by Griff Hosker
Gunnar slammed the table, "Then you should have told us! I have lost fine warriors, oathsworn!"
I stood, "Keep calm voices. This is not a trial. We try to discover the truth. Peace Gunnar Thorfinnson!" He nodded and I sat.
"I had no evidence just suspicions. Hakon did not like me. He never has. I think he thought me a threat. The men who came with me on the raid were the ones he did not like. The drekar is the oldest and slowest that Hakon owns. Is that enough evidence for you Gunnar Thorfinnson? Would you have expected treachery had you known that? If I had said, before we sailed I think Hakon is trying to get rid of me what would you have said?"
Gunnar had the good grace to laugh at himself, "I would have said you were foolish. I am sorry, Gunnstein Berserk-Killer. I am angry."
"And an angry man makes bad decisions. Gunnstein could only see the significance of Hakon's actions in light of what happened. Looking back is always safer than looking ahead." I gestured to the silent Kara and Aiden. "I am lucky. I have around me those who can see into the future and into men's minds."
They all nodded. Wolf Killer said, "Are we certain, then, that Hakon the Bald betrayed us?"
My son had asked a good question. "Certain? No. We would need confirmation of that."
Gunnar said, "I still wish revenge on the men of Man."
"As do we all but have you enough men? Would not your father wish to join you?" He nodded. "Then that revenge is a dish best served cold. We will join you after the winter and we will raid Man. They will feel our steel."
"And what of Hakon? Do we let that serpent sit and plot?"
"No, Wolf Killer. We find out the truth and then we end the threat."
"You have a plan?"
"First does anyone disagree with my words and Gunnstein's explanation?"
They chorused, "No Jarl."
"Then I do have a plan. I will take a drekar and a handpicked crew and we will return with Gunnstein to Dyflin. It will not seem strange for Hakon is owed a share of the loot."
Gunnar snapped, "But he is treacherous! He should get nothing!"
"And when we uncover his treachery then he will get nothing save a blade. But we must uncover the truth first." I turned to Gunnstein, "Are there others like you in Dyflin or are they all as bad as Hakon?"
"There are some warriors but there are many like Hakon."
Ketil said, "If you take the head then the body may writhe around but it can harm no one."
"You are right, Ketil. From what Gunnstein and my father tell us then this Hakon has eliminated all opposition to himself. Gunnstein is the only leader left. It was a cunning plan to have him killed by Egbert. It saved him the trouble."
"And when he is dead then what?"
I turned to Gunnstein, "Could you rule Dyflin?"
"Aye."
"Then there is your answer, Gunnar." I looked everyone in the eye as my gaze passed around the room. "Unless there are any who do not trust Gunnstein?"
Without hesitation they all said, "We trust him!"
"Then we leave as soon as 'Red Snake' is repaired."
Wolf Killer said, "'Red Snake'? Why?"
"Firstly you will all need to go home and see to your own lands. Secondly I want Hakon to think he has succeeded. When we arrive, after such a delay, it will be a shock. I have no doubt he will paint a face to meet us but that shock may give us an edge. Thirdly I want him to be off his guard. The smaller ship will do that. He will think I have few men with me."
The next day we returned to Úlfarrston and Wolf Killer and Ketil returned home. I made sure that Bolli was working on the damaged drekar and we divided the spoils of war. I bade farewell to Gunnar. "I will attack Man with you when you are ready. Send word to me and the Manx drekar will be repaired. She is half yours, remember that."
"It has been good to sail with you Jarl Dragonheart. You are a different leader from my father and a man may learn much. I know I have." He smiled, "I will be less hasty and less likely to anger. You are right, it clouds the judgement."
Coen watched the drekar head down the channel. I took the time to look around the port. It had grown and I saw many improvements. "It looks like Úlfarrston is thriving. There is much building work."
"That is largely thanks to you and to the likes of Finni over there."
"Finni?"
