by Griff Hosker
Andronikos shook his head. “There are many of them. For these people the risks are worth it. They hope to overwhelm us with numbers. It was close this time.” He patted Myrddyn on the back. “A clever tactic wizard but you risked your Warlord.”
“No strategos. I knew he would heed my words and I had aimed the bolt throwers myself. But I think you need something smaller on the decks for just such an occasion.”
“It is rare that they would get close.” He pointed to the clearing skies. “If the storm had not struck us then we would have sailed by without them getting close.”
Myrddyn and I smiled at each other and Lann Aelle said, “Wyrd!”
“What is this wyrd? Hogan and Pol said it on a number of occasions.”
“It is fate, happenstance, those things shaped by the gods to spoil our plans or to shape our world.” Myrddyn pointed to me. “He is the living embodiment of it. He found the armour and the sword before the Saxons came to his people. He was away from the village when it was raided and he ran towards King Urien even though he did not know that he would be there. That is Wyrd.”
“Merely accidents. There are clever men in Athens and Constantinopolis who will explain how these things work.”
“If they had happened to the Warlord once only then I might have accepted your argument but there is something shaping his destiny and it is not of this world.”
Andronikos smiled, “Then he need do nothing and he will still garner success.”
“It does not work that way. The gods help those who help themselves.” I thought of the times that our interventions had saved us and I was convinced that it made the gods help us more.
“Your religion does not follow the same rules as ours.”
“True. In fact ours has no rules. We try to live in harmony with our land and our people.” I grinned, “We have never gone to war for religion. I believe the Roman Empire has torn itself apart before now over religion differences.”
“Hm, an interesting idea; I can see some of our priests will enjoy talking with you.” He pointed to the east. “Soon you will sail between the land of Africa and what was the Western Roman Empire. You will sail through the Pillars of Hercules and enter the waters which we control. The sea will be calmer and you will no longer need your wolf skin Warlord.”
Before he had spoken I had noticed how warm it was becoming. I had put that down to the aftermath of the storm but perhaps it was something else. “Will we stop again?”
“The captain will need to replenish some of his stores. We will call at Ostia. It was the main port for Rome in the old days and it has good supplies.” He shrugged, “It is not as civilised as it once was but it is safe enough.”
As we headed west towards the two promontories which seemed to be almost close enough to touch, Myrddyn and I checked that Lann Aelle had survived without injury. “You seem well enough but there were many warriors.”
“Aye Myrddyn but they had no armour and Bear Killer was sharp and deadly.”
“Aye but I think we need to get you a shield such as these Romans use, one which is easier to manage.” I had noticed that the shields they used on the ship covered more of their body but were lighter than the ones we used. Lann Aelle was growing stronger day by day but the heavy round shields we used were difficult to manage. I was a strong man and I knew when I had been in a battle. Their shields were elongated and had a slight point at the bottom. The tops of their shields were rounded as were ours. I would ask Andronikos about them later but I could see that he and the captain had more pressing matters to deal with. Some of the crew had died in the storm and in the battle. They would need burying.
When we entered the Mare Nostrum I felt a sudden change. It was as though we had entered a different world. The sea changed colour from a slate grey to a deep blue and, in places almost a bright, azure blue. The air became warmer and I could smell strangely exotic and powerful aromas which I assumed came from the plants and trees. Myrddyn, too, was much taken by the differences. We could see mountains away to the south and there was snow on the tops. “It is warm Warlord, and yet there is snow. I wonder how that can be.”
“A question which Myrddyn does not know the answer to; this is indeed a new world.”
Myrddyn affected a smug smile. “The main reason I came was to seek answers to questions I have not yet asked. I do not know everything, Warlord; at least not yet!”
We asked Andronikos all of our questions during the meals. He apologised for our slow voyage but explained that the storm and the injuries had made us less efficient. “I am just pleased that the storm did not happen further north. Many of our ships have perished off the Gallic and Lusitanian coasts. They are a graveyard of mariners. But at least I can try to answer all your questions.”
