeatedly over my shoulder. It would add to the illusion that I was panicking. The others had disappeared down the road and I saw the church just four hundred paces from me. As I turned around I saw that the leading two riders were now less than thirty paces from me. The next ten were bunched up together. I passed the church and I resisted the temptation to look to the right. My men would be there, in position. I could hear the Saxon horses labouring behind me. They had not been rested. I turned and saw the sweat and their lathered mouths. They were dead on their feet. I saw the others were almost at the church.
I drew my sword and wheeled my horse around. The two men were taken aback. Their spears were still lowered as I rode towards them. I had no need for speed. They were going at full tilt. I ignored the one on my left. His spear was nowhere near me. I brought my sword at head height and the rider to my right decapitated himself by riding into it. I wheeled my horse around, taking in the fact that the next band had been ambushed already. The first rider tried to turn but his horse could not manage it. He slipped on the cobbles and the rider was thrown. His helmet fell from his head and his spear shattered. I wheeled around and, as he stood, brought my sword down across his unprotected skull.
I kept riding west and soon my men joined me. Haaken laughed, “That will slow them up.”
“Aye but will it stop them?”
They did close with us but more slowly now. They would catch us and this time we had no tricks left up our sleeves. When I saw the standard fluttering from Ketil’s fort I began to believe that we had a chance. Eystein shouted, “They are gaining, Jarl, and my horse is becoming lame! I will turn and try to slow them down.”
“No! You need not make the sacrifice. We all slow down. Ride at Eystein’s pace.”
“But they will catch us!”
“Aye Finni. Either we all live or we all die. We did not live beneath the sea for us to desert a brother when danger threatens. If it is meant to be that we have our last stand here then we will do so together and we will take as many of them with us as we can.”
We dropped down the valley to the small bridge over the river. It would be on the other side where we would struggle as we tried to climb the hill to the gate. They would cut us down within sight of safety. I would halt there and we would fight on foot. That way we would give a good account of ourselves.
As we crossed the bridge I heard them close behind. They must have realised that they had us. The last two hundred paces would be too far. “On my command turn, dismount and fight them.”
“Aye Jarl!”
“Turn!”
I had my sword out as we turned. We would not charge them we would stand and fight. I dismounted and watched as they formed two lines to charge across the bridge between the stands of trees which grew close by the river. Aiden held the horses and we made a shield wall with me in the centre. We would sell our lives dearly. They were just forty paces from us when Ketil’s men suddenly attacked from the two Saxon flanks. Their bows and slingshots rained death and then his warriors rushed up to hack and slaughter the Saxon horsemen. None reached us. We were spectators as my eastern jarl and his men ended the threat. The ten horsemen at the back turned and fled. The rest were butchered. We had made it. We had reached safety.
Chapter 12
We stayed with Ketil for more than a day. Our horses needed resting and, although we had only been away for a few days I was keen to know if there was danger from the north. We also needed time for Aiden to see to the wounds suffered by Ulf and Finni.
“Have you seen anything of this Scottish warlord?”
“Not yet Jarl but Arne has told me that he has seen a ship of the Scots sailing down his river. Perhaps it was a scout.”
My Ulfheonar were with me when I spoke with Ketil and Haaken said, “When Bolli has repaired ‘Red Snake’ we could give it to him. We need her not and it would be fitting for Magnus, after all of his treachery, to help us protect our northern border.”
“That is a good idea. But there is no sign of an army yet?”
Ketil hesitated and then said, “Those who live to the north have been more vigilant. They say that they have seen signs of men but seen none. There are the remains of fire and footprints but no army. Perhaps they are scouts too. I know not if it is Scots or Northumbrians.”
I smiled. Ketil was still young and had much to learn. “Snorri here will tell you how scouts can ghost unseen through the land. Keep a good watch as you did when you spied us in trouble.”
“I will. The trouble is, Jarl, that soon we will be gathering in the crops for the winter and culling the animals we do not need.”
I pointed beyond his walls to the valley below. “We no longer get rid of healthy animals during the harsh winters. We kill only the old and the ones who are sickly. Have your people bring their spare animals there. You and your warriors can watch over them and if you are attacked you can take them within your walls and laugh off a siege. If the Scots come do not try to fight them. You have not enough warriors. You hole up here and send riders to me. It worked the last time and we now have more horses than we did.”
“I will. That is a good suggestion Jarl. Preserved meat is never as good as fresh.”
“And send a rider to Arne and tell him to be vigilant. I will visit him before the month is out.”
“But you have spent the year outside your home!”
