Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  I could see that Ridley was troubled. “But Aelfraed, are the people there not as we were in England, fighting an invader?”

  “No Ridley. The land belonged to Rome since the time of the Caesars. It is the newcomers who are as the Normans; trying to seize a little power.” That reassured him and he looked happier as we trudged along the straight, cobbled roads built by the legions of Rome.

  Once we neared the troubled area we took to a more defensive formation. We still had almost the same army which had destroyed the mercenary rebels; here the cataphracts would be of little use anyway. Not a huge army but a well led one. We could see the burnt out farms and villages which reminded me of England and the Normans. The people we met were wary of us for they had grown up in a land not ruled by the Emperor and the new lawless phase made them look to themselves. Andronikos and his men had been scouting far ahead and they reported a rebel stronghold. It was in the mountains and they had an old Roman tower which had been added to make a sturdy fort. Alexios decided to use this as our first opportunity to show the rebels that they had to submit to Byzantine rule once more. The warriors who opposed us, the Thracians, used a variety of weapons and tactics. They were superb horsemen and the horse archers we had brought began to suffer increasingly damaging casualties. Alexios decided to keep them close to the main army which annoyed Andronikos but he accepted it was necessary. We also found that they were almost suicidal and fanatical for their unarmoured warriors would attack us at night wielding their wicked curved swords they called the rhomphaia. Sometimes it was used attached to a pole and caused great casualties amongst the cavalry. I was told, when we returned to Byzantium, that the Varangians all used the rhomphaia. I never cared for it as you could not use it effectively to stab but it was highly efficient as a slashing weapon.

  I first met one when we camped close to the first fortress and they made a night attack. At the first scream from the dead guard I was awake and grabbed Death Bringer. I leapt from my tent and saw a Thracian almost cut one of the sentries in two with his blade. He saw me, emerging from my tent and must have thought I was one of the effete Greek officers from one of the other regiments. He raced fearlessly at me with the long sword above his head. I held Death Bringer behind me while watching the sword. As soon as I saw it descend and that he was committed to the stroke I stepped aside and brought Death Bringer in a huge swinging arc to cut his body in two. The other raiders were all despatched but three of my men lay dead, a grievous loss.

  We had waited at the foot of the hill near the fort for a week and this had been the third attack; my men’s morale was beginning to sink and, as the bodies were taken away, I stormed to the command tent. I should have halted and asked permission to enter but the sentry, who knew me, quickly stood aside to avoid being bowled over. Alexios was standing over the map with Andronikos. “Staring at the fucking map will not get the hill fort taken! When are we going to stop sitting on our arses and take this place?” I could converse in Greek but when I was angry I reverted to English and Andronikos only understood a couple of my words, he did however understand the meaning and he took a step back.

  Alexios gave a small smile. He was always a calm and calculating man. “Ah it is the impulsive Englishman who cannot get out of the habit of speaking his mind. I fear we will never make a Byzantine out of you.”

  I had calmed a little and I answered in Greek. “Perhaps Byzantine commanders do not mind their men being killed for no good purpose but I value each one of my men for they are hard to replace.”

  “Then you come at the right time for we were planning just such an attack although the manner of your arrival leaves much to be desired.”

  I gave a weak smile and felt myself redden, “Apologies strategos. I speak too passionately.”

  “It is part of you. I wish it was not but without it you may not be the warrior you are. Now to the problem in hand, Andronikos you were saying?”

  He grinned at me, “It is my fault we have delayed Inglinos; we have been scouting around the hill fort. It is well made, for the base was constructed by Pompey’s legions and it is soundly made. There are cliffs and steep slopes at all but the four gates and they are well protected by towers. Even if we had rams we could not use them for the roads are cunningly made and twist and turn but we will have to try and build them for there is no other way.”

  I went to the map and the sketch the cavalryman had made. “Is the gate wood or metal?”

  “It is wood but studded with iron bolts. It is thick.”

  Alexios looked at me with curiosity written all over his face and I had the confident look of someone who has the solution. “Is the door as thick as a large oak tree,” he looked confused, “or a cedar from the east?”

  “No, of course not, it is less than half the thickness of a tree.”

  “Good then I can get you in.”

  I went to the table and poured myself a goblet of wine which I drank off in one. Alexios looked at me curiously, trying to divine the plan he had not seen but I had. “Would you mind explaining how?”

  “We divide my men into four groups and each one makes what the Romans called a testudo. Then, when we are at the gates we use our axes to cut them open.”

  “But the metal bolts?”

  “The more bolts there are then the weaker the gate but I would guess that the bolts are at least a hand span apart.” Andronikos nodded.” Then the axes strike in the gaps between them. We are accurate when we use our blades you know. It may look like blind swinging to you but we aim and we always strike where we aim. Of course we would need your horsemen to keep them from shooting too many arrows or throwing too many stones.”

  Andronikos slapped the map table. “That might just work.”

  “And you, of course would lead one of the attacks.”

  “Of course strategos.”

  He sighed, “When will you learn it is a commander’s duty to command.”

