by Griff Hosker
We sat in my son's hall and ate a hearty stew of butchered horses taken from the battlefield. We found plundered ale in the Frisian camp and we drank well. My son and grandsons were allowed to sit with the Ulfheonar, Raibeart, Aiden and Wolf Killer. They had earned the right. They said, however, nothing but took in all of our words.
"This man is still a threat." Wolf Killer wiped the foam from his mouth. "He showed skill to attack where he did and achieving such surprise. A large army is hard to hide."
"He is for he still has many men at his command. He can raise another army if he has coin enough." Aiden had said little. I saw him frowning. "Speak galdramenn. Your thoughts and advice are never wasted."
He nodded, "This is no magic, Jarl, but I have been distanced from the danger and had time to think. All of you around this table have been reacting to the danger and fighting for your lives; even the youngest here." I saw my son and grandsons sit up a little straighter at the praise. "It is a forest and you are within. You see the trees but not the whole forest. I have been peering at this problem. Has Neustria so much coin that they can afford to fund such a large army? If they do then perhaps we ought to relieve them of it."
Haaken nodded, "Then they would be less likely to do so again."
My Ulfheonar nodded. Prevention was always better than a cure.
"And those Danes. They are a bigger threat now than they once were. King Eanred allied with us very easily. I would speak with his son as soon as I can for I wonder if it was the threat of the Danes which made him jump into bed with us. It used to be Northumbria and Mercia who threatened us. Thanks to your diplomacy and victories, Jarl Dragonheart, those threats are no longer there but the Danes? They grow like a pustule on your back. You know it is there but you can do nothing about it. It grows and it grows. They are now our nearest neighbours. Ragnar Ruriksson proved that by getting here so quickly." He looked at Wolf Killer. The road from Eoforwic ends here. This will ever be in danger."
We all looked at Wolf Killer. "I will not run."
Quietly I said, "We neither ask nor expect you to. The question is how can we prevent a repetition of this?"
It was Erik Eriksson who came up with the suggestion. "Seddes' Burgh could be defended. It seems to me that it was only taken by surprise when Ragnar Ruriksson attacked. Your men had not been there long."
"It needs a Jarl there. It needs a strong leader. I have not been there but from what I have heard it is a rich land and yet exposed for there is nothing to the east but the land of the Danes."
Aiden's words rang true. "Sigtrygg is close by and could help but he would be loath to leave the land of his father." I looked down the table at the ever dwindling numbers of Ulfheonar.
It was Haaken who spoke for them all. "None of us wish that honour, Jarl. You saw how reluctant Ulf Olafsson was to leave here and returned to his stad. We have spoken of this. We are your oathsworn. There are others like Ketil and Raibeart and Arne who can be made jarls. We need to look amongst them."
Aiden said, "Karl One Leg? He does a fine job at Cyninges-tūn."
Once again Haaken poured cold water on that idea. "Karl is one of us. He guards the stad because we have our home there. Seddes' Burgh is new land. He would not go."
He was right. "Someone like Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson would have been ideal."
"No Jarl. The Norns have other plans for him. Whoever the Norns have in mind for Seddes' Burgh is hidden from us. We have to fortify the burgh and hope that it is not attacked until we have found a Jarl who can rule for you. There are few, outside this hall, who could be trusted with such a task."
I nodded, "Aiden is right. We have no answers, Wolf Killer, but perhaps we have hope. Winter races towards us and we know that, soon, the high passes will guard you and your people. It is when the feast of Eostre approaches that there will be danger. On the morrow we will question the prisoners. Their answers may well guide our plans."
Long after the others had retired I sat in the hall with Aiden. "There were things you did not say, Aiden. Speak now."
He smiled, "As you get older Jarl so your mind becomes sharper. Kara and I have dreamed. The danger to you lies in the Danes. There you are right. Our hope lies in strong walls and well armed warriors to defend them."
I frowned, "We do not build such walls."
