by Chris Bishop
I considered this for a moment. ‘What happens if Guthrum joins forces with Hakon? Together they’d be a serious threat.’
‘But Guthrum has given me his word,’ said Alfred.
‘Pah!’ said Ethelnorth. ‘A word he’s broken before!’
‘He won’t this time because he’ll have lands of his own to protect,’ reasoned Alfred. ‘Land is what he came here for, not just booty and blood. Why would he risk crossing me once he has what he wanted in the first place?’
Ethelnorth shook his head. ‘So, after all those battles and all that blood we give back the land we fought for to the very man who took it from us in the first place!’
‘All the lands I’m ceding to him are already under Viking control,’ explained Alfred. ‘He gains not one single hide of land which forms part of my realm. All I’m doing is ensuring that he leaves Wessex in peace.’
‘But as Lord Ethelnorth has said, they’re treacherous bastards,’ I warned.
‘Which is why I’ve formed a plan in case I’ve misjudged Hakon’s intent,’ announced Alfred. ‘And it’s one which also suits our purpose well.’
Both Ethelnorth and I were surprised but knowing how adept Alfred was in that respect, waited eagerly to hear what he’d come up with.
‘My intention is to strengthen my realm by setting up fortified burghs which will provide protection for all.’ He placed a plan of Wessex on the table in front of us and unrolled it. It showed just over thirty settlements which he planned to fortify. ‘As you can see, they’re close enough to reinforce each other if any one of them comes under attack, being but a day’s march apart.’
Lord Ethelnorth and I both agreed that the plan had merit.
‘So where will you start?’ I asked.
‘I have already done so,’ he said pointing at the plan. ‘It will take time to complete but work is underway here, here, here and also here. Plus some rudimentary defences are being constructed at most of the other major settlements. Given all that Matthew has said about the treachery in Leatherhead…’
‘As yet unproved,’ I pointed out.
‘Yes, as yet unproved. But the settlement there controls a gap through the northern downs and is therefore a place we should strive to protect. If Hakon does recruit more men then moves to attack us, it’s my guess that he’ll most likely send the ships you saw being built to sail around the coast and have them moor up on one of the beaches or inlets somewhere on the southern shore. He’ll then march overland to meet them and use them to support and supply his army.’
Ethelnorth looked shocked. ‘With the ships ferrying supplies and reinforcements he would be very difficult to shift,’ he warned.
‘Exactly,’ said Alfred. ‘But to reach the ships he’ll need to access the pass through the hills at Leatherhead and use the ford there to cross the river. Therefore we should secure that position at all costs.’
‘There are other routes he could take,’ I ventured. ‘Other passes and other fords.’
Alfred acknowledged the point. ‘But once he starts to march on us he’ll have to move fast. The gap at Leatherhead would be the quickest and therefore the most obvious route for him to take.’
‘But if you fortify Leatherhead what of your negotiations with Guthrum?’ pressed Ethelnorth.
‘Guthrum will see any steps we take as just part of all the other works I’m undertaking within the realm so would have no cause to take offence.’
Whilst certain that Alfred would have already considered every possibility, there were some aspects I was still unsure off. ‘But it would be no use improving the fortifications at Leatherhead unless you send more men there as well,’ I ventured.
Alfred got up and walked towards a small alcove where he poured mead from a pitcher and drank it. ‘Once armed and properly trained, the fyrd should be able to deal with the raiders,’ he said as he returned and settled back into his seat. ‘As for Hakon’s forces, if they do deign to attack all the fyrd would have to do is delay them long enough for me to arrive with reinforcements.’
‘Who trains the fyrd now?’ asked Ethelnorth.
‘Lord Werhard’s stepson, Oeric,’ I said. ‘Not that he does much in the way of training.’
‘Perfect,’ said Alfred. ‘So I have every excuse to send someone there to take on that role. We can then slay four birds with a single stone. ‘The new man can oversee the provision of the fortifications. He can also train the fyrd and use it to see off any raiders. Whilst there he can also discover whether that upstart Oeric does indeed profit from the misfortunes of his people.’