  “I thought it was a leader’s duty to lead.”

  He laughed. “You are incorrigible. When do we attack?”

  “Towards late afternoon?”

  “That soon?”

  “They would expect an attack in the morning or at night time. Soldiers, especially, with due respect, Imperial soldiers are predictable. Let us be unpredictable. It means that we will have the cover of darkness for part of the attack and yet still have enough time to thin their ranks on the walls.”

  He nodded his agreement. “I am decided. Andronikos, your men will divide into four also and guard the four gates. Aelfraed you choose when to attack and I will follow with the Thema. Try not to lose too many men.”

  I looked at him in surprise. “It is my aim to lose not a single man strategos!”

  Ridley and the other officers were delighted to be in action again. I would lead the attack on the main gate and Ridley the one opposite. The two other gates would be attacked by Egbert and Edward. They each had one hundred men whilst Ridley and I, attacking the more heavily defended gates took a hundred and thirty.

  “Rotate your men hacking at the door and always go for the same point. There will be a bar on the other side and when that is broken a wedge can push it through. Our first task is to secure the gates for the Thema to follow and the second to capture the keep.” I almost laughed when they all just nodded and looked at me. They all knew precisely what to do and they would do it.

  Chapter 10

  These days getting ready for war was easy for we had servants to help us dress and to keep our armour and weapons clean. I still sharpened my blades myself but Basil did a good job with the armour. The new armour was so much lighter than the old one I had had for years that I felt I could fight faster and respond quicker to danger. I stepped from my tent and shouted for assembly. My eager warriors were all there and quickly formed up into the four columns. Ridley and Egbert led off first for they would have the furthest to move, then Edward and finally me. I had decided that it did not matter if we all attacked at once or at different times. There we
re advantages in both but I did not want time and possibly men’s lives wasted because someone was waiting for an order.

  The road wound steeply and I could see how hard it would have been for a ram to have ascended the steep slope. Andronikos and his men were waiting in the tree line out of bow range as we trudged up. I halted. “Column of fours.” The men formed up behind me and I pointed with my axe. “Droungarios, if you wait until my men have passed you then you should be able to ride closer and hit them.”

  He looked at me in amazement. “But they will loose at you.”

  I grinned, “Aye and their arrows and bolts will strike wood and iron. We are a little better protected than you! Forwards!”

  The advantage we had was that we were going up a cobbled road so we could keep our shields up and watch the ground. That way we were totally armoured and would not deviate off course. We heard the whoosh of the missiles and then the thud, clank and ping as they hit shields and helmets. The men on the right had their shields on their right and those behind, in the middle held theirs above their heads. Had we had oblong shields, we would have been totally encased but the round ones were effective as they were doubled in places. I knew when the cavalry had ridden up for the barrage lessened. When the road curved to the left I realised that we were close and I raised my head to peer over the rim of my shield. The gate was ten paces away. “Nearly there lads!”

  I heard a cheer ripple down the column and then we were at the door. I shifted my shield above my head and the three men designated to begin the demolition of the door came forwards, their shields held high above them by the warriors at the front. We had chosen them because they were the shorter men and it was easier to protect them. They also had axes with the best heads for cutting wood and soon chips and splinters flew off. I felt a thud as a stone was dropped from the ramparts above. “They are using stones, brace yourselves at the front.” The ones at the rear would be safer for the Thracians would want to stop the relentless chopping which was already showing results. “Next three axes, forwards!”

  The next three attacked the gate with renewed vigour and I almost cheered myself when I saw daylight through the first crack in the gate. It spurred the men on and soon they were hacking into the thick bar which held the gate closed. I heard a cheer from over to my right and hoped that Edward had secured his gate. “Almost there, be ready to push on my command.”

  “Through my lord!”

  “Shields! Push!”

  With one mighty heave the gates sprang open and rhomphaia armed warriors hurled themselves at us.”Shield wall!”

  My well trained men made a three deep wall and the wicked blades of the defenders sliced harmlessly off the shields. Opening the shields a little we stabbed forwards with our swords; used to fighting by slashing and hacking the Thracians fell to a man. I turned to the men next to me. “Secure the gate.” I could see warriors backing away from the eastern gate and knew that Edward was there. I raced north to the gate which Ridley would be assaulting. I knew it was foolish for I was alone but the blood lust was on me and I felt invincible. I sheathed my sword and took out Death Bringer. With my shield on my back I ran through the hill fort. The Thracians were brave but their shields were thin and without metal and the rhomphaia, no matter how sharp, would not penetrate my tunic, corselet mail and leather, even if they had the courage to face my blade. Their only chance would have been to go for my throat. They were all short men and I do not think they had the reach. I must have terrified them for I was a good head taller than they were. The brave ones died those with wives and girlfriends fled. As I neared the north gate it burst open and my men roared in led by Ridley. I nodded my approval as he secured the gate and then, with eight men joined me in a group protected by shields.

  “Well done. Let’s get to the keep.” It looked as though the keep had originally been a tower which had been recently strengthened. It was where the defenders would retreat when the ramparts fell. The sooner we could get there then the fewer men could hide within its walls. “Wedge!”