"Then perhaps we should. I have read as well as dreamt. The Romans and the ancient ones held on to this land long after the Emperor summoned the legions home. King Coel held back the Saxon hordes longer here than anywhere. In fact they held it for a short time. You drove them hence."
"So? I do not see what you mean. It sounds like this land is meant to be ours."
"It is but we must be as the Romans and build stronger walls."
"Do you have the skills to do that?"
He shook his head. "I could try but it would not be what we needed. We need to find someone who can build."
"A mason? Do any exist now?"
"Aye, Jarl, and we have seen their work. Miklagård." It always came back to Miklagård. The Norns had woven our threads with that Eastern Empire. I nodded. Aiden said, "But it would cost us. We would need to hire a mason and then find the stone."
I waved a hand towards the north. "We have stone a-plenty."
"But if we have slaves and your men building then they will not be able to raid. We need gold and silver. We invest in walls and ensure the safety of your son and his people."
I stared into the dancing flames of the fire and reflected on his words. I could see the threads which attached me to the past and those who were my ancestors. They had built of stone. Was that my purpose? Was I the thread which tied the Norse to the Old Ones? The witch on Syllingar had said that I would be forgotten but Hrolf son of Gerloc would sire a dynasty which would change the world. Was I here to keep this land safe?
I saw Aiden watching me. "Do we have enough coin?"
He shook his head, "We are rich but not that rich. Your men would need to find a vast Viking treasure. We have enough to hire a mason."
"And you have a plan for that."
He nodded, "You will not like what I am going to say but Kara and I have spoken of this. We would travel with Ylva to Miklagård."
I said nothing but I bit my lip to stop myself shouting down my galdramenn. I respected him too much to dismiss his ideas so easily but I knew that such a voyage would be fraught with danger. The three of them were as dear to me as Brigid and Gruffyd. I looked him in the eyes and tried to see inside his head.
He smiled, "Thank you for your patience, Jarl. I can see from your face what it is costing you. Kara and I have both dreamed of this city. Ylva will learn much from it and she has gifts that we can only dream about."
"But they follow the White Christ and not the old ways."
"They do but they have books there. Ylva can read as can Kara. We can learn more about the old world; the world before the White Christ. In ancient times they worshipped the old gods and their writings will help us. I know you fear the dangers but this is wyrd. You know that."
I nodded, "You have both thought this through. How would you get there?"
"Erik Short Toe and the 'Weregeld'. He has spoken to me often about visiting Josephus' family."
"He wishes this too?"
"He does. It was he who planted the seed in our heads. Last winter he asked my advice. He wondered if you would allow him to trade in Miklagård. If we sail now then we can be back before the new grass grows. He is a good captain and he knows the waters. We have all of Josephus' charts."
"I am not happy about this but I owe all three of you too much to refuse. You have my permission."
Chapter 7
The next morning we began to question the prisoners. Some of them held their tongues preferring death to the dishonour of revealing what they knew. I admired that. Those that did so would become thralls. They would slave in our mines. The ten that refused to speak were fitted with a thrall's yoke. After a year of servitude their yoke would be removed but if they
attempted to escape then they would be hamstrung. We had many slaves who worked for us and none were hamstrung for we treated them well. Some were even given their freedom. The life of a miner appealed to some warriors.
The ones who spoke helped Aiden to build up a picture of our enemies. Neustria was, indeed, rich. Their land was fertile and, generally, had peace. It was our coming which had disturbed that peace and hence their hatred of us. The taxes were gathered in the spring of each year and delivered to Paris for midsummer day. That information came from four men. Each one knew a part and it was Aiden who pieced it together. The crucial information was that they used ships to transport it up the Issicauna. What we did not discover was when it would sail. That most vital knowledge was missing. We would not be able to attack the ships at sea for we knew not when they would sail.
We learned more of Ragnar Ruriksson and the Danes, however, for most of those who offered information were Franks who were unhappy about the loss of their horses and the way they were abandoned by their leader. They were happy to supply information about the Frisian and the Danes whom they called treacherous.
