Viking Kingdom

by Griff Hosker

  “I invite any who wish to follow me to do so but if you do not then I wish you well.” It was interesting to watch the reactions of the people before me. I confess I only looked at the men but I knew that my wife would be observing the female reaction too. I saw Dargh nod and knew that he would come. At the same time I saw Jarl Erik and his wife with superior smiles. It suited them.

  The looks were replaced by words as a babble of noise broke out. I saw Haaken and the Ulfheonar. They stood and all went silent. “We have seen this land and the Ulfheonar follow Dragon Heart.”

  A flash of annoyance flickered over Jarl Erik’s face.

  Rolf and the rest of my men all stood, “We too are going. The Jarl offered to release us from our oath.” He smiled, “We will follow across the poisoned sea if he asks!” My men all banged the table and cheered.

  Dargh stood, “I owe everything to you Jarl Dragon Heart. I will follow you.”

  One by one the men who guarded my fort stood and repeated, “And I.”

  I was genuinely touched. I now had enough people to make this venture work. The rest of the evening was spent in people trying to persuade others to their position. Erik sought me out and led me outside. “I will be staying here, brother. I love the place too much and too much blood has been shed to relinquish our hold on it.”

  “I know and I wish you well.” I clasped his hand.

  He looked a little worried as he added, “I have spoken with those jarls who will not be following you and they seem to think that they would like me as leader.”

  “That is expected. When I leave I do not expect to have any say in how the island and the Tynwald are run.”

  He seemed relieved, “And as such they wish to confer on me the title of Prince.”

  I was not shocked but I was mildly surprised. Such an announcement would never have happened like that when Butar ruled. We had a long thing and we heard all the arguments before he became Prince.

  I nodded, “As I say, when I leave then do as you will. Until then…” There was a veiled threat there. He would not take the title whilst I was on the island.

  “No, of course, that would be wrong. And if we can help in any way.”

  “I will expect you to care for those who choose not to come.”

  There was a slight hesitation and then he smiled and said, “Of course.”

  I was not convinced but I would make it clear to those who were still loyal to me that if they remained then they would be under the over lordship of Erik.

  Later that night, as the thralls were clearing the hall, I lay in bed with Erika and I told her what her brother had said. She laughed, “He is ruled by that one. Well he is welcome to her. Prince indeed! He might be my brother but he is a mere shadow of the man he wants to be.”

  “And who is that?”

  “Why you, you goose!” And she kissed me.

  Chapter 12

  The freemen such as Scanlan had not been at the feast but over the next few days they all came to say they wished to serve me still. Surprisingly the thralls, even though they had no say in the matter, were equally happy to be leaving. The abbot and the monks had not been sold yet and seemed to want to return to the mainland. The cold winter passed by in a blur as we planned and packed ready to leave.

  We had, almost, a fleet. We had four drekar and two Hibernian ships. Many of the fishermen, when they heard of the waters chose to travel with us. Even so we would not be able to fit all on board our six ships. Prince Erik did not offer any of his ships and kept away from us during that time. It did not upset me but Erika had words to say about her brother. We decided to take all of the warriors and the men first. Then the two Hibernian ships could return for the women and the equipment. That would give us time to send a party ahead to prepare our settlement and expand the houses.

  Already Windar had asked to make his home on Windar’s Mere. I was happy for that. It would protect our passage down the river. He would be the leader along with Rolf and his men. It was a large mere and could accommodate two jarls.

  The day that we sailed felt strange. Hrams-a looked deserted and empty. Only a few of the people had wished to stay. I knew that as soon as the women left then Erik would descend and occupy it. I was just grateful that he had waited until I had sailed. I wondered if Erika was disappointed that her brother was not saying goodbye but I think she had realised how shallow he was. Since Prince Butar’s death he had changed. He was not becoming like Harold the False but he was not the warrior who had sailed with me years earlier.

