Saxon Fall

by Griff Hosker

  “You are abandoning us?”

  “No, but I am no longer close and even with my horsemen it will take some time to come to your aid. The Saxons will fall but it will take some time to bring that about. It will become darker before the sun rises once more.”

  Pelas was tearful as we parted from his grandfather. “You can stay here, you know. Llenlleog can be my squire until….”

  He shook his head, “No Warlord. That would upset both my father and my grandfather. I am a man now and must bear it like a man.”

  By the time we reached home I had been away for a month and the weather was turning wintry. My daughter had changed. She cried when she saw me. I was upset until Aileen laughed and said, “You look like a bear! Trim your beard and tie your hair back. She will soon smile at you again!”

  I had too much to do and I decided to wait until I had seen Pol. He was happier than I had seen him in sometime. “The horses have foaled! They look to be just like their sire. This is good, Warlord. And the new mares look to be fine too.” He seemed to see that I was less than happy. “What ails you, Warlord?”

  “I fear we may lose Mona.”

  “But it is well defended and the Northumbrians have been hurt.”

  “No, it is not well defended. We have one fort which can withstand an attack but the rest is like a ripe apple ready to be plucked from the tree. As for the Northumbrians; Edwin is cunning. He did not throw away his men when we fought him last summer. He took his losses and withdrew. Aella is undamaged. They will come. I want the new equites assimilating as soon as possible into the ranks. We divide them into banners under a leader: Kay, Bors, and Lann Aelle; each of them can lead a third of the horsemen. Llenlleog can lead the squires.”

  “But he is not of our people.”

  “But he is of our heart.”

  “And what of me?”

  “You will command the equites. I am Warlord now. Visiting with my uncle has made me remember that. We need granaries building for the grain I sent over from Mona. As of now we are on a war footing.” I rubbed my chin. “And now I will make myself look less frightening to my daughter. The beard will come off.”

  Chapter 16

  The ‘Aelle’ began her journeys back and forwards from Caer Gybi to the Clwyd. I think her captain, Dai ap Daffydd and her crew wondered if I had taken leave of my senses for they merely reported mundane events such as the arrival of trading ships or progress on the construction of our new ship. I was more than happy for such dull events to be the sole source of news. It meant that the Northumbrians were not yet ready to attack. If we could make it to Yule without an attack then I would breathe easier until spring. Yule was still many days hence.

  We had discovered that the ‘Aelle’ would return every three days. In an emergency they could have managed it sooner. On one of their visits I used the boat to sail to Deva and speak with Gawan. I needed to tell him about our uncle and my fears. Perhaps not surprisingly he was aware of the events. He did not know the specifics but his dreams had told him of danger. It reassured me and I returned to the Clwyd happier than I had been. I knew or I hoped that I had done all that I could to avert disaster.

  When ‘Aelle’ sailed into the estuary just one day after she had left us I knew that the Northumbrians had struck. I was alerted by my sentry as soon as she was sighted and I was by the small jetty before Dai even had the sail lowered.

  “The Northumbrians, Warlord, they have taken the north coast of Mona! Caer Gybi is under siege.”

  “Have the boat readied. We sail for the fort as soon as I am dressed.”

  I ran back to my hall. “Pelas, Llenlleog get my weapons we sail now. Have Llewellyn join us.”

  Aileen looked up at me. I saw fear in her eyes but her voice was calm as she spoke. “What is it, husband?”

  “Mona is under attack. I go to save what I can.”

  “I will have quarters prepared. You will leave Pol in command?”

  I kissed her. “You know my mind better than I do.”

  Myrddyn was aware of the noise. I told him what had happened. He did not seem surprised. “This is wyrd. Aelle will die with a sword in his hand and will not waste away. Like your father he will be sacrificed to save his people.” He put his hand on my arm. “Do not waste warriors. Save all that you can Warlord. This is not the end. I will watch over your family and Pol can defend your home. Return safely.” He reached into the folds of his clothes. He handed me three small pots. “These may come in handy. You know how to use them?” I nodded.

