Viking Weregeld

by Griff Hosker

  I saw Ragnar and Raibeart’s halls. It was as I stared at the shipyard and the halls that I realised I could also see the barrow where Coen and his father lay. Nearby was the barrow of the warriors who had fallen defending Úlfarrston. It made me look across the Water to the grave of my wife, Erika. The wild flowers which covered it made it easy to see. I had lived longer without my wife than with her and yet she was still alive in my head. All those who had died were still here. Old Olaf had never seen this land. He had died on Man but his spirit was here. I was content. As I stood, to walk down the trail I realised that I had been born to the east where the Saxon who had taken my mother had farmed. The thread which bound me to this land had inexorably drawn me here. This was my land. I had been given a duty by those who had gone before me. I was the guardian of the Water and the mountains. I was protecting something which was ancient. I would die but my spirit would live here long after my body was dust. That was reassuring.

  Time passed and my land blossomed. When Astrid’s new baby was ready to be born, I journeyed south with Brigid and Myfanwy to be there for the birth. Kara and Aiden came with us. I was not surprised when Ebrel and Bronnen asked to come. They did not want to be left alone in Kara’s hall. They would also be able to see Gruffyd and Einar. It was a cavalcade which headed south. Erika was also about ready to join Thorghest. With Dyflin in his hands, he was now ruler of the longphort and Erika was keen to take Moon Child to be with his father. I think that Astrid’s impending labour made her yearn for a second too. We would have a celebration for, who knew when the family would be together again?

  The women all gathered in Astrid’s chambers. Elfrida virtually lived there now. Ragnar brought Sámr to join the men. Childbirth was women’s work and besides Aiden and I were keen to see my great grandson. He could waddle and walk now. I had had a small dagger made for him by Bagsecg. It had a carved wolf handle and a blade as long as his small hand. The scabbard had been made by Uhtric and had a dragon picked out in red and yellow thread. My great grandson looked in awe at the gift. Brigid had been appalled that we gave such a weapon to a very young child. He was a Viking. If he cut himself them he would learn not to do so again. We were hard men and it was our way.

  We walked along the fighting platform which surrounded the halls. Aiden had advised Ragnar and Raibeart on the building of the walls. They had added more stone in the foundations than we normally used. He had also suggested four towers rather than just the two over the gates. I could see that he approved. “I would suggest, Ragnar, that if you put a pulley on each side of the gate then you could haul up heated pig fat or boiling water.”

  Ragnar nodded, “Aye, I remember at Carhampton. Magnus had many men burned by such a weapon.” We learned from our battles. We were not so arrogant as to think we knew everything because we usually won. We won because we changed.

  Gruffyd was with us. This was a family occasion. “But who would dare to attack us? You sent the King of Strathclyde back home with heavy losses and it is known that you almost destroyed King Egbert. With Thorghest the Lucky in Dyflin now and secure there then there will be no attacks from the Hibernians.”

  “There are still warriors like Eggle Skulltaker out there. We destroyed one band but that does not mean there are not others who wish to prove themselves against us.”

  Ragnar nodded, “Or even wish to take what we have. Now that we have two cargo ships sailing the seas to trade we hear more of the wider world. I am not idle here. When strange ships come into port I speak with their captains. We learn about the outside world that way. There are many Vikings who think that it would be folly to attack the Land of the Wolf for they think it is protected by magic but there are others who see our mail and weapons and think to take them. I have heard that Klakke Blue Cheek is very bitter about the way we left him.”

  I shrugged, “I will not lose any sleep over that, Ragnar.”

  Aiden looked at me, “The dream?”

  “What dream?”

  Aiden explained to Ragnar and Gruffyd what they had dreamed. Gruffyd looked over the walls to the quay below. “This would be almost impossible for the Dane to take. The island means that a ship has to tack to land or risk grounding on the sandbars. We could rain fire upon them.”

  “Suppose they landed along the coast?” I knew that Gruffyd had the answer but I wanted to see how he thought.

