by Griff Hosker
The temporary shelters were left. It looked like a ghost town. I put on my cochineal and donned my helmet. I handed Leif my wolf standard. “Carry this for me. Today you shall be my standard bearer. Let the enemy know who it is they fight.”
Mounting my horse I led them east through the dark towards the thin white line that marked the sun. We all carried spears. I knew that most of those I led also carried a bow. If I was being realistic that would be where their skill would lie. I did not think they would be the greatest of swordsmen. Our job was to get to the danger and relieve until the rest arrived. It would not need heroic deeds; just men willing to bleed for the cause.
By the time we reached the Roman Road dawn had broken. I turned, “We will ride up and down this road watching for smoke. Keep a good eye out and shout when you see any, If you see a rider then tell me too.” I shrugged, “My eyes are not the same as you young men.”
The journey across the land to Din Guardi had hardened my rear but I knew that I had had enough of the backs of horses. It took almost half a day to ride to the eastern end of our line and then journey back to Arne. We walked rather than trotted. Speed was not important. We had just begun a second journey when Beorn rode in. “We have found them, Jarl. Or at least we have found two of the columns.”
“Two?” That upset my preparations. I had planned on facing one enemy army. We would not have enough men to stop them in two places. The Norns and their threads were tricky creatures.
“Aye. One is just a mile or so from here and the second is two or three miles east of us. They are heading for the two gaps. One is close to the deserted Roman fort and the other just a mile or so west. I think they plan on getting through the gaps quickly.”
That made sense. Putting all of his men through one gap would slow them up and make them vulnerable to a counterattack. I closed my eyes to picture where my men were and where they would strike. I opened them. “Are they both equal sized columns?”
“I know not Jarl. I saw one but it was two of the boys who reported the other. The one I saw had some horsemen and the banners of King Alpín mac Echdach.”
“Ride to Vermund, Ulf and Finni. Have them take their men to reinforce Eystein the Rock. Today they will have to be the rock upon which this unknown column falls. Then tell the others what is happening.”
He rode off. I turned to Leif. “Ride to Jarl Arne and Erik Ulfsson. Tell them to take their men to Sigtrygg. Warn them that the Scots are coming their way. They must hurry. Time is of the essence.”
I had been downhearted when I heard of the columns but now I knew that I was foolish to do so. We would not have to wait for a signal fire. This way I could bring my men together before the attack. I led my tiny column of men to join Olaf Leather Neck.
The wall to the west of the high Roman fort was made of turf. It was still an obstacle but the wooden towers had long fallen to dust. The stone ones, the turrets, still remained. They would have to become the strong points for this attack. Snorri and two of the boy scouts rode up as we headed to the turf wall just a hundred paces from us. “Jarl, we have seen King Alpín mac Echdach and his army. They are heading for Sigtrygg.”
“I know, Beorn told me. Ride to Haaken, Wolf Killer and Asbjorn. I am reinforcing Eystein and Sigtrygg for there are two columns coming this way. They must be the bridge which joins our two flanks.” He nodded and rode off. I turned to the two young boys. “What are your names?”
“I am Beorn Beornson.”
“I am Cnut Thordson.”
“Well Beorn and Cnut today I give you a task. If you succeed then you will save my men and I will be in your debt.” I saw them sit a little higher. “Ride to Ketil at Brougham. It is on the road which goes to the south and east. Tell him that Jarl Dragonheart has need of as many men as he can spare. Tell him where to come.”
“Aye Jarl!”
“May the Allfather protect you.”
I turned my horse and kicked him in the flanks. Time was something I could not buy. I had cast the bones and now I would see which way they fell. Olaf turned as we galloped up. I pointed to the north west. “There is a column coming from the north. It is led by the King of the Scots. Take your men to Sigtrygg. They are heading for the gap in the wall by him.”
“Shall I send a message to Asbjorn the Strong?”
“No for there is another column heading for Eystein.”