  It was a brisk late winter morning when we left. The thin spring sun peered warily over the eastern horizon. We had the wind behind and I hoped for a fast voyage. The gods were with us and we reached Úlfarrston within a few hours. Pasgen came to greet us and make us welcome. We quickly unloaded and then sent the two slower ships back to Hrams-a. We were keen for our families to join us. The slower ships would take more time but they much more room than our faster drekar.

  “I wondered if you would come back Jarl Dragon Heart.”

  “I said that I would.”

  “I know but I was not certain that you would wish the wicked winters we have here in Rheged.” He looked at all of the warriors and the men I had brought. “This is an army.”

  I nodded, “Now you see what it means to have my protection. I am sending two ships up to Windar’s Mere. They have many of the animals and my warriors who are to build the new homes.”

  He looked at me, “Windar’s Mere?”

  I laughed, “It is what we have named the large water from which this river flows.” I shrugged, “It is how we are.” I pointed to the warriors who would remain with me at Úlfarrston. “The rest will wait here for our families.”

  Rolf and Windar took ‘Bear’ and 'Man’ up the river. We hoped that the recent rains would have made the river navigable but we did not mind it we had to port the ships to the water.

  “We will camp where we stayed the last time and journey tomorrow.”

  “Your women cannot sleep in a cold field. We will accommodate them.” He hurried off to arrange it.

  The two slower cargo ships seemed to take forever to arrive and I was quite worried. It was almost dark when they were seen on the southern horizon and I saw many of the men with a look of relief as their families arrived.

  The Ulfheonar and twenty other warriors left at first light to walk to the house we had built. We left much of our supplies, the anvil, the spinning wheels, the bulky items, with Pasgen. We would need all the space for our people. We hoisted sail and manned the oars and began the journey up the river. It was not a long journey but it was one which demanded care. It was a narrow river and, in paces both rocky and shallow. I used the ship’s boys to run along the bank and warn us of problems. Arturus and Magnus, in particular, enjoyed that responsibility. When we reached the section of the river I was worried about I was relieved to see that the water level was high.

  As soon as the women saw the land and the water they were happy. I had worried that we had built it up too much but, even at the end of winter, it still looked magnificent. I saw the two drekar at the head of the mere and we headed in that direction. As we approached on the placid waters I saw that the men were hard at work cutting down trees for building. They were wasting no time.

  Time was of the essence. We needed shelters quickly. Everything would have to be built. Windar and Rolf were both stripped to the waist despite the chilly air and they were sweating profusely. “We will have houses up before dark, Jarl Dragon Heart.”

  I smiled, “And we will be sleeping under a roof too, for I will take my people to our new home. I will return tomorrow and take ‘Wolf’ down to Úlfarrston to bring the rest of our goods. Then ‘Serpent’ and ‘Butar’ will need to sail back to the sea. We will need their trade more than ever now.”

  The march to our new home was a cold one but I noticed the spring in the step of all. We had five of the horses with us and many of the women took turns to ride on those. I noticed that o
ur two nuns of the White Christ were looking particularly happy. I remembered that they had lived not far from here. It must have been like coming home for them. The Ulfheonar had worked hard and the skeleton of a third building was taking shape. The men would not have a roof but they would have shelter from the winds.

  I led Erika across the threshold of our new hall. “Here is your new home.”

  She looked down towards the mere and over to the mountain which looked like Old Olaf. There were tears in her eyes as she said, “It is good. You are right. We were meant to be here.”

  I left early the next morning. The Ulfheonar would protect my family and the warriors we had brought would build the homes. Bjorn claimed a site by the water for his smithy. He was big enough so that no one argued with his decision. Besides it was a good choice. He could use the water and the smoke from the smith would blow down the valley. I took one of the horses to ride back. I was alone and I rode hard. It was exhilarating and not a little frightening. In the short time I had been away Windar and Rolf had built a jetty for the ships and more houses.

  Rolf said, proudly, “Today we begin our ditch and wall.” He pointed to the Roman fort. “We can use some of the stone from the old fort.”

