The Last of the Vikings

by John Bowling

  CHAPTER XIX.

  ALICE DE MONTFORT AND THE SAXON CHIEFTAIN.

  "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

  Shakespeare.

  The boat containing Oswald and Alice, impelled by the strong arms of theSaxon chieftain, sped along swiftly through the magnificent scenery.

  "Now, lady, what think you? Did I speak truly when I praised thescenery?"

  "Yes. Truly it would be an earthly paradise if it were not for the greedand cruelty of man. I think it richer and grander in these leafysolitudes than anything I have seen; or else it is because it fits mytaste so wondrously."

  "Yes. I cannot say, lady, that I hope you and your people will longenjoy the new home you have found, for I confess to you I cherish mostardent desires to be its lord again; though I think I can renounce myhopes, and well-nigh welcome exile if you are to be its mistress, and Imay be permitted to look with unsinning eyes upon a form which hasbecome even dearer to me than freedom and home. I doubt me, however,this latter wish may not be, for I hear some Norman knight claims yourhand."

  "My father has affianced me to one of the knights of his retinue; butthis betrothal is without my consent, if I may be so bold as to confessit to a stranger. Indeed, I care not to disguise the fact that it is amost hateful alliance, and most abhorrent to me. I shall much prefer, ifI may be permitted, to retire to a convent in my native land, ratherthan wed a man so incapable of inspiring either my love or my respect asthis Baron Vigneau."

  "I am afraid it is I who am too bold, in intruding in so delicate amatter, and one so remote from my concerns. But I would fain think, andhope, that the Count will not press a loveless marriage upon you; to dosuch violence to your affections would be cruel."

  "My father is a soldier, Sir Knight, seared and blunted by his calling,and sentiment has little place in his nature. Latterly, also, I havenoticed moroseness of disposition creeping over him; and upon thisquestion he is more stern and peremptory than ever he was wont to be,and I lose heart and hope. Indeed, I am in sore straits. And yourintrusion--if intrusion it be--I recognise is dictated by sympathy; andI stand much in need of this."

  "I would I could convey to you, lady, in adequate terms--terms in whichI should not be presumptuous--how honoured I should be if I could serveyou in any way whatever. My resources, my men--nay, believe me, lady,for exaggeration would be most gross--my life is at your disposal, fullyand unreservedly."

  "I would fain accept of you as an ally and a friend, for I stand alone,and have not even a confidante, saving my maid, and I find the ironwills of my father and Vigneau completely bear me down; and if I escapefrom the toils of Vigneau, some stronger arm will have to interpose arescue."

  "I am but a Saxon outlaw, lady, a wolfshead, landless, penniless, andhunted; but if you can bethink you how I may serve you, my arm isstrong, and my sword's edge unblunted. If time but tarry a while, I amconfident something may be done to set you free from the life-longmisery of a union with Vigneau; and I know enough of him to convince methat there is no community of taste or of disposition between you. Idare not say more, for my presumptuous heart runs riot with myunderstanding, and I may say things most unbefitting my presentdesperate estate."

  "Make no apology, worthy knight," said Alice, blushing scarlet, thenpale and trembling, "for your worldly misfortunes. A knight despoiled,but not disgraced, has no need to humble himself to me. Gold and landsare at best but an accident, but virtue and nobility of character arethe slow growth of virtuous thinking and noble endeavour. And which,think you, valiant Saxon, are most highly valued by a simple maiden likemyself? You are my debtor, you say; then here is an enterprise will taxyour wisdom--I fear your prowess also. Doughty knights have in pasttimes, it is said, effected wonderful deliverances for maidens indistress. Is it only the language of romance? I will not affectedlyprofess that I do not understand your language; but there is a challengefor you. If lightly won, Sir Knight, I may be lightly worn."

  Now this high-born maiden was cultured, virtuous, womanly, and,moreover, she was young--a matter to be taken note of, for maidens thendo not often dilute the gift of the heart with worldly considerations;but only few men are capable of winning such love. Does it require greattact, address, astuteness--such as men employ to catch some young colt,unbroken, shy, and suspicious? No. Whenever such love is won, it is woneasily, without laying of siege, or clever generalship; in fact,astuteness, or tactics of any sort, are fatal to success. It is not abargain, a huckstering _quid pro quo_. It is an inspiration, anintuition. It is a rush of all that is holiest, truest, tenderest, andtrustful in woman towards the man who is capable of inspiring it, and ofsetting free the abounding wealth of a woman's heart. What conditionsdoes it demand? Well, these are essentials: it asks for broad and amplestrength to lean upon without misgiving. It demands an integrity thatmay be trusted to the uttermost, beyond the bounds where prudence,discretion, and kindred virtues cry halt. It asks the frankness andtransparency of soul where nothing is hidden, and where there are nodark corners, suspicious and unreadable, suggestive of things to bedisguised with care. When these qualities are present, they areluminously visible to a woman's intuitions, and the citadel of her heartis won easily and without capitulation terms. There are more hearts wonat short notice than cynics would allow; but it is the spontaneousembrace of the divine that is in us, and alas! there is little of thedivine in most mortals.