Thegn Rædwulfappeared to be the key to the Danes power. He was the thegn appointed by Eanred to collect the taxes from that city. A relative of Osbert and Aella he was also related to Coenred whom I had killed. It explained much. I had wondered how the Danes had so much power and freedom in the city. They protected Raedwald.
Rurik was a different story. He had learned his trade fighting for the Count of Neustria. He had a reputation as a vicious and cruel warrior. He had the backing of a band of warriors who appeared to be like my Ulfheonar. They must have been the skull warriors. He was one of the reasons for the success and riches of that land. It told us why he had been backed by the Mayor of Neustria and why he had so many Franks under his command. His Franks believed that he would have returned to Neustria. In return for their honesty I granted them freedom. I gave them their horses and a short sword each. They were grateful for their lives and swore that they would return home and never again attack the Land of the Wolf. I believed them and, after they left, I never saw them again.
Snorri and his weary warriors arrived the next day in the middle of the afternoon. They had horses laden with armour and weapons. The men walked in.
Taking off his helmet my scout said, "We found stragglers in the road and we hunted them down. Ragnar Ruriksson did not head towards Eoforwic as I thought he would. He took the road south. Once it became clear where they were headed we turned around for we saw Mercian horsemen. I did not wish to break the peace with King Coenwulf."
"You did right. The question remains where would Ragnar Ruriksson go? Mercia or Wessex?"
Snorri ventured, "Perhaps he will go to Lundenwic. That is where the road ends. There he could take ship back to Neustria."
"That may be but he is no threat to us for the moment and we have winter to gain more intelligence."
We headed back the next day. We had not achieved all that we needed but we could not create a jarl from nothing. Wolf Killer would have to build up his warband again. I promised to send who wished the chance to serve on the frontier. Aiden was not hopeful that we would find many. Raibeart travelled with us as far as the southern end of the Water.
"I would have you take 'Red Snake' to the seas this winter."
"Not 'Weregeld'?"
"No for Aiden will use my knarr. I would have you escort him as far as Syllingar. Then return north to visit with the Mercians. The peace should still hold. Find out what goes on in the nest of vipers that is Man. Speak with Jarl Gunnstein Berserk Killer. Go to Ljoðhús. Thorfinn Blue Scar still exerts much power there. Return by Yule."
He nodded, "Have I permission to raid?"
"Of course. Raid wisely. Choose those we do not wish as friends in the future."
"Aiden, when will you be ready to sail?"
"A few days only. I will ask Erik Short Toe to prepare the knarr."
"He will be your captain?"
"Aye he will."
"Then you will and the knarr will be in the safest of hands!"
Brigid was relieved when her husband and son returned intact. She examined Gruffyd from head to toe. He did not enjoy the inspection. When she took him off to bathe him I visited Kara and Ylva. I did not doubt Aiden's words but I wished to be certain. It was a bold and dangerous move. The seas were dangerous.
My daughter and granddaughter seemed to know my thoughts. Kara hugged me and then Ylva sat on my lap and began to plait my beard. "I can see, father, that my husband has told you of our plans?"
"Aye and if you read me aright then you know I am unhappy."
"I can see why you would be but the spirits are happy for this and Ylva and I need to see this wondrous city. My brother, husband and father have all been there and I know it changed all of you. My husband gained knowledge and he has made that into power. We would do the same."
Ylva finished plaiting my beard and said, "I wish to see the world grandfather. Just because I am a girl does not mean I have to be afraid."
I hugged her, "You are old beyond your years my little she-wolf."
"I have had my first dream. I have spoken with my grandmother. She approves."
She spoke not as a child but as a young woman. It terrified me and I have to confess I was a little jealous that the three in this hall could all speak with Erika, my dead wife, and I could not. I was now resigned to them leaving but I would not let them leave without giving them sage advice. They could ignore it but I would feel better knowing that I had tried. "Miklagård will seduce you. I saw warriors who were enchanted by it and it took battles against the moors and Barbary pirates to break that spell. You will wish to linger longer. I pray you do not. The Land of the Wolf needs you. I need you."
