Viking Shadow

by Griff Hosker

  His father shrugged. “If Jarl Dragonheart wishes you to have her then so be it. I thought to sell her in Bruggas but if you can crew her then have her.” It was not the most gracious speech that Erik had ever made but it was prompted by what he saw as a question over his judgement.

  Arne was not put out by the tone, “I have a crew, until we reach the Land of the Wolf at any rate. Snorri and his men are happy to sail on her.”

  Aiden had been listening. “Then what do you name her? Before you answer think hard. This is not something trivial. The name will be hers until she dies.”

  “‘Kara’ is a good ship and she is named after a volva. I would name her Ylva in honour of your daughter.”

  Even Erik liked the name and so the ship built by an Arab ended her days in the black and grey waters off the Land of the Wolf and she was named after a volva. Wyrd.

  We were off the coast where Hrolf the Horseman had settled. I was tempted to visit him at the Haugr but Aiden had dreams which worried him. “All is not well in the Land of the Wolf.”

  “There is danger?”

  “We are too far away but I think so.”

  “Then perhaps we should forego Bruggas and sail directly home.”

  “That would mean sailing close to Syllingar. Besides we have goods which we need to trade and we must take on ale and supplies. We cannot stop in Wessex or Om Walum.”

  Aiden shook his head, “Go to Bruggas. We have promised David ben Samuel to deliver letters for him. I would not be foresworn for he helped me greatly. I just have a bad feeling. I do not sense disaster but I feel that there is danger.”

  His words meant that we did not see Hrolf the Horseman. That was sad for our webs had been linked. I believed they still were but I never saw him again in this world and that was sad. In light of subsequent events it would have been better if we had seen him. The Norns, however, had other plans; for both of us.

  We stood well out to sea when we passed the Breton coast. It was a graveyard of ships. There were islands, rocks, shoals and pirates. The deeper waters of the ocean were a better choice. It added another day and it meant that we reached Bruggas in the middle of Tvímánuður. We had stood off the coast and waited for dawn. The estuary was not one to risk at night. The delay benefitted us for we arrived at high tide when ships were leaving and we found two berths close together. They were also closer to the ‘Saddle’ and that suited the crew who were looking forward to Freja’s ale and food.

  Aiden and I took the letters and headed for Isaac’s home. Half of the crew went to the inn. The other half would have the evening there. We had nothing of value and so we did not feel the need for a bodyguard.

  Oddvakr opened the door and his smile was genuine, “You live, Jarl! That is good news! When you left I feared that the legend would end.”

  I smiled, “It goes on. Is your master home? We have news from his nephew.”

  “Follow me, jarl. You have just landed?” I nodded. “I will have food and ale fetched for you. My master will also be pleased that you live.”

  Isaac was a dried up old man but his smile when he saw me was genuine and he suddenly looked much younger. He clapped his hands together. “I thought you were gone forever, jarl, and yet you look hale and hearty. All went well?”

  “It did and we are indebted to your nephew.”

  He shook his head, “He carried valuable information.” He cocked his head to one side. “You knew that. Oddvakr said that your face, when you received the chest, told of your disquiet. I am sorry but, as you know now, my nephew is not just a merchant.”

  I nodded, “Let us say that I am disappointed that you did not trust me.” I shrugged. “I suppose to you I am still a barbarian.”

  “To one who is descended from Abraham, most people are barbarians but you are right to admonish me. How may I make it up to you?”

  “We have goods to trade.” Just then food and drink arrived.

  Isaac did not wish to speak in front of the servants and so he asked, “Tell me about your visit to the great city.” As the food was laid out I told him what he really wanted to know; the political situation in Miklagård. Isaac waited until we were alone before he spoke. “I do have some news for you but that can wait until you have broken bread with me and told me how I may be of service.”

  “We have many items we wish to sell. You know the true value in the current market. Your advice would be welcome. We wish to get the best prices.”

  “What are your goods?”

  I turned to Aiden who handed him a list he had written. We ate the bread and cheese. I did not expect ham at the home of Isaac.

