by Griff Hosker
"Then we find this enemy when the first grass grows and we end this."
"But if he has taken shelter with King Egbert..."
I looked at Erik, "We end this. If he takes shelter in Miklagård we end it. But for Snorri's sharp eyes these could have attacked at Yule. Then it might have been our families who suffered. They could have taken the Ulfheonar one by one. If this Hermund the Bent told them about the wolf would they not tell their new master how the Ulfheonar are spread out and live with their families alone?"
"Aye Hermund the Bent knew where we lived."
My warriors took that in. They had thought of me being in danger, as I had, but then I had realised that the treasure was no longer in one place. It was spread out. When the feast was over it could have been that many of my oathsworn would be dead. I saw the eyes of my men harden. They would take any danger but a threat to their family was unforgivable.
We returned to the cave the next day. We left Rollo to recover at home. His mother would ensure he was cared for. We borrowed ponies from Audun and loaded the armour and weapons upon them. We made a pyre outside the cave and burned the bodies. It was not an act of kindness. I did not want their spirits to haunt the cave nor did I want the wolves and the foxes to descend and feast on their flesh. We sent them to the Otherworld and rode back to Cyninges-tūn; all of us were eager to see our families.
We were greeted at the gates by our families. When we had not returned they had been worried. The armour and weapons were sent to Bjorn Bagsecgson and I went into Aiden and Kara's hall. Brigid and Gruffyd were there. I took out the wolf I had taken from the Danish leader. Kara put her hand over it and then recoiled. "You are right, father, it is bewitched. There is a spell upon this. We need Bjorn's fire to destroy it."
I nodded, "We will do that soon. First I have to tell you that we will be spending Yule with Wolf Killer. He has invited us and I wondered at the wisdom of going for my hall is more comfortable but now I see that it is wyrd."
Kara and Aiden nodded. Brigid looked troubled, "But why? If there is danger then surely we will be safer in these walls?"
Kara put her arm around my wife, "Did you not listen to my father. They know of our customs and our rituals. If we do things the same way then we become predictable. My father never spends Yule anywhere else but here. Last year was the first time he spent Yule with my brother. The traitor would not know that. It is my father who draws the danger. I think it is right."
"But what of the feast of the White Christ?"
I smiled, "I am sure that Wolf Killer will not object."
"But Macha and Deidra celebrate with me."
Kara nodded, "Then I will ask them if they would accompany you. How would that be?"
I saw that Kara had found the solution. "Very well. This Ragnar Ruriksson is a bad man!"
I smiled, my wife sounded like our daughter. "He is, my wife, and we shall end his evil soon enough. Let us just get Yule over with and then we can plan his demise."
Chapter 14
I met with my Ulfheonar before we left for Wolf Killer's hall. My wife laid on a feast for them and their families. I began with the warnings of imminent danger so that we could enjoy ourselves later when the ale flowed like water and the food fell from over laden platters. "We have sent one party of killers to the Otherworld but we know not how many others this Frisian has sent." I pointed to the golden wolf around Snorri's neck. "He has a witch now. The enchanted copy of our wolf amulet has been destroyed but before you go Kara and Aiden will cast a spell of protection over your wolves." Every warrior clasped their wolf; it was one of the few threats which frightened my men. "Remain vigilant. I go away to be with my son and his family but also to make this land less dangerous. Make sure you visit all the isolated farms in my absence. You are the guardians of the Land of the Wolf."
Olaf Leather Neck said, "We should slay all the Danish slaves in the mines. That way they cannot be used to attack us."
I shook my head, "That is not my way. I promised them their lives. They did not ask these Danes to come here. Scanlan will watch over them. Many will be freed eventually. They know that. I have sent to Raibeart and Coen and warned them of the dangers too. All strangers must be treated with caution."
Haaken summed it up for us, "We will watch, as you ask, Jarl, but we will also prepare for war. No matter where this outlaw hides we will find him."
The feast ended well. My warriors collapsed by the fire unable to either eat or drink more. Brigid and Kara took the women to Kara's hall which did not smell as bad as the sweat and beer filled hall that was now filled with sleeping warriors. Uhtric would have to clean our home while we were away. Gruffyd also had his first strong beer. Brigid had glared at me as I had carried him outside to vomit his meal up. I had shrugged; it was something all young men did. He would not repeat it and better to do that where he was safe with my warriors than when he was in some foreign port among strangers.