‘And if he does?
‘Then he shall be severely punished for his treachery. By singling him out I shall send a clear message to any other Ealdormen who are abusing their position.’ With that, Alfred got up again and this time stretched his back. Then he continued. ‘Ideally we would punish all offenders but that could drive a stake through my realm and thus divide us at a time when I crave and so badly need unity above all else. By making an example of this upstart Oeric I’ll show them all that their duty to their King is not something to be taken lightly.’
Both Ethelnorth and I agreed the plan had merit but we both had reservations.
‘I agree that having trained the fyrd and fortified the settlement they should be able to deal with any raiders,’ reasoned Ethelnorth. ‘But you’ll need to send more men if you would have them stand against Hakon’s army as well.’
‘Agreed,’ said Alfred.
‘So how many men do you have in mind?’ I asked.
He hesitated before replying. ‘Just two,’ he said solemnly.
‘Two!’ I said, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. ‘Who do you have in mind who could achieve such a thing!’
Alfred then looked me straight in the eye. ‘Well, you for one,’ he said. ‘Plus another warrior of your choosing.’
‘Sire!’ I said, incredulous at what he was saying. ‘Surely you can’t be serious! This is too much to ask of just two men! It’s a huge and perilous undertaking and…’
‘Then who better to see it done? I need a man I can trust completely and one who has sufficient authority and is known to be a fine warrior. Someone the members of the fyrd will respect and listen to. Do I ask too much?’
I was too stunned to answer at first. ‘Sire, I will follow any order I’m given…but how can it succeed? It is possible to train farmers to fight off raiders but not to see off over two hundred Viking warriors!’
‘Delay them,’ corrected Ethelnorth. ‘The plan is not to beat Hakon, just hold him up long enough for reinforcements to arrive.’
Alfred could clearly see that I was more than a little worried by the prospect of what was being asked of me. ‘I have no army to send to Leatherhead,’ he explained. All the men I can muster are needed elsewhere and for other projects. Therefore I must seek a diplomatic solution to this problem, not just a military one.’
‘Meaning what, my Lord?’
‘Meaning that I shall give you letters saying that you are authorised by me in person to take over running and training the fyrd there and fortifying the settlement as you see fit. The warrior you take with you would do the physical training leaving you as my Reeve to provide the necessary authority. Your reputation alone should suffice to inspire the members of the fyrd and may even serve to discourage Hakon. Then, once the fyrd is fully trained and the settlement secure, you can turn your attention to the raids and also discover whether or not this rogue Oeric has a hand in them.’
‘And all that with just one man?’ I queried.
Alfred nodded. ‘There’s no one more suited to the task. Select any warrior you like but choose wisely. You need a man you can rely on.’
Ethelnorth looked relieved that he was not being asked to go on such a seemingly impossible mission. ‘Matthew, you’ll need to choose well,’ he warned. ‘If there is treachery afoot then all those involved will have much to lose. Your problem will be knowing who is your foe as they may find it suits their purpos
e to have you quietly disappear. It’ll be like prodding a nest of wasps and you can ill afford to be stung.’
‘Aye,’ said Alfred. ‘It is a dangerous role; I make no bones about it. It’s perhaps even more dangerous than anything I’ve ever asked of you before.’
* * * * *
With Alfred’s plan settled in principle, Ethelnorth left, anxious to meet with two men who had brought word from Exeter where he’d set up his own Hall and from where he controlled that part of Wessex, acting as overlord in Lord Alfred’s absence. Once he’d gone, Alfred made it clear that he and I needed to speak further.
‘Is there yet something more I should know?’ I asked, almost dreading what else he might have in mind for me to do.
