by Griff Hosker
Pasgen and Alf came out to greet us. “We worried about you when we had not heard of you for so long.”
I clasped Pasgen’s arm. “The snows prevented us from leaving.”
Alf stroked his beard. “We have had no snow for a month or so.”
As we entered the village I said, “Perhaps that is why there are so few people in the land of the waters but we survived.”
Pasgen ushered us into his hall. “Come we will have food. Alf here has much to tell you and I know that you have much to tell us.”
We told him our tales of the wolves and the winter.
“I did not know that wolves were so close to us. We never hear them.”
“You may not again. I think we may have destroyed the only pack that was close to our lands. And you, Alf, what of trade and what of the world?”
“The goods we traded are in a hut here in the village. We built it before the snows came. We can load it and sail up to the water when the river is navigable.”
Haaken wiped the ale from his beard, “The melting snow will have raised the level. We are going to take ‘Wolf’ upstream.”
“Good then we will join you. As for the rest.” He smiled, “It is now a world of kings. It seems every Viking is no longer content to be a jarl they all give themselves the title of king. Thorfinn, Erik, Sihtric, Ragnar Hairy Breeches and Magnus Bare Legs all title themselves king.”
I was bemused, “King of what? I know Erik is King of Man but the others?”
“Sihtric is in Hibernia and he controls some of the coast. Ragnar is down at Caerlleon where he battles the Welsh. Magnus and Thorfinn dispute the land around the Lune just south of here. Each controls one side of the estuary.”
“And King Eanred of Northumbria?”
“He just watches. The three kings who are south of here are killing more of each other’s warriors than the Saxons. The Saxons in Mercia and Wessex believe he is waiting until they are weak through this fighting and then he will fall upon them.”
That was interesting. I wondered why he had not followed up on our raid for iron. If I was Eanred then I would strike in the spring when our warriors were still recovering from a harsh winter. I had not remembered it being as hard on the Dunum when I was growing up. Perhaps the Saxons had fared a little better. No doubt they would put that down to their White Christ.
We spent the next day preparing the ships. They just needed to be able to travel the few miles north to Windar’s Mere and then we could begin to work on them. The Ulfheonar were as excited as the young warriors to be back aboard the drekar. Young Magnus had grown over the winter. He would spend the summer learning how to steer the drekar. A good ship’s boy made a captain’s life much easier. I watched as they rowed up the lively river. Haaken had been right, there was a great deal of melt water and the rowers had to work hard as they fought against the torrent of icy water. They enjoyed the task. A winter of indolence meant that they had muscles to harden and this was the best way. The new rowers fitted in well and I knew that I had more Ulfheonar ready to serve me. I smiled for we would have two Eriks aboard, the Tall and Dog Bite. Then there was Tostig Wolf Hand; even though he had a damaged hand he was still a fine warrior. All of them were better brothers to me than King Erik of Man would ever be.
Rolf and Windar sent their men down to the river to fetch the other drekar. If the other leaders of our people were gearing up for war then we had to be prepared. I would prefer not to fight those who worshipped the same gods as we did but I would not let any destroy what we had gained.
As I lay, that night, with Erika we spoke of her brother and our decision to leave Man.
“When you said that you wished to leave Man I could not understand it, husband. It was the place we had met and seemed to me the most perfect of homes but you were right to do so. This, despite the wolves and the winter is a better land and if my brother is determined to be king then I am pleased we do not have to witness that.” She pecked me on the cheek and snuggled in to me. “You could be king you. The people call this the land of the king.”
I shook my head, “That king is not me. Even if I wished to be king then the actions of your brother and the others would have dissuaded me from such a course. Prince Butar only accepted that title reluctantly. I am happy to be Dragon Heart for I know that I earned that title and my people love me for who I am and not what I am called.”
“I am puzzled. Would you have to bow your knee to a king?”
