by Griff Hosker
When we had eaten men went back aboard to fetch wet clothes and their weapons. The fire would dry the clothes and weapons could be sharpened, oiled and replaced in their scabbards. Erik Arne and the ship’s boys were the deck watch while the rowers, Aiden, David and myself, slept on the island. I placed my cloak between those of Haaken and Olaf. I took off my sword and placed it close to hand. I too, was tired and the potion sent me to sleep while the others still sat around the fire talking about Miklagård which now seemed tantalizingly close.
I did not sleep well, despite the potion. Perhaps it was the hard ground. My wolf cloak was drying by the fire and I had just used my cloak. I woke while it was still dark. I needed to make water. I walked with the dying fire to my left. I head through the trees to the rocks on the far side of the island. It was a longer walk than I had thought. In the dark it was even harder for the ground was uneven. I had just finished and my eyes were becoming accustomed to the dark when I saw shapes on the water. There were three of them: two small and one large. Almost immediately I knew that they were ships and, here, in this rebellious sea, ships meant danger. I turned and ran back to the men sleeping around the fire.
Aiden was upright, “Danger?”
“Ships. Aiden, wake the men!”
I shook awake Olaf Leather Neck and Haaken One Eye. I fastened my wolf cloak around my shoulders. I would need its luck. As I strapped on my sword and dagger I said, “Ships coming from the south and east. I think it means trouble.”
Within a short time, the crew was roused. Aiden led David to the ship to warn Erik. Even as they hurried across the beach I saw a face appear by the trees. Drawing my sword, I said, “Shield wall! Snorri take your men and help Erik prepare for sea. Have the boys ready with their bows!”
“Aye jarl.”
The boys would not be able to see much but they would be ready. None of us had shields but I suspected that whoever was coming towards us would not either. Only Sven and his men had not fought with us. “Sven, make your men our second rank. We back towards the ship when we are ready.”
We did not have the luxury of a leisurely walk back across the beach. The pirates or bandits, it mattered little, suddenly launched themselves at us. Had I not had the men form a shieldless shield wall it might have gone ill but we had thirty swords and axes before us and men who knew how to use them. Olaf’s mighty axe smashed into the side of the head of the first foolish warrior who ran at us. I swung Ragnar’s Spirit in an arc and tore across the unprotected middle of a second. Then they were on us. They were smaller men than we were and that gave us the advantage for we had a longer reach. Had they used spears then it might have been different but they used short swords and hand axes.
“Walk back!”
Only disciplined warriors can do that. Instinctively we all stepped back on our right legs. The attackers thought we were about to run and they attacked even more furiously. In contrast we were calm. I took out Wolf’s Blood and, as I blocked the sword held in two hands by the Moor, I drove the dagger up through his neck and into his skull. As I withdrew it I lunged with Ragnar’s Spirit and it entered the eye of the man behind. Two of the men close by Haaken were wounded and Sven Stormbringer and Leif stepped into the gap as they made their way back to the drekar. Wounded men were a liability. I felt sand beneath my feet and saw, at the same time, the sky was becoming lighter. Dawn was approaching. A couple of arrows flew over our heads and hit the attackers.
Erik shouted from behind me, “Jarl you have just three paces to the water!”
It was time to show these bandits how Vikings fought. “Clan of the Wolf when I shout I want every man before us slaying and then we board the drekar.”
The men all shouted, “Aye jarl!” and the enemy stopped wondering what the sudden shout meant.
“Now!” I stepped forward and swung my sword to the left and right. My blade bit into the shoulder of one man and the neck of a second. We halted the progress of the pirates. I stepped back and soon felt the water around my ankles. Recovering the wounded, we boarded the ship. I saw that our attackers, seeing that they had lost the chance to hurt us they went back to the camp to pillage what we had left.
Erik said, “Do I set a course for Miklagård?”
I was angry. Angry men do not always make wise decisions. My men had been wounded and someone had to pay. “No, first we teach these pirates a lesson. Man the oars. We row around the island and take their ships!”
The oars were run out and Haaken began the chant. It was a fast one and appropriate for it sang of an attack in the night by Danes.
The Danes they came in dark of night
They slew Harland without a fight
Babies children all were slain
Mothers and daughters split in twain
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Across the land the Ulfheonar trekked
Finding a land by Danes' hands wrecked
Ready to die to kill this Dane
Dragonheart was Eggles' bane
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
With boys as men the ships were fired
Warriors had these heroes sired
Then Ulfheonar fought their foe
Slaying all in the drekar's glow
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
When the Danes were broke their leader fled
Leaving his army lying dead
He sailed away to hide and plot
Dragonheart's fury was red hot
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Then sailed the men of Cyninges-tūn
Sailing from the setting sun
They caught the Skull upon the sea
Beneath the church of Hwitebi
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Heroes all they fought the Dane
But Finni the Dreamer, he was slain
Then full of fury their blood it boiled
Through blood and bodies, the warriors toiled
With one swift blow the skull was killed
With bodies and ships the Esk was filled
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
Viking enemy, taking heads
Viking warriors fighting back
The pirates had left a deck watch. They were the ones who saw us and we heard them shouting to their comrades ashore. They were not next to the island. They were fifty paces from shore. I guessed there was a rock shelf.
