by Griff Hosker
He was seated at a table with Raymond. They waved us over. “We wondered if we would ever see you again, Jarl Dragonheart. After the trouble last time, we would have understood if you had shunned us.”
“That is not my way. I have been busy. This is Aiden. He is married to my daughter and he seeks writings.”
Neither seemed put out by the statement. Baldwin waved over one of the slaves and asked for beer. I think that he owned it for all seemed to defer to him. “What king of writings?”
“I am a wizard. I like anything which tells of the old days, when the Romans ruled this land. If you have any writings about machines then I would like them too.”
I smiled for both men were Christians and when Aiden said he was a wizard their hands went to their crosses. Yet they were still interested. After all they were merchants and would make money where they could. Raymond then nodded, “I know of a man who has such things. He lives just outside the walls a league or so away. If you are in port for a couple of days?”
“Of course.” We gave a list of other things we needed. All were readily available in the market.
“And how goes the world, Baldwin, son of Thierry?”
“The warrior who once served under you, Hrolf the Horseman, he now has a home in Frankia. Like your Land of the Wolf his is the land of the Horse and he holds a portion of it.”
Aiden was intrigued, “And King Louis does not mind?”
Raymond laughed, “He may mind but warriors such as you are hard to shift once they have a toe hold. Besides he has his own problems. His sons still quarrel with each other and their father. Louis does not have the grip on this land that Charlemagne had. It means he looks inward and not outward. However, the rumour is that the Franks have had enough of their new neighbour. I think they will try to shift him and his people.”
Baldwin quaffed his ale, “Aye we have heard that King Egbert of Wessex does not have the support he once had. More Mercian ships enter our harbour and they are growing in confidence. I think that King Egbert’s time as sole ruler is over.”
Both of those pieces of news were worth the journey. I was pleased that Hrolf had made a success of his dream. The Norns had foretold of his future. He was favoured by them. The news about Egbert was also welcome. I could see why he had not had his full army at the battle of Carhampton. His borders were threatened. Perhaps Klakke and Ebrel’s father would succeed. We learned more about the various kings and kingdoms of the lands beyond our seas. Dorestad attracted ships from all over the world of the Franks and the Viking. They even had ships from Miklagård.
“We also hear news of the land across the sea; the land of the East Angles. There the Danes are growing in power. Aethelward is a weak king. It is said that Raedwald rules but the East Angles are kept under control for they believe that their own king rules still. The Danes have slaughtered many priests and taken the treasure from their churches.”
Perhaps that was why Klakke had come west. He did not want to have to vie with a rival Dane for power. If he took Om Walum then Wessex might be squeezed between the two Danish lands.
The next day we made our trades and our purchases. As we had an extra day in port Olaf Grimsson had more time to load the cargo. A well-balanced ship would sail better and more safely than one hurriedly loaded. The bottom of the ocean was littered with ships which had hurried from port and never made it home.
The man with the writings was a Jew. Isaac Ben Judah was a wanderer. He had arrived in Frisia and settled in the town of Ganda. Ganda had learned long ago of the dangers of raiders and had a secure wall around it. As it was on two rivers it was a ripe target for Vikings. The town was still part of the Empire and a safe place for a dealer in papers. Isaac Ben Judah had travelled all over the world. He had a cart and in it was a chest with the books and writings he sold. He not only sold writing he also loaned money. He had with him two bodyguards. Their mail was impressive but they were even more so. I had no idea where they came from for they were both dark skinned and they never spoke. They carried the chest into the ale house. At this time of day, it was empty. The owner was pleased about the custom. They just watched us while we spoke with their master. I had no doubt that the slightest threat from us would have seen their blades out in an instant.
Aiden did the speaking. He spoke rapidly and I understood little. The chest was opened and the Jew took out some parchments. I saw Aiden’s eyes light up. He spoke again and then turned to me, “The man is suspicious of us. He is not certain we have money.”