When I had asked him about a shield he had found a spare from one of the dead soldiers and he gave it as a present to my nephew. Lann Aelle spent some of the time aboard painting a bear on it. He had seen my wolf emblem and wanted one of his own.
It was almost six days after we had entered the Mare Nostrum that we reached Ostia. Andronikos apologised for its condition but it was colossal in my eyes. Civitas Carvetiorum, Caer Gybi and Eboracum would have all fitted into the harbour. I had never seen so much stone, at least not on any structure other than a castle. Myrddyn and I were desperate to go ashore but Andronikos shook his head. “This is no longer the Roman Empire. It is as dangerous as a Saxon camp.” He pointed to the gangplank where the captain had placed ten of his biggest soldiers. “Time was that the legions would have protected visitors now they would have the coins from a dead man’s eyes. Besides this is nothing compared with Constantinopolis and we will be there in seven says, if the winds are favourable.”
We were disappointed but I understood his caution. The Emperor would not have looked kindly on the man who lost his guests this close to home. As the weather had become warmer, even hot, Andronikos had given us some lighter clothes to wear. At first they felt strange but the cool fabric made us much more comfortable and we soon used them daily. I watched as my companions changed colour before my eyes. They both became red and angry and then, gradually, almost imperceptibly, they became brown until Lann looked the colour of Hogan. When I commented they both laughed. “Well Warlord, you look the same as we do. Myfanwy will not recognise you.”
Andronikos also expressed regret for the lack of a bath. “The worst side to these journeys is that one ends up smelling like a horse. As soon as we land you will enjoy the finest baths in the world. Once you have had one you will wonder how you survived without them.”
Hogan and Pol had confirmed that fact and Brother Oswald had been tasked with building one. I suspected that as the temporary Warlord he would have initiated the work already The beautiful Greek islands, like jewels in the clear blue water suddenly made me realise that I had not thought of my family as much. I worked out that the last time was when we had entered the Marie Nostrum and we had been given our new clothes to wear. It was as though we were being changed. The Pillars of Hercules were like a portal into a different world. I mentioned this to Myrddyn who nodded. “I have thought this too Warlord. I have wondered why we were summoned. I believe that the Emperor wants to make you truly Roman in dress, smell and attitude. He wants you to think as a Roman.” He spread his arms. “These clothes were ready for us. They were not just here by happenstance. I think that they will try to school us and impress us in their city. Remember Pol and Hogan? They were overwhelmed by Constantinopolis. He intends to do that with us too.”
“Yes, old friend, but we are not impressionable young men and we can think for ourselves.”
“Yes Warlord, but we will need to keep our counsel too and guard our tongues.” He nodded at Lann Aelle who was busily adding detail to his shield. “We must impress on young Lann the need for discretion.”
“You are right but it will be hard for the boy.”
“No, Lord Lann, it will not be hard for he dotes on you. He may emulate the actions of Hogan
and Pol, but he would be you if he could and he will heed your words. Of that I have no doubt.”
We knew when we were approaching the great city. For two days the captain had every available crew member cleaning from dawn until dusk. Every rope was neatly coiled and, on the day we began to head north to the Harbour of Theodosius, everyone was dressed in their finest clothes.
Andronikos beckoned us over and looked at us apologetically. “I realise that it is an imposition but the Emperor and the courtiers will expect to see the Warlord of Rheged when you step from the ship.”
I was puzzled. “I thought I was the Warlord of Rheged?”
“You are but you should look like him. If you and Lann Aelle could don your armour then I would be grateful.” He looked embarrassed and a little worried. “I know it is an imposition but it will not be for long.”
Myrddyn smiled. “Come along Lord Lann.” There was a mischievous glint in his eye. “You said you wanted to be yourself. This is your chance. Let the Imperial court see the fierce barbarian and slayer of Saxons!”
