by Griff Hosker
As we rode into the forest I looked behind us; our pursuers, all ten of them were about a mile back but still intent on following us. “I don’t know about you three but I don’t fancy having to keep watching over my shoulder for these.”
Ridley dismounted. “Let’s end it.”
“Branton, you and Ridley use your bows. Wait until they are less than ten paces from the trees. Osbert take your axe and go behind the trees to the left.”
With the horses hidden we watched as they thundered up the slope leading to the forest trail in which we hid. I had Death Bringer and Osbert had his trusty axe. I was counting on the fact that they would be keen to close with us and assume that we would have fled. They were all mailed and they had their shields strapped to their backs. They held their spears in their right hands. Although Ridley and Branton only had a couple of knight killers with them I hoped that Osbert and I could do the most damage.
Ridley’s arrow flew a moment before Branton’s. They took the third pair of warriors down. At the same time I swung Death Bringer and hacked upwards through the neck of the first rider’s horse. He soared over the headless mount and crashed with a sickening thud somewhere behind me. I had no time to see what had occurred for the second man lowered his lance to spear me in the chest. I reached forwards and grabbed the spear head in my mailed fist. As he stabbed at me I pulled forwards and a surprised Norman crashed to the ground next to me. I swung Death Bringer one handed to decapitate the prostrate figure. I turned, quickly to see the last two men fall to Ridley and Branton’s arrows.
I heard a moan from one of the Normans but before I could react, Ridley leapt forwards, drew his dagger and slit the man’s throat. “That is for Coxold!”
Branton ran by me to grab his brother who had suffered a wound to the leg. One of the lances had pierced it, just above the knee. It looked nasty and bled heavily but it looked as though it was not serious. Branton quickly stripped the armour and tunic from Osbert and, taking a water skin from his horse cleansed the wound. I searched in my satchel and I found a tiny morsel of Reuben’s paste. I gave it to Branton and then joined Ridley to search the bodies. There were some young men amongst the dead and they looked to be of noble birth from their fair skin and fine undergarments. They had died in their quest for fame; they had wanted to be the ones who killed Aelfraed, the last Northumbrian, but they had failed.
We left the bodies where they lay. We had no time to bury them and we knew not how many other hunters were following. We managed to get a white faced Osbert on to the back of his mount and, leading the four best Norman horses, we headed north.
Because of Osbert’s wound we had to take it slower than we would have liked. It amused me to see Branton being the mother hen; normally it was the other way around. Ridley seemed more at peace with himself. The slaughter of the ten Normans seemed to be a mark in the sand. For myself I was leaving England reluctantly but the persistent chase by young Norman warriors keen to make a name by killing the notorious outlaw showed me that it would have been only a matter of time before my luck ran out and I did not wish to die just yet. I had no idea what my destiny was but I was certain it was not to die in a northern forest pierced, like a wild boar, by Norman lances. I was still a young man and I knew that neither Ridley nor myself had reached our prime as warriors. The wounds we had sustained had not slowed us up. I suppose, had we been older, then the wounds might have had a greater effect but when you are young the wounds do not impact quite as much.
We bypassed the towns and we reached the estuary which led to Fife. Ridley looked at me strangely. “Why do we go to Fife, Aelfraed? Do you feel the need for more pain?”
“No Ridley. I was just as guilty as the Lady Gytha. I lay with Ealdgyth did I not? I need to see my son and then say goodbye to them both.”
Branton and Osbert exchanged looks. Ridley looked across the water to the ferry which slowly made its way across the choppy waters. “And then Aelfraed; what do we do?”
Ridley was still Ridley; he was still the man who followed me no matter where I went. It was a great responsibility. I wondered what it would be like to travel alone. I had always had him by my side. I asked my self, was it fair? I said nothing for I had not yet decided. I had a vague idea what I wished but that was all. We left one of the horses with the ferryman as payment for the ride with the promise of another one when we returned south.