As we were taking my wife and daughter, Snorri and Beorn accompanied us along with servants to ensure our safe arrival. Macha and Deidra had agreed to come too which made my wife happy. I had to chastise Gruffyd who kept giggling as the two portly former nuns waddled on their horses. They were unaccustomed to such travel. The grey overcast skies promised more snow for the wind had shifted from the south to the east. Already banks of snow laden clouds were building up. We rode faster. Snorri and Beorn turned around as soon as we sighted Elfridaby. They wished to be in their homes before night fell.
Ragnar and three warriors rode out to greet us and escort is the last mile or so. I saw that the three warriors were the new ones whom Einar Thordson had brought. Ragnar gave a bow, "Welcome Jarl Dragonheart. We have been waiting for your arrival with great anticipation. I have brought an escort for you."
I saw that the three warriors were grinning. I knew from the raid to Neustria that he and Gruffyd were very popular. The new warriors had picked up on that.
Brigid wagged her finger, "And no greeting for me!"
Ragnar flushed, "I am sorry. Of course you are welcome and we have fine quarters for you." He leaned over to me as we approached the gate. "My mother is so excited that you will be with us for this feast that my father has almost lost his mind! He will be glad that you are here and the preparations can stop." He turned to Gruffyd, "Come we will find Garth. He is keen to show you his seax."
I knew that Brigid would have been the same. I was anxious to speak with my son. It was a pity that Einar was not here too. I would have liked to ask him more about the trail he had followed. Elfrida fussed over us and our horses were taken away. Wolf Killer rolled his eyes at the noise and clamour of the sudden influx of women. Deidra and Macha were full of the trials of riding while Erika was just excited to be visiting Elfrida. Wolf Killer put his arm around my shoulder, "Come father. Let us find a sanctuary away from this gaggle of geese!"
He led me to the warrior hall. His Wild Boars were gathered there. They were his oathsworn and, as such, the equal of any warrior save the Ulfheonar.
My son smiled at the relative silence. "This is better. Karl, ale!"
A one handed, ancient servant brought over two empty horns and his young assistant, Arne, brought the barrel. He smiled at Wolf Killer. Karl was one of his oldest warriors. His hand had been lost fighting Danes. "Here, Jarl. It is the fine black beer I know you and your father like."
"Good, Arne, leave the barrel. We will send for another when we have finished this one."
I laughed, "There was a time when I would have emptied it but these days I have to make water too many times in the night."
Siggi Flat Nose came over to join us. "Good to see you Jarl Dragonheart. Did you find those intruders or were they will o' the wisps?"
I told them what had happened and the good humour disappeared. Wolf Killer remembered the cave, "That is the place I slew my wolf."
"I remember and it is also where I met the wizard's spirit. There is something about this that disturbs me. It seems that this was a portentous o
men. I fear that the people of Cyninges-tūn will be worried until we end the threat."
My son's warriors had gathered around to listen to us. "To that end I will find out where Ragnar Ruriksson hides and when I discover that I will end his life."
"And I will join you this time, father. It is time the Wild Boars showed their teeth again."
Siggi banged the table as his men cheered. "Aye Jarl. We have many good men to avenge and the 'Wild Boar' has forgotten what it is like to fly across the seas." He put an enormous arm around Ulf Blue Eyes. "And these young bucks can show us if they fight as well as they hunt."
I looked at them. They looked so much younger than the rest of the Wild Boars. "They hunt well?"
Siggi roared, "Only Snorri could better them and I hear he is getting old."
I laughed, "He still found a trail buried beneath snow. I fear we will do little hunting for I could smell snow in the air."
"Then, father, we will drink and eat. As soon as the snow stops we shall hunt!"
I stopped drinking long before my son and his Wild Boars. Siggi was the most sober and we carried my son to the bed we made for him in the corner of the warrior hall. When he was comfortable he escorted me through the bodies which littered the floor. "He is a good leader, Jarl, you have raised a fine son."
