The Eaorl (The Casere Book 2)

by Michael O'Neill

  ‘Kishdah. The Ancuman live in a group of islands – a very large island I understand, call Kishdah. It is to the north east and the journey takes some months. Getting there and back is quite a feat of navigation.’

  Njil was surprised at Conn’s knowledge of such things, but that wasn’t a new occurrence. ‘What I don’t understand why you want the vessel. The ones you have are so much bigger and faster.’

  ‘But also recognizable. I think we might need to build a few of these – just in case we need them in the future. After you drop me off, you can escort it back to Menia.’

  Njil laughed. ‘Just so that no one attacks it on sight.’

  ‘Indeed. It would also be good if the Rakians didn’t know we had it.’

  Njil decided to confirm something. ‘And we are not going to go to Kishdah are we?’

  ‘Not today – but who know what tomorrow will bring.’

  He sighed. ‘I was afraid you were going to say that.’

  Chapter 11

  The arrival of the two boats into Hybla at dawn caused quite a kafuffle. Many of the workers on the docks recognized the emblem on the sails – they probably had nightmares about a charging mass of horses bearing the golden sun symbol.

  Hybla was the harbor village to the capital of Gatina and as such was an important trading centre. Most goods went in and out via these docks, as did most sea faring visitors. As a result, there were a large number of vessels in the harbor, including a Ratakian craft. The Harbor Master, Thady, rushed down to the docks on their arrival and was most put out when Conn told him to move some of the smaller vessels so they could tie up. He refused until Conn offered to sink some of them – and Fiona said ‘please’.

  Thady had grown up with Fiona, so her presence stopped him from becoming apoplectic; and finally the schooner was tied up at the dock; the Cog remained anchored in the bay, while rowboats were lowered to ferry the crew and wiga to the shore.

  Fiona introduced Conn and Njil to Thady – who had yet to regain his temper.

  Conn turned to business. ‘I have cargo I need unloaded as soon as possible.’

  Thady shook his head. ‘It will not be possible. I have other vessels waiting to be unloaded – it will be next week at the earliest.’

  ‘Next week is too long. I need you to start today.’

  ‘My men are too busy...’

  ‘Harbor Master’, Conn interrupted, ‘I have harbors that load and unload in a month what you do in a year. This can be done. Here…’ Conn handed over a small box. Thady opened it up, and it was full of gold Ryals. ‘Pay yourself twice your annual salary and pay your workers three times the going rate… it can be done – don’t you think?’

  Thady looked up and down from the box. More money than he had ever seen was in front of him. He was silent.

  ‘Harbor Master – can it be done?’

  Thady just nodded.

  ‘Good – and is there a merchant called Jory or something. I heard that he trades with Kania. Does he have warehouses here?’ Conn knew he did – Conn knew everything Jory did – it was part of their agreement.

  Thady started to speak again. ‘Yes, yes, he does. They are these behind us here.’ In a sea of mud and decay, a dozen buildings did stand out – dry, clean and watertight. Jory had learnt from his visits to Kania.

  ‘Good – have everything delivered to him – and before you ask – I’ll send over my captain to arrange this. Perhaps I’ll meet with this Jory person as well. I’ll send a message to ask him to see me because we need to purchase goods for the return voyage. Now, where can I arrange some horses – I didn’t bring any of my own.’

  Poor old Thady was overcome – and as per usual, whence he tried to be a gate, he simply became another speed bump.

  Torunn was shown the location of the livery and she went off to organize horses, while Conn watched men scurried to commence unloading the schooner. When Torunn turned up with the horses, they were saddled – with Lykian saddles and Lykian packs – and before noon they were on the road. Conn had one of the twins riding in front of him while Fiona had the other.

  It was early evening when they arrived in Gatinak but they were expected. Thady had the presence of mind to dispatch a messenger as soon as they arrived in Hybla. The guards at Gatinak were cordial – they knew who Conn was – and as surprised as they were, they were all veterans of the war, and they knew they had been treated very well in defeat. Under escort, Conn went direct to the livery with the horses, while Fiona and the other Gatinans were escorted directly to the donjon. With the horses and luggage stored with the Horse Master – Conn and Torunn headed for the donjon – though still under escort.