  The ten of us formed a small wedge and carved a path through the retreating Thracians who tried to stop us. When we reached the door, which was up a short flight of stairs, we heard it slam shut.

  They were Ridley’s men with him and he ordered three of them to attack the door. We held shields aloft as arrows rained down. They quickly discovered that crossbow bolts could not be released vertically and they began hurling the few rocks they had. I peered out from under the shields and saw the first of the Thema enter the fort. As we crashed through the door I saw, to my surprise, a Norman knight standing behind five other Norman men at arms. We did not wait for them to attack but rushed at them. These were a familiar enemy. The knight slew one of Ridley’s men and then retreated to the stairs. The others headed for a door at the rear. “Ridley, keep after them!”

  I went alone up the stairs. I knew that they suited him, they were designed to protect retreating guards, and that Death Bringer would not be effective so I unslung my shield and drew my sword. The curve of the stairs prevented me from using my sword but allowed him to attack with impunity and I cursed the hobnails on my shoes as I clattered up; he knew where I was. It was his smell which gave him away. A mixture of sweat, horse and garlic filled my nostrils and I held up my shield just as the sword sliced around, wielded by an invisible hand. I hacked upwards with my sword and heard the grunt of pain as the blow reverberated up his arm. I raced up trying to catch sight of him. The only advantage I had was that he had to turn his back on me to move quickly and he chose to do so. I saw the back of is leg and I stabbed forwards. I sliced through the muscle on his left leg and he gave a scream and kicked back with the wounded leg, catch me a bloody blow to the mouth. It allowed him to gain a few steps on me. I cursed and followed. When the stairs lightened I knew that we were close to the top of the tower and he stood in the door way waiting for me. I gave him no opportunity to ready or steady himself and I put my shield forwards and threw myself at him. We crashed to the ground and I felt a blow to my back as a Thracian chopped down at me. The haft of Death Bringer halted the blow as it was still strapped to my back, and I leapt to my feet and stabbed my assailant in the throat. The Norman was on his feet albeit a little slower than me.

  He was warier now and wounded. The sword had cut deep and he was dragging his leg. I had learned how dangerous Norman swordsmen could be and his long kite shield protected half of his body. I used that to my advantage and hacked with all my not inconsiderable might at his shield. It was like being beaten with an iron bar and the left leg which supported that side was not whole. He could not get a blow in return and began to back up. I did not know how long I could keep up the intensity of blows but I was determined to try. He raised his shield to protect from another hammer blow and I switched the blow to slice across his right side. Again the sword smashed into his hand and his side and I saw him wince. He took another step back. I punched with my shield and then raised the sword for a final blow. He raised the shield for protection and leaned back. He was so close to the edge that he tumbled from the top of the tower, his strangled scream ending with a dull thud as he smashed into the ground.

  There were five defenders left but they were all busy trying to hurl rocks onto the men below. I stabbed one in the back and decapitated a second before they knew I was there. One fled down the stairs and the scream I heard told me that my men were coming to join me. The other two threw down their weapons and prostrated themselves before me.

  Egbert’s grinning face greeted me. “Didn’t need us my lord eh?” He glanced around the dead bodies and shook his head. “And Komes Ridley is the one who went berserk!”

  We checked that the dead were really dead and I peered over the crenulated top. Andronikos waved cheerfully up at me. He yelled up at me. “They have surrendered.” He pointed to the dead Norman. “It appears you killed their leader.” I waved back.

  “Take these prisoners down with the others.”

  Egbert did so cheerfull
y. Prisoners meant slaves and slaves meant money. When I reached the bottom there was a blood covered Ridley with five of the men who had followed him and, clinging to his arm was a girl. He gave me an apologetic shrug and went outside. I called over Cnut who had followed him and was a Dekarchos. “What happened?”

  “There were cells underground with prisoners. The ones we chased began to slaughter them. The Komes, well I have never seen anything like it. He tore into them and didn’t seem to care if they hit him or not.”

  “Did they?”

  “Not one of them my lord. All that blood he was covered in, well it is theirs. When they were dead we saw the girl hiding behind a wall and crying. She wouldn’t come near us my lord but she clung to the Komes like a limpet to a rock. He was a bloody marvel was the Komes.”

  When I went into the fresh air it was good to be away from the smell of blood. I was becoming effete. I missed my baths and the sweet smell of fine soap. Andronikos dismounted greet me. “I see our friend Ridley has the spoils of war eh?”

  “This is the first time I have seen him with a woman. I hope he can cope.”

  The strategos rode in and after surveying the carnage, dismounted.”Did we lose many men?”

  “I have not had a chance to check yet but I do not think so. What about you and your men Andronikos, how many losses?”

  “Less than twenty.”

  I pointed out the ungainly body of the dead Norman. “They were commanded by a Norman and they had prisoners in their cells. Ridley rescued one, a girl, but we have yet to speak with her. She may be able to shed light on the identity of the knight and the reason he was here.”