by Griff Hosker
“My lord?” The voice came from so close to me that I actually jumped and my hand went to my dagger. “I am sorry my lord, it is me, Myrddyn.”
I turned to see my healer but two paces away from me. Had he been an assassin then I would have been dead. “I am sorry too Myrddyn for I am slowing up if I did not hear you.”
The moonlight made the ramparts as bright as day and I could see his gleaming teeth as he grinned. “I was always able to move quietly. I enjoyed the game as a child.”
I relaxed and I smiled too. It was my fault I had been startled and not Myrddyn’s. A warrior should always be aware of danger. “No matter,” We began to head back to the stairs. “Have you learned much from the Brother?”
“A great deal my lord. He seems happy enough about my healing, my reading and my writing but he thinks I need to develop skills in language.”
“Language? You mean Latin and Greek?”
“Eventually but he first suggested that I learn Saxon. He pointed out that it might be useful to have a healer who could speak with any wounded Saxons and discover information; if only by listening to their words.” It made sense and I nodded my approval. “He said that you could teach me.”
“Indeed I could but I will just start you off. M y brother Aelle was brought up in a Saxon camp as a Saxon and he can make you sound like a Saxon.”
“Thank you my lord… I”
His hesitation told me that he was holding something back. “What else bothers you? “
“I have been listening to the other warriors, as you suggested, and I am learning things which disturb me.”
“Such as?”
“The warrior you mentioned, Bladud, has been charged by the king with increasing his horse warriors and bodyguards.”
“I know that we all need more horsemen. The Saxons do not possess them. That is a good thing.”
“True. But the men Bladud is choosing appear to be more loyal to Bladud than the king. There have been arguments and fights between some of the other men and Bladud’s.”
I now remembered seeing some of the bodyguards with blackened eyes and bruises. I had put it down to training accidents but this was more serious. The king did not need warriors at his back who were fighting each other. “You have done well and you did right to tell me. Never hold back. I must know all that you do. I shall tell you now, because I trust you, that I have been given joint command of a thousand men and we are to watch the Saxons from early spring.”
His face lit up and I suddenly saw that he was a young man and he was keen for the thrill of war and battle. I had been the same. Soon the idea would pale a little but it was good to see his enthusiasm. “And now I think back to our beds. We will leave at noon tomorrow. I will leave it to you to tell the men.”
“Do we not stay for the Yule festival?”
“No I would see my wife and children. We have learned all that we need to learn and we need to begin our preparations for war.”
I rose early for I had a clear head having stopped feasting well before the others. The rest had caroused until late. I knew that Brother Osric would be awake and I joined him in his cell-like office. He never seemed affected by drink, no matter how much he consumed. He briefly looked up from his inevitable writing and spoke, “Interesting last night was it not? It seems that the other kings want Rheged to bleed for their lands.”
“At least this way we control the force which, I believe, is powerful enough to give Aella pause for thought.”
“It is but,” he looked at the door and nodded. I shut it. “But I am not sure that Prince Ywain is keen to lead.”
“I was not sure of the reason for his diffidence. I thought that it might be the joint command which was the issue.”
“No. He has grown too comfortable now that he is married. He rarely leads his patrols anymore and delegates that to his men. I am not saying that he is not still loyal but he has lost the hunger he had and which you still maintain; despite your marriage.”
“I still seek revenge for the loss of my family. The Prince has yet to lose.” I paused. “I think I will return to Castle Perilous today.” I looked for a disagreement but he just nodded. “Will the king be disappointed?”
“No, my friend. He will know that you miss your family. I am afraid that the next few days will see a repetition of last night’s debauchery. It will not be a pleasant sight.”
I was relieved. I was fond of King Urien and did not wish to offend him but the priest’s words had told me that I ought to speak with him personally; just as soon as I had had conference with Prince Ywain. “There is something else. Myrddyn…”
He leaned back and his face beamed a grin at me. “You were right about him. What a bright lad! If I were not a Christian I might believe that fate had sent him our way for other purposes. I could teach him nothing about healing and he has knowledge greater than mine. Some of it is a little arcane but still… I suggested he learn Saxon as well as Greek and Latin.”
“Yes to question their prisoners.”
“He told you that?” I nodded. “He has not yet fought or he would know that we take few prisoners. I was thinking of using him as a spy. He could pass amongst them and bring valuable information.”
I had not thought of that. “And that, Brother Osric, brings me to some information he did pass on to me last night. Bladud is recruiting warriors who are more loyal to him than the king. There have been fights.”
“I was aware of that but the king still has faith in Bladud. I think I agree with your brother, one day you will have to kill this man but I am at a loss to see how, without destroying the kingdom.” He smiled. “So, Myrddyn already possesses skills as a spy. As you might say, wyrd.”
King Urien was walking in the small, walled garden. It was a peaceful place and, even on a frosty morning was quite beautiful with the hoar frost hanging like silver jewels on the trees and shrubs. He smiled as he saw me. “Ah Lord Lann. I hoped that you did not mind being put forward as joint leader of the expedition.” He pointed at my scar. “I know that the Queen and your wife think you have bled enough for the kingdom.”
