Viking Clan

by Griff Hosker

  “And you will not be leading yet. This voyage is like the making of a sword. Just as we heat a blade and beat it, plunge it in water, or even blood and then repeat the process, so we will do that with you. When the sword has been tempered then it can be used in battle. You will watch and learn. Erik has his son making you your own compass. One of the things we seek on this voyage is an hourglass for you. Erik has one but a navigator needs his own.”

  He nodded, “Did my father not wish to sail with me?”

  I would not lie to him, “No, for he is at one with his land. Nor did Gruffyd. Your grandfather, my son, Wolf Killer, took your father away from my home when he was young. They built a home on the edge of our world and it cost him. Ragnar is close to your grandmother and safe at Whale Island. He is content. It is why he will not lead the clan. The leader of our clan needs to be hungry and without fear. That is why it will be you.”

  He nodded, “Atticus has taught me more than chess. He has begun to teach me to read Latin and the Greek.” He shook his head, “It is slow work but I can now decipher some of the squiggles.” I smiled. Aiden knew how to read but I had never had time. It was good that Sámr could read. “Atticus wishes to come with us.”

  “And you know that he should not. He is no warrior and any help he might give us would be offset by the fact that we would need to watch him and to protect him from harm. When you lead you choose your crew carefully. The crew will be your choice. There will only be Haaken and myself on the ship who are Ulfheonar. Many men will wish to follow. You choose carefully. This is all part of your training.”

  “I know. I have the skills with the sword. I can track but I need to know how to use a shield wall and how to raid. I will choose carefully. Baldr Witch Saviour is an obvious choice but what of Aethelflaed and Nanna?”

  “They could stay in the hall but I do not think that they would be happy there.”

  “No, Dragonheart, for they would be isolated.”

  “If they come here then Atticus and Germund can watch them and Kara and Ylva can teach them the ways of the clan.”

  He brightened. “Then I am happy. We will begin on the morrow to choose the men we will take for I am anxious to get to sea. The sooner we sail then the sooner we can return.” He looked over at Baldr who was laughing with Haaken. “It is wyrd that we will be taking Baldr back close to the place we found him on the ship in the Blue Sea.”

  “Never forget the Norns. Their threads cover this world. They are paths to follow and they are there to ensnare. Let us hope that this is not a trap.”

  Sámr’s days were taken up in selecting the men who would follow him. He had many offers. I was pleased that he chose the right men. He also learned how to use the compass on the still and calm Water. Here features were fixed. At sea they were not and a sailor relied on the sun, the moon and the stars. At night his wife would feed him and comfort him for she knew he would soon be leaving. Her captivity in the land of the Walhaz had made her stoical. It was almost as though the Allfather had been preparing her for a life amongst Vikings.

  Ylva and Kara had been spinning. They had used some of Aethelflaed’s hair as well as mine and Ylva’s to weave a piece of material. It was sewn into Sámr’s tunic. I had my necklet of blue stones and Sámr had his spell. My daughter was giving us all the help she could. Our mail was repaired. Half of the crew who would be coming with us had mail. It was the younger ones who wore leather byrnies. I had a new shield made and my helmet was strengthened. The blow to the stones had not damaged them for Odin had been watching over me but it did not do to take things for granted. We were sailing in warm waters but we were well provided with sealskin capes and boots. In our hold were goods for us to trade should we need to. We were Vikings. Trading and raiding went hand in hand.

  We headed down to Whale Island at Harpa. The wound in my leg had ached in the winter but now, with new grass underfoot, the discomfort lessened. The wound was a reminder of my mortality. Aethelflaed and Nanna wept but Ylva and Kara put their arms around them. They would offer them comfort. We were heading for another adventure. Would this be my last?

  Chapter 3

  Most of the men marched, with Sámr, to Whale Island. Haaken and I rode. We were the oldest and the only two Ulfheonar. It was right and proper. When we reached the port, we found that Gruffyd and Mordaf had returned. They had raided the northern coast of the Franks. This time the Norns had been in a kindly mood. The winds were favourable and the enemies predictable. The drekar had come back laden with animals, pots, slaves and treasure. It explained his slow return. Hearing that I was due he had waited to speak with me before he returned to his new stronghold.