“Only if he conquered me and so long as I breathe this land will be free from a king. The king of this land is the mountain opposite. It is the Old Man, Olaf the Toothless.”
Once the snow began to go it went rapidly. We smiled as it hung around the Old Man giving him a white beard and straggly white hair of which Olaf would have been proud. The shepherds went out to collect those sheep which had evaded capture in the autumn. The time of the lambs began. The ending of the threat of the wolf pack had had benefits for the flocks and they prospered. The wool would be valuable and the animals themselves would ensure that we did to starve. Alf had bought much grain see and the farmers, especially around the Rye Dale began to sow as soon as the ground could be worked.
The ships were hauled out of the water, their bottoms scraped and sprung boards repaired. ‘Man’ and ‘Ran’ were old boats. This might be the last time they could be repaired. If it was they would be used to make two new halls. Over the winter many boys had come of age and would be joining the ships as ship’s boys whilst others would become either seamen or warriors. Spring was a rite of passage for young men. It was also a time of birth as the marriages of midsummer produce fine healthy babies. Our two communities were growing. The world would have been perfect if it was not for events beyond our land.
When the babies and the lambs were born the warriors took their leave of their families and we headed south. Erika had still to deliver. It was hard to leave her.
Dargh and Windar had more than enough warriors to protect our land and the four drekar sailed south to Úlfarrston with ‘Serpent’ and ‘Bear’. They would trade for we had many sheep skins and many iron goods produced by Bjorn. They would return with more grain seed and Frankish blades.
It was not necessary to use oars as we hurtled down the river. The snow melt and the late winter rains had ensured that the river was a torrent and it took all of my skill to keep the drekar in the river. At times I was sure she wished to fly through the air. The calm waters of the estuary were welcome.
We anchored in the estuary. The voyage down had revealed problems in some of the ships. While we waited we debated where we would raid. Most were all for raiding the Welsh again.
I shook my head after the flurry of suggestions. “You choose the Welsh because they are close and they are not Norse but what would we take from them? Their grain is not ready and we have more than enough sheep. Slaves? I am loath to enslave some of those who have helped us.”
“The alternative is to raid Ragnar, Magnus or Thorfinn.”
“Or Mercia.”
They had not thought of that. “Mercia is powerful.”
“Aye but the River Maeresea takes us into the heartland of Mercia beyond the dyke. I am sure that Ragnar Hairy-Breeches is too lazy and too fearful to venture there but we could and there would be great riches to be had.”
Our debate went on long into the night. I believe that they would have raided Mercia had we not seen the drekar which loomed up out of a dawn mist. There were five of them. It looked like war had come to my land.
Chapter 23
My warriors had seen them and they raced back to our ships. We had plenty of time. Pasgen looked a little concerned. He stood with Rolf, Haaken and myself as I pondered what to do. “What do they want? Are they here to fight?”
“I do not know.”
Haaken might only have one eye but it was a good one. “That is Erik’s ship. I do not think Erika’s brother would come here to fight.”
“No, and besides, we have no need to meet with them. We are secure he
re.”
“Shall I get the Ulfheonar to protect you?”
I smiled at Haaken. “I have you, Rolf, Aiden and Arturus what need have I for protection?” I saw Arturus, who had grown considerably over the winter, stiffen with pride and Pasgen smiled at the youth.
The five ships stopped and lowered their sails. Erik’s ship rowed slowly towards us. “It seems your wife’s brother is coming to call, Dragon Heart.”
We walked towards the jetty. The drekar drew up and Erik clambered ashore. He had put on weight over the winter and it was not the move of a fit warrior. He strode up to me with a smile on his face and his hand outstretched. I was not worried but I was still cautious. “Welcome Erik.”
The hint of a frown at the lack of a title flashed briefly across his face and then he clasped my arm. “And you Dragon Heart. You wintered well?”
“We wintered well and your sister and niece are fine. “ I smiled and then put my hands on my hips. “Now would you like to come to the point?”