  “The ditch on the landward side would stop them and our warning beacons would bring you down from Cyninges-tūn. This is a well maintained stad, father. Ragnar keeps great stores of food here and we have water from the river.”

  “But we must still be vigilant. How goes your training with Erik Ironshirt?”

  “He is a hard task master but after Olaf and the Ulfheonar it is not as hard as they think it is.”

  Just then there was a cry from the hall and a servant came rushing out with a bloody sheet, “Jarl, you have a son!”

  We clapped Ragnar on the back, “Another warrior and I have another great grandson! The gods smile upon me!”

  When we entered the birthing room Astrid looked peaceful and the babe was suckling greedily. The women all looked pleased. I knew better than to say anything. Whatever I said I would be in trouble with my wife. I just smiled.

  Elfrida hugged her son, “He is fine and healthy. He is a little smaller than Sámr but he has a fine voice for he announced himself when he saw us!”

  Ragnar laughed, “See, grandfather, he has a war cry already.”

  Gruffyd asked, “What will you name him?”

  Ragnar looked at his son. Like Sámr he had a full head of hair. “He looks like a wolf already. We will name him Ulla and as he has his war cry he will be called Ulla Warcry.”

  And so, he was named. Sámr put his small hand up to touch his brother’s foot. The two would be shield brothers. I could see that. We celebrated. A new baby is always welcome in any Viking house but a future lord and warrior meant that we drank every drop of ale. I found myself both amused and annoyed with Gruffyd as he tried to impress Ebrel. It ended badly for he became drunk and he and Einar Fair Face had to be carried from the hall. I knew that, in the morning, he would regret his actions. Ragnar said, as we threw his cloak over him and made sure that he was face down, “We have all done this grandfather. You learn from your mistakes. The ones who do not are soon forgotten for no one wants a drunk as a shield brother.”

  Erika asked if we would take her to her husband. Although Brigid was not happy I knew that this was right. I had Erik Short Toe prepare the drekar and ‘Fortune’ . Our new ship was perfect to carry Erika’s goods, slaves and family. She could waddle across the sea protected by my wolf, ‘Heart of the Dragon’ . Erik Ironshirt and Ragnar would provide the crew. We did not need the Ulfheonar. Kara, Aiden, Ylva and the two women from Om Walum stayed only long enough to help pack the chests for Erika. We would be leaving the next day and they headed north. I saw the regret on Gruffyd’s face. He had not been able to redress the mistakes he had made and he would dwell on them.

  They would have been barely at the Water when the sentry shouted, “Drekar! A fleet of them! They are Danes!”

  Even the sharpest eyed sentry would not know their intentions and so we called everyone to arms and barred the gates. “Should we heat water, grandfather?”

  “There will be time enough for that later. We know that any enemy would take time to negotiate the island.”

  As they drew closer I saw that there were no shields on the sides of the ships. They came not for war. I counted twenty-eight ships. It was a mighty fleet, and I recognised the one which led them, ‘Firedrake’ . It was Klakke Blue Cheek. Aiden’s dream came to mind and I wondered that he had just left. It was the Norn’s again.

  “I wonder what he wants?”

  “We will find out soon enough. We can have the men stand down. I would not like him to think that we afraid of him. Have the gates opened and we will greet him on the quay. The men can continue to load the ‘Fortune’ .”

  There was a palpa
ble air of relief once Ragnar told the men to stand down. Brigid and Elfrida came with Erika to supervise the loading of the ship. Olaf Grimmson would find that the women were harder task masters than any jarl. Erik Short Toe had his ship’s boys in the rigging making sure that there were no frayed sheets or stays. He and Knut, his son, were examining the rudder withy. That was one piece of equipment which had to be perfect!

  ‘Firedrake’ edged into the narrow channel and was rowed to the quay. It was not an easy operation. If this was Klakke scouting us out before he attacked us then he would have a serious puzzle on his hands. As they edged, gingerly towards the quay I saw that Klakke had on his burnished mail. He was trying to impress me.