  The activity had alerted Pol. He met me as I went to meet Pelas and Llenlleog. “The Saxons have landed and Caer Gybi is under siege.”

  “Do you want the equites preparing?”

  “Just one banner. Send Kay to the Narrows. Hopefully the people will flee there. Send Daffydd with twenty archers too but make ready here. This may be the opportunity for Edwin to launch a surprise attack. I want messages taking to Gawan and Cadwallon. They need to be made aware of the danger.”

  “And you? What will you do, Warlord?”

  “I will organise the defence on the island. I know Lann Aelle is more than capable but the sight of my banner, sword and shield may help rally the people.”

  “But you think we have lost the island.”

  “We could hang on to Ynys Mon; of that I am certain, but what would be the point? The anchorage is unsafe and it is a barren rock.” Pol nodded. “We knew this day might come once the Northumbrians gained Manau. At least we have half of the grain and hopefully we may have saved some more.”

  Daffydd joined us as we hurried down to the ship. “Give me ten archers to act as guards, Captain, Pol commands until I return.”

  “Aye Warlord.” Daffydd was just like his father, Miach. Nothing ever upset him. He was always calm even in such testing situations.

  As soon as we were aboard Dai set sail. “Shall we sail through the Narrows, Warlord?”

  “No for I need to see the threat to Caer Gybi.”

  “There were many Saxon ships. We may be in danger.”

  “I am not meant to die at sea besides we are a Saxon ship and they may take us for one of their own.” I could see he was not convinced. “Is this not better than ferrying empty messages back and forth?”

  He laughed, “Aye Warlord.”

  I turned to the archers and my three companions. “Keep hidden until I tell you. When we are seen then we will show our teeth.”

  We were half way to our destination and the light was fading. One of the crew shouted, “Sail ho!” He pointed to the north.

  Dai said, “Should we put on sail and try to lose them?”

  “No, let us sail as though we were one of their own. Lower your sail a little and let them catch us.”

  I could see that they had enough men on the other ship to use oars and they were powering through the sea to reach us. They were suspicious.

  “Archers ready your bows. When they close I want all of the men by their steering board killing. Then kill the rowers.” The leader of the archers was Aidan. I handed him one of the pots. When we are close have this thrown and then use a fire arrow.” He nodded, he had used one before. He began to prepare a fire arrow. Fire was dangerous on any ship but my men had practised this and knew what to do.

  I turned to my three warriors. “Hopefully we will have nothing to do but have your weapons ready in case my plan fails.”

  Llenlleog looked confused, “What plan? We will loose arrows and hope to discourage them?”

  Llewellyn laughed, “Watch young warrior and you will see the mind of the Warlord and the magic of Myrddyn.”

  I heard the Saxon captain shouting as he neared us. “Who are you and where are you bound?”

  I wore no helmet and my cloak hid my distinctive mail. I had no beard now and I would not be recognised. “We are the ‘Aelle’ and we are late.”

  It was a confusing answer and I saw the captain look at the warrior next to him. They were just a hundred paces from us. “Late for what?” I d
id not answer. “Lower your sail and let me see your face close up.”

  “Aye!” I turned to Dai and said, quietly, “Lower the sail but be ready to raise it as soon as I give the command.”

  I watched as the rowers on one side of the Saxon ship withdrew their oars. Obligingly they stood as they lowered them to the deck. “Now!”

  My archers stood and loosed. They were so close that all six Saxons close to the stern fell as the twenty arrows struck them. My archers were so quick that they managed to hit some of the rowers before they dropped for their own weapons.

  “Dai, hoist the sail. Aidan now.”

  One of his men hurled the pot of Greek fire towards their stern and then he and three of his archers loosed fire arrows. As the wind caught our sail and sent us west, the whole of the stern of the ship erupted in a sheet of flames. It caught the sail which also began to burn. I saw two men who had been unwounded close to the stern throw themselves overboard to try to douse their burning bodies. It would be in vain. By the time we were three hundred paces from the fire the Saxon ship was sinking beneath the waves. I saw the flailing arms of the handful of survivors. Soon they would drown.

