The Aebeling

by O'Neill, Michael

  ‘I’m sending for help.’ Conn told him of the wiga under his control in Hama.

  Sebbi was surprised; ‘One hundred and sixty wiga? I’m not sure that the Healdend has that many anymore. But if you think that you will succeed, is a far better outcome than what I had in mind. You will need tilia – I will ask for volunteers – and I will send the best animals with you – I will only take those that we can eat.’

  That evening, Conn sent his request by pigeon post – he had brought two pigeons with him, and the request would arrive in Haran within hours and Salvia within a day. Tomorrow he would send the second pigeon just in case the first one got lost or eaten. By tomorrow evening, men and riders would be getting ready to march to Salvia, and within days nearly a hundred wiga would be heading his way – he expected them to meet him within seven days.

  Sebbi had asked Conn what he was going to do with Oisin.

  ‘I had intended to take her home – but Piada is a very dangerous journey for so few men so I asked her if I could take her to Halani instead. She agreed – but there is something I need you to do for me.’

  ‘Gladly, whatever is in my power?’

  ‘I need you to take a message to Piada for me?’

  ‘To Piada? I’m not sure I know how. We lost contact with the Twacuman a long time ago – soon after the fall of the last Casere. I was surprised to learn that there were any still alive.’

  ‘The edge of the forest will be fine – get your finest bowmen to imbed an arrow into the tallest tree you can find. I’ll explain what to look for, and I’ll attach a message on the arrow.’

  ‘Sounds easy enough – I’ll send for the bowman.’

  By evening the Portgerefa had returned to speak with Sebbi. He had indeed brought with him the son of Abrekan – Eggar, who was still in port. Conn explained what he thought could happen, and the Portgerefa thought it an excellent idea as they didn’t have to burn their boats. He left to consult with his villagers.

  Alone with Eggar, Conn expressed his surprise as seeing him so far north.

  Eggar was sheepish in response. ‘I am doing sea trials on the latest ship – one of the new schooners. It is truly a magical vessel so I decided to travel the whole way around Meshech.’

  ‘The whole way? That was risky – what if you were captured.’

  He shook his head. ‘We would have gone down with the ship – but nothing can catch us. But we know a lot about more the ship now.’

  ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess. So why did you end up here?’

  ‘Two reasons – there has been no rain for days so we were running low on fresh water – and secondly, we got becalmed off the coast here. The strangest weather I’ve encountered. We managed to determine that we were in friendly waters so came into the port at Pelva for water.’

  ‘Sometimes we are not in control of our own destiny. Tell me, what is the port of Sabatah like?’

  ‘Sabatah? Small, but it is an excellent harbor. It is not exposed to the sea – it is in a bay – and the bay is huge. It is shared with Arbella – but they don’t have a port of any significance.’

  As Eggar left to return to his ship, Conn handed him a document. ‘Go and see the Eaorl. Tell him what you have seen and what we have discussed. I’m sure he will understand the situation and be most accommodating.’

  ‘The document?’

  ‘Only give it to him if he is not being accommodating ...’

  When Eggar returned a week later, he said that the Eaorl had agreed with his request. He hadn’t needed the document; and handed it back to Conn; who went and placed it on the fire. It was too dangerous a document to have lying around.

  The evacuation of Pelva then began in earnest. The fishing boats and their cargo of over five hundred people departed within days, under escort of Eggar’s schooner. He also carried the families of the tilia who had elected to help Conn drive the animals north.

  On his last night, Sebbi sat with Conn at a farewell feast. He toasted Conn from the last of the mead.

  ‘I have a feeling that it will not be the last time we meet, Thane. Perhaps one day Rakia will be foolish enough to invade Lykia. I think you would be a valuable ally. Unless of course we fall before they invade.’

  ‘Will your Healdend not be able to prevent that happening?’

  ‘I fear not; and he has no son – just a single daughter, despite several bedda. The line of Osstan has come to an end after hundreds of years. His daughter is married to the Eaorl of Gelah, a good man; but they are yet to have children. So we live in sad times – it would seem that we are abandoned by our Gyden.’

