That autumn I rode to the gathering of the local Thing with my eldest son by my side. I felt very proud. Kveldulf looked every inch the warrior in his new suit of clothes, his weapons and a new helmet he had, in his own words: ‘taken from a Welshman who had no further use for it.’
The area round the Thing-mound buzzed with excitement. People arriving shouted greetings to those already settled. Cooking fires blazed, dogs sniffed around marking their territory and getting into fights with intruders. Children ran to do their chores, fetching water, collecting firewood and leading the horses to grazing. I left the household to roof the booth and set up our camp and went looking for familiar faces. The first I saw was Eysten Mordson of Keskadale. He left the people he was talking to and joined me. We greeted each other as old comrades in arms. We had fought several battles together and his father, when he was our Lawman, had supported my claim to Becklund.
‘I see Kveldulf is ready to take his place among the warriors of Cumbria,’ he said.
‘Yes, I’m very pleased that he returned in time.’
‘I assume you’ll take part in the ritual.’
‘I should like to but although I watched many times it is difficult to see from outside and I don’t quite know what it entails.’
‘It’s very straightforward. Follow me and I’ll put you right. The others will have fathers or other kin there. It’s right that Kveldulf should too. Will you pursue your lawsuit against Kjeld this year?’
‘No, no, I shall concentrate on Kveldulf’s initiation and not be distracted by anything else. Another year and I’ll have more support as well.’
When I visited Lawman Leifr Olafson he showed no sign of remembering my lack of respect at our previous meeting. He greeted me with a smile and received my gifts of fleeces and a pair of silver goblets. When Kveldulf bent his knee to him he nodded.
‘So your son is of age, Sigrid Kveldulfsdaughter. It pleases me that you have brought him to be presented to the gathered Norse. There are four others,’ he said to Kveldulf. ‘I’m sure you all know each other. You shall be tried and tested and then you will have the right to speak at the Thing and take part in the annual sacrifice.’
Every morning, Kveldulf went to be taught about our laws and customs by the Lawman. We always knew when these lessons ended as the young men came running through the camp shouting and whistling, making a great show of being released from their enforced period of inactivity. But their freedom was further curtailed when the Thing assembled to hear news, discuss common activities and listen to the complaints brought to the Law.
These proceedings began with the Lawman taking the Law Oath. An ox was led to the holy grove where the offer stone had been cleaned and the carved likenesses of our gods restored to their places at one end. We all assembled round the offer stone chanting the praise of our gods and asking them to accept our offering. The Lawman cut the throat of the animal, made docile beforehand with cowbane. The blood spurted from the neck and was collected in an offer-bowl. Lawman Leifr dipped a heavy silver ring in the blood and put it on his arm. The blood would dry and stick the ring to his arm. There it would stay, giving Leifr wisdom and ensure truthful witness statements, until after this meeting of the Thing was over. Leifr turned to face the gathered Cumbrians and his voice was powerful as he spoke:
‘I take lawful oath upon the ring, so help me Frey, Njord and the Almighty Odin, that I will judge every case in such manner as I know to be most just and true and most consistent with the Law.’ We all chanted our approval. Leifr led us in procession to the Law-Mound where he sat down and began reciting the laws from memory. The five young initiates gathered at his feet so they would be able to hear everything. Once the recital was done, the youngsters careered off to take part in the games and competitions, to seek out friends and chase girls.
Lawman Leifr paid me a return visit. We sheltered from the persistent drizzle under the tent cover and watched people hurry past in all directions. We had exchanged the usual prolonged greetings and small talk.
‘Your son will make a fine Cumbrian and a brave warrior,’ he said. Pride made my cheeks hot and my heart quicken.
‘I’m pleased to hear that. I hope he’ll make me and his father proud.’ Leifr reached out and helped himself to more almonds and dates. He allowed Vida to refill his goblet. With a contented sigh he relaxed back in his chair and stretched out his legs. Then he said:
‘I’m relieved that you and Kjeld Gunnarson are putting your old quarrels aside.’
