by Griff Hosker
“Brother, find his leather satchel. There are potions inside which will help us.” Hogan Lann raced off. “Father, find me a dish and some water.”
It gave me something to do. By now Tuanthal and the Irish king had joined us as well as Bors and Kay. I grabbed a dish and poured some water into it.
“Bors and Kay, Morgause is somewhere in the camp. She is one of the spies of Oswald. Find her and bring her here. I want her alive so that she may tell us what she used to poison him.”
“I tell you she is innocent!”
We all ignored his ranting. Hogan Lann handed the satchel to Gawan who took out three small earthenware jars. He opened one and sniffed it. Seemingly satisfied he poured the contents into the bowl and mixed the black powder with the water to make thin grey slurry.
“Hold him and keep his mouth open.” Hogan Lann and I held his head and I used my other hand to open his mouth. His breathing was laboured and light. He was dying. Gawan poured the disgusting looking liquid down his throat. “Keep him upright and close his mouth.” My son pinched his nose.
I watched the throat of the wizard as his body forced the liquid down. There was a moment or two when nothing happened and then his body began to convulse. Gawan took his finger and thumb from the wizard’s nose. “You can release his mouth now.”
Suddenly, like a dam when the earth is moved, he vomited the grey slurry and everything else which had been in his stomach. He retched for some time until half eaten mushrooms appeared. He continued to retch until just a thin white liquid came out. I looked at Gawan. “Is that it? Is he safe now?”
“No, we must now give him plenty of water and then milk.”
Milk! Where would we get milk from? King Fiachnae mac Báetáin nodded, “Leave that to me. I saw some cows as we headed here. I’ll get you the milk if I have to carry the beast here on my back.”
Gawan forced some water down the wizard’s throat. This stayed down longer but eventually the white liquid returned. It took three draughts of water before the wizard stopped retching. “We have a chance now.” He suddenly turned to Morcar. “You were closest to her. Did you see what she put in the mushrooms?”
“I tell you she is innocent she could have done nothing like this.”
I grabbed Morcar with two hands and shook him. “Tell me what she put in the food!”
His eyes were wide with terror. “I just saw her putting in the usual herbs and spices.”
I believed him. “Where is her leather satchel?”
Even though we looked it was gone. I had had no doubts before but now it was confirmed. She was a spy and she had fled. Saxons would not have stopped to take her satchel.
Gawan sniffed the mushrooms which had fallen to the floor. He then looked at the vomit. “I am guessing but I think it is a poison called arsenicum. It is a deadly poison. He looked at me. It is the same smell as we had when Lupus was poisoned.”
“What is the antidote?”
“There is none!” It was like a death knell sounding. “But there is hope. Myrddyn took a small quantity of arsenicum each day. He made it himself from various plants. He even used the pips of apples.” Suddenly I remembered how he had always been hoarding apples. I had thought it was to ferment them to make drink but he obviously had another purpose.
Fiachnae mac Báetáin returned with a jug of milk.
“I am indebted to you, my friend.”
He nodded, “If I can help to save the great wizard Myrddyn then my name will be remembered. It is enough.”
Gawan poured it, drop by drop down the throat of the wizard. I think we all held our breath for, as the empty jug was placed on the ground, we all breathed a sigh of relief.
We all turned as a handful of warriors ran up. It was a bloody Penda and his men. “That Northumbrian spy was a brave man.”
“Did he speak?”
“Aye before the end he just wanted to die and he told us all. The four of them were to hide to the west of the camp and await a girl and a man who would join them.” I turned and glared at Morcar. Morgause was the only woman in the camp; this was the final nail in her coffin. “They were expecting the sword, Saxon Slayer, too. You were the target as well as the wizard.”
I shook my head. This was wyrd. Had we not captured him and killed his companions then I would also lie stricken with the poison for I would have eaten them. The difference was that I had not taken the precaution of consuming this poison before. I was no wizard. I would be dead. Suddenly all fear left me. The spirits would make my death when they chose; it was completely out of my hands. The dream I had had and Myrddyn had dreamt would happen and I could nothing about it. I now had to make sure that Myrddyn lived.
