Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  “And how is your lady, Ridley?”

  “She wishes I was not putting myself in danger. “He hesitated. “The Emperor offered to give me a post in the Varangian Guard.”

  I waited for the next statement but he remained silent. “And?”

  “I did not want to leave you and the others and I did not want to serve with the arrogant Norsemen but…”

  “But you wanted to be near your lady when she gives birth.” He nodded. “And that is understandable. Hopefully this will not be a two year campaign and you can make a better decision when we return to the city.”

  I was sad at the thought of our friendship being broken but I fully understood his reasons. I had lost my wife to another man when I chose to fight and campaign for long periods. Ridley could not help but have noticed. Changes looked to be on the horizon at every level.

  The journey took us six days and Andronikos’ scouts reported that the camp of Nikephoros Basilakes was less than a day away. We prepared our own defensive camp and Alexios held a staff meeting.

  “So we are close enough to another rebel to be able to see him. The question is, how do we ensnare him? Strategos how many men did your scouts say that he had?”

  “We are outnumbered again Commander. Two Themai and four Tourmai of horse, including horse archers.”

  Alexios gave a wry smile. “So we cannot surround him.”

  “What about his camp?”

  Andronikos looked at me curiously. “What do you mean?”

  “Is it like ours? Is it defended like the Romans did with ditch and ramparts?”

  Andronikos smiled, “No it is not. I do not think he even knows we are here. Certainly my men saw no scouts.”

  “So we could attack his camp…”

  I interrupted the Commander, “At night my lord when they will not see that they outnumber us and, if the strategos is correct, when they think there are no Imperial troops for miles. He must have rebelled thinking that we were still on the west.”

  “Send scouts out to make sure they have no knowledge of us and then we will attack tomorrow night. We will spend tomorrow closing with the camp and surrounding it. I will arrange signals to coordinate the attacks.”

  My Thema and Ridley’s warriors were assigned the role of attacking from the east. It meant that we had the shortest approach to the attack. Alexios joined us while Andronikos took the cataphracts and the cavalry to the west. They left at noon and we arranged for the infantry to begin the attack. Once the alarm was raised we would loose an arrow into the air and the cavalry would attack but, as I said to Ridley, if the strategos of cavalry did not hear commotion then we would have failed. This would be the first time I had fought with the Thema and I gathered the senior officers around me. “I know it is not your way but I want you to lead your men into this attack. There is much confusion during battles at night and your men are dressed and armed in a similar fashion to the enemy. I want you to tell your men to use a code word. If they are uncertain if they are fighting friend or foe they say Ridley and the answer will be Aelfraed.”

  They grinned and one said, “Clever my lord, for no Greek would naturally use those words but all of our men know them.”

  “We have so few men that the last thing we need is for our men to kill their fellows. At least the Varangian Inglinoi, look like nothing else on the battlefield.”

  They left to brief their men feeling more confident. In my experience confidence in battle is worth a thousand men. And well led meant another thousand. I hoped that we would have both.

  We assembled less than a thousand paces from the unprotected camp. They were a confident enemy or perhaps just careless. We edged forwards. I had chosen a hundred small wiry warriors from the Thema to slip and slither forwards and kill the hapless sentries who were just waiting for their relief and bed. They died soundlessly allowing my seven thousand men to move ever closer. I had an archer with me and my aide, reluctantly, carried the pot containing the fire to light his arrow. I do not think that Isaac thought he would be so close to the fighting when he was assigned as my aide. Once at the line of tents all my officers looked towards me. I waved Death Bringer forwards and we silently swept into the unsuspecting camp. Each Kontoubernion took a tent and, once inside, slaughtered the sleeping soldiers. I wondered how long they would remain silent but we were on the third row of tents before a scream rent the air. I turned to the archer, “Now!”

  The screams, shouts and the sounds of clashing metal filled the air as the arrow soared high in the air. I watched the slaughter take place; I was strategos and I needed to be alert to danger but part of me did not like this slaughter of sleeping men. The code of the warrior wanted them to have the chance to defend themselves. I heard the thunder of hooves and the whoosh of arrows as Andronikos’ cavalry thundered in to the camp. The crash of the cataphracts marked the end of the battle as men, still half asleep and drowsy threw their arms before them and dropped to the ground in obeisance. We had won and another rebel general was captured. It had been too easy. I looked behind me and I could only see the enemy dead. We had not even needed the code words so complete had been the victory. Nikephoros Basilakes was captured as he and the boy he was in bed with awoke to find Ridley’s warriors laughing at them.

  This time we were afforded a triumph and we marched proudly through the streets of Constantinople leading our captives bound and downcast. Alexios was heralded as the saviour of Byzantium and the Emperor himself greeted us to lavish upon us medals and honours. I took some satisfaction from the sour looks on the faces of Olef and his Varangian Guard who appeared to be the only ones not to be enamoured of us.

  When we returned to the barracks the men were in high spirits. Our losses had been minimal and all of us had made a fortune from back pay and the sale of slaves. I hoped that they would hang on to their money, as Ridley and I did but I suspected that many would waste their gains. Their philosophy was, easy come, easy go. After I had bathed I arranged to meet Ridley at Isaac the Jew’s to invest more of my money. I also wished to speak with Eric and discover what was going on with Byzantine politics.

