by Griff Hosker
“Good.” I took him out of earshot of his fellows. “And I would train archers. There must be, among your people, those who use slingshots and bows for hunting. Use them as the basis for a supporting band. You saw how effective our men were.”
“Aye and I will do so and Lann,“ he came really close to me, “beware for you have made enemies. Two of the king’s bodyguard disappeared the other night and I fear they may be hunting you.”
I was intrigued although I was not afraid for those men were now dead, “How do you know?”
“I heard the king talking to them and he pointed you out. The look they had on their faces was not one of friendship.”
“Thank you for the warning and I will heed it.”
Ywain’s voice drifted over, “The causeway is open.”
I clasped his arm in a soldier’s farewell. “Goodbye and may Belatu-Cadros be with you.”
“And may the White Christ watch over you.”
Keeping the captives securely within a ring of my best warriors we headed west, first to the mainland and thence home. It would be a long journey, burdened as we were by women and children but at least we knew that there were no Saxons to hinder our passage. We had said farewell to King Rhydderch the Generous soon after leaving Dun Guardi. He still grieved over the loss of so many warriors but he was happy that we had succeeded. “If you ever need my help Urien then just ask but I will not be coming again to help that ungrateful whelp.” He was a generous man as his name said but he did not suffer fools gladly. This was the only time his men left their home for he died a few years later when the Irish raided his lands. I was sad for I liked him. He was honest and he was brave; what better epitaph for a warrior.
I rode next to the king and Ywain as we headed for the high passes. I gestured back to the captives. “What would you do with the prisoners your majesty?”
“I have given that much thought since we left Din Guardi. It goes against my nature to make slaves of women and children. I would have done it with any of the warriors who survived but…”
Ywain nodded, “I agree, father, and having saved their lives I feel obligated to protect them.”
We were crossing yet another Roman road and another deserted shell of an outpost. The Romans had spent many years in this land and their buildings and roads were like a skeleton they had left and yet they had left something else behind, their blood. My father’s grandfather had been a Roman, or at least a British Roman. They remained within all of us who were not Saxon. “We could do as the Saxons do.” Both King and Prince knew me well enough to listen to my words, no matter how ridiculous they sounded at first. “Well what I mean is how the Saxons take over a place. Aelle has a British mother and a Saxon father. The women and their children will become the people of Rheged if we allow them to.”
I could see King Urien considering the idea. “That is worth thinking about, Lann. They have skills and they are fertile. Our people are dwindling and this may be a way to ensure the survival of the people of Rheged and Britannia. I will think about it as we ride homeward.”
I turned and rode to the rear where my brothers and Wolf led our men. My warband had gained much fame and honour with their brave deeds and actions. Over fifty had paid with their lives but we were now all richer having looted the stronghold and the bodies of the dead. Many of my men had more treasure now than many lords. I would have enough to build my own home in stone if I chose. As I rode up they all gave a cheer. Raibeart and Aelle smiled. They never begrudged me my fame and honour although they knew that they too were highly regarded, not only by their peers but the officers and leaders of Rheged’s army.
Aelle, thoughtful as ever, asked, “What will happen to the prisoners and captives.” For Aelle, the son of a captive, this was the most pressing issue.
“I think they will not be made slaves if that is what is worrying you.”
He blushed and Raibeart laughed, “I think brother that he has an eye for one of them; that first one who spoke with you. He has the puppy eyes when he sees her.”
Aelle punched his brother in the arm. “You are soft in the head.”
Raibeart looked at me and said seriously, “He has ridden next to the woman you rescued, Freja, many times and she has smiled at him brother.”
“I think it is a good thing Aelle. We should all think of taking a wife for our father sired me when he was younger than you Raibeart. “I waved at the men who followed us. “Think how many good men died without issue. We carry on as our father would have, even though he is gone. That is how we will live forever through our children and I know that father would be proud of us and our deeds.”
I saw them both smile at the thought. It had not occurred to them but, as the eldest, I was acutely aware of my responsibilities and I felt closer to my father now that he was dead than ever I did when he was alive. I found myself dreaming of him and in my dreams I spoke with him. I regretted, more than anything, that I had not spoken with him more; just talked of his life and his plans for us. The Angles had robbed me of that opportunity but I would talk with my brothers every chance I had.
Civitas Carvetiorum looked even more welcoming than it normally did as we entered our fortress. It seemed as though we had been away for a year and yet it was less than two months. The threat to our neighbour had gone and that meant that the threat to our southern and eastern borders had also evaporated but the Saxons were still out there, close to our lands and they would return. We had not scotched the snake; we had just driven it to a deep hole. I resolved to make the men I commanded even better over the next few months. We would not campaign again until either the Saxons returned, or the spring and that gave my brothers and I the time to forge a weapon which would halt and then destroy our enemies.
Brother Osric greeted us when we arrived and cast his birdlike eyes on the captives. He looked at the captives with a strange look on his face. “Are these to be sold your majesty?”
King Urien returned the priest’s stare. “No Brother Osric, house them, for the moment in the spare barracks.”