Gawan said, “I will sit with my old master. He will not die on my watch. Get some sleep, father for tomorrow we will have to fight.”
“You still intend to bring them to battle?”
“Aye Penda. And I need no sleep. I have slept my last sleep.” Hogan Lann gave me a worried look. “Tell me Penda did he say anything about Oswald and Oswiu?”
“Only that they were close by.”
Lann Aelle, who had just returned whipped his head around as though he might see them.
“They will not be that close, Lann Aelle, but Morgause will be heading to reach them. Tomorrow morning, Aedh, put your best tracker on her tail.”
“I will Warlord, Osgar ap Gruffydd is the best we have. He can find tracks on stones.”
“Good. I will sit with Gawan and Myrddyn. The rest of you get some sleep. Tomorrow we fight.” Morcar nervously awaited close by. “That means you too, Morcar.”
“I still cannot believe that she did this but you must believe I knew nothing about it.”
“Then your heart blinded your eyes and your mind. We will talk in the morning. Prepare my sword and armour before you go to bed.”
“Yes Uncle. Sorry.”
When he had gone Hogan Lann asked, “Do you believe him?”
“It doesn’t matter. Tomorrow will be the most important day in my life. The dream I had in the cave will come to fruition in the morning.”
“Then get some sleep.”
I smiled. “I promise you that I will sleep as soon as the battle is over and King Edwin is defeated. I will not sleep until I have spoken with Myrddyn.” I did not want Hogan Lann questioning me any closer. He was too clever and might deduce what I wanted to remain hidden. “You know the plan for the morning?”
“Aye. And I am glad that you will sit on the knoll and watch. I will assign some warriors to watch over you.”
“That is not necessary and you will need every warrior you can get. Do not worry I will have Morcar and Gawan and Myrddyn will be close by. And remember Hogan Lann, tomorrow, when King Edwin is defeated then you will be Warlord. Know that I love you and trust you as I do your brother Gawan here. Along with Myrddyn you are the closest men to my heart.”
Hogan became agitated, “Father, this is not like you. What is wrong?”
I smiled, “Nothing is wrong. I have just cheated death and I realised that I do not tell those that I love how I feel often enough. It is a failing in me.”
Seemingly reassured he said, “Then I will go to my bed.”
I sat with my hand on Gawan’s shoulder. We watched as Myrddyn’s chest rose and fell. “Thank you son, for saving Myrddyn’s life.”
“It is too early to say.”
“He will not die. He has told me of the death he dreamed for him and this was not it.”
“I do not know how I would be able to handle a dream of my own death. At least you will have warning when he dreams of your death.” There must have been something in my face which gave me away or perhaps it was the fact that Gawan was fey too. His eyes widened. “He has dreamed of your death.”
I could not in all conscience lie to Gawan. He too had dreamed in the cave and the spirits spoke to him. Perhaps I would speak to him when I was in the Otherworld. I nodded.
“But you need to tell us who and how so that we can
stop it.”
“If I had told you then you and Hogan Lann might have made me stay close to the fire and be guarded by warriors. If you had then I would have eaten the mushrooms and you would be mourning me. If it is meant to be it will happen no matter what you do. We cannot change what is ordained.” I took off my baldric with the ornate scabbard and handed it to Gawan. “Keep this until I am dead. There is a chamber at Civitas Carvetiorum. I want you to place it there. Myrddyn will show you where.”
He began to rise. “This has gone far enough. I will fetch Hogan Lann.”
I shook my head. “You cannot, for the spirits speak with you. If you break this confidence then they will no longer communicate with you.”
“But why?” He held the scabbard up.
“Because the sons of Aethelfrith want the sword. I cannot deny them that but without the scabbard then perhaps it will not be as powerful. Now hide it. Dawn is coming quickly. Remember you cannot speak of this.”