The Scots looked at us strangely, as we rode north of the river, for we were well armed and bore many marks of war. Since the Normans had arrived in England the border had been quiet and it amused me that they had not yet met the killing machine that was the Norman army. When they did then they would know what hardship was. Calum’s castle showed all the signs of having been improved. I wondered whom he feared. As we rode up the road I saw the drawbridge raised and armed men appear on the ramparts. I wondered, briefly, if some other Scot had taken the castle and if so where was my wife and son.
Ridley turned to me. “Do you think they know who we are then?”
Osbert gave a wry laugh, “I think, my lord, that they know exactly who we are and that is why they prepare for war.”
Branton saw my confusion. “I think the Thegn of Fife fears you have come for revenge.”
It all became clear. We had been so used to war, and dressing for war that we did not know what we looked like. I shook my head, “Let us look peaceful then.” I spread my arms out, as did the others and we rode towards the motte. The archers on the walls never once took their attention from us but I saw the drawbridge lower and the gate open. Calum, Thegn of Fife appeared with six mailed and armed warriors behind him.
I dismounted and approached him. “This is a strange welcome for someone you promised eternal friendship to.” The confused look on his face almost made me laugh out loud. It was then I realised that my world had been dominated by war and rebellion, Calum’s had been dominated by a new spouse and a fear that here former husband would come seeking revenge. In the scheme of things Gytha’s infidelity meant nothing. “If you worry that I come for revenge then allay your fears. Had I wanted you dead then you would be, believe me. I have fought and killed better men than those who stand behind you.”
One of them started forwards and I heard Ridley’s sword slide from his scabbard. Calum held up his hand. “Peace, Hamish. He comes in peace. Sheath your weapon.” He strode up to me and embraced me. When his head was next to mine he whispered, “I am sorry. We did not mean it to happen.”
I held him at arm’s length. “Then I am sad that you did not think to tell me and face me like a man. Were you so afeared of me?”
Again his men bristled with indignation at the insult but Calum held up his hand. He smiled sadly at me, ”Fear the greatest warrior in England? Of course I was afraid.” He saw my look of doubt. “I have spoken with the Aetheling and heard the tales of your deeds. And we receive word from the refugees who flee north. There is a mighty price on your head, old friend. The Bastard fears you!”
We were allowed into the castle although the bodyguards of the Thegn cast us murderous looks. Having had the Normans try to kill me for the last few years the enmity of the Scots did not worry me. Calum’s Steward took us to a smaller version of the warrior hall. We were to be kept alone, that much was obvious. It did not worry me; we would be there for a short time only. Once I had seen my son and said goodbye to Gytha then I would leave. I was still uncertain as to my final destination but I knew that it would be neither England nor Scotland. One other place it would not be would be Sicily and southern Italy for they too were riddled with the curse of the Norman.
Calum had a bath house which he had had built for Ealdgyth who loved such things. I made sure that I took a hot one for I disliked the smell I had developed; it was a mixture of sweat and dried blood. I knew that it would soon come to me again but, when I met my son again, I would not stink like some animal.
As soon as I dressed and re-entered our quarters, I could smell the other three. I could not help the involuntary
wrinkle of the nose. Ridley laughed, “I believe our lord thinks we smell a little unpleasant.”
Partly to cover my embarrassment but mainly because I was waiting for an opportunity to speak with my friends I held up my hand. “No, no Ridley. I am no longer a lord. What am I lord of? My horse, Sweyn?”
Ridley looked puzzled but Sober shook his head. “You will always be our lord.”
“Like the hundreds of our comrades who now lie dead? No, this is a time for new beginnings and a new way of working. I am leaving this island.”
“And going where?”
“Byzantium.” They all looked in surprise at me although I think Branton had an inkling of what I meant for he nodded slightly.
“Why Byzantium?”
“I spoke with Reuben and he told me that many warriors who survived Senlac Hill joined the Varangian Guard and they serve the Emperor Romanos. Since we slaughtered so many at Stamford Bridge the Emperor needs other axe wielding warriors to defend him.”