  “Good. I will take ‘Wolf’ and escort Captain Alf and the two cargo ships. I will be back before nightfall. Have lights ready.”

  “We will.”

  My crew were ready. They were not Ulfheonar but they were young warriors who wished to be. They would try to impress me. Magnus was the only ship’s boy. Arturus was with Aiden. As we had more rowers we led the way. If my drekar could ride the shallow sections then the other, lighter ships would fly over them. I was amazed at the speeds we managed. I even had the sail shortened for we were leaving the other two behind. When I saw Úlfarrston on the starboard side I was almost disappointed. I had hoped to ride the river a little longer.

  The tide was on the turn when we reached the mouth of the river and we waved to Captain Alf and his two ships as they took advantage of the conditions and headed for Man and then Frankia. We would need the trade more than ever now. I had the men load the last of the goods that we had left here at the mouth of the river and I went to speak with Pasgen to explain to him how our trade worked. I knew that we could sail all the way to our new home for half of the year but the other half would mean we would have to offload at Úlfarrston. When I explained he did not mind.

  He had just offered me a horn of ale when I heard a shout from Magnus. “Jarl Dragon Heart. The far shore!”

  I ran to the river and looked at the eastern bank. There was a huddle of people there. I saw their arms imploring us for help. I suspected a trap but Magnus suddenly shouted, “They are from Audun’ston, Jarl, I recognise them.”

  It was not a trap. “Get on your oars and row across the river.”

  It was not easy fighting the tide but we managed to turn the ship and head across the short stretch of water. I could see now that Magnus was right. There were many women and children, probably fifteen or so, three youths and a warrior who looked to be wounded.

  “Up oars! Magnus, secure us and get these people on board.” There was something about the way that they kept looking over their shoulder that had me worried. I drew my sword and pointed to the first four rowers. “Grab a weapon and come with me.”

  I ignored the thanks from the women as they were helped on board and I ran down the trail. I heard the bark of dogs. “On me!”

  The four warriors closed ranks and we stood in a line ready to face whatever came at us. The dogs came first. They were the kind the Irish use to hunt wolves. As big as a small pony they seemed to have a head filled with teeth. There were four of them and they leapt at us snarling and snapping. I slashed with Ragnar’s Spirit and two of them died with my first mighty blow. A third fastened its teeth on my leg until the warrior next to me took off its head. The last one was despatched by two of my men. We waited then for the hunters who would follow. They were Saxons! There were ten of them. All had a spear but none were mailed. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that most of the refugees had been boarded.

  I said quietly, “Be ready to move back to the ship when I give the command!” With just a sword, no helmet, no armour and no shield we were in no position to fight off ten well armed Saxons. We just had to buy time. I said loudly, “Look boys, more dogs. These have two legs!”

  As I had expected my words, in Saxon, enraged them. Without my shield and my helmet they would not know who I was. Had they known, they might have been more cautious. As it was they raced at us. I ran forward, flicked the spear head which was heading for my chest away and sliced my sword across the stomach of the first warrior. I spun around and brought Ragnar’s Spirit through the backbone of a second and, grabbing the spear head of a third I rammed the crosspiece into the eye of a third.

  I heard Magnus shout, “We are boarded, my lord!”

  It was time for a retreat. I had surprised them once and they would be more wary when next they attacked. I also saw another ten warriors heading up the trail towards us. I shouted, in Norse, “Back to the ship!” I then roared and feinted at the men in front of me. They recoiled and I turned and ran back along the river. I heard a whoosh and looked up as a flight of arrows soared above my head. As I clambered aboard, ‘Wolf’ I turned to see the Saxons preparing to advance behind their shields.

  “Push off!”

  We rowed back to the western bank where Pasgen had his men armed and ready should they be needed. They would not. The Saxons had no means of crossing the river, they were afoot and there looked to be just a band of them. Not enough to worry us, yet.