I nodded. It was understandable. Vikings had a habit of taking what they wanted rather than buying. I had with me a leather satchel. It was filled with coins. Like Isaac Ben Judah I had bodyguards and my two Ulfheonar waited outside. I took a handful of coins from the bag and began to stack them in columns. I only took out twenty. They were enough to make Isaac Ben Judah smile and continue to display his wares.
Aiden reached over and took some of the coins. He gave them to Isaac. He received one parchment. So, it went on until the pile of coins was gone. Then Aiden said, “Five more coins, Jarl Dragonheart and we are done.”
“I could have bought enough mail for a dozen men with the coins we have spent.”
“Do not think of it as money on parchments regard it as information which will help us to beat our foes. Besides we brought only a part of the coins we have. You cannot spend gold in Valhalla!”
I handed him the coins and he took the last parchments. Aiden picked them up the way Erika picked up Moon Child, carefully. As we left I asked, “What is important about these papers?”
“That merchant was a shrewd man. When Raymond’s messenger found him, he asked about us. He only brought those writings which were to do with the island the Romans called Britannia. I have maps and charts as well as writings about the Warlord!”
I stopped so suddenly that Rolf almost ran into the back of me, “My ancestor?”
He nodded, “His name was known by the Romans. They called him Dux Britannicus, Warlord of Britannia and there is more. He visited Dumnonia and some of his people stayed there.”
“Dumnonia?”
“Om Walum.”
Wyrd .
The rest of the day was spent in gathering the last of the items we needed for our voyage home. We would leave on the following morning’s tide. As the sun set two drekar pulled in to the harbour. They were both Danish. We immediately prepared for war. They pulled in two berths down from us.
Olaf said, “I recognise them, Jarl Dragonheart. They were with Klakke Blue Cheek.”
Aðils Shape Shifter added, “Aye but they have been in the wars, look.”
As we watched I saw the Danes carrying wounded men from the nearest drekar. One of them turned and pointed at us. They began to carry three injured men towards us. The Norns were spinning once more. The warrior who approached us wore neither helmet nor mail. His arms bore recent scars. He bowed his head, “I am Halsten of Hedeby. I served Klakke Blue Cheek. Have you a healer on board?”
I nodded, “We have but you know I am Jarl Dragonheart and if you serve Klakke Blue Cheek then you know there is a blood feud between us.”
“I was with him here, in Dorestad when he tricked your son but there is no blood feud any longer.”
“Who decided that?”
“The Norns. Klakke Blue Cheek is dead.”
Chapter 16
Aiden was behind me. “Bring them on board and I will look at them.”
Rolf growled, “And keep your hands away from weapons. The blood feud may be over but I still do not trust Danes. They are treacherous.”
The Dane’s eyes smouldered but he nodded, “You have had dealings with Klakke and I understand your anger. But not all of us are like that.”
I said, “Rolf fetch us some ale. Come, Halsten, I would hear your tale. Call it payment for my healer.”
“Aye jarl and I am sorry that you were duped by Klakke. It did not sit well with many of us. You are known to be an honourable warrior.”
&nbs
p; Aðils Shape Shifter and Rolf Horse Killer joined us as we stood by the steering board. Halsten began, “We gathered a mighty force on the Tamar. It was a place they called Hingston Down. Klakke was confident we could defeat the Saxons. He kept saying how we would have beaten them had you not fled.”
“We did not flee!”
“Peace Rolf. We have no need to defend ourselves. Continue.”
“It was folly, jarl. Klakke did not defend his flanks and we dug no ditch around our camp. The men of Wessex stole your idea and some of the men entered our camp at night and slew many men. The next day they sent two warbands around our flanks to attack at the same time as they attacked over the river. Their king was wounded and the men of Om Walum fled. We were surrounded. Klakke asked for a truce but Egbert would not allow it. There was a massacre. Gedda was the only one of the other jarls who kept his head. When Klakke fell, we fought our way to the river and thence down to the longphort. Ten drekar escaped. Gedda sailed home to Denmark. We would have sailed to Dyflin for we heard that my shield brother, Magnus Axe Hand lives there but the winds were against us and we came here instead.”