“And you, my lord, have a promissory note for Constantinople.”
“I do Branton.”
“I will follow you there.”
“No, Ridley, you can come with me but as a friend and not as a follower.”
Ridley looked puzzled and Osbert, as usual explained it to him, “He means, my lord, that you have to choose.”
“Correct Osbert, as do you and Branton.” The two brothers looked at each other and I knew then that they had discussed the situation. “If you were to stay here I would not blame you.” They looked at the ground, shamefaced. “Do not feel that way. I could not have had two more loyal warriors to fight alongside me but I go to a strange place and the journey to reach it will be hard. If you come with me Ridley then you must be prepared for dangers that we have never faced before.”
“Aelfraed, I have followed you since I was smaller than your sword. I will follow you till the end of my days.”
“Thank you old friend, I am glad. And you Osbert, Branton; what are your plans?”
“No my lord, we are English and we will stay here but it has been an honour to serve you. There is still much to do in our homeland.”
“That is good; I am happy for I can say all my goodbyes at once and begin anew. We will leave in the morning for Eidyn Din and I will collect the money from the Scottish promissory note then we will take ship.”
That part of my life was sorted but I dreaded meeting my son and Gytha; would the boy run in fear from me? I shook my head. I had stood in a shield wall and faced innumerable enemies and yet I was afraid of a boy and his mother. Ridley put his hand on my shoulder. “Come Aelfraed, we will all go to meet with the lady Gytha.”
I suspect that they had all been waiting some time to greet us. We took no weapons save the dagger Malcolm had given me for I did not wish to terrify them all again. There was a roaring fire and they were seated around the table. I saw no guards but I think they were within calling distance. Harold looked to have grown. He had been little more than a walking baby the last time I had seen him but now he was recognisable as a boy. He smiled shyly at me as I entered and I breathed a sigh of relief; at least he had not run. Gytha looked as lovely as ever and I saw that she was with child.
I bowed and kissed her hand, “My lady.”
She burst into tears and threw her arms around me. “Oh Aelfraed, I am so sorry for…”
I held her away from me and put my hand on her lips. “It was wyrd. It is in the past and it is forgotten.” I suddenly remembered Ealdgyth and Aethelward, Thomas and Sarah. “We should not be thinking of us but those that have died, Ealdgyth, Aethelward, Thomas and Sarah.”
She suddenly became tearful, “Thomas and Sarah? I didn’t know.”
I realised then that she would have heard of the death of the Queen but why would anyone have told her of two servants and their death? We sat and we told her of Topcliffe and Coxold and the deaths, slaughter and rapes. It was hard telling the tale and I saw Ridley’s eyes well up.
“We did not know. We heard that the Normans had to put down rebellions.”
I snorted. “Rebellions? Hah!. Traitors like Edgar and those less than useless brothers of Ealdgyth. No, the Normans did not have to do much; it was the Earls and the Aetheling who destroyed England.”
I saw my son, out of the corner of my eye, staring intently at me. I so wanted to pick him up in my arms and take him but I knew I could not. I had given up that right when I chose to fight the enemies of my father.
“We have heard that William has destroyed many towns in Northumbria,” I wondered where the Thegn of Fife had gained his knowledge.
“We thought the people had fled.”
“No. I am afraid that they died.” I looked at Calum. “Should they come north to fight you then I warn you it will be a bitter war and the Normans are no respecters of women and children.”
Gytha put a protective arm around Harold and I saw her eyes fill with tears. “Where are Harold and Ulf?”
Gytha looked at Calum in panic and he reddened and then began to bluster. “Er, well when Edgar, their half brother arrived he took them with him to the court of King Malcolm.”
I stiffened. Edgar was treacherous and deceitful. “You let that renegade take Ealdgyth’s sons? When they were left here under your care.”
“I wanted to keep them here but Edgar was insistent.”
I shook my head. They were both weak willed empty vessels and I was tempted to take Harold with me. “Where are they now?”
