by Griff Hosker
We would have avoided the last of the four ships had their steersman not panicked. Had he carried on his course then we would have missed his stern. He anticipated a turn to larboard and so he made the same move. We were going to collide. As the Saxon slowed we could not get enough canvas off us to slow down and there was no way we could avoid him. Erik Short Toe did well, as did Guthrum Arneson at the prow. Erik turned to steerboard so that we did not strike the Saxon full on and Guthrum drew his seax. The dragon prow became entangled with the Saxon’s sheets. It would take time for Guthrum to cut us free. I dropped my bow and, drawing my sword, followed Aðils and Beorn as they leapt aboard the Saxon ship. It held a large crew but many had been knocked from their feet by the collision. Four lay bleeding as I jumped down and ran through the huge Saxon who raced at me with an axe.
We went to the steering board. I shouted, “Olaf! The rudder withy!”
Six warriors were protecting the steersman. The five of us who had boarded ran at them. They valued their lives too much and held their shields close to them. Had they attacked us then they might have hurt us. As it was their tentative strikes with their swords were fended off. I grabbed the nearest shield and pulled it forward. The Saxon came with it and I rammed my sword into this chest. As I pulled it out I swung it sideways and it bit into the steersman’s neck.
Olaf shouted, “The withy is broken!”
Cnut Cnutson, who had gone to the prow with Guthrum Arneson shouted, “Jarl! Back to the ship!”
We turned and ran through the confused Saxons. Most moved away from the five warriors with the red faces and bloody swords. We just managed to jump on board as the two ships separated. I stood on the gunwale and held on to the stay. The ship we had covered in arrows was drifting out of control and the other two were tacking around to follow us. They would not catch us. As I jumped down the crew began banging the deck with their feet.
“Dragonheart! Dragonheart! Dragonheart! Dragonheart!”
I raised my sword and yelled, “Ulfheonar!” We had beaten them.
At sunset, we stopped off the coast of Gwynedd. It was a sheltered bay and, to the far north, we could see a distant mountain which we took to be Wyddfa. Throwing out a sea anchor we dressed Einar Hammer Arm in his wolf cloak and placed his sword in his hand. My Ulfheonar carried him to the steering board and held his body aloft.
I held my arms up, “Ran, take this warrior who kept his oath until the end and carry him to Valhalla where he will sit among the other heroes. Odin, welcome this warrior. He had a mighty arm but a greater heart. Einar Hammer Arm, we shall see you in the Otherworld and we will honour your memory.”
The body was lowered into the water and slipped, quickly, beneath the waves which lapped around our stern. We stood in silence. We each had our own memory of him and in that moment, we brought it to mind. We did not land but sat aboard our drekar. The rest of the crew gave us deck room and the Ulfheonar and Aiden sat together without speaking. I thought of all the shield walls in which Einar had stood beside or behind me. He would never do that again. Like all of my Ulfheonar I had never needed to look for Einar nor worry that he might not do that which I had asked. We had done all that we had done because of warriors like Einar Hammer Arm.
There were now just seven of them left and Cnut Cnutson could never fight in a shield wall again. Haaken and I were old and Olaf Leather Neck was not far behind. There were just three who had not seen thirty summers. The weregeld we had paid Klakke had been expensive.
The next morning, we sailed north. Aiden led me to the prow. I knew it was serious. “The King?”
He nodded, “The healer who saw to him just stitched him up. The wound is angry. He needs me to work on him.”
“Should we land?”
“There is enough poison in the wound without risking any more. If we can make Whale Island this day then we might save him. He grows weaker with each league we travel. Even if I can clean the wound, it may already be too late. I fear the king will not see a grandson!”
“Then we must row. We will use half the crew and we will change over regularly.”
We used all of the crew to row when we needed speed. This needed endurance and so we would have fewer men on the oars rowing more slowly but we would row non-stop. Half the men rowed and they would be replaced by the other half. This would be a test for those who were not Ulfheonar. Haaken had not had time to compose a chant about Einar Hammer Arm and so we used one about another hero, Eystein. They had both had similar qualities. Huge men, they had held the line when others had fallen around them.