  He studied the list. “Most I will take off your hands. The spices, especially, are very expensive here. In fact, the problems you alluded to in Constantinopolis may explain it. Few ships have arrived from the east and nothing over land. You and your people will be rich.”

  “I am rich, Isaac, because I am alive. This news you said you had, what is it?”

  “It concerns Wessex mainly. The Danes are making inroads into the land of the East Angles. Some say that the land is theirs already. That means that Wessex cannot be complacent. They prepare for an attack from the Danes. That, in turn, means that the Mercians have some respite. They have suffered at the hands of the men of Wessex for many years. Now they are no longer threatened they seek to extend their land.”

  “Towards Wales?” I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  “Partly but I heard, from a Saxon captain, that he heard that Mercia sought to retake their lands in the north.”

  “My land.”

  “And have you heard when?”

  He shook his head. “I am a merchant and not a warrior. War is your business. When would you attack, if it was you?”

  “Haustmánuður, after the crops have been gathered in.”

  “Then you have answered yourself. When is this Haustmánuður?”

  “A moon from now.”

  “You have time. They are subjugating the Welsh now and gathering their crops in.”

  “How do you know all of this?”

  “I have Oddvakr and my other men frequent the taverns and inns by the river. They listen. I piece together information. That knowledge can help me. I can predict which prices will rise and which will fall. The margins are narrow.” He smiled, “I prosper. When you return to the Land of the Wolf send your captains to me. I will make it worth their while.”

  “I will do so.”

  “Oddvakr will come with the chest of coins and take the goods away. The market is not until the morrow. Will you stay?”

  I shook my head. “The goods are on a merchant ship. Arne can wait to sell what remains. After your news we fly.”

  “You are a good leader. Would that the Franks had such a leader. I fear that Charles has little of Charlemagne’s blood in his veins.” He stood and clasped my arm. “I can say no more than this. You are my friend and we are bound. May Jehovah watch over you.”

  As we headed back to the ship I turned to Aiden, “Your powers are returning.”

  “So it would seem.”

  “It is worrying though. The Mercians have been quiet for many years. Why are they becoming belligerent now?”

  “When I was in Miklagård there were some penitents from England. I met them in the library. King Beorhtwulf is the new King of Mercia. Wiglaf was a weak king, we all know that. Perhaps this new king has decided to show his power by defeating barbarians. If he attacked Wales then he must be confident.”

  “He will have a large army.”

  We were approaching the ‘Saddle’ and Aiden laughed, “Since when do large numbers worry Jarl Dragonheart? If we get back in time then you can meet him in the field. We know where he must march.”

  I nodded, “The land of Sigtrygg Thrandson.”

  “We have fought there before. Erik Short Toe will need to sail like he has never sailed before. You will need to sail on the morning tide.”

  “Then the men can have one night in p
ort. I will not risk the river at night.”

  “The voyage home has not been as hard as it might. Besides Ragnar and Gruffyd might have had a whisper of the attack and be preparing.”

  It was my turn to laugh, as we entered the inn, “You know that is not true!”

  Erik, Olaf and Sven were in the inn. Arne, and Haaken would be along later. The whole inn cheered as we entered. Freja walked up to me and kissed me. My men cheered even louder. “You live! When you left here I feared for your life. I have heard of your deeds.” She squeezed me, “Vikings now visit here because they know that you are my friend and wish to know about you! How long do you stay?”

  “I sail on the morning tide!”

  Her face fell. She turned, “Ale over here! I will sit with the Jarl Dragonheart until he leaves!”

  I sat on the seat which was vacated by Arne Thin Hair. Erik Short Toe and Olaf Leather Neck leaned over, “We leave so soon?”

  “We have information that there may be trouble at home.” Erik’s eyes widened. He had a family at Úlfarrston. “We have time but we need to be home in less than a month.”

  “We can be there in fourteen nights… if the Norns permit it.”