I had begun to recognise the different expressions on the priest’s face and I knew that he was pleased that they were not slaves. “From the wagons and carts I assume you have profited from your labours and I have ordered replacement ash, feathers and yew. I hope that you have provided the iron?”
I grinned, for I knew the question was directed at me. “Of course. How could you doubt it?”
He walked off mumbling, “Yes but you also brought more mouths to feed.”
The king turned to face the army. “You have all performed as I knew you would, honourably, bravely and in the spirit of Rheged. You are all granted the time to visit with your families and return after the harvest when you will all be paid your reward for the campaign and we will begin to train again for next year’s travails.”
Every warrior cheered. Life did not get any better than this. They would all have three months to bask in the glory of the defeat of the Saxons. The crops and animals would be harvested and when they returned, with their wives pregnant they would be ready to prepare for war again. The king was kind but astute. By dangling their pay when they returned he ensured that his army would be as large next year as it was this and he would not have to pay for his men’s food for three months. I was learning how to be a leader each day I spent in the king’s company.
The barracks was emptied by dusk. The bodyguard of the king remained as did the single men who had neither wives nor lovers but we three enjoyed the solitude of each other’s company. We used the spare bunks to lay out our gear and all went to the bath house to cleanse ourselves of the smell of blood, death and sweat. Aelle’s wound had healed well but, as we lay, naked in the baths, I brought up an idea I had had when we campaigned.
”Leather armour would suit the slingers and the archers. It is lighter, it would have stopped the knife slicing your arm brother and it would stop a spear penetrating too far.”
Raibeart nodded his approval. “And it would make
movement easier. Mail and armour are fine when you standing in a shield wall but we are just extra bodies, used to stop you warriors from being outflanked.”
“But helmets, even leather ones, would help.”
“You are right Aelle. We have plenty of time to get the leather and the deer hide and prepare the armour.”
“Do you three brothers never talk of anything but war?” Ywain, Gildas and the two prince standard bearers had entered.
“We are warriors. We are not princes who fight for the fun of it. For us it is our livelihood.”
Gildas nudged Ywain, “I think Aelle thinks of things other than war. A little bird told me that his loins are stirring and he has his eyes on a mate.”
Aelle reddened and left. “You should not tease him Gildas. I, for one, am pleased that he is thinking of a wife. I said to Raibeart that we all should.”
“And that is where you are lucky Lann. You can choose a woman because she makes your dick bigger. Even Gildas has that choice but I must have a wife who will be a future queen. My wife may be a fat and ugly milk cow but as long as I can provide my father with an alliance then that it is whom I shall marry!”
I could not believe that King Urien would do that. “You do not believe that Ywain. You know your father would consult you, besides can you think of a kingdom other than Rheged which is so powerful right now? Elmet, even Bryneicia has not the army that your father has. Every king who has a presentable daughter will try to marry her to you.”
Ywain had been drinking. “And damned lucky to get me she would be!”
We all fell about laughing and then Rhun said, ”My father, the king, asked if you would join us tonight for food.” He waved his hand at Raibeart and Aelle, “All of you.”
“I would have thought that two months away from the queen would have made him desire a quieter evening.”
Ywain shook his head. “You do not know my father. He is single minded about being king. He sees himself as the servant of the people.”
“As opposed to Morcant Bulc who does not give a shit about his people.”
“Raibeart!”
“Sorry Lann. I forgot myself. Forgive me Prince Ywain.”
“No you are right. I was most disappointed in King Morcant Bulc. I had thought, from his reputation that he was a noble king and he isn’t. I think my father was disappointed too. Well we had better get dressed. Father is quite casual about these things but not so my mother.”
We left quickly. Queen Niamh who had been a Welsh princess, the daughter of one of the Welsh kings was known to be a stickler for protocol. It would not do to upset her.
It was quite a cosy affair. The royal couple along with their four sons were there as well as Brother Osric and my three brothers. We were all on our best behaviour for it was the first time we had all dined privately with the royal family. Queen Niamh however went out of her way to be pleasant. “I am grateful to you three warriors From what I have heard you have helped my husband and my son to achieve a greater success than if the king had not happened upon your settlement. “She crossed herself, which I had learned was a White Christ action. “Praise be to God.”
Ywain gave an apologetic shrug but I did not mind. I never objected to anyone’s religious beliefs so long as they did not try to convert me. My mother had strong views about her religion too. “We are glad that the king rescued us. We believe that we were meant to serve Rheged and find the Saxons.”
The king stood and held his goblet out.”A toast to chance, and the fates which brought us all together.” His wife threw him a black look but smiled and raised her goblet too.
The meal had been planned and devised by Brother Osric and was magnificent. He had acquired, no one knew how, spices from the east and the food tasted exquisite. None of us could quite explain the range of tastes which exploded in our mouths but we all knew that it was a unique experience. After the delicate sweets we had at the end of the meal Queen Niamh stood. “Once again I thank you three for your support for my family I am deeply indebted to you.” She held out her hand for us all to kiss. When we had all done so she said, “And when you are all converted to Christ then I will be even happier.”
