Pagan Revenge

by Sam Taw

  I thought long and hard about his plan. Every obstacle I threw at him, Renowden had a solution. It made perfect sense. With the number of people we hoped to bring into the compound for defence, we’d need a larger space anyway. Even the materials of the hut we sat in could, to a certain extent, be used a second time.

  “We should go and find Tallack.” I said, standing to leave.

  Renowden poured another cup of ale and handed it to me. “Give him a little while to settle back in, Fur Benyn. I dare say he’ll want some time with one or two of his men.” One of his eyebrows rose and there was a twinkle in his eye. He knew how my nephew’s tastes strayed beyond that of women.

  I rolled my eyes. “Do I know him?”

  “Treeve.” He chuckled.

  “Is he likely to cause problems?” Tallack had a knack of stirring up trouble with his wayward loins.

  Renowden shrugged again. “He seems like a nice enough lad, but you can never be too sure.”

  I returned to my seat and tucked into the ale and pheasant. It was the best thing I’d had in a long time. “I’ll catch the Chief later, if you like. He’ll be in a better mood by then.”

  As we ate and drank, we heard Blydh’s warriors leaving for the homesteads. Their tradition of whooping and hollering as they left and arrived in camp, always struck me as odd. Underneath it all, Blydh was a quiet young man. Not one for glory and praise.

  His brother, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. Get Tallack telling a tale or two and he would sing like a nightingale all night. It was the first time I had truly relaxed in some time. In Renowden’s company, I had no need to explain my sullen mood. He knew all too well of my loss, but he had sense enough not to discuss it with me. For that I was grateful.

  At length, when we’d eaten our fill, I pulled on my cloak and pattens and together we went for a stroll around the edges of the island. Crossing at the eastern side, where the shallow tributary flattens into a gravel bank, Renowden paced out where he thought a gate would be best placed, flanked either side by watchtowers. We walked on passed low shrubs and small trees which were hemmed in by yet another small rivulet.

  “This water here is crystal clean. Come spawning season, we’ll have salmon jumping right into your hands first thing when you wake up.” He said, gesturing to where he thought I should relocate my hut. “I reckon the new long hut should be in the middle though, don’t you? That way, you wouldn’t have the drunken louts and warriors waking you at all times of the night.” On we walked to the northern point of the island, where the main river branches. “You see how the men could clear the trees from over there, giving the watchmen a clearer view of oncoming raiders?” He said.

  “It’s deep though, Ren. What if the Ivernii took their vessels up here during the night and climbed our walls?”

  “Good point, Fur Benyn. Then how about we put gates and towers up this end as well, but with a bridge on weighted ropes and pulleys? One tug and the bridge would stand up on its end. We could have a second one on the eastern side too.”

  “They could still sail up here in the dark.”

  “Not if we drive pointed logs into the river bed to rest just under the water level. If they sail this length, they’d be sunk in no time, giving the watchmen time to raise the alarm.”

  All the way around the island, we picked out problems and put our minds to solving them, so that by the time we’d reached the southernmost point, where the two water courses merged again, we had the entire compound and adjacent training grounds all figured out. With hope growing in my heart, we crossed back over the gravel beds and walked towards the jetty. Blydh had not gone with his men. He stood shouting at the sailors, directing and ordering them to leave their boats and join the remainder of his men working on the defences.

  Renowden looked at me and I him. This would not be an easy discussion to begin. Before we even approached Blydh, Renowden pointed out a runner crossing the clearing from downstream. He knew the boy from Faolan’s ship. He came with a request to send the row boats into the estuary to fetch them.

  With all the row boats sent downstream, Blydh seemed to brighten. Just when I expected him to rage against more time wasted, he did the opposite. Curiouser still, he pulled off his cloak and tunic, leggings and boots and began washing himself in the stream. Renowden and I stepped closer.

  “What nonsense is this? Are you addled with ale, Chief?” I asked, using his title for the benefit of Ren.

  “I stink, Aunt. It’s sweaty work building stuff.”

