Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  We were favoured by the darkening night. Unlike England, where nightfall took a long time to arrive, here it happened quickly and that, too aided us. My clothes were now the liability for what was an Imperial servant doing around the barrack area? We knew we were nearing the stables when the foetid, sweaty smell of horse dung hit us. We peered around the corner of the stone building and there, standing guard, were two men of the Hetaireia. Had I been with Ridley I would have been confident that we could take them but I had never seen my Commander in close fighting. I had the feeling that I would have to deal with them both myself. As much as I did not wish these two sentries to die, I had to make sure of their silence. I turned to Alexios. “You head for them and tell them you wish to look at your horse.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Why not and you would no expect to have to explain your actions would you? Not to a common soldier.” He could see the sense in that. “When they turn to take you in I will strike the one on the right and render him unconscious. You just stop the other one from shouting out and I will deal with him.”

  “You have done this before.”

  I grinned, “Many times, my lord!”

  The two guards viewed the Commander of the Army of the West with suspicion but they stood stiffly to attention. “I would visit with my horse.” He made to pass them but they looked at each other and then him in confusion.

  “Your horse my lord?”

  “Yes! If I am to lead the army on a glorious war against the infidel then I would make sure that he is in good condition.”

  “But…” one began to be silenced by a nudge in the ribs. They stood aside and started to enter, no doubt to make sure we did not grab a horse and escape. I saw the heavy wooden bucket they used to relieve themselves in at the door and I picked it up and swung it heavily at the side of the head of the right hand guard. It was half full and heavy. The ceremonial helmet was just that and he slumped to the ground in a heap. Alexios had thrown the other to the ground and I took out my dagger, reversed the blade and, taking the man’s helmet off smacked him sharply on the back of his head.

  “Tie them up.”

  There were leather reins a-plenty and we soon had the two of them trussed up. I tore some strips from their cloaks and gagged them. They would live and they would not be able to raise the alarm. We chose our own horses from the barracks. They were both good horses and we knew them. The last thing we needed was a skittish horse. Once mounted, we rode casually out of the stables, although we knew that the first time we were seen the alarm would be raised for the palace gates were shut. I was still unsure about our ability to get out but, if it came to it I could kill any guards and we would be able to leave.

  Suddenly I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye and John appeared. He rushed to us. “Your mother should have been an actress. She demanded a cross and Straboromanos had to fetch one and then she demanded that the Emperor himself should guarantee their safety. He is leaving now. “We quickly dismounted and led the horses down an alley between two barracks. I heard the tramp of the Varangians as they flanked Nicephorus and headed for the gate.

  “That’s the end of that plan then.” Alexios’ shoulders slumped in defeat.

  “Not so commander. Let us follow them, leading our horses.”We walked forty paces behind the last guards. They did not turn round for the clatter of their hobnails and the hooves of their horses masked any noise we might make. I was doubly glad that they were our horses for they did not whinny nor make a noise. We gradually drew closer to them so that, as we neared the gate leading to the city, we were but twenty paces behind. The last Varangian exited and the sentries began to close the gates. Alexios waved his arm at them and their training took over. They stood to attention and we mounted at the gate. It was then that our luck left us. The last two Varangians turned, I assume to make sure the gates had closed, and they finally saw and recognised us. They both drew their swords and raced at us. This was no time for honour and noble gestures. I drew my sword, and galloped at the two men slashing my sword on either side of the horse. My horse took care of one and the other had half his face ripped open. I swung my horse around and we headed through the narrow streets. “Head for the port!”

  “Why Aelfraed?”

  “The other gates will be guarded. The sea is our only chance.” I did not mention that I had friends there and we had a better chance of survival on the quayside rather than at the gates, for I had not time. The putative Emperor would have to trust me if he was to gain the Byzantine throne.

  No-one followed us and we rode our luck. We reined in at the port. There were many ships tied up and, to my delight I saw one I recognised, “‘The Maiden’. We are in luck.” We dismounted and I led the horses away from ‘The Maiden’ and tied them up outside one of the many taverns frequented by sailors. I doubted that the horses would remain there for long. It was a shame to lose two such magnificent beast but our lives were more important. We made our way along the shadows towards the Jarl’s boat. I could see two figures at the gang plank, which meant they had just loaded and would be leaving on the morning tide. Wyrd.

  As we approached we were spotted and I heard Stig shout. “You two, we don’t need any bum bandits on this ship so fuck off!”

  I continued walking and he drew his sword. “Is that any welcome for an old friend?”

  It took him a moment and then Olaf recognised me. “It is Aelfraed although he looks plucked.”

  They both embraced me. “We have not time for that. Take us to the Captain, we are in trouble.”

  Stig rushed us aboard while Olaf kept watch. Our faces gave away our plight and Gunnar quickly took in our predicament. “The Emperor is hunting you?”

  “He is.”

  “I cannot afford to upset the Emperor.”

