by Hume, M. K.
Copyright © 2015 M. K. Hume
The right of M. K. Hume to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
First published as an Ebook in 2015 by HEADLINE REVIEW
An imprint of HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP
Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, this publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, with prior permission in writing of the publishers or, in the case of reprographic production, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency.
All characters in this publication – apart from the obvious historical figures – are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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eISBN: 978 1 4722 1576 5
Cover design © Larry Rostant
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
About the Author
Also by M. K. Hume
About the Book
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Dramatis Personae
Chart One – Stormbringer’s World
PROLOGUE
Chart Two – The Sea Battle
CHAPTER I
Chart Three – The Smaland Wars
CHAPTER II
Chart Four – The Battle of Smaland
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
Chart Five – Plan of the Holding
CHAPTER VI
Chart Six – The Battle of the Holding
Chart Seven – The Enemy Moorings
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
Chart Eight – The Cimbric Peninsular
Chart Nine – The Taking of the Generals
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
Chart Ten – The Hall of Heorot
CHAPTER XI
Chart Eleven – The King’s Rooms
CHAPTER XII
Chart Twelve – The King’s Bed Chamber
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
Chart Thirteen – The Barracks behind Heorot
CHAPTER XVI
Chart Fourteen – Landfall
CHAPTER XVII
Chart Fifteen – Segedunum
CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XXI
Chart Sixteen – The Battle for the Northern Realm
CHAPTER XXII
EPILOGUE
Author’s Notes
Glossary of Place Names
Glossary of British Tribal Names
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M. K. Hume is a retired academic, who is married with two grown-up sons and lives in Queensland, Australia. Having completed an MA and PhD in Arthurian Literature many years ago, M. K. Hume has now written a series of magnificent novels about the legend of King Arthur. For more information visit: www.mkhume.com.
By M. K. Hume and available from Headline Review
King Arthur Trilogy
Dragon’s Child
Warrior of the West
The Bloody Cup
Prophecy Trilogy
Clash of Kings
Death of an Empire
Web of Deceit
Twilight of the Celts Trilogy
The Last Dragon
The Storm Lord
The Ice King
Stormbringer’s Voyage (e-novella)
ABOUT THE BOOK
The legend of King Arthur lives on . . .
It is several years now since Arthur, that Last Dragon of Britain, has set foot on home soil. Roaming the Land of the Denes, he has not only engaged in brutal and bloody conflict with the barbaric Geats but he has also unearthed the most evil force within the royal court of Heorot. And, under the guidance of Stormbringer, the mighty Sae Dene king, he has honed his skills as a commander. Now the time has come for Arthur to brave the dangers of the frozen north as he and a band of daring sea-faring warriors prepare to embark on his ultimate voyage – to return to Britain and to create a kingdom of his own . . .
This book is dedicated to my friend and fellow book-lover, Peter Campbell, OAM.
Many years ago, I moved into a semi-rural community on the outskirts of Brisbane in Australia. My husband had purchased land from a local real estate agent who was representing the owners of land development in the area.
Later, I was to discover that Peter Campbell was a member of a long-established family who had settled in our area when most of it was still little more than wilderness. His family is proud of their district and they have been notable for their civic contributions to the inhabitants of Albany Creek. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing Peter at first hand as he grew from being a very competent young businessman into the patriarch of his family. I have been amazed at the variety of his interests and his devotion to those who live around him. As an active member of a number of service organisations, his contribution towards the everyday loves of our villagers is of great value to all of us.
As a knowledgeable and critical reader of good literature, he has often put a smile on my face when he has spoken of my novels. His promotion of my work over the past six years has touched me and given me hope, for it is good for the soul when admirable people give sincere support, not just for the sake of friendship, but because they believe in you more than you believe in yourself. A dedication is all I can give in return, other than to offer my sincere gratitude and admiration.
I thank you, Peter, for all you have done for so many people.
M. K. Hume
2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A novel requires a group effort in order to reach the booksellers and, ultimately, the public. The editor and publisher are vital to this process, so I am very grateful for the support and encouragement of Clare Foss at Headline, who never fails to put together a quality product. She asks and, because of her publishing expertise, I do my very best to give.
Similarly, the copy editor who delves into the sometimes turgid depths of my work to turn it into a seamless and attractive publication is of particular importance to me. My thanks go to Alice Wood, and my admiration is genuine and unalloyed.
The artists, designers and cartographers who create the book covers and the look and feel of my novels are also vital. Deftly, they take my maps and charts and drawings, and turn them into a common-sense presentation that encourages the reader to buy my books. My thanks go to Larry Rostant, Siobhan Hooper and Tim Peters. Finally, there are the publicists, the assistants and the many clever folk who keep the wheels greased. My thanks go to Katie Bradburn and Beth Eynon, whose input into my novels is appreciated and will always be invaluable to any success I might achieve.