I nodded, “You are now a Jarl and you, too, will have to make sacrifices for your people. There are responsibilities as well as rights to your title.”
“I am learning that. It is not all glory is it Jarl Dragonheart?”
When we left we rode hard. Pausing only to speak with those at Ulf’s Water to warn them of the danger of the Scots we reached our home in one day.
This time there was no welcome for us. We arrived unexpectedly from the north. Our gates were open. The only time we now closed them was at night and the ones who watched the gates were the old men who played with dice or nine men’s morris. We had had peace
around my home for many years now. As we emerged from the forest they jumped to their feet to grab weapons. Had we been an enemy then they would have been skewered by arrows before they could have reached for anything. I would need to address that. This was not the time.
“Welcome Jarl Dragonheart. Is the traitor gone?”
“He is dead.”
Haaken leaned forward, “And when we next feast listen to the tale of how Jarl Dragonheart and his Ulfheonar hid beneath the sea, crept unseen into the King’s castle, passed his guards, slew the traitor and escaped with barely a scratch!”
Erik shook his head and looked ruefully at his hand, “He gives away the tale and yet does not do it justice!”
As we rode through the gates Haaken sniffed, “I give them a taste to interest them.”
Brigid was rocking my son to sleep as I dismounted. Kara came over and kissed me and then Aiden. She smiled, “I told Brigid that you would return and return quickly.”
Suddenly the dream returned to me, “You saw the dream. You were there.”
She nodded, “My mind had been troubled and I used some of the potion Aiden discovered in Myrddyn’s writings. I dreamed and I saw the horsemen coming. I have followed you through your mind,” she smiled coyly, “and Aiden’s.”
I looked at him, “You did not tell me you had dreamed.”
He looked to be irritated with Kara for some reason, “I dream all the time Jarl, you know that. I too saw the danger when we were close to the Tinea but you alerted the men and my words were unnecessary.”
“The spirits protect us. I would have you tell me all, Aiden. There should be no secrets between us. Had I not awoken we might all have been captured or slain.”
He and Kara looked shamefaced, “You are right Jarl.”
Brigid had laid my sleeping son down and now she ran to me and threw her arms around me. “You are home.” She kissed me and then stepped back with a furrowed brow. “And you stink! What is that smell?”
Kara laughed as did Aiden and the awkward moment was gone. I smiled, “We spent a night beneath the sea!”
I saw Haaken nod, “That is a good line, Jarl. I shall use it.”
Brigid’s eyes widened, “Beneath the sea? And yet you walk as though alive.”
“I will tell you all when I am cleansed.” I waved Uhtric over, “Have Einar Long Thumb take you to the sweat hut. I would have you light it for me and tell Einar to wait to take Brigid and me over.”
“Aye Jarl.”
I looked at Brigid, “And you can have a thrall watch our son.”
Kara said, “No, father, I will look after my little brother and Aiden can tell me your adventures. The dream world is like looking through a fog. He can give me clarity.”
Brigid and I sat in the sweat hut and I could see the blood, sweat, dirt and salt run from my body. I had to immerse myself in the Water twice before I felt clean enough to be able to speak. Brigid used a beautiful bone comb she had made to untangle my matted mane and beard. She had placed rosemary and thyme branches on the fire and it was a pleasant aroma which filled the hut. Her combing was soothing. When her naked breasts touched my back I felt aroused. I had to force myself to think of other things.
“Our son prospers? He sleeps well and he grows?”
“He eats as though he is twins! But he is a good child. He sleeps all night and he does not cry overmuch. Your daughter has been a treasure. She helps me to care for him. She is much taken with him. She has a maternal look about her.” She leaned around and said, “Not that I ask for help. I can look after our child!”
“I know and it is good for Kara will never have children.”
It was silent save for the sound of the teeth of the comb in my hair. “Why do you say that? She is young enough to bear and her hips show that she would not find it hard as some women do. She has that rosy glow which shows she yearns to be a mother.”
I shook my head, “She is dedicated to her magic. She is a volva and she believes that she will lose her power if she conceives.” I laughed, “A child could never happen. It is sad I know but there it is. Wyrd.”
She leaned close to me and spoke in my ear. The smell of aromatic herbs drifted into my nose as her soft skin touched my naked back. “You of all people know that you can never know what is possible. Even the priests in our church father children. It is natural for they are men too. It does not take away their power.”
I pulled her round to my lap and kissed her, “They are priests and have no power. However I do, so leave your combing and come here.”
She giggled, “Jarl!”
I could no longer keep my thoughts from her.
Kara had not been idle and when we returned she had food ready. While Brigid fed our son I spoke with Kara. “There is danger, my daughter. The Scots are planning something. I fear it will be in the next month or so.”