  Isaac asked us both what we intended for our money. “What do you suggest my friend. We are but warriors and know nothing of growing wealthy.”

  He nodded to Ridley. “As you are going to have a family soon I would suggest some property. Probably close the palace. You will need your privacy.”

  Ridley’s face lit up when he heard that and it was obvious that the idea had not crossed his mind. I smiled at his pleasure for Ridley, of all people deserved to have some good fortune. “Would that be a good investment for me as well?”

  “It would my lord. Perhaps an estate? You would not need to be close to the city and there are some fine properties which would bring in a healthy income. We would just need to appoint a steward.”

  A flash of pain struck me as the memory of faithful Thomas and Sara came to mind. Isaac the Jew was right. It would be good to have somewhere to escape the politics of Constantinople and I would have another Maiden Bower, “That is a good idea. Let me know when you have such a property.”

  “Will you both be in the city for a while?”

  “As long as there are no more rebels for Alexios to deal with, then yes.” Isaac gave a sharp look but then his face became impassive. I wondered just what he knew about our Commander and his plans.

  Eric and Snorri looked to be even more prosperous. They had a new name on their door and they now traded as Castor and Pollux. Ridley looked confused until I said that they were twin brothers from Greek mythology. The two of them looked very comfortable and Eric, in particular had grown into a handsome man. He still had oiled hair and used perfume heavily. He greeted us both in the Greek fashion with a kiss on each cheek. At first I had found this a strange custom but I was now used to it. Ragnar, as usual, knelt and kissed my hand. He would never forget the debt he owed me.

  As we sat in the cool courtyard sipping the cool wine Eric told us the news and the gossip of the city.
He made sure there were no servants close by and began but the first thing he did was to address Ridley. “Now that you are married into the Emperor’s family, where sits your allegiance?”

  I saw Ridley redden and start to rise and I restrained him. “It is not an insult old friend. Eric wants to know, can he speak openly before you?”

  “Well of course he can! I am still the same Ridley I always was!”

  Snorri laughed. “I can see that and my friend meant no disrespect but there are spies everywhere. I know that your wife’s body servant reports to the Emperor’s spymaster Calisthenes each day.”

  Ridley looked shocked. “I will have her dismissed!”

  Eric shook his head, “No for then they would replace her with someone you did not know. This way you know not to say anything to your wife which she might repeat to the servant.”

  “I would suggest, for your wife’s safety old friend that you only tell your wife the things that are everyday. She might say something which she thinks is trivial and it might land you in a cell.”

  I could see that my comments had given him pause for thought. Eric began, “There is a faction trying to rid the city of the new Emperor. He is not popular. The Doukas family is less than happy with him. And the Emperor’s wife Maria of Alania is trying to promote her son.”

  “That means we will be fighting rebels again and Alexios will have to protect the Emperor’s back once more.”

  Eric laughed, “Hardly, for one of the chief conspirators is Anna Dalassene, the Commander’s own mother.” He paused to let that sink in before he hit us with his next astounding news. “Alexios himself has been approached.”

  Ridley and I looked at each other in shock. We both knew that he had a claim to the throne but, having been in the city for a few years there appeared to be many who had a claim to the poison chalice that was the crown. “That is an interesting bundle of facts Eric. Where does that leave us?”

  “If I were you Aelfraed I would worry more about Olef, for it is known that he has put a price on your head. He is trying to hire assassins to kill you and he is rich. Many men would take his money. Your men have made such a name for themselves that many are saying that they are the true Varangian Guard and Olef and his Vikings are just greedy mercenaries who have never even fought for the Empire whilst you and your men have saved it on at least two occasions. Once again you are the victim of your own success.”

  Snorri looked concerned. “Do not wander alone. Take some men with you and avoid the narrow secret places of the city.”

  They had both confirmed what John had told me and now that I knew that Alexios was a potential rebel it made my life even more perilous. I had no problem with supporting Alexios as a rebel for I had taken an oath to him, not to the Emperor. Had Olef accepted me it would have been a different story but this way I could follow my leader with a clear conscience.

  “Thank you for that. On a different matter; Isaac the Jew is procuring me an estate out of the city. I will need a steward. If you know of anyone reliable I would be grateful.” I spread my hands, “I know little of farms and farming. I really want it as somewhere I can escape to.”

  “We will but there is an obvious candidate, someone you could trust with your life, literally.”

  “Who is that?”

  “Ragnar of course.”

  The old warrior nodded eagerly and I took his hand. “Then Ragnar shall be my new Steward, just let Isaac know will you? I suspect I am going to be a little busy watching for knives in the night.”

  “Do not worry. I will watch your back for you.”

  “As you always do, Ridley old friend.”

  The next day Alexios summoned his officers to a conference. I wondered if there other rebels for us to defeat but he looked very serious. “We will take the army from the barracks and establish a camp north of here.”

  Andronikos and I looked at each other. “But the city is cool and tents at this time of year are a nightmare with the heat and the flies.”

