by Griff Hosker
I sat down and shook my head, "Of late I am not sure how much time I actually have left." I pointed east. "I cannot see him ever being ready to rule this land. Can you?" Aiden did not answer. "Can any of you?" The silence was almost unbearable. I wanted one of them to give me a reason to hope. "I am weary and I grow old." I saw Gruffyd's terrified face. "Take no notice of me, my son, I am just out of sorts."
He nodded. "I will fight alongside you father."
"I know. Now go and fetch your mother. I am hungry after all that shouting."
After he had gone I said to my two scouts, "I forgot to thank you two for bringing us the news. I would say it was fortunate but I sense webs being spun." They nodded. "So Snorri, did you find any yet to carve something for your woman?"
Beorn laughed and Snorri said, indignantly, "She is not my woman!"
"I think it is good that you two make a couple. Eystein would approve and it is time you fathered a child."
Aiden said, "Do you need jet?"
"I have a mind to carve an amulet for her. Do you have some?"
"I do and had you asked I would have given it to you. It would have saved a journey."
I felt the same shiver I had on the mountain top. "But you were meant to go to Hwitebi and you were meant to help the Frisian get to Valhalla. It is wyrd."
They all nodded and touched their amulets.
"I would like you two to summon the Ulfheonar. I will hold a feast for them tomorrow night. We will leave for Bebbanburgh the next day. We will visit Elfridaby and Windar's Mere before we see Ketil."
"You just take your oathsworn?"
"I may take some of Ketil's men but any more would seem like an invasion. We go in peace but we demonstrate our power."
I left them and headed for my smith. Bjorn was hammering a piece of twisted metal. It would become a sword eventually. "Have you a sword which would be fit for a king?"
He laughed, "All of my swords are fit for a king. Which king?"
"King Eanred."
He nodded, "Then it would have to be a fine sword. The Saxons are almost as good as me when it comes to making fine swords." He went to a rolled up sheepskin. Unfolding it he took out a sword which was slightly shorter than Ragnar's Spirit. It had just one jewel in it. It was one of the red stones we had found in a church. "I have been working on this one. It has been quiet lately and I enjoy the craft of making something beautiful and yet deadly. I just need to etch the blade. I was going to make a dragon."
"Then do so. It is worthy of a king and the gift may buy us an ally."
"Do we need one?"
I laughed, "You may be right, Perhaps it is better to say we need no more enemies right now." I looked at the other workshops they were all busy manufacturing the weapons and tools we sold. "Have you heard from Bagsecg?" His son had left home and now plied his trade elsewhere. Thoughts of sons were in my mind.
He shook his head, "No." His face darkened. "When Anya, his wife, first came I liked her. She was lively and I thought she would bring my shy son out of himself. She is too ambitious and she likes gold too much. He would have stayed here were it not for her." He shook his head, "I do not see the children and I grow old."
"You have other sons."
"But only one is called Bagsecg. I named him for my father. My other sons are all fine smiths but Bagsecg, he understood metal the way my father did and I do. He was the best smith I sired."
"Then this is right. He can ply his trade and not compete with you. See this as a good thing."
"I wish I could." He shook his head as though to rid the picture of his son far away, "When do you need the sword?"
"Two days?"
"It will be done." He looked across the Water. "I saw Wolf Killer leaving in a hurry. It seems we both have problems with our sons."
"It starts the day they are born and ends the day that we die."
The words rang through my hall as my oathsworn sang the latest saga composed by Haaken One Eye. It told of the death of Eystein the Rock. Although Haaken had, as usual, changed some events to make a better story, it was still largely true and it was a fitting way to begin the feast.
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
When the song was over Uhtric ordered the slaves and servants in with the food and the beet. I had also broached a jar of wine for I knew that some of my warriors preferred it. There were just eleven Ulfheonar left and one of those, Karl One Leg, never ventured forth with us but we still counted him as one of us. He guarded my home while I travelled, trained new warriors and watched for new Ulfheonar. There had been precious few of late. That is not to say we did not have fine warriors who were the equal of any we met. It was more that they did not have the complete set of skills needed by the finest and stealthiest of warriors.
Few now lived in Cyninges-tūn and the meal was a noisy affair as they spoke to each other of their farms, their families and, inevitably, dead Ulfheonar. I daresay that Asbjorn who now had his own crew was doing the same.
When the food had all been finished save for a few morsels which my men picked at as they drank I rose and I spoke.
"Snorri and Beorn have brought us news that the son of Rurik of Dorestad is gathering warriors to raid us and avenge his father's death. Today I sent Raibeart ap Pasgen to sail to Dorestad and find as much as he can about the force he might bring. Our raids in Neustria have brought us the enmity of the leader there and the Mayor of Neustria is financing the raid. They will be hiring mercenaries."
Olaf Leather Neck snorted, "And they will flee at the first sign of opposition!"