She left, as she had entered, majestically. Ywain said, “Sorry about mother, she has her opinions.”
“Do not apologise Prince Ywain. I like people to believe in something. It may not be what I believe in but I can respect it.”
The king nodded at Brother Osric who disappeared briefly and then returned with an amphora. “This, Lord Lann, is the same wine I gave you last year. I have acquired some more and the king thought that this would be an appropriate occasion to taste it; especially your younger brothers, who are now men and worthy warriors.”
Ywain, his brothers and Gildas all banged the table and the king frowned and then smiled indulgently. “I give you a toast. The future.”
I had tasted before and knew the power of the deep red liquid but my brothers had not and I smiled at their expression as they drank for the first time. They went to take a second swallow and I said, “Slowly boys. Trust your big brother. Slowly does it.”
There was a moment of silence as we all enjoyed the taste. Even the youngest son of the king who was but ten years old had been given a small goblet. The king looked around the table. “I have been thinking, for some time, how we might make the kingdom more secure. Lann, it was not until your coming that I saw how this might be achieved. You are a leader whom men follow. But you are not alone; your brothers have the same qualities. And Gildas, you showed that you too have those qualities. My sons have them, that goes without saying and they will inherit land but only Ywain will be king. I want all of you to benefit from our success.”
He nodded to Osric who stood. “Each of you is to be made a lord. There are seven of you, which is, in pagan terms, a magical number. As a Christian I cannot subscribe to magic but I cannot deny the power it has over men. You will each be given a settlement to rule and to protect. You will each raise the men from that area to serve in times of war.” He smiled indulgently at the youngest son of the king. “Some of you will need my help, at least for a while. For the rest you need to make your settlements defensible. The people in your care will be taxed to enable you to run an effective defence but the king trusts all of you and knows that this is the most equitable way to ensure that fairness and the rule of law flows through Rheged.”
I did not know what to say and nor did my brothers. Ywain saw our confusion and he continued. “It was father’s visit to Stanwyck that set him thinking. There was a perfect place to defend and, had there been a leader appointed by King Urien who could enforce the king’s will then it could have held out against the Angles until help arrived.” He saw my face cloud over. “There is no disrespect intended to your father. He could not make the others make the fortress defensible. You said yourself, Lann, that it took the death of a young couple and a baby before the others even blocked the gates.”
The king shook his head sadly. “I had thought that my bodyguard alone would be enough to defend the land but I can see that the people must be made to defend their land or they will lose it. These invaders want the best land and our people live there.”
Brother Osric chimed in, “It is simple economics. If the people want to use the best land then they must pay for its protection and participate in the defence of the land or they will lose it, along with their lives.”
The king stood, “Come and bring your wine. It would be a waste to let it turn sour.” We went to the next, smaller room in the old Roman fort. Brother Osric lit the lamps. There, on the table, was a deer hide with a map painstakingly drawn upon it. The king smiled and gestured towards the priest. “Brother Osric’s work while we were away.”
He snorted, “That and a hundred other matters!”
The sea was marked in blue and the land left the natural colour of the deer hide. There were places marked in red with writing next to them. None of us could read and we waited for the explanation. The priest took a
pointer. “Here we are in the centre of the kingdom. There are old Roman forts nearby and they were chosen by the Romans to protect the land. Some of them are close to settlements where our people live while others are isolated. We have chosen six for you to occupy.” He smiled at Pasgen, the youngest son of King Urien, “When Prince Pasgen is of an age he will be given his own fiefdom.” Pasgen’s looked disappointed and his father ruffled his head. “Here in the north, the safe fort if you will, for it borders the land of King Rhydderch, is Blatobulgium.” He saw our puzzled expressions. He sniffed contemptuously, “Had you all learned Latin as did the king then you would know these names. This land is rich farmland with many people living there and it will yield many warriors. Prince Rhiwallon this is yours to manage. Here on the coast is the port of Alavna. This is vital for the fish it brings in is a great resource and the fishermen are hardy warriors. It is most important, Prince Rhun, that it is defended from the depredations of the Hibernians.” The two princes nodded very seriously.
Brother Osric then turned his gaze to Gildas. “Fanum Cocidii is north of the wall. Although it is protected to the north by King Rhydderch, to the west there is King Morcant Bulc and it protects the Roman Road. There are not as many warriors and settlers there but it is vital that it is held to protect the capital.” Gildas too gave a serious nod and I could tell that he was building up to the most hazardous postings. Ours!
The king put his hand on Brother Osric’s shoulder and the priest moved away from the table and drank a little more of his wine. The king pointed to the land south of Rheged. “Once all this was ours but now it is disputed land and the Saxons to the south will be heading north for the land of the lakes is rich in game and fish as well as the best pastures for cattle and sheep. There are three forts which are in the way of any army coming north. Here, at Glanibanta, on the lake called Wide Water, is a fort but it has fallen into disrepair but there are many people here. Aelle we would like you to hold this for the king.”