by Griff Hosker
The last vision I had was of Raibeart’s concerned face peering over the priest’s shoulder and then all became black.
When I came too it was to see Brother Patrick and Raibeart still leaning over me but I was now in the priest’s hut. Brother Patrick did not look concerned but Raibeart had the fearful look he had had when I had been stabbed in the leg. “You will live Lord Lann. You are tough.”
“How long ...” I croaked.
“Just a couple of hours,” said Raibeart with relief in his voice, “but it seemed longer. Brother Raibeart took his time with the stitches.”
The priest shrugged and gave me an apologetic smile. “Having given you one scar I felt obliged to make the other as neat as possible.” He stood up. “There. I would tell you to rest but I suspect you would ignore me. Besides unless you laugh a lot you will do your face no harm.” So laughing he left.
“And the battle?”
“When Wach and his bodyguards all died the rest fled. King Gwalliog and the horsemen are still pursuing them. Our men are on the field, stripping the dead and despatching the wounded.”
I asked the next question not wanting to know the answer. “And our losses?”
“Fifty two of our warriors and three archers died. The wounded will recover. We lost two boys. I know not of the horsemen for they are still with the king.”
Our losses seemed light but even one was too many for me. I had fought alongside many of these men for some years and I would miss them. Old friends were harder to replace and old warriors even more so. “I think our work here is done brother and we can return home.”
His face lit up. “I had hoped that was the case but I fear that my father in law may wish us to remain.”
“There is little point. With Wach dead and the army routed then the king’s horses can keep the Saxons at bay. I will suggest strategies to him but we will be needed at home. Besides I think we have shed enough blood for our allies eh?”
“You certainly have brother. Perhaps some mail beneath your helmet next time?”
“It is hard enough to move in my armour as it is.”
“Then keep away from the thick of the fighting. I feel guilty for I am never in danger and I am always at the rear with the archers but Garth and you are the ones the enemy try to kill.”
“And I am happy with that state of affairs. One of my brothers has lost an arm. I will do all I can to keep you safe.”
I did not know what the priest had given me to drink but I felt little or no pain from my wound. Raibeart helped me to my feet and I went to see the other wounded warriors. I felt guilty as they all expressed concern at my wounds and yet some of them looked to be in a far worse state than I was. We went out into the courtyard and I could see that Raibeart had had the men clear all of the bodies but the dark patches showed where men had fought and died. Garth and my remaining warriors wearily marched into the settlement, laden with armour and weapons. They added them to the pile near to the main hall.
“Good to see you upright my lord. There was so much blood I feared you would never stand again.” Garth’s face became serious. “I am sorry that I did not stop the spear. I have let you down.”
I was going to shake my head and then remembered my wound. “You have no reason to reproach yourself, it was an accident and you managed to kill their leader. That saved many men’s lives. My brother has suggested some mail beneath my helmet.”
His face brightened. “A good idea. I will have the smiths make one when we return.” He paused. “We are returning are we not my lord?”
“Aye. For our work here is done. We will leave within the next few days; as soon as more of our men are fit to travel.”
Raibeart was right. When a jubilant King Gwalliog returned he was full of ideas for a war against the Saxons further away. “I am sorry your majesty but we will be needed at home. Besides with your crops sown and your animals born you can use your ordinary warriors to rid your land of the last few Saxons. We have much armour and weapons. You will have an army as well armed as that of Rheged. If you fortify and occupy Wachanglen then the enemy will be kept at bay. You will just need to be vigilant and use your horsemen to watch for the enemy.”
“Do not get me wrong Lord Lann. I appreciate your ideas and I will implement them but my people like following the Wolf Banner as much as my own white horse.”
“And my own people feel the same. We will fight alongside each other again your majesty and next time will be when we drive the Saxons back into the sea and finally defeat them.”
We finally left after a three day feast to celebrate our victory. The King was as good as his word and his warriors now occupied Wachanglen. The Saxons, who could, had fled and the ones who remained became slaves. It was a cruel world. He also gave us some wagons for our wounded and our share of the enemy treasure. Garth now sported his own helmet like mine which he had taken, as was his right, from the dead body of Wach as well as his axe. The torc and his jewels we shared with the men. We would all return to Rheged richer but we had laid aside much of the monies for the families of those who had died. It was one of the things which marked us as different from those that we fought. Brother Patrick gave me a small jar of salve for my wound. Raibeart told me that it looked red and angry but, as it was itching, I assumed that it was healing.
The king and Raibeart had private words before he left. They had not known each other before our campaign but now the king recognised my brother as someone who could rule in his stead. My little brother would become a king one day and rule the land of Elmet. There were still five warriors who were not ready to travel but the king promised that they would be cared for and, when he came north to meet with his allies, they would accompany him.
We returned by a different route. We headed due west over the tops of the high hills and then headed through the land of the lakes. We both wished to see our little brother Aelle and we were told that it was a safer way for there were no enemies there. The Saxons had yet to discover the fertile west of Britannia.