  As the foregoing words fell from the lips of Alice, Oswald startedforward as though electrified, and laid his hand on the hilt of hissword.

  "Believe me, lady," said he, "I never dared to dream such a cup ofblessedness would be held to my lips; and I assure you I needed no otherstimulus than the debt of gratitude I owe to you for my deliverance fromdeath, in order to brave anything and everything for you. But if therebe hope, however remote, of winning a place in your affections, as mydesperate estate has already moved your compassion, and that some day,in happier circumstances, I may even dare to ask you to be my bride,such an inpiration will nerve my arm and brace my energies, so thatdifficulties shall be most desperate if I overcome them not."

  "I fear me, Sir Knight, if you undertake so desperate an enterprise asthis, with success, it will require matchless skill and daring, coupledwith deadliest peril. I fear, also, it will have to be a sharp swordthat severs so unholy and hated a bond."

  Alice hesitated a moment, as though feelings of delicacy forbade fartheradvances; then, although the blushes on her countenance deepened, shesaid,--

  "Having confided so much of the story of my sorrows--I fear at the perilof my modesty--may I venture farther confidence?"

  "I dare not ask you for confidences you hesitate to give, fair lady, forI am deeply conscious my worthiness to receive them has not been put tothe proof. Consult your own heart in this, for it is your best andsafest guide."

  "I think I may safely venture everything, and trust you, Saxon, even tothe uttermost and with all my heart. This involves my father's secret,and his deadly peril also, for this Vigneau has obtained a fatalascendency over him. He holds documents most compromising to my father,in addition to the promise given long ago; and which my father mightpossibly have revoked with impunity had not Vigneau obtained possessionof these treasonable documents. These he uses with brutal terrorism toenforce his claim to my hand. In an unhappy moment my father enteredinto negotiations with the leaders of the late Saxon rebellion, and hemade use of Baron Vigneau as his intermediary. The Baron never deliveredthose letters, but with brutal cunning he still holds them, and he usesthem with deadly effect to enforce his claims."

  "Ah! I have a distinct remembrance of this," said Oswald, as thememorable scene at the Council, in York, presented itself to his mind."I remember too well this traitor entering our assembly, under pretextof joining our ranks in opposition to the king; and I remember well,also, I met him face to face in combat next day, and 'tis a quarrelstill unsettled, but which may be fought to the bitter end some day.Take heart,
lady; some means will assuredly be devised for circumventingthe purposes of this unscrupulous braggart, Vigneau. But if this shouldnot be accomplished by human agency, I would fain think and hope, if thewisdom and the valour of man should fail, a kindly Providence has instore a happier lot for one so fair, so virtuous, and so good. Let usfoster hopes of brighter days; these are troublous times, and onerevolution of Fortune's wheel may bring momentous changes. Perhaps theasperities and hatreds of race, engendered by these cruel wars, may besoothed and healed again, and Saxon and Norman may be blended in oneunited people."

  "Alas! can this ever be? My people seem drunk with greed and blood, andthy people given to fierce reprisals."

  "This reconciliation does not seem as though it were near, truly, lady.Our peasantry have been massacred by scores. The more spirited of themhave taken to outlawry, and would as soon take the life of a Norman asthe life of a stag. We have also chieftains amongst us who have lostall, and live only for revenge; fierce and implacable, they cherish madschemes of re-conquest, which are utterly futile. But all the same, itwill be woe to the man who argues for peace in the Saxon witan in thepresence of these implacable men."

  "Is there anything I can do to soothe these hatreds?"

  "You have begun well, and it seems marvellous to report, your deeds ofmercy and kindness are being talked about through the countryside whereSaxons meet together. These acts of kindness make for peace withmightier force than deeds of arms or years of a rule of force."

  "But what is to be the solution of this race difficulty? Some of ourpeople speak and act as though there were no solution but theextermination of all those who offer any resistance to their beingreduced to villeinage the most abject."

  "In a policy of force there is no other conclusion. If you were to takeyonder sapling and tie its head down to earth, there would be unceasingresistance to the ignoble bond. And why? Because the Creator made it tobe free, to rear its head aloft, contemporaneous with its fellows. Thehuman spirit loves its freedom even better than yon sapling, and itsresistance to all tyranny is eternal. Force may fetter it, but perpetualforce will be necessary to keep it fettered. Mark me, lady, it is easierto talk of extermination than to effect it. I command at present a bandof men who are the pick of my race for valour, who will defy thy peoplewith impunity, and are capable of striking fierce blows of revenge inevery unguarded moment. If ever the hour of thy nation's weakness shouldcome, terrible will be the revenge, if some strong hand curb not thewild spirit."

  "This unholy strife between our peoples is madness. How may we avertit?" said Alice.

