by Griff Hosker
Finn nodded, “We will care for her, Jarl, cannot travel on alone.” He turned to his sons, “Sven, mount your pony and escort the Jarl.”
“There is no need.”
“Jarl, there is. The ones who attacked and killed Gray were not the only ones. Four days since we hunted three who had taken one of my sheep. One spoke before he died. They are from Mercia. There are many men who have been outlawed and they have moved further and further north. Who knows how many may be twixt here and Wolf Killer. I would sleep easier knowing that you were escorted. My son can return on the morrow.”
His wife, who had taken Thora indoors, returned with a horn of ale, cheese and some rye bread, “Here Jarl it is little enough but it will keep you going.” She shook her head, “It is good that Thora is young. She might get over this. She is hurting.”
“Thank you. I know that you will care for her.” I ate gratefully. As I handed the empty horn back to Finn I said. “I will have my son send warriors to scour the forest and rid us of this infestation and I will send a message to Sigtrygg Thrandson. You should be able to live safely within my lands.”
“And we do.”
I looked over to Thora who was being comforted by Finn’s wife, “Not all live safely. I have let down my people and I will make amends.”
Sven was pleasant company and it was easier for me riding Badger rather than walking. He told me more of the hunting of the outlaws. He sounded like a handy warrior. “Have you no thoughts of a wife and a farm of your own?”
“There are few women hereabouts and it is too far to travel to Windar’s mere or Cyninges-tūn.”
“But there is good land aplenty.”
“Aye.”
I had a sudden thought, “And Thora will need a man. She would make a good wife. She has iron in her.”
“Thora? She is comely. Perhaps I will give thought to it. Gray was our friend and I do not think he would mind.”
I learned much about my people as I rode the last few miles to Wolf Killer’s settlement. Their lives were hard enough without raids and attacks from outlaws. We arrived just before dark. My late arrival and my escort brought Wolf Killer and Elfrida to the gate. I would have remained silent about my wound but Sven blurted it out. I did not like fuss but I was forced to remove my kyrtle, once we were in the hall, and show Elfrida the injury. She nodded when she saw what Thora had done, “It has been sealed with a flame but you should not have ridden so far. You are pale, father. You will stay here until I am happy for you to leave.”
Wolf Killer smiled, his wife was a strong willed woman and a force of nature. Sven joined the men in the warrior hall and I sat with my son, grandson and Elfrida. I had much to tell them. After I told Wolf Killer the reason for my visit I added, “But first I think we should scour the land for these Saxons.”
He leaned forward, “I will scour the land and you will rest until my wife says otherwise and when you go to visit with Sigtrygg then I will have my men escort you. We cannot afford to lose Jarl Dragonheart.”
I spoke before I thought, “There was a time not so long ago when you did not think so.”
He coloured a little and I thought I had upset him but he laughed. “You are right and I apologise. Let us say I was not as grown up as I thought and I have learned since then. My wife is a good teacher. Perhaps I needed to have a son to learn what it is to be a father.”
Ragnar was now old enough to be inquisitive and unafraid of upsetting his elders with his questions. I was quizzed about my sword, my battles, Brigid, the Scots, my voyages… everything! I was exhausted when he was hurried off to bed. Elfrida made sure I had some warmed honeyed ale to send me to sleep and I was put to bed like my grandson.
My bed was welcome and the ale had made me sleepy. As I lay down to sleep I realised how close I had come to death. The four men I had fought were not warriors but I had been at my most vulnerable. I could have died. I was not afraid of death for myself but I was beginning to understand the effect it would have on my land. I thought back to my grandsire, the Warlord. When he had fallen his world had ended as though it had never existed. Could I wish that upon my people? I remembered my mother who had been nobility and then reduced to life as a slave. That would not happen to my family. I would make sure that when I went to the Otherworld my land was in safe hands.