‘Wh…’ I choked on my wine. Surprise spread across Leifr’s features and his hand stopped half-way to the bowl of dates. I coughed until able to speak in a strangled voice.
‘What do you mean? I have no intention of abandoning the lawsuit against him. Enough people here know him for a traitor. It’s time he answered for the deaths and the defeat he caused.’
‘But,’ he said, ‘I thought, when I saw your son handing gifts to Kjeld’s young daughter. Well, it seemed…’ He fell silent. My whole body trembled with the effort of staying in my seat instead of rushing off in search of Kveldulf and the explanation he owed me. Kjeld’s daughter! Had he really betrayed me so? How could he do this to me?
‘I’m sorry,’ said Leifr. ‘I can see this has taken you by surprise. It didn’t occur to me that your son was acting without your knowledge.’
‘Is Kjeld aware of this?’
‘I don’t know. He didn’t mention it when I spoke with him a few days ago. I’m sorry. This is most unfortunate.’
The conversation became stilted. Eventually Leifr Olafson asked what obviously preyed on his mind:
‘I hope you’re not planning a lawsuit this year. With your son, well, it would be awkward.’
‘No I was not planning anything this year. But do not doubt my resolve. Honourable men and women died due to Kjeld’s treachery. Some were close to me. I have a debt of honour to them. I shall pursue Kjeld and, in the end, I shall see justice done.’
He didn’t look happy but accepted that this year I would let matters rest. After a while he left me to my own miserable thoughts.
I seethed with anger at my son’s disloyalty. But I decided that to go looking for him would serve no purpose other than to turn him against me. And what could I say to him? He knew what I would think about him and Kjeld’s daughter. Why else the secrecy? There was nothing I could add. Who else had noticed? Were people laughing behind my back? And where did this leave my plans to bring Kjeld to account for his treachery? Who would take me seriously if my son courted the daughter of the man I would accuse? Thoughts flapped like startled sparrows in my head. All questions, no answers and nobody to confide in.
I spent the night tossing and turning until I decided I might as well get up. Wrapped in my fur lined cloak I went outside. I stirred the banked up fire back to life and fed it some kindling. I sat on a stool listening to the sounds of my sleeping household mixed with those of the creatures that move about in the night. Behind me a tent flap rustled. I turned to see a tousled haired head emerge, followed by the rest of Harald. He settled next to me and I put my arm around his shoulders so my cloak covered us both.
‘I heard some of what the Lawman said about Kveldulf.’
‘Did you know already?’
‘Yes, I’ve been trying to get him to tell you but he won’t. He says there’s no point. It’s really making it difficult for you, Mor, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it is. But Harald, has the girl told Kjeld? Odin’s beard, is Kveldulf offering bridegeld? Does he have enough silver? Could…’
‘Shush Mor, you’ll wake everyone. That’s a lot of questions. How do I know if she’s told Kjeld? Or if my idiot brother has offered bridegeld. But he has gold, I do know that. He even has a couple of gold coins in his boots! I saw them. That’s why he was limping.’
‘How long has… I mean they’re so young.’
‘Oh, he was bewitched from the start. Ridiculous! I used to tease him about it but it’s too serious for that now. They’r
e quite determined to marry. Kjeld won’t be pleased but Nanna is his favourite and she thinks she can talk him round.’
‘Kjeld’s children never accepted the weregeld. Her sister set fire to Becklund and killed several people, her brother tried to kill us all. Will this Nanna do the same?’
‘Mor, she’s just a spoilt girl. I can’t see her trying to revenge her mother.’
‘How do you know she wouldn’t?’
‘Well, I don’t of course but…’
‘How well do you know her?’
‘Not very, she’s just one of the crowd. But he’s strange, you know, Kveldulf. He could’ve had any of them but he’s never bothered with anyone but her.’ I was suddenly overcome by curiosity.
‘What about you? Do you have a special girl?’
‘Oh, about a half dozen.’ He giggled and it was so infectious I joined in, grateful for the diversion.
The initiation rites had their roots in ancient times in another country. The boys, young men now, were tested to prove their worth as warriors and full members of our Thing. They had demonstrated their prowess in swordplay, archery, spear throws, running and wrestling. They had also been questioned about their knowledge of the Law. Now the last test remained. It took place late afternoon, when shadows lengthened but it was still not dark.