  “He will not know. All you need to do is to leave a little earlier and drop us up the coast a little ways.” I sensed Alexios anxious frustration and I put my arm around his shoulders. “This is the Commander of the Army of the West and, just up the coast is the army that will make him Emperor. Now which Emperor do you want to piss off, the old one or the new one?”

  He laughed, “Life is always interesting with you Aelfraed.” He turned to Stig. “Tell the First Mate to get the rowers ready, but do it quietly and then pull up the gang plank. As soon as the First Mate is there he can slip one of the moorings so that we can have a speedy exit.” He bowed to Alexios. “Apologies for my caution but I would hate to lose what I took a lifetime to get.”

  Alexios began to relax and he smiled. “As would I and I thank you captain. This kind deed will not be forgotten.”

  The Jarl inclined his head to me, “I owe this one so much already and this small deed does not even begin to repay him.”

  I was too anxious to listen. I wanted us away as quickly as we could manage it. The First Mate burst in. “Which Dickhead wants us to sail in the middle of the night?”

  Alexios looked shocked. I just said, “This Dickhead.”

  “I might have known.” His grin spoke volumes, “Right Captain, we’ll be under way in a moment!”

  He was as good as his word and I heard the clunk of the oars and felt the sensation of the ship as she moved away from the quay and headed for open water. The army was camped on the Black Sea and we would reach there no faster on horses and this way we would be safe from any pursuers.

  Once we passed through the harbour entrance I felt a sense of relief. As dawn broke we could see Miklagård disappearing in the distance. With the family safe in Hagia Sofia we could now act honourably and declare for Alexios. As we ate some dried venison and sipped some ale he put me right on that one. “No Aelfraed. I will not embroil the Empire in a bloody civil war which only suits the Turk and the Norman. I have decided that, when I return to the city, I will be welcomed. My mother and the Empress will keep us informed of the best moment to return but until then we will move ever closer to the city. It will be a reminder of our power and my mother will also
tell the city of the treachery of Olef and that you are not, as they feared dead but alive having saved me from the machinations of Straboromanos.”

  I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed. I wanted to fight Olef and his Varangians and that would not happen but I would, at least, be reunited with my men. I asked Alexios about the Guard. “Tell me about the Varangians. When Nicephorus is removed do the guards become yours?”

  “It is complicated. They are loyal to the Emperor as long as he his Emperor. After he is deposed they normally loot the treasury and then most swear allegiance to the new Emperor.”

  I was shocked, “And this is allowed?”

  He spread his hands. “What Emperor wishes to anger the men who guard him?”

  “The difference is that you have your own Varangians and we will stop Olef and his bandits from robbing the treasury.” No matter what Alexios said, I swore to myself that I would make sure that the murderer who had never fought once for Nicephorus would not profit from this. I could see that Alexios thought that this was a fact of life and inevitable. It was not.

  We could see the fires from the army out at sea and the Jarl edged us closer in to the shore. “Do you want Stig and the boys to accompany you?”

  “No Gunnar you have done enough and the Emperor has no men this far out.”

  Alexios extended his arm. “When I am Emperor, Captain I will find some way to increase your profit.”

  “If you protected the lower end of the Dnieper and controlled the Pechengs then I would, indeed be a rich man,”

  “Consider it done.”

  We had to wade the last few paces to the shore and I had forgotten the flies that seemed to love the low lying areas and live to devour Saxons. We might only be a mile or two from safety but it would seem further. I was bolstered by the fact that Alexios struggled more than I did. I must have recovered, somewhat, from the attempt on my life. We were found by a patrol of Andronikos’ cavalry who reined up. They held spears to our throats until they recognised us. “We thought you were imprisoned.” The leader dismounted to give his mount to Alexios.

  He had not recognised me at first and I spoke, “And what of me?”

  He almost jumped out of his skin; it was as though he had seen a ghost. “We heard that you were dead.”

  “No just close to it and then shorn like a sheep.”

  The officers were delighted when we arrived and we were washed, fed and watered in rapid succession. We told the rapt audience of officers of our escape and the fortunate happenstance of the presence of Jarl Gunnerrson’s ship. “Wyrd.” Was the only comment from Ridley but he was right. Someone or something was keeping me safe and for a purpose.

  A rider galloped into the camp bearing letters fro Alexios. “They all looked to him in surprise. “But who knows you are here?”

  “My mother, and she must have known that we would escape.”

  He began to read the letter and Ridley drew me to one side. “What of Anna, my wife?”

  “I did not see her but she will be safe for she is Nicephorus’ family.”

  “But what happens when he is removed?”

  “We will be in the city by then.” I explained to him about the Varangian Guard and the raiding of the Treasury. “We will enter secretly with our men and some of Andronikos’ trusted men. We will secure your wife and the Treasury and if Olef tries to take it then…”

  Alexios gave a triumphant wave of his hand. “The Emperor has allowed my wife and family to go to the convent of Petrion. They will be guarded but as you can see she is able to send us messages and she is being given information by the Empress. Tomorrow we begin our slow march to Byzantium. Let us see him sweat while we gather troops.”