She nodded, “I have sensed danger but I was distracted for my thoughts were on you, Aiden and the Ulfheonar. I will dream again. Perhaps Aiden and I will use the sweat hut as it is still lit. We can use the potion I used. With two of us together then the power is increased.”
“Good. But I will send for men from Sigtrygg, my son and my other jarls. I want an army gathering here.”
“But it is harvest time.”
“I will leave enough to harvest but this is a time for the women to bear the brunt of the work. We will bring the thralls from the mines and they can help. They can mine in the winter. Now we need the crops gathering. I intend to move north within ten days. Even that may be too long a time.” I emptied the horn of ale. I had missed beer whilst on the road. “In fact I will send Asbjorn and Eystein with the crew of ‘Odin’s Breath’. They can march tomorrow and reinforce Arne. I will send a rider to Windar’s Mere and tell Windar to send men to aid his son.”
“Windar has been ill.”
“So long as he lives he is Jarl. He will aid his son.”
Kara and Aiden seemed keen to leave for the sweat hut as soon as the meal was finished. In fact Brigid and I were still eating when they left. Aiden said, “We need to dream, Jarl. You prepare the warriors and we prepare the magic. These Scots are barbarians and have forgotten the old ways. They follow the White Christ now. We will use the power of the land against them.”
When they had gone Brigid admonished me, “Your people should know that there is but one God. I fear for your soul. I hope to be in heaven but you will be in hell.”
I shook my head. It had been Aiden who had upset her and yet I bore the brunt of her tongue. “I will be in Valhalla with the warriors who have gone before me. You are a good woman and the Allfather will welcome you there. I am not afraid. He will forgive your whim.”
Her nostrils flared and her eyes widened, “It is not a whim! I believe!”
I remained calm, “And yet you have seen much magic since you have come here.”
“I have seen God at work.”
I laughed, “God uses Vikings? Your holy men fear and despise us. I would not say that to them.”
She smiled, “I am sorry. There is much here I do not understand. Deidre and Macha have told me that I can still be a Christian and live here because, at heart, all those who live in this valley are good.”
“More than that, my love, all of the people who live in my land from Sigtrygg in the south to Arne in the north are good people. We are kind, in our own ways but we are independent.”
“You could be king you know.”
“And what would that gain me? A title which someone would wish to take. I do not wish for power.” I smiled, “Did not your White Christ refuse to become all powerful when your devil tempted him?”
Her mouth opened, “You know the words of the Holy Book?”
“I know the stories. Some of them are good tales. When we voyage Aiden sometimes tells them to us. Your White Christ sounds like he would have been a good leader but for his placid nature. A warrior does not turn the other cheek. He fights for what he has.” I pointed to Gryffydd asleep in the
corner. “Would you not kill to protect our son?”
I knew I had a victory when she remained silent. It was rare that I had the last word in any argument. I was so pleased that I broached the jug of wine which had come from Coen’s latest trade with Vasconia.
I rose early the next day. My first night home had been a joy and yet even as I rose I knew I would not enjoy it for long. I went to the warrior hall and I noticed that those who lived there were already up. My armour was being cleaned and oiled by Uhtric. Some of the others were cleaning their own. I saw that Bjorn the smith was busy repairing mail already. Before I spoke with Asbjorn and Eystein I took Karl One Hand to one side. He was a forlorn figure these days and had the hang dog look of someone who loves not life. “I needs must speak with Asbjorn but I have something I wish you to do for me. Do not go far.”
His eyes lit up although he self consciously hid his stump with his right hand. “Aye Jarl and can I say that I am happy that you have slain the snake.”
“He is not worth a thought, Karl Word Master.”
As I went to speak with my Ulfheonar I reflected that the snake had caused Karl’s wound. To Karl he would always haunt his dreams. He would imagine a life with two hands. “Asbjorn, Snorri, Eystein, Beorn, a word if you please.” Leaving what they were doing they joined me. “You have done much for me already but I would have you do more. If you do not wish to then I will understand.”
Snorri shook his head, “Jarl Dragonheart, we are your oathsworn. We have endured the wrath of the gods, we have been beneath the sea. Whatever you ask we will do.”
“That is well. Asbjorn I would have you and Eystein take the crew of ‘Odin’s Breath’ and join Arne. Use the valley of the Grassy Mere. I fear the Scots will come sooner rather than later. I want you to be on hand and give support to Arne and Ketil. Take ponies for I would have you there swiftly.”
They both nodded, “And when should we leave?”
I smiled, “Yesterday might be too late.”
