Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  They both shook their heads and Eric said, “No, Thegn, I told you when I volunteered that I had always wished to visit the land of my mother and Ragnar is happy enough to serve me.”

  I was pleased that they all had their plans and that our lives were settled and sorted but I would be sad to see them depart for I had grown to like the men with whom I had fought. I wondered if my life would be ever thus; making friends and then leaving them to move on. Would the glass always be greener elsewhere?

  Chapter 6

  Constantinople 1073

  Constantinople was the modern wonder of the world. It was the largest city known to man and, it was said, dwarfed its mother, Rome. We knew where the city was long before we even got close to it for the number of ships and boats we saw increased dramatically. There were even more people travelling along the roads which led to the mighty city and parallel the waterways, the Golden Horn, the Bosporus and the Sea of Marmara and I began to wonder just how big it was. Even though we could see the entrance to the harbour at noon, so many ships were attempting to enter that it took us until almost dark to navigate into the safety of the Golden Horn. It was dark by the time we had tied up. The crew were sent ashore to return the following day and receive their pay. It was now the turn of Eric to earn his money. Gunnar and I accompanied him to meet with Isaac the Jew Fat Folke’s representative and agent in the city. I had thought it might be late but the Jarl laughed. “Where business is concerned it is never too late for the Jew. He will see us.”

  We reached the Jewish quarter which was considerably better apportioned than the one in Jorvik. It seemed to me that Jews were held in higher esteem here in the east. He recognised the Jarl but when I was introduced he bowed. “And I have heard of you Thegn Aelfraed of Topcliffe, protector of Jews. You are most welcome.”

  As we entered the Jarl said quietly to me, “You are a man with many layers. I have never heard Isaac speak so highly of another. When we return to the ship you must tell me the tale.”

  My connection with Reuben made the meeting pleasant and speedy. Like Reuben he insisted upon serving us with fine wine and wonderfully tasty eastern delicacies. When we eventually made to leave he said, “I hope that you will use me for your business while you are here Thegn Aelfraed, your promissory note is good in my house.”

  “Thank you Isaac, that is kind but, at the moment I need no coin.”

  “As you wish, I will bring coin tomorrow when I inspect the cargo.”

  As we walked back I told them both of my dealings with Reuben in Jorvik.

  “It is as they said, Aelfraed, there is a thread which connects us all. If we break the thread then it is our disaster but you bind the threads with more threads. I am tempted to stay here with you just to see how your life progresses.”

  The next day, true to his word and with armed men guarding him, Isaac returned. He was a little amused at the arrows in the bales. “I am not certain that Folke would have approved.”

  The Jarl shrugged. “They saved our lives.”

  “They will not affect the value.” He already had Eric’s figures which he checked. He turned to Eric. “Your writing is excellent and I can find no fault with your figures. Will you be on the ship in the future?”

  “No I intend to make this city my home.”

  “Just so? Well I hope that I can be of use to you for it is good to deal with an honest man.”

  “Meaning that the others were not honest.”

  “Meaning this is the first time that the figures have tallied with the goods. Many times goods have fallen overboard.”

  The Jarl became indignant. “Not from my ship!”

  “Apologies captain, no slur intended. Let us just say that some of the captains of Folke’s ships thought that they were bringing all of the goods sent by the merchant but the guards had changed the figures. Folke will be pleased.” He counted out the money and put it in a box he had brought. “My men will move the bales to my warehouse and I will send the letter to Folke with you captain apprising him of the value of his trade.”

  “I will be here for a week loading my next cargo.”

  “Farewell Aelfraed and Ridley. Please come to see me in my home when we can talk a little easier.”

  We went aboard where I gave the Jarl his share for he had to pay his men. He was more than pleased as he normally received less. “I can see the wisdom of hiring honest guards.”

  “Then use Stig. We both know that he is honest.”

  “He has become so but I will do as you suggest for I think he has been changed.”

  I summoned the men and divided the money between the six of them. They tried to give money back to me but both Ridley and I refused. “No. We do not need it and we are not greedy men. You have earned it and, I fear, you will need it. Take it as payment with my thanks for it has been an honour to serve with you. I now release you from your oath.”

  They all looked at me and Stig spoke. “I speak for all of us my lord, including Ragnar who wishes he could speak. If you ever need us then we will come. That is our oath.”

  “Thank you that means a great deal and, Stig, I have suggested to Isaac and to the Jarl that he uses you and your men as guards. If you will take my advice you will choose guards carefully.”

  “I will my lord.”

  The three of them left for they knew the city well and had a tavern in mind. Snorri, Ragnar and Eric remained. “What of you? Where will you go?”

  “I also have lived here and I will take these two and find us somewhere to rent. It will be cheaper than a tavern and our money will last longer.”

  I was pleased that they would be together for all had been damaged or wounded in some way and it seemed fitting that they should be together. “Leave word with Isaac where you are and we will meet with you when the time allows.”

  We embraced before parting for we had shared life, death and near death. I thought that Ragnar would never leave go of me and, as he left, I saw tears not only in his eyes but Eric’s.

