by Griff Hosker
“They took us to Hibernia.” She hesitated and began to weep uncontrollably.
Myrddyn put his hand about her shoulder and took up the story. “Her mother was abused by the warriors and she threw herself into the sea. The followers of the Mother cult choose when they will have a man. They live apart from men. By forcing her she could not live with herself and by throwing herself into the sea returned to the Mother. Her daughters understood. It is a powerful religion and its roots run deep.”
Morgause nodded. “The warriors were shocked and they tied the three of us so that we could not do the same. We were taken to Hibernia and we feared that we would share the same fate but the chief and his brother were kind men and he ordered us to be spared that ordeal. He discovered that we followed the Mother cult and knew that we would be healers for his men. The three of us were sent away. I was sent to the place where you found me and I know not where my sisters went. That was the last day I saw them.”
Kind men and Saxons did not appear to go together but I ignored the statement. Perhaps they saw what they expected to see. “When was that?”
“I had been in the village for three summers. The people were afraid of me but more afraid of upsetting their leaders.”
This story was becoming more intriguing with each word. “And these Saxons lived in Hibernia?”
“I think it was Hibernia; it was west of Mona for we saw the sun rising to the east and we landed on a beach in the west.”
“It could be the island of Manau. We know there were Saxons there.”
“Aye Morcar, and they were the followers of Aethelfrith who escaped after Wrecsam.” I turned to the girl. “What was the name of the kind man who spared you?”
She shook her head and her eyes filled with tears. She began to become distressed. “I know not, sir. We were only there one night and we were too upset over our mother’s death to ask.”
“But surely the people in the village you were taken to must have referred to him by name?”
She began to become agitated, “They did not speak to me in the village. They feared me and called me a witch. They only spoke to me of their ailments.”
Morcar put his arm around her and cast me a scolding look, “She is upset Warlord! Leave her alone! She has told you all that she knows!”
“I am only trying to discover who this kind Saxon was.”
Myrddyn stood and stretched. “It may be a new group of warriors whom we do not know. We will have to wait until we return to Mona to question those we captured.”
As we prepared for bed I began to regret sending the captives away so quickly. I had been so keen to head north that I had not questioned the presence on the west coast of a settlement of Saxons. As I lay down to sleep it nagged and gnawed at me. Suppose there was a colony of Saxons on Manau or even in Hibernia; I had left my lands thinly protected assuming that any attack would come from the east. That night my dreams were filled with demons and Saxons who terrorised Mona and I awoke in a sweaty fit well before dawn.
I went to stand on the nearby wall and I stared out towards the west. It was as though I was trying to see across the hundreds of miles. I had thought Oswald and Oswiu had been dealt with. We had killed most of their men but suppose they had more on Mona and in other villages on the west coast of Rheged? Carac and Afon were two spies we had identified but there might be others. It would make sense. They would be able to build up their strength and then the brothers could retake their father’s kingdom through Rheged; a Rheged I had left undefended.
Suddenly Myrddyn was beside me. “The girl’s words worried you?”
“You must have known the import of her story. Why did you not tell me?”
“Your mind is filled with this attack on Edwin and on your own death. I did not want to burden your mind with more fears.” He smiled. “The fact that you are walking the walls instead of sleeping is proof that I was right. Besides I was teasing out the information little by little. I believe she does know the name of the Saxon leader but she does not know that she knows it. By gaining her confidence she might relax and then spill the information inadvertently.”
“But what of the threat?”
“We left enough warriors to protect our home. We travelled up the west coast and we found but one village. I believe that this is a plan of Oswald and Oswiu to retake Northumbria but they have not the strength as yet. We can scotch this snake and then turn our attention to those two vipers.”
Hogan Lann led the equites towards the Roman fort called Chesters while I went with Bors and Daffydd. Penda and King Fiachnae mac Báetáin accompanied me. Both men were keen to watch my men as they fought the Saxons. We rode horses but kept well behind the advancing archers and spearmen.
“Your archers ride horses?”