I woke in the middle of night. The pain in my shoulder was amongst the worst that I had borne. Once awake I found it hard to sleep. The attack and the wound had been a warning. I was not immortal. I had a sword touched by the Gods but I was not touched by the Gods. I lifted my head. I did not wish to wake the others. I found Thora’s salve and rubbed a little on my shoulder. It seemed to give some relief and I lay back down and stared at the wood above my head. I turned as Elfrida appeared next to me.
“You are in pain?”
“It is to be expected.” I gave a wry, dry chuckle, “I should not be surprised. I am not Wolf Killer. I fell from my horse and I had a spear in my back. I should expect discomfort.”
She nodded, “Here drink this draught.” I cocked an eyebrow. “Do not fear, Kara taught me to make it.”
I drank it down and it felt warm as it entered my body, “Thank you. You are kind and my son is a lucky man.”
“We are all fortunate, Jarl, and that is largely due to you.”
I closed my eyes and she kissed my forehead. The pain was now a dull throb but the potion worked and I slept. I slept so deeply it felt as though I was dead. The sleep was so deep that I awoke long after the others. I rose and looked around the empty hall. Ragnar was sitting cross legged by the fire staring at me. “I thought you were never going to wake grandfather.”
I heard Elfrida’s voice, “Let your grandfather wake before you bother him.” She entered with two thralls who carried food and ale. “I see that you slept. How do you feel?”
“Stiff but that will pass. Kara’s potion worked.”
“It is magical and now that Aiden has the wizard’s parchments we will be able to use many more such potions and elixirs.”
I left to make water. Looking in the sky I saw that it was almost noon. I had slept a long time. When I returned the food and the ale were on the table. “You let me sleep o’er long. Where are the others?”
“Sven led my husband and his men to search for the Saxons. He has sent a messenger back to Cyninges-tūn to tell them you are safe.”
“But they did not know what happened. They would not have been worried.”
She laughed, “Finni would have sent word, believe me. Your son also sent a messenger to Sigtrygg.”
“Good.” I was relieved. That would save a journey. I ate and every mouthful was watched by young Ragnar.
When the food was gone he said, “Is it true you were a thrall like Peter.” He pointed to the old man who was sweeping the floor.
“Aye, I was taken as a thrall and I earned my freedom.”
“How?”
I smiled, “You are named after Ragnar who was my master. I cared for him in the high mountains. One day a wolf attacked us and I killed the wolf. I was given my freedom.”
“That is how you became the wolf warrior?” I nodded, “I would like to kill a wolf and be like you and my father. He is Wolf Killer you know.”
I saw Elfrida smile. “I know. I was there when he killed his wolf but it is a dangerous task to kill a wolf. They are both cunning and brave. One of the warriors lost two fingers that day and another almost lost a hand. A wolf is a fierce creature and a clever hunter.”
“Like you and the Ulf.. Ulf…”
“Ulfheonar.”
“Yes them.” We laughed. I enjoyed the afternoon. My wound meant I could not practise with him as I normally did and so walked around the river and the old Roman fort. I noticed that two of my son’s guards kept a wary eye on us. It would not do to have the father and the son of the Jarl attacked. It was good to talk with a young inquisitive mind. Soon I would be able to do this with my new son.
My son and his men did not ret
urn until after dark. I saw the worry on Elfrida’s face. It was a hard job to wait at home. Ragnar ran up to him and greeted him warmly. “Did you slay the outlaws?”
He nodded. “We found five and they now hang in the forest as a reminder to others who would transgress in our land.”
I nodded. My son was becoming ruthless. He would need that when I went to the Otherworld. “And Sven?”
“He is a good warrior. He returned home.”
“I told him to take a wife and a farm.”
“We need warriors like that.”
He sat opposite me at his table and waved a thrall over with ale. “I will take my drekar and voyage with your men but I would not leave my land undefended. Have you enough men to give me half a crew?”
I nodded, as I swallowed the fine ale, “And more. I have many young men who wish to go a-Viking.”
He smiled and touched horns with me, “I am happy that things are well between us.”
“For my part, son, you never stopped being part of me. I was just sad that you did not want to be that part.”
