by Griff Hosker
Aideen was looking forward to the visit as she would see both my brother’s wives and Prince Ywain’s bride. I knew that she missed the company of other women and they did, in all fairness get on well together. It also helped having other children there for my two were lonely at my castle. The men made a great fuss of them and spoiled them but they did not have the company of children their own age; at the court of King Urien they would have.
We were all set to arrive on the same day and I met Aelle and Freja not far from my castle. He had grown in the months since I had seen him and put on more weight around the waist and the jowls. It showed me the difference between a life of peace and a life of war. Aelle was happy and comfortable. His domain was the most peaceful and prosperous in the land and he ruled it well. I knew that King Urien held him in high regard. I was always a little taken aback by how much respect he showed me. He seemed amazingly proud of his brother. It was Myrddyn who gave me the reason. “He grew up not with his own father for you told me he was a Saxon who hurt him and he had not long with your father. You are the father he has known the most, the one who protected him and the one who helped him to get to the position he is.”
“He did that himself fighting for the king.”
“But it was you who was responsible for that position.”
Now, each time I met my brother I was acutely aware that he saw me as a father figure rather than just his big brother. It was just another responsibility I had in my already, full life. However, as we rode towards the fortress on that Midsummer’s Eve, the world felt good. I could see the banners hanging from the towers as we approached from afar. Men working in the fields called out our name and applauded the wolf banner. I recognised many from our wars and noticed that some had an arm missing or limped badly but they still cheered us as we rode along the old Roman Road. They were alive and they were free.
The king and queen greeted us at the gate. I noticed that the queen was greyer; yet another son had fallen but she still gave me that welcoming smile and embrace as she always did. She leaned and whispered in my ear. “I am pleased that the Wolf Warrior still defends Rheged. It gives me hope for the future. May Jesus bless you.”
I never knew what to say when the Christians asked their god to protect me. It was as though they were trying to convert me in some way. Having said that, I welcomed the protection of any man’s god; the battlefield was no place to spurn their aid. “I am pleased to serve the king still. Is he mending?”
She pulled away slightly and glanced over to where her husband was embracing Aideen and Freja. “His body heals but his mind is still disturbed.”
I nodded. I knew the feeling. “It is with all men who think when they return from the battlefield. Those who cannot think, like Bladud, are to be envied for they never imagine, after a battle, what might have happened had they fallen.”
She laughed and suddenly looked much younger. “I share your opinion of that brute but the king still thinks highly of him.” She shook her head, “I know not why. Go to him and talk for he values your opinion and it will ease his mind.” She turned to our wives and children. “Come ladies let us leave the men to talk and we will see what treats the cook has for us.” She was a kind and thoughtful lady and adored children. She was the grandmother my children never knew. As they wandered off Pol, my squire caught my eye. It was the first time he had been to the fortress and wonder was in his face.
“Yes Pol, you can explore but try not to get in people’s way.”
“Yes my lord.” He raced eagerly off.
“He thinks much of you.”
“He is young but he is so loyal.” As the king led me by the arm I turned to him. “Well your majesty, you are looking well.”
He smiled and looked older than he had ever looked. “You are kind but we both know I came within a handbreadth of death.”
“But you survived your majesty and we won.”
“We won that day but what of the future days?” He looked sadly to the east. “It seems Gwalliog and Bulc have just returned to their lands and not prepared to defend them against the Saxons for they will come back and they should be ready.”
Myrddyn was disappearing into Brother Osric’s rooms and I pointed to him. “My healer is an intelligent man and I have spoken with him. He has counselled that we make our land too difficult to take and the enemy will go elsewhere.” We walked into the great hall where there were jugs of beer and platters of bread and cheese. “The hedgehog has not teeth and is easy prey for any hunters, fox, or wild pig. Yet he survives and why?”
Aelle smiled as he answered. “His back is covered in spines and he can roll into a ball. The fox soon gives up.”
“And that is what we do. Make ourselves as a hedgehog and surround ourselves with spines.”
“Spines?” The king gave me a curious look.
“Archers, horses and defences even better that those you have here in your fortress.”
The king drank and contemplated this. “That might work but what of our allies? Do we abandon them?”
It was time for some hard talking for this kind king. “Your majesty it is the men of Rheged who died defending their lands. It is time they took responsibility for their own defence.”
“And if they fail?”
“Then they fail but they know that there is a sanctuary here at Civitas Carvetiorum.”
“Perhaps we could make peace with the Saxons?”
“They are like the fleas on a dog. You could make peace with one group and another would come in their place. We make Rheged a circle of stone and iron. They will go elsewhere. Look at Aelle’s domain at Wide Water. No-one could capture that, no matter how many men they had and our southern borders have been safer than any; mine included.”
The king looked at Aelle for confirmation. “It is true your majesty and the people prosper. Many new families have come and there are many settlements north of us for my brother’s castle and mine give them the confidence that they will be protected.”