The temple was a large, wooden roof resting on heavy beams but open to the sides. Only warriors attended this ceremony. The rest of the community held hands to form a circle round the holy place. They chanted and moved slowly in time with the drum-beats coming from inside. In this way they formed a protective wall to keep Odin’s power inside the temple and to prevent evil forces entering.
I followed Eysten Mordson inside. The roof cut out most of the light and at first I could see nothing except flames from the many torches. Then I made out a large carved likeness of Odin standing on one side, surrounded by candles. A fire crackled in the centre. I breathed in the pungent aroma of fresh herbs. They smouldered on top of the fire, giving off thick smoke that made you light-headed after a few breaths. My eyes got used to the dim light and I saw my fellow Cumbrian Norse gathered in small groups, talking in low, respectful voices. I had never attended this ceremony before and I half expected to be challenged. Instead I was welcomed with warm handshakes by most of those present. Among the few who ignored me or cast me evil glances was Kjeld Gunnarson but neither he nor his supporters said anything.
The Lawman entered followed by the young men, bare-chested and straight-backed, their heads held high. Kveldulf was last in line. He was so like Ragnar, I caught my breath. Was it just a mother’s pride or was he the most handsome? The drumbeats began, resounding and compelling as heartbeats. The people outside linked hands and the human wall closed around us. The chanting began. It grew louder then it turned into a humming that swelled and receded like waves on the ocean.
The boys knelt in front of Odin’s likeness. In the flickering light his one eye seemed alive and fixed on them. The Lawman asked in a deep, resonant voice:
‘Are you ready to undergo the last test of courage and to swear loyalty to the Highest?’ His voice floated on the smoke-filled air and seemed to hang there until the youngsters answered in unison:
‘We are ready.’ The chanting from outside grew into a thunder of approval. The lawman continued:
‘The Highest hung from a tree, given by himself, to himself. He sacrificed his eye to gain wisdom. Are you prepared to do the same?’
‘We are prepared,’ chanted the youngsters.
The young men were led to a crossbeam. Their feet were tied together and they were hoisted to hang upside down with their arms crossed in front of their bare chests. The warriors formed a line in front of the suspended youngsters. We drew our knives. Eysten was in front of me and I noticed Kjeld Gunnarson in front of him. Eysten turned.
‘Just touch where Leifr has scratched. We don’t draw blood, only Leifr does that.’ The ritual was led by the Lawman who stopped in front of each young man and cut a small incision just below the left eye. A small amount of blood trickled down over the eye onto the forehead. In a couple of cases the blood mixed with tears. This was ignored as long as nobody flinched or cried out. We all followed the Lawman and put the tips of our knives to the wounds. The youngsters all hung very still. I concentrated on not touching their cuts too hard. Then; a flurry of movement. What was going on? I couldn’t see. I sensed something awful happening. What was it? Someone shouted:
‘Nithing! Don’t even try!’
‘He flinched. I couldn’t…’ The rest drowned in a storm of anger and swearing.
Eysten stood behind Kjeld and had twisted his arm behind his back. A knife lay at their feet, blood smeared on its edge. Kveldulf hung in front of them.
I lunged at Kjeld. I craved his blood, his life. My arms were pinned against my sides and I was pulled away. A large, calloused hand covered my mouth.
‘Don’t make it worse. The boy is safe.’ I recognised Kohl Ivarson’s voice. Someone twisted my wrist until I let go of the knife. I struggled against many hands. They held me down until I was still. The chanting rang in my ears, the drum pounded, it felt like it was inside my head.
Kveldulf and the other young men were freed of their fetters and stood in a line. Blood dripped from under Kveldulf’s hand on to the floor.
‘I did not flinch, you son of a serpent!’ he cried. ‘You meant to blind me.’ The Lawman slowly made him remove his hand from the eye. My roar reached every part of the valley before I was again silenced and held down in a kneeling position on the floor. The Lawman dipped a corner of his under shirt in the wine-beaker he seemed to constantly have at hand. He dabbed at Kveldulf’s face.