He looked over to Ragnar who was practising with his wooden sword against one of Wolf Killer’s oathsworn. “The more he grows the more I shudder at my behaviour. Why did you not lose your temper and strike me?”
“Because that was never my way and never your mother’s. You choose your friends but your children are something different. You hope they will grow well and you do your best but in the end it is in the hands of the gods and the Norns. I am just happy that it has turned out well. Magnus the Foresworn is an example of someone who turned out bad.”
“What will you do about him? He is still out there and he strikes me as a malevolent snake.”
“I will send out my ships for news of him. He likes himself so much that he will surface and when he does I will follow him.” I looked into Wolf Killer’s eyes. “I fear he will wish to revenge himself upon me and he may strike here.”
“Do not worry, father, I have some of my oathsworn who watch what I love as closely as I.”
“Good. We have fought for what we have. We do not give it away to those who would steal and live on the endeavours of others.”
Sigtrygg arrived the day after my son. He felt guilty that he had not stopped the Saxons travelling through his land. “Sigtrygg Thrandson, take it as a sign that your land is strong and our enemies will not risk your wrath.”
He seemed satisfied with that. “My drekar will be ready soon. I will keep her along the Lune and then I can raid after the snows.”
“Let Wolf Killer and I know when you do so. We will keep watch on your lands for you.”
“You have done more than enough for me Jarl Dragonheart. I needs must stand on my own feet.”
I shook my head, “When a child learns to walk it needs a parent to be close by for he will fall. Until you and your people are strong enough let us be your parents. The stronger you are then the stronger we become as a people. I want our people to last beyond my death.”
Both Wolf Killer and Sigtrygg looked concerned and I laughed, “I do not intend to die but I am no longer a young man and I want to make plans.”
As I went out to play with Ragnar I saw them deep in conversation. I had made them think about a future without Jarl Dragonheart and that was no bad thing.
Chapter 7
In the end I spent four days with my son and then he allowed me to go home with an escort of ten warriors. I thought that was too many but both he and Elfrida insisted. I called in at Finn’s farm. He smiled when I asked about Thora.
“She has iron in her that one. She and Sven have returned to Graythwaite. They have my blessing.”
I nodded, “This is wyrd. I am happy.”
“Thank you Jarl. You are a good man. I knew it before but now I see it as clearly as a sunrise over Windar’s Mere. You care about people and that is a rare thing in a great man.”
When we reached Graythwaite there was no sign of the Saxons bodies. I said nothing but I could see that Sven had taken charge. Thora looked happy and they both kissed my hand. “We thank you, Jarl Dragonheart. We have been of your people all of our lives but it was not until you rode through this valley that we realised what a thoughtful man you are.” Sven nodded, “My sons will fight for you.”
“Sons?”
Sven laughed, “Many sons and, perhaps a daughter or two.”
I had a homecoming like no other. All of Cyninges-tūn, it seemed, turned out to greet me. I was touched. Kara, Brigid and Aiden looked particularly concerned. After the welcome, which went on for some time I was taken into my hall where Kara, Aiden and Brigid closely examined my wound. “I am not something to be poked and prodded.”
“You could have died! Fighting four men! Without armour! What were you thinking?”
It was in that moment that I saw the difference between Brigid and Erika. Erika would not have shown me her feelings but Brigid lived with every emotion on display. I could not have chosen two such different women to be my partner. When the three were happy that my wound was healing I had to tell them all.
Aiden nodded. “It is good that your son takes more responsibility.”
Kara smiled, “You should be able to take life easier.”
“Why? Am I different now from the warrior who went to Hibernia to fetch you back or travelled to Ynys Môn to rescue you and Elfrida? The day I stop being Dragonheart is the day I will die. I am what I am and I cannot change my nature.” I shrugged, “I do not think you would wish me to change that nature either, would you?”
They looked at each other and Brigid, laying her hand on mine said, “No. We would not change one hair on your head.”