“Until the Saxons are driven back into the sea I will do everything that I can to fight for Rheged.”
“Good.” He could sense that I had not come just to chat. “There is something else?”
“I would beg your majesty’s permission to return to my family. I mean no disrespect to you or the other kings but…”
He came over and put his arm around me. “Were I in your position I too would wish to go to my family. Go with my blessing but before you go… I chose Prince Ywain to go with you for I fear that he has lost the appetite he once had for defending this land. I know how he feels. I would prefer to stay at home with the Queen and watch our grandchildren play but one day he is to be king and he needs fire in his belly again and not the good food and wine with which he has been over indulging. I know that with you at his side he will make the right decisions and become the king he will need to be when I am gone.”
I felt a sense of relief. I had thought I was betraying the two men who had given me my chance to be a warrior. “I was intending to speak with the Prince before I left for we have much planning to do.”
“I would suggest Lann that you hold future meetings at your castle for he is easily distracted by his young wife.” His twinkling eyes spoke volumes.
“I will do so. I will not be here to speak with the other kings; we would need their warriors within ten weeks from now. We can gather the warriors from Rheged and Strathclyde at my castle and march to the Roman Bridge where the men from Elmet and Bernicia can meet us.”
“A good idea.”He shook his head and a sad expression suddenly made him look much older. “I cannot understand King Morcant’s reluctance to drive the invaders from the southern part of his land.”
“Neither can I for he seems to want the glory without the risk.”
“I hope that we can soon defeat the enemy and then you and I can get back to our families. Take
care, Lord Lann for I believe that our hope lies with you and this wonderful cunning you have on the battlefield.”
As I left the greatest king on the island I felt myself glowing with pride that he thought so highly of me. I would not have let him down in any case but I now had even more reason to do my duty. As I waited in the main hall for Prince Ywain I rehearsed how I would approach the man who was still a dear friend and closer to me than any apart from my brothers and Garth. I decided to just pretend that I had no worries about him and let him make his own decisions.
My brothers arrived just before the Prince and I gave a slight shake of the head. They both nodded and headed for the table which was laden with the cold meats left from the previous night’s feasting. I put on my best smile as I strode over to him full of enthusiasm. “So, my lord, we lead again together! And what a force of warriors eh? The best that Rheged and her allies have to offer.”
He returned a wan smile and drew me to one side. “But will we not be in danger Lord Lann? From the reports of the Bernicians the enemy could have more than five thousand men assembled ready to war. We would be outnumbered five to one.”
“We have fought against great odds before and besides we are not there to fight them but to watch them. If we mount our archers then we will have almost half our force which can outrun the enemy and that just leaves me with four hundred warriors.” I was giving him the excuse to be with the mounted men who could flee if necessary. I was not worried by the thought that I might have to escape the army with four hundred warriors. I knew the country well along the Dunum and the Saxons did not but I hoped it would not come to that. It was with some relief that I saw the hints of a smile appear on his face.
“With four hundred mounted men we could run rings around lumbering warriors. That is a good plan Lann and I will acquire us the horses.”
“I also intended using the despatch riders who are slingers to be scouts. They did well in the last campaign and they are more experienced now.” He nodded. I had kept from him Brother Osric’s idea of using Myrddyn as a spy. The fewer who knew about that the better for I was still aware of the spy in my camp. What I did know was that the only men I would leave guarding my home would be the warriors I knew I could trust and all of the recruits would be going to war. If I was the target then I was not taking the chance that my wife and children might end up as accidental casualties. He was now nodding eagerly. “I will spend the next few weeks planning. If you could come to my castle in four weeks then we should be able to finalise them.”
His face fell, “Your castle but…”
I remembered the king’s words. “I will have the maps that we will need at my castle and we will be closer to where we intend to fight.”
He could see no argument and he nodded reluctantly.”It will have to be a short meeting. I do not like to leave my wife and castle alone.”
“Just one or two days and we will be ready.”
“Very well then. Four weeks.” He clasped my arm. “I am pleased we had this talk for it has cleared my thoughts. Thank you; you are the rock of Rheged.”
As soon as he had left my brothers came over; eager to speak with me. “I wish I was coming with you.”
“I know Raibeart but I know that you will watch over my castle when I am away.”
“As I will Lann.”
“I know Aelle. I would also like you to teach my new healer, Myrddyn how to speak Saxon. I will give him the basics but you can make him sound Saxon.”
He nodded. “He is to spy then?”
“You are a clever one but keep that to yourself. Only Brother Osric and you two know of this. He will be our secret and may give us the edge.”
Raibeart looked over to where the prince was filling his platter with food. “And what of the Prince? Last night he did not look happy about the prospect.”
“I have made him happier but the king is keen for him to go.”
Aelle gave me a shrewd look. “And that tells me that you command. Good I am happy about that.”
“Little brother you are so sharp, that you will cut yourself one day.”
