by Griff Hosker
“And if not, then Olaf can give me a warrior’s death.”
“Do not talk that way. Life is not something to be cast away so easily.”
I snapped back at him, “And until you have endured this pain then do not try to tell me how to live what little of my life I have left.”
Sámr had been listening, “Great grandfather heed Aiden’s words. We need you. Ulla War Cry, Mordaf and all your family are not ready for you to go to the Otherworld.”
“And that is not my decision, yet, I am in the hands of the Norns.” I saw someone approach. They were accompanied by a man with a sort of shade to keep the sun from his bald pate.
Haaken One Eye sniffed, “Your end will not be a mundane one jarl. The Allfather will see to that.
I could smell his perfume long before he reached us. His head was completely shaven and when he spoke his voice suggested he was a eunuch. He spoke in Greek. I picked up half of the words and guessed at the rest. I could speak but a few words. “Greetings, Jarl Dragonheart. I am Ptolemy. My master has sent me to show you to his home. The chambers are ready.”
Sámr whistled and I saw Ptolemy shudder at the shrill sound, “Ship’s boys!” The ship’s boys would carry our chests. Sámr slung his own over his back. He had gained in strength on the voyage. Olaf had said that he was ready to row on the return voyage. He had left home a boy but would return a man. Wyrd.
We did not have far to go. David ben Samuel’s house had a gate with a guard. He had a sword at his side and he wore a helmet. The wall was as high as that of the Roman fort in Lundenwic. We were admitted. Once inside we entered a palace of fountains. There were lemon and olive trees. The streets had been filled the noise of humanity and here it was a paradise of peace. The ship’s boys gaped in wonder.
Ptolemy said, “Your boys can leave the chests here. The house slaves will move them.” He clapped his hands.
Aiden said, “Leave the chests here.”
They looked disappointed. A servant came out with a jug and some beakers. He poured a yellow looking liquid into each beaker and gave one to each of the boys. They looked to me for instruction. “I think you are to drink it.”
Lars said, querulously, “It is not a potion is it? It will not make us as the man with no hair and the voice of a woman.”
I smiled. It was fortunate that Ptolemy did not understand their words. “No, it is a pleasant drink and it is cool. I had it when I came here first. It is called sherbet. You will enjoy it.”
I watched as they tentatively sipped and when its sweetness struck their tongue they drank it in one. Ptolemy shook his head and then waved for the slave to refill their beakers. They left us when there was none left. I could only imagine how they would retell the story.
Ptolemy said, “My master has some business to attend.” He sniffed. “He thought you might like to use the bathhouse. The chests will be taken to your chambers if you would follow me.”
Haaken said, when Aiden had translated for him, “I suppose we are a little ripe.” He turned to Sámr. “You are in for a most delightful experience.”
We descended some steps and entered a room which echoed. There was a wooden bench. Ptolemy asked, “You have used a bath house before?”
Aiden nodded, “We have.”
“Then I shall leave you.” He scurried out. I think our smell and appearance offended him.
Aiden said, “I think he feared seeing our naked, hairy barbarian bodies.”
The slaves began to undress us. Sámr looked like he was unhappy about the experience. “Sámr this is their purpose. Let then undress you.”
When we were naked our clothes were taken away and towels placed around us. We were led to the caldarium. The heat struck you as soon as you walked in. Aiden and I stepped into the hot water. Haaken and Sámr followed. Once in the water our bodies were sponged and washed. Our matted hair and beards were teased and combed. The slaves knew their job for they caused no pain. Sámr still looked unhappy. I saw that the water was now a muddy colour. The slaves stood and gestured. We rose and they wrapped the towels around us. We were led to the frigidarium. We lay on the marble slabs and the slaves took out their strigils to cleanse the last of the dirt from our bodies. The water here was cold. When we stepped into it I was reminded of my bathing in the Water. The icy water cleansed the dirt from us. Finally, we were led to the tepidarium. Here the floor was warm and there were long benches with towels upon them. Aiden and I lay upon them. They combed our hair and then used perfumed oils to massage into our bodies. When they had finished they left us.