  Conn knew that Tabiti was not to be found in Gatina – after all she had been banished, but he opened his mind just to make sure. Surprisingly, he felt something else, it was strange, and it just seemed to linger as if in wait. It did seem familiar but was unlike anything he had encountered before.

  Ignoring his curiosity, he entered the front door to find Devnet, Aebeling of Gatina, there to meet him; he was pacing the doorway.

  Conn greeted him and asked him how his shoulder was.

  ‘Fine, thank you.’ He breathed out slowly. ‘Eaorl, to say that I was surprised to hear you were in Gatina is an understatement. To turn up here is an act of bravery or foolishness. I have yet to see any indication that you are foolish.’

  Conn shook the hand that was offered, somewhat reluctantly. ‘You can’t kill me, Devnet, you owe me your life – and the Healdend can’t have the father of his grandchildren murdered, can he? Especially as his grandchildren are here to pay their respects. Besides, would you really want the combined forces of Moetia, Troakia, Kania and Lykia on your doorstep exacting revenge?’

  ‘If you put it that way, I guess that you are safe – for now.’

  ‘And the foreseeable future.’

  Devnet escorted Conn into the main hall. As they walked Devnet noticed that the Valkeri was not Halla, and Conn introduced Torunn to him. ‘Has something happened to Halla?’

  ‘No – nothing bad,’ Conn responded matter of factually, ‘I got Lilith to return her bands, so she is back in Cyme, doing what Aebelings do.’

  ‘Impossible! That just can’t happen…’ He looked at Torunn.

  ‘Aebeling, I saw it with my own eyes. I saw Lilith with my own eyes.’

  Conn explained about the underwater town and the special Cirice. Devnet didn’t know what to believe, and as they arrived in the main hall to find an older man sitting with two babies on his lap. He didn’t look very comfortable, and with Conn‘s arrival, Fiona and Granuaile took them away.

  Devnet made the introductions and Ailbe, Healdend of Gatina, welcomed Conn to his hall. ‘It is true what they say about you then, Eaorl, you are an enigma; and those around you are constantly confused. You crush my Fyrd but save my son when he should have died; you take my daughter but give her and grandchildren back to me when I never expected to see her again, and now you save some of my people from drowning by diving into the ocean to rescue them from … if I am to believe the reports – Ancuman.’

  Ailbe continued.

  ‘On top of that you have captured the vessel that belonged to them – most people would never try such a thing.’

  ‘My captain used to be a pirate – he is talented in such things.’

  ‘A pirate you say. And what is this about Ancuman wiga being in Meshech? Why haven’t I heard about such things before? Of course, Ancuman traders have visited Rakia for some time – and they have brought bedda for the house of Rakia over time – but wiga have not been permitted for centuries.’

  ‘Because you are not supposed to know.’ Conn then proceeded to tell the Healdend and the Aebeling everything he knew about Ancuman activities in Meshech – including the assassination of the Healdend of Silekia and the assassination attempt on his own life.

  Ailbe interrupted. ‘Would it be churlish of me to say that I’m disappointed that they were not successful? And you would hav
e me believe that you single handledly defeated four of the legendary Ancuman wiga.’

  Conn nodded. ‘Only three died – I sent one back.’

  ‘You sent one BACK?’ He looked at his son in exasperation, raising his hands into the air. ‘Do you think that they will remember and be nice next time?’

  ‘Perhaps – it’s an experiment.’

  It was soon late and the four of them were alone in the flickering lights of the great hall. Ailbe invited Conn back for breakfast, and offered a servant show him to rooms in the donjon – as well as others to collect his bags. He declined and instead asked if they could guide him to the ‘Boar’s Head’ Inn.

  ‘You want to stay in an Inn?’

  ‘I’ve heard good things about the ‘Boar’s Head’.

  Devnet laughed. ‘I’ll admit it is the newest and has some of the best food in the town but you will be lucky to get out of there alive. But it’s your neck.’