  “True, Andronikos, but I wish us to train together in the field. Our last two battles have shown me that we need to work together more effectively and not have to learn on the battlefield.”

  It made sense to me. “When do we leave Commander?”

  “You have three days and, there is one more thing, do not tell the men where we are going, I would like this to be a secret.”

  Ridley said in what he thought was a quiet voice but which everyone heard, “That won’t be difficult as we have no idea ourselves anyway.”

  Even Alexios laughed and we all left to deal with the logistics of moving our men again. At least they had had a few days to waste or to invest their back pay. I summoned my aide. “Well we will be on campaign again soon. Prepare a wagon and this time let us take some servants with us.”

  “Where are we going my lord? I thought all the rebels were dealt with.”

  “When I know then you will know.” He left and I was a little irritated by his questions. As an aide it was his job to translate my orders into actions. I had decided to take servants as this would be a training camp and a little pampering would do no harm.

  Before we could leave we had to endure a celebration of our successes. In the centre of the palace was a parade ground and we were asked to bring a Kentarchia from each of the regiments which had fought so that they could be presented with phalerae to mark their achievements. For me it was a hard choice, which men had fought better? In my view they all needed a reward or none. I felt it would be divisive but the Commander of the West was insistent and Ridley, Andronikos and I made the choice and had the three hundred chosen men ready for the parade.

  The Emperor had a raised dais and he was seated under a golden panoply surrounded by his Varangians all decked out in their finest armour. I noticed that although it sparkled it did not look functional and my armour, magnificent though I felt it was looked dowdy by comparison. The difference was that it had seen much action over the years. Of more interest to me were the two women on the platform, Maria, the Empress and Anna, Alexios’ mother. Although Maria was but a few years older than Alexios and myself she looked younger and I could see why Nicephorus had cemented his position by marrying the wife of the former Emperor. Anna however had the sharp eyes of a plotter. She put me in mind of Ealdgyth, an older Ealdgyth obviously. She had the inquisitive look of an observer and a planner; when I met them, after the ceremony I was most impressed with both of them.

  It was Anna who first spoke to me. “I believe I am in your debt Englishman. I am told that you have been invaluable to my son and instrumental in all of his victories. It is good to see such virtues of loyalty.” She quickly cast a disparaging look in Olef’s direction.

  The Empress joined us as Alexios and Ridley spoke with her husband. “My husband also speaks fondly of you, even though he only fought alongside you once you impressed him. Tell me, why did you leave your homeland to fight here, so far away?”

  “We lost majesty and the Normans won!”

  “An honest answer and I suspect a warning for us to fear the voracious Franks and Normans.”

  “Indeed it is.”

  Anna had a mischievous glint in her eye and she said, quietly, “I heard a rumour that you shared a bed with your father’s wife, the Queen of England after he was killed.” I felt myself redden and struggled to reply. I had been brought up not to lie but, equally I could not dishonour Ealdgyth’s memory. “I apologise Aelfraed. I should not have been so impertinent for I see that you are an honourable man and an interesting one. I would value some conversation when we have time.”

  That was the end of our conversation but, again, I was reminded of Ealdgyth, in a different way from Maria, for both Anna and Ealdgyth shared a passion for intrigue and politics. I was pleased that I had met her.

  The next few days were hectic and we barely had time to stand and think as we planned for the move to the secret camp. Had we been going to a place which all knew then it would have been easier but the Commander was
being cautious. In the end that was wise, but at the time all of his officers cursed the secrecy. I arranged with Isaac, my aide, to feast the officers of the army the night before we left. I had enough money to put on a lavish feast but I did not do it for the kudos but to reward men who had worked harder and longer than they needed to. My aide showed that he was up to the task and arranged everything, from the cooks to the food, from the servers to the wine and it went smoothly. I wondered if I had been too hard on him.

  My Saxon officers could drink and they soon made it into a drinking and eating contest. I was too wise, as was Ridley to fall into that trap. I had learned that the best strategy, in front of one’s officers, was to drink moderately and keep one’s mouth shut. If they were foolish and spoke in their cups it could be laughed off but the senior officer had to have the men follow him. Isaac hovered nervously all night, attending when a goblet was half empty, sending for a servant when a platter looked to need filling; sending for a cleaner when wine was spilled. I realised that I had misjudged him and that, when we camped, I should take the time to get to know him.

  “More wine stategos?”

  “No thank you Isaac. I will need a clear head tomorrow besides which I am enjoying watching my men relax and enjoy themselves.” The only officer who was not present was Alexios and I did not think he would mind allowing us the time to become a tighter team.

  “I have a fine drink which I think you enjoy.” He nodded to Ridley. “My lord told me that you had this wine from Lusitania with a Jorvik Jew.”

  How thoughtful of Ridley to remember. “In that case, and, as you have gone to so much trouble I will indulge myself.”

  “I have it in the cellar, I will just fetch it.”

  As he left Andronikos stood, a little unsteadily. “I would like to propose a toast to my friend, the strategos, Aelfraed. He is a fine man to follow but a nightmare to fight. I thank God that we are on the same side!”