Sámr sniffed himself. “I smell like a woman!”
Haaken One Eye laughed. “I confess it takes some getting used to. It is not finished yet, Sámr!”
The slaves returned with a jug and beakers. This was not sherbet. This was iced wine. They had trays of grapes and other chilled fruits. We lay in the tepidarium and enjoyed ourselves. Sámr suddenly pointed, “Great grandfather. Your towel.”
I looked. I had bled. Perhaps it was the heat of the water, I know not. I waved a slave over, “Aiden, tell him that I would be dressed.”
Aiden spoke and the slave led me to another room where there were clothes. I started to dress myself and he shook his head. He took what looked like a small towel and he fashioned it around my lower body. He smiled and nodded. It would contain the blood. I thanked him and finished dressing. Our passenger had provided simple kyrtles for us. I donned the sandals which were there and then the other three joined me.
Haaken said, “I wonder if we could have one built at home? It is a very pleasant experience. I think my wife would enjoy that.”
Aiden shook his head, “The system they use to heat the floor and the water is complex. I am not even certain we have the means to keep the water in the bath. This is a different world to ours Haaken One Eye.”
He nodded, “Then I can dream. Come David ben Samuel has been a generous host up to now. I am certain that when we leave here there will be more to come!”
Sámr was just in awe of everything. We followed the slave and he led us upstairs and out into a courtyard. We felt the heat from the walls but the courtyard was shaded and the sound of the fountains made it seem cooler.
Ptolemy appeared. He sniffed and then beamed, “Ah that is better! Now you smell like civilised men. If you wished the slaves would shave you. They are very good and everyone is clean shaven these days.”
Aiden translated and Haaken laughed, “If I did that I might win more battles for my opponents would be laughing so much that I could slay them easily.”
“Haaken!”
He shrugged, “He cannot understand my words.”
“No but he can understand your laugh. While we are here try, at least, not to be the barbarian! If you cannot then go back to the drekar.”
He realised that he had gone too far and he bowed, “I am sorry, Dragonheart.” He turned to Ptolemy and bowed. “And I am sorry that you lost your balls!” He said it with such a serious face that Ptolemy thought he had apologised to him.
Slaves brought more iced wine and a plate of olives, figs and goat’s cheese. “Sámr do not drink heavily. This is wine and not ale.”
He nodded, “I know, jarl.” He grinned at Haaken One Eye, “I, at least, know how to behave.”
Haaken laughed, “So young Sámr has found his voice. You have grown young one. We still need a name for you. Perhaps Sámr Silken Tongue?”
“Yours is the only silken tongue around here Haaken One Eye. Now peace and let me enjoy my wine!”
“Yes jarl!”
I saw him wink at Sámr.
After that it was a very pleasant evening. The sun lost its heat and the courtyard was pleasant. I knew, from my last visit, that here they ate later. The food they had brought satiated the appetites of even young Sámr. The platters were refilled. David ben Samuel lived well and his servants and slaves were well trained.
He arrived just as the last light went from the western sky. “Apologies to all of you.
I had much business to conduct.” He beamed, “Now you smell civilised. All was done well?”
We nodded and I said, “Perfectly!”
“Good. Then I have much to tell you. Firstly, Dragonheart, I have purchased a servant for you who can speak your language and Greek. He is a Rus Viking. He will be waiting for you at your chamber. He will see to your every need but you are Vikings and you must be starving. Our customs will come as a shock to you. Let us go to my dining room. The cook was told to impress the barbarians from the north!” He said it with humour.
Haaken said, “We will make a Viking of you yet!”
He shook his head. “I rowed for an hour and my hands are still red raw. I will continue to do as I have always done.”
I smiled, “And what is that, David ben Samuel?”
He gave me an innocent look. “Why, make money of course!” He smiled, “I have been to your ship and told Erik Short Toe which market he should use. I had my men put your goods in my warehouse. It will be safer.”