  ‘Or being toyed with – I have yet to determine the difference.’

  The next morning Conn farewelled Sebbi, Evalyn, and Valeri, and joined the herdsmen driving the livestock towards Lykia. Over fifty men were on horseback herding the animals, while there were four of them to guard the almost two hundred animals. The three hundred plus miles was going to be both difficult and dangerous; dangerous because they had to pass the Rakian controlled Earldoms of Azali, Emona and Sirido, and difficult because cattle, horses, sheep and goats don’t necessarily like to travel together Conn’s small Fryd was going to have a hard time protecting them all.

  Until he had reinforcements, Conn had to restrict travel to two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. Conn guarded the travellers from the hills and the trees, and any small group of Rakians would run rather than fight. A group of ten tried but after three died from Conn’s arrows, they turned and fled. Despite the lack of numbers, their ability to charge and firing arrows at great accuracy from a much further distance was a powerful weapon that compensated.

  Every day, however, the number of wiga shadowing them increased. They were obviously gathering a force large enough to attack. Conn searched for his reinforcements daily, using his Indian smoke signals.

  It was on the sixth day that they made contact; and the small fyrd led by Cathal, Eaorl of Salvia, filed in under the cover of darkness. Reinforced, the tactics now changed; the animals would now travelled all day and became increasingly strung out, and to protect them, the wiga split into four; Conn, Wilgar, Daray and Cathal each leading a company of twenty five men.

  As the sun was setting on their third last day in Silekia, a force of over a hundred Rakians swept from the hills. They had the sun behind them and they rode directly for the herds of animals. This proved to be an error on their part, as it was just what Conn was expecting. As the Rakian swooped from the west, Conn charged from the south.

  Still numerically outnumbered but armed with better weapons and faster horses, Conn archers started firing and hitting targets before the Rakians had a chance to fire back. By the time the wiga converged, they had already suffered huge losses, and Conn inflicted even more as he cut through the line of men with his claymore. Overwhelmed, the Rakians turned to run and then found themselves heading straight for the companies led by Cathal and Wuffa.

  Eighty percent of the attackers died on the hillside with no casualties from Conn’s side. A few were allowed to escape – and few wounded were patched up and set home; Conn had no need for prisoners.

  Later, they collected the dead, and placed them in rough stone graves before they left to follow the herd. It was another senseless loss of life, but it served its purpose – no one came near them on the last two days; the Eaorls were now depleted of both troops and will.

  The selected spot to cross the river was on the border with Tabae – and it proved a time consuming process – getting cattle, sheep, goats and horses up the wall took the better part of two days, and while the remnants of the Rakians forces watched, they did not attack again. As the animals arrived in Tabae, additional shepherds waited to take to animals to Hama. The last sheep up the wall was followed by Conn, and on the top he looked south in contemplation; he knew that it was another serious blow to the Rakians; he just wished he could do more.

  Annisa rode up beside him. ‘I was worried that you might not make it – i
t is not often that you ask for help.’

  He laughed. ‘It is not often that I have herds of animals to protect.’

  He introduced Oisin and they followed her back to a camp that had been set up for their return. He told her everything that had happened and what he had to do next.

  Annisa was most amused. ‘When are you going to tell Octa?’

  ‘I thought you might like to…’

  She laughed. ‘Never in a million Sundays – he wouldn’t believe me anyway.’

  The next morning, Conn left with Oisin and Daray and headed for Abela while Annisa guided the herds back to Hama.

  The Eaorl of Abela couldn’t thank Conn enough for the safe return of his daughter. His exuberance was tempered by the presence of the young girl from Piada. It had been a long time since the Twacuman had been to Abela.

  ‘Oisin; welcome to my house. My daughter has told me much of your plight. I am delighted that you are also safe.’

  ‘Thank you Eoarl. I did not expect to be visiting your house so I apologize for not being able to be properly introduced. As for our safety, both your daughter and I are greatly indebted to the Feorhhyrde.’

  ‘Feorhhyrde?’ He looked to Conn oddly. ‘That is not a term I have heard for many a year. How very strange. But I am indeed greatly indebted. I must find a suitable reward.’