I looked up at Aðils, “Wyrd .”
“Aye lord.”
“Your shield brother is now jarl of Veisafjǫrðr. You will be welcome there if you are his shield brother.”
“He made the right decision.”
“And what of their king, Mordaf ap Hopkin?”
“He was captured before Klakke fell. I know not his fate.”
“You said we were duped? How?”
“Ulf the Slighter was a nasty piece of work. He had upset many of Klakke’s jarls and caused great discord amongst us. When he drank, he was worse. Klakke wanted rid of him. He used him to goad your son. He told him that your son and the one with the young face were lovers.” Halsten looked down, “It was a dishonourable thing to do. Klakke knew that Ulf would provoke your son.”
“But what if my son had been killed? That would have ensured a blood feud.”
“Ulf was no warrior. Sober he was a weak warrior and drunk he could not fight a serving wench. As soon as he drew his blade he was a dead man walking. Your son is a good warrior.”
I had had confirmed what I already knew. I could trust my feelings and judgements still.
When the men had been seen to they returned to their drekar. After they had resupplied they would head west. We would be taking the same course but they would easily beat us back. They were a drekar with oars and we were like a waddling cow, heavy with calf. As we left the harbour Aiden said, “We should find out what they have done with King Mordaf ap Hopkin. The girls have a right to know.”
“Then how do you suggest we find that out?”
“We sail up the Fal and ask.”
“You want us to sail to the town we sacked and looted?”
“We go in as a merchant and, besides, it was some time ago. If you do not wear mail then they will not know.”
It was a risk but it would be the only way to discover, quickly about the fate of the king. “Very well.”
It would take a day, at least, to reach the River Fal. We set about changing us from a Norse vessel and Norse crew to a Frisian one. Aiden went ashore to buy clothes for us. They would not go to waste. I made sure that everyone knew we had to speak Saxon. It was the most common language in these waters and would explain away our strange accent.
As we sailed west I could see that Aiden was itching to examine the writings but he knew better than to risk that where salty sea could damage them irreparably. We saw evidence of the failure of Klakke’s raid. All along the coast there were drekar drawn up on beaches. Having fled the wrath of Wessex they had taken shelter where they could. The south coasts of Wessex and Kent were filled with Vikings coming ashore to steal food.
Aiden smiled, “Of course this will make life easier for us, now Jarl Dragonheart. With fewer ships sailing the seas there will more for our men and those of Thorghest to plunder.”
“But it strengthens Egbert.”
“His ally, the King of Frankia, is no longer as powerful as he once was. Egbert will have lost men in the two battles. Warriors are hard to come by and Mercia will grow stronger.”
“And East Anglia? Which way will they side? With Mercia or with Wessex.”
Aiden laughed, “It matters not for we know that the Danes are treacherous. Klakke Blue Cheek and Eggle Skulltaker showed us that.”
This time, as we edged into the narrow harbour entrance, I saw that they had built a stone citadel on the western side. They had learned from our attack. We waved, cheerily, as though we were coming home. We had got into the anchorage but the Saxons who controlled the port were suspicious.
“Where are you from?”
Aiden was the least warrior like of us and he smiled and spoke for us, “We are the ‘Maid of Brustis ’. We left Dorestad two days since and we have need of water.”
The Saxon nodded, “That will cost you. King Egbert does not provide for the pirates of Frisia!”
Aiden affected an outraged pose, “Pirates! We are honest sailors trying to make an honest living and avoid the Vikings. They are the real pirates.”
The Saxon laughed, “Then you can thank King Egbert. He has destroyed a Viking army and taken twenty of their ships. I am surprised you did not see the fire as we burned them and the carrion they carried.”
“Then God be praised! That is good news and I will drink a toast to the king.”
The official held out his hand, “First the coin for the water!” Aiden and I both knew that the coins would go straight into the man’s purse. Aiden paid him. The Saxon pointed up the hill. “The well is close by the church.”
