by Griff Hosker
I trusted that my standard bearer would be able to wave the flag and signal Pasgen although I suspected he was itching to do so anyway. Just when I thought we might have a chance of winning. Tuanthal shouted. “Warlord look to the left!”
I turned and saw the second warband, with a wedge formed hurtling towards us. “Left face!” We would have to let Garth and Pasgen deal with the first warband while our hundred warriors bore the brunt of this attack.”Tuanthal, take your men and harry their flanks!”
I saw that Miach and Aelle had switched targets in an attempt to slow down the behemoth which approached but they were taking casualties from the Saxon archers too.
We had barely changed our front when a huge war axe slammed into my shield. The blow numbed my arm but the metal on my shield stopped it penetrating. I twisted the shield to one side and exposed the warrior’s chest. I thrust Saxon Slayer as hard as I could manage and felt it crack and break some of the mail links and penetrate his body. I twisted his dying corpse from the blade just as a sword tried to cleave my head in two. I just managed to block the blow and then Raibeart slid his sword under the warrior’s arm into his chest. Pol was using the standard like a spear as he jabbed forwards but we were being slowly forced backwards down the valley. I could see nothing of Pasgen and Tuanthal and I hoped that they were still attacking. I saw arrows still flying overhead and knew that Miach and his men fought on but I could see our men falling to the superior numbers.
”Shield wall!” It was a desperate command in the middle of a battle but we needed a solid wall of shields. The wedge would serve us no longer. I punched with my shield and hacked with my sword as the line began to stabilise around me.
I knew that we had achieved the formation when I heard the voice of one of my warriors from my stronghold behind me. “Don’t worry Warlord, your oathsworn are here now! We will protect your back.”
That made me feel much better. I knew that, if we had to then we could rotate our men at the front but, even so, there were still many more Saxons before us. I heard a cry from Raibeart and saw the gush of blood from his shield arm. “Raibeart step back!” He shook his head. “I order you to step back!” He reluctantly did so and one of my oathsworn stepped into the breach but we were still moving backwards. All that I could see, ahead of me was a wall of Saxons as far as the eye could see. We appeared to be completely enveloped. I could see the Raven Banner waving less than fifty paces from me. Their king was eager for revenge.
Then suddenly the banner began to move backwards and the pressure lessened and then stopped altogether. I looked around and saw that my men, horse and foot alike were exhausted. We should have all been killed but the Saxons had stopped. Then a bloody Aedh galloped up. “It is King Iago, Warlord. He is a mile up the valley with his army and the Saxons are retreating before he can outflank them.”
I said a silent prayer to the Allfather for delivering us. I was about to order my equites to pursue but, when I looked, I saw that the horses could not move another step and the riders, too were both wounded and exhausted. We could not aid Iago any further. If he was to defeat the Saxons it would be without our help. We had drawn the sting but Iago had to fell the beast.
The field was littered with the wounded, dying and the dead but my priority was Raibeart. I found him being tended to by Adair, the chief of his bodyguards. He looked up at me and said, “I am sorry, Warlord. I know not how the blow struck him.”
“Do not blame yourself, my brother was watching out for me. Let us see what the damage is and then get you to the wizard eh?” Raibeart was pale but awake and alert both of which were good signs. The sword had cracked through the mail links and sliced across the top of the shoulder. As far as I could see it had missed the major arteries. I tore the hem from the shift Raibeart wore beneath his mail shirt and gave it Adair. “Hold this tightly to the wound and stem the flow of blood. Take him to Myrddyn quickly.” I glanced down at my brother and took his hand. “You will live and I must see to the others.”
“I know for you are still the Warlord.”
I stood and scanned the field. Aelle, Tuanthal, Garth, Miach, Pasgen, Aedh and Pol; all walked and they were alive! This was a ritual which occurred after every battle. I checked on my key warriors; if they lived then, no matter what the outcome, the battle had been a success. The field was covered in far too many of our warriors. We had managed to cover a great distance without losses and now, so close to home, it was hard to bear. Many of the families now with the monks would search the field and find that their loved one was dead.
Further away I saw Aethelfrith retreating in good order. The men of Gwynedd were half a mile behind. I was under no illusions; had King Iago not appeared we would have lost. I believe that the Saxons would have lost many men but they would have retained the field and Rheged would have died. I thanked the Allfather that it had not been so. Once again I wondered about Myrddyn; had he seen the allies appearing, apparently magically? He had seemed convinced that we would not be beaten and I would not die.
Prince Pasgen rode up and dismounted. I could see that their mail and their helmets were scarred and damaged. A tendril of blood ran from Tuanthal’s brow. “They almost had us there Warlord. Had the scouts not been alert we would have been caught between the two warbands with nowhere to go. As soon as I saw the Raven Banner I knew we faced a mighty foe.”
“How man did you lose?”
“We have forty riders left uninjured.” That was a terrible loss.
“And you Prince Pasgen?”
“I did not suffer as badly but we lost ten equites. They can never be replaced.”
I shook my head. “They can, Prince Pasgen. We have many young men from Rheged who live in our land and they would wish to be equites.” Garth, Aella and Miach approached having seen to their own wounded first. “How many?”