  Llenlleog came over to me. “What was that?”

  “A little something which Myrddyn picked up in Constantinopolis.”

  Night fell but it brought us no solace for, as we passed Caer Gybi we could see, by the light of the burning buildings, that there were Saxons in the town. We were too late.

  Dai said, sadly, for it had been his home, “Should I sail around the headland, to the fort?”

  “No. Head to the beach to the south of the port. I have not finished with the Northumbrians.”

  The beach was hidden from the town but was just thirty paces from the anchorage of the Saxon ships. They had anchored away from the burning buildings and the ten ships were lashed together.

  “Wait here, Dai. Aidan, bring your archers. Llewellyn, stay here. You may need to take charge.”

  “Aye Warlord.”

  We waded ashore. I had one more of the precious pots with me. My archers held their bows above their heads. Once we reached the beach I led ten of the archers while Aidan prepared his arrows. The dark of the east was behind us so that we were invisible. I saw the crews aboard the Saxon ships and they were busy watching the fighting which was still taking place. I had to steel myself for they were my people who were fighting and dying.

  “Pelas and Llenlleog, I want one of you on each end of the line. We protect the archers.”

  “You are going to burn their ships?”

  “I am. They may have the island but they will not be able to move from it.”

  Aidan came up with his arrows. I nodded to the ships. “I will get closer to the ships and I will throw the pot.”

  Aidan said, “Let one of my men do this, Warlord. It is dangerous.”

  I smiled, “I know but it is my choice.”

  I slipped down to the small wall which ran along the harbour. There was a coracle drawn up. I knew that there would be others close by. I had used one before. I sat in it and placed the pot in the bottom. Using my hands I began to paddle out to the nearest Saxon ship. I knew that I would be under observation from my men. I just had to remain unseen by the guards. They obliged by watching the fighting from the other side of the ship. I took out the stopper and then threw the pot high so that Aidan would see it.

  As it clattered to the deck, and I began to paddle back to safety, one of the sentries came to look at the cause of the noise. Aidan’s first arrow struck the mast. The sudden illumination shone on me. As the other arrows showered down and set fire to the ship two of the Saxons hurled themselves into the sea and set off in pursuit. I paddled as fast as I could. I had a good view of the ship as the fire took hold and flames raced up the mast and then leapt to the next ship. Already the other crews were desperately trying to free the others. I saw a hand grasp the coracle. I took my sword and slashed down. I struck the fingers and saw two of them drop into the coracle but the blow split the fragile boat and the coracle began to take on water.

  The second man leapt into the boat and we overturned. My armour took me down. I was still some twenty paces from shore and safety. It was pitch black. I started to panic and then I heard my father’s voice in my head. ‘The sword came from the water. Trust in the sword.’ I remembered the story he had told of throwing the sword into the water and finding it without searching for it. I grasped the hilt tighter and lifted it. As I did so I felt it sink into the body of the man who was trying to reach me.

  I began to walk. It was hard for I had my armour on but that, strangely kept me upright. I wondered if I was doomed to drown. I kept hold of the sword for my father’s voice had told me to trust it. I took another three steps and felt my lungs were about to burst. I still held the sword aloft and that was what saved me. I felt the sword rising and pulling me with it. This was Myrddyn’s magic! As my head broke through the surface I saw the flaming ships and the terrified faces of Aidan and his archers who were holding Saxon Slayer. As they dragged me ashore Aidan said, “We thought you were dead and then we saw Saxon Slayer rising from the water. It was a sign and we pulled it up. Thank the Allfather you were holding on to it!”

  “Hurry, Warlord! They are sending warriors.” Llenlleog’s voice was filled with a mixture of awe and urgency.