  He was more relaxed when he spoke with me. He was coming out of the dark tunnel which had been his meeting with the witch. He had needed the success of this raid to recover his confidence. Mordaf had been blooded. His first voyage had been as ship’s boy and it had not gone well. This time he had been ship’s boy but he gone ashore and used his short sword for the first time. He was making small steps but he was becoming a warrior.

  “We will raid the Franks again, father. The Danes and those who follow Hrolf the Horsemen often raid and the best Frankish warriors are dead. They build strongholds away from the river. I spoke with Danes who believe that Hrolf will rule the land soon. He has done well. I heard that Ragnar Hairy Breeches is gathering men for a raid next year on Paris!”

  I nodded, “It is why Sámr and I raid further south. We do not wish to emulate Hrolf nor try to rival him nor do we wish to be close to a Dane like Hairy Breeches.”

  Gruffyd looked hurt. “I do not wish to take any honour or glory from Hrolf. I wish to make a name for me.”

  I smiled to take the sting from my words, “You are easy to take offense Gruffyd. I was not criticising you. I was explaining why Sámr will take a different path. Baldr is like a blood brother to him and he knows the hot lands. This is wyrd. I am pleased that you and Ragnar have found your own paths. Sámr still seeks his.”

  I saw that Gruffyd was a little embarrassed by the words he had used to me. His mother had always been oversensitive. She had looked for meanings beneath the words. That had never been my way. What I said came from the heart. He nodded, “I was sorry to hear of Uhtric and Aiden’s deaths. Uhtric helped to raise me and Aiden was like an uncle to me.”

  “Aiden chose his time to die and Uhtric was just weary. He was old but he will be in Valhalla. When I die, he will be waiting to serve me a horn of ale.”

  “He was not a warrior.” I heard the doubt in my son’s voice.

  I said, quietly, “It was Aiden told me that he would be in Valhalla. I believed Aiden.”

  While Ragnar and Astrid awaited their son, I went aboard my drekar. Haaken had two slaves carry our chests aboard. They were placed at the steering board with Erik’s. We would not row. As we secured them to the sides Haaken said, “I can hear Brigid’s words in Gruffyd’s voice. Do you not fear that Sámr and Aethelflaed’s children might have the same affliction? They are both Christians and both princesses.”

  “It may be but it was neither Sámr nor me who made the decision. It was the Norns. You were lucky, Haaken, and given a Norse bride and an easy life.”

  “I had all girls!”

  “And that was chosen for you but you have to admit that Anya gives you an easy life.”

  He smiled, “Aye. She never minds me sailing the seas and is content with the farm.” He sat on his chest and looked north. “Will this be the last time I see Old Olaf?”

  “Neither of us know that. Now that Aiden is gone who will dream our deaths? This is better. When death comes it will be as it was for Olaf Leather Neck and Rolf Horse Killer. It will be swift. I have seen the other side. I have peered into Valhalla. It does not frighten me.”

  The men began to board. Sámr would not be among the first. He had goodbyes to give. Haraldr Leifsson led the men from Cyninges-tūn. Sven Tomason, Einar and Snorri Cnutson were with him. Siggi Eainarson, Lars Long Nose and Arne Ship Seal
er were close behind. Then came my more experienced warriors, Beorn Hafþórrsson, Benni Hafþórrsson, Haraldr Leifsson and Ráðgeir Ráðgeirson. The ones who came after I knew by sight but not by name. They were the younger warriors like Baldr and Bergil. They would be Sámr’s oathsworn one day and I would get to know them as we sailed.

  Erik Short Toe and his son Arne came back from the prow where they had been erecting the canvas shelter. I had not asked for it but they were making a shelter for Haaken and I to rest when we reached the hot lands. “‘Heart’ is eager to sail, Jarl Dragonheart. Can you not feel her tugging to be away from the land? She was not happy when you did not take her to find Atticus.”

  I patted her gunwale, “I am sorry, my lady. It was remiss of me.” I felt the wood beneath my fingers and it felt alive. “It is good to stand on her deck. It is as though I can feel Bolli Bollison in her timbers.”

  Erik nodded, “Arne go and fetch my compass and hourglass.” As Arne ran off, he asked, “Does Sámr know how to use the compass?”

