Viking Shadow

by Griff Hosker

  “I have seen him and he cuts me open tomorrow.” Until Aiden had put the metal in Haaken’s head such an act would have seemed strange but Olaf just nodded.

  “And then you will be healed?”

  “I know not. Who knows what the Norns have planned? I will be holding Ragnar’s Spirit when he cuts. If he slips or if… well I shall go to Valhalla.”

  Olaf looked relieved. “I am glad about that Jarl. I would not wish to go to a Valhalla without the Dragonheart.”

  I held out my arm and clasped Olaf Leather Neck’s, “Thank you for being the warrior you are. Going into battle with you at my side ensured that we always won. I pray you continue to lead the clan into battle after….”

  His eyes widened, “With you alongside me eh, Jarl Dragonheart? The last of the Ulfheonar go to war together.”

  “Perhaps but I will not speak for fear of offending the Norns. What will be will be.” I felt his fingers grip my arm and he nodded. Words would not come. A silence lay between us that was filled with the sounds of battles past and the faces of dead Ulfheonar. I nodded and turned to Arne. “Where is your father? I hoped to speak with him?”

  “He went early this morning with Siggi to seek the family of Josephus.”

  “Ah. Tell him I came to speak with him and…”

  Olaf Leather Neck said, gruffly, “I will tell him, jarl. I have the words now.”

  I saw that the chests and goods had gone. “When does your father plan to sell the goods?”

  “Tomorrow. David ben Samuel said that it would be a good day for the followers of the White Christ go to their churches on the day after and the markets are closed. He said Sabatton was the best day for more people go to market on that day.”

  “Good, and the men, how do they fare?”

  Olaf laughed, “They miss their ale already but Galmr claims he knows of a tavern which has ale and is used by Rus warriors. It is in the north of the city. He and his oar brothers are there now seeking it out. The others enjoy the rest. It was a hard voyage, jarl. We lost but one man and yet much happened. I am surprised that Haaken is not composing a saga about his heroic acts even as we speak.”

  “He has time. The healer says I cannot move for ten days. Tell the men that their boredom may well continue for some time.” In the short time we had stood talking the sun had risen higher and the deck was much hotter. “Come Sámr, we will return to the house. Fare well, Olaf Leather Neck, Arne Eriksson tell my crew… tell them that the Dragonheart says it has been a privilege to lead them!”

  They both nodded, tight lipped and we turned and left my drekar. I stroked the gunwale as I stepped on to the gangplank and looked up at the mast. She had served me well. I said, quietly, “Farewell, ‘Heart of the Dragon’.”

  I thought I had said it to myself but Sámr said, “She will be here when you are healed.”

  As I passed the prow, the dragon carved by Bolli I thought of all the sea miles we had sailed together. She was old and would not have many voyages left in her. I had thought to have her carry my body to the Otherworld. If the Norns had other plans then that would not be. It would be sad if she was just broken up when her days ended. She deserved a warrior’s death. As we headed back to the house I said, “Sámr, if I do not survive tomorrow then make sure that ‘Heart of the Dragon’ does not have an undignified end. She should be used as the funeral ship for Haaken One Eye or Olaf Leather Neck. She deserves to die with a good warrior in her.”

  He looked tearful, “You will not die tomorrow! You must live.”

  “And I hope that I do. It is why I came here but for once I can do nothing about this. I will be in the hands of another. Oribasius, the Norns and the Allfather will determine if I should live or die. I will hold Ragnar’s Spirit and perhaps the spirits, though we be miles from home, may also help me see this through.”

  It was a sombre afternoon but the evening was enlivened by Haaken One Eye’s account of his day. He could tell a good tale and he made his encounters with the Greeks he met hilarious. I did not eat, as I had been instructed and I left the table early. “I have a busy day tomorrow. I will experience that which no other has done. I had best be prepared.” Sámr made to rise. “No Sámr, I need to prepare myself.”

  Germund had laid more towels upon the bed. The bleeding had been bad and I felt a little weak. Germund helped me to undress. He did so with great gentleness. I nodded my thanks. “I will see you in the morning Germund.”

  “I will pray to the Allfather for you.”