“Erik, head for the large one. Sámr, have the boys with the bows kill the deck watch!”
The ones on the island now saw the danger. They were hurrying to get to us. We would reach the ship first. The two smaller ships cut their anchors and hoisted their sails. As the crew of the larger one tried the same our arrows struck them.
“In oars!” We bumped into the ship which was as long as ours but wider.
“Half of you board her. Take what you can and then set her alight!”
I lined the side with the rest of the crew. Sámr and the archers were now raining death upon those who were trying to reach us from the island. Snorri and his men had been among those who boarded the pirate ship. I heard Snorri shout, “Back to the ship!” and then I saw flames flickering close to the mast. One of Snorri’s men scampered up the forestay and cut one of the ropes holding the sail close to the yard. Half of it fell and, as he slid down to safety the flames caught the bo
ne-dry canvas and flames leapt up. He was the last to board ‘Heart of the Dragon’ and we were already using our oars to push us away from the ship which now blazed like a beacon in the dawn’s early light. The two smaller ships were well out to sea and I saw the forty or so survivors, on the tiny island, shake their weapons impotently at us.
“Now you can head for Miklagård! We have shown these pirates what a real warrior can do!”
The crew all cheered. Snorri opened one of the chests he had found. He grabbed his hammer of Thor, “The Allfather has provided, jarl.” I looked in and saw that it was filled with coins. Many were copper, most were silver but there were a couple of golden dinar there. The raid on our ship had proved a little expensive for the Greek pirates.
It was fortunate that we had winds for the next two days for our eight wounded men needed time to heal. By the time we turned north for Miklagård and had to row only three men were still unfit.
Aiden and David joined me by the stern rail, “The Norns again, jarl.”
I nodded, “It is fortunate that I am old and have a weak bladder, is it not?”
Chapter 9
The last six days at sea were a total contrast to the first ones in the Blue Sea. Then we had seen few ships. Now we had ships on every side. It was not just one or two. On one day there were twenty ships of varying sizes some heading to Miklagård and some heading from. We had to employ every ship’s boy to keep track of them. The smaller ones knew these waters and they raced over the sea recklessly close to the bigger ones.
“David ben Samuel, how do they avoid collisions?”
He shook his head, “The simple fact of the matter is that they do not. Often, they strike and the smaller one will sink. It is a hazard of their trade. There are fortunes to be made in Constantinopolis. It can be worth the risk. As a merchant I can tell you that knowing the political situation can make a man rich overnight. If the army marches north to fight the Pecheng or the Bulgars then you will make a fortune selling carts, wagons, hay and the like. If crops to the north of the city fail then a clever captain can sail south, pick them up cheaply and race back to sell them when there is a shortage. There are many rich people who will pay many times their value just so that they do not starve.”
Erik asked, “And what of our goods? We have seal oil, seal skin, animal furs, copper and iron.”
“Some of those, the seal oil and seal skin I am not sure of, but the others will fetch you gold. Rich ladies like exotic furs. I will not be heading for Caesarea for a while. I will advise you on the best markets.” He hesitated, “I cannot accommodate all of you and your men but my home is yours, Dragonheart.”
Erik laughed, “I think that most of the men will happily stay on the ship. There will be inns and taverns close by. That will suit them.”
“I must warn you that the authorities do not tolerate unruly behaviour. That is especially true in the city. They are a little more lenient in the harbours.” He looked at Erik, “I would suggest your use the Harbour of Theodosius also known as Langa harbour. It is on the Sea of Marmara side. The Golden Horn is a better harbour but it is harder to get in and out. In addition, it is closely policed.” He smiled, “And my home is not far away. It is close to the Forum Bovis.”
The narrow piece of water they called the Dardanelles was a difficult one to navigate for we had to follow the ship before us. The men had to row. We saw men and ships we had never seen before. Some ships were larger than us but most were smaller. All stared at us as they passed. They knew us for what we were, a predator.
I noticed that the closer we came to Miklagård the more animated David ben Samuel became. It was obvious why. He had managed to avoid death and wounds. That was no mean feat travelling from the cold German Sea to the Sea of Marmara. For myself I would be glad to reach it too. My reasons were different. Since the attack on the island my condition had worsened. Aiden blamed the exertion. I knew not why but the bleeding was as bad as ever and the potion did not appear to be effective. If the doctors could do nothing then I would hold Ragnar’s Spirit and ask Haaken One Eye to give me the warrior’s death. I would not die piece by piece.