He pointed to a fat Viking who was ordering the loading of a knarr. I seemed to remember seeing him before. He was always busy loading and unloading his knarr. He seemed to be a hardworking merchant. While he looked overweight the warriors who loaded it looked to be veterans. "He came last year. Many have come in recent years for you have made this land a haven which is safe from pirates and thieves. He came from Hibernia. He said he fled Hakon the Bald and the Irish robbers. He has a knarr and he is very successful. He trades with those that we cannot like the men of Man, Mercia and Wales. He had that warehouse built by the river and you must have passed his hall when you journeyed past the shipyard."
"That is his?"
"Aye."
I had noticed it for it was more like the houses my people built. "And others came too?"
"Many traders came here. None are as successful as Finni Foul-Fart but all do well and the town has fine halls. Come I will introduce you to some of the leading burghers. It makes us all richer for they pay taxes and they ensure that there is work for all."
He was right and I saw an Úlfarrston which had grown in size since his father had died. He had learned well from my old friend.
I spent the evening and night with Coen. Many of the new traders were keen to speak with me. I made polite conversation but they only spoke of trade. I found Finni Foul-Fart more interesting. I had to comment on his name. "Your name sounds like that of a warrior and yet you are a trader."
He was not put out by my direct question, "Aye Jarl. When I was younger I did go A-Viking but it was not for me. I am too small and not strong enough. I prefer to eat rather than fight. I trade. The name? I like to eat and I eat too fast. Or I used to. I am afraid the name has stuck but men know me for an honest trader so I do not mind." I nodded. I liked him. "I would like to thank you for making this such a safe haven. We all profit from the peace it brings."
"Thank you." I was pleased when they all departed. It left just Coen alone with me and I needed to speak with him. We sat together at his table after we had feasted and the others had gone. "I need words with you for I have put you in danger. The peace we all enjoy may be shattered."
"How so?"
"I have made enemies and they will come to seek revenge. The obvious way is through you. I will help in any way you like to defend this town or you can be neutral and not stop our enemies. I would understand."
He shook his head, "When first you came you stopped the raids which took so many of our people. We now thrive. We are rich. My father swore to be your man and I did when I became headman. We do not desert our friends in times of hardship. However it is good that you have told us of this danger. We will use more rock from the Old Man to bolster our walls. We will deepen our ditches and we will buy mail and swords from Bjorn. The men of Úlfarrston will stand by you. We may not be warriors such as you have but we have learned from you and we fight our enemies and yours. Never fear. Besides your captains, Erik, Olaf and the others live close by as does your shipwright. They are strong warriors. We are becoming one people."
"I have another boon to ask. My knarr will now trade only with our brethren to the north. I dare not risk them close to Wessex and Man but your vessels may travel where they will. I would have your captains keep their eyes and ears open for us. Is that too much for me to ask? If so please let me know."
He shook his head. "No it is not and I may have someone who can help you." He waved over a servant. "Fetch my brother."
"Your brother? Pasgen ap Pasgen?"
"No, he is too young. It is my half brother, Raibeart ap Pasgen. He went to Wessex with you in his knarr."
I remembered his half brother. Old Pasgen had taken a Saxon sl
ave to his bed. His wife had understood the arrangement and they got on well. Raibeart was the result of their union. I had not see him since he had been a child. I now remembered that he had captained a knarr for us.
"My brother now captains a knarr. He is keen for adventure. If we had warriors who raided he would have happily led them."
"He could have joined one of my war bands."
Coen shook his head, "My father did not train him as a warrior. My training was rudimentary. We can defend our land but we are not Vikings. He would have been out of place."
"I am not a Viking and I come from the line of a Saxon and the Old people."
"But you were trained from a young age." He shook his head, "You do not fully know how other warriors fear you. It is known that a Viking will fight long after all hope has gone. Your ferocity is legendary. Any who takes on a Viking either has a death wish or overwhelming numbers on his side. Raibeart can use a sword and has a quick mind. He is also very clever. My father taught him to read and he has studied the charts which Aiden made for us." He looked up. "Ah here he comes."
