by Griff Hosker
Siggi White Hair nodded, "If Hrolf is willing to search for your brother, Jarl, then I am willing to sail down the Liger with you. But if he finds no trace of him then we forget this venture."
The Jarl stared at Siggi White Hair, "Let it be so."
There was a collective sigh of relief. Rurik One Ear put his arm around my shoulder, "Hrolf you are as mad as a cat in a sack! I admire you and wish I had half your courage but I fear that when you leave us we shall never see you again."
Erik and his wife came over. Erik put his good arm around me and Brigid kissed me full on the lips. "Do not throw your life away, horseman, you could have any of the women of the clan tonight. It is a noble quest. I have children I would do as you if one was lost."
The Jarl waved me over. I stood next to him. "This is a fine gesture. How long would you need?"
"It would take at least a week, lord. If I was lucky and found the drekar then I would need to find the crew and then report back."
"You do not think you will find the drekar." It was a statement and not a question.
I nodded, "I expect to find her burnt bones but I go not for a drekar, Lord. I go to find your brother and the crew, We both know that drekar can be destroyed but her crew can survive."
He looked surprised, "You think to find men alive if the ship is destroyed?"
"Answer me honestly, Jarl Thorfinnson. If 'Sea Serpent' had successfully raided would not your brother return here and boast of his success?"
He winced as though I had struck him, "You cut to the quick, Hrolf, but you are right. Are you certain you wish to do this?"
"It is for the clan. I do."
The Jarl nodded, "We sail on the morning tide. We take a crew to row and no more. We go not to war. We go to find our brothers!"
I turned and sought Erik. "I need to ask a boon. You will need to feed my two mares each day and let them run in their pen. They will not be happy that I have left them and their stallion has gone."
Erik shook his head, "You risk your life and ask me to feed horses! Of course we will care for them and your home. Brigid is right, Hrolf. You are worth more to the clan than this. Do not throw your life away."
Erik, I have been told my fate and it is not to die on the Liger. I cannot fulfil my destiny if the clan falls apart. This is but a step on a longer journey. I cannot see the end yet for I am barely started. My path has been determined by the gods and the Norns."
That night as I prepared, I chose what I would take carefully. I would leave my sword, and my helmet as well as my shield. They marked me as a Viking warrior. I took the curved sword I had taken from a Moorish warrior years before and his small round shield. I did take my bow. It looked like one used in the east. I left my wolf cloak behind and took a faded, old red one. I knew that there were simple round helmets on the drekar. I would wear one of those. I had decided to play a Frank. My mail vest had been taken from a Frank. I would look and sound like a warrior from the north. There were many such mercenaries who fought for a lord and then moved on. When I had lived in Neustria I had seen bands of them. They were poorly dressed and armed but they were their own masters. Of course it would not guarantee my safety. That was in the hands of the Weird Sisters and I just hoped that they had not finished with me yet. I reached the village before dawn having said goodbye to my mares and to Nipper. I dismounted by the Jarl's hall. He came out with his hearth-weru.
"This is an act worthy of a saga, Hrolf."
"If it binds us together then I will be satisfied."
As we left by the south gate, I was touched by the fact that people came out to wish us, and me in particular, well. I saw Hildegard, Emma and Mary and they were crying. I knew not why. Boarding the drekar with Dream Strider was not as easy from Raven Bay. In fact I was not even certain it was possible. It was Harold Fast Sailing who came up with the solution. Spare strakes were laid from a rock which rose from the sea to the deck of the drekar. I managed to coax Dream Strider up the slippery, weed covered rocks. He was glad to jump into the drekar and I rode him to the prow. We cast off and I dismounted. I gave him another of my previous store of apples as a reward.
'Raven's Wing' would not wait for us but return to the island. It would be too dangerous for her to lurk on the Liger. We had agreed that I would not be back any earlier than seven days from when I was dropped off. I would be on my own for that time. Ulf Big Nose came to speak with me. He was our best scout and he was there to give me sage advice. "The best place to hide is in plain sight. Where you can then pay for your bed." He handed me a purse with small Frankish coins. A mercenary would not have gold. "You are good with people Hrolf. Smile and talk to them."
"Will they not think that strange for a hired sword?"
He laughed, "They will think that your smiles are the reason you are so poorly dressed. You have chosen a good disguise. By using old and damaged mail, helmet and shield you look the part. You will be a young warrior fallen on hard times. The difficult part will come in Andecavis. If the drekar has been there they will be suspicious of any strangers especially those coming up the river."
"I was going to approach from the east. If I ride around the city I could appear to have come from the Empire."
He clapped me around the shoulders, "You learn quickly Hrolf. I do not think that you need to do this for in my heart I believe that Gunnstein Thorfinnson is dead but I admire your courage in volunteering for the clan."
"Do not make it sound so noble, Ulf. I will be riding Dream Strider and riding freely. Perhaps I will stay and become a soldier of fortune!" I said it lightly but I was beginning to worry. If someone like Ulf was concerned then did I have the skills to achieve what I had promised?
