by Griff Hosker
Hogan asked, “What is the name of the ship?”
I had not thought about it but I looked at Myrddyn and smiled. “Why, The Wolf of course!”
Everyone thought that was appropriate and Myrddyn added, “There is a good carver of wood in Caergybi; I will commission a wolf head for the prow. If we paint it black it should terrify other ships.”
“It is not a large ship, wizard.” It was smaller than the ocean going Saxon ships.
“Yes Warlord, but just as with men and wolves, it is not the size that matters but the heart, and that ship has a good heart.”
Scout was a little wary of boarding the ship but once aboard and tethered to the rail she appeared unconcerned with the motion. I found it a speedier way of travelling and I got to see the island from a different perspective. I could see how perilous the settlements by the coast were. If raiders came, either Saxons or the men of Gwynedd, then there was little to stop them. I pointed this out to Myrddyn. “Yes Warlord and that is our fault. We have bred success into their minds and they feel safe without walls but it is pure luck that has kept these people alive.”
“When I return to my stronghold I will send for Aelle and Raibeart.” I had divided the land between my two brothers at the Roman Road. I did not obligate the people to fealty but my brothers would both be responsible for part of the land. I would ask them to oversee the building of defences to deter any attacker. Once Tuanthal and his men returned we would have warriors who could reach any part of the island in less than half a day. I would resurrect the beacons we had used in Rheged. There would need to be more of them here but it would save lives.
Myrddyn smiled and I knew he was thinking. “Come on wizard, out with it. What is going through that fertile mind of yours?”
“I was just thinking that if the castle in Rheged was Castle Perilous then your new one is Castle Peace or Castle Calm.”
“I would not tempt the gods and wyrd by naming it Peace but Castle Calm seems appropriate. I certainly feel at peace there.” And so we named our castle although the way they pronounced it on the isle was Castle Cam. It did not displease me. The name was not the issue so long as it had a name.
I left Gwynfor and Myrddyn to see to the unloading of the ship and I rode with Pol and Lann to Castle Calm. I went to my chambers where Pol and Lann helped me out of my armour. “You two see to the horses. I will not need you again today and ask Brother Oswald if he will travel on The Wolf and oversee the new defences at Pasgen’s fort. It is important that we begin to improve them before King Iago gets more ideas.”
I went to see my wife and my daughter. It had only been a short time but I had missed them both and I was determined to spend as much time with them as I could.
“Well wife and little Nanna, your father is home and he is unwounded!”
Myfanwy laughed, “At last you understand my priorities.”
Part 3
The Hibernians
Chapter 14
By the time summer had arrived we had two ships. The second was named The Dragon by Myrddyn. I think he intended it as an insult to Iago. He must have been thinking of the name for some time for he had had a figure head similar to the one for The Wolf carved in preparation. Another of Gwynfor’s many grandchildren became her captain and Daffydd’s crew trained them to use the bolt throwers. Raibeart and Aelle were pleased to be tasked with building defences. Both of them felt that they were skilled in the creation of good forts and I think they were right. They both still wanted to fight but their injuries meant that they could not. This gave the two men, both of whose children had now left for their own homes, something creative and useful to do. They did good jobs. They had both chosen one settlement each which was in the middle of their coastline. They told me that the size of the burgh was irrelevant for the neighbouring villages could seek refuge there. They had come up with this clever plan of building one and then the next ones would be between their first and Castle Calm and then the next between there and Mungo’s Burgh. We now had two forts on the two coasts. With Castle Cam and Caergybi at one end of the isle and Mungo’s Burgh and Pasgen’s Palace at the other we had enough places for the islanders to seek sanctuary. It was a number we could keep increasing as we grew.
The towers that we built made a cross across the island and Brother Oswald took that as a sign that we would all soon be Christian. He may have had a point. The islanders who were here first and the newcomers from Strathclyde were all Christian and there was a church in every settlement but I left it to each person to choose for themselves. Each of the towers was manned by locals who farmed or worked close by. The key ones were in the settlements and every town and village had men who took it in turns to either guard the gates or watch for enemies. We still only had one ally and all the rest of the people close by were enemies.
We were also surprisingly graced with a visitor from Constantinople. It was an envoy from the Emperor himself. Andronikos was a warrior like me but he had been wounded in the arm and the Emperor had tasked him with visiting their trading partners with a view to making them allies. I liked him. He could converse in Greek and Latin. I had a smattering of Latin and so we had to employ Brother Oswald as an intermediary when the language barriers became too great during our discussions.
He firstly gave me a present. “This is what we call a mace. It is an idea we took from the Persians and Parthians. It is the weapon of a Cataphractoi.” Neither of us had heard the term before and he graciously explained. “It is a horseman and horse completely encased in armour. They have a long lance, a bow and a mace. They do not need shields.”
Oswald looked at me and said, “Wyrd!” as he made the sign of the cross.
I saw the question on the Greek’s face and I explained. “I have just begun to put armour on some horses and to use a long lance. My son leads twenty such men.”