The frown returned. “What is the cause for such aggression? I come in peace.”
“You come in peace with five drekar and only one is yours. I think we have every right to be suspicious.”
“You have a regal assembly, Jarl Dragon Heart. On those ships are King Magnus, King Ragnar, King Sihtric and King Thorfinn.” I saw Pasgen’s face as it fell and I sympathised.
“Then we have every right to be cautious for the last time King Thorfinn came here he tried to enslave the village and slaughter me.”
“He comes in peace now.”
“Not on this beach!”
I had taken Erik aback. “We are here to talk of creating a high king of Britannia. This will be a Norse kingdom. Even though you are not a king we would have you as part of it.”
I almost spat a reply out; the arrogance of it! They were trying to rule me and wished my agreement. However, Prince Butar had taught me caution and to keep my counsel, I nodded. “I am willing to talk.” Haaken flashed me a look of surprise but I gave the slightest of shakes with my head and he nodded his understanding. He thought I was being taken in but I was not. “But we will not allow any of your friends to land here. There is an island further along the coast. It is bare and it is uninhabited. We can talk there where there can be no hint of treachery.”
“None of them will take kindly to those words, brother.”
“They can take them or leave them. That is the only place I will talk. I do not need to speak with your friends, it is they who wish to speak with me.”
“You are a renowned warrior and known as the bane of the Saxons. It is no surprise that they want you on their side.”
I stared at Erik, “Thorfinn sent an emissary last time he came and his task was to lure me into a trap. I would hate to think that you were doing the same. His other emissary’s bones lie bleaching the beach.”
He looked genuinely shocked, “It is only the love of my sister that stops me from taking offence at that slur.”
His indignation was hollow, “I care not. Take offence if you will and we will settle the matter here and now. I am my own man now answer me, is it the island or do we fight?”
He smiled, “The island of course, we are here for peace. But just bring ‘Wolf’.” He shrugged apologetically, “That way we each only have one ship.”
Haaken laughed, “And we need only one drekar for we are Ulfheonar.”
“I can speak for myself, Haaken.”
“I will tell the other kings.” He strode back to his ship.
Rolf said, “I like this not.”
“Haaken was right my one crew are more than a match for anything they have. Arturus you stay here with Pasgen. Rolf command the ships.”
“But father…”
I turned and snapped, “Hear my words and obey!” He nodded, “Aiden come with me I need you to read the kings.”
Aiden was an astute young man. He understood people the way that Beorn understood animals and their ways. I signalled to my ship and she was rowed across to me. By the time we had boarded Erik’s drekar had moved to within hailing distance of the others and they had started to turn to the west. As Haaken took his bench the word spread amongst the Ulfheonar what we were about. I saw Haaken and Cnut exchange a glance then Cnut began to sing the beat. I shook my head as they began to row faster. My warriors intended to reach the island before the others despite their start. It was futile for it was we who would have to lead anyway.
I concentrated on reaching the island. There were a number of uninhabited islands and I just had to choose one. It had always struck me that any of them would make a good site for a fort to protect the estuary. We did not have enough warriors to man one but it was the way that my mind worked.
“What do you expect of me, Jarl Dragon Heart?”
“Watch the others, Aiden. You have the knack of reading men’s motives. Who is true and who is false? I can hear their words but I cannot watch all of them. You can.”
He nodded, satisfied in his task.
We soon began to open a lead on the other ships. Cnut and Haaken had the bit between their teeth. They would show the others who had the best and fastest ship. I eased the steering board a little as the islands hove into view. “Magnus, get the sail down. Aiden help him.”
Lowering the sail would warn the others that we had almost reached our destination. I shook my head as I said to Cnut, “I would appreciate not ripping the hull out of my ship when we near the island.”
“Do not worry, Jarl Dragon Heart. We can stop her on the head of a Roman coin. Just let us know how far away we are.”