  I concentrated on steering the ship against a receding tide. I would have to wait some time before venturing upstream to Windar’s Mere. As we bumped into the bank Magnus threw the rope and we were tied up. I went to the wounded warrior. It was Thrand the Silent. I could see that he was badly wounded. He had a stomach wound and they were slow to kill but impossible to heal.

  He nodded as I approached, “Thank you Jarl Dragon Heart. That was bravely done.” He coughed up a little blood as he chuckled, “When I get to Valhalla I will tell old Ragnar of the way you slew those three Saxons with just a sword.”

  I nodded, “Tell the old man he taught me well.” There were no lies between warriors. We both knew he was dying. His hand still gripped his sword. “What happened?”

  “The Saxons came. They appeared to come in peace and Audun opened the gates to them. I was out with the boys and we were hunting. We saw them enter from the hill where we were standing. They fell upon our people and slaughtered them. Audun fought well but he knew they were doomed and he ordered the women to flee through the northern gate. We found them. Audun and the men died to buy them time and I brought them north. I knew you had gone north and you were our only hope.” His body was suddenly wracked with pain and he closed his eyes.

  One of the youths who now had a long scar running down his face took up the story. “Our men held them a long time and it was a whole day before they found us. They had dogs. We had to rest because of the women and the children.” He held his head proudly. “Else we could have outrun them.”

  Thrand patted the boy as he opened his eyes, “You are right, my son. When I am dead do not kill my sword but use it to kill others. Jarl Dragon Heart, I am going now. Will you watch over my son and the others?”

  “I so swear!”

  “Then I die happy! I come my …”

  The last effort was too much and the last warrior from Audun’ston died. The last of the warriors who had followed Jarl Harald One-Eye joined the others in Valhalla. It was a good death for he had saved lives.

  I took the sword from his dead fingers and handed it to his son. “Here is your father’s sword. Use it well.”

  He nodded and, holding it, said, “I swear to serve you Jarl Dragon Heart.”

  The other two also swore. “I will take you into my band and I will watch over you as though you were my sons.”

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p; I looked at them expectantly. Thrand’s son said, “I am Sigtrygg Thrandson.”

  “I am Gunnstein son of Olvir.”

  The last youth was a giant. He was taller and broader than I was and yet much younger. “I am Thorir the Tall.”

  I smiled. “I can see where you got your name from. You are all my oathsworn now. When we have loaded this ship we will row to your new home.”

  Sigtrygg asked, “This is not your home?”

  “No, but these are good people and I needs must speak with them.”

  Gunnstein said, “The other warriors died so that we could get here. The Saxons killed them this morning after Thrand was wounded.” He pointed across the river to the south. “What of their bodies, Jarl Dragon Heart?”

  These were no longer youths, these were now warriors and they deserved the truth. “Their bodies will be despoiled by the Saxons and their weapons taken.” I could see the upset that caused. “But they died with their swords in their hands and they are greeting Thrand even now. That is the best that a warrior can hope for.” I wanted them to know the truth and I was pleased when they set their faces and nodded. “See to the women while I go and speak with the headman.”

  Pasgen was waiting patiently. “This is not good Pasgen. The Saxons may come back. I have brought danger to you.”

  “No, you have not for you rescued us from a worse danger. We now have a better place to defend and we have weapons. We will keep watch and we will be ready.”

  I pointed north. “They will cross the river higher up and come at you from that direction.”

  “How do you know?”

  I smiled, grimly, “I too am a raider and it is what I would do. You need to have men watching from the hill where we made our camp. When they do come then send word. You will only have to hold them for a day and then my wolves will fall upon them.”

  “We will not let you down.”

  It was dark by the time we had loaded the drekar and we were tightly packed. We also had three new rowers who were keen to prove themselves to their new jarl. We had Thrand’s body by the prow. We would bury him amongst his own people. His grave would be revered. He would be the first to be buried in our new land. The gods favoured us for, as we passed the shallow section our extra weight made us scrape along the rocks but the warriors pulled even harder and we were soon in deeper water and the dark depths of the mere were ahead. I saw the lights in the distance and knew that soon we would be home.