  He looked suddenly very tired and he went and sat down. ‘Thane, I would offer you gold, but I fear you already have more than me – in fact, I would think that you have more of everything than me. Is there anything that I can offer you?’

  ‘As a matter of fact there is; Eoarl – but I do not expect it for nothing. Have you heard about the Silekian fishermen?’

  ‘No.’

  Conn explained what had happened in Pelva. And what he had done. He asked if the Eaorl had any land on the bay near Sabatah.

  Egbert was old for an Eaorl; he was over sixty and was looking increasingly unwell. Conn feared that the kidnapping of his youngest daughter had been very hard on him. He looked unsure so his son Cairpre answered for him.

  ‘We do – the domain of Atrak in on the coast. It is a tiny village – only a dozen families. There is no Thane as the borders are in dispute with Sabatah.’

  ‘Excellent – will you sell me Atrak?’

  Egbert joined in again. ‘Well, if that is what you want, it is yours. I’d be delighted to create you the Thane of Atrak – it is the least that I can do – but you will have to take up the question of borders with Herewald.’

  ‘I can do that – I can be very persuasive when I need to be.’

  ‘Of that I have little doubt.’

  They reached Sabatah a few days later. It was a slow day’s ride to Atrak, and a further day and a half from there to Sabatah. They settled their horses into an Inn and walked to the keep; with Cairpre, Daray, Oisin and Allowena in tow. As they walked they could see that the harbor was full of moored Silekian boats; as well as the formidable presence of his schooner.

  The guards showed them inside; Herewald, Eaorl, was waiting with Wuffa and Eggar. Herewald was not a complex man and he and Conn had a lot in common; Conn was making him very rich, and he was making Conn richer still. Consequently, they were on excellent terms.

  ‘Ah; Taransay, about time you got here.’ He came over and greeted Cairpre and Conn with handshakes and hugs. He pulled up short when he saw Oisin, but he got over that eventually. They sat and drank while Wuffa brought him up to date with what had happen since his arrival. Temporary accommodation in and around the town had been setup and the fishermen themselves had got back to work. They then all looked at Conn – needing to know what was happening next.

  ‘Well, thanks to Egbert, I am now the new Thane of Atrak…’ Herewald interrupted as he expected him to do.

  ‘He can’t sell Atrak – we haven’t agreed on the border!’

  Conn continued. ‘…which is why I’d like to purchase the adjoining Thane fief in Sabatah; so that there can be no dispute.’

  ‘The adjoining one?’ Herewald looked at his Burhgerefa. ‘That would be Rupina.’ The official nodded.

  ‘Can you sell me that?’

  Herewald shrugged. ‘I guess so – it is part of my domain. There is not much land there. But if you want it, you can have it. I presume you will settle all the Silekians there?’

  ‘That is my plan.’

  ‘Sound reasonable. So that’s settled; tell me now why you have a Twacuman girl with you – from Piada? I’d even forgotten that Piada existed.’

  It took a while to explain the whole story, and by the time Herewald had finished asking questions, there was only the two of them left. Everyone else had gone to bed. The next morning, formalities completed, Conn hired every spare worker in Sabatah and put them to work. He also sent out work to neighboring domains that he was hiring. Both his new domains were heavily forested and full of large trees – Pines, Firs and Cedar, and these were cut down to build the docks and buildings they needed. The Cedar was made into floating pontoons from which they built the docks.

  Within weeks Sileas and her girls arrived in Atrak; leading a large contingent of craeftiga and supplies from Hama. With a thousand people on the payroll, things were starting to happen quickly, and the port of Atrak was already capable of docking the schooners that arrived everyday with supplies. Conn had invited Sileas to be the Burhgerefa of both domains as the buildings would form one large village.

  With work well underway, Conn sent for Eggar.

  ‘Thane, you wished to see me?’

  ‘How would you like to take a trip to Silekiak? You didn’t visit last time, did you?’

  He shook his head. ‘No – I had no intention of visiting any ports – Pelva was accidental as I explained. I’d be happy to go.’