  Ridley and I made our way through the busy streets carrying our war gear. We had emerged from the journey without further wounds and we had learned a great deal about ourselves. Ridley was far more confident and had thrown off the shackles which had weighed him down when he was a lord. He enjoyed the company of soldiers and their banter. Even though we were alone once more he had calmness about him which I had not seen since the time before Coxold. For myself I had learned my limits and I had learned to think more. Inside I was smiling as I thought that Aethelward would have approved. My poor decisions had been due to poor information from others and that was a valuable lesson. I would take advice from more than one person in the future.

  We were not considered outlandish here in the home of the Varangian Guards. Many men dressed such as we lived in the metropolis. I wondered how we would join. Ridley left that decision to me; it was his way. “We will head for the gates of the palace. I am sure the guards there will know where we should go.” I noticed that the road gradually inclined upwards to the huge palace which dominated the skyline.

  I had, of course, let my translator, Eric go, but, having mastered the languages along the river so that I could now converse well with the river men I was confident that I would soon master the language of the Byzantine, Greek. The huge gates were guarded by four warriors. I slowed up as we approached them for I wished to look at their armour. They had a helmet such as I wore but without a nasal. The shield they bore was a rounded version of the kite shield and in their hands they held a spear. It was their armour which intrigued me the most for the mail shirt only came to their knees but their shoulders and upper body were protected by metal plates such as Ridley and I wore. Like us they had metal greaves on their legs. They were obviously not Varangians but they looked like soldiers who could fight.

  As we approached I saw them tense and their spears crossed to bar our way. We halted and I spoke in English, which they did not understand. I tried them in the language of the river. “We wish to seek employm
ent as warriors.”

  One of them understood and said, “Wait here.” He went through the open gate and we were left to be examined by the remaining three guards. I could see that they were interested in Death Bringer for the finely made blade always attracted attention. They were well trained men and I could see that although they looked keenly at the weapon they were constantly watching the street behind us. Eventually the guard returned with a small neatly dressed clerk. “I am John and I understand from the guard that you wish to enlist.”

  I was astounded with his English which was perfect. “I am Aelfraed Godwinson and this is Ridley of Coxold.”

  “I see from your weapons that you were Housecarls.”

  “We were.”

  He paused as though he expected us to add more information and when we did not he shrugged. “What made you travel here?”

  “We heard that the Emperor valued the axes of our comrades and we would like to serve him.”

  He gave a wry smile, “And yet I would hazard that you do not know his name?”

  I blushed and shook my head, “No, I heard that the last Emperor died at Manzikert but I do not know who has succeeded him.”

  “Ah I do so love Anglo-Saxons for they are naïve in politics. You have much to learn but Aelfraed Godwinson your name and your reputation will gain you entry into the palace but as for employment, that will depend upon the commander of the guard. Come with me.”

  The guards parted and we followed the tiny man into the palace. He might have been small but he walked as though he was a giant. He strode with the confidence of power and seemed to bounce, almost skipping along the road. It was my first lesson in the ways of Byzantium. I remembered my uncle’s words and determined to speak little but hear all. The people we met were either officials or soldiers there was no sign of either women or servants. I suspected there would be both but the fact that they were not outside was of interest to me.

  The warrior hall of the Varangians was only recognisable as such when you entered. On the outside it was the same pale colour of stone as all the other buildings. Inside Ridley and I recognised it immediately; it was like the inside of every warrior hall we had seen from Jorvik to Hedeby. The guards who were there were dressed much as we and, as we entered, there was a dip in the conversation. John was unperturbed by the attention and led us to a small antechamber at the back of the hall. He gestured for us to enter. “I will await you outside for a while in case…” Enigmatically smiling he left us.

  A huge warrior suddenly filled the doorway. “You two wish to join the Varangians?”

  He was a Norwegian but thanks to Harald I could understand and speak the language. “Yes, we are from England.”

  “I know who you are, Aelfraed Godwinson, you are the bastard of Harold and you killed my king Hadrada at Stamford Bridge for I, Olef the Bold also fought there.”

  The Norns again and our past had now come to haunt us. I felt Ridley stiffen and I put my hand on his arm. “I fought against Hadrada at Stamford and I defended my land. What has that to with joining the Varangians?”

  “It has everything to do with that for I am commander and I determine who serves the Emperor and I would sooner shovel shit in hell for eternity than allow a glory hunter such as you to enlist in the guard. Now fuck off and the next time I see you have weapons ready for that will be your last on this earth for there are many men here who remember you from Stamford and Fulford and would have their revenge.”

  I smiled, “Many men have made that promise and yet I am still standing. You say I killed your king but had you been closer to this man you hold so dear you would have known that one of my archers killed him but I slew many brave Norwegians that day. Where were you?”

  His face filled with a rage and I wondered had I pushed him too far. “Go, you have used up all the time I will allow you!”

  We walked into the warrior hall to total silence for they had all been listening. Ridley said, as we walked to the door where I hoped John would be waiting. “Well I see we have managed to piss off the Varangians too.”

  “Wyrd old friend, wyrd.”

  The smiling official, John, awaited us. “I see your reputation is not exaggerated Thegn Aelfraed.”