“We lost thirty from the shield wall. They were all good men.”
“Six archers,” Miach shrugged. “We were lucky.”
“Five of my slingers but Raibeart lost half of his men.” He looked to the monastery from which streamed monks as well as the families of the warriors. “It will be a hard blow to take.”
“Had we not made it as far as here then how many more would have died at Glanibanta? The pot is half full brother not half empty. We have enough families to begin to build up the men of Rheged once more. Now collect all the weapons and the armour. It will be needed even more urgently from now on. That I know for certain. Aedh, send riders to Caergybi and ask Brother Oswald for some wagons. We will need them for the wounded and for the iron.”
Aelle shook his head, “You are always the Warlord. Do you never think of yourself brother?”
“When King Urien made me Warlord I took an oath. Even though he is dead, until Rheged ceases to be because all of its peoples are dead, then I will continue to be single minded. I cannot change what is in here.” I patted my heart.
“And none of us would want that, least of all Raibeart and me.”
The monks helped Myrddyn to save many men’s lives that day. Limbs which would normally be taken off to save a life were, themselves, saved. The food that the monks gave to the living helped to heal the body and the mind. For me the saddest part was when I saw the wives and children find a loved one on the battlefield. It was pitiful to see the tears flowing and knowing that they would have to start a new life without the rock upon which they had depended. It had happened to me and my brothers and I could understand their grief and the emptiness they all felt.
We kept guards and sentries patrolling but I was sure that King Iago would not halt in his pursuit of the Saxons. He would want revenge for the death of his father. However,I did not know if there were any other bands who might try to attack us whilst we lay like a wounded beast.
The next morning we sent the wagons with the families and half of the warriors and riders who were fit. I wanted them on my island as soon as possible. We were safe at the moment but I knew that that could change. As Garth and I watche
d the last wagon leave I said, “Did Hogan not wish to accompany you?”
He grinned, “He did indeed but he has heeded my word since you gave that talk to him. He sulked and he stormed but I left him as commander of your castle, under the watchful eyes of Brother Oswald and Myfanwy.”
“Thank you for looking after my son.”
“Warlord it is an honour besides we all like Hogan. In him we see you and that is a good thing.”
“How is he coming along?”
“He is a fine warrior but a better rider than an archer. I think he would be like you and excel in all things.” I waved away the unwanted compliment. “Brother Oswald says he is becoming a good reader and is now devouring all the books on strategy. He loves to read Brother Osric’s journals.”
I was pleased. Reading of the mistakes of the past helped to prevent repeating them in the future. I then told Garth of our adventures beginning with the rescue of Cadfan and ending at the monastery.
“It seems you have had your fair share of luck.”
“Yes, Garth, and that worries me for luck can always run out. Yesterday was a good example.” I saw, in the distance, the first of our wagons sent by Oswald, arriving. “Let us take our leave of the good bishop. I fear we have exhausted his hospitality.”
“I think, my lord, that he appreciates what you do and has enjoyed repaying you.”
Garth may have been correct for there was no sign that the bishop and monks wanted us to go quickly and they would have been happy for us to stay longer. We left the most badly injured with a wagon and four guards whilst we packed the rest with iron, shields, armour, swords and, of course, our wounded. As I waved goodbye I never dreamed that I would never see him again for he died a month later. He died peacefully, in his sleep, and his monks said that he appeared ready for death. I am not a Christian but when they made him a saint I applauded for he was the kindest man I have ever met and I miss him still for his wisdom and thoughtfulness.
The journey home was uneventful. We did not have to hurry. Even if King Iago was defeated it would take the Saxons many days to catch up with us and I had the feeling that Iago was a better general than his father. Aelle travelled with me and we accompanied the wagon containing Raibeart. Myrddyn sat in the open wagon with him in case his wound needed attention. When they saw Wyddfa they were awestruck.
“The mountains we have at home are molehills compared with this mighty rock.”
“It is said that a dragon sleeps beneath its rocky walls and the white clouds you see about its peak is its fiery breath.” Myrddyn shrugged at the incredulous looks of my brothers. “All I can say, my lords, is that there is a power within and when I am close to it then my dreams become increasingly accurate.”
When we reached the Narrows and they saw my pontoon bridge they both laughed. “Now I see where you came up with the idea of the bridge over the Ribble but this is a dangerous looking sea. Which fool did you get to swim it?”
Myrddyn laughed, “Why the biggest fool of all, the Warlord of Rheged!”
Aelle too laughed, “I can see it now! Lord Lann who must do everything himself, swimming this cauldron of water and foam! Now I know that you are indeed indestructible.”
I sniffed, “Is there no dignity attached to my position?”
Aelle smiled, “Not from those who know you as well as we do brother.” He walked up to the bridge and the ropes and examined them all. “This is clever. It is like a boat but it is not subject to the vagaries of the sea. You pull it over then?”