  Two guards escorted Conn and Torunn to the Inn, which, like all the other ‘Boar’s Head’ Inns throughout Meshech, had been built as per Conn’s instructions. This one was owned by Jory, and it had security, a large kitchen, bathrooms and even sewerage.

  The guards left him as Conn strode through the door of the Inn. Immediately it went silent, as the news of his arrival filled the room. He headed to the bar and the barkeep was a little shocked but quickly regained his composure. The day arrived that he had been trained for but had never expected.

  ‘Can I help you, Eoarl?’

  ‘Your best rooms please – two of them.’

  ‘Of course – I will have someone show you the way.’ He yelled at some girls and they raced around to flutter their eyes and escort him through the back.

  As they followed, a dozen other men stood and walked in front of Conn and Jofrid, blocking their way.

  ‘Aren’t you that Lykian from Trokia? You have a nerve coming in to Gatinak. I don’t think you are welcome – why don’t we show you the way out?’

  Jofrid reached for her sword but Conn laid his hand on top of hers.

  More men stood and walked their way. Conn could see that these men were retired wiga.

  The moved to Conn’s side, and nodded respectfully. They then stepped forward to confront the thugs, shoving one in the chest.

  ‘Once you finish throwing him out – if you were even able – you might want to throw us out too. I didn’t notice you fighting in Trokiak – cause if you did you would know that the Eaorl did nothing but treat us right – I have never had better food in my life – and his Medic saved my boy’s life. My own Medic had given him up to the dead. But they saved him. He’s back here taking care of his children.’ He pushed him again. ‘I think the people who aren’t welcome are you lot. I’ll count to twenty.’

  It only took five. Conn thanked the wiga, told the barkeep to get them anything they wanted, and retired to the room that was “always” reserved for him alone; up the back steps and on the top floor – the executive suites. The girls carried up buckets of hot water for the tub, and he washed and changed, before returning to the bar for a meal and a drink with Torunn. As he arrived, the manager informed him that he had a guest, indicating a dark corner of the room.

  Surprised, Conn headed for the table and as he arrived, he recognized his visitor. Conn wasn’t expecting to see him tonight.

  ‘Jory, a pleasure. News travels fast.’

  ‘I hear about your arrival twenty minutes anyone else, Thane – or I should say Eaorl. Nothing with you stays the same does it?’

  ‘I try to keep things moving. What is so urgent?’

  Jory leant forward. ‘I hear you have captured an Ancuman ship. That knowledge will be troublesome to some people – especially to those in Rakia who will know about it a few days. There is a ship leaving for Rakiak in a few days and I happen to know there will be someone on that ship who is the eyes and ears of the Healdend of Rakia. Do you want Fallon to know?’

  While Conn expected that Rakia would find out in due course, he didn’t like them knowing this quickly. ‘Probably not – I guess we need to waylay him a little. Where is he now?’

  ‘It’s a she ... her name is Fainche and she travels under the guise of a cleric, but she is the cousin of both the Healdend of Gatinan and Rakiak so has good access in both demesne. She often visits Gatinak and the library here. Although she is cousin to Ailbe, she is only loyal to the Healdend of Rakiak. She is in the east visiting another cousin but will return tomorrow evening. She stays in Hybla at the ‘Cod Fish’. I like to keep tabs on her. Do you want me to have her killed? It will be a bit of a distraction but we can get away with it.’

  Conn considered this for a while. ‘No, that won’t be necessary. But I am thinking that she might like to take a long holiday and do some research in, say, Cyme. The accommodation will be more than adequate. Send someone around in the morning to collect a message from me and I’ll make arrangements.’

  Conn then got back on to the subject he was most interested.

  ‘I have a question. What do you know of the Ancuman in Rakia?’

  ‘Not very much – they used to be very secretive, and were hardly seen. Lately they are much more obvious. They normally just act as advisors to Fallon and Alric. Many more have arrived recently, however, perhaps there are a hundred wiga in Rakiak. I suspect the vessel that you captured is one that carried a troop of wiga a few weeks ago. I don’t understand why it would be in Gatinan waters. These new arrivals are training the Ratakian wiga quite openly.’