  He stepped ashore flanked by his hearth-weru. Once again it was a statement of power. He smiled but the smile was not in his eyes and I knew it would not be in his heart. “Jarl Dragonheart. I hear you have thrashed the men of Strathclyde and gained great treasure! You surely are the king of the Land of the Wolf.”

  I shook my head, “We have no kings here but I kept my borders and people safe. I do that against all enemies.” There was enough edge in my voice for him to understand the meaning.

  “I do not covet your land but I do come here with an offer.”

  “Come into my grandson’s hall, away from the glare of eyes and from prying ears.” I gestured for him to follow me. “Your men can stay here.”

  He frowned, “They are my hearth-weru.”

  “And you have no need of them for I give you my word that you will be safe and we both know that I am a man of my word.”

  He nodded, “Very well.” I saw his eyes flicker to the ‘Fortune’ . You are taking a voyage?”

  “My daughter returns to her husband, Thorghest the Lucky. He is now master of Dyflin.”

  “Whatever your family touches turns to gold. You are fortunate.”

  Ragnar had walked behind us and, as we entered the hall, he closed the doors and waved over slaves with ale. We sat before the fire.

  “So, what is this request?”

  “You have the daughters of the King of Om Walum, King Mordaf ap Hopkin. They reside in your hall.”

  “Aye they are under my protection. I rescued them from King Egbert.”

  “Then I am here to take them off your hands. I will return them to my ally King Mordaf ap Hopkin.” He leered, “I hear the eldest is pretty. I would have her for my wife.”

  I said nothing. I had promised that he would be safe but I did not like the way he spoke or the implications.

  Ragnar said, “The king approves?”

  Klakke waved a hand as though that was a minor consideration, “He will do. I am gathering ships to join the king and to finally defeat King Egbert. You and your ships are more than welcome to join us.”

  I shook my head, “I told King Mordaf ap Hopkin that I would care for his daughters but I would not fight for Om Walum.”

  “Very well but it is your loss. This time we will have twice the army and we destroyed the better warriors he had.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to say that we had defeated the Saxons and not Klakke but I kept my counsel.

  “So, if you would fetch the women we can board them and I will be on my way.”

  “No.”

  “No! But I told you I am taking them to King Mordaf ap Hopkin.”

  “And I told you that I gave my word that I would protect the daughters until the King sent for them. He has not sent for them.”

  He stood and this time there was no disguising the fury on his face, “You think you are so high and mighty. Who are you, the leader of four drekar to gainsay me? I am Klakke Blue Cheek and I command a fleet. I could take your little slip of land any time I choose!”

  I laughed, “It is too big a morsel for even you. Your eyes are bigger than your belly, Klakke Blue Cheek and now I will ask you to leave. I gave you my word that you would be safe but you are trying my patience. Leave and do not return. You are not welcome here. The next time we see you or your ships there will be blood.”

  “You have four ships!”

  “I could have but one and I would still fight you, Klakke Blue Cheek.”

  He strode to his drekar. His men saw his angry face and their hands went to their weapons. Ragnar shouted, “If one weapon is drawn then you all die! Archers!”

  The Dane looked behind him and saw the archers arrayed on the walls, “Sheathe your weapons.” He turned to face me, “This is not over. You have insulted me and you shall pay!”

  He wished for a dramatic exit. Sadly, it took so long for them to edge their way out that he and his hearth-weru looked foolish as they raised their fists to us. The crews of our ships laughed as the Dane crept out of the harbour.

  I went back to the preparations for our departure. Ragnar pointed to the fleet which was still anchored off shore. “I think we will wait for the morning tide. We would be too tempting a target for the Dane.”

  “You may be right and besides they still have much to load.” I pointed to the slaves who were labouring to carry Erika’s bed. I had no idea how they had managed to get it from the hall. It was a big solid bed. Bolli the shipwright had made it as a wedding present. Olaf Grimmson said, “That will have to stay on the deck. It will be too difficult to put it in the hold.”

