Varangian

by Griff Hosker

  Once back at the barracks I summoned one of Andronikos’ most trusted Kentarches. “Get back to the army. We need to attack closer to midnight than dawn or the treasure will be gone.”

  After he had gone I looked around; with the guards on the gates and the men inside we had about five hundred men. There were another four hundred outside. We would need to neutralise the Hetaireia. Ridley gave me one of his looks which said we would fail. “That is a hard task. We would lose many men.”

  Then I had a blindingly simple idea. We would relieve the guards and tell them that they had been ordered to guard the Treasury. This would rid the walls of the guards and prevent the Treasure from being pilfered. I explained this to Ridley who was still unconvinced. “But who will give the order? They know you are the strategos of Alexios.”

  “It is quite simple. I send a relative. Someone the Hetaireia knows is trusted by the Emperor.”

  “Who is that?”

  “Why you of course; the saviour of his niece. We will fit you out in the uniform of a Tourmache of Hetaireia. They value the title as much as the man. All you will need is confidence.”

  As the afternoon wore out Ridley and I secretly sought out our men and briefed them. I hoped that the message had got through to the Commander but the new plan meant that we could secure the gates with the warriors we had. I had selected the one hundred of my finest Saxons to go to the Treasury although I hoped that the Hetaireia would deter the pillaging which might ensue.

  Straboromanos and some of his officers toured the gates and the walls. As my men were all kitted out in Hetaireia uniform he saw nothing amiss and he even smiled at the main gate. “If those rebels come they will receive a shock when they see how many men we have.” He had clapped Sweyn on the shoulders. “We will show them that our city is not to be taken easily eh?”

  As the sun began to set and the guards were changed, Ridley followed them to relieve the new guards. I was close by in case there was any trouble. The Kentarches saluted when he saw Ridley. “My lord?”

  “New orders, from the Emperor. He is worried about the Treasury. Take your men and make sure that no-one gets inside. Relieve the Varangians and they can return to their barracks. These new men can suffer the night watch.” The order seemed reasonable and was delivered by a trusted member of the Emperor’s family and they left. Leaving Ridley to complete the changeover I took my men towards the Treasury. We reached there soon after the Kentarches and his men had arrived. The Varangians there were less than happy but they were outnumbered and out ranked. When the Hetaireia took their places I breathed a sigh of relief as they would not gain the treasure without a fight. The problem would now come when Olef discovered that he no longer held the Treasury.

  “Now lads we are going up against the Varangians. Do not believe all the stories about them; they have not fought since they came to the city and are full of piss and wind. You are the true warriors. We might be outnumbered but the rest of our men will be here soon. Remember your training and all will be well.”

  We reached the Varangian barracks just as Olef and his men emerged. From the sound of his voice and his demeanour he was less than happy with his subordinates’ vacillations but when he saw us, lined up in a shield wall he almost erupted like a volcano. “Sound the alarm, traitors are within the walls!”

  That did not worry me for the walls and gates were secure and by now all of our men would be ready to support Alexios’ army when it arrived. Olef was so angry that he forgot to charge in a wedge. It had been some years since they had fought and it was not a reflex any more. Even though there were two hundred pouring towards us we were in a solid shield wall whilst they arrived piecemeal. I swung Death Bringer in its steady arc. I had recovered my strength since the poisoning but I knew that I could not stand all day. I would have to retire to the second rank at some time but I wanted Olef to know whom he fought. Amazingly he did not head towards me but to the right of our line; the stables. He was going to head to the stables and I wondered if the guards who were there had his plunder already? It mattered not. We would have to defeat these men first.

  Olef might not have fancied his chances against the last of the Housecarls but plenty others wanted the glory of killing Aelfraed. Cnut guarded my right and he murmured as they raced up, “Begging your pardon my lord but you are a popular little bugger aren’t you?”

  And then the slaughter began.

  We had fought many times and there was a line of scything blades which took out the braver, reckless warriors who wanted glory. They came at us with swords which did not have the range of our axes and the first wave fell. I glanced to the right and saw that Olef and his officers were carving their way through my line. They had not been as reckless. The next line to attack us were more cautious but they met the same fate and I was beginning to think that this would be almost a bloodless battle for my men when I heard a groan and looked to see my line break and Olef and ten warriors race by to get to the stables.

  “Cnut, take charge and when they are defeated come to the stables.”

  “Yes my lord but please be careful!”

  I disengaged and a warrior from the second rank took my place. As I reached the end of the line I shouted, “You eight, follow me.” The eight had been running to plug the gap left by their dying fellows and we ran after the Varangians. “They are going to the stables. We stop them; any way we can. Go for their horses!”