  ‘Has there been much of an increase in Ancuman ships travelling into Rakiak?’

  ‘Not that many, but they only arrive at night. They are fast and deadly. Luckily mine are faster.’

  ‘Do we have any idea what their plans are?’

  ‘No, suffice to say that taking over the entire island seems to be the overall objective. It does seem that the losses the Rakians have against your wiga just encourages more Ancuman to arrive.’

  They talked further into the night and Jory slipped out unseen; Torunn had kept people away from that corner anyway; and it helped that Valkeri had a reputation for never being approachable – and they fact that they preferred women to men eliminated any seduction attempts.

  At dawn, Conn handed a satchel to a courier that was to be delivered to Njil. Encrypted, it would takes generations for anyone to break the code as it was written in Latin – a language his Intelligence Corp used for messages. It looked nothing like the script that prevailed in Meshech – visually a combination of what could be Shavian, Korean and Syriac letters all mixed together.

  The instructions were pretty simple, and Njil, being an ex-pirate, would have no moral dilemma in abducting the woman, and there would be little that she could do when she was in the open sea. It might take her some time to get back. Of course, no one could know or suspect what had happened.

  He then returned to the keep; to have breakfast with Ailbe and Devnet. They pointedly asked him what his plans were in Gatinan.

  ‘I intend to spend some time in Gambi – I would like to see how things are progressing.’

  Trade between Gatina and Trokia and further had been restored and was expanding rapidly – most of it via Gambi – as that was where Conn sent his ships.

  Devnet was sceptical; ‘surely you didn’t come all this way just for that? I have heard that Eion has been very busy following your instructions.’

  Conn smiled. ‘He has – and I understand that he is doing very well. But it is true that I also came because I need help with a small problem I have.’

  Ailbe looked confused. ‘You need help from us?’

  Conn smiled. ‘I do. I’m trying to unravel the events of 562 – have you ever heard of a scroll called “The Confession of Leachlainn”.’

  Ailbe nodded, though Devnet indicated he had not. ‘It is an old tale, and I recognized the title from my father reading it to me as a child.’ Ailbe explained what he knew of the scroll to Devnet. ‘Unlike Leachlainn, however, our ancestor was
very proud of his achievements. I don’t know why I’m telling you as well, Eaorl, but it seems that you know most and have guessed the rest.’ He drank from his cup – Conn noticed that it was black tea from Lykia.

  ‘It would seem that our illustrious ancestor Comhghall, the first Healdend of Gatina, was not one of our most capable ancestors; it is written that he was proud and weak and he had a ‘feorrancund’ who acted as his mentor and tutor.’

  ‘By feorrancund you mean Ancuman?’

  ‘Indeed; anyway he was a younger son and never expected to become Aebeling as his mother was a merchant’s daughter, and his father’s fifth bedda – he received her as payment of an old debt. The tutor’s name was Finlayv. Not long after he was sixteen years old, a whole set of tragedies and accidents to his siblings left him as the only choice for Aebeling. Not long after that, when he was twenty, his father died at sea – his ship sunk.’

  ‘There would seem to be a hand at work there.’ Conn added.

  Ailbe nodded. ‘Soon after Comhghall was declared Aebeling, a council was called by the Casere and all Aebelings were summoned. Comhghall, it is written – not by himself I might add, took being summoned as being unacceptable – and went to the Witan and convinced them to raise a Fyrd – he said that it was time that Gatinans be equal to the Silekians. He then went to the council and threatened to go to war. At the council, the other Aebelings supported him and unexpectedly, the Casere resigned and Comhghall came back a Healdend.’

  ‘Do we know why they supported him?’

  ‘No – but reasons that I still do not know. From his writing, Comhghall didn’t either – I think he was as surprised as anyone that his bold plan – or I should say, his tutor’s plan – was successful. Finlayv was rewarded with the Eaorldom of Rakia and a sister of Comhghall’s as bedda, and as you know his kin have gradually expanded the Eaorldom until they became Healdend. They would have kept going if they were not stopped. It is a strange affair.’