Through the stormy Saxon Seas
The Ulfheonar they sailed
Fresh from killing faithless Danes
Their glory was assured
Heart of Dragon
Gift of a king
Two fine drekar
Flying o'er foreign seas
Then Saxons came out of the night
An ambush by their Isle of Wight
Vikings fight they do not run
The Jarl turned away from the rising sun
Heart of Dragon
Gift of a king
Two fine drekar
Flying o'er foreign seas
The galdramenn burned Dragon Fire
And the seas they burned bright red
Aboard 'The Gift' Asbjorn the Strong
And the rock Eystein
Rallied their men to board their foes
And face them beard to beard
Heart of Dragon
Gift of a king
Two fine drekar
Flying o'er foreign seas
Against great odds and back to back
The heroes fought as one
Their swords were red with Saxon blood
And the decks with bodies slain
Surrounded on all sides was he
But Eystein faltered not
He slew first one and then another
But the last one did for him
Even though he fought as a walking dead
He killed right to the end
Heart of Dragon
Gift of a king
Two fine drekar
Flying o'er foreign seas
We spied Whale Island at dusk. It was a welcome sight. Coen ap Aedh had bloodied hands. He was barely a warrior and certainly no rower. He would remember this voyage until the end of his days. As soon as we were tied up the king was carried ashore. Gruffyd and Einar Fair Face fetched the chest the king had demanded we bring. Coen had done well to carry it alone. Once ashore I sent Gruffyd and Einar to Cyninges-tūn. They would fetch Ebrel, Bronnen and Kara. Aiden did not wish to risk losing the king before he had seen his daughters.
The king was laid on the table in the hall. Aiden had burning brands brought close so that the hall was well lit. While Aiden and Elfrida prepared the king, I went to speak with Ragnar. I told him of the death of Einar Hammer Arm and the escape from the stronghold. “He was a brave warrior. The rocks that guard you are fewer now, grandfather.”
“Until Aiden dreams my death I will not worry. If I worry at all it is for my Ulfheonar. They have followed me always.”
Astrid came, she was nursing Ulla War Cry, “Aiden needs you Jarl Dragonheart.”
I saw that the king was stripped to the waist and I saw the angry wound. It was in his shoulder. I could smell the putrefaction as I entered. Around the wound itself the flesh was red and angry. The king was asleep or unconscious. Aiden looked at me. “I have given him a draught. Too great a dose and he would be dead.”
“I know why you have Elfrida but why me? I am no healer.”
“Look around his neck, Jarl Dragonheart.”
I saw a chain of gold. I pulled it around and saw that he had a dragon with a blue eye. I understood. He was descended from one of the warlord’s oathsworn. “I see.” I was destined to be here. This was part of the Norns’ web.
“Take out Ragnar’s Spirit and place it in his hand. There is a power in the sword. We should use it.”
I did as he a
sked.
“And now hold his left hand. There is power in you. I am not certain that we can save his life. I fear that we cannot but if I can extend it so that he can say goodbye to his daughters then it will be worth it.”
“Whatever I can do I shall do.”
Aiden had sharpened blades made especially for him by Bagsecg. I saw that they were in a bowl of boiling water. Using a pair of bone tongues, he took out a long and narrow blade. Before he grasped it, he said, “Elfrida there will be evil which pours from the wound. Use a cloth to mop it. Be ready to staunch the blood when it flows.” She nodded, “Ragnar, have an iron in the fire. This will take some time but when we are done then you must seal the wound.”
“Aye galdramenn.”
Aiden wore a red jewel around his neck. We had taken it from the horde we had found on Ynys Môn. It had been gathered by Angharad the witch. It had great power and Aiden was summoning all the magic he could. He grasped it and closed his eyes. He intoned something which I could not quite make out. I did not like to say anything to the others but the king’s hand felt cold. Perhaps he was already dying and Aiden was too late.