In my quiet study, far from London and the centre of the action, I frequently feel divorced from the production of my books. And so, my thanks go to every worker at Headline who turns this writer’s dreams into reality – a book that can be held in one’s hands.
Equally far away,
my agent, Dorie Simmonds, bears with my long silences and eccentricities with equanimity. She is a gem, a clever and talented gem with a generous heart.
On the home front, Michael, my husband and slave-driver, is my rock. I cannot thank him enough. And my sons, Damian and Brendan, gift me with hope in an uncertain world. Brendan never permits me the luxury of doubt, so I am lifted by his enthusiasm. Thank you both.
Another big thank you must go to my little terrier, Rusty, who constantly warms my heart.
A small number of good friends are also vital, because they provide those most valuable of gifts, those of love and belief. You know who you are, so my thanks go to each of you.
Finally, my thanks go to my mother who taught me the old tales and gave me an insight into the minds and ways of the Danish people. While she has long gone into the shades, I know she still watches over me.
We live in ugly times, perhaps, but all eras have their horrors. I prefer to think that great and small people will always rise out of adversity to advance the cause of humanity.
Thank you to all people of goodwill who make life richer for having passed through it.
M. K. Hume
2015
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Aednetta Fridasdottar The Witch-Woman. She is the paramour of King Hrolf Kraki.
Alfridda The sister of Stormbringer. She lives at The Holding with her husband, Raudi.
Arthur The illegitimate son of King Artor and Lady Elayne. The foster son of Bedwyr, Master of Arden Forest. After his capture by a Dene raiding party, he is taken to the Dene kingdom as a slave.
Artor High King of the Britons. The son of Uther Pendragon and Ygerne (the widow of King Gorlois of Cornwall).
Atric Poulssen A landowner who is a neighbour of Stormbringer.
Barr The young son of Master Bedwyr and Lady Elayne.
Bedwyr Known as the Arden Knife, Bedwyr is the Master of Arden Forest.
Beowulf Epic poem of a Geat warrior who helps King Hrogar, King of the Danes, against Grendel, a monster.
Beowulf Minor Grandson of Beowulf. Captured by Arthur at the Battle of Rugen Island.
Bjornsen, Valdar (see Stormbringer).
Blaise The youngest daughter of King Bors Minor of the Dumnonii Tribe. Captured by Dene raiders, she is taken to the Dene kingdom as a slave.
Bors Minor King of Cornwall. Father of Eamonn and Blaise.
Bran King of the Ordovice Tribe.
Breoca Father of General Mearchealf, who is the commander of the Hundings army.
Diarmaid One of Arthur’s captains.
Eamonn pen Bors Son of King Bors Minor and Queen Valda of Cornwall. Arthur’s friend. He is killed at the Battle of Wener River.
Ector The king of the Ordovice. He is the son of King Bran.
Elayne Wife of Bedwyr, Master of Arden. Mother of Arthur.
Elidar One of Thorketil’s bowmen. He suffers from a lung disease.
Eomar (Father) The abbot of a religious community near Calmar.
Ernil (Master) The captain of a trading ship serving the Dene islands.
Erikk Halversen Son of Halver, Jarl of Halland.
Frodhi The influential cousin of King Hrolf Kraki in Heorot and Stormbringer. He becomes king after the death of Hrolf Kraki.
Gareth Minor Son of Gareth Major. Raised at Aquae Sulis. He travels through Europe with Lorcan and Germanus in search of his master, Arthur.
Germanus A Frankish mercenary who acts as Arthur’s weapons master. He travels through Europe with Gareth and Lorcan in search of Arthur.
Harald Leifsen A Dene warrior who accompanies Arthur on a patrol that searches for the Roman fortifications at Segedunum.
Heardred King of the Geats.
Henning Gunnarsen A young Dene courier.
Heoden A warrior in Hrolf Kraki’s service. He acts as an envoy in discussions with Stormbringer and Arthur.
Hrolf Kraki Also called Storm Crow. He is the King of the Dene.
Ida The name given to (and adopted by) Arthur on entry to the northeast of England after leaving the Dene lands with a large contingent of warriors and settlers seeking a new homeland.
Ingmar Baby son of Ingrid. Brother of Sigrid.
Ingrid Widow of the Geat camp commander at Lake Wener. She is the mother of Sigrid and Ingmar. Slave of Arthur.
Ivar (Hnaefssen) A Dene jarl whose lands lie close to the borders with Jutland.
Ivar (Svenson) A Geat fisherman from Calmar who acts as a guide for Arthur.
Karl (The Owl) A young warrior who serves at the court of King Hrolf Kraki.
Knud Thorvaldsen A Dene volunteer who accompanies Arthur on a patrol that searches for the Roman fortifications at Segedunum.
Knut Hard-hand A smith in King Hrolf Kraki’s service.
