Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  I looked over at Ridley who nodded in that confused way he had when he did not understand events. “Just like that, my lord? You would take us on my reputation?”

  “As I said I had heard of you before but your success on the river confirmed you as someone whom I could use. Let me speak plainly.” I saw the smirk briefly appear on John’s face and thought back to his words earlier. Should I trust this man or not? “When we lost the battle of Manzikert, I say ‘we’ although I was not present, one reason was the lack of support from some of our mercenaries, the Normans and the Franks.” I sat up my eyes wide with interest. “Ah I see I have your attention now. Their leader Roussel de Bailleul was forgiven and led an army to retake Galatia. In that he was successful but we should have known better for he has set himself up as a prince leading his Norman cavalry to control the land.” My face betrayed my thoughts and Alexios laughed. “John is right you are intelligent and see my purpose for I know that you have fought successfully against the Norman horse as well as the Pechengs. So will you serve with me and help me to capture and defeat this rebel?”

  “As soon as I knew it was a Norman knight I decided to join you. But I am still a little confused. What is my role?”

  “It is good to ask questions and to clarify now for later will be too late. You will command the small group of warriors who I have taken on. They are the ones Olef did not want for the guard.” He gave a wry smile, “I think he only wishes for Norse warriors and seems to hate you and your kind of warrior. You will also advise me on the tactics I would use. You would command a Droungos of five hundred warriors. You would be the Droungarios in command and receive the appropriate pay.”

  “And Ridley?”

  “Ah the one who says nothing? It is true what they say of you Aelfraed, you do think of others. I will ask bluntly and, as he is present, rudely, what is he like as a soldier and an officer?”

  “He has commanded large numbers in England he is resolute and sound. Give Ridley a command and it is done. Ask him to hold a position and none will take it while he lives.”

  Nodding he said, “I knew this already but it is good to have it confirmed. He can have a commission as a Komes and take command of two hundred of your men.”

  “Then I accept.”

  “Good. I believe that you were sent here for you are the last piece of the puzzle. You may have the answer to defeating these horsemen. John will take you to your men. You will have to become acquainted on the road for we leave this night.”

  “And our war gear?”

  He waved the question away airily, “Oh John had it sent to the barracks. It is waiting for you there.”

  As we were led through the main corridors following the sprightly John I said, “He was confident I would accept.”

  Without turning he said, “Of course we were confident. Your hatred of the Normans means you would have accepted the post of an ordinary soldier. We all knew that.”

  I saw Ridley grinning at me and nodding. Was I so transparent? I had not expected things to move so quickly and I would need to get a message to Eric and the others. I just hoped that we would have time.

  The barracks were the smartest looking warrior halls I had ever seen from the outside. The fine white stone was unblemished. Once inside however it was the same as any warrior hall save that it had more light and less smoke! Warriors are, by nature, messy creatures with everything but their arms and armour.

  John entered and, taking a sword which was lying on a table began to bang with the pommel on the wood. The men inside stood silently watching with curiosity this little man who smiled benignly at them all. His piping voice reached those within thirty paces but I could see from the blank looks that those beyond heard not a word. “Men of the Saxon Droungarios I would like to introduce your two officers, Aelfraed Godwinson Ridley of Coxold.” He turned to me. “They are now yours commander. I will be along shortly to see if there is anything you require.” With that he almost skipped out. I wondered at his age, he could have been anything from fifty to seventy but he had a young heart that much was obvious.

  I knew they had not all heard John and so I stood on the table and spoke loudly. “I am your new commander, Aelfraed Godwinson. Some of you may have heard of the two of us. I served in Harold Godwinson’s Housecarls with Ridley here and then I led my own men at Fulford and Stamford Bridge. I do not know you yet and we have little time to become acquainted for we leave this evening for war. “There was a healthy murmur of approval and I held up my hand for silence. “Get your war gear together. If there are any shortages I need to know now! When your gear is ready I will try to talk to as many of you as I can but know this first and foremost. We fight for the Emperor and the Strategos Alexios Comnenus but I will expect the same standards and discipline as though we were fighting for King Harold in a shield wall!” I was reassured by the banging of swords on shields. They were with me so far. I turned to Ridley, “Are you ready?”

  He gave me a weak, lopsided smile, “As ready as I can be. I just don’t know what is expected of me.”

  “That is simple, be a leader.”

  Ten men made their way towards me clamouring all at once for equipment. I realised that I had no way of noting it and I held my hands up. “Wait here and I will be back.” I needed to find John. I had just left the building when he came scurrying along with two clerks. “Ah we heard the noise and my fellows here were worried that you were being murdered. I told them that it was the way of the Saxons to be noisy. I take it you need to make a note of what they require?” He was the most efficient man I had ever met.

  “Thank you John that will help.”

  Once inside the numbers requiring our attention had grown but John was in his element. He put the two clerks on each side of the table and turned to me. “Separate them for me and put them in two lines.”

  “Ridley!”