“Thank you. We are in your debt.”
“I am still on the debit side of the pact my uncle made with you for I would not be here but for you. A journey across land is fraught with danger. It cost me eight good men to reach my uncle’s. I know what you did for me. I now know the value of life.”
There were just the five of us at the table. Aiden asked, “Will not the Lady Justina be joining us?”
He shook his head, “We are betrothed. Until we are married it would be unseemly for her to dine with me.”
I nodded, “Not to mention four barbarians!”
He laughed, “Quite!” He put down the knife he had used to carve pieces from the lamb. “The food is to your satisfaction?”
Haaken nodded, “If I knew what half of it was I would enjoy it even more but a Viking can eat anything. Let us just say that this had tantalised my taste buds.” He pointed to my platter. “Unlike the jarl here who appears to have the appetite of a sparrow!”
They all looked at my plate. I had barely eaten. Aiden said, a little angrier than he might normally have done for he had drunk well, “Sometimes, Haaken One Eye I wonder at you! The Dragonheart has not eaten well for the whole voyage. You have not noticed? He has a worm which consumes him from within. He is in pain and yet he does not wish to burden us with it. Are you so wrapped up in yourself that all you hear are you own inanities?”
Haaken had also drunk well. He looked mortified, “Forgive me, Jarl Dragonheart. You know I mean no harm.”
“I know but Aiden is right. Think before you speak.”
David ben Samuel said. “I have been absent for a long time as I sought the advice of many physicians. To speak the truth half of the men I spoke with would not consider examining a barbarian. Of the rest most were pessimistic and would not see you. There is one. He is young but he is talented. Oribasius is a gifted doctor. He said he will examine you but promises nothing until he has done so.”
“That is all that I ask. And when do I see him?”
“He will be here in the morning.” David ben Samuel looked at Aiden. “He says he wishes to know what you have used to treat him.”
“Of course.”
There was an embarrassed silence. We all knew that this Oribasius held my life in his hands. If he would not treat me then I would see Olaf Leather Neck. He would give me a warrior’s end. I stopped drinking when I knew I was to be seen. Aiden decided that it might be for the best if I did not take the potion that night. I asked, “What about the bleeding?”
“It cannot be helped and I am certain that David ben Samuel will not mind if he has to throw out some bedding.”
I went upstairs and saw that there was a somewhat thin and emaciated man sitting on a stool outside my chamber. He stood when I approached. He did so with difficulty. He bowed, “I am Germund and you must be the Dragonheart.”
“I am.” I entered the room and he followed. He limped. I pointed to his leg. “That is why you are a slave and did not die a warrior’s death.”
He nodded and gave me a rueful smile. “It was a battle with Imperial marines. I was hamstrung and knocked unconscious. I was sold as a slave. I worked on galleys. I would be there still if my new master had not bought me. I am grateful to him.
Wyrd.
“He has told you about me?”
“You have something which makes you bleed and a doctor will take it out.”
“Good. I tell you this Germund. If I survive then you shall be free. That is my promise.”
He nodded, “Then I will pray to the Allfather that he spares you.”
Chapter 10
Surprisingly, considering this might be one of my last nights in this world, I slept well. That might have been the wine or exhaustion. I knew not which. When I rose, the bed had red upon it. I felt embarrassed. Germund came in and, with an expressionless face, removed the offending bedding. He returned and proceeded to wash away all evidence from my body. He said nothing. When I was dressed I descended. The others were there already and they were eating. They looked at me as I entered. It was as though they had never seen me before or perhaps, they thought that this would be the last time. I sat with them but I did not eat I just drank. I listened to Haaken’s inane chatter without taking in what he said. I knew he did it just to fill the awkward silence.