“Aye. For a speedy crossing we use the men from the fort and the bridge almost flies across the water. It can take five wagons or fifty men. We did consider building a second such but this single one is easier to defend.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey across the island, my island. Both of my brothers were entranced by its beauty and its bounty. The waves and cheers from the people we passed also confirmed that this would be a good place to settle. “You can see, brothers, that there are many places for homes and farms. The coast is also fertile and affords many opportunities for dwelling. You can, for as long as you wish, stay in my castle or nearby Caergybi but when you are ready I will take you on a tour of the island and you can find, for yourself, somewhere you would choose to live.”
I grew as excited as a child as we approached the Holy Island and the fort which guarded its entrance. We had worked hard to build both the bridge and the two forts. Even as we approached I could see men at work using the plans drawn up by Oswald and Myrddyn replacing wood with stone. It was a statement that we were here to stay. Once we had passed through the two portals which led to my stronghold I could feel all the tension of the past days leave my body. Here we were safe and here we were protected.
As I stepped down, Hogan ran up to me, his face alight with joy. “Father, Warlord, I am glad that you are safe.” We embraced and I held him just a little longer that I would have done a while ago. I had thought I would never see him again and I wanted to make the most of every moment.
“Brother who is the giant who towers over me? Surely that cannot be my little nephew Hogan Lann?”
Hogan laughed and picked Aelle up. He looked like a child in my son’s mighty arms. From the wagon I heard Raibeart say. “Pray do not try that with me nephew or you will burst my wounds.”
Hogan’s face fell when he saw his Uncle Raibeart’s pale face.”Uncle, what happened?”
“I forgot to move!” We all laughed.
I looked across to the main hall and saw Myfanwy with her hands on her hips. Aelle saw her at the same time and saw my look. He turned to Myrddyn. “And who is that?”
“Ah that is Myfanwy, the tamer of Warlords. Your brother can face down a warband and fight a pack of wolves but he quakes beneath the glare of Myfanwy.”
I threw Myrddyn the most aggressive look I could muster but he smiled and shrugged. Hogan helped me out. “Myfanwy looks after the hall.” He turned to me. “She has put my aunts in the guest chambers Brother Oswald had built.” He leaned in and said quietly, “She would have appreciated more than one day’s notice of the arrival but I think she was happy to be the hostess really.”
“Thanks son.”
Freja and Maiwen rushed from the doorway to greet their fathers. Raibeart was carried on a litter by six of his bodyguards. I strolled behind and reached the doorway just after they had entered. Myfanwy had a surprisingly happy smile upon her face. “I am pleased to see the Warlord return.” She reached up to kiss me, chastely, on the cheek. She stepped back and seemed to search me for signs of war. A slight frown appeared on her face. “I heard that, once again you were taking chances and putting yourself in danger.”
“No more than others, Myfanwy.”
“I would have expected his wizard to keep him safe.”
“He has no wounds has he? Besides,” he sniffed, “I did not dream his death!”
“Pah, if that is the extent of your care then perhaps I will accompany him next time he goes to war.” She stared at me. “You do not need to be a wizard to know that you will go to war again, Warlord!”
It was too late in the day and there was too much to do to organise a feast for the guests but Myfanwy and Brother Oswald organised one for the next day. I took the opportunity of riding to the port to see how the markets and the trade had fared. War kept us safe but trade would ensure we survived. I met with Gareth and Gwynfor. Gareth looked after the market and the taxes on the ships coming in while Gwynfor, who was a sailor, ensured that the port worked well. They were a good team and they were both glad to see me.
In answer to my question Gareth beamed, “We now have a ship coming from the Empire every seven days. ,, what was Roman Gaul seeking trade.”
Since we had made the island safe the farmers had been able to grow the wheat which was in such demand in the rest of the world. We grew more than we could use although with the extra mouths we had brought that might not be so in the future.
“Good. We will have more settlers and I want to
make sure that our weekly market is a success. That is up to you Gareth.”
“Do not worry, Warlord. You will see more people on market days than you think live on the whole of Mona!”
I felt much better as Hogan and Pol rode with me back to the stronghold. “Do you think we have won now?” asked my son.
“I am not sure but we will continue as though we are still in danger. We train warriors, we make weapons and we remain vigilant. The new farmers and workers we have brought can continue to make us prosperous but the likes of Pol and you, Hogan, will need to protect what we have. I have learned that if you have something which someone else wants they will try to take it from you. The Saxons heard how prosperous our land was and decide to reap the benefit of our work. The Hibernians would rather steal than work themselves. People from other lands will always try to take what is ours and we must protect our land from such raiders.”
“Excellent! I was worried that, when I became a warrior, there would be no wars to fight.”
I shook my head, as did Pol. “Wait until you have fought your first battle before you become so bellicose. For myself I hope and wish that I never have to fight another war and another battle as long as I live. I have buried too many of my friends already.”
The feast was a huge success. With Myfanwy and Brother Oswald as the organisers it was hard to see how it could have been otherwise but even the best food needs guests who get on with each other. The fact that all of the warriors knew each other helped but Myfanwy went out of her way to make the two wives, Freja and Maiwen, welcome. She knew that Maiwen had been the Princess of Elmet but she made her feel like a sister and I was grateful to the kind hearted woman who seemed to have her sights set on me.