  We watched for a short while, thinking that it had to be part of some prank. When he failed to shift from the water, I judged him to be almost happy. There was no better time for us to speak with him about Renowden’s idea.

  Taking a cautious approach, I started. “You know, Renowden here has had the most brilliant idea that could save your men days of work.”

  Blydh sat in the freezing stream rubbing under his arms with soapwort from the banks. “Uhuh.” He seemed open to the idea as bit by bit we explained in further detail, making sure to accentuate the benefits and play down the fact that his men had spent time during the winter repairing our old compound wall. When we said all that we intended to, Blydh climbed from the stream and began walking towards his shelter.

  “Well, Nephew? What say you?”

  “Fine, do it, but I’m putting you pair in charge of the whole development, the working parties, the food, everything. I have warriors to train.” He didn’t even look backwards as he hurried off shouting, “And you can persuade my brother too, stubborn kyjyan.”

  That was all it took. He disappeared into his tent and left everything to us. “Well, Ren, seems like you’ve been promoted to second in command, or third, if you count both Chiefs.” Poor man looked like he’d had all the stuffing knocked out of him. “Have you had any sleep since your return from Bentewyn?”

  He shook his head.

  “And you rode non-stop all the way on three different horses?”

  He nodded.

  “Then go back to my hut and get your head down. Let me worry about Tallack and the working parties.” He didn’t argue with me. In fact, he looked relieved.

  Down at the jetty, I asked one of the sailors who hadn’t taken the boats to the estuary where to find my nephew. He snickered behind his hand and then pointed to a tent not far from Blydh’s. I was almost loath to disturb him, knowing how he might be spending his time, but there was work to be done and he had responsibilities. Dragging my heels, I made it across the clearing to his tent and coughed loudly.

  “Tallack. I need to speak with you urgently. Please can you come out here?”

  There were a few giggles and the sound of things being knocked over and then just his head popped out from the tent flaps. “Yes, Aunt, can’t this wait?”

  “No, it can’t. Put your clothes back on and walk with me.” I must have used my officious tone with him, since he disappeared for no more than a moment, and returned wearing his leggings and carrying his tunic over his arm. I led him back across the gravel bank to the island and explained Renowden’s plan, followed by a detailed description of our run in with Blydh in the stream.

  When I got to that part in my story, Tallack accused me of exaggeration. No amount of assurance would make him believe me, until he caught sight of his brother leaving his tent sporting a massive smile.

  Our interest piqued, we followed him as he sped along to the jetty wearing a clean tunic and leggings. He stood on the riverbank, shielding his eyes from the bright rays of the setting sun. The row boats were on their way back, carrying a great many more people than we expected. Tallack and I joined him in greeting our visitors. Among the party was a young lady I knew well. Kerensa was the daughter of Kenver, the leader of the Alchemy Clan at Bentewyn.

  Before the row boat was even tied off, she launched herself onto the jetty and into Blydh’s arms. Now the cleanliness and smiles made sense.

  “How long has that been going on for?” I asked Tallack.

&n
bsp; “I didn’t know it had begun.” He smirked at his brother and watched him throw his arms about the young woman before kissing her.

  “How would Blydh have known that she was aboard?” I asked.

  Tallack shrugged. “Maybe they agreed that she’d follow him at the first opportunity.”

  Blydh and Kerensa remained on the river bank long enough to welcome our guests and family before they scuttled off to be alone.

  Luckily, Tallack was there to take over the formalities. He clasped Faolan’s forearm and slapped his back, the pair of them almost in a dance together. Ealar was next, Faolan’s youngest son. To him, Tallack embraced as a child, which from where I was standing, was not received well.

  The twin’s mother, Cryda began whining the moment she set foot on dry land. “Here, Meliora, take the babe will you. She’s done nothing but grumble and puke all the way here.” Cryda dumped the infant in my arms and warned her son of the milk sick down her front. Anyone else would have been put out, but despite all our past differences, I’d missed her. The child was rosy cheeked and healthy, gods be praised.

  Derwa and her husband from the mountains, both looked green. I approached her to rest my forehead against her, but she stopped me with a raised hand.