I determined to regain my former strength and I worked each day with Snorri and Haaken. I did so without armour. I had been too slow when I had faced the Saxons. None of them had any skill and I had allowed one to get behind me. I could almost hear the scorn in Old Ragnar’s voice. I would be ready, when the snows which had yet to fall had melted. I knew what I had to do. I had to find Magnus the Foresworn and end his life. The Saxon outlaws were like the bites of the lice; they were annoying but they would not hurt us. Magnus had the power to tear my land apart for he was of our people. He was now my enemy.
As the winter drew close Asbjorn along with my son and their warriors returned from their raid. They had struck the lands of Mercia. With Wolf Killer’s ship with them they should have had great success but they had lost warriors and although they came back with treasure it was not the wealth we had brought back from Ynys Môn. Both Wolf Killer and Asbjorn were unhappy when they came to my hall.
I knew that they were comparing themselves to me. They had chosen a strong enemy to raid. “The Mercians have fought us many times. It is to be expected that they would prepare for an attack from us. You brought back grain and animals. We will eat and they will starve. Some of your warriors died but those who survived are stronger. We are wolves and not sheep. The sheepdog will take a wolf now and then but we will still succeed more than we fail.”
The first snows came soon after the return of the drekar. We became an island surrounded by a wall of ice. We retreated into our halls. That winter we had plenty of food and wood and we prospered. I took solace from the fact that my decisions appeared to have been the right ones. It was, thankfully, not a wolf winter. We heard none howl. That was fortunate for there were no warriors who were ready to hunt the wolf and become Ulfheonar.
Brigid became larger as my son grew within her. I had no doubt that it was a son for the spirits never lied. Kara kept a close eye on her. Wolf Killer had been estranged when Ragnar was born and she would be able to see this nephew born. I knew there would be a close bond. It was unlikely that Kara would ever bear children and yet she yearned for one. Kara showed how much this meant to her for she encouraged Deidra and Macha to celebrate the White Christ feast with Brigid. When I asked her about it she shrugged and said, “We call it Yule. If they wish to celebrate the birth of a baby a thousand years ago then it is n
o bad thing is it?”
My son was born twenty one days after the shortest day of the year. He was healthy and he was large. Kara had seen many babies born and she commented on his size. “He will grow to be a huge and mighty man.“ As Brigid nursed him my daughter asked, “What will you name him?”
I had not thought about it. I had no preferences and I looked helplessly at Brigid. She smiled, “Since I knew he was to be a boy I had but one name in my head. There were many at my father’s court who were unkind to me but I had an uncle who always gave me affection and made me laugh. With your permission I would name him Gryffydd in his honour. And, I hope, yours.” I nodded. She kissed his head and then added, “I dare say you pagans will change it and call him Gryffydd the Mighty or, “ she stroked his head, “the Bald but to me he shall be Gryffydd son of Dragonheart.”
I smiled, “Let it be so.”
Brigid changed a little that day. She was a mother now and that became her life. It was not that I was ignored, I was not, but she spent each waking, and I dare say sleeping moment, thinking about our son. She doted on him. I suspect that was one of the reasons he grew so quickly and so well. Infants, especially those born in the winter, often did not see the end of the month in which they were born. Gryffydd was the exception. Another reason that she threw herself into motherhood was the fact that I was busy. We would be raiding once the weather improved. With Sigtrygg’s new ship ready we would have four drekar. Nowhere would be safe from our wrath.
I woke each day to the sound of Bjorn’s hammers as he and his smiths worked from dawn until dusk making the helmets and swords which my young men had ordered. A Viking does not feel dressed unless he can face an enemy with a helmet, shield and sword. A spear is a temporary weapon until he can afford better.
Before we could raid I had to visit Úlfarrston. We had need of trade with Thorfinn Blue Scar on Ljoðhús and we still had some of the treasures from the Welsh which Coen ap Pasgen could sell in Lundenwic. This time I went with Aiden and Haaken. My days of travelling alone were over. My shoulder which now ached when the air was damp was a constant reminder of the dangers of being alone. Now that I was a father again I spoke with Haaken about his children. He now had two girls and a boy. At first he had not taken to fatherhood but, as he became older, he had grown into it. He saw his blood ensuring his line in the future.