Aiden opened his eyes and smiled, “He lives, Jarl Dragonheart, although he is knocking on the door to the Otherworld.” He took the blade and sliced through the crude stitches. Immediately pus and blood poured from the wound. Elfrida went to dab it but Aiden said, “Let it flow until it is just blood and then staunch it. We can mop the mess up later.”
Astrid Mother said, “He can have our bed. It is only right.”
I nodded. Astrid had the kindest heart of any woman I knew. Aiden put his fingers in the wound. He appeared to be feeling for something. King Mordaf ap Hopkin stirred a little and I felt pressure on my fingers.
“Elfrida, pour some vinegar on the wound to clean the blood.” She did so and the dark flow became paler. “There is something left in the wound here.” He took two very thin and narrow blades and inserted them into the wound. I saw him sweating with the exertion. He peered into the wound as Elfrida continued to pour vinegar, mixed with water into the wound. Suddenly his hands came out. “Elfrida catch this.” She held out her hand and Aiden dropped a piece of bloody metal no bigger than a baby’s fingernail into her palm. “That was left in.” He took some honey and smeared it into the wound. Then he said, “Vinegar and when the flow has slowed apply the iron, Ragnar. Jarl Dragonheart, he may try to move.”
I nodded and placed my other hand on his chest. I noticed that the king’s fingers were wrapped tightly around the hilt of Ragnar’s Spirit. There was a hiss and the smell of burning flesh and hair. The king’s back arced a little, even against the pressure of my hand, then he subsided. He stopped gripping my hand and the sword. “Now his life is in the hands of the Allfather. Carry him to the bed. I will wash and then sit by him.”
After the king was taken to the chamber of Ragnar and Astrid, Aiden left for the chamber. I sheathed my sword. The Ulfheonar and Ragnar, along with Astrid had watched Aiden. Astrid shook her head, “How could he do that and how did he know that there was something left inside?”
Ragnar put an arm around his wife, “He is galdramenn and has been doing this for many years. He reads and in some of the ancient writings he learned about the body. I am glad that he is my grandfather’s wizard.”
Astrid nodded and then looked at the Ulfheonar, “I am forgetting myself! You must be starving! I will have food and ale fetched.”
Olaf Leather Neck grinned, “I must confess, my lady, that my stomach thought my throat had been cut!”
I went to the bath house Ragnar had had built. It was a crude copy of a Roman one. Unless the slaves had heated the water then it was cold but it enabled Ragnar to clean away the blood from battle and to do so out of the view of others. Astrid had anticipated me for the slave bowed and said, “Jarl, my lady had me heat water. Would you wish your bath to be hot?”
“I would.”
“If you wish I can trim and wash your hair and beard.” He smiled, “Before the jarl captured me I was the personal servant of a Frankish nobleman.”
“In that case, I would. What is your name?”
“Atticus of Athens jarl. I will fetch some drying cloths and oils. Your grandson is particular about such things.”
It was some time since I had stayed with Ragnar and even longer since he had lived with me. He had, truly, grown. Atticus was skilled. I questioned him as he first washed me and then my hair before cutting and trimming both my hair and beard. He had been born a slave. His first master had been a Byzantine lord who lived in Lombardy. Taken by pirates when on their way to Miklagård he had been sold on the open market. The Count of Toulouse had bought him. From what I could gather the Count had not been a very thoughtful master. Certainly, Atticus preferred Ragnar. As he had said, “The buildings may not be as fine but the hearts of the people are better. If I am to be a slave then there are worse homes.” It was the Norns who had brought him to us. The Count had sent his servants ahead by land to his new estate in Neustria. Ragnar and the others had raided the small village where their caravan was resting. Had they gone by ship with their master then I would not have the services of a bath slave. When my hair and beard were done, he used a strigil to scrape my skin.
“Would you like to finish off with a cold bath now, Jarl?”
“I would.”
After I had dressed I felt a new man. Perhaps I would have a bath house built too. The steam hut was something I would still use but I had enjoyed the experience of Ragnar’s indulgence.