I began to call out the distances. “Three hundred paces, two hundred paces.” When I reached ‘one hundred paces’, I could not keep the urgency from my voice.
Cnut shouted, “Back water!” The rowers, as a man quickly lifted their oars from the sea and then reversed them and began to push backwards. ‘Wolf’ suddenly slowed and then came to a gentle stop in the shallows.
I nodded, “That was well done. Magnus over the side and tie us up.”
Magnus dropped into waist deep water and ran to the largest rock he could find. He wrapped the rope around one and waved. Aiden threw him a second rope and he tied the stern too. I was ashore with Aiden, Cnut and Haaken before the others had even reached the island.
There a couple of logs which had drifted ashore and we manhandled two of them as improvised benches. As the others descended from their boats I said, “Now you two behave yourself. It is for me to take offence and not you. Watch their guards and tell me later what you think.”
The five, so-called, kings all came together. Each had two bodyguards. Erik had a wry smile on his face as he strode up to us. “I see the Ulfheonar were keen to get here quickly.”
Haaken smiled disarmingly, “We just wanted to arrange the seats for such exalted guests.”
I saw that the sarcasm was not appreciated by the others. I hoped that Haaken would let it lie. He saw me watching him and shrugged an apology.
The others stood with their warriors behind them. I had only met Thorfinn and Ragnar before but I recognised Sihtric by his flowing and oiled beard and I assumed the last to be Magnus. I saw Ragnar Hairy-Breeches grinning at me, “I’ll say this for you, Dragon Heart, you are a game ‘un. I was certain you were going to rip out your hull.”
Thorfinn snapped, “More’s the pity.”
I had noticed him limping when he had come ashore. “How is the leg Thorfinn?”
“It ached all the way through the winter. I owe you a wound now.” He looked darkly at me. “And I owe you a dead brother too.”
“At least he stayed to fight and died like a warrior. He did not run with his tail between his legs.”
“Do not push me Dragon Heart. My weapon is eager for a skull!”
“Any time you would like to try just let me know. I was barely warmed up the last time before you fled. Did you lose many men when your ships went down?”
His hand went to his axe and Ragnar snap
ped, “We are here for peace and not for war!”
“Why are we here?” I asked innocently. I knew but I wanted to hear how they phrased it.
Ragnar, who appeared to be the spokesman smiled as he spoke. “The Saxons are finished. They are falling back to the east and Northumbria is like a ripe plum ready for the picking. We are here to decide who will be high king and how we should go about it.”
They all nodded. “I thought the High King was Irish? And I know that three of you have land close to the Saxons but two of you live safely on an island. How does this affect you?”
Erik coloured and Sihtric’s eyes flashed angrily. He clapped his hand on his sword hilt. “You, young pup! I have ignored your lack of respect to five kings but I will not listen to your insults to me.”
I laughed, which enraged him even more. “Then listen to the words of your spokesman. He said that you had land adjacent to the Saxons? Unless the Saxons have become the Irish or fish then you have no rights here. Unless, that is, you intend to ride on the backs of other warriors.”
Ragnar came between us. I had not risen but I was ready to in an instant. “Dragon Heart, keep a civil tongue in your head.”
I stood, “Why should I? It was you who requested this meeting and not me. Why am I here? The five of you could have carried out your plan without my involvement. You could have defeated the Saxons and then come to me and boasted of your deeds. Why ask me?”
Erik spoke, “You have defeated the Saxons more than any other warrior. With you on our side then none could defeat us.”
“And what is in it for me? I am happy in my new land,” I looked pointedly at each of them in the eye. “And I need no king to obey. I obey no-one and I will not acknowledge the over lordship of any. If I joined you then it would be as an equal and on my terms.”
Magnus Bare Legs spoke for the first time. ”But we are all kings!”
“Just because you call yourself a king does not make you one.” I had now antagonised all of them and yet they remained on the island and their swords stayed sheathed. They were desperate for me to join them.