We sailed into the Liger estuary in daylight and boldly. We did not have shields along the sides. The Jarl hoped that the men of Vannes would know that we meant no harm. The ship's boys watched for signs of the drekar as we passed the harbours along the coast. There was none. Sven stopped us at one of the many islands on the river. This one was six miles upstream from Nantes. He would drop me and then they would turn around the island and head back to sea. Sven would bring the drekar back to the same island. I would wait on the island when I had completed my task. A gangplank was run out and I clambered ashore on Dream Strider's back. I had a skin with wine and one with water. That would mark me as a Frank and not a Viking. I had some ham and some cheese. My food would only last me a few days. I had sixty miles to travel and I planned on thirty miles a day. That would not exhaust my horse.
Siggi White Hair came to the side, "Be careful, my young friend." He flashed a look at the Jarl who was watching from the stern. "Young Gunnstein is not worth your loss! If they are dead then come back quickly!" His look left me in no doubt that he wanted me to say that Gunnstein was dead even if I did not know that for certain. I could not do that.
"I will return." I kicked Dream Strider in the flanks and we headed down the greenway which abutted the river. I did not look back. The sight of the drekar sailing downstream would have made me even more aware that I was alone.
My helmet hung from my saddle and I rode easily as though I had not a care in the world. I could not travel too far from the river as I was looking for signs of the 'Sea Serpent'. I knew from our previous forays that there were few settlements along the river. Those that we had seen had good protection against floods. The greenway along which I rode showed signs of recent flooding. In places it was sticky and muddy showing where there had been an inundation. At one point the greenway was impassable. I turned north to skirt the boggy section and I found the Roman Road. Easier for travel it made it more likely that I would meet someone.
As I trotted along the cobbled road I ran over my story in my head. Ulf Big Nose had told me to believe what I said; the lie would be harder to spot. I was about to turn south and head back to the river when I spied a handful of huts close to the road. I had been seen and if I left the road would incur their suspicion. If I was who I said I was then I would welcome the chance to rest
and water my mount.
As I approached I saw that they had neither gate nor wall. There were no visible arms but there was a reaction to my arrival. Children ran to their mothers and the men emerged from their huts and workshops, some holding weapons. I saw that they had a variety of activities. There was a forge; fish were being dried and women were weaving. It was a thriving little community. I smiled and halted in the centre. Dismounting I said, easily, "Am I glad to find people. This is a lonely road."
An older man with broad shoulders; I took him to be the smith asked, "Where have you come from stranger?"
"I have been travelling these many days. I was at Reims on the river and I have travelled down from there."
Another nodded to my sword and shield. "You are a warrior?"
"I am." I leaned forward. "I had a falling out with my Captain. I did not like the men he chose as our employers. I go to seek a permanent job. I hear Andecavis needs warriors."
My words and my smile seemed to put them at their ease. The smith said, "They always need warriors there but your sword has seen better days."
The curved Moorish sword had not been used for some time. There were flecks of rust on it and the scabbard was poor. "Aye. I have coin if you could put an edge on it smith and if there is any food..."
The chance of making money was not to be missed and they smiled. "Of course. Bring your horse to my forge. There is water there for him to drink. Anya, fetch food for this warrior. What is your name?"
"Bertrand of Bruges."
"You are far from home."
"When you are young and seek adventure the world is not big enough."
The smith had a cut log as a seat and he gestured for me to sit. He took my sword and placed it in his fire. "This may take some time. This sword has seen much wear. You might think of buying another."
"Have you any for sale?"
"There is little call for them here. It is peaceful."
"Then you and this village are lucky."
His wife had come out during our conversation with a small jug of wine, some fresh bread and the local cheese and butter. "Do not listen to my husband! Ten days since we feared for our lives for a dragon ship with fierce warriors sailed up the river. As it has not returned I fear for our lives. When they come back they will kill the men, rape the women and eat the babies!"
Her husband laughed, "I told my wife that if it had not returned it was because it had been destroyed by the men of Andecavis. What say you? You are a warrior and know such things."
"I think your husband may be right. Unless of course it slipped south during the night."
The smith shook his head, "We may not have a wall but we watch the river at night." He pointed south. "We have fishing boats there and some have been stolen before now. Each night two men watch the river. No one has come down since the Northmen went upstream. They are dead and I do not believe that they eat babies."
"Then your husband will be right, lady. You can sleep easy at night." I gave her my broadest smile and she smiled back.
"We could find work for you here, warrior. We have asked the lord to have men here to protect us from brigands and bandits but he is too concerned with fighting the Count of Vannes."
I nodded as I ate, "It is a pleasant place but it is too much like my home. I will try Andecavis and if I have no work there then I may return and take you up on your offer." I was planning my escape already.
It was late afternoon when I left. I paid for the work on the sword and my food. They pressed me to stay but I said I was anxious to get to the city. The smith told me that there was another village fifteen miles down the road. I stored that information and headed along the ancient road, east. I now believed that Gunnstein had come to a bad end. I had to discover what that end was. I owed that to the Jarl for he had given me the life I had. The drekar could not have survived upstream for ten days. When I was far enough from the village to move without being seen I left the road and headed back to the river path. I had eaten well and I was anxious to see the river for myself. Who knew what evidence there might be.