That night there was no sadness. We had mourned Einar Hammer Arm on the voyage home and now he was in Valhalla. We would see that his family received their share of any booty we raided. Astrid had prepared a fine feast at short notice and we all slept well in Ragnar’s Hall.
Gruffyd and his party arrived shortly after dawn. They, must have left while it was still dark. Aiden had sat with the king all night. He had woken a few times and Aiden had given him a second draught. Kara came in with the king’s daughters. We were eating fresh bread and runny cheese.
“Where is our father? Is he alive? Gruffyd said that he was near to death.”
I stood, “He is alive but Aiden fears that there is poison still in his body. He is sleeping now. When he awakes then you may go to him. I would not undo my galdramenn’s work.”
Kara smiled, “Sit and eat. I will go to Aiden. Perhaps I can be of use to my husband.”
They sat as did Einar Fair Face and Gruffyd. Ebrel picked absent mindedly at a piece of bread, “Your son told us that you lost one of your oathsworn, jarl. I am sorry.”
“It was meant to be. He died well. I do not want you to get your hopes up. It may be that Aiden has only prolonged your father’s life by a short span.”
“Even one day is better than nothing.”
I nodded. I understood what she was saying. If I could have my mother back for one day then I would be happy.
It was noon when the girls were admitted to their father. Aiden said, “The king wishes you to be there too, Jarl Dragonheart.”
King Mordaf ap Hopkin was sitting up. There was colour in his cheeks. The two girls threw themselves at him. I saw him wince and Aiden shook his head. “You are alive, father, and we are both overjoyed.”
He kissed them both on the cheeks and then said, “Sit on the bed.” Each held one of his hands. “I am dying. The wizard has worked miracles but he and I know that I will not see the new grass. I may not see tomorrow. But he has given me the chance to speak to you two, my beautiful daughters. Know that I love you more than I can say. I would give anything to live a long life and to see you married. I would dearly love to bounce my grandchildren on my knee but it is not meant to be. I will be dead but you shall live.”
Ebrel began to weep, “Father! We have both cried each day that we have been apart from you. You have been cruelly used. We will nurse you and we will be at your side from now on.”
He nodded, “While I can still speak and in front of these wi
tnesses I have certain things which I must say. I have spoken with Aiden both on the ship and today when I was awake. I know neither of you wished to be married off by me.” Ebrel tried to say something but the king put his fingers on her lips. “That will not happen. Aiden has told me that there are two Vikings who have expressed feelings for you. What I need to know from you is if that is reciprocated? Is it just a passing fancy or more?”
Bronnen, the quieter of the two, leaned forward, “Father, it is no passing fancy. They are not of our people but they from good families and we would be happy. We like the Land of the Wolf.”
“Then you have my blessing. Aiden, the chest.”
Aiden had obviously spent longer talking to the king than we knew. He hauled the chest from the floor and put it on the bottom of the king’s bed. He opened it. The king tried to rise but it was too much for him.
The king waved his arm, “Inside are the jewels, crowns and coronets from Om Walum. I have no sons. I know not if the two Vikings you have chosen as your husbands would choose to claim the throne from King Egbert. I will be long dead if they choose to do so.” He gestured for me to go over to him. “Jarl Dragonheart I did not think that things would turn out this way. When King Egbert stole my children, I did not think that a Viking would be my saviour and yet you have been as a father to my daughters. When I die, I would like you to continue to be as their father. You rescued me and without you I would already be dead. The contents of this chest are for you to use save that you promise to continue to be as a father to my daughters.”
I hesitated.
He smiled, “You have a well-deserved reputation, Viking. Men say that when you give your word it is as though it is carved in stone.”
I smiled, “I am getting old, King Mordaf ap Hopkin. While I live, I promise to be as a father to your daughters. And I also swear that King Egbert will not enjoy a peaceful life in your land. The Clan of the Wolf has a blood feud with King Egbert and my oath to you merely strengthens it.” I held out my arm and the dying king clasped it. I had given my word and I would not be foresworn.
Epilogue