  The two of us pushed, shoved and cajoled the men into their lines and in a remarkably short space of time there was just a gentle hum of conversation. John inclined his head and happily peered over the heads of the clerks. Ridley and I walked down the lines. Occasionally warriors would speak to us.

  “I served alongside you at Stamford my lord; we whipped those bastards that day!”

  “I fought behind you in Wales my lord when you killed their champion. That was a glorious day.”

  Others had not fought with me but they reached out to touch my arm, “I have heard of your fame my lord and it has always been my wish to fight alongside such a hero.”

  I was grateful for the praise but even more grateful for the English voices. It would make command much easier. The afternoon flew by as quickly as the lists grew. John came over at one point. “Normally the Imperial Treasury would fit all of your men out in our armour and uniforms but we have not the time. The missing equipment will be regulation but when you return it will all be regulation. “

  “Does that include weapons?”

  He smiled. “You Saxons and your weapons. Are they all magic blades eh? To answer you honestly, they can use their own weapons but each man must have a sword and a spear as well as his shield. But you and your Komes are to be kitted out with the new armour. The strategos does not want you to look like barbarians. Come we will get you equipped in a manner which befits your status and title.”

  I bridled a little at the insult, barbarians! But I suppose to the Byzantines, we were barbarians, uncouth and ill disciplined. “Come on Ridley, the clerks can handle this now. Time for a change in armour.”

  As we followed John, Ridley whispered, “But I like my armour. I have had it since I became a warrior.”

  “Then it is time for you to change it then is it not?”

  He was not convinced but when we reached the armoury he changed his mind. There was a thin mail shirt which was lined with cotton and leather over the shoulders. It felt much lighter than the one we wore. Above it was a corselet made of armour plates sewn on to leather. It was one stage further advanced from our own crude plates
. The helmet covered the neck and the mail coif covered all but the eyes. The gauntlets were more metal than leather. When we donned it we were amazed at how light it was and finally we were each given a tunic of white which we wore over it all. I looked dubiously at the tunic and John wagged his finger. “Before you complain my lord this will keep you cool when you go to war.”

  At the time I was sceptical but, as with all things, John was right. By the time we returned the men had all been equipped and they were lined up outside the barracks. When they saw us so finely dressed and armoured they took to banging their shields again. John shook his head, “I can see I will have to apologise to the ladies of the court. They are not used to such unseemly shouting.” Before I could reply he wagged his finger again. “Come my lord, it is time for you to embark. One of my clerks will take you to the boat.”

  “Are you not accompanying us John?”

  He looked appalled. “Me, leave the palace? Go amongst the barbarians and the heat? Dear me no. I will see you when you return and we will have armour such as yours for all your men, “then he added darkly, “those who survive of course!” With that he cheerfully scampered off.

  “Right Saxons. Two lines. Pick up your gear and try to keep together. I would hate to lose you before I know your name.” We strode to the end of the line where the clerk waited with the rest of our gear. It was then I saw the two burly servants who stood with our bags and equipment over their shoulders. Officers were obviously treated differently here. We marched out of the gates and into the thronging city. The sudden noise after the quiet of the palace seemed to assault my ears. This time however we did not have to force our way through the throng for five hundred heavily armed and armoured barbarians have a way of parting crowds before they reach them. Soon we were like a parade as we tramped through the streets. We were not cheered but rather observed as something of an oddity, a freak show.

  It was not long before I could smell the sea and knew that we were close to the port. As we turned along the quayside I saw The Maiden being loaded and I shouted, “Saxons halt!” The clerk leading us looked less than pleased but one look at my face made him stand there mutely. “Captain Gunnersson.”

  The Jarl’s face appeared. “By Heavens is that Aelfraed looking so resplendent?”

  “It is and I am leaving I am going…” I suddenly realised I did not yet know where I was going, “It matters not where I am going. Could you get a message to Isaac that Ridley and I will be away for some time and we will see him and the others when we return?”

  “I will. I see that you have fallen on your feet but not yet a Varangian?”

  “This is better, these are Saxons.”

  My men heard the word Saxon and roared out, “Saxons!”

  Stig and the others appeared at the rail and waved at the noise and I could see a wistful look in their eye which meant they wished they were with us. I heard a discreet cough from the clerk and I sighed. “We will have to go. Good luck on your journey.”

  They waved back and I heard Stig shout in broken English, “Look after Aelfraed, he is a prince!”

  In answer my men banged their shields again and I heard the clerk sigh his displeasure. He would be glad to be rid of us that was for sure. He had his wish granted soon enough when we reached the two ships which would transport us. “These are your ships Droungarios.” With that he left.

  I looked at Ridley. “It would make sense for half the men to be on one ship and half on the other.”

  “That seems reasonable but I would prefer to be with you.”

  “It will help you get to know the men. You divide them into two and I will go aboard and see the captain.”

  I chose the largest boat and made for the gangplank. I dreaded having to speak for I knew not their language but the sentry recognised my uniform and stood aside for me to climb aboard. The captain was waiting for me and he saluted. I had never saluted before and did not know the protocol so I just saluted back. I was grateful that he spoke passable Norse which I could understand and speak. “This is the ship for you and half your men Droungarios. Your Komes will be aboard the other.”