  He left me and I went to my chest. I wished to have Ragnar’s Spirit close to hand. I opened the chest and reached in. I suddenly felt dizzy and nearly tumbled over. A hand stayed me. It was Haaken One Eye. He said, gently, “We have watched over each other for most of our lives, Dragonheart, do not shut me out now. Let me help you to bed.” I nodded and he took my shift from me and helped me don a clean one. He laid me on the bed and then, after fetching my sword for me, sat next to me. “I know that I joke and I am too loud. I know that but I also know that if I spoke that which was truly in my heart then I would unman myself. I hope this healer knows his business.” He tapped his head where the metal plate resided. “Aiden says he does and Aiden saved my life. We have spoken with Aiden. Sámr and I will be there with you tomorrow. Sámr will hold the hand that grips Ragnar’s Spirit. He will ensure you do not drop it.” He grinned, “Nor skewer the doctor.” His face became serious. “If the Allfather takes you then there will be three close to you who will see you safely thither.” He took my hand and gripped it. “May the Allfather be with you.”

  “And with you, old friend. I pray you watch over my kin. There is none I trust more.”

  “And know that I shall.”

  Satisfied I closed my eyes as he left the room. I had said that which was needed to be said and I slept. Whatever happened would be wyrd.

  Germund was standing by my bed when I awoke. He looked concerned. “Jarl, the bleeding looks worse.”

  “Then it is good that I am to see the doctor this day.”

  He nodded. “He and his man are here. They told me to remove everything from the bed. They will operate here.”

  I smiled, “Good then I do not have far to walk. I just need to make water.”

  He pointed to a large amphora he had brought in. “If you would use that, Jarl Dragonheart then I will empty it.” He smiled, “Here they collect it and use it to cleanse clothes. Strange for such a civilised place eh? I smiled.

  By the time I had made water he had stripped the bed revealing the wooden slats and he placed white sheets around the bed. Oribasius and his slave arrived. The slave was laden with bags. More slaves arrived with pitchers and bowls of steaming water. Two of them proceeded to pour the boiling water onto the wood and to scrub. They had to have had hands like leather. Another poured more boiling water into the large flat bowl. Oribasius poured in some vinegar. Then his servants began to place thin and pointed knives of various sizes into the bowl.

  Sámr, Aiden and Haaken appeared. Sámr said, apologetically, “The healer made us bathe in the caldarium.”

  “He wanted no risk of badness seeping into the wound I am going to make. He means to save you, Jarl.” Aiden explained.

  The slaves had finished scrubbing and the healer dismissed them. He spoke to my new servant. Germund spoke to me. “The healer said that I may stay Jarl Dragonheart. He might need me.”

  Oribasius spoke. Aiden translated, “You are ready?” I nodded. “He needs you naked.”

  Oribasius turned to his slave and spoke. I heard the name Leonidas. I was concentrating on the Greek words to take my mind off what was about to happen. I saw the slave take out a razor. I felt embarrassed when I was naked. Sámr and my crew had seen me naked many times when I had bathed after a battle but the healer and his slave were something new. Oribasius did not seem to notice. He spoke to Aiden who translated. “Lie down. If you wish your sword then it first needs to be placed in the boiling water.”

  Sámr placed it with the
instruments. He was going to reach for it when Germund did so. He barely flinched when his fingers touched the water. I saw that Leonidas had a hinged tool to take out the instruments Oribasius would use. Apparently, I needed no shave and I lay down with Ragnar’s Spirit in my hand. The pain in my gut abated. Sámr had one hand on my shoulder and one on the hand which held the sword. Haaken was on the other side and he had the same hold. Oribasius must have instructed them. I saw that Aiden was next to the healer. That gave me confidence. The red stone around Aiden’s neck would help to protect me.

  Germund came towards me with a piece of polished wood. “Jarl Dragonheart, bite upon this it will stop you biting your tongue off.” I did so.

  Oribasius said, quietly, “There will be pain.” I nodded and closed my eyes.