"It is what a man leaves behind after he has gone to the Otherworld. He is doing a fine job with Ragnar and Garth. Have you sons?"
He shook his head. "My family was killed in a raid many years since. I have taken women and I dare say sired children but they are not mine for I did not raise them. I chose to serve your son."
"I am sorry for your loss but glad that you watch over him."
The snow had already begun and even as I trudged to the hall where Brigid, Erika and Gruffyd were sleeping I realised that there would be no hunting for a day or two. Elfrida and Brigid were still up although the children were all asleep. They were talking. Elfrida stood when I entered, "Is he well?"
I smiled, "He sleeps but I suspect he will rise late." I waved a hand towards the door. "Not that it matters. The snow will be lying thick upon the ground."
She nodded. Brigid said, "I have told her of the danger we bring."
I frowned, "We do not bring danger. Danger is all around us. Elfrida knows that better than any."
"It is true. This is a fine and fertile land. Farming is easier here than in the kingdom in which I was born yet there is danger all around us. My husband and his Wild Boars have made the land as safe as it can be. His riders patrol even in winter. His warriors protect us in our home. No home is every truly secure but I feel safe here."
I saw Elfrida yawning. "And I feel safe too. I think, wife, that we have kept Elfrida from her bed long enough. Let us retire."
When I rose the next day I was the first. The hall was empty. Karl had been in already and brought provisions. I went to the table which was readied with fresh baked rye bread, cheese, honey and ale. I had not had enough drink the night before to dampen my appetite and I began to eat. Like a mouse, Garth appeared, shyly through the door. I smiled, "Come and join me, young warrior. We shall eat together."
He grinned and jumped up next to me. I poured him some small beer as he proudly took out his seax and cut a hunk of bread and smeared it with runny cheese. I dripped some honey upon it and we ate in silence. I finished first and watched him eat. He would grow to be a fine warrior. I was lucky to have such heirs.
When he finished he wiped his mouth with his hand and said, "I am growing grandfather," He pointed to the doorway where there were knife marks in the post marking his progress, "and I will ride to war with you one day."
"Do not be so eager, Garth. You need skills before you can face an enemy. Your brother and your cousin have only just used a bow and it will be some time before they can stand in a shield wall." I pointed to the seax. "You learn to use the seax first."
He nodded, "I have learned to keep it sharp. If enemies come I will use it."
"Good for you are a warrior's son and will grow to be a great one. I look forward to the day when I ride to war with my two sons and two grandsons. Then will our enemies flee at the sight of five such warriors!" I saw him swell with pride at my words and we spoke until the rest of the hall awoke. He told me of his hopes and of his adventures. It seemed he hunted each day with his sling shot and had felled both pigeons and squirrels. He showed me how he used his seax to gut them. He spoke of the places in the woods where he hid and played. He was learning skills which would help him to become a warrior. It was a special time. The snows which kept us from hunting drew my grandson closer to me. It was wyrd.
The snows fell for three days and then stopped. A blanket of white covered the land as far as the eye could see and then the cold wind turned to blow from the north and the land became frozen hard. Wolf Killer decided that the frozen ground would allow us to hunt. I was not so certain. The warm hall with its roaring fire appealed and yet my son insisted. "Ragnar, Garth and Gruffyd are all keen to hunt. My new young warriors strain like greyhounds. They have begged us to go hunting since you arrived. I think they are keen to impress you. Come it will blow the cobwebs from us and give us an appetite. Besides I have a desire for some deer meat!"
I relented and we wrapped up for the hunt. Siggi came with us as well as the three new warriors. I was interested to see their prowess. I doubted that we would find anything for the ground was hard and slippery. I was lucky for my sons and I had sealskin boots but I noticed that the three young warriors did not. We had plenty of sealskin and knew the value of such boots. With the fur on the inside they were both watertight and warm. Their soles could grip on all but the sheerest of ice.
I did not have a bow; I had a boar spear. I had almost been killed by a wild boar before when hunting deer. The rest all carried bows. Wolf Killer turned to Ulf Blue Eyes, "Tell me where will we find game?"