  “Thank you captain I will tell them.”

  I returned to the Quayside. “Take half the men on the other ship I am to be on this one.” I turned to order the men aboard, “Get aboard as quickly as you can.”

  As they tramped up the gangplank Ridley’s panicked face loomed close to me. “What if they want to speak with me I can’t speak Greek!”

  “Don’t worry; they understand Norse besides you can just talk to the men eh? As long as they feed you…”

  We clasped arms and I boarded after the last of my men. At the top I waved to Ridley as the servant returned to nod to me. As his arms were empty I assumed that he had put them somewhere. I just hoped that I would find them. The captain came over to me. “The Strategos will be along shortly and he has asked the officers to meet him in his quarters. One of my men will show you.”

  “Could I just see my men first?”

  He smiled, “Of course.”

  After I was certain that they were comfortable I was taken to the sumptuously apportioned quarters where there were many platters of food and jugs of wine. As I was the first to arrive I chose a seat which allowed me to see all who entered and I waited, anxiously for my first meeting with my fellow commanders. I was going to war again.

  Chapter 7

  I was soon joined by the other officers who would be participating in the campaign. I had thought my armour and uniform to be magnificent but when they stepped into the cabin I could see that mine was as a dull brown grouse next to a splendid pheasant. I nodded to them as they entered but I dared not risk speech for fear of making a fool of myself.

  The strategos followed soon after the last man had strode into the cabin. He had with him another of the ubiquitous clerks and officials I had met previously. He nodded to me and the clerk approached me with head bowed. “Aelfraed, I have brought this servant to translate for you and to help you to learn our language. I hope you are a quick learner.” I gave a weak smile.

  The strategos spoke and they all began to eat. The clerk began, “The strategos says to enjoy the food.”

  I gave a wry smile and said, “I got that. What is your name?”

  “Aidan, my lord.”

  “And where did you learn to speak English?”

  “I am English, my lord. From Holy Island.”

  I was intrigued, “How did you end up here at the Imperial court?”

  “I was a priest and the Vikings captured me and sold me as a slave. I escaped and came down the rivers working as a rower on the boats. “

  “That must have been hard after a life as priest?”

  “I was young and besides the life of a priest was not easy. Once I reached Constantinople my ability to read and write was recognised and I now work for the Emperor.”

  “Well I hope you can teach me quickly Aidan and then you can return to the safer world of the court.”

  He smiled, “I think I shall enjoy the travel and, I assume you will not require me to fight?”

  “No I think my warriors will do that.”

  “Good then the journey should be illuminating.”

  “Do you know where we are going?”

  “I believe it is Galatia which is close to the land of the Seljuk Turk.”

  Alexios clapped his hands and all talk ceased. Adrian sat close to me and spoke quietly in my ear. It was then I noticed that he smelled of perfume. I had never known a man who smelled so but then I remembered that John also had a pleasant odour. The thought went through my mind that they must find my smell offensive. I resolved to ask Aidan about that when the meeting was over.

  “I am pleased that we are all together and that we can go some way to avenging the tragedy of Manzikert. Many of you know my feelings about this Norman traitor, Roussel, Had he supported our Emperor at Manzikert then we would not have lost and now for him to set himself up as a prince in his own right goes beyond
the pale.” They all nodded to signify their approval. They were civilised; my brethren would have banged the table and roared their approval. “You will see a new commander amongst us. This is Aelfraed Godwinson who fought at Stamford Bridge. He will command the five hundred men of the Saxon Droungos. But our new leader also has experience of fighting the Norman horse whom he defeated a number of times. He will now tell us how he managed that feat.”

  He held his arm out for me to begin speaking. I was unprepared and I looked pleadingly at Aidan. “Do your best my lord and speak honestly.” He said quietly giving me a sardonic smile, “They will not expect that.”

  “I know that the Byzantine army is a powerful and efficient force. You have mighty horsemen yourselves, the Cataphracts, but the Norman can ride more quickly than your heavy horses and ride for longer. We found that we had to defend our front with obstacles and force them into our axes. Their horses are not as yours, they do not wear armour and our axes found the horses easy to kill.” One or two of the officers turned their nose up at this while others smiled. I think I had worked out who the cavalrymen were. “We also found that we could use our mailed gloves to grip their lances as they struck and pull them from their horses. Once on the ground they were easy to kill. But our best weapon was this.” Branton had left me one knight killer as a souvenir and I brought it out. ”We called this a knight killer for it can penetrate mail better than an arrow with a barb.” I passed it around and they all looked at it with interest. “We had no horse to face the Normans but you do. I would imagine that your Cataphracts would make short work of the Norman but I suspect you have fewer of those horses than the Normans have with their knights.”

  Alexios held the arrow head in his hand. “Sadly that is true. It is as you say the Norman horse is swifter and can evade us, but if our soldiers had these arrows it might make a difference. Thank you Aelfraed you have given me food for thought.”