He had changed since I had last seen him. But the blond hair he had had as a child had not changed, as mine had. He looked like a Saxon! I remembered him then. I had noticed someone who looked like a Saxon sailing a knarr.
"Raibeart, Jarl Dragonheart has a request to make of you."
"You wish me to captain one of your drekar and fight for you?"
He could not keep the excitement out of his voice. I shook my head, "Not at the moment but I thank you for your loyalty and it may be that I will take you up on your offer but this is not the season of the drekar. Your brother says that you seek adventure?"
"Aye, I do. I enjoy sailing but I want excitement in my life."
"I have a task for you but it may be dangerous, not only for you but your crew too."
"I chose my crew and they are all of the same mind as I am." He looked animated, "If this involves adventure then I am your man."
I nodded, "I will pay you and your crew for the service."
"You need not. I am happy to do it."
"The gods would not be happy if I were to endanger your lives without reward. I will pay you." He nodded. "I wish you to spy for us. We are enemies with Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria. We are blind without knowledge. You can sail into their ports and trade. We can provide the goods you trade. Our iron is much sought after. I would have you listen to the gossip in their alehouses and waterfronts. Report back what they are about."
He nodded, "That sounds like something I could do. When do I sail?"
"I will have a cargo sent down to you. As payment you keep half of the profits."
"A quarter, I would not rob you."
"Believe me you will be doing us the favour but if you are happy with that arrangement then a quarter. I should counsel caution. You need to say that the iron comes from somewhere other than my land. Say it is from the land north of here; the land of the Scots. Be vague and only give the origin if they ask. And I would use a nickname. It is know that your father was our ally."
He nodded, "That makes sense."
I pointed to his head, "Raibeart Yellow Hair would seem to be appropriate."
He said, "If I were a Viking but Saxons do not use such names. My mother came from Caestir. I will say I am Raibeart of Caestir."
"Good." I stood and clasped his arm. "And when winter's cloak is shed if you still wish to captain a drekar I may have one for you."
His face lit up, "Then I will be truly in your debt."
The next day I made one more visit to Erik Short Toe and Olaf Grimsson. I needed my two captains to know my plans. I felt happier as I journeyed back to Cyninges-tūn. I did not like dishonesty and I hated not speaking the truth but I had learned that sometimes it was necessary when dealing with a devious foe. Hakon the Bald appeared such a man. After the others had retired Gunnstein Berserk-Killer had remained up talking with me. He was now totally honest about Hakon. I discovered that he had used us. Although he had not robbed us when we had traded he had taken more than his fair share and profited. He had used my name, as an ally, to cow other leaders and to intimidate the Irish, who feared me. I could have lived with that but taking the gold of Wessex and betraying us to the Manx men had meant I needed to do something about it.
Chapter 14
Once back at Cyninges-tūn I sent for my Ulfheonar. We had a deer which Audun Thin Hair had hunted and given to me in thanks for his son's safe return. We would feast in my hall. Haaken and Karl One Hand joined us. Haaken had used the time since returning to compose a saga about our fight at Hamwic and the visit to the witch. Of course, this time, much of it was to do with him. My men did not mind. They enjoyed his songs and his stories. After the first rendition there were suggestions for improvement. He promised he would make them and then gave it to us a second time.
When the table banging had finished I spoke. "And now that we have heard the new song I will tell you of an adventure which may result in another saga from Haaken the One Eye, even though he will not partake in the adventure himself."
"But Jarl..."
Brigid had come in with some freshly made honeyed oat cakes flavoured with some spices we had taken from Wintan-ceastre. She laid them on the table with a bang and wagged a finger at Haaken. "The Lady Kara has ordered that you not raid until the new grass. Your wife will need you to do all those things you have put off when you have been following my husband down rabbit holes and sailing the seas!"
My warriors jeered at Haaken's embarrassment and I shook my head. Women did not give warriors the respect they deserved sometimes.