Kara and Ylva hugged me. "Do not fear father, we will return and we will be empowered when we do so!"
Cyninges-tūn seemed empty when the three of them left. Brigid chastised me for scowling all the time. "You have a family here! How do you think it makes us feel if you mope around the hall all day. It is no wonder that Wolf Killer lives so far away."
She was right, as always. "I am sorry. I will stir myself."
I went with Gruffyd to visit Scanlan. We needed to ensure that we had enough supplies for the winter. If we did need money for building work then he would have to increase the ore that we mined. My former Saxon slave was now a grey beard and, like me, a grandfather.
"Fear not Jarl. The Gods have been kind this year. We have made good trades. The seal skin boots we make are much sought after and our weapons are now the equal of Saxon blades. Gold will continue to pour in."
"And people?"
"Aye there are still settlers. They are not all Norse."
"I know but I trust your judgement. We need no spies."
"We watch all the newcomers."
"Good for my son needs his lands filling with warriors and families."
"There are some already who are ready to leave. The prime land is already taken. Few wish to farm the fells or Olaf's slopes."
"Good."
Now that Samhain was over the weather had begun to deteriorate. It began with day upon day of rain. The ground became a muddy morass and the halls were filled with the damp smell of drying clothes. When the rain stopped the winds began. We were lucky that we had turf walls and roofs for they withstood the winds better. My thoughts were far out to sea for I feared for my family. Was Ran watching out for them? Finally as the winds subsided then the weather grew colder. It was a slow process but the muddy ground became harder and harder until you felt the ruts through your boots as you risked the icy air outside the warmth of the hall. Not long before Yule we awoke to see the ground covered in a thin layer of white and the air filled with snow. Winter had arrived.
I took Gruffyd and, wrapping up against the cold, rode down to visit with Coen ap Pasgen at Úlfarrston. I was anxious for news from his brother. It was not only news of my family I sought but also news of the world around us. We w
ere cut off from much of the world and news was often as valuable as gold.
We had just entered the forest south of the Water when, in the distance, we heard the distant howl of a wolf on the eastern fells. Gruffyd looked towards the east. "Will warriors hunt the wolf, father?"
"Some may but not until they have to. Men hunt the wolf because they wish to be Ulfheonar or because they are taking people. We are the brothers of the wolf. He serves a purpose as we all do. Men who hunt for the sake of hunting do not serve the Mother. The land has a balance and we must keep that balance. We only hunt the fox when they take too many chickens. We fish only that which we need. We take iron and stone but never all. We are the shepherds of the land and the waters."
He nodded and I saw him taking in the information. He was a thoughtful child. Wolf Killer had not had the luxury of a peaceful childhood. Kidnapped whilst barely a boy and then hunted by our enemies he had grown up far quicker. Gruffyd would have the chance, as I had, to learn about the land and how to be a warrior. I would be his Ragnar.
The forest gave us shelter from both the wind and the driving snow. It had not yet lain as deeply on the forest floor as it had in the open. The paths and trails could be ridden. Soon we would be cut off from Úlfarrston and only a determined man would be able to get through. It was another reason for my visit. I took the fact that I had had no news as good news but without the vision of both Aiden and Kara I felt blind. I had not sensed danger and I had not dreamt. They were good signs but sometimes the Weird Sisters hid such thoughts from warriors. Was this one such occasion?
As soon as we left the shelter of the forest we felt both the wind and the sea. You could smell the sea in the air. If we were going to my drekar we would take the trail to the east but we were not. It would be raised from the water and protected from frosts. The ship's boys and the family of Erik Short Toe would watch over it, lighting fires if the weather became too cold and making sure that the winds did not cause damage. They were the guardians of our dragon.