King Urien smiled and the years fell away. “It is good to talk with you. When the others arrive we will continue this. I too am tired of bleeding my poor land for others.”
The midsummer celebrations seemed better than the Yule ones. As Brother Osric said to me at the feast, “Perhaps our allies changed the atmosphere a little eh Wolf Warrior?” I gave him a nod of agreement but my mouth was filled with some roast fish Prince Pasgen had brought. The priest nodded towards an animated Myrddyn who was having an animated conversation with Aelle and Raibeart. “The healer worked out well I hear?”
“Do not be coy Brother Osric. I know not how but you know every single event which happens within and without Rheged. As you well know he is more than just a healer. I just thank the gods that he was sent to me.”
“You mean thank God and Jesus don’t you?”
I saw the twinkle in his slightly inebriated eyes and I wagged an admonishing finger. “You know perfectly well that it was the spirit of my mother who appeared to him.”
“A Christian might say the Virgin Mary.”
“Then they would be wrong but there is something about him which is special. It is not just his skills at healing but he has the power to hide himself as he did when he spied for us and he knows what men are thinking. Well. What I think at any rate.”
“There are scientific explanations for all of that but I think I agree with you; there is something about the young man and that heartens me as I fear we have dark days coming.”
“The Saxons you mean?”
He waggled his head from side to side which made me smile. “Could be the Saxons but it could be our allies too. You never did find out who your spy was did you?”
“No but many of the suspects are dead and I could not fathom out what they were doing anyway.”
“I have given the matter some thought. I think he or they were watching you and what you did. Perhaps they were trying to kill you. It would have been a mortal blow to the alliance had they succeeded.”
“And I think that you underestimate yours.”
“Besides I was rarely alone. I always had my men with me.”
“Is the spy still there then?”
I stared at Brother Osric; he was becoming as intuitive about me as Myrddyn. “I believe that the spy has gone. Do not ask me why; although we found no further traces once spring came.”
“I know not if it is a good thing or a bad thing but you need to keep your wits about you as we all do.” He downed another of the goblets of rich red wine he adored and poured himself another. “I hear Morcant Bulc is telling the tale that it was he and his men who defeated Aella.”
I laughed aloud and others turned to look at me. I held up my hand in apology. “There are enough men present at the battle who know the truth and every warrior knows how careful he is on a battlefield to be as far away from danger as possible.”
“I have heard that he has monks on Metcauld who are writing a history for him of his success. In fifty years time that may be the only version people know.”
“In fifty years I shall be dead and I will not care.”
“But your son will not and could he bear the thought of his father’s name being demeaned by such as Bulc?”
His words set me thinking and I wondered again about the intentions of the King of Bernicia. Perhaps I would get Brother Oswald to write a truthful version; I was not worried for myself but I could not bear to think of my son feeling shame on my account. I wanted him as proud of me as I was of his namesake, my father.
Raibeart sought me out later in the evening. We were two of the ones who had consumed less drink than the others. I found it amusing to watch those who had consumed huge quantities as they became more and more ridiculous in their movements and their words. Prince Ywain appeared to have one foot nailed to the floor as he staggered around on his other and Pasgen affected a high pitched giggling laugh. It seemed I was the only one to notice but it taught me to control my drink when in company. I could see that Raibeart was troubled by something. “Come brother, tell me what ails you?”
“It is King Gwalliog. I fear for his kingdom.”
“It is in a better position now than before we helped him.”
“But he is surrounded. There are many Angles in the south east of his land and I fear he will not withstand them.”
“What would you do?”
He paused and I could almost hear Maiwen begging him to help her father. “I would.” He hesitated and then looked at the floor in embarrassment. “I would go and serve him.”
I knew what this was costing him; he would be breaking his oath to King Urien. I looked over at the king and remembered our conversation. I knew that he would not hold my brother to his oath but I did not want Raibeart to be in Elmet. I was the one who looked after him; he was my responsibility. “You will have to ask the king.”
“I know.” His eyes pleaded with me. “Would you ask him for me?”
“I would rather you were closer to Aelle and myself. You are right, Elmet is in danger but I know that if the Saxons came then King Urien would give King Gwalliog sanctuary.”
He had a rueful smile on his face. “And you would seek sanctuary with another king if Rheged was overrun.”
“Brother, that is exactly what we did when our family was killed.” I could see that he was becoming agitated. “But I will do as you ask. Promise me one thing; if things go badly you will return here with your wife and her father. You will always have a home in Rheged.”
The king was up early, as I was, the next day and he stood, as was his practice on the eastern wall peering towards the Saxons, many miles hence. I had done so at my castle. It was as though you expected them to suddenly lumber towards you in a gigantic shield wall. He turned as I approached, the two sentries nodding and moving to give us some privacy.
“Ah Lord Lann. It is a fine morning is it not?”
“It is your majesty. The winters are so long that it seems a shame not to make the most of each morning filled with sun as it is this day.”