  I saw my wife frown. She knew less about ships than she did about war. I shouted over, “That is fine, Olaf. Rig an old canvas over it. It will keep it dry and help secure it to the ship.”

  Relieved that I had intervened he waved a hand, “Thank you, Jarl Dragonheart.”

  The extra night proved propitious. We were able to have a second feast and this time Astrid, although still looking drawn, was able to attend. Gruffyd managed to make amends for his previous behaviour. He had little to drink and was the model son. Sadly, Ebrel was not there to be impressed. Brigid also surprised us, “And I will be coming to help my daughter settle into her new hall. It is obvious that none of the men here have any idea how a lady should be treated. I will make sure that young Einar has a clean home in which to grow!”

  I saw Gruffyd’s shoulders sag. The last thing he wanted was for his mother to be there with us. I said, quietly, “She will not be on the drekar. She will be on the ‘Fortune’ .” I laughed at the obvious relief on my son’s face.

  Getting away from the quay was never easy and the waddling cargo ship took longer than a drekar to pull away. They had few oars. However, once we had cleared the channel she lowered her sails and showed that her hull had been well cleared of weed. She was faster than I had expected. It was not a long voyage to Dyflin. We would be there before dark.

  Ragnar’s crew were familiar with Erik Ironshirt’s men and, if we had to row, then they would work well together. It was unlikely that they would for we were sailing at the slower speed of our consort. I smiled as I saw my wife hurling the contents of her stomach overboard. She was not a good sailor. Erika and Myfanwy stood to help her.

  With the wind from the north and west we had two choices. We could sail with the wind, towards Man and then tack back and forth against the wind to reach Dyflin or we could head north and west where we would have less tacking and an easier end to the journey. We chose the latter for Man, although we had scoured it of enemies, might still harbour those who thought to take a rich prize like the ‘Fortune’ . I made that decision. It came easily to me and proved to be a wise one.

  Once we had passed the old Roman town of Glannoventa then there were no more settlements. Glannoventa was now home to a small family of fishermen. They had come down from Orkneyjar. They often sold their catch at Whale Island. We had just turned to take advantage of the wind when Guthrum Arneson shouted, “Two drekar! They are armed for war!”

  We were behind the ‘Fortune’ . Olaf would be cursing his lookout who had failed to spot the two hunters which were racing to take the prize. With the wind behind and their oars they would soon take the ‘Fortune’ . Olaf Grimmson had sailed with us for years and he did exactly the right thing. He head
ed back, directly for us. It would mean we had a change to engage the two ships.

  “Oars!”

  Ragnar and Erik had their men with oars run out before the word had echoed across the sea.

  Ragnar began a chant. It was one for the two crews.

  The Angry Cubs and the Wolf Killers Bears

  Sailed together, through dangers shared

  Through battles hard against their foes

  They forged a link, a bond which grows

  Cubs and bears forged from steel

  Cubs and bears to no man kneel

  When Egbert came they held their walls

  When others fled they still stood tall

  With Ironshirt and Wolf’s blood

  They drove the Saxons through the wood

  Cubs and bears forged from steel

  Cubs and bears to no man kneel

  And now they sail, brothers in arms

  Protected by the volva’s charms

  Cubs and bears forged from steel

  Cubs and bears to no man kneel

  Cubs and bears forged from steel

  Cubs and bears to no man kneel

  The power they generated meant that we closed rapidly with the two Danes. I recognised one of them from Carhampton. They were both smaller than we were but they would have more warriors to fight us. “Erik take her towards the leading Dane. We will try to take her oars.”

  “She does not need them, Jarl Dragonheart. They may withdraw them before we can strike.”

  “And then we will try something different. My wife and daughters are on ‘Fortune’ . I am not letting Klakke Blue Cheek have more weregeld.”