  “Aye and there is the rub. We leave on the morning tide. Your son can sell the trade goods we carry. Will he have enough crew?”

  “He will. I will go back and have the cargo offloaded and the supplies loaded.”

  “You have time enough. Stay.”

  He smiled, “Jarl it is my ship and my son. I can drink at home.” He left.

  Freja handed me my ale. “You have loyal men.”

  “And that is why I have white hair and I am not in Valhalla!”

  Aiden and I were assaulted by questions from Olaf and the others. When we had answered them Olaf said, “And now we go back so that the other half of the crew can enjoy Freja’s food and ale. There is work for warriors and it is in the Land of the Wolf.”

  Haaken and Arne also had questions. We answered them and then Freja stood and shouted, “Enough questions! Dragonheart and his wizard need food and they need peace.” She was so intimidating that all of my warriors save Haaken melted away.

  Haaken smiled, “If I were not married, Freja then you would make a woman fit for me!”

  She laughed and pushed him off his seat. “There is only one man for me and that is the Dragonheart!” She stood and went to fetch more ale.

  Haaken said. “She would take you to her bed, Jarl!”

  It was my turn to laugh, “And at my age that would involve sleep and nothing more!”

  When she returned with the ale Freja sat close by me. “I was listening to your words. I too have heard of this King of Mercia. Beorhtwulf wishes to impress the other kings of Britannia. He would be high King. Egbert was strong enough but his seed is not as strong as he was. Beorhtwulf sees this as his chance. Northumbria is almost gone. If Beorhtwulf takes your land then Northumbria would rise and follow him.”

  I laughed, “You have much knowledge for an inn keeper.”

  She smiled and looked, suddenly younger, “Why do you think I have such a successful business? My ale and food are good but I keep my ears open. Others pay me for information. For you it is free!” She became serious. “Be careful, Dragonheart. I have heard that this Beorhtwulf hires mercenaries. Danes and Hibernians fight for him. He will recover the lands he lost to the men of Dyfed. When that is done he will head north. He will come for you.”

  After making some last purchases from the market, Aiden and I left in the late afternoon. Freja made it quite clear that I could have her and I was flattered. Erika and Brigid were the two women with whom I had shared a bed and they would remain the only ones. Aiden and I had much to do. Isaac would be sending payment and I was honour bound to make sure that he received what he was owed.

  Sámr greeted me. “We leave on the first tide?”

  “Aye so if you have anything you wish to buy then now is the time.”

  He shook his head. “What I need is Bagsecg’s mail. Germund and I bought clothes for Baldr. He had little.”

  My great grandson had learned much on this voyage. I knew, in my heart, that the clan would be safe in his hands. I knew not how he would lead the clan but lead it he would. The evening passed in a blur. Goods were transferred to ‘Ylva’. Coin was stored in our hold. Ale and food were brought aboard. Erik had bought as much rope as he could and a spare yard. He then went to ‘Ylva’ and spoke to his son. I saw him hand over his charts and maps. Erik had them in his head. The night passed quickly for there was much to do. When the tide turned we were ready and we headed down the river with the sun peering over the eastern horizon. The men did not need to row. We had the tide and we had the current. There was even the hint of a wind from the east. We were going home.

  As we neared the coast of Wessex Aiden stood with me at the stern. Erik Short Toe had rarely left it. He was asleep beneath his cloak and Aiden and I were taking a turn at the steering board. “Now you know why you returned from the Otherworld. You were needed in the Land of the Wolf.”

  “I thought you called me back. It was your voice I heard or perhaps Sámr’s. I am becoming confused. I knew the voice when I was there but now….”

  He shook his head, “I told you, in Miklagård I had no power. The voice you heard calling you was in the room at David ben Samuel’s house. Sámr and I sat with you. Sámr held the hand which grasped Ragnar’s Spirit and I held the other. We called for you to return to our world but we were not in the spirit world.” He looked up at the masthead and then back at me. “It was the Allfather allowed my voice to go to you. You say the doors were closed on you?” I nodded. “Then the Allfather was telling you that it was not your time.” He nodded ahead, “Now if we can get by the isles and make a swift passage then we can meet this King Beorhtwulf and you can show him why your name is feared.”