  I was not afraid of dying; I had my sword in my hand. I was frightened of letting Sámr and the others down. Whatever pain came my way then I would bear it. I did not feel the first cut. I only knew that he had cut me when I felt the blood running down my side and heard the gasp of breath from Sámr. His fingers dug deeply into my shoulder and my hand. That helped. I know not why but it did. I was aware of a strange sensation. It felt as though there were worms inside me. It was just uncomfortable rather than painful. Time seemed to stand still. I had no idea how long I lay there.

  When Oribasius spoke, although he spoke quietly, it almost made me jump. It was fortunate that I was being held down. The I heard Aiden’s voice. It was reassuring but the words were not, “He has found the diseased part of your body, Jarl Dragonheart. It is the size of a crab apple. The smell is not pleasant. He will cut and this may well hurt. Sámr, Haaken, hold him tightly. Germund be ready.”

  I nodded. This pain I felt. It was as though all of the worms I had inside me had now grown into serpents and then dragons and they bit me; they burned me. My back tried to arc but could not. I raised my head. It was the only part of me I could move. The pain was excruciating. It felt as though I was being given the blood eagle. No man could stand this pain. I briefly opened by eyes and saw bright blood arcing into the air. I had seen it before when a man had had his throat cut. If I thought the pain was bad before now it was such that, if I had had my right arm free, I would have ended my own life. I wished I had asked Olaf Leather Neck to come and told him to kill me. The pain grew in intensity. I could not bear it.

  Then all went black.

  The Shadow of the Spirits

  I was in a dark room but there was no pain. There was nothing. I knew that my eyes were open but I could see nothing. I could hear nothing. I could smell nothing. I moved my hand and I could feel nothing. Where was I?

  Then I saw a light. It almost blinded me. I moved my hand to shield my eyes. When my hand touched my head, I could not feel it. The light grew and I became accustomed to it. I found I could hear. There were noises. There was a steady beat, like a distant drum. It kept the same beat. It was a noise. I could see and I could hear. Where was I?

  Then a face appeared. It was Erika. She seemed not to walk but to float. I smiled, or I tried at least to smile. Then I saw Brigid. Brigid looked angry. She held a cross in her hand and she was holding it towards Erika. Erika was just smiling. Brigid became more animated and angrier. She began to disappear. Her body just faded. Erika continued to smile and she held her hands out to me. I tried to move towards her but it was though I was wading through quicksand. Then, like Brigid, she vanished and I was alone once more.

  I was aware of a smell. I could smell! It was the smell of wood smoke. The distant drum beat had faded but it was replaced by the murmur of voices. I found that I could move. I had regained the use of my legs. I tried to shout. If there were voices then, perhaps, when I shouted they might hear me.

  Suddenly I saw a door. Perhaps it had always been there and just became clear to me. The door swung open and my son, Wolf Killer, stood there. Next to him were my shield brothers, Cnut and Snorri. They were my Ulfheonar. Behind them I saw a hall. It was filled with warriors. I recognised many of them. They were drinking. Wolf Killer and my Ulfheonar moved aside and I found that I was able to walk through the door. There was a wall of heat which hit me. My sense of touch had returned. There was a fire burning. I could not see it but I could feel it. The heat was intense. It was almost painful. Suddenly the pain became worse as the heat intensified. My senses were returning but I was still unable to speak.

  The warriors all stood and the hall became silent. Faces flashed before me. Ragnar, Prince Butar, enemies I had slain. All faced me and then they began banging the tables and chanted, ‘Dragonheart! Dragonheart! Dragonheart! Dragonheart!’

  Then there was a bang like the crack of doom and all went silent. I saw Odin. He was mailed and he wore a helmet. His long beard hung down and, in his hand, he bore a spear. He held out his hand and said, ‘Dragonheart, welcome to Valhalla! There is a place for you at my right hand if you are ready to come!’

  I tried to move and take the place of honour and I could not. I heard a small voice. It was behind me and it kept saying, ‘Jarl Dragonheart! Jarl Dragonheart! Jarl Dragonheart! Jarl Dragonheart!’ It sounded like Aiden’s voice. Aiden was not in Valhalla. I was in the world between this and the next. I was in the spirit world. Aiden could not reach the spirit world here. Then it sounded like Sámr’s. How could that be?