Alfred seemed to choose his words carefully before he answered. ‘If Werhard’s son is at fault, accusing him of treachery is not something to be undertaken lightly. And remember, as Lord Ethelnorth rightly pointed out, there will be others who support him who may see it as being in their own interests to be rid of you rather than see their benefactor exposed.’
As I feared, even that part of the mission was far from straightforward.
‘You’ll need to exercise all your skills of tact and diplomacy,’ added Alfred. ‘But if at any stage you feel you’re threatened, you must withdraw and report to me.’
‘So am I to actually take on the raiders or not?’
‘That will be your decision, but you must be assured of victory if you do.’
I was silent as I considered all he’d said. ‘Then I will endeavour to bring those who are at fault to justice.’
Alfred shook his head. ‘Ah, no. Unfortunately that’s a luxury I can ill afford. A full trial will take time and if the son of an Ealdorman is one of the accused he’ll be entitled to be tried by his equals, some of whom may be even more guilty than he is. Therefore you may need to act swiftly and decisively.’
I thought for a moment then realised what he was saying. ‘You mean execute him without a trial!’
‘No, I mean dispense justice as you see fit.’
That was not an order I relished as I knew that such responsibility would not sit easy on my conscience. Even though I’d killed many men by then, it was always with good cause or in self-defence. What Lord Alfred was asking was close to cold-blooded murder.
‘There will be a time when we can look to justice for all,’ explained Alfred as though sensing my misgivings. ‘Until then I must do what I can to protect the ordinary people from the excessive greed of their betters. That’s why I need men like you; men who will not relish the authority I’m bestowing on them and can therefore be trusted to do what’s right when the need arises.’
I understood and, though not at ease with what was being asked of me, nodded my agreement. I couldn’t help but recall how Edwin and I had been sent back to kill the traitor Goda during the retreat to Athelney. That also had little to do with justice; it was a question of simply ensuring his silence for the safety of all.
‘So, when will you leave?’ asked Alfred.
‘If it pleases you, my Lord, I would come with you to the meeting with Guthrum, for that may tell us more about Hakon’s intentions. On the way I should like to find time to visit Edwin’s grave which I fear has been long neglected whilst I’ve been away.’
‘The mass grave of all the men who died at Edington has been well tended,’ Alfred assured me.
‘Even so my Lord, I should like to pay my respects.’
He acknowledged the point.
‘In the meantime, I’m minded to see my old abbot to renounce my vows, something I’ve been remiss in not doing before. I’ll then leave for Leatherhead at once. The raids are likely to become less frequent as the winter draws in and so I can use that time to get the training underway and also begin work on the fortifications.’
‘Excellent. Have you yet decided who to take with you on this mission?’
‘Yes, Sire, I would choose a man named Aelred. He’s a ceorl but one who has proved his loyalty to me many times over.’
‘A ceorl? Would you not be better choosing a thane or a warrior to go with you? One who can not only properly train the fyrd but also watch your back?’
I shook my head. ‘If it comes to a battle there will be warriors enough once the fyrd has been trained. Until then, the man I need should be one who knows my ways and can be trusted even when others fail. But there’s something I must ask you first.’
‘What is it?’
‘I suspect that Aelred has not led an entirely blameless life and I would therefore have you offer him a pardon in recognition of his service at my side. I don’t doubt he’ll transgress again but he should at least start out on our mission with his slate wiped clean.’
‘What has he done?’
‘I can’t say for certain my Lord, except that I know he’s partaken freely of your deer and game and I wouldn’t be surprised to find he has other more serious misdeeds to his name as well. He has also never acknowledged any bondage though may well have obligations to someone.’
‘He sounds like a wise choice,’ acknowledged Alfred. ‘Who better to take into a den of thieves and robbers than one who knows their ways? But would you have me pardon him knowing so little of what he’s done?’
‘You did as much for those who agreed to stand with us at Combwich,’ I reminded him. ‘You knew nothing of their crimes yet freely pardoned them all.’
Seemingly satisfied at that, Alfred agreed. ‘Very well, I’ll issue a full pardon to Aelred. But he must first confess his sins before God and then promise to mend his ways.’