"Up towards Scal Thwaiterigg is good hunting. There is a wood there for the deer and it is not far for us to walk with the young ones." He smiled, "It is good that the family all travel together and hunt together. I think we will have success today!"
His enthusiasm and that of Oleg the Wanderer was infectious and we set off with a spring in our step. It was just a mile or two to the land which rose gently to the rounded, tree covered hill to the north east. The young hunter was right; it would not take us long to reach it. Siggi and Erik Sigtryggson brought up the rear. Gruffyd and Ragnar flanked young Garth and my son and I followed the two hunters.
As we headed across the frozen ground I was impressed by the two scouts who led us. It could have been two younger versions of Snorri who did so. Once we reached the edge of the wood we stopped. It appeared to be virgin snow and I saw no tracks. The overcast day helped us for there were no misleading shadows. The two scouts waved for us to wait and then disappeared into the woods. We stamped our feet to keep them warm while we waited.
Ulf Blue Eyes appeared a short time later. He waved Erik forward and said, to Wolf Killer, "Oleg has found tracks. Erik follow my steps until you reach him. I will go to the side and make sure that we are safe. If you spread out in a long line we will have good hunting."
Wolf Killer nodded but I said, "No, the three boys stay close to Wolf Killer and me. Siggi, you go to the left." I nodded to Garth who had no bow but carried his seax. He was ready to use it. "Watch your brother, Garth!" He nodded.
They nodded, "As you wish Jarl Dragonheart, but there is no danger!"
Erik eagerly led the way. With Siggi to our left and Ulf to our right we should have been safe enough but something did not feel right. The hairs on the back of my neck prickled again and I touched my dragon amulet for good luck. Gruffyd saw me and said, "We need no luck, father! Ragnar and I have our bows and arrows knocked."
"Just be careful and do as Snorri taught you. Keep your eyes and ears open."
The trees were closer together than I had expected. I was glad that I had told the boys to stay close. Soon I lost sight of Erik and Ulf. The
overcast skies meant there was little light in the forest. I was beginning to doubt the skills of the hunters; we had travelled five hundred paces and still seen nothing. Then I caught the faintest, musky smell of deer. I looked down and saw the first hoof prints. Ulf had been correct and we were on the trail of deer. It was Ragnar who alerted me to danger. He suddenly raised his bow. He had been taught well and knew not to speak. He gestured with the bow to the left. I looked and saw, lying in the snow, a doe with two arrows in her. The white snow was covered with blood. This was not right.
"Down!"
Even as I pushed Gruffyd into the snow two arrows flew from our left and right. I heard a cry as Wolf Killer fell. I turned and saw Siggi kneeling with an arrow in his shoulder. It was an ambush. Siggi, even though he was wounded, went running to his left. I shouted, "Erik, Ulf, Oleg! An ambush!"
Garth was the closest to his father and he ran towards him with his seax in his hand ready to defend him. He knelt, protectively over him. I could see that my son was badly wounded. To my horror a second arrow pinned my grandson to my son. I saw my grandson's eyes widen as the arrow struck and then life left them. This time, however, I saw the killer. It was Ulf Blue Eyes.
"Ragnar, Gruffyd take cover by Wolf Killer. Ulf, Erik and Oleg are traitors!" I ran to my right as another arrow sped from Ulf Blue Eyes' bow. I was running crouched else it would have killed me. As it was it scored a line across my scalp. The killer ran to my left and I took off after him. He was younger than I was and fitter. I could not let him escape. So long as he was running he could not send another arrow my way.
Suddenly Erik Sigtryggson appeared. He looked to be aiming his bow at me. I did not hesitate. I had to get to Ulf even if Erik hit me I would get to Ulf Blue Eyes. In glancing at Erik I lost sight of Ulf. Even as the arrow left Erik's bow Ulf loosed one at the young archer who fell with an arrow in his shoulder. I saw then that Erik's arrow had been aimed at Ulf who had doubled back behind me. It had missed but the time it had taken to release the arrow had brought me to within twenty paces of him. I hurled the boar spear. Wolf Killer and Siggi had both been right. The young warrior had great skills. He brought his bow around to loose another arrow. The boar spear smashed into the bow, breaking it in two before he could release it. The heavy spear drew blood from his left hand.