He had a contemplative expression on his face. “Aye, I am aware that my days are coming to an end and I would watch every sunrise and sunset.”
I was taken aback. Was the king ill and had kept it hidden from us. “No, your majesty; you have many years to rule yet.”
Shaking his head he said quietly, “My injuries have made me think of my mortality and the death of my sons… a man should not bury his children.” He peered into my eyes. “Promise me that, when I am gone, you will do all you can for Ywain. He has changed but, somehow, when you are in his company he is the old Ywain. He must hold the kingdom together and he cannot do that without you.” He paused and led me to the small tower at the end of the ramparts. “I would ask you to be warlord of Rheged.”
This was a major decision. A warlord led a kingdom’s armies. In Rheged it had always been the king. “Are you sure, your majesty? Prince Ywain is a fine leader.”
“True but you are a great leader and men will follow you. Will you refuse me, Lord Lann?”
“No, your majesty, I swore an oath to you and I will never break that oath but will Prince Ywain be happy with the decision?”
He smiled, “It was his idea.”
“Then I accept and now, your majesty I have a boon to ask of you.”
“Whatever it is I will grant it for we owe you a great debt already.”
I took a deep breath. “I will ask first your majesty and then you can reconsider your generosity. My brother Raibeart would leave your service and take his family to Elmet to aid King Gwalliog.”
“So Osric was right.”
“Brother Osric, your majesty?”
“Yes the priest said that he thought that Lord Raibeart would make the request. I am just disappointed that he did not approach me himself.”
“Raibeart is shy your majesty and he has always looked to me. He meant no disrespect by it.”
He put his hand on my arm. “I know and I am not offended. Brother Osric and I think it is a good idea. It will stiffen Gwalliog at the expense of one warrior. But we will need to put a stout man at his castle. Perhaps Lord Gildas; he looked after Rheged well while we fought Aella.” Although my wish had been granted I felt as though Raibeart was being sacrificed. I knew that it was his idea but it still seemed as though he was just part of a grander plan. “We will make the announcements this morning. I believe it will let the king know of our intentions.”
I managed to speak with Raibeart before the announcements and he had the grateful look of a child whose wishes have come true. Everyone seemed pleased with my appointment, everyone that is, except for Aideen who looked as though she had sucked on one of Brother Osric’s precious lemons. I would have bridges to build when we returned home.
Raibeart and Maiwen left that morning, both eager to travel to Elmet whilst the weather was so clement. It was a sad parting for Aelle, Raibeart and myself. We were to be separated and who knew when we would meet again.
“If you need any help in Elmet, Raibeart, then you must promise to let me know.”
Raibeart looked both sad and proud at the same time. “You are now warlord, brother, and your first duty will be to Rheged but do not fear I am taking twenty men with and we will soon train Elmet archers who are as good as Rheged’s.”
We took our farewells and I felt tears in my eyes; I had not felt such sadness since the Saxons took my parents. It felt like the end of all things. In many ways it was for, after that glorious summer nothing else was ever the same.
Chapter 16
As we rode home two days later I had much to think on. Aideen had understood that I could not refuse the king’s offer but she felt that it put me in more danger. I had argued that it did not as I would be the one making the decisions about the battles and the wars and would not actually be fighting. She seemed mollified by that but I could see that it still rankled that I would not be at peace. I had also met with Prince Ywain. I
t was largely to clear the air between us for, although I believed the king I had to be sure that I not only had his support but also his heart. I was confident that he would be a good king. I made sure that I spoke with Aelle. With Raibeart gone and the threat to our borders coming from the south and east we needed to establish good communications. We revived the despatch riders which had largely fallen into abeyance since the spring war. We both believed that when the riders matured they became better warriors and we decided on seven each. That meant they could ride just once a week between our forts. Out of all the decisions I made I felt that this was the one in which I had the most confidence.
Finally I met with Brother Osric and Myrddyn. I could tell that the priest had also had a hand in the decision to make me warlord; he always appeared to be looking after my interests despite our religious differences. The two thinkers agreed on most things and they came up with a plan to improve the defences of both castles as well as finding the arms and weapons that we would need. Their differences of opinion were in what Osric called supernatural nonsense and Myrddyn called magic. I cared not. So long as Myrddyn’s magic worked for me I would use it. The magic of Myrddyn proved to be the saviour of me and my family; I often wondered if Brother Osric regretted his scepticism, although knowing the old man as I did I doubted it.
I knew that, with midsummer over the days would soon shorten and we could not waste the precious time we had been given. All of us, Myrddyn, Oswald and Garth, threw ourselves into recruiting and training despatch riders, archers and warriors. In those days we were still rich with the bounty of the war and we used it wisely. Aideen was with child again and that always had a soothing and calming effect on her. She seemed happiest when she had a child within her. Myrddyn said one day, after he had caught the sharp end of Aideen’s tongue that perhaps I should keep her perpetually pregnant!