  I heard a roar from the east and hoped that was the arrival of Alexios and the army. My more pressing concern was the Varangians. It was pride more than anything. It did not matter if Olef escaped, where would he go? I wanted to face him and show him that his vaunted Varangians were nothing compared to a Saxon Housecarl. We were almost too late, for their horses galloped out as we turned the corner. There were twenty of them and we could not stop them all but we would make them pay. One of the riders rode directly at me and I swung Death Bringer timing the stroke to crash into the horse’s jaw. Horse and rider crashed into the wall, the horse dead from my blow and the warrior from the collision with the wall. Another raised his sword to strike me but he was not battle ready and his swing was slow; mine was not and the sump of an arm flew behind him and he fell to the ground. I despatched him with a blow to the head and then they were gone. Seven men and horses had been struck but the rest, including Olef had escaped. I prayed that the guards at the gates would halt them. Cnut brought his men after their enemy had fled. The clattering of hooves and the arrival of Andronikos and Alexios told me that we had won.

  He dismounted and clasped my arms. “Well done. The Varangians?”

  “Either dead or fled. Olef escaped us.”

  He dismissed it as trivial with a wave of his hand. “Come let us let the Emperor know his reign is ove r .”

  My men were possessive about Alexios and the survivors of my attack surrounded him and me with a protective phalanx. The Hetaireia guards at the entrance looked at us and their hands went to their swords . “We have killed too many loyal men. You would die and for what? This is the new Emperor. Sheathe your weapons.” I spoke from the heart for I did not wish more loyal, brave men to die in vain.

  Alexios threw me a strange look as they did so. Later my men told me that the blood of the men I had slain covered my uniform from head to toe and I looked like a butcher from hell. My words might not have swayed them but my appearance did.

  Nicephorus had emerged from his chambers at the commotion and when he saw Alexios he slumped, with a sigh on to the throne. He gave the new Emperor a wry smile. “Enjoy if while you can for I held it for barely three years.”

  Alexios walked up to him and, moving him off the throne , sat down saying, “I will but I will make sure we last longer than three years.”

  “What of me?”

  “Retire somewhere but if you raise a rebellion against me then you will die.”

  By the time the city and palace were secured my advance party was exhausted and we were forced by Andronikos to rest. When I a woke it w
as the middle of the next afternoon and I could hear distant cheering. I dressed and went to the gates of the palace . The streets were line d with people cheering Alexios as he took a celebratory walk in the streets. It was something Nicephorus had never done but Alexios was more popular and, importantly, knew the value of having the city on your side. Ridley saw me and walked over to me. “How did we do then?”

  “We lost barely forty men. The Varangians fled west. Apparently they planned to join the Normans in Italy . ”

  I shook my head. We had not killed the snake; we had merely made it hide. “And what are the Emperor’s plans?”

  “ The cheering is because he announced that the Empress Maria’s son Constantine e is to be co-Emperor with him.”

  “But he is barely a child ! What is the point of that? ”

  Ridley grinned, “So there is no problem making him a co-Emperor then.”

  That reminded m e of Ridley and his wife. And Ann a . How is she? ”

  “The midwives and doctors sent me away. The child is imminent.”

  “We l l , you have lost your close relationship with the Emperor.”

  He shrugged. “Alexios is a better Emperor already and besides I can go back to being a warrior again ; w ith you.”

  The parade had drifted out of sight and we returned to the palace. John found us. He was now dressed in a fine outfit as befitted his status as adviser and confidante to the Emperor. “Well done , my lord , and if you will both dress then the Emperor would like to see you when he returns from his little walk.”

  I put on the armour of a strategos . It was the first time since I had been poisoned that I had donned it and I noticed that it fitted more loosely. I had lost weight, not surprising when one considers that I hadn’t eaten for ten days. I would need to spend some time building up my strength. When I entered I found I was not the first to arrive. Anna, the Emperor’s mother was there having been brought from the convent. She embraced me. “Our plan worked and the Empire will be grateful to you for your efforts.”

  “Now we just need to hold on to the Empire.”

  “That was cryptic? What do you mean?”

  “I mean that we are already assaulted by Turks who think that we are weak and ripe for plunder and the Normans, I have heard are looking to Illyria as their next conquest after Italy.”

  “We will need to build up the army then?”

  “And where will we get the money your majesty? Imperial soldiers do not come cheap.”

  “At least the treasury remains. Had we lost that then I dread to think of the consequences.”

  John and the other officials came in with a series of documents which they laid out on the table. I heard a noise in the corridor and the doors burst open as Alexios and his new entourage entered. There were many I knew but others were new to me. Obviously they had been the ones watching and waiting to see which way the wind blew. I was not worried; Alexios was an excellent judge of character he would not suffer fools gladly. He ascended the throne and his mother sat beside him. I saw the Empress Maria hovering close by and saw the excited look in her eye. I suspect she viewed Alexios as the third Emperor she would have bedded.

  John coughed and we all went silent. His piping voice sounded shrill to me as he attempted to make it louder but he was, as always, John and we all knew him and his ways well. “The Emperor Alexius I Comnenus wishes all to know that he is grateful for the efforts made on his behalf. He will now reward some of those who provided exemplary service.” He looked at me. “Stategos Aelfraed Godwinson. You are promoted to Commander of the Varangian Guard and the Hetaireia. Tourmache Ridley of Coxold you are promoted to Tourmache of Varangians. Andronikos Cassius you are to be Commander of the Eastern Armies.”

  Alexios waved us forwards and he kissed us each on the cheeks. He said quietly, “This is a new start for all of us. Our task now is to drive our enemies from our lands. Commander you will drive the Turk back from whence he came. I will retain command of the west and take the army to rid our land of any Norman’s influence.”