Lars One of Arthur’s captains.
Llyr Marini Gul One of the sons of Meirchion Gul, King of Rheged.
Loki The trickster god.
Lorcan ap Lugald A Hibernian priest who acts as Arthur’s tutor.
Maeve Sister of Arthur. She marries Stormbringer and bears his children.
Mearchealf The son of Breoca. A Hunding general who is captured by Arthur’s forces.
Meirchion Gul Celtic King of Rheged.
Mithras The Roman God of Soldiers.
Myrddion Merlinus Also known as Myrddion Emrys, he is named after the Sun.
Olaus Healfdene Commander of the Geat army at Lake Wener.
Ragnar Sigurdson A warrior who accompanies a Dene patrol under Arthur’s command in search of the Roman fortifications at Segedunum.
Roganvaldr One of Arthur’s captains.
Rufus Olaffsen Hrolf Kraki’s champion who fought Eamonn.
Sea-dragon An under-sea dragon who visits Arthur in dreams.
Sigrid Daughter of Ingrid. Captured at Lake Wener, she is Prince Arthur’s slave. She eventually marries Arthur.
Snorri Nilsson The helmsman on Sea Wife, Arthur’s ship. He becomes Arthur’s second in command.
Stormbringer His full name is Valdar Bjornsen. The Sae Dene king, second highest member of the Dene King. A member of the Danish (Dene) aristocracy.
Sven A fisherman who acts as a courier for Aednetta Fridasdottar in Heorot.
Sven pen Bedwyr The Forest Child. The son of Stormbringer and Maeve. Grandson of Bedwyr.
Talorc One of Arthur’s captains.
Thorketil The Hammer of Thor. He was Hrolf Kraki’s champion who fought Arthur. He also answers to the Troll King.
Thorquil One of Arthur’s captains.
PROLOGUE
‘Let us speak honestly, kinsman. Just you and I!’
The water boiled as the she-dragon giggled in a flirtatious manner. Arthur tried not to shudder because, while she was a figment of his own vivid imagination, she had come to him so often that he frequently thought of her as real. She pursed her carnelian lips, while her forked tongue flickered in and out across the pearly lustre of her teeth and then touched and explored his face.
‘Your skin is rough, man-child. I imagined it would have the slick smoothness of your skull-bones. How very disappointing!’
‘I’m sorry if I don’t reach your high expectations, Majesty! I haven’t removed my beard.’
Somehow, suspended over her maw by the familiar thick black weed, he was suddenly oblivious to the terror that had afflicted him in the past. Over the last year and a half, he had often dreamed of the she-dragon as she reclined on her ossuary, and every meeting was a different attack on his emotions. What had once seemed grotesque had now become commonplace within the landscape of his regular night horrors.
Coral-red flushed around her throat as she considered something that seemed to be annoying her. Arthur had learned from their first meeting that she detested a
nyone and anything that came between his contemplation of her and her terrible beauty.
When she finally spoke, her voice had the petulant whine of a jealous wife.
‘Who is the ice-haired bitch who hates you so much? Does she yearn for your hard man-flesh in ways that I will not? She is poison, you know, and she’ll sting you with her fangs if you turn your back on her. Or you’ll bed her and then the gods will enjoy what you both make of the world.’
‘Make up your mind, Queen of the Sea. How can she yearn for me, yet wish me dead?’ He bent forward in the inexplicable way of dreams, so that the weed released his hands.
His fingers stirred the muddy ocean bottom, and then dragged up a handful of it. The she-dragon hissed and her breath sent a shiver of hot water towards him, even as the detritus of the sea leached through his fingers.
‘This is what these imaginings are worth, my very own dream horror. You’ll never add a single bone from my body to your chapel of dead men.’
Arthur laughed then, even though a part of him quailed at the thought of wilfully testing the she-dragon’s temper. She might be woven of insubstantial dreams, but he knew that her fires had the power to hurt his sleeping self. It was as if they were oddly matched lovers involved in a complex, depraved game of unnatural lusts. He tried to hide from her unblinking, gem-hard eyes.
Those same eyes narrowed.
‘You are growing brave, little dragonlet. Especially when I consider that you’re in my kingdom and the uncertainty of my temper is taken into account.’ She belched out gouts of flame that directed a steam shower over his right thigh.
Arthur screamed with a sudden flash of agony, even though his internal voice recited a continuing mantra: ‘It’s not real! It’s not real!’
‘Are you quite sure?’ the she-dragon hissed, while Arthur shrieked again as her heated breath played over the scald. How any of these monstrous imaginings could make his flesh swell and burn seemed impossible yet, in this fantastic world, it was so.
‘We’ll not see each other often. But you’ll never be free of me, man-child.’
The she-dragon changed tack and traced the golden hair on his chest with a claw. The erotic caress made Arthur’s flesh crawl.