  "I confess, lady, that but a little while ago I had no feelings butthose of undying hatred to thy race. But as I lay in that dungeonbeneath the castle, an angel in human form, by an act of pure mercy,gave me liberty and life. 'Twas wonderful! The cold, frozen blood at myheart turned, at a stroke, to warmth. I felt that there is a passion ofthe human heart more potent than hatred, and some obligations morebinding than an oath. Let those who do not love strife, but love mercy,work for mercy and reconciliation; and I think I see the day when thereshall be such a blending of races that each shall be strengthened by theother."

  "I shall welcome the day, Sir Knight. But had we not better return?Jeannette, I am afraid, will be in great trouble."

  "I am not a knight, lady; we Saxons are slow at learning the language ofchivalry. If it be not presumptuous to ask it, call me Oswald; 'twillbring us so much nearer."

  "Then if you have not learnt the language of chivalry, you will be thebetter able to call me Alice. Is it agreed?"

  "With all my heart, Alice. It is a compact. Let me again assure you thatyou and your maid are perfectly safe in the woods or anywhere, so far asmy followers and vassals are concerned. There is just one thing I wouldcaution you about," said he, with a twinkle in his eye. "One Saxon has avery great admiration for the very spots which you are likely to choose;and I warn you, if he see a certain light in his lady's eyes, never morelook for peace."

  "Really this does sound like the language of our Norman gallants, afterall. But come, now, if you are really heart-hungry, just a crumb ofcomfort will sustain you; for our Norman ballads declare very loudlythat valorous knights for their lady-loves will do and dare, or sufferand wait,--well, really, without going through the list, it is wonderfulwhat valiant knights will do for love and chivalry--_in books_. I usedto see the said valiant knights in books, but latterly I have been faceto face with the reality; and alas! I find them most devoted to wine andale, and incontinence. So, Sir Knight,--for such I will call you oncemore--he who wins Alice de Montfort will have a knightlier soul thanthis."

  "Well, I will not sound a trumpet before me, as the hypocrites do, so nomore of this. Let time declare it. But did you learn how I made myescape from the castle that fateful night?"

  "No. Pray tell me now? I am most curious to know it."

  "Wait a little. But let me tell you I can enter the castle when I like.If you wish an interview with me at any time, you need but make somesignal from the tower, and at nightfall I will meet you there wheneveryou wish."

  "But can you come with perfect safety?"

  "With absolute safety."

  "Then that shall be our trysting-place, to which I will summon my Saxonally when good news stirs--but I fear me more often when my sad heartneeds cheering. But I sorely fear your coming there will be full ofperil. Could I not meet you elsewhere?"

  "Courage, dear one! and take no thought for me. Let your heart be stout,for the future is luminous with hope."

  As the boat rounded a bend in the river, Oswald beheld the fiercestruggle going on between the two Saxons, and, with an exclamation ofpain, he gave two or three lusty strokes which sent the boat flyingamongst the trees which lined the embankment. Hastily springing upon thebank, he tore Sigurd from the prostrate form of Wulfhere.

  "Jarl!" said he, "how is this? Making war upon your friends! This willnot do, mark me!"

  "And how is this?" retorted Sigurd fiercely. "You and thischicken-hearted slave making love to deadly enemies. This will not do,_mark that_!"

  "Enough, enough!" said Oswald, gathering up the prostrate form ofJeannette, who was in a dead swoon. He lifted her into the boat anddashed a few drops of cold water in her face. "There, now," said he,"she is all right." And in a whisper he said to Alice, "Pull away,dearest. Remember the tryst, and be not dismayed. This man is a scion ofthe untamed Vikings who linger in the land. I shall know how to dealwith him."

  Oswald watched the boat and its occupants glide away, and waving a lastadieu he turned to his companions, and said, "Let us go. Sigurd," hecontinued, in tones of severity, "this fierce quarrel bodes no good tothe Saxon cause."

  "Does this dawdling with Norman women bode some good to the Saxon cause?I wot Viking, or Dane, or old-time Saxon would not have warred likethis. Are we going to avenge ourselves upon our enemies by simpering totheir women? My ancestors have conquered with the sword, and I willthrust through any Norman I can--aye, and their women, too! To spare thedam to suckle cubs will not do for me!"

  "Sigurd, mark me, thy fierce, implacable temper will hurt the Saxoncause more than ever thy sword will aid it. Kindly understand that I amlord in these parts, and my will shall be law. If thou art notsatisfied, well, thou had better return to thy own domain of Lakesland,and make war according to thy own notions. If thou succeed better thanus, well, then we may copy thy methods; but here we will have no slayingof defenceless women and children. As for these two in particular, theygave me my life, and whoever injures a hair of their heads is my mortalfoe. Let that suffice, Jarl."

  "Tut, tut! Fine, no doubt; but I like not such modes of warfare, and ifI cannot be allowed to spill Norman blood whenever I can, I'll none ofit."

  "I have my own plans for the protection of my people and for theamelioration of their lot, and I think it is the best. As for thymethods, and the hopes thou hast of driving out the Normans, I regardthem as worse than madness, and they will end in the annihilation of theSaxon race. So be pleased t
o interfere no more with my plans," saidOswald.