“Aye it gets them to battle quickly and they can be extricated quickly if attacked.”
Penda rubbed his beard. “I never worry about archers.” He banged his shield with his hand. “My shield protects me.”
I smiled, “Then watch how we deal with that.”
There was a low ridge which was some half a mile from the walled settlement. I could see the church which Aedh had identified. King Fiachnae mac Báetáin pointed to it. “Will your men attack the church?”
I did not get a chance to answer for Penda said, “Of course. There are always riches within their walls.”
The king nodded, “Many of my men will not attack such places.”
“That will not be a problem. There will be more than enough Northumbrians for them to dull their blades upon.”
We saw the skirmish unfold before us. Bors led the spearmen towards the gate. The Northumbrians had built the settlement with two gates. One faced us and the other led across the Roman Bridge below us. Our attack had effectively sealed the fate of the village. The only place they could escape would be across the bridge and Pol waited on the other side with his equites. We had chosen not to attack across the bridge. That would be a killing zone.
I saw commotion within the settlement as my men were spotted. Daffydd’s archers began to rain arrows upon any who stood on the walls. As Penda had predicted the Northumbrians held their shields above their heads. As soon as they protected themselves, then Bors and his men leapt across the ditch and his axe men began to hack a way through the wooden walls. When the defenders tried to hurl their spears at Bors and his men they were skewered by a well aimed arrow. Gradually the defenders fell one by one.
Penda shook his head sadly. “They have no chance.”
“No chance indeed and look.”
I pointed to the bridge which suddenly filled with refugees fleeing the attack which had now breached the walls. Pol timed his attack to perfection and he led his squires across the bridge once the refugees had reached the halfway point. They hurled themselves from the bridge into the quickly flowing river. I am not sure if they thought they could swim to safety but their clothes and the icy waters of early spring dragged them all to a rocky, watery death. Soon there was just the white capped grey water of the Tineus and there were no more refugees. Within the hour we entered the settlement and Hogan Lann sent the word. He had captured Chesters too. We had achieved our objectives. We had secured the crossings over the river and now we awaited King Cadwallon.
While we waited I rode with Gawan and Morcar to inspect the land around us. Tuanthal gave us twenty warriors to watch over us. We found a few farms but the people hid when we approached. “This is good land, Gawan, you have never seen it before have you?”
“No, I have just had the description from you and Hogan Lann. It is a shame that we lost it.”
“We lost it because of the treachery of a king?”
Morcar asked, “A king?”
“Morcant Bulc slew King Urien and then I slew him. That ended the last alliance. We must make sure that this alliance lasts longer.”
Gawan sat upright in his saddle and drew his sword. “I swear that I will do all to ensure that it does.”
I realised the
n that Gawan had not been given as much responsibility as Hogan Lann and that was unfair. He was such a kind and thoughtful young man that he was often overlooked. I decided to give him a role.
Chapter 14
Three days after we had captured the two crossings King Cadwallon reached us. He and his men had made good time. He greeted me warmly. “Have you lost many men, Warlord?”
I shook my head, “None to speak of.” I waved King Fiachnae mac Báetáin forward. “This is our ally King Fiachnae mac Báetáin.”
King Cadwallon gave one of his broadest smiles. “Welcome to this alliance against Northumbria.” He gestured towards me. “Lord Lann is the only one of us to have fought in the last alliance against the men of Northumbria. I hope that this new alliance of Ulaid, Mercia and Gwynedd can be as successful.”
“And I hope so, too, King Cadwallon. We have heard of your fame and that of the Warlord. Already I have learned much.”
Myrddyn stepped forward. “Perhaps, your majesty, you might address the armies.” He pointed to the huge bowl on the opposite site of the river. “This is one of the places where we can gather them.”
King Fiachnae mac Báetáin nodded, “It is a good idea, your majesty, for the men of Dál nAraidi have not seen you before.”