When the noise had subsided and Brigid had left us Snorri asked, "Where to this time?"
"We believe that Hakon the Bald has betrayed us. I intend to visit with him and end his treachery."
"How?"
"When I have confronted him about his deceit I will challenge him to a fight."
Olaf Leather Neck laughed, "He will not fight you! He is a coward and he is fat!"
"Then he will die and that is where the Ulfheonar come in. I will not land with you. You will land from 'Heart of the Dragon' in dead of night. You will make your way to Hakon the Bald's stronghold and be ready to overcome the guards there if it becomes necessary."
"Who will you have to guard you then?"
I have volunteers from the warriors of Cyninges-tūn who showed great skills in Wessex. They are honoured to take the risk."
"Jarl Dragonheart, I crave a boon."
"You can have anything you wish Karl One Hand for you have served me well."
"Haaken One Eye cannot follow you. Let me take his place among the Ulfheonar again. I need not my shield for, from what you say we would be wolves and I would only need my right hand to slit throats." He held up his left stump. "I can still use this if I need to."
I saw from the faces of my other warriors that they had spoken of this already. He was right and there was none better with a seax. I relented, "Very well."
Olaf Leather Neck emptied his horn of ale and said, "Before I get too drunk tell me how will we know when we are to slit throats."
I pointed to the Roman horn hanging on the wall. We had found a pair of them when searching an old Roman fort some years earlier. Aiden said that they were called a buccina. "I will take one of those as a gift for Hakon. If you hear it blown then it will be time to let blood be spilled."
They all nodded and banged their horns on the table. I smiled for none asked how many men we faced. It could have been a thousand and they would not worry. Brigid appeared at the door with her hands on her hips, "I do not mind you eating every morsel of food in my house and drinking all of my ale but I will not have you waking the hall! Keep your noise down!"
These warriors who would face any foe without batting an eyelid all nodded meekly and murmured their apologies. When she had gone Finni asked, "Will Aiden be with us?"
"He will be with me for he can read what Hakon thinks. I will have Rolf Horse Killer be his g
uard."
Haaken had been quiet for a long time. His near experience had made him more reflective. "You are taking a great risk, Jarl."
I leaned back in my seat. "When I was in the cave and spoke with the witch I realised that my days of raiding far from my home are gone. That is what the witch saw in my future. Hrolf needs a warrior as I was when I was younger. He needs someone who can sail beyond the Pillars of Hercules. That decided, and remember Haaken it is the spirits who have decided this, then I need my land making safe. Our most dangerous enemies are in Man and Hibernia. Gunnstein Berserk-Killer is a good warrior and he will make a good Jarl. He will make sure that Dyflin, at least, does not harbour enemies."
"And Man?"
"Gunnar Thorfinnson and Thorfinn Blue Scar have a score to settle with them. I will sail with them when they punish the men of Man."
"We raid Frankia no more?"
"No. We will make Mercia and the land of Gwynedd fear us and become our granary."
Haaken smiled. Since his injury he did not nod overmuch. "Good for it means less rowing and less time at sea. I grow too old for that!"
It took nine days to repair the drekar and many frosts had come and made the ground hard. Winter furs were brought from chests and more logs were cut to be placed in the winter stores. We could fight our enemies well and that included winter. It was rare for us to fight at this time of year but we had to strike quickly. I did not want the evil of Hakon the Bald to fester over the winter. I would make sure that our homes were well protected and then I would leave. We made our farewells. I took twenty volunteers from the town with me. They knew the risks and they were happy to go into a place which might be as dangerous as a wolf pit. Another twenty went to help the Ulfheonar to row my drekar. They would remain on the boat and bring her down to Dyflin after they had dropped off my oathsworn. Brigid and Kara saw us off.
Brigid hugged me and kissed me. "Promise me that you will come back for your unborn daughter will need a father she can wind around her little finger! She will plague her brother but you she will own."