  “After a fashion. He has yet to use it with an hourglass.”

  “Then this voyage is perfect. There is more sun to the south. Josephus did not like the northern seas. Too often he did not see the sun for days upon end.”

  I nodded, “And we are well provisioned? I do not want to put in to raid before we reach the warmer seas. I would have us just disappear.”

  “We have provisions for over two moons. We have hooks and line. We have a spare sail to catch rainwater.” He pointed up at the yard, “We have a new sail. Ylva and Kara wove an eye for the wolf. We have a red wolf on the sail.”

  “Not a dragon?”

  “Ylva came with the spell. She said that she and Kara had dreamed and saw a wolf on the sail. A red wolf instead of a red dragon.” I was content. My daughter and granddaughter knew their business. Erik said, “And now, if you will excuse me, it is time to prepare for sea.” Arne brought him the beautifully carved box with the hourglass and compass. “Arne, go and tell Sámr that we sail. The time for goodbyes is gone. The tide waits for no man.”

  “Aye father.”

  Astrid was tearful as she parted from her son at the quay. I saw that Ulla War Cry had a face which showed that he had had words with his father. I would have taken him but I respected Ragnar’s wishes. Haaken stood ready to advise Sámr if he needed it. I just sat on my chest. I saw Sámr turn and wave as the gangplank was removed. We were still tied up. Erik would warp us away from the quay but Sámr needed to assign oars. He looked at me and I smiled. Haaken moved towards him to offer advice but he shook his head.

  He took a deep breath and spoke, “Ráðgeir Ráðgeirson, you and the older warriors take the oars by the stern. The rest of us will take our lead from you.” Ráðgeir Ráðgeirson smiled and nodded, “Haaken One Eye, if you would give us the beat?”

  Haaken nodded, “Aye, Sámr Ship Breaker “

  The crew all liked Sámr. All had chosen to be with him. I knew of captains who had left with men on board who made life hard for them. That did not happen on my ships. The smaller, lighter men and those with no experience sat at the prow end. Sámr and Baldr sat behind Haraldr Leifsson and Sven Tomason. Once they were ready, they raised their oars.

  Erik nodded, “Arne set us free from the land.”

  Arne shouted, “Ship’s boys!”

  They each ran to a rope and began to pull in the ropes which those on the land had untied. They began to coil them. I recognised one as being the boy I had seen in Erik Short Toe’s home. He looked smaller than the rest.

  “Steerboard side, push us off!”

  As one they pushed out their oars until they reached the wooden piles and they pushed. We slowly moved away from the quay. Erik nodded to Haaken One Eye who shouted, “Oars out!” I saw him glance to the skies as he did so. This was the first time that Olaf Leather Neck had not given the command. Haaken had a spear in his hand. He began to bang on the deck. “And, row!”

  Beorn Hafþórrsson, Benni Hafþórrsson, Haraldr Leifsson and Ráðgeir Ráðgeirson were at the front of the rowers, closest to the steering board. They were the strongest men in the clan. They rowed to Haaken’s rhythm. The others followed them. Haaken kept the beat steady and slow as we edged out into the channel which would lead us to the sea. Erik had his hand upon the steering board. Once we lowered the sail then Sámr’s lessons would begin. The ship’s boys ran to the sheets. They no longer had to lower the sail from the yard. They were able to haul it up. It was for that reason that we had brought eight ship’s boys. It was more than we normally brought but all had bows and slings. We could leave the drekar defended when we raided. Arne took charge of the boys. They had practised, of course, but not while the ship was moving and that was always more difficult. He had sailed many times with his brothers and his father. When Erik left the sea then Arne would take over.

  Erik knew the waters like the back of his hand and he made minor adjustments until he was satisfied. We were heading south and west. “Arne, raise the sail!”

  Arne cupped his hands. The eight boys were all watching him. “Haul now!” When they had practised it, they had been still and Erik had told me that the sail had risen in one swift movement. This time, however, one of the boys, Erik, the one I had seen in Erik Short Toe’s home, lost his footing as a wave struck the side of the drekar. The hoisting of the sail was more ragged than Arne would have liked. There would be words.

  Erik Short Toe shouted, “Oars in!”