He smiled, “I had heard that you were a strategos and now I understand.”
“Strategos?”
“Yes, it is another word for Warlord. I was a strategos before I was wounded. Here feel the weight of the weapon.”
It was a wooden weapon covered with metal at the end from which protruded some wicked looking spikes. I swung it and found it remarkably light to use.
“With your permission, strategos I will give this gift to my son. He was looking for just such a weapon and I believe this can be made by my smiths.”
He spread his arms, “Emperor Phocas just wished to give the Warlord a gift. I am a soldier and, like you, I would like to see a fine weapon used and not kept as a ceremonial piece. Speaking of weapons, Lord Lann, I have heard much about this sword of yours. There are many documents in the library in the city and some of them mention your weapon.”
“Saxon Slayer?” I gestured for Lann Aelle to fetch it.
He covered his smile with his hand, “I am sorry, Warlord I mean no offence but it is only in the legends of the past that men name weapons.”
I smiled to show I was not offended, “Then perhaps we are a throwback to the time of legends for men believe that the sword has magical qualities which help us to win battles.”
“Ah that I understand for we carry religious relics into battle and there are other stories of ancient swords which could help men to win battles and wars.”
“I am sorry but my men would prefer to follow a weapon carried by a leader who knows how to use it.”Lann entered with the sword still in its scabbard. “This is the weapon, please give it to this gentleman Lann and then find my son.”
Andronikos swung the sword and watched Lann as he left. “I thought that was your son as he was called Lann.”
“No he is the son of my half brother Aelle.”
“The half Saxon.” Someone knew a great deal about me. “Intriguing but then everything about you is intriguing, Warlord; the shepherd boy who becomes a strategos without any training; the callow youth who defeats champions and kings. It is the stuff of legend and with a half brother from his enemy’s tribe as well. You are truly a remar
kable man with an equally remarkable family.” He returned the sword to the scabbard. “A fine and well balanced weapon and the steel of the blade is the finest I have seen outside of the Empire.”
“It has served me well and it has never let me down.”
“And I hear that on this island you sometimes challenge a champion to avoid unnecessary deaths?” I nodded. “That is like the legends of Hector and Achilles.”
“It does not always work out that way but I have fought kings and champions.”
He shook his head. “It is like travelling back to ancient Greece. Do not get me wrong. I like it but it is many miles from the intrigue and politics of the imperial court.”
Hogan walked in and I introduced them. “The Emperor has sent us a gift and I would wish you to have it.” I gave him the mace and he swung it. His face lit up.
Andronikos laughed. “Here is a warrior if ever I saw one. No words just a smile as he swings his weapon and I suspect, Hogan Lann that you cannot wait to use it?”
Hogan blushed and began to apologise. I waved my arm, “Go and use it. We can speak at the feast in honour of the strategos.”
After he had gone Andronikos said, “A fine boy. And I can see you are proud of him.”
“He is the finest horsemen we have and was instrumental in defeating our enemies in his first battle. I have been lucky.”
“I believe that people make their own luck.”
He seemed to appraise me for some time and we sat in silence. I broke it first. “It seems to me that you want something from me Andronikos. I am a soldier, you are a soldier. Tell me, soldier to soldier, what it is you wish.”
“I think I was chosen because I too am plain spoken. The Emperor would like an alliance with you.”
“I am flattered but I am not even a king. I control one little island and everyone is my enemy.”
“There you are wrong. Our sailors have been returning to us and telling us that Rheged and Roman Britannia are alive and well which as we both know is ironical given that the legions slaughtered those who lived here.” He waved his hand, “But I digress. Given the support of the Empire you could become a king and your lands could be increased in size.” He leaned forwards, “Between you and me it would help the Emperor in many ways if you became his ally.”
“What would it cost?”
“Nothing! The Emperor is rich beyond words but this would be the first step to reclaiming those provinces which have been lost and the fact that you are not a king helps him.”
“How?”
“He would make you Dux Britannica, the Roman ruler of the entire island.”
“That is ridiculous I only control a tiny part of it.”
“When we had governors they controlled small areas not much larger than this island besides you underestimate yourself. You managed to march to the furthest extreme of the old Roman Empire and destroy your enemies. With the Emperor’s help you will become even more powerful. We will increase the trade links. We will pay whatever price you wish for your wheat and add a quarter. We would share with you our technologies. Not just the mace but Greek Fire too.”
“I cannot see any reason why I should refuse but I would meet with my closest counsellors and discuss what we ought to do. Does that displease you?”
“No, for I expected it of you, Warlord.”
“We have guest quarters for you. We also have a bath house, not as good as the ones you are used to but a place to become clean after the long sea voyage.”
“Thank you I may take you up on that but I believe you have some writings from a priest of Rheged, Brother Osric. Would it be possible to read them?” Both Oswald and I had the same quizzical look on our face. How did he know of the writings? Andronikos had lived in the political world of the Byzantine Empire for some time and he spread his arms in apology. “Brother Osric wrote to a friend of his in Constantinople and told him of Rheged and his writings.”