I smiled at the thought of Aelred making confession. ‘Sire, I’ll have him come with me to see my old abbot,’ I offered. ‘Though as to any promise, I somehow doubt that will bind him for long!’
‘You’ve learned much whilst you’ve been away. But Matthew, there is one other point. I must ask you whether you are indeed well enough to undertake this mission?’
‘I think my wound has now healed,’ I said. ‘It took longer than I thought and meant that I tended to tire easily, albeit I seemed to then recover readily enough. The exertions of rowing the boat to London seemed not to trouble me and when I fought Torstein I felt only a slight weariness on that account.’ All of that was true but it was the second time I’d not been entirely honest with him given that Ingar’s prophecy was still ringing in my ears.
‘Just remember, the most dangerous scars are the ones you cannot see,’ he warned.
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that but said nothing.
‘And what about Emelda? Have you reached a decision regarding her and the child?’
That was more difficult for me to answer. I was loath to admit it but my feelings towards Emelda were not as strong as they had once been and thus I was ready to accept all that Alfred had counselled about not seeing her until after the child was born. ‘I have, Sire,’ I said. ‘Though my conscience is not at ease with it.’
‘So you’ve decided to leave her be?’
‘Yes, though I pray that she never learns that I’m alive and have avoided her.’
‘This mission will take you far from here and from her nunnery so there’s no reason why word should reach her. By all means go to her when you return. By then the child should be born and you can make your decision based on what you see and what you feel within your heart.’
As always, it was wise counsel. With that it remained only for me to persuade Aelred to come with me on what was perhaps the strangest mission I had ever undertaken – and one that I knew could be even more dangerous than anything I’d ever faced before. Not only that, it seemed it could well fall to me to ensure that the dark clouds of war which still loomed over us would finally be dispelled.
To be continued…
Glossary
Whilst not all universally accepted, the following is an explanation of some of the terms as used in this story:
BERSERKERS Feared Viking warriors who were said to work themselves up into a frenzy p
rior to fighting, often by imbibing some form of hallucinogen. They sometimes fought bare-chested or wearing a symbolic bear skin and were said not to feel pain or fear anything, even death.
BRETWALDA A mainly honorary title given to a recognised overlord.
CEORL The lowest rank of freemen.
EALDORMAN A high-ranking nobleman usually appointed by the king to oversee a shire or group of shires.
FYRD A group of able-bodied freemen who could be mobilised for military service when required.
LUR A battle horn.
JARL A Viking nobleman or chieftain.
REEVE An official appointed to oversee specific duties on behalf of the King or an Ealdorman. These included administrative and sometimes judicial responssibilities.
SEAX A short single-edged sword.
THANE A freeman holding land granted by the King or by an Ealdorman to whom he owed allegiance and for whom he provided military support when needed.
VILL The fortified estate of the King or an Ealdorman, usually comprising a large Hall plus other buildings to provide accommodation, administrative offices and stabling etc. It was usually supported by extensive holdings in terms of farmland, pastures and hunting grounds.
WITAN An assembly whose duty was to advise the King and with whom he could consult.
Acknowledgements
I should first like to thank all those who have provided such positive feedback following the publication of Blood & Destiny, which was the first in this series. Inevitably, writing is a somewhat solitary pursuit and any encouragement is always welcome. To that end, I should particularly like to thank the team at RedDoor – Clare, Heather and Anna – not only for their support but for their belief and confidence in me as a writer.
The Warrior with the Pierced Heart is primarily a work of fiction and most characters, including Matthew himself, have emerged from my own imagination rather than from the pages of history. It is, however, based on a great deal of detailed research for which I must once again thank the many very knowledgeable historians, too numerous to mention, whose work has provided both information and inspiration. Similarly, I am indebted to various re-enactment groups who, through their commitment and attention to detail, share my enthusiasm for bringing history to life.