He shook his head, “It is never simple is it, Jarl Dragonheart?” Turning to his men he growled, “Follow me and we shall find glory this day.”
I led my men ahead of him to join Sigtrygg. I could see them preparing to light the fire as I rode up. “Hold Sigtrygg. There is no need for fire. Let us leave that. We might need a fire to cover a retreat.”
“But see yonder, Jarl. The banners of the enemy. They come and they are heading for here.”
“And I have sent for reinforcements. Olaf, Erik and Arne will be here before the enemy.” I lowered my voice. “A second column attacks Eystein.”
“I see horsemen here.”
I dismounted and turned to my men. “Dismount, tie the horses to those trees and stand behind Jarl Sigtrygg Thrandson’s men.” I took out the bag of twisted nails. “Here give these to the rest of the men and have them sow them thirty paces from the wall. They will discourage the horsemen.”
They hurried to the clearing before the gap. It had been the gate when the wall had been in its glory and the road was a good one. The enemy would hurry to make the gap and the horse breakers would come as a shock to them. Leif rode in and dismounted. “They are following me, Jarl.”
I looked beyond him and saw Erik’s men running to join us. “Good. Take my banner and place it on the wall. Today you mark my position.”
I took my spear and hefted my shield around to my front. For the first time in a long time I would be fighting with warriors I did not know. Sigtrygg’s men were good warriors and many had mail but they were his oathsworn and not mine. The gods were testing me again. I looked at the defensive position we held. The two stone turrets which stood at either side of the gap were vital. Olaf Leather Neck and Erik Ulfsson arrived at the same time.
“Erik put your archers in this tower and any mailed warriors in the gap. The rest can go next to the right hand turret. Olaf put your archers in the right hand turret, your mailed men in the gap and the rest next to the tower. Olaf use your horse breakers in front of the ditch.”
I saw the enemy column begin to deploy into line. Our presence must have come as a shock to them. I clambered up the side of the turret to afford a better view. There were two groups of twenty light horsemen on the flanks. I would not worry overmuch about them. I had fought them and knew their weaknesses. The centre appeared to be a mixture of one or two men with mail and a large number with swords, axes, shields and spears. I estimated that there were well over a hundred but it was difficult to estimate for they were not in ordered lines. It was like a herd of animals milling about.
“Sigtrygg, when Arne comes I want his mailed men with me in the gap the rest can support your left flank.”
“You will be in the gap?”
“Aye. It will be where the fighting is the hottest. We have to stop him at the two gaps. If we can do that then Ketil’s extra men might just make the difference but we have a whole day, at least, to hold out.” I looked up at the two turrets. Each held five archers. “You archers must keep up a rain of arrows. Find flesh!”
“Aye, Jarl Dragonheart!”
I went down the steep bank to the gap. There were just twelve warriors there. I was gratified that the bank was steep for that would make ascent hard for the Scots. The men stood aside as I descended. “Today you fight alongside the sword which was touched by the gods. Soon we will have more warriors but for now we must hold this gap. We do not retreat. If we fall then so be it! They will have to climb our dead bodies to enter our land.”
They all cheered and began banging their shields. I pointed to those who had the best mail and warrior bands. “You seven
stand with me and you five have your spears over our shoulders.” I pointed Ragnar’s Spirit at my banner fluttering on the wall. “They will come for me. Let us show these barbarians how Vikings fight and die!”
I stood in the centre. “Your name?” I asked the man on my left.
“I am Gunnar Gunnarsson.”
I turned to my right, “And you?”
“Thorir The Slow.”
I laughed, “That is good for the three of us will not move this day.” I had sheathed my sword and taken my up spear. I tapped my shield with my spear. “When they see this wolf then they will come for me. That is what I want for I have the best armour. The two of you should be able to kill many Scots this day.”
Gunnar said, “Today Jarl Dragonheart, we will fight as your oathsworn. If you fall we fight to the death.”
“Then I will make sure that I do not fall for my people need warriors with courage such as yours.”