Haaken, Aiden, Erik and myself had seen the city before but the others had not and they lined the side of the drekar with open mouths as we neared the harbour and saw the city rose above the walls. The Santa Sophia church and the Great Palace were larger than whole villages and towns in the Land of the Wolf. It even dwarfed Lundenwic. It was the gold of the stone and the white of the walls which impressed them. It was a sight none would ever see again. It humbled me and I knew my men would feel the same. We did not build in stone but even if we did we could not begin to do what these Romans and Greeks had done. Just the sight of the Theodosian Walls made me want to return home. My land was a simpler place. We used wood and turf. We built on a scale which suited our stature. This was not the work of men. This was the work of gods.
The harbour had been enlarged since last we had been here. It meant there was more room and Erik could pick and choose his berth. He wisely chose one which was at the quieter end of the quay. We were not questioned by the guard ship as we entered but I saw six armed men marching with an official towards the berth we had chosen. It took some time to nudge neatly in and the official stood waiting with his clerk and the armed men with a tapping foot.
David Ben Samuel said, “Leave him to me.” He turned to Aiden. “Come let us try your Greek out!” As the gangplank was placed on the ground the two of them strode down to the quay.
Already the men were moving their chests so that Erik could raise the deck and we could take out our trade goods. They would need to air on the quay and be sorted. There would be spoilage. We would sell everything, including that which had been damaged but we would ask the highest price for the better goods. I could see that Erik Short Toe wished to speak to me but was uncomfortable. I guessed it was about my treatment.
“Jarl Dragonheart, how long will we be in port? I only ask because I do not wish to buy anything which might spoil.”
I nodded, “A fair question which I cannot answer. It will take time for the musty smell to leave our goods. You can trade for that which will not rot: pots, dishes and the like. I promise that as soon as I can find out how long we shall be here then I will tell you. Aiden has the coin. Ask him for whatever you need. I leave it to you and Olaf Leather Neck to organise the watches.” I smiled. “I might be occupied.”
“Of course, Jarl.”
Everyone was busy and I just stood and watched. Aiden and David ben Samuel returned after a short time. Aiden was smiling, “That was a valuable lesson, David ben Samuel, in how to deal with an official.”
He smiled, “They think they are more important than they actually are.” He turned to me. “Jarl Dragonheart if I could borrow six of your men to carry my chests. I will reward them.”
I nodded, “Snorri and Sven, choose six of your men to carry our passenger’s chests.”
“Aye lord.”
David ben Samuel shook his head, “You care about your men even down to the smallest detail. You give this task to those who need the coin the most. I am pleased I have sailed with you. When I have your quarters ready I will send a servant for you. Who will be staying with me?”
I had thought this through. I knew who would enjoy the experience, “Aiden, Haaken One Eye and Sámr.”
“No more?”
“Olaf Leather Neck would prefer to stay on the drekar. He will be happier this way.”
He nodded and then shouted, “Farewell, Clan of the Wolf. I enjoyed being your shield brother even though it was for a short time. May God watch over you!”
The men all cheered. They had warmed to our passenger.
He turned to me and said, quietly, “And I will seek a healer for you as soon as I can. I cannot promise but…”
I nodded, “Whatever happens, it will be wyrd.”
There had not been as much spoiled as we had expected. None of the iron or the copper had been damaged. Some of the furs
had been used as nests by rats and they had gnawed some of the seal skins. We could trim that off. Erik shook his head, “I will see if I can get a cat while we are in port.”
“A cat?” Sámr was curious.
“They have cats here. They are worshipped by some sects, like the Egyptians, and others use them to keep down rats, mice and snakes.”
“Snakes, Aiden?”
“Aye Sámr, this is a new world to which we have come.”
Erik asked, “And when we have time, jarl, I will seek Josephus’ family. Perhaps they will know where we can acquire a cat.”
“You know where he lives?”
“I know where he lived but I suspect his family will be seafarers. If they have moved then I will ask the captains. Josephus’ name was known.”
The six men returned from David ben Samuel’s and their grins reflected their rewards. We had our chests placed on the quay. We awaited David’s servants. If the heat at sea had been bad then here it was unbearable. Erik had rigged up the old sail across the deck to keep it cooler but, on the quay, the sun was unrelenting.
I turned to Aiden, “We are good to stay here as long as we wish?”
He nodded, “Our passenger is a man of influence. His name is well known. I think the official saw a chance to make much coin from us. David is a good man. I have learned a great deal. Had we not had him with us then we might have struggled. My Greek is now much better.” He saw me wince as a shaft of pain struck me deep inside. “It will not be long. If you can be saved then David will find the healer.”