  “I wouldn’t if I were you, Aunt Mel.” She swallowed, dipping her chin to her chest. “I don’t suppose you have anything to settle my stomach, do you?”

  “Sea sickness, or are you with child?” I asked her, lifting her baby sister up with a smirk.

  Her Ordoviches husband, Glaw, scoffed. “Only by an act of the gods could she ever be with child.” He strode off towards a crowd of men drinking ale, leaving me with my niece.

  “Don’t mind him. He’s sore because I told him that I won’t share his bed ‘cause he stinks.”

  There was little use in chiding her. The match was a disaster from start to finish. It was only a matter of time before it came to blows. Which of them would survive was anyone’s guess.

  The old Skotek wolf, Faolan scanned the activity in and around camp. “You have much to do here I see, and few shelters. I should bring more of my men ashore to lend a hand.”

  Tallack was taken by the idea, thanking the Chief of the Novantae for his offer of assistance. I bit my lip, wondering if this was the best use of their time. Stuck between the formalities of greeting a tribal elder and sticking my nose in where it was not wanted, I chose the latter.

  Tugging on my nephew’s tunic sleeve, I muttered into his ear. “I’d appreciate a moment alone with you Chief, it won’t take long.” Offloading the babe to Derwa, I pulled Tallack aside and briefly told him of Renowden’s suggestion to forge formal ties of allegiance with Faolan and the Novantae, to help us win the war.

  “I can’t see him agreeing to risk his men and ships out of friendship. We already have a trade alliance of gold for tin. What more could we offer him?” Tallack said, keeping his voice low.

  “You could give him your fine Phoenician ship in payment, or more tin if we can spare it.” I rasped back. My desperation was justified. With the Durotriges outnumbering us, and the Ivernii fleet at our backs, we needed all the help we could get.

  Tallack looked as though I’d offered him up for sacrifice. “That’s my ship you’re talking about. It’s the finest and fastest in the whole land. Not for an entire fleet filled with gold would I part with that. It’s more precious to our tribe than mere metal.”

  “What else do you propose? We cannot fight the Ivernii and the Duros alone. We are too few.”

  Tallack had no answer for me. He stood for a moment thinking, glancing about at the wood cutters and hurdle weavers scattered about the place. With a mild shake to the head, he could see that I was right. Whatever thought landed in his mind, it stirred him into action.

  Returning to the welcoming party, Tallack invited Faolan and his son, Ealar, to join him in a cup of ale. They walked towards Blydh’s tent where a large fire roared outside and logs were piled in a rough circle for his warriors to sit and share a pipe or two. This was a place for men to chew over the problems of the day. I knew that it was frowned upon for women to join them, but I went anyway. I had to hear what was said.

  Tallack sent young Treeve to fetch cups and ale, and then dragged his brother out of his tent to join in the discussions. I stood behind Tallack, hoping that none would pay attention to my presence. Treeve poured all the men their drinks, and one for himself, before squeezing his rump down between Tallack and Blydh on a large log.

  Faolan raised his bushy brows at the youngster’s impertinence, but it went unnoticed by my nephews. That was their first mistake. I prodded Treeve in the back, encouraging him to leave the circle. He swatted me away as though I was a fly.

  Tallack took charge of the negotiations, knowing the wise old Skotek Chief from our time in the north. He explained our situation, pointing out that if the Durotriges should take control over our lands and mines, they would most likely punish our allies with heavy levies and taxes on tin trades. I winced at his admission. This was not the way to secure his favour. It was more likely to make him side with the Duros against us.

  Tallack’s inexperience would be our downfall. Blydh remained suspiciously quiet. From his expression, I realised that he did not trust our Skotek friend. We were more vulnerable than ever. If Faolan and Ealar decided to take control from within the camp, they need only unsheathe their swords and they could take the heads of both my nephews in a single swipe.

  Faolan gulped down the ale and rested his cup on his knee. “This is a good brew.” He licked his lips and considered the young Chieftains before him. “If I understand you correctly, you want me to fetch my boats all the way from the top of the world, with as many of my warriors as they can carry to fight your war for you?”