When Oribasius arrived, with his slave, I was surprised at the youth of the doctor. I had expected despite David’s warning someone older. He laughed and spoke in rapid Greek. David answered him and then turned to me. “He said your face spoke volumes, Dragonheart. Yes, he is young but that does not mean he does not know what he is doing.” He turned to the others. “He wished to examine Jarl Dragonheart in the presence of Aiden alone.” They nodded and he turned back to me. “Pray use your chamber and do not be worried about any mess. I have many slaves.”
As we went to my room Aiden said, quietly, “I hope that my Greek is up to this.”
I was asked to strip. While I did so Oribasius rattled off a series of questions for Aiden. My galdramenn produced his potion. The doctor sniffed it, tasted a little and nodded. Then he came to me. He had me turn around and examined where I had bled then he prodded and poked at me. He asked me nothing. He waved his slave over and scribbled something on the wax tablet the slave held. Then he spoke to Aiden.
Aiden said, “He is going to touch you. If it is really painful then hold ten digits up. If there is no pain then make two fists. Use your fingers and thumbs to indicate the pain between.” He nodded to the slave. “The slave will keep a record.”
Having been a warrior for fifty years I did not need to use ten digits but on one occasion I held up one hand and two fingers. When he had finished he handed me my shift. He spoke to Aiden. Aiden smiled, “The doctor said that you are a tough warrior. He hurt you more than you said. Being tough does not impress him.” I nodded and smiled. “He can help you. He says you have a growth and he can cut it out. He says that it is good that you are tough for you will be awake when he operates. Do you still wish this?”
I said, “Will I be cured?”
Aiden spoke to Oribasius and then shook his head when he was answered. “He cannot be certain. He believes that he can do it but, in his profession, there are no guarantees, just hope.”
I nodded, “Then tell him that I will hold my sword while he operates and then I can go to Valhalla if he is unsuccessful.”
I saw, when my words were translated, that I had shocked and surprised the doctor. He spoke to Aiden who answered him. “I promised him that you would not use the sword on him and he agreed to operate.”
“When?”
Aiden looked at me and said, “Tomorrow. He wishes you to fast for the day and to drink only water.”
“Where?”
“Here.”
“Good.”
The doctor spoke again. Aiden translated, “He says you will not be able to leave your bed for at least ten days. You will be as weak as a kitten. There will be no combat for you!”
�
�I should not need to here in Miklagård!”
I had a day to say my goodbyes. After he had gone I returned to the others. I told them what he had said. Haaken nodded and touched his wolf token. Sámr looked fearful. Then I said, “I will go to the drekar. I need to know how my men are faring.”
Haaken One Eye said, “I will explore the city. I will have two months at sea with my oar brothers. That is more than enough time to be with them. Will you come, Sámr?”
“No Haaken One Eye. When the Dragonheart is recovering from the operation then I will have more than enough time for that. I think I will spend the day with my great grandfather.”
“Suit yourself. Aiden?”
He shook his head. “Oribasius has given me some of his writings explaining what he will do. I will read them.” He looked at me. “My powers wane here. I need to add knowledge if I am to aid the physician.”
“Then I shall go alone. I will see you all this evening.”
After he had gone David ben Samuel said, “This Haaken One Eye, he is a force of nature.”
I nodded, “He is that and I am glad that he has been my protector for more than fifty years.”
Sámr and I walked in silence through the throngs. We did not have far to go but people were about their business before the heat of the day. It was a relief to get to the ship although the heat and glare from the water came as a shock after David ben Samuel’s cool home. There was just a deck watch. I saw Olaf Leather Neck speaking with Arne Eriksson. I would not have as many goodbyes as I had expected.
They looked up as we mounted the gangplank. “Dragonheart! What have they done to you? I can smell you and Sámr from here.” He grinned, “Tell me that they have done the same to One Eye! I would love to see him with oiled hair and smelling sweetly!”
I laughed; Olaf would never change and for that I was glad. He had always been like a huge bear. Fierce in combat but comforting to have at your side. “Aye he does. He walks the city.”
“Then I will join him when Sven Stormbringer returns.” He suddenly seemed to remember the purpose of our visit. “When do you see the healer?”