  I did not mind the delay in raising the sail for as it became taut the wolf seemed to come alive. The eye appeared to move. I knew that it would inspire fear in our foes.

  Sámr and Baldr placed their oars on the mast fish and then Sámr made his way to us. Although he had rowed before I saw that his hands were more than a little raw from the oars. He would learn and his skin would harden. He brought with him his compass. Erik nodded approvingly. The sun was visible in the sky. Arne hurried to us for they had finished securing the sheets. He took out his father’s compass and the hourglass. The sand had all run to one end. Arne turned it and then aligned the compass with the sun. Sámr had practised but he watched Arne nonetheless. The whole of the voyage was a lesson. He watched as Arne made a mark with the piece of charcoal. Each captain used his own notation. I had spent time with Sámr. He knew what to do and he made his mark. I saw the sigh of relief when Erik nodded. I kept my face impassive but I was proud of him. He had done it right.

  Erik waved him over. “Come Sámr, take the steering board with me so that you may feel ‘Heart’.”

  Everyone knew what a responsive ship we had but until you touched the steering board when the ship was under full sail then you did not know how responsive. Erik pointed the direction he wanted Sámr to take but he kept his hand on the steering board. I watched the sand slip through the hour glass. It was half empty when Erik took his hand away. A short while later there was a flap from above. Erik put his hand on the board and made a slight adjustment. He pointed to the sail which was now full and bye. “Listen, for the ship will tell you when you need to move the board.”

  “But I was following the course!”

  “Aye but the wind has shifted. You were looking ahead. Look ahead and up. Two eyes are good but three or four are better. I will take over now for it is almost time to take another compass reading.”

  I confess that Erik was being more patient than most captains. He had learned from the best. Josephus had been not only the best captain I had ever seen but the most patient. Haaken brought me a horn of ale over, “So far he is doing well. Dragonheart.”

  “He is but there are many leagues to go. He can still see the land. When we enter the Unending Sea then we will judge him better.”

  Haaken nodded, “And when the crew fights?”

  “I am on board and no one will expect him to lead.”

  “And this time you have but me to watch your back.”

  I smiled at him, “We have not moved far since we defended those walls at the home
of Prince Buthar. I am content Haaken. Many have tried to kill us. We are battered, bruised and broken but we endure.”

  I knew that Sámr was exhausted as the light faded and we headed south between Man and Mercia. Half of the ship’s boys would sleep and the other half would watch. Arne would take over the middle watch but Sámr would have to stay by the steering board to watch Erik. We would not land until we spied Bardsey Island. There we would have a safe anchorage and puffins to eat. We would push on between the lands of the Hibernians, the Saxons and the men of Man. Until we reached the Unending Sea then they would be the greatest danger. Haaken and I slept.

  My sleep was dream filled. It was a sea of faces which rose and fell like waves on the water. Some were friends and many were foes. It was as if the Spirit World was trying to tell me something but I could not discern what. Had Aiden been there then it might have been a different story. He would have dreamed the same dream and he would have told me what it meant. It was like sailing without a compass. I did not know what was true and what was false. I woke in the middle of the night. The crew were all asleep save for Arne and four ship’s boys. I made water. I guessed that was what had woken me up.

  I nodded to Arne as I went to the leeward side. When I had been younger making water had not seemed to be a problem. Now it almost ruled my life and I hated it. Part of the reason was that once I was awake, I found it hard to go back to sleep. When I had done, I went over to Arne. “How goes the night?”

  “The wind has veered a little and the sea is a little livelier. By my estimate we are approaching the channel between the Angles’ Sea and the land of the Hibernians.”

  “Then I will watch with you.”

  The night was black but I had been on these seas for more than fifty years. I knew what to look for. The regular and deep swells told me that we were not close to the coast. Few ships sailed at night and even fewer raided. We would be alone on the sea. Of course, dawn was a different prospect. Welsh ships would set sail just before dawn broke. Most would be merchants but there were increasing numbers of pirates and ships seeking to stop trade. Once we had sent our knarr far and wide to trade. We had lost many and whilst we had punished those who had done it the very act of taking our ships had made us draw in a little. Now we did not use knarr to trade as much as we once had but our drekar, which could carry less but which could defend themselves.