  ‘Good – we’ll organize as much food and weapons as you can carry, and take an additional a squad of bowmen to ensure that any Rakian silly enough to try and attack you is taught a lesson – sink them if you can – you can consider it further sea trails.’

  Eggar smiled broadly. ‘Be delighted to. I’ll go and prepare for departure.’

  Conn handed Eggar a document. ‘Find the Eaorl of Pelva, give him this, and go from there.’

  By the end of the week Eggar had loaded cargo and headed to sea. It was getting late in the season for sailing, the westerly winds were treacherous in winter and the cape that formed the southernmost tip of Silekia was extremely dangerous for small boats as it was a meeting point for two ocean currents. Safely around the cape, the next problem was that Rakians controlled the seas from a harbor in Ilissus. Eggar would do well to return in one piece, but it was something that had to be tried. Conn wished he could have gone himself – he loved sailing.

  Eggar arrived back on one piece several weeks later; he only had to sink one Rakian vessel before they left him alone. The Healdend of Silekia was most grateful for the supplies and the Eaorl of Pelva had sent a shopping list of goods for the flotilla of ships that would depart Atrak and Sabatah next spring. Something else he could do for the Silekians.

  The one incomplete task was taking Oisin to Halani before winter but that proved impossible with the amount of work on hand; but she didn’t complain, she seemed content to stay in Atrak with Allowena and his girls, and she was soon like another daughter.

  CHAPTER 13

  With the arrival of his fourth spring in Meshech, Conn left Atrak and headed for Halani with Oisin and Daray. After ten days on the road they left their escort of wiga in Hama, and the three of them headed on alone. Conn had sent a pigeon – carrier pigeons were a much more efficient system than an arrow in a tree – telling them they were coming. Pigeon breeding programs were now established in all his domains and, secretly, in most of the cotlifs. As well as a communication system, they also served as a source of chemicals and food.

  As they rode up the road that led into Halani, a group of riders were waiting for them. Conn was surprised; normally he made it a day into Halani before he encountered a welcoming commit
tee, and he was certainly didn’t expect to be met by Caewyn and Derryth. They rode up with their normal heartiness, until they got close enough to see the third rider. Derryth was in mid-sentence.

  ‘Conn, what a pleasure to see you...’

  Caewyn didn’t pause; she rode straight up to Oisin and greeted her like an old friend. ‘Well met, cousin, welcome to the great forest. My home is your home.’

  Oisin, who had had time to prepare for this meeting, responded equally. ‘Thank you cousin, I am honored to be your guest.’

  Derryth regained his voice; ‘Gyden, a cousin from Piada. You don’t see that every day.’ He greeted her formally and Caewyn rode back and gave Conn a big hug. She admonished him.

  ‘Feorhhyrde; it has been hundreds of years since we have had a visitor from Piada – you could have given us some warning. And you have brought another visitor – a Lykian no less. Are you going to introduce him?’

  ‘My apologies, Caewyn; Daray il Erbil, please meet Caewyn il Halani. She is singularly the most important person in Halani. Caewyn, Daray is my apprentice.’

  She smiled. ‘Apprentice ‘what’ exactly – you are a man of many talents.’

  Caewyn rode forward and stretched her hand out.

  ‘I am pleased to meet you, Daray il Erbil. I know that we will be friends.’ As she held his hand, she continued. ‘And with the Feorhhyrde as your guide, you are destined for great things.’

  ‘Of that I’m not so sure, Caewyn, but certainly there is not a day that I am not learning something new.’

  Conn introduced Daray to Derryth; and then spent the next two days explaining how he came to have a Piadan in his possession – and why he thought Caewyn was more important than him.

  As they rode, Derryth pointed to the pinto that Oisin rode. ‘You can see why we were confused. That is a real Elfina horse. I’m even surprised to see her.’

  Oisin patted her mare. ‘She is the last of her kind. Once she is gone, there are no more.’

  ‘Perhaps she will breed with my colt?’ Caewyn asked; she was riding the colt, and the two pintos seemed very comfortable riding side by side.