Spring had taken some time to come but now that it had the world was green and alive with life. Warriors fight hard and know that death is just a blade away so we appreciate life more than the farmer or the merchant who just measures the quality of his life by possessions. We measured our success by enjoying life and the men laughed, sang and joked as we trekked back to our homes. We remembered the dead in our songs and tales. When we sat around our camp fires we made the songs to make the men live again.
My wounds healed well and Raibeart took out my stitches, ten days after the priest had put them in as instructed by the determined young healer. The men all watched as each stitch was cut and gently removed. There was a little pain but not much and I saw the sweat on Raibeart’s face as he cut each one as though his life depended upon it. He sighed with relief when the last one came out. “Well you are no better looking brother but at least you are no uglier. The scar will become invisible when your beard grows again.”
“I may not grow a beard. I have quite enjoyed having a face free of hair.”
There was a gasp from Garth and the other warriors. A beard was the mark of a man although King Urien and his sons had neatly trimmed beards unlike the wild ones of Garth and the others. Raibeart shook his head. “I would wait until Aideen has made her mind up. In my experience it is women who make those decisions not their men.”
Wide Water was beautiful in the evening sun as we crested the last ridge. We could see the smoke spiralling from my brother’s stronghold. We would sleep beneath a roof this night and enjoy hot food. We were more than a mile away when the thirty horsemen approached us. “Hail Wolf Warriors. Lord Aelle has sent us to escort you the last part of the journey. My name is Scean and I am the leader of your brother’s horsemen.”
They formed a guard ahead of us and the leader rode next to Raibeart and me.” How did you know we were not raiders?”
He grinned and gestured at the standard. “Even without that we would have know you and your bro
ther by your wolf cloaks. Lord Aelle is forever boasting of his two brothers.”
Raibeart pointed at the escort. “We could have found the fortress you know.”
“Perhaps but Lord Aelle has made traps and ditches to foil an assault. Any enemy who tries to take our home will be defeated before he even gets to the walls. We did not wish you to come to harm.”
There was pride in his voice. Aelle was still being as clever as ever. “It seems the loss of his arm has not inhibited our little brother.”
“No he is as busy as he always was.”
The whole family awaited us as we entered. Scean had been correct; it was a circuitous and complex route into the fort. With water on three sides Aelle had made the only approach a death trap. I could see the loopholes and gates which could be used to pour stones and arrows on an enemy who was foolish enough to attack. Aelle and his family would be safe and I would sleep easier from now on.
Aelle looked to have filled out and his two children had grown somewhat. Freja looked to be with child again but she was beaming. Aelle had his men as an honour guard and they roared, “Wolf Warriors!” as we halted.
Raibeart grinned at me as we dismounted. “It seems our little brother is making a fuss!”
As I embrace Aelle I noticed how much he had grown. “Thank you Aelle.” I embraced Freja. “It looks like marriage suits you both, sister.”
She held me at arm’s length and looked at me critically. “And you have been wounded. “Whatever will Aideen think! At least Aelle’s wound kept him from war but I fear you will continue to be a warrior.”
I shrugged. “And what else would I do!” I bent down to pick up the children. “And these are getting bigger each time I see them. What do you feed them on?” They both giggled and squealed with delight.
“Welcome to you both. Your men can sleep in the warrior hall. You can sleep in our quarters.”
Raibeart looked at Aelle in surprise. “You have a warrior hall? Isn’t that a luxury?” Only Civitas Carvetiorum had one for it was an expense most of us could do without.”
“As you can see I have made my fortress a stronghold. If the Saxons come then the people can all come inside and the warrior hall is their accommodation.
“We have missed your fertile little mind Aelle. And now lead us to some food. I am starving!”
Just then there was a barking and Wolf, our sheepdog bounded from the hall. He had been my dog originally and he leapt into my arms and began licking my face. That, too, nearly brought forth a flood of tears for he had been my companion for years. Now he was old and had outlived other dogs.
Aelle turned to me as Wolf fussed Raibeart. “He is a father now and has many pups. When they are weaned I will send you one.” Aelle, who had had the toughest upbringing, was the most gentle and thoughtful of the three of us. I was lucky to have such a brother.
The meal was a merry one as we told of our victories and Aelle quizzed me about my wounds. “It is good that you are both back for King Urien needs his strongest generals.”
There was something in my brother’s tone which suggested danger. “What is wrong with the king?”
“Physically? Nothing but with Prince Ywain away in the north and you two in Elmet he has had much to think about. Morcant Bulc is being as devious as ever and Bladud, well Bladud is still Bladud.”
Bladud was the champion of Rheged and he hated me and my brothers. He and Morcant Bulc had deliberately held back at the battle with the Saxons and it had cost Aelle his arm. The king could see no wrong in Bladud but none of the three of us trusted him. “I should have killed him after the battle but…”
“I know brother. You were too concerned about me and then the moment passed. Perhaps it is for the best. You are now the great general Lann and Bladud will have to walk carefully around you. When King Gwalliog comes to the kingdom and meets with the king I am sure that Bladud’s sun will be eclipsed.”
“I hope so.” My thoughts belied my words. Bladud was cunning and I still feared his association with Morcant Bulc who was a snake in the grass.