We gathered the warriors together and King Cadwallon sat astride his white horse, Wyddfa. He was encased from head to toe in the armour of a cataphract. When the sun peered out from behind the clouds it made his armour sparkle and gleam as though it was gold. Even before he spoke I saw the awe on the face of the men of Dál nAraidi and even Penda’s Mercians looked to be impressed.
“Warriors of the west, today we have our alliance of the finest warriors in this land to oust the dark forces from the east. We will wrest this land from the greedy fingers of Edwin and his robbers; we will free the people of Rheged. Today we begin the road to peace and prosperity.”
There was a huge cheer but I noticed that the men of Dál nAraidi were less than thrilled at the prospect of peace. They had come for plunder and I hoped that the spirits had been right to invite them to join us. I would have to speak with Myrddyn later. I decided that we had to take one step at a time. First we had to capture Din Guardi and then destroy Edwin and his army.
“We will go to the lair of King Edwin and become the first army to take that stronghold of the east. Let us go forward and fight under the banners of the dragon and the wolf and let us be led by the Warlord of Rheged and Gwynedd, Lord Lann!”
If the cheers for the first part had been muted when King Cadwallon had finished there was a cheer and an acclamation which could have been heard in Dunelm far to the south. That evening there was a boisterous and optimistic mood around the camp. It felt as though we were on the threshold of something great. We needed to keep the momentum going. This alliance would not falter as the other had; not if I had anything to do with the matter.
We headed west the next day. This time the scouts of Aedh ranged far ahead while Tuanthal and his horsemen formed a mobile screen before us. We would not be surprised. The kings and the leaders rode with Hogan Lann and me at the front. Myrddyn rode behind us with Lann Aelle, Pol and Penda. I glanced around me and I was reminded of the days of King Urien when I was about the same age as Lann Aelle. The future then had been hopeful but that had been before the treachery of Morcant Bulc. I wondered if all the hearts which headed east were as true as that of King Cadwallon. He had put great faith in me to bring his retinue so far north from his land and fight for Rheged. I felt humbled.
Hogan Lann nudged his horse next to me. “You are quiet.”
“I am an old man remembering the days of marching here with Ywain and Pasgen. The last time I was in Din Guardi I ended the life of the traitor who stabbed my king in the back.”
“That was a noble thing to do.”
“It was but it cost us Bernicia. Remember that my son. The consequences of our actions are like a stone thrown into a pond; the ripples go on forever. We are now going back to finish what I should have done all those years ago.”
Before we began to head east I summoned Hogan Lann, Tuanthal, Aedh and Gawan. “Perhaps I am tempting wyrd but I believe that we will triumph at Din Guardi.”
Hogan Lann nodded his assent. “I believe so too.”
“With that thought in mind I want Gawan here to take a column of horsemen south to find King Edwin.” I saw him flush with pride. “Take your squires, twenty of Tuanthal’s men, five of the boy riders and five of Aedh’s best scouts.” I saw Aedh smile, “Not you Aedh, I need you with me.” His elation was replaced by disappointment. “Well Gawan, are you up to the task?”
“I am.” I saw the hesitation on his face and then he turned back to me. “Just to make it clear what do I do when I find King Edwin?”
“Send one of the pony riders to me with the news and then shadow him. You will have the better horsemen. You will be able to evade him.”
“Thank you for this honour, Warlord.”
I saw Hogan Lann nod his approval. They would work well together when I was gone and that pleased me for Ywain and Pasgen had become enemies when their father died. This would not happen to my sons. We need the harmony within the family else the balance of nature would be upset. We had learned the lessons of family discord and we had paid a high price for the lesson.
Our horsemen and our scouts dispersed the few Northumbrians they encountered so that we reached that mighty fortress perched perilously on the cliffs without loss. Of course the riders took news of our arrival and every Saxon within miles would be hiding within its mighty walls. We saw the high walls bristling with standards and with warriors. Only Myrddyn and I had seen the fortress before and I heard the sharp intake of breath from all of the leaders and kings as they beheld the seemingly impregnable fortress.