"Perhaps, but when Rurik came last time we had to spend many months scouring the land for the last vestiges of those who remained. There were many farmsteads destroyed by hired swords. You may not fear them Olaf Leather Neck but you are a well armed warrior and not a farmer and his wife fighting the flies of Grize's Dale."
Olaf nodded, "And that is why you are Jarl and I am just a hewer of Danish necks. Sorry, Jarl Dragonheart."
I waved his apology away. "Aiden and I agree that there are three courses of action our enemy can take. Two of them; an attack by sea and from Eoforwic would take time to organize but Northumbria is weak from war and this Frisian may take the third and seek to ally himself with Eanred."
Erik Eriksson slapped the table, "Excellent! We go to war with the Saxons! More riches for us!"
Others slapped him on the back and cheered, "No, we go to talk with E
anred."
Snorri and Beorn were silent. They knew my reasons. Haaken One Eye looked curious for he knew me well but the others began a clamour. Olaf banged the table, "Talk? We slay Saxons!"
Shaking my head I said, "We do not wish any of the Saxon lands and they have learned to fear us. I intend to persuade King Eanred to be our ally and to protect our border."
Rollo Thin Skin asked, "Why would he do that?"
"Because he fears King Egbert from Wessex. Egbert wishes to be High King of the land of the Angles. It was always the Kings of the north who were the old High Kings. Wessex will go to war with Northumbria when Mercia is cowed. It suits us to ally with them for we know they are not strong enough to fight us."
"We defeated Mercia and Wessex! No Saxon is strong enough!"
"Rolf Horse Killer, you are young. You are a fine warrior but you are still young. We are few and the Saxons are like fleas on a dog. They will return one day and in even greater numbers for we shamed Egbert in front of his army. Our ransom humiliated him. He will be brooding and plotting in his burgh. Better he attacks King Eanred and we help Northumbria than he attacks us and we fight alone."
Everyone fell silent. Haaken One Eye, who was seated next to me, said, quietly, "Have you dreamed Jarl? You seem not yourself."
"We are older, Haaken, that is all. I have not dreamed but I climbed the Old Man and I felt him pat my back." Their hands went to their amulets. They believed that warriors such as we felt our fallen comrades close by when we were close to death.
"What do Kara and Aiden say?"
"They have not yet dreamed. They are now dreaming."
I paused to fill my horn. My words had sobered them and made them reflect. Despite their words they were all thoughtful warriors. It was what made them Ulfheonar. They realised now the wisdom of my words. Rolf Horse Killer and Rollo Thin Hair apart they were all older warriors; most with families and farms. That changed a man.
"So we ride tomorrow. Take a spare horse each and ride in your best armour. Leif, we will ride beneath my banner. I want to impress the Saxons. We visit with Wolf Killer before riding to Ketil. I will take some of his men. He is the nearest neighbour of the Saxons. It is right that we do so."
Now that they understood the mood changed and they became enthusiastic. It was a chance for them to show off with their best armour. They would wear their warrior bands and display their golden wolves around their necks. It would show any that we met who we were. The drinking went on for some time. Only those who lived within a mile or so of my hall attempted to go home. Uhtric put the rest to bed.
I had not drunk as much as my men and I rose before dawn and left Brigid sleeping. I slipped along to the hall of my daughter and Aiden. Macha and Deidra admitted me. If they wondered why I was visiting so early they knew me well enough to hold their tongues.
"My lady and her husband have just risen. They have gone to make water."
"Then I will wait in the hall. Fetch me some of your fine cheese and small beer."
The two former nuns of the White Christ made excellent cheese. They still worshipped the peacemaker god but they fitted into our world well. It was hard to imagine Cyninges-tūn without them. It was Macha who returned with warm bread, runny goat's cheese, honey and a horn of ale. Deidra followed a short while later.
"My lady will be with you when she has dressed."
There was a hint of criticism in her voice and I smiled, "This is fine cheese!"
She scurried out uncertain how to reply. I think she still feared me a little. I knew now that I looked frightening. My white bearded face bore scars from battles and the lines upon it were like one of Aiden's charts. They reflected the life I had led. It had rarely seen peace.
"You are early, father."
I nodded, "Aye Kara for we leave as soon as we are able and I would know as much as I can before I speak with Eanred."
I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and looked up. Kara looked drawn. She always did after dreaming. I knew not what the potion was they took but it seemed to age her each time she and Aiden dreamed. It was one of the reasons I rarely asked them to dream. She sat down and poured herself some beer from the jug.
"It was a strange dream. We saw the raven flying."
The raven? The bird of death?"
Smiling she said, "And also the sign of Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson. We think it was both. We did not see enemies close to hand but we dreamed of a wall, far away and there was a gate. Warriors spilled out from it. There were Franks and Frisians, Saxons and Danes. They will be coming here."
"But not yet?"