  I felt Ragnar’s Spirit in my hand and I gripped it. I managed to raise it. A skull appeared before me and it was shrouded in a cloak. No one else seemed to see it. They laughed and they drank. The shrouded skull cloaked in shadow closed with me. Its gaping maw of a mouth grew larger. I summoned all the strength I had and I struck at the skull.

  The hall faded, the heat disappeared and it all went silent. Everything was black and I could feel nothing. Valhalla had been taken from me.

  Part Two

  Dragonheart and the Shade of the Sun

  Chapter 11

  “Jarl Dragonheart! Great grandfather! You have slept enough! It has been four days.” It was Sámr’s voice and there was a catch in it. He could not be dead too, could he? “Aiden, what is wrong. Why will he not wake? Why does he just lie there?”

  I was not dead. I tried to speak but I could not.

  “He moved! Aiden, he moved.”

  I felt a hand upon my neck. “Perhaps. Go and fetch some water and Germund.”

  I heard feet slapping on the floor and then Aiden’s voice was close to me, in my ear, “Dragonheart, you are alive. We thought you dead but you have defied death itself. You must try to open your eyes. I will shade them with my hands lest the brightness blinds you.”

  I felt foolish. Why could I not open my eyes? I was angry with myself and I forced them open. I saw the palms of Aiden’s hands. I saw the lines which volvas said could predict how long a man might live. Aiden moved his hands. The brightness hurt at first but he moved them slowly and I saw his face. He was beaming.

  “You will find it hard to talk. Your mouth and your throat will need water. Do not try to speak and do not try to move. I will speak. Use your eyes. Blink twice if you can hear me.” I had to force my eyes to obey me but I managed it. I saw the relief on his face.

  Sámr ran in. His eyes were red. He had been weeping. Haaken One Eye and Germund were there too.

  “Germund, bathe his face but do so gently.” The cloth felt cool. Germund was as gentle as a mother with her first baby. “Sámr, put water in a beaker and help him to sip it drop by drop. Germund support his head. Do not speak, Jarl.”

  Sámr put the beaker to my lips and Germund raised my head. My lips were so parched that it hurt when I opened them. The water felt like nectar. Drop by drop I drank.

  “The doctor is a gifted man. He was gentle and he knew where the problem lay. Cutting out the growth was simple but he had to sew your insides back together. You lost a great deal of blood. At one point we thought you had died for your heart stopped. Sámr called for you and your heart started again. Wyrd.”

  Aiden put his hand on Sámr, “That is enough water for now.” He
smiled at me. “We have dabbed your lips to keep them moist but you have had neither food nor drink for the last four days. You will be as weak as a new born baby. Germund go and tell the healer that he has awoken. He will wish to examine you.”

  Haaken spoke and his voice sounded strangely subdued, “Jarl, when you died did you…”

  I blinked twice.

  “You saw Valhalla!” I blinked twice to confirm it.

  The doctor hurried in. He waved everyone but Aiden from the room. He made me drink a little more. Aiden held the beaker to my lips. His servant lifted the sheets. I saw that I was naked. I had not been bandaged. There was a long and angry looking scar. He put his head close to it and sniffed. He put his hands on either side. He touched but it did not hurt. I saw him watching my face as he did so.

  He spoke to Aiden. Aiden asked, “Try to speak, Jarl. How does the wound feel?”

  I tried to speak but a croak came out. Aiden handed me the beaker, “Drink more.”

  I did so and tried again. It was hard to make the words sound. “There is no discomfort. There is no ache. I just feel weak.”

  Aiden told Oribasius who beamed. He rattled off whole sentences of Greek. Aiden smiled too. “Then it is gone and you are healed. He cannot promise that it will not return. You will be weak until you have built up your strength. He has left instructions for the food you will be given to eat. He says that few other men could have survived what you did. He is writing what he did and placing it in the library so that others may read of the operation.”

  I croaked again, “How long do I lie here?”

  The doctor spoke once more. “He will be back in ten days to remove the stitches. By then you should be able to walk and after that it depends how much work you wish to do to aid your body.”

  When Aiden had finished the doctor came over and shook my hand. He and his slave left. Aiden returned to the bed. I realised that it now had sheets upon it. They were white and bloodless. “And his payment?”