I heard Sigtrygg’s voice from above. “Jarl Dragonheart, they come!”
“Ready.” At that moment spears appeared above our shoulders as Arne’s breathless men joined us. I did not count them but took comfort from the hedgehog of spears which bristled above. It was a wall of metal which would deter all but the bravest of warriors.
I saw that this King Alpín mac Echdach was a cautious man. The warriors who hurtled across the ground before us were not his mailed warriors. They were his wild men from the mountains. Half naked with painted bodies and faces they bore small shields and fire tipped spears. Their intention was to shatter our spears and break our will, allowing the better warriors to march through after we had been weakened. He was aiming all of his men at the gap. His horsemen on the flanks would exploit any weaknesses. The Roman ditch before the wall was not as much of an obstacle as it had been but it still provided another obstacle in addition to the turf wall.
The wild warriors were bunched together. The archers in the turrets managed to bring down many of them but they hurdled the dead bodies and came on. When they found the horse breakers it was as though they were stopped in their tracks. They were either barefoot or had thin soled leather footwear. The nails tore into them. The press of men was so great that many were simply trampled to death by those behind. The effect was to thin the numbers who reached us.
It was as I had expected, they came for me. They came angry for many of their friends had died in the attempt to reach me. It was not a wedge but three warriors ran at me with others at their sides. They were eager for the glory of killing the Viking leader. I knew that I would be struck and I braced myself. I lifted my spear above my head for I saw that two of those who faced me had square shields. They hit my shield as I punched forward with my spear. As I stabbed down one of the fire tipped spears shattered against my shield and a second slid along the side of my armour. I withdrew my spear from the body of the first warrior I had killed and punched it upwards into the second man I knew that I had punched too hard when I saw it emerge through his side. As he fell he broke the spear. I swung the broken haft sideways at the third man. I hit him so hard on the side of his head that he staggered and Gunnar ran him through.
I drew Ragnar’s Spirit. I was always happier with my sword in my hand. They came at me still but they came individually. We had broken up their first line with arrows, stones, spears and horse breakers. I knocked aside the first spear and swung overhead to hack through the warrior’s neck. The archers in the turrets began to release at the press of men before us and as the Scots raised their shields I stabbed and slashed into unprotected middles.
I sensed that the pile of bodies before us was making them waver. “We charge and knock them back! Now!”
It was my command and I led my men by two quick steps. I felt Gunnar and Thorir hurry after me. Thorir belied his name. I swung my sword sideways and ripped through the throat of a surprised Scot. Another tried to ram his fire tipped spear at me. It shattered on my armour and I turned my head to him. He must have seen my red eyes for the first time. I howled and he screamed and tried to run. I laid open his back to the bone. That was enough and the rabble before us fled.
“Back to the gap!”
Along the two sides of the wall warriors banged their shields and shouted, “Dragonheart!” Over and over. We had not won but we had made them think.
I turned to the men who had fought alongside me. “You are heroes all. Wait here while I spy out the field.”
I made my way up the turf wall to stand next to the turret. Sigtrygg took off his helmet and grinned, “It is some time since I saw Dragonheart fight and I had forgotten how ferocious he is.”
“We were lucky he did not send in his best warriors. Next time he will.” I looked to where the Scottish King was speaking to his leaders. “I think he may well try to attack Olaf and his men. Have a small force ready to support him.”
Just then Snorri rode in. “The Northumbrians and Scots have turned our flank, Jarl. Wolf Killer is retreating here. They follow still.”
My strategy was in tatters. We were now outflanked. I had begun to believe we might win but the weird sisters had other plans for us. “Has he lost many warriors?”
“No but they came with mailed men and Finni’s warriors had little armour. They broke through and some ran.”
I detected criticism in his voice. “Do not be too harsh on them. This is the first real battle for some. Tell the men to fall back and form a line behind Olaf.”
He rode off.
“Sigtrygg, some of your men will have to form a line at right angles to Olaf and his men. The Northumbrians come.”