“Aah, I do not think we have any objections. Brother Oswald can show them to you and then join me in the Praetorium.”
I sent one of my men at arms to fetch the others and I seated myself at the table with Lann behind me. “Remember Lann, whatever you hear in this room stays in this room. You are privilege to hear more than most men. Do not abuse the trust.”
“Of course Warlord and I am honoured.”
My men quickly joined me, Garth, Ridwyn, Tuanthal, Hogan, Miach, Myrddyn and, finally, Brother Oswald. When they were seated I gave them the gist of the conversation. “But before we discuss it I would like Brother Oswald to give me his opinion and when you have all spoken I will give you mine.”
“I was as taken aback by the offer as you were Lord Lann but I understand it. This is a new Emperor who overthrew and killed the previous Emperor. He is a soldier himself which is why I think he chose a soldier and not a diplomat for this task. The Emperor has many enemies in the east and the west. If he can bring back Britannia into the Imperial fold it will be a mark of his power. If Brother Osric was, as it looks at the moment, a Byzantine spy then the Emperor is basing his plan on his knowledge of you. He sent you, deliberately in my view, the man you would trust the most; an honest and wounded soldier. Someone who suffered almost the same wound as your brother Aelle. They are devious and convoluted in the east and this is how they go about things. And before we speak, in my opinion, we have nothing to lose by entering into an alliance.”
“Thank you Oswald. I now understand more than when we were in the room with the strategos. I thought we were an insignificant speck, a throwback to the days of Rome but I can see now that others have a different view.” I leaned back in my chair. “What should we do?”
“If we accept that Brother Osric was passing information to the Greeks then some things which appeared strange now make sense. When King Urien came up with the title of Warlord it seemed a peculiar decision given that he had sons who could have removed the title but if it came from Osric then it is logical. He was thinking of the Greek strategoi. And what of the ships which suddenly began trading with us? I thought it was the magic of the isle but now I see that it was politics and he was spying on us whilst still conducting trade.”
“You sound disappointed. Are you Myrddyn?”
“A little, but that is disappointment with the gods. I am flattered that the Emperor thinks that we can be of use to him.” He grinned, “And I would like to get my hands on this Greek Fire and the other exciting inventions from the East.”
“Garth?”
“I would like an ally but I think they are a little far away to help us.”
Hogan reached down and brought out the mace, “If they can give us weapons like this then I am in favour of it.”
I shook my head at the distraction. They all spent some time admiring the weapon. “Enough! Weapons apart what else do we think?”
“I am with Oswald. I can see no argument against it.”
“Thank you son. And you Ridwyn?”
“I am with them. I like the idea that you would be Dux Britannica. There must be others like the men of Strathclyde who wish to join us with that title then they might flock here.”
“You forget, Ridwyn, that the news will be in the court of Constantinople, not in Britannia.”
Brother Oswald coughed and said, “Not true, Myrddyn. This will be like when you drop a stone into a pond. The circles move from the middle. There will be others who hear of this. When they do we may receive embassies from them as well. What the Warlord decides today may well be the most important decision he has ever made.”
“It will be our decision Oswald.”
“No Warlord, the priest is right. This is your decision. You have to become Dux Britannica. It is not up to us, it is up to you.”
Myrddyn was right. “Before I make that decision, does anyone here object to an alliance?” I looked at Tuanthal, who had remained silent throughout. “And you Tuanthal, what do you think?”
He laughed and looked suddenly young again, “No Warlord, I am like Hogan. I
just want to get my hand on maces!”
“Horsemen! No objections then?” They all smiled and shook their heads. “Then, thank you for your advice and I will tell the envoy of my decision at the feast. Oh by the way Oswald, do we have any copies of Osric’s writings?”
“Part of it but it is not as good as the original.”
“It matters not. We need a gift for the Emperor and I can think of nothing else. Bring them tonight and I will give them to him and we can get some monks to make copies.”
“Where will we get monks from?”
“We can ask Bishop Stephen. When he hears that I am to be Dux Britannica it may make him our third ally.”
Myrddyn laughed, “I can see you becoming more devious by the moment, Warlord.”
As we were dressing for the feast I told Myfanwy of the offer. She did not seem surprised. “Here, hold Nanna while I prepare myself.” I had never nursed my own children before but my wife thought that I could and, I found that I quite enjoyed it. The gurgling child seemed to enjoy entwining her tiny fingers in my beard and she giggled at the silly noises I made. “I think it is a good alliance. Heaven knows we need all the friends we can get and I prefer the title to that of king. I do not think others will try to take the title from you.” And so the decision was made. I became Dux Britannica because no one could think of a good reason why I should not.
We had invited all the senior officers as well as Gwynfor and Gareth. It was too far to send for Aelle and Raibeart as the envoy had to return the next morning but it was a grand occasion and Myfanwy, despite the new baby had excelled herself. Brother Oswald had used the last of the decent wine we had although I was sure that it would not compare to the wines Andronikos was used to.