  We all bowed. The fact that he had spoken quietly was to cement the fact that he trusted us but others would have to earn that trust.

  When we returned, John continued, “The son of the Emperor Michael, Constantine Doukas is to be co-Emperor and will live in the palace with his mother. The Emperor will also take a wife Irene Doukaina, and the wedding will take place next week.” I saw Maria throw a murderous look at the Emperor. She had not expected that. When I saw the look of triumph on the face of Anna, the Emperor’s mother I saw who had made the arrangements. “Finally, to pay for the army there will be a new tax levied on churches and businesses in the city.”

  Although it was necessary I did not know how that would turn out for the people of the city loved their new Emperor and it seemed strange to me that he alienated me by the taxes. Still he was the politician and I was just the soldier but at least I would get to fight the Normans! While the Emperor dealt with petitions and the obsequious and fawning new friends the three of us wandered over to the window where the air was fresher and the atmosphere less unctuous.

  “I do not know who has the harder task, me or you. At least you will be fighting with the Emperor and men you know.”

  “Many of the men we will be fighting alongside will also be new. The whole of the Varangian Guard will be new.”

  “Not to you!”

  “True but the numbers are down and we will need to recruit.”

  Ridley laughed, “As soon as Jarl Gunnersson takes word back that they are commanded by you…”

  “And you.”

  “Then they will flood the river to join you.”

  “To join us Tourmache.” I could see that Andronikos was worried. “With luck we will defeat the Normans, secure the west and join you.”

  He shook his head. “I think the Normans will take more defeating. Asia has been fought over for so long that it is never really settled but the west has been settled for many years. I hope you have strategies to defeat this man who has conquered a whole land with a handful of knights.”

  “He is old. He must be almost seventy.”

  “He shows no sign of tiredness and his son, the giant Bohemund is with him.”

  “He has never faced Housecarls.”

  “No but he has defeated every other warrior who has come up against him.”

  With that sobering thought Ridley and I headed for the city to meet with our friends. The three of them were delighted to see us. “Hopefully things will be easier in the city now that we have an Emperor who is more decisive.”

  “You may not be happy when you realise that he has raised the taxes.”

  Eric shrugged. “If we have peace, then we will make more money anyway. Besides money is not everything. We have a good life here and, thanks to your seed money, we are more than comfortable. We are able to help others out.”

  I smiled at Ragnar. “Well Steward we should be able to visit that estate of ours in the next few days.” He mimed that he was happy. “Are you sure you can do without him?”

  “We no longer need him as a guard and we have skilled workers to do other things. He means well but his skill is as a warrior but we have another present for you. We have found a Greek who can communicate from Ragnar’s signs and make it into Greek speech. Ragnar understands Greek now. It will help him to work better with you and your people.”

  “I have no people. That will be Ragnar’s task.”

  “And he will choose good ones believe me.”

  After we had enjoyed a pleasant drink Ridley made his apologies and returned to see if his son or daughter had arrived. “He is a happy man, at last.” It was not a question from Snorri it was a statement.

  “Aye, they are good for each other and now that he is back with his warriors he is doubly happy. I feel that good things are headed Ridley’s way.”

  “And you Aelfraed, do you have happiness, fulfilment?”

  “No Snorri but I do not think I was meant to have it. M
y life has been a series of struggles against obstacles thrown at me by the capricious Norns. I no longer plan for the future as it is of no use. I wait to see what task I have next been given. I now go to the west to fight the Normans and after that…”

  “We have peace and fulfilment. Why not you?”

  “You two had fortune on your side. The Norns threw me into your home, Eric and then it threw you into our boat, Snorri.”

  “You can hope.”

  “I gave up hope long ago for I have had too many disappointments but I fell that the estate will be good for me.” I turned so that Ragnar could not see my lips. “If I should fail to return from one of these wars then the estate goes to Ragnar. “ I waved a hand at the room. “You two have enough.”

  “That is kind of you and you have done more than enough for us anyway. He would be upset at the thought of you failing to return.”

  “I know but I probably will return. I am a hard man to kill.”

  Later as I was walking to meet with Isaac I thought back to those words. I could not remember a fight where I thought I would lose. Even when wounded at Stamford Bridge I had won the combat. I had never faced a man I did not think I could defeat. I suspected there was one; I just hadn’t met him yet.

  “Good to see you my lord and I am pleased that you recovered.”

  “Thank you Isaac, it was the care of my friends that did it.”

  “They are good men.”

  “Thank you for arranging my estate. Ragnar is to be my steward.”

  “A good choice and he is a sound and reliable man.”

  “And if I die I want him to inherit the estate. Any monies which remain should be divided between the rest of my friends, Ridley, yourself, Eric, Snorri and the Jarl.”

  “That is kind but I hope we do not collect it for many years.”

  “In my profession you can only see as far as the next battle. Speaking of the Jarl, pass the word amongst the captains that I am seeking Varangians, especially Saxons. “

  “We had heard that you had command of the bodyguards. That is a distinguished post.”