  By the time we were aboard our ship we could see that almost three quarters of the Saxon ships had been damaged or sunk. Aella now knew that we still had teeth. I hoped my people would know that they had not died in vain.

  I scrambled back aboard our ship. My two companions helped me out of my armour and covered me with my cloak. I was lost in my thoughts. Saxon Slayer had saved me. That was wyrd. I now knew that my sword would return to water at the end. There was some satisfaction in that. I huddled in my cloak and I slept. As I slept images flashed before me. There were dragons and there were Saxons. I saw wolves and I saw swords. But each image ended with me falling down a long tunnel and then the next image came into view. I was shaken awake.

  “Warlord, we are here!”

  I stood, helped by Llewellyn. We were at the fort. I saw ‘Gwynfor’ and the fishing smacks. I also saw that someone had put guards upon the jetty. We still had control. “Prepare to sail as soon as your ship is loaded. We will have to send the people to my home.”

  “Aye Warlord.”

  As we headed up to the hall I heard voices shouting, in the dark, “It is the Warlord, he has come! We are saved!”

  I waved my arm but they were neither safe nor saved. Lann Aelle strode to meet with me. I saw that he was bloody. “It is good to see you, Warlord. You were right.”

  “I wish that I had been wrong, cousin. Is that your blood or have they attacked here already?”

  “They did. It was early in the morning.” He pointed to the east. “They came over the bridge and surprised the fort. If it was not for Captain Tuanthal we would have lost the last gate.”

  “He is a good warrior. Where is he?”

  He shook his head. “He saved us but he is dead. He and his sons died defending the gate so that the others could reach the inner ward.”

  He was the last of my father’s warriors. I closed my eyes and said, quietly, “Your last warrior comes to you now, Father; he served you to his dying breath.”

  Lann Aelle just nodded as I opened my eyes. “What do we do, Warlord?”

  “How many farmers and islanders made it inside the walls?”

  “Over a hundred.”

  I nodded, “I destroyed many of their ships. We must get them to the mainland as soon as we can. I have the Narrows protected. If any fled east they should be safe. Gather them near to the hall and I will speak with them.”

  As he hurried off I said, “Pelas, find Daffydd ap Gwynfor; I must speak with him. Llenlleog and Aiden take the archers and guard the gates. That is where they will attack.”

  When they had disappeared I began to work out what we would do. I strode to the hall and saw my
uncle. He had on his mail and his helmet. “What are you doing uncle?”

  He smiled, “What else should I do? I am defending my home and my land. I have spent my whole life doing so. You would not have me stop now would you?”

  I knew then that I could not expect him to wait to die in his bed. He was my father’s brother. “Of course not.”

  He nodded and swept his hand towards the people who were coming towards us. “And what of them?”

  “What do you think?”

  “I think that, despite their indolence, you will offer them salvation and that you and your warriors will die to buy them that time.”

  Daffydd trotted up to me, “I hear you have destroyed the Saxon ships?”

  “Some of them.”

  He nodded, “Then my family is avenged.”

  “Your brother stayed?”

  “He said he owed it to father.” He shook his head. “I have no home now.”

  “You do, Daffydd. You shall make my home yours. Now go to your ship for we must ferry these folk back to the Clwyd.”

  “I cannot carry them all.”

  “You do not need to. We have ‘Aelle’ and we can make as many voyages as it will take. Do not overload the ships I would have them safe. We will buy you time.”

  He bowed, “Aye, Warlord.”

  When the people arrived before me, they stood in silence. I saw some of the farmers who had moaned about having to defend their own land. Even Garth ap Griffith was silent now. I did not berate them for their earlier attitude. It would have done no good instead I spoke calmly and slowly so that they all understood what I was telling them.

  “The Northumbrians are here. Your farms have been taken. I do not have enough men to take them back for you. I would just be throwing away the equites it has taken years to train. We will fight the invader. I will punish them but Mona cannot be defended by a hundred horsemen and fifty archers.” Silence washed over them.

  One woman said, querulously, “What can we do Warlord?”