I did not ask him where he secreted it. I did not need that information. I looked down at Myrddyn. “Well old man, I had hoped to speak with you before I went to the Otherworld but unless you wake soon it will be my spirit to whom you speak. I know not if you can hear me but you have been the greatest friend a man could have. With you at my side I feared nothing. I do not fear this death which approaches like a galloping horse. I would change the manner and the hand if I could but that is beyond my control. Watch over my family when I am gone. I know that you will but I ask you as a friend and not as Warlord. I will die easier knowing that my sons, daughter and my wife will have the protection of the great wizard.”
Gawan appeared and stared around, “I heard voices. Who were you talking with?”
I waved my hand around. “My home, my land, my Rheged and my friend, Myrddyn.” He smiled and sat next to Myrddyn stroking his forehead.
Poor Gawan was so tired that he eventually fell asleep. I moved him away from Myrddyn and covered him with a cloak. I had been lucky in my sons and was confident that they would not follow the route of Prince Ywain and change when I died. Myrddyn would see to that.
The buccina to rouse the camp sounded even though it was still dark. We were preparing early for battle. Morcar joined me with my armour and sword. He looked as though he had not slept. He suddenly peered at me through reddened eyes; he had been crying too, “Where is your scabbard?”
“I will not need it today. You will have my banner and I will hold my sword aloft. I want the enemy to see me and know I live yet.” I used Saxon Slayer to point at the hillside in the distance where the Northumbrians were already gathering. “That is where the enemy will see me and they will come for me.”
As he began to dress me he said, “You will be the bait.”
“We will be the bait. That is why there will be no warriors near us. I want the Northumbrians hatred of me to make them become careless.”
I was almost ready. Morcar slapped his head. “I have forgotten the armour for the throat.”
“It matters not. I will not have to fight today. This day I just have to look like a Warlord.”
Gawan heard the noises and awoke. “You let me sleep.”
“You needed it and look, the wizard lives still.”
The sun had risen above the eastern hills when my captains rode up to me. “We are ready.”
“I know, Hogan Lann.”
“Are you sure you want no guards?”
“Remember, I am the bait. They must think I am vulnerable and come for me. You must strike hard and go for King Edwin. Take the head of the snake and the beast will die.”
I walked up to Pol and clasped him by the hand. “Today, my old squire you will achieve true glory. You need to take your equites now if you are to be in position before the Northumbrians move.”
He knelt, “It is an honour to serve you.” He sprang lightly onto the back of his steed and led his hundred warriors away to the west.
Lann Aelle also knelt, “I too had better follow. I do not have as far to ride but it would not do to be late. I would not wish to let you down, uncle.”
“You can never let me down Lann Aelle; you are just like your father. You are like a rock on which I can stand. You are totally dependable.”
He left and headed after Pol. I turned to Bors, Kay and Daffydd. “You have the hardest task today. You must hold the enemy until Hogan Lann can launch his attack. I have no doubts that you will do so well. You truly are great captains and you two are a credit to your fathers.” Bors and Daffydd stood a little straighter.
Kay said, “If they pass us it is because we are dead!” I nodded for I knew he meant every word.
King Fiachnae mac Báetáin and Penda exchanged a glance which showed that they had not seen such affection from warriors for their leader before. “And we may not be of Rheged but we will not let you down.”
“I am glad that spirits sent me to speak with both of you. It is wyrd. Remember it will appear hopeless but follow the plan and we will prevail.”
They both nodded and, clutching their protective amulets, left. King Cadwallon looked down at Myrddyn. “I hope the old wizard pulls through. Wyddfa and Gwynedd need him. He is our link to the past.” He came to clasp my arm. And I am pleased that you avoided the witch’s poison. We could not do without the Warlord.”
“You are a great king, Cadwallon. Your name will go through history as the warrior who defeated King Edwin; this I swear.”
He mounted his horse and rode off to join his men. They would be behind Hogan Lann, hidden by a fold in the land. They were the surprise I hoped the Northumbrians would not be expecting.
There was just me, my sons, Morcar and Myrddyn. Hogan Lann was about to speak when Aedh galloped up and he looked distressed. “Warlord, it is Osgar; he has been murdered. Someone slit his throat with a poisoned blade.”