I waved Aðils and Rolf forward and they rolled the barrel. We had emptied it at sea. We had another one anyway. I spoke in Saxon, “Come we will get the water and then try some ale.”
Aiden nodded, “And I had better watch you so that you do not get into trouble!”
The four of us headed for the church. It took some time to fill the barrel for there was just one pail. I did not mind for it made us invisible. As people came to the church or passed by they just saw four sailors getting water. We rolled it back down and stopped outside the ale house which was furthest from the sea. It was almost empty and the ale wife was pleased to see us. She was not Saxon.
“Four ales.”
She nodded as she scooped out the foaming brew, “You are not Saxons.”
“No, mistress, we are Frisians.” Aiden paid for the ale and, after tasting it, smacked his lips. “Good ale.” It would bring her on our side. “Are the Saxons good masters?”
She looked shiftily around to see if anybody was listening. She shook her head, “They tax everyone. They are like bloodsuckers and that Gurth son of Asser at the port is the worst. He charges taxes on everything that people bring in and take out! It is not right.”
“No, it is not. And your king perished in battle did he not?”
“Oh no. he lives. He was wounded but King Egbert has him kept alive. He is prisoner in Tintaieol. It is surety for our good behaviour. The Princess Ebrel is also a prisoner. She is in a cave in the far north where a Viking monster keeps her chained. We live in parlous times.”
We had another ale although we had the information we needed. We took the barrel back and the official, we now knew him to be Gurth son of Asser, approached us. “Do you stay the night?”
“No, we sail now. We have our water.”
“Then you have to pay mooring charges.” He held out his hand.”
“Mooring charges? But we paid for the water.”
“And now you pay for tying up.”
“You will not encourage trade.”
“We need no trade with pirates and the like of you!” Aiden handed over five coins. “Begone!”
We had what we needed and we left the harbour as night was falling. Both Olaf and Aiden knew of the stronghold where the king was held prisoner. I also did. We had raided close by many years earlier. It was a formidab
le place. Sitting high on the top of a column of rock there was a narrow path which led to the mainland. “The spit of land is only as wide as five men. They rarely risk a cart to cross it and pack everything they need on the backs of horses.”
“And a garrison?”
Aiden shrugged, “I know not how many it will be. I am guessing not many for it would be almost impossible to reduce by frontal attack.”
“Can we reach it this night?”
“No, Jarl Dragonheart, for we have to sail around the rocky coast. I would anchor and risk the northern journey in daylight.”
“Good. For we can sail along the coast and spy out the stronghold.”
The next morning we left and sailed along the coast which had rocks like the teeth of a monster.
King Egbert had obviously not had to assault the rocky walls of Tintaieol. There was no damage and there were Saxon sentries patrolling the walls. It was as formidable as I recalled. Neither of my Ulfheonar had ever seen it. Rolf said, “It is impossible. No one could get inside those walls.”
“The jarl and I manged to do so at Din Guardi although unlike Myrddyn, we did not fly in. There will be a way.” He pointedly looked at me, “If you are going to rescue the king.”
I didn’t answer. I stared at the walls. If I did not attempt a rescue then it would not be seen as a disgrace. No one would blame me. Except myself. For I knew that I would be letting down two girls who were in my care and my son. Even as I stared at the rocks which rose in the sky I knew that I would attempt the rescue. I looked at Aiden. “Would you help me to get in?”
He smiled, “Of course. King Egbert thinks he is so powerful. If we can steal a prisoner from under his nose it will be as good as a defeat on the battlefield. He has chosen Tintaieol because it cannot be attacked. He thinks that it is impregnable. We will show him that Vikings have brains as well as brawn.”
It took another four days to reach home for the winds were not in our favour. Poor Aiden was almost beside himself. He was desperate to examine the writings which had been so expensive to buy. Wrapped in seal skin and encased in a chest, they were safe. Whale Island and the halls had never looked so welcoming as when we saw them loom up over the horizon.