‘Kveldulf Ragnarson, just wait quietly. Justice will be done whatever happened here. Now let me look at your wound then we’ll attend to the rest. Your eye looks unhurt but I’m afraid you’ll carry a rather larger scar than your friends. Whatever happened, you’re owed compensation for that, as are your parents. Wait, wait,’ he silenced Eysten and some others who all wanted to tell their version of what had happened. ‘We shall treat this matter in the proper manner at a full hearing of the Thing. But first we shall finish what we have come here to do.’
He raised his arms and chanted the ancient words that meant the new warriors were accepted as full members of the Thing. All the people outside raised their voices in a chorus of welcome.
I took Kveldulf back to our booth. People stood aside offering sympathy and calling for justice. I caught sight of Kjeld’s daughter, red-eyed, looking stunned. Her step-mother pulled her away and marched her towards Kjeld’s booth.
My son was scarred. The gash went from below his eye across the cheekbone towards the nose. Kirsten sewed it up with finest silk thread and he was praised for his fortitude and courage. The Lawman decided to hold court without delay. The horn called for all to gather around the Thing-mound. Word spread like rings on water and there was hardly room for all to get within hearing. It had finally arrived; the time for me to see Kjeld Gunnarson dishonoured and banished.
Eysten was first to touch the ring on Lawman Leifr’s arm and swear: ‘I swear upon the ring, so help me Frey and Njord and the Almighty Odin, that I will bear witness in such manner as I know to be true. I tell you all here assembled that I was next to Kjeld and I watched him deliberately cut Kveldulf Ragnarson’s face. He meant to blind the lad.’ Kjeld argued:
‘The coward flinched. There was nothing I could do to avoid scratching him.’
‘More than a scratch,’ said the Lawman. ‘A deep, disfiguring cut. Are you prepared to take the oath, Kjeld Gunnarson?’ Kjeld put a finger to the ring on Leifr’s arm and swore the same as Eysten. Then he continued:
‘It was only because Eysten Mordson grabbed my hand and that made the knife go deeper.’ This gave rise to a storm of protests which was met in kind by Kjeld’s supporters. It was Kjeld’s word against Eysten’s. It was not, as I had assumed, a foregone conclusion. Nobody had seen what took place. A c
old hand took hold of my heart and threatened to crush it. I dreaded the possibility that the Lawman would hear character-testimonies from supporters and base his judgement on that. But, to everybody’s surprise, he declared that he had enough information and was ready to pass judgement. The gathering was so quiet he hardly needed to raise his voice.
‘Warriors must be able to trust each other. In battle it is your neighbours who will watch your back and stand fast by your side. The purpose of our final initiation is to test the courage of our new warriors but it is also to demonstrate to them that no harm will come to them from their own. Today one young warrior stands with a scar on his face. Why? Either a man cut him deliberately, perhaps even with the intent of blinding him. A man he should have been able to trust. Or a neighbour, Eysten Mordson, failed in his trust and grabbed the hand that delivered the cut. Or, finally, the young warrior failed in courage and moved his head.’ He looked around to make sure all had understood. Then he continued:
‘I have met daily with these young men for two whole weeks now. I have got to know them very well. Some can be a bit childlike and joke about serious matters.’ A youngster grinned sheepishly at this and hung his head. ‘Others,’ said the Lawman, ‘can be impetuous and rush their judgements.’ Another boy blushed and cleared his throat. In that way Leifr Olafson said something about each of the young men who all knew when he meant them. I began to worry about what he’d say about Kveldulf. He mentioned him last and by name.
‘Kveldulf Ragnarson is thoughtful and trustworthy. He has shown outstanding courage and is a worthy Odin’s warrior. I judge that he did not flinch. He would never do that. Unless he felt himself wrongfully threatened by Kjeld Gunnarson. To submit to a blade held by a family enemy would test the bravest. I watched because I was aware of this and I wanted to know if Kveldulf possessed that higher level of courage. I tell you, I have seen that he does.’
Honour is All Page 12