Hogan Lann smashed one hand into the other. “That witch!” He glared at Morcar. “I will have her crucified when I find her.”
“Have you put another scout on her trail?”
“Aye, but he is no Osgar.”
“Mayhap he will become one. Now you need to be in position too, Aedh.”
“I am sorry about, Myrddyn.”
“It was not your fault and he lives still. Take care.”
“I will my lord!”
Aedh was like Pol. He was a member of my family. Hogan Lann shook his head. “Things are going wrong, Warlord. Perhaps we should not have begun this adventure.”
“It was not of our choosing, Hogan Lann. It was the spirits. When you are Warlord they will speak to you and I will smile at the problems it causes.”
He laughed. “Then I look forward to your smile.” He glared at Morcar. “Cousin, protect the Warlord. His life is in your hands this day!”
The knoll upon which we waited suddenly seemed empty. I could see the spearmen with their fine banners standing some four hundred paces below me on the plain. I saw Hogan Lann leading his fine equites, as they spread out further to the east. I watched as Tuanthal joined him with his horseman who had been screening the army. I watched as Hogan Lann pointed towards me. Tuanthal put spurs to his horse and galloped up the knoll to join us.
“Your son sent me. King Edwin advances close to the hillside. He is coming in a giant wedge.”
“Excellent. It is as we expected. You have done well my old friend. You have come a long way from the young warrior who rode ponies and delivered messages to King Urien for me.”
He laughed, “Those were fine days. I miss many of the warriors who fought with us then.”
I nodded remembering how close he and Garth had been. “Aye we have both lost friends. Hopefully, today will not be one of them.”
I caught a glimpse of the young pony rider from all those years ago as he trotted back to join his men. I hoped he would be safe. His lightly armed horsemen would have a difficult role this day. Morcar sat on his horse behind me. I mounted Nightstar. This was a warhorse. I hoped I would not need him but if I did then I knew that
he would fight as hard as any warrior. Saxon Slayer suddenly felt as light as a feather in my hand. I held it aloft and a shaft of sunlight caught it. It must have been a coincidence, else it was the spirits, for the Saxons suddenly headed for the gap between Hogan Lann and my spearmen. They had taken the bait!
My son had spread out his squires in front of his heavily armed and armoured equites. The advancing Northumbrians would just see a thin line of lightly armed horsemen and a few spearmen. There would appear to be no archers and none of the deadly warriors encased from head to foot in iron. Edwin would think it was as the previous day and we were trying to slow him down. He was pushing on to the river.
This was the first battle where I was just an observer but I had an excellent vantage point. I could see the whole battle unfolding before me. It was as though I was in the hall at The Narrows and this was a map in front of me. We had just one reserve of horsemen. They were away to the west. Tuanthal’s younger brother Ardle led them. I hoped we would not need them. Everything else was planned. Ardle was there in case Edwin outwitted me or the spirits were precocious.
As the Northumbrians closed I could see King Fiachnae mac Báetáin visibly retraining his men. They were desperate, from what I could see, to hurl themselves at the advancing armoured giant. I saw Penda’s banner between Kay’s and Bors’. They would be resolute but I worried about the Hibernians. Suddenly the sky above my men became black as Daffydd and his archers showered the enemy with barbed death. It was as though someone had hit the whole of the advancing wedge with a hammer. It faltered and then stopped. The second and third arrow storm seemed to punch them back as they regrouped and reformed the wedge. It was too much for the men of Ulaid. They screamed their war cries and raced forward to engage with the enemy. It was a disaster. We had barely begun to whittle down the enemy numbers. In an instant my reckless allies had made victory almost impossible. My death would be in vain!
At first the wild charge seemed to succeed and punched a hole into the side of the wedge. There were, however, just too many Northumbrians and the men of Dál nAraidi might have had better swords than before but they deigned to wear armour. The Northumbrians began to flood around the sides of the Irishmen and cut into their ranks. The shocked warriors did not fall back, they fled. I knew, as did my son, that fleeing warriors run until they feel safe. They would run until they reached the Dunum!