Calum shrugged apologetically. “Still at the court I believe.”
I stood up and walked towards him. He recoiled in fear. “Liar! You know where they are and what has happened to them!”
The door suddenly burst open and six guards entered with swords at the ready. Ridley and the others immediately turned to face them but my dagger was out and pressed against Calum’s throat. “Tell your men to drop their weapons or by all I hold dear you will die! Do it!”
Gytha’s voice, suddenly pleading screamed, “Aelfraed! Please!”
I pressed harder and a tendril of blood oozed out. “Drop your weapons!” Calum’s voice was squeaky with terror.
I heard the metal thump as the weapons dropped to the ground. “Disarm them and then tie them up.” I glanced over my shoulder. “If they give you any trouble then kill one!” My voice suddenly sounded merciless and I saw that the Normans had made me so, along with Edgar, Edwin and Morcar. “Now I am already an outlaw. I have nothing to lose so tell me what I want to know or this castle will become a charnel house.”
“They are dead! Edgar said they died on the road but I know that he killed them.”
At that moment I wanted to kill Calum but I knew that I could not care for my son in my absence.”You were always a weak willed bastard and you should die for what you have done but my friends and I are leaving tonight and someone needs to watch over my son but if you ever fail in your duty then I will return and you will die. Do you understand me?”
He nodded and I could see a mixture of relief that he was still alive and terror at my threat, “I will, I promise.”
“And to remind you of that promise.” I took the knife and ran it down his cheek. It was not a deep wound but it bled profusely. Gytha screamed and raced to him to staunch the bleeding.
I went over to Harold who looked terrified. “My son. I may never see you again but know this, your father loves you but I cannot stay for you would be hunted. Your grandfather was a king and a great warrior. Your father fought the Normans. Do not be like this apology for a man. Be a man.” I kissed him gently on the head and then he ran to his mother to hide in her skirts. My men had bound the guards and gagged them. “Tie this spineless reptile up. Osbert, Branton, fetch our gear and meet me at the gate.”
When Ridley had tied Calum up. I took Gytha in my arms. “I did love you once but I love you no longer and I release you from your vow. If you wish to marry this man then do so. Ridley, go and secure the gate.” He nodded and left. “I am leaving this l
and and I will never see you again but if you hold me at all dear then you will tell our son the truth about his father, Aelfraed, son of Harold Godwinson.”
She nodded and then threw her arms around me. She kissed me and then said, “I did love you Aelfraed but you loved England more and I will tell our son of his father. The only warrior William the Conqueror feared.”
Once outside I saw that the two guards by the gate had been disabled by Ridley. I hoped he had not killed them; we had enough blood on our hands. Osbert and Branton were grinning like children as they rode up with our horses and gear. “Like old times my lord!”
“”When do we have new times? Let us ride for the Thegn may decide to send his men after us. “
Ridley quickly mounted and we raced through the open gate and over the drawbridge. Scotland did not have the anarchy of Northumbria and the garrison was not as alert as a Norman one would have been and we were soon racing down the road towards the ferry.
“What if the ferry is on the other side?”
“Then, Branton, we will have a long ride around the estuary.” Having said my goodbyes I felt almost light headed. It was as though every tie holding me to this island had been severed and, for the first time in my life I would be free.
Nanna, Aelfraed or perhaps just wyrd, were watching over me that evening for the ferry was still there. The ferryman looked at us. “Well that was a short visit! You can’t have your horse back you know.”
“Get us across quickly ferryman and there is a gold piece for you.”
He looked beyond me to the north and the castle of the Thegn. He grinned, “Like that is it? Push off lads. We eat well tonight.”
We were half way across when the gaggle of riders reined up at the landing stage. The ferryman shook his head. “I can see you have been pissing off the Thegn. Ah well, he is a tight bastard anyway. He pays in copper, not gold!” He bit the gold piece I had given him and whistled happily as the southern shore loomed up.