We sat on our horses on the high ground some half a mile from the castle. It afforded us the best view. You could even see within and beyond its walls. I pointed out the features as I described them.
In ancient times the castle had been built on a rock. I suspected that someone with knowledge of Rome had had a hand in its building. There was plenty of stone work as well as wood. A winding path twisted from the beach to the only gate. An attacker would have to endure missiles and rocks whilst negotiating the steep ramp. The side away from the castle was open and the sharp teeth of rocks awaited anyone who fell. Once they reached the gate an attacker could not use a ram because there was not enough space to wield one. As if that was not enough the path to the castle could only be accessed at low tide. At other times the sea gave it a natural and, at times, a wild moat.
King Fiachnae mac Báetáin shook his head. “It is impossible! No one could capture that without losing all of their warriors in the attempt.”
Myrddyn chuckled, “It would appear so but the Warlord and I know another way in, unless, of course, they have blocked it up.”
The kings looked to me as did Hogan Lann. “We need your warriors, King Fiachnae mac Báetáin, to go with the wizard at low tide. He will gain you entry into the fortress.” I smiled at his open mouthed expression of wonder, “Then you can let loose your wild Hibernians.”
He seemed genuinely happy about that. “Good because we have watched and waited too long. My warriors are eager to fight. We will show you what we can do.”
Myrddyn wagged an admonishing finger. “We want warriors who win and not just fight. They must obey orders. As I will be leading you and your men they must be my orders which are obeyed!”
“Do not worry wizard. My men will obey orders!”
I turned to Hogan Lann, “The horsemen will be spectators today. If any flee then your men can run them down. I want a circle of iron around the castle. They have no ships here and the only escape will be through your men.” I turned to Penda. “I will lead some of the men of Gwynedd, Rheged and Mercia. The warriors who have not fought yet will have their chance.”
“No, Warlord, I cannot allow you to lead the attack.” I could see the concern m
ixed with anger on my son’s face.
“I must. If Myrddyn and the men of Dál nAraidi are to have a chance to gain entry into the castle then we need the attention of the whole fortress on the front gate. They will see me and my wolf shield. It will make them desperate to kill me. Whoever commands these walls will bring all of their force to bear on me. Do not worry. Daffydd and his men will be able to cover us with their arrows.”
“I cannot allow it. It is too dangerous.”
I made my voice as hard and commanding as I could. I did not want to demean my son but I had to assert my authority. He would command soon enough. “I am Warlord yet. There will come a time soon, my son when you can put me out to pasture but so long as I am Warlord, I command.”
The air of tension remained until Myrddyn shrugged and said, “He will not die beneath the walls of Din Guardi. He defeated King Morcant Bulc here and the spirits watch over him still. I swear to you that the Warlord will not die here.”
It was either a brave or a foolish thing to say. The effect was that the warriors who went with me believed that we would not die. That gave the warriors more confidence. I wondered at Myrddyn. He had dreamed my death. He had seen the knife in the back. Had he seen more that he had not told me?
We were up early. The tide would allow Myrddyn and King Fiachnae mac Báetáin the chance to get inside the fortress but we needed to be prepared to go while the waters still surrounded the rock. Morcar and Lann Aelle helped me to dress. I saw the concern on Lann Aelle’s face but Morcar just seemed excited.
“Remember Morcar you have to stay behind me and keep the standard high so that all may see it, friend and foe. Use your shield well for they will drop rocks and stones upon us.”
“Do not fear, Warlord. I will not let you down!”
Lann Aelle shook his head as he fitted the armour around my neck. It effectively protected the vulnerable part of my body beneath my helmet and above my mail. It was a little fiddly to fit. “It is not about you today, cousin, you bear the standard and you are the rallying point. Remember you will march at the Warlord’s back. You will protect him with your shield whilst keeping the banner high. Trust me, cousin, it will take you all your time to keep your feet in the press of warriors who will be around you.” He stepped back. “There it is done. This one piece of armour is the hardest to fit.”