  Chapter 14

  My face itched as we rode towards the city, much to the amusement of my hairy Saxons. I was determined to look as I once had and put up with the irritation. It made me somewhat short tempered although my colleagues were delighted to have both Alexios and me back in the fold. We took the journey slowly for more Thema and Droungoi were joining us everyday as they heard about our joint escape; Nicephorus was not a popular emperor. Alexios was known as a soldier’s general and was always more popular than Nicephorus. I was keen to get there quickly and prevent Olef from robbing the country of its treasure. We also heard from Alexios’ mother that there were more western mercenaries in the city. I wondered where they had come from. Were they Normans? Perhaps more Saxons?

  As we camped, less than a day away from the city I sought out Alexios.”You do not want a full scale battle for the city do you?”

  “Of course not, I told you I want no blood shed.”

  “You may want that and Nicephorus may want that but Olef is a vicious Viking who just wants the treasure. Let me slip in with a thousand men and we will secure the treasury and the palace. With luck they will then desert as soon as you arrive.”

  “I am not sure.”

  “There is one other way we could ensure a blood less take over. I will speak with Nicephorus and give him your assurance that he will live.”

  His eyes lit up at that. “It is risky. How would you get in the city?”

  “They are hiring mercenaries, we go in small groups to volunteer and others slip in during the day. Don’t forget my men know the city and they know the barracks. They will be looking for an army not a rabble. My men can play the rabble.”

  Although Alexios argued for a while he knew it was a no lose situation for him and it would ensure a peaceful entry to the city. Andronikos was disappointed that the Commander of the West refused to allow him to accompany me. He was there when I spoke to the men I would take with me. I made sure that they had all discarded any Imperial uniform and those who could speak other languages were selected to ‘volunteer’ for service. The others would be secreted in various parts of the city. Timing would be crucial and Alexios and the army would arrive outside of the city at dusk allowing us to open the gates during the night. He was keen for civilian casualties to be minimised and empty streets would ensure just that. I went ahead with the first group of volunteers. I chose a group who could all speak Danish. Some of Andronikos’ warriors would follow and then Ridley with more Danish speakers. We hoped this way to have at least thirty warriors inside the walls soon after dawn allowing the rest to trickle in when we controlled the gates. We all wore worn mail and carried old swords. I had the tale that we had come down the river seeking our fortune in the Varangian Guard. I hung at the back for my scraggly beard marked me as different. I hoped for a certain lack of rigour when we were enlisted. The threat of Alexios’ army might make them look less closely at those willing to fight for them.

  When we reached the gate the guards were sent inside the palace and I wondered if Olef would come but it was not, it was Straboromanos, the spymaster, who now appeared, from his clothes and demeanour, to be running the palace. He only knew me vaguely and I breathed a sigh of relief. Cnut made a convincing Dane and we were admitted. The parlous state of the defence was obvious when we were immediately sent to reinforce the guards at the northern gate. The threat of Alexios was working.

  The men who were outside would all congregate outside the various gates in the huge city. When we had control they would be admitted. Most of my men were to go to our old barracks where we had plenty of good weapons and armour and we could be hidden from view. This was a nervous time for me as I had to remain hidden from Olef for the whole day. I hoped that he and the Emperor would be busy with more pressing matters than new recruits. We did not know any of the other guards at the gate and there were six of them. There was little point in disarming and disabling them until more of our men arrived. The plan had been to seep into the city in groups of tens to avoid arousing suspicion of the spies in the city. It was almost noon when I saw the first two groups in ferreting around the market stalls opposite the gates. I gave the smallest of nods and eight of them approached the guards. The men who approached were Andronikos’ Greeks and I heard them offer to volunteer. One of
the guards turned to fetch someone but Cnut said, “No, I will go. I need a piss anyway.”

  Once the six guards returned to their duty, standing in a line, blocking the gate, we were on them. The twenty men ran forwards and we struck them on the backs of their heads. They were quickly tied up. The people in the market only saw some men rush the gate, have a scuffle and then the six guards were there again. We had secured one gate. I left the six men to admit our fellows and we went quickly to our barracks. It was, as I had hoped, empty and we quickly armed ourselves more effectively. I left Cnut in charge and, with five others, made my way to the other gates. The main gate, to my relief, was held by Ridley’s men and I sent them to the barracks under Ridley’s command. “We have almost enough now but I shall visit the Treasury and see who guards that.”

  “Don’t forget the noon change of the guards.”

  “Send a group of men to each gate to take care of the relief when they come. That will just leave us the change of evening guards.”

  We made our way through the deserted streets of the palace. Every available guard was either in a tower or on the walls. The outer wall of the city had been abandoned just to protect the palace. As we neared the stables I halted the men. There were Varangians on guard and not the Hetaireia. That meant Olef was planning to run. The wily Norse must have known that Nicephorus could not stand against Alexios and was preparing for flight already. As we approached the Treasury I knew what we would find, Varangians on guard. Olef had been clever, the Hetaireia were loyal troops and they had been sent to fight, as they would do, Alexios. As soon as the attack started then the Varangians would loot the Treasury and flee.