I descended to the gap. I would have to come up with a better plan now that we were outflanked.
Chapter 14
The men made way for me. They were exultant. Olaf came to the turret above us. “Olaf you will be attacked soon and the Northumbrians have flanked us. Be ready to bend your line. Sigtrygg will send men to help you.”
He waved his sword, “They have not hurt us yet, Jarl! They are wild men with no skill!”
I pointed with my sword where the Scottish were being organised for another attack. “They will hit us on two sides. Watch them!”
I stepped forward and picked up some of the fire hardened spears the Scottish had used. As weapons they were useless but as a barrier they might slow the enemy down. I rammed a half dozen so that the haft faced the enemy. They would not cause a wound but they would slow them down. They would also distract the enemy and that could sometimes be the difference between success and failure; victory and defeat.
The first of Asbjorn’s men appeared to my right. I heard Olaf and Snorri organising them. “Those with mail in the front rank. Those without in the second.”
I knew, without looking that there would only be one or two with mail but they would join Olaf’s two mailed warriors. We did not throw away lives needlessly. I saw the Scottish warriors as they lumbered towards us. This was no mad rush. This was a measured attack. I had no doubt that there had been some conference between the King and the Eorl who led the Northumbrians. They had learned from their first attack against us. The Eorl had used his better warriors and that had caused the breach. This was a coordinated attack and it had almost succeeded. Had I not put the wall to good use we would have engaged the Scots only to be attacked on our vulnerable right side by the Saxons of Northumbria.
I forced myself to plan as the Scots came slowly on. Once darkness fell then our enemies could slip over the wall at more than a dozen points. We had to withdraw and fight them on a better ground. The only way to do that was to hurt them and make them withdraw as they had the first time and then quickly fall back. I shook my head ruefully. I had left Aiden at home. With his mind and his maps he could have selected a perfect battleground. I would have to improvise and use all of my experience.
The Scots were a hundred paces from us and my archers, in the turrets, began to release their arrows. Other archers began to loose too. We did not have enough nor did we have many boys with slingshots but we were
wearing them down. Their shields were not as big as ours and arrows began to strike home. Men fell and disordered the line. It took time to reorder their front and in that time more men were hit. Not all died but a wounded man was still an obstacle. Then, suddenly, the two lines of horsemen hurtled towards us. Would they be foolish enough to try to charge us?
“Ready in case they charge!”
When the lines were almost at the ditch they turned and rode along the length of the advancing warriors. They hurled their javelins at the men on the wall. Some were taken by surprise and plunged to the bottom of the ditch. They were the ones who were not warriors. All those who had fought before had a shield held tightly before them. Some of the ponies stepped on the horse breakers and threw their rider but the real intent of the abortive attack was to stop the relentless arrow storm on the advancing warriors. The Scottish King had sacrificed some of his horsemen to save those with mail. He was as ruthless as I was. When the riders disappeared the advancing line was less than thirty paces away and they were ready to fight. To my right I heard a Saxon horn which sounded the charge on our right flank. We were being squeezed between two rocks.
This time there were mailed warriors who faced us. Not everyone in their front rank was so armed but one in three was. The ones in mail would struggle to climb the turf wall from the ditch and they would try to sweep us out of the way by sheer weight of numbers. Once they were through the gap those on the wall could be picked off easily. “Second rank push your shields into our backs in case they try to push us from this gap.”
“Aye Jarl.”
I had a limited view of the enemy for my helmet afforded me great protection but I saw the three mailed warriors heading for me. They had to slow down while they cut down the line of spears and my archers hit another five warriors. Although not mortal wounds they slowed them down. There were five less for us to fight. Suddenly the rest ran and I braced myself with my left leg forward and my sword held behind me. I took two spears on my shield and I felt the blows as the warriors crashed into us. My arm shivered with the shock. The third spear slid upwards and over my shoulder. The other two spears from behind had helped me. I stabbed up and forwards with my sword. It had a sharp edge and was longer than any Scottish sword. They had thought they were safe.