  “With us, not for us.” Blydh corrected.

  “And what would you ask of us in return for your assistance?” Tallack ventured. He’d put us in an untenable position. We were begging for help. The old man could take what he wanted and we’d be powerless to stop him.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Faolan spat into the fire and stood up. He looked at me and then at his son. Ealar had seen fewer summers than my nephews, but he was tough and lean. The Skotek winters were harsh and their feuds with neighbouring tribes kept them battle ready and their blades keen. I shot my most imploring look to the wily Chief, hoping that he would favour allegiance over rancour.

  At length, he said, “I want three things from you in exchange.”

  We were not out of the woods, but this was a good sign. I breathed out my relief.

  “Go on.” Blydh growled.

  “I want a full hull of tin ingots and a two to one deal going forwards, tin to gold.”

  That was a vast quantity of tin, far more than we could hope to secure in a full cycle of mining and processing. The twins exchanged glances. Tallack urged him to speak his next demand.

  Faolan smirked with superiority. “I saw your foreign ship in the estuary. Your crew told me that you made a bargain with a Phoenician trader. They said it was the fastest boat on the seas.” We all knew what was coming next. “Make a gift of it to me.”

  Tallack spluttered, rising from the log snarling with fury.

  Blydh grabbed his brother by the shoulders, dragging him back to his seat. “And your third request?”

  Finally, the boys were beginning to realise the uneven position they faced. This was a negotiation. They had to think fast and counter.

  “I have a daughter, Sorcha.” Faolan nodded to Tallack. “I think you’ll agree that she is a beauty, and a prize in any man’s eyes?” He expected Tallack to reinforce this with a compliment. I nudged him discreetly from behind.

  “She is that, Faolan. A stunning woman whose skills with blade and bow is like no other.” Tallack crooned, choosing to highlight her warrior skills over her pink, wind-chapped appearance and wild red locks.

  “Blydh is to bind with my Sorcha and she will become the Ruvane of the Dumnonii. No other
wives Tallack might take will displace her position.” Faolan announced, grabbing up the ale jug and drinking straight from the spout.

  “Why not Tallack?” Blydh said.

  Faolan grinned. “What use is he in giving me grandsons. I may be old, but I’m not blind.” He tipped his head towards Treeve and then rolled his eyes.

  A small cry came from Blydh’s tent behind us. Kerensa had been listening to every word said. Treeve grinned to himself, shuffling closer to Tallack on the log.

  They were lofty demands and no mistake. If the twins agreed to all of Faolan’s wishes, the Dumnoni tribe would have nothing left for our own people or defences. Our mining communities would be little more than slaves to the Novantae.

  Blydh looked to be retreating into his own thoughts. He was not used to settling disputes with words. The lad was a fighter through and through. Tallack was still seething from the thought of losing his ship. Unable to voice his objections without causing offence, he looked at me to find a solution.

  “We thank you for your offer, Chief Faolan. Please accept our hospitality, while our Meterns discuss your terms.” I cuffed Treeve around the ear, instructing him to fetch more ale and meats for our guests, and then grabbed at the collars of both my nephews.

  They followed me across the gravel bank at the shallowest point of the tributary and onto the island beyond. Here, we perched on the logs felled to make the walls of our new compound.

  Tallack launched his attack first. “He can’t have my ship and that’s final.” It struck me as odd that he was more concerned about losing his boat than the slur on his abilities to father heirs to the tribe. Faolan was suggesting that my nephew’s partiality for men, made him a lesser Chief and warrior. That seemed to pass him by entirely. I didn’t raise it again.

  “Nothing has been decided, Nephew. This is merely his opening offer; demand a huge amount to barter down to a smaller compromise. How about we agree to cover the cost and materials of building him a similar sized ship when the war is over?” At first, Blydh huffed and puffed, trying to think of alternatives. When neither came up with a better plan, both the men nodded at my suggestion. It was looking into their pitiful eyes that I realised how ill equipped they were to deal with such large promises. I had to steer them further.