Chapter 4
Before I could return to my home, Castle Perilous, I had to tell King Urien, personally, of the events; I had been Rheged and King Urien had high standards. Bearing in mind what Aelle had said about the state of affairs in the land I knew that it was vitally important. Both Aideen and Maiwen were staying with the King and the Queen but I yearned to be safe within my own walls again and master of my own life. I sent Garth and my warriors back to my castle to prepare it for my homecoming and it was a much smaller retinue which crossed through the magnificent gate and the reassuringly thick stone walls of Civitas Carvetiorum; I had seen how flimsy wooden walls could be.
The guards grinned and waved at us as we rode through the gates. I recognised both of them and I had fought alongside them at Metcauld. “Glad you are back safely my lord!” Their faces became more serious as they saw the scar on my face. It was a warning of what my family would think.
The courtyard was empty as we dismounted. The slingers took our horses to the stables and we headed for Brother Osric’s quarters. He glanced up and then went back to his map making. “As you are back so swiftly then I can assume that you were victorious but from your leg and your face I can see that you are not returned unscathed!”
I was amazed, he had barely looked at me and yet he had assessed me in an instant. “The Saxons are defeated. It was one of Aella’s sons, Wach, and Garth killed him. Elmet is safe.”
“And was the expense of the weapons and men worth it?”
Raibeart laughed. “Ever the book keeper. What you really mean, you tight fisted old scoundrel is did we come back with treasure?”
He looked up, a wry smile playing about his lips, “And did you?”
“Of course. There are two wagons in the courtyard with arms, armour and treasure.”
“You have, of course, taken your share?”
“Of course; you taught me well old man.”
He suddenly seemed to notice how long the scar actually was. “Whoever stitched that face of yours did a fine job. Who did it for you? One of the Elmet women; I heard they are good .”
“No it was another of your White Christ priests. Brother Patrick.” I turned and rolled up the breeks to show him my calf. “He did it to make up for burning the wound on my leg.”
“Only because you would not let it heal.” Raibeart admonished me.
Brother Osric sniffed, “Then he was a fool for I would have cauterized it at once. It ensures no putrefaction and decay.”
“Where is the king?”
“He is on patrol but the Queen and your wives are in the main hall. You can leave the wagons and treasure to me.” He paused and actually smiled, “Well done and I am pleased that you are back safe and sound. The kingdom needs you, both of you.”
As we left Raibeart said, “Things must be bad. That was almost gushing from Osric.”
“Aye. Perhaps our wives might know more.”
The guard on the Queen’s quarters smiled, apologetically, as he knocked and peered around the door. We heard him say, “Lord Lann and Lord Raibeart are returned.”
There was a chorus of squeals and then the guard was bowled over as Aideen, Maiwen and my son Hogan rushed to throw themselves about us. I saw the Queen smiling at the scene. She had lost one of her own sons in the last year and she could appreciate the feelings of our wives. I have to confess that I felt a little tearful. I had only been away for a few months but Hogan seemed to have grown a whole hand and his hair had changed colour! My fighting was stopping me from watching my family grow and I now understood why my father had not taken the warrior route. He was obviously a better father and husband than I was.
When Aideen saw my scar her mouth opened and she almost screamed. “What happened?”
Queen Niamh said, “Sit down my lords and tell us of your travails for I can see that serving Rheged and Elmet comes at a cost.”
We spent the next hour giving an account of
the small war. We cleaned up the horror but there was no escaping the description of the wounds I had suffered. I tried to make light of it but my brother told them the truth. I would have been annoyed with him but I knew that he cared deeply for me and had been worried that I might die.
“Well at least I have you now, at home.” Aideen turned to the Queen, pleading with her words and her eyes. “Tell the king that Lord Lann needs to rest. It is not fair that he is the one who is always fighting.”
“Aideen!”
“No, she is right, my lord, others should shoulder their share but, as the borders are peaceful, I think that we will be able to have a peaceful summer and autumn. It will do the king good to see you two again.” She rose, a little stiffly, for she was old. “And now I will leave you to be reacquainted. I have a feast to organise although I suspect the Osric will already have begun the preparations.”
Once alone I bounced Hogan on my knee. He put a tentative finger up to poke my scar. Aideen went to stop him. “Leave him. It does not hurt and he is only curious.”
“I meant what I said to the Queen. I do not want to lose you so soon after finding you.”
I put my arm around her. “You will not lose me.” She drew back and gave me a sceptical look. “Neither of these wounds was life threatening. The leg is a little stiff but that will pass and, when I have regrown my beard the scar will vanish.”
“But you could have died.”
I said simply, “But I didn’t so do not upset yourself with something which did not happen.”
“I want to go home.”
“As I do and when the King returns then we can leave and we will make Castle Perilous as fine a home as this.”
The king did not look any older as he rode through the gates but there was sadness in his eyes which disappeared when he spied Raibeart and me standing next to Osric. “My warriors return!” The queen smiled at me and nodded; she could see a change in her husband already. He almost picked me up he was hugging so hard and he did the same to Raibeart. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the black looks Bladud was throwing my way but I just smiled back at him. He stepped back. “Your early return tells me that you have succeeded quicker than we had hoped. Come, from that fearful scar on your cheek I can see you have much to tell me.”