I rode until dusk and then found a clearing close to the river. There was a large willow which would afford shelter in case it rained. After giving Dream Strider water I allowed him to graze the rich and lush grass close to the river. I went to lay out a fish line. I had a fancy for fish for my supper. I left the line, baited with a juicy worm and went back to light a fire. The light had almost gone in the west but there was still a half light. I saw my line being tugged. I began to haul it in. It was a brown speckled fish, half as long as my forearm. Icaunis had smiled on me and sent me bounty.
I took the hook from its mouth and laid the fish on the bank. I carefully rolled the line and hook and placed them back in my leather pouch. Who knew when I would need it again. I quickly gutted the fish and threw the guts back into the river. They were for the river god. Soon the fish was crackling and spitting on my fire. Later, as I finished the last of the succulent fish I reflected that it had been a good day. It had gone better than I had hoped and, after hobbling Dream Strider, I lay down to sleep.
I awoke not long before dawn. I took Dream Strider's hobble from his legs and went to the river to make water. It was a different light this morning. It came from the east and what had been shadows were now bathed in light as the sun rose. I saw an arm. It was in the water and appeared to be waving. I drew my sword and approached it. I saw a tattoo and recognised it. The arm belonged to Sven Dragon Arm. He was one of Gunnstein's crew. When I reached him I saw that he was dead; he had no head. Had it not been for the distinctive tattoo I would not have recognised him. His body had been caught up in the bend of the river. I took his arm and pulled his body free. I let it catch the current and, bloated, it floated down the river. "Farewell Sven Dragon Arm. May you find your way to Valhalla."
I saddled Dream Strider. There was little point in travelling up the river. I decided I might as well head directly for Andecavis. I would sweep around the town further north than I had planned. As I rode along the road I felt sad for the crew. They had been a young crew. Sven Dragon Arm had been one of the warriors who had been with old Jarl Thorfinn Blue Scar on Ljoðhús. I hoped that some were still alive; it was possible but I suspected that if one of the more experienced warriors had perished then so had the rest. I could have turned around then with the news for the Jarl. No one would have blamed me but I had been given a task and I would stick to it.
The road followed the river and I passed through a few small villages. I smiled and I paid for a little food at each one. I was questioned for I was a stranger and I told my story each time. It became easier and more believable the more I repeated it. There were still some mile stones left from the times of the Romans. I saw one which told me there were five more miles to Andecavis. Just ahead I saw a crudely made road which headed north. I decided to take that one. Now that I knew the drekar had come to harm then I had to be even more circumspect.
After two miles I saw a forest to the east. The road north was not turning and when I spied a track I took a risk and headed east. It was a well worn track. There were fresh horse droppings along it. It was used by travellers with horses. That suggested nobles or merchants. It was a thick forest and it was dark and filled with shadows. The air was oppressively hot. I wondered if I had made a mistake. When I deemed it was noon I stopped. It was hard to tell but my stomach told me that I was hungry and Dream Strider's head drooped. When I spied the stream which obviously led to the larger river I stopped. While my horse drank I ate some of the cheese and the ham I had brought. I washed it down with the rough wine from my skin and then drank some water. There was little grass for Dream Strider and I gave him some grain. I used my helmet for a bowl.
We rode on and the forest seemed never ending. Ulf Big Nose had taught me to move silently and I had perfected the technique with Dream Strider. My horse picked his way along the path. He avoided any broken branches or twigs and did not step on stones which might clatter. Thus it was that I h
eard the shouts and cries from ahead. I stopped Dream Strider to listen and took out my bow. I strung it and took out an arrow. I let my horse move a little closer to the noise using my knees to guide him. I caught a flash of colour and metal ahead and heard more raised voices. I slipped from his back and tied his reins to the branch of a tree. I headed to my left.
I saw that there were some merchants and they were being robbed. There were four bodies lying on the ground and five bandits held swords to the throats of the four merchants who cowered on their knees. I knew there must be more bandits and I thought to leave the merchants to their fate. Then I realised that this was work of the Weird Sisters. I was being tested. I donned my helmet. I might need it. I readied an arrow and, as one of the bandits raised his sword to decapitate a merchant I let fly. Even while the arrow was speeding towards its target I was heading left. The arrow plunged into the bandit's back and he pitched forward. Two more bandits raised their heads. They had been behind the merchants' horses. They were looking to my right and I sent another arrow at the one bandit who was looking at me. My arrow smacked into his face before he could cry out.
I spun around and flattened myself behind a tree and prepared another arrow. I held a second in my teeth. I heard the last five bandits shouting to each other and seeking me. I turned around the other side of the tree and loosed an arrow at a bandit who was less than thirty paces from me. Even as he fell with an arrow sticking through his body I had loosed my second at another bandit fifty paces from me. It was hurriedly released and it just spun him around as it hit his shoulder. Now that they had seen me the three ran at me. I had slain or wounded the two closest and I aimed carefully at the nearest bandit who raced towards me with an axe ready to slay me. My arrow hit him in the chest but he kept coming. I knocked another arrow and hit him when he was just twenty paces from me. The other two had grown wise and they had split up and gone to ground.