Andronikos looked in shock at the insolence of the wizard but I just smiled. “Well in that case you can wear the clothes you wore when we boarded and look like the magical and mystical Myrddyn about whom they have heard so much.”
The ship seemed to take an age to dock but I would not have liked to attempt it. There were vast numbers of ships ranging from tiny dories to huge ships such as ours. I also suspected that there were imperial eyes upon us. I saw Andronikos cast an anxious glance to a palace rising high on a hill to the east of the city and I assumed that would be where the Emperor would be watching us. Myrddyn pointed to the quayside. “It looks like we were expected Warlord.”
There were two lines of immaculately turned out guardsmen. They all had the same oval shield decorated with a six armed cross against a green background. They had red plumes in their conical helmets and all wore mail. There was a wide gap between the two lines and, waiting on the steps at the end were three men in white robes.
Andronikos materialised at my side. “The three men are advisers to the Emperor; they are also priests and I daresay there will be some sort of ceremony before we are taken to the palace.” He looked at me apologetically. “It will seem tedious to a fighting man such as you but…”
“I know we must bend to the will of the politicians.” I turned to Lann Aelle. “Make sure you are presentable or I will have your mother to answer to when we return to Mona.”
He grinned. It was all an adventure to him. “It is all right my lord; I won’t tell her.”
When the boat was tied up the captain came down and gave a half bow. “Thank you captain. You are a good seaman and you have a good crew.”
“Thank you Warlord and you have been excellent passengers.” He threw a rueful look at Andronikos. “Sometimes we have passengers who make the most ridiculous demands on the crew. I wanted to thank the three of you. I am not sure we could have defeated the pirates had you three not fought so well. My men and I appreciated it.”
“It was our pleasure.”
As we descended the gang plank Andronikos said, “That was almost emotional for the captain. He is normally a dour sort. You have made an impact on him.” I didn’t know how, I had merely behaved the way I always did. I treated all men well until they let me down and then they would risk my wrath. I noticed too, as we descended the gang plank, the large crowds which had gathered to stare at us. It felt strange for they were not looking, as my people did, to admire and to cheer. These were just looking at something which was different; a freak show. It was the first of many such experiences.
The three men at the end bowed and began to speak in, what I assumed was Greek. I could converse a little in Latin but this was beyond me. I watched Andronikos and saw that he kept an impassive face. I did the same. The ceremony seemed to be interminable but eventually they bowed and opened a gap for us.
“We can go now. I would suggest a closed carriage. If not we shall have to walk and there will be many people trying to get a glimpse of the king killer.”
I was shocked. “Me?”
“I am afraid that you have a reputation, fuelled by the Emperor’s people but they believe it.”
“I will be guided by you strategos.”
When we reached the main street there were four closed carriages awaiting us. Besides each of them stood six huge Nubian slaves. Lann looked a little worried as was I but I was Warlord and could not show fear at something as innocuous as a closed carriage. “Do not fear Lann. Climb inside and enjoy the experience.” I set the example and sank into the sumptuous cushions. The curtain was lowered. After a few moments the whole contraption rose in the air. It was a very smooth, albeit disconcerting, motion. I felt sympathy for the slaves. They were carrying a very large man and armour but we seemed to be moving swiftly and smoothly. I was tempted to peer from the curtain but decided against that. It would not look dignified. I could hear the babble of many tongues outside and, from the occasional shouts from our guards, realised that there were some hold-ups which required clearing.
Suddenly we stopped and it was quiet and peaceful. Without a command I was lowered to the ground. The curtain was drawn and there was a smiling Andronikos. “I hope it was not too unpleasant for you. We will use horses next time we travel.”
I saw that our chests were already being carried in even as we stepped from our carriages. Lann looked in awe and Myrddyn looked bemused as they joined me. “What a curious sensation.”
“We have one more thing to do before we can have the bath I promised you, we must meet the Emperor.”