Ignoring my question she continued, "We spoke with the spirits. They spoke not of danger but of treasure."
That made me sit up. It was not the reply I expected. "Treasure?"
"I saw mother counting coins from one chest into another and she smiled. And..." she hesitated, "there was a figure behind her but he was hidden. It was a spirit but one without features. They are not dead yet."
Once again I felt the icy fingers of Olaf the Toothless on my neck. "Someone dies?"
She drank some more of the beer as though to compose herself. "Someone dies. More than that it is someone that I know. Mother hid their spirit and I saw your mother too. She smiled at me."
"What do you deduce from all this, daughter? Am I to die?"
For the first time in many years she looked uncertain. "I know not if you will die but it is possible. I do know that the danger to your home will not be until the winter has passed. The warriors who spilled out of the gate passed the yellow flowers of Eostre. You have until then."
I was relieved. "And has Aiden told you of my plans?"
"He has. They are good. I did not dream this but I believe it is wyrd. The way of the sword is not always the best."
I rose and kissed my daughter on her forehead. "Thank you my daughter. I know how much this has taken from you. Ask your husband to meet me at Ketil's stad. I will not be there before tomorrow evening."
She nodded, "Be patient with my brother, father. He is not as you and I. There is anger inside him and that is my fault. Each morning I curse the day that Angharad came here."
"We cannot change the past."
"I know but it is just as sure that it changes our future. The ripples from that stone have not yet reached the shore. Who knows what dangers they will bring."
Chapter 2
Despite Brigid's objections I took Gruffyd with me. I had promised him that the next time I rode beneath my banner he could accompany me. Kara had not dreamed danger to us and I felt it was safe. In fact the dream seemed all good. The flying raven meant Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson prospered and Erika counting out treasure was also good. It meant we prospered. My wife wept as we left but, when I returned, she would be calm. We rode down the eastern shore of the Water with the noon sun lighting Old Olaf. My men nodded when they saw him smile. It was a good omen. Leif the Banner rode next to my son. He would be his bodyguard. I rode with Haaken. We had much to say. He was my oldest and closest friend. As you grew older such friends became even more important.
"It is Wolf Killer who worries you, Jarl, and not this Ragnar Ruriksson is it not?"
"You know me well. Enemies I can deal with. With warriors like these and those we left at home I can face any foe but family? It is always difficult. They are of your blood but you cannot change their nature. Wolf Killer has ever been thus. He is headstrong and wishes things his own way."
"Perhaps he got that from Erika. You have always been one to compromise and see another's viewpoint." He laughed, "Save in battle where I would not be your foe."
"Perhaps the ride home and Elfrida's counsel will calm him. She is gentler than Brigid."
"I would not let your wife hear that lord! Her Welsh blood will rise to the fore!"
We headed up over the ridge towards the valley of Windar's Mere. I noticed that more land had been cleared and there were more farms. We were slowly taming the land. My people were prospering. Perhaps that was why Old Ola
f was smiling.
Haaken asked, "What if our passage north is barred? Will we fight?"
"I would travel in peace but I asked for us all to bring two horses and our weapons and arms in case someone objects to our presence. I think Eanred's thegns will have trouble enough in the south of his land. He has all but lost Eoforwic."
"True, it is now normally called its Danish name, Jorvik."
"Aye the Danes have insinuated themselves into that land. Within a few years I can see it being a Danish kingdom and then Wolf Killer will really need to watch out." I looked towards the north. We had reached the high point on the ridge and I could see the Wolf Mountain to the north. "We will take the quiet road through the forests of the north. They will be fly filled at this time of year but I would avoid the Saxons until we reach the stronghold."
"Last time we were there we crept like ghosts did we not?"
"We may still not have the luxury of visiting its interior but so long as I speak with Eanred I will be happy. If he refuses my offer then we will know where we stand and we can make our plans."
It took a couple of hours to reach my son's hall. I saw men toiling in his ditches. He had heeded my words. I smiled to myself. I would not mention it. He might take it as crowing on my part.
Ragnar, my grandson, threw himself on the back of a horses as soon as we were spied and galloped towards us. Haaken laughed, "Just as reckless as his father."
"And he has grown too. Since he carried the banner to fool the Saxons he has grown a hand span."
He reined up next to me. "Gruffyd shouted to his cousin, "I am going with the Ulfheonar! We ride to Bebbanburgh!"
"Grandfather! Can I come with you? Can I?" I must have looked confused for he pointed at my son and said, "Gruffyd is going with you to meet the King of the Saxons! I am older and I have carried your banner. Can I come too?"
I saw another confrontation with my son and I said nothing. I think Ragnar took my silence as assent for he began chattering like a magpie to Gruffyd. Haaken just said, "It is at times like these I am pleased I have only girls!"
When we passed through the gates I dismounted and turned to Snorri. "Have the horses fed and watered. We leave for Ketil when I have spoken with my son."