Chapter 8
Aideen was delighted to see me; the welcome I received made the journey through the blizzard worthwhile. The snow had come from nowhere and we had struggled through the driving windows and biting ice. Had we not been travelling home we might have turned around but we knew that if we kept on we would, eventually, reach home and so we finally did. It was after dark and we were chilled to the bone but we were home and it seemed so much more comforting for that. Aideen was not only a good wife she was a kind woman and she chivvied the kitchen slaves to make sure that the men who had accompanied me were as well fed as I. Brother Oswald had just brewed a new batch of mead which was gratefully consumed. For me, the journey had been alleviated by the Saxon lesson I gave Myrddyn. He was like a sponge and, by the time we had reached Castle Perilous, he had enough phrases to hand to speak with an unsuspecting Saxon. It boded well.
It was good to spend Yule amongst my own people and warriors. My family were delighted with my early and unexpected return and I was able to relax and enjoy comfortable and familiar surroundings. Brother Oswald had tinkered with the rudimentary hypocaust and the old prefect’s quarters from the days of Roman occupation were the warmest part of the castle. It was a good time.
I was aware that we might have a spy amongst us and, although the men all knew we would be fighting later in the year, I kept my plans to a handful of those I knew I could trust. After we had celebrated and life began to get back to normal I met with Garth, Myrddyn and Brother Oswald. Garth had looked askance at the young man who sat in on our meetings. He had only recently been a recruit and here he was with those who planned and gave orders. I smiled at Garth’s discomfort and I began the meeting by obliquely giving a reason. “Now, Myrddyn will be leaving within the week to spend a month with Aelle learning to speak Saxon. Then he will be charged with infiltrating the Saxon army to discover their plans. It is vital that we know what they are about. It is a difficult and dangerous job but I am sure that Myrddyn is up to it.” He blushed and I saw the firm nod from Garth, “Brother Oswald, we will have two hundred archers. I know that Brother Osric will provide most of the arrows but I want a healthy supply here should we need them. Prince Ywain is supplying the horses but, Garth, I want every one of our archers taught to ride well. Their skill might just be the difference between victory and defeat. We need to be mobile. We need the armour of the warriors to be perfect. Have it checked and oiled regularly. We can have no weaknesses for we need to be better armoured than our enemies who will be more numerous. The shields, too, should all be reinforced with iron.”
“The Lady Aideen and her ladies have finished the leather cloaks. Our warriors will all look the same and that should afford them more protection.”
“Good and I want every warrior to have a dagger attached to their shields. I know that I found it useful. We need caltrops. The Roman supply has been used but they are not difficult to make.”
“Not difficult but expensive.”
“There is money available Oswald. Do not quibble over those things which can save men’s lives. Now, Garth it will be up to you to organise and lead the four hundred warriors. I will be there, of course, but I will also have charge of the archers as well. Our men will be the point of the wedge and you will have to train the others on the march. Can you do it?”
“As most of the men are Rheged men, then yes, but I am not sure about the one hundred and fifty allies.”
“They can form the rear two ranks. The men from Strathclyde and Elmet will be sound warriors, of that I am certain. One final point; no word of the date we depart should leak out. Keep the men trained and prepared. We will give them but one day’s warning and then we will go.”
After Garth and Oswald had left us I took Myrddyn to one side. “I will not order you to spy on the Saxons and I will not think badly of you if you refuse for you should know that it will be dangerous.”
&nbs
p; For one so young he looked both mature and calm. “It is my destiny to serve you my lord and the vision I had tells me that we shall have a long association together. Besides,” he grinned and was suddenly a boy again, I will play the part of a Welsh healer; a throwback to the Druids. From what your men have said that has a certain aura about it.” I felt relieved. I did not like sending men to their deaths but he seemed confident and I knew that Aelle would give him the skills he needed.
My next task was to summon my slingers and despatch riders. Garth stood with me for I had already briefed him about my intentions. As they were all boys there came a point when they would either become warriors or horsemen. Those who had skills with the bow were taken to one side by Miach and trained in that art. I gathered them all in the Great Hall; I could see the interest and trepidation on some of their faces. It was rare for them to be called to speak with their lord.
“I want you to stand in a line with the smallest on one side and the tallest on the other.” They quickly obeyed me and I could see the disparity in height. There were three at the end who were almost men. “You three go with Garth; it is time you became warriors.” I could see the uncontained joy on their faces and the disappointment on the rest. After they had gone I pointed to the six tallest. “You six will be warriors next year but now you will need to be trained to be scouts as well as slingers.” I looked at the others who were still looking unhappy. “All of you will, eventually, need this skill and I want you all to learn how to scout. When we go to war it will be you who tell us the numbers of the enemy and help us to prepare our attack. If you do your job well then you will save men’s lives. You six go and find Adair. He will begin your training. As for the rest of you I want you to collect the perfect stones for your slings. When we go to war you will need many, my young warriors.” They raced to the river, oblivious to the cold. They would collect them until they were summoned to food for all felt the bond which tied my warriors to Castle Perilous.