  “You knew what his reaction would be.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “Olef has only been leader of the Varangians for less than a year. He is trying to fill its ranks with fellow Norse. The other Saxons who came were also shown the door but none of them had the temerity to stand up to him. Now would you still like to serve the Empire?”

  “Of course it is why we came here but I thought that my services would only be needed by the Varangians.”

  “Come with me.” He led us off at a brisk pace, chattering all the while. “The Varangians serve Michael who was the joint Emperor with the poor Romanos who was captured. There are other strategoi who enjoy employing Saxons. I will take you to meet one such and, who knows, perhaps he may employ you.”

  I halted and the man turned to face me. “You are being very helpful to two men whom you do not know; why?”

  He laughed and clapped his hands together, his voice suddenly high pitched, “Excellent, you are suspicious and do not take things at face value. You are learning the politics of the East. To answer you as honestly as I can I will say that I serve the Empire in all things and I see in you and your companion two men who may be useful to its continuation. I have heard of your exploits fighting the Normans and I know that you do not give in easily. I suspect you came down on the ship which docked yesterday for the port is filled with the story of how the Pechengs suffered defeat at the hands of a handful of Norse led by a Saxon.” He looked at me his blue eyes twinkling, “You I believe.” I cocked my head to one side and nodded. “Just so, just so. It confirms my opinion. Do not worry Aelfraed I care not for you but I care for my Empire and it needs men like you; men who can die for the Emperor.”

  We walked on. “Reassuringly blunt.”

  He did not turn around but I saw his shoulders shrug. “That is as close to honest as you will get from me and believe me that is far more honest than you will see anywhere else in this city.”

  We went through a warren of passageways and he suddenly halted at a large door. He opened it and we were in an antechamber with a table and two chairs. “Put your war gear over there and sit, this may take some time. I will send in refreshments for you.”

  As we sat down Ridley looked troubled. “I am not sure we have done the right thing Aelfraed. This is not what I was expecting.”

  “Me neither. I hoped to strike back at the Normans but it seems the Norns have other plans for us.” I was not overly worried by the turn of events but, like Ridley, this was not what I had expected. I had thought we would have been welcomed with open arms; we would have joined the Varangians and had a glorious career. That was not meant to be. A servant girl, the first female we had seen, glided in with a tray and put a jug and two metal chalices on the table. She left a bowl of fruit and, nodding to us left. I wondered if the drink and the food was poisoned but then dismissed the idea, John could have just taken us out of the palace if he wished to be rid of us. Olef and the Varangians would have seen to the rest. I poured us some of the rich red wine and sipped it. It had a slightly bitter, although not unpleasant taste. The fruits I did not recognise but I had heard them described and I thought they were figs and olives. I tried them both and found them to be quite pleasant.

  Ridley watched me and my reaction and then tried his. He pulled a face when he tasted the wine. “I would rather have ale.” I laughed, you could take the Saxon out of England but you could not take the English out of the Saxon. He seemed to like the figs but not the olives. We spent some years in the east and Ridley never quite came to terms with the food, he always yearned for the food and drink of Northumbria.

  I do not know how long we waited but the room itself was pleasant and cool. We still wore our mail beneath our tunics as it had become a habit and we were sweltering in the heat of
the city. Fortunately there was a slight breeze from the Sea of Marmara which made the room bearable, even in armour. It was not even summer yet and I envisaged a time when we would actually melt like spring ice. “Events have not turned out as we had hoped eh Aelfraed?”

  “We plan, Ridley, but our lives are shaped by others. We are here for a purpose. I had thought that it was to be a Varangian Guard and to fight the Normans but it seems we are destined for other things.”

  “Very philosophical of you Saxon and more perceptive than most of your colleagues.” I jumped at the quiet voice which appeared from behind me. Alexios Comnenus and John had not used the door which we were watching but had emerged from behind a tapestry. We both stood. The strategos was not a big man but he looked as though he had been used to a warrior’s life at some time. He looked to be about the same age as me and I later found out that we had been born within a year of each other. “I am Alexios Comnenus and John here tells me that you wish to serve the Empire.” This was the first time I met the man who would save the Byzantine Empire. He seemed to me to be too gentle to be a soldier, but I was to be proved wrong.

  “We do. You are the only people fighting the Normans and I would fight the enemy of my people.”

  He flicked a quick glance at John and nodded. “Leave your war gear here. John will make arrangements and we can go to my chambers which are more private and will allow us a more intimate conversation.” We were led through the labyrinthine corridors which were behind the tapestry. His rooms were modestly furnished but had the most magnificent view of the Golden Horn. He lounged on a couch as did John but Ridley and I sat on the hard chairs; it was easier wearing mail. The strategos smiled at us. “You will soon learn to dress for the climate.”

  “We are warriors and have been so for many years. We are accustomed to wearing mail.”

  “John has told me who you are and, indeed, we have heard of you. Do not take offence at my next words but I do not see every Saxon who wishes to fight for the Empire but you are different. All the reports I have had of you have told me that you, like me are a strategos.” I now understood the delay; it had not been a mark of disrespect but rather a briefing from John who lay smiling beatifically at us. “I command an army and I am leaving later this day for an expedition and I would have you join me.”