  “It was but I am an old man now. Men will not fear me.”

  “Then they are fools! I have watched you as you fought the enemy in the Blue Sea. You may have lost some of your speed but you have made up for it with cunning. The old wolf is the most dangerous. You know that.”

  I nodded. I remembered hunting with my son and the Ulfheonar high in Lang’s Dale. It had been the old wolf which had nearly done for us. The young ones were reckless and came at us quickly with teeth bared and snarling jowls. The old wolf sneaked upon us and chose his moment to attack. He had been hard to kill and his attack almost saved his pack. Aiden was right, I would be the old wolf.

  We landed on a beach ibn the south coast of On Walum. We would not risk either An Lysardh or Syllingar at night. The crew did not leave the ship save the ship’s boys who sought shellfish. We lit no fire and we kept a good watch.

  Just before dawn we were all awake. We had bought a goat. We would make a blót. Aiden believed that it would make Ran, the god of the sea, protect us from the malice of the Norns. It could not hurt. I slit the goat’s throat at the stern. “Ran, we give you this sacrifice so that you will watch over us as we sail through your waters. We need your protection to help us save our home.”

  The carcass was lowered into the water and the crew stood, watching the sun rise in the east. If the blót had been successful then the wind would be in our favour and the sun would break over a calm sea and with blue skies. A thin grey line appeared as we watched. Erik glanced up, as did I, when the pennant fluttered slightly. This was a new one. We had replaced it in Miklagård for the old one was a little ragged. This one was still bright red and it showed the wind was from the south east. Erik nodded but I saw that he still clutched the wolf charm around his neck. We still needed clear skies. The last thing we wanted would be a cloud filled day and squally rain. A hint of pink edged with blue appeared. The pink and blue became red and suddenly the sun burst over the eastern horizon. The water appeared bathed in blood. Aiden peered aft. The body of the goat remained beneath the waves. Ran had accepted our blót. The red sea, reflecting the setting sun, was like the goat’s blood.


  “I think, Erik Short Toe, that we can now risk Syllingar.”

  Even though we had the wind the men took their oars. We would not use them until we neared An Lysardh. Our intention was to race around the headland and take advantage of this precious wind and clement conditions. Who knew when they would fail us?

  Baldr had become a ship’s boy. We did not risk him in the rigging. That took skill and practice. He was willing but having plucked him from the sea we would not put him in danger. He acted as lookout at the prow and he took ale and food to the rowers. He had picked up many more words. He could even curse in Norse! He was popular with the crew. They knew that he had been chosen by the gods. To have survived as long at sea as he had done was nothing short of a miracle. We still did not know why he had been saved or why we had been sent to find him. Perhaps there was no reason and the gods just wished him saved. It mattered not. We were now responsible for him.

  As An Lysardh drew closer Erik shouted, “Run out the oars!”

  As Haaken began the chant the oars bit into the sea. It was not the normal grey. There was a green hue tinged with blue and we took that as a sign that the sacrifice had been a good one. I wondered if Haaken had lost his mind when he began the chant. It was the story of Ylva. As I moved to stop the chant Aiden restrained me, “No Jarl Dragonheart, this is good. The Allfather will approve. It shows that we are not afraid of the Norns. We showed respect to Ran with the blót and now we show him that we are Vikings. Your crew are warriors. It is wyrd.” He pointed to Baldr. “And there is another that we saved. The song could equally be about him, could it not?”

  I nodded. He was right.

  The Dragonheart sailed with warriors brave

  To find the child he was meant to save

  With Haaken and Ragnar’s Spirit

  They dared to delve with true warrior’s grit

  With Aðils Shape Shifter with scout skills honed

  They found the island close by the rocky stones

  The Jarl and Haaken will bravely roar

  The Jarl and Haaken and the Ulfheonar

  Beneath the earth the two they went