I looked at him curiously, “Surely we are too dirty from our journey. Would he not wish to see us freshen up and in clean clothes?”
The strategos leaned in to, almost, whisper in my ear. “He was quite clear that he wished to see you as you were when you arrived.” He shrugged and I saw it was fear which prompted his words, “I am sorry but I have my orders.”
I smiled. It mattered not to me. If the Emperor could stand our smell then I would not delay our meeting. “Very well strategos, lead on.”
Constantinopolis is built, like Rome, on hills and the palace was on a hill at one end from the acropolis. There were many steps leading up to the entrance and I knew I had climbed when I reached the top. The same guards from the harbour were there and they kept an impassive stare as we passed although they did give a slight nod of the head as Andronikos passed. The corridors were cool after the heat outside and everywhere there were marble statues. At every junction there were more guards. Security was important to these people. At home we only kept sentries on the walls not inside the castle. I wished that I could speak with Myrddyn but I was aware of the silence; our words would be heard.
We approached a pair of double doors guarded by four warriors. Andronikos held up his hand and gave an apologetic smile. Suddenly the doors opened. I could see Myrddyn looking for the secret spy hole which told someone inside that we were there. I was too busy preparing for my meeting with the most powerful man in the world.
The court was filled but the area around the throne was clear and the Emperor sat alone. There was a clear military presence and the sentries looked both alert and efficient. This was a man who took threats seriously. He beckoned us forwards and we walked towards him. I was acutely aware of the stares, whispers and nudges from the courtiers. I wondered if this was the reason we had been told to come directly from the ship he wanted to cause a stir. I felt Lann so close to me as to almost be my shadow. I glanced at Myrddyn and you would have thought he met Emperors every day of his life. He was calmness personified.
Andronikos halted ten paces from the Emperor. “Your Imperial Highness may I present Lord Lann, Warlord of Rheged and Dux Britannica, his wizard Myrddyn of Mona and his squire Lann Aelle.”
The Emperor stood. He was not tall and he was slight but he looked to be without any fat at all. He had a lean and hungry look. The most prominent feature was his eyes; he looked like a
hawk and this was accentuated by a sharp beak of a nose. He smiled as he approached me and it was the kind of smile which makes you wonder if the person ever smiles normally.
He spoke in Latin, “I am most pleased you have accepted our invitation.” His voice was both smooth and commanding; a powerful combination. He placed a hand upon my shoulder. “This is a warrior! This is a man who has fought and killed kings and this is a strategos who has never lost a battle. Welcome Dux Britannica.”
I was at a loss for words and I just mumbled, “Thank you, your Imperial Highness you do me great honour by inviting a humble soldier to your magnificent palace.”
I caught the faintest of nods from Myrddyn and a smile of relief from Andronikos. “It is we who are honoured and I understand that you had to fight pirates on your way here.” I was aware that he was speaking with the rest of the court. “And that you and your young squire faced fifty armed pirates.” He did not wait for an answer. “And you defeated them! You are truly a Hercules reborn!” The whole of the court cheered. It was a lie, of course, Myrddyn had defeated them but they did not want to hear that. They wanted the myth that a man and a boy could stand and beat three pirate crews. “However I am aware that you have travelled far and need to rest before our feast. Strategos take our honoured visitors to their quarters.” He stepped back to the throne so that he was above me again. “Before you go would you show my court this sword called Saxon Slayer that we may all witness its power?”
To say I felt foolish would be an understatement but I was beginning to understand this Emperor who was trying to achieve glory through association. I slowly drew the sword. By some accident of the hour a shaft of sunlight suddenly struck the blade and its jewels and there was an audible gasp from the court. The blade looked to have been made by the gods. I could see that the Emperor did not need to feign a smile; he positively beamed. Even the guards looked to be entranced as I sheathed the sword and followed Andronikos out. As the door closed behind us I heard Myrddyn murmur, “You should have been an actor Warlord for that was a powerful performance worthy of Myrddyn the magician!”