Viking Clan

by Griff Hosker

  Atticus waved a dismissive hand, “Birds are stupid creatures! I know not why they do what they do! Disgusting creatures!”

  Erik shook his head, “Hunter is not stupid, Atticus, and animals can think. The Dragonheart told me of Úlfarr the Wolf. That story tells me that animals have a spirit.”

  I laughed, “Erik is right, Greek. I accept that you are a clever man but your religion and your science cannot explain the natural world. Believe what you will but I think that Aiden’s spirit communicates with the hawk. He died when the hawk became an egg. I am not saying that Hunter is Aiden but Aiden speaks to it. Sámr and Baldr saved the runt from death. The bird has repaid us. We will redouble our vigilance. The Danes are here now. They are scouting and they are watching.” I shook my head, “Asbjorn has let me down. They should never have been allowed to get as close to our land as they did. Erik, we will ride on the morrow with Aðalsteinn and Dagfinnr. We will speak with Asbjorn.”

  When we reached the head of Windar’s Mere and Asbjorn’s hall the faces of the men we saw did not bode well. They were grim and pained. Asbjorn’s wife and son, Eystein, greeted us. “It is good that you have come Jarl Dragonheart. We were going to send to you, my husband is dying.”

  “He was wounded? I did not know there had been a battle.”

  Eystein shook his head, “No Jarl, there is something in him which eats at him. No matter how much he eats he loses weight. There is blood where there should not be blood. He had the coughing sickness last year and it has never left him.”

  My hand went to my wolf amulet. It sounded like the worm I had had. Thanks to Aiden we had caught it early and the doctor in Miklagård had saved me. It would be too late for Asbjorn. I put my chastisement from my mind. He had not been in a position to keep watch. They let me go into his chamber alone and they waited without.

  When he saw me, he tried to rise from his bed. He was grey and his eyes looked close to death already, “Do not rise old friend. I hear you have been ill.”

  “We both know that I am dying.” He touched his belly. “Is this where you had your worm?”

  I lifted my tunic and showed him the scar. He nodded, “Then I am honoured, I have been afflicted by the same dragon which tried to kill the Dragonheart.” He closed his eyes as some paroxysm of pain coursed through his body. He opened them and nodded towards his sword. “I keep that close by me. Soon I will see Eystein the Rock, Olaf and the others. You will watch over my son and my people?”

  “I will.” I leaned in. “Is he ready to lead them?”

  “He is except…” he shook his head, “Dragonheart, he has not fought in great battles. That is my fault. I did not do as you did with Sámr. I did not go to war enough. I sat and enjoyed my family and this beautiful valley. I thought I had all the time in the world.”

  “Then I will speak with him. War is coming and I fear that here, in Windar’s Mere, will be fought a battle against great numbers of Danes. We need a leader for your people. The leader must be strong. I will look in Eystein Asbjornson’s eyes and I will see into his heart. I promise that your people will be safe.” He looked in pain. “I will send Erik back to Kara. Aiden had a potion. It eased my pain and made sleep easy when I was ill. He said that if I took too much then I would sleep forever.”

  Our eyes met and I saw understanding. “Then I will be grateful if you can help me to ease the pain. It upsets my wife, son and daughters. I have caused them enough worry.”

  “Rest, my friend, and I will return.” I stood and took out Ragnar’s Spirit, “Until the potion is here then hold the hilt. This has power too.” I took off the necklet of Odin’s Stones and laid them on his chest. “And the Allfather can help too.”

  I went outside and led his wife and son away from the door, “You should have told me sooner.”

  Eystein said, “He would not let us.”

  “Eystein, if you are to lead these people then you need to be strong. I needed to know! This stad is vital to the security of our land! I will speak with you later. Erik, go with Dagfinnr and ride to Kara’s Hall. Tell her that Asbjorn has the worm and I need Aiden’s potion. She will understand and Erik?”

  “Aye lord?”

  “Do not tarry. I would have you back here as quickly as you can. Change horses.”

  “I will, lord, and I will not let Asbjorn down.”

  Asbjorn’s wife said, “I will have ale fetched.”

  “No, go to your husband and I will speak with your son.”

  Eystein had trained as a warrior. I could see that he was well muscled. His sword was a good one. However, he had no scars. That either bespoke a great warrior or one who had not been in many battles. My face and body were like one of Atticus’ charts. They were covered in lines. I decided not to judge. We left the hall and went out among the people. All had slumped shoulders and downcast faces.

  “Eystein, the words I speak now are for you and no other.” He nodded. “I came here to reprimand your father.”

  He looked shocked, “But why?”

  Instead of answering I looked over to where warriors were practising, “How many men have you on patrol today?”

  “Patrol?”

  “Riding the borders to look for Danes.”

  His head dropped. He shook his head and then looked up at me, “We did so for a few days after you had been. We saw no one and then father became ill. I thought it a waste of time.”

  “Three days since four Danes crossed your land and were west of Grize’s Dale. How many others have there been?” He had no answer. “War is coming and you are not ready. Your father wished you to be the jarl when he dies. I am not sure that you are the warrior who is up to the task.”

  He looked at me and I saw steel in his eyes, “I am ready, Jarl Dragonheart!”

  “Then why did you not order men to watch the borders of our land? What were you doing? Is this because you are not yet a warrior?” He looked shocked and recoiled. “Where are your battle scars? How can you lead men when you have not fought!”

  “That is not my fault!”

  I shook my head, “I see steel in your eyes but hear whining in your voice. This is not the way to impress me.” I had to be harsh with him for the sake of my people.

  “Tell me what is and I will do it!”

  “When I leave here, I will return to my home. I have men there who could lead the people of Windar’s Mere. I will return in one moon. I will judge you then.”

  “Judge me? You make it sound as though I have committed a crime!”

  “And you have committed a crime! Negligence! It is such crimes that can lead to the destruction of the clan. Windar, who was jarl here before your father, was guilty of that crime and he paid for it with his life when the town was attacked. Sadly, many others also suffered and died. Your father was vigilant until he was stricken and instead of taking on his mantle you wallowed in self-pity. Lead, Eystein! Lead!” I knew I was being harsh but in our world a man had no time for self-pity.

  His eyes were hard as he nodded and said, “I will, Jarl Dragonheart.” As if to make the point he walked over to the warriors and began to give instructions. They nodded and twenty of them went to the stables. Like all of my settlements we had bred small horses. They were hardy and could carry heavy warriors for long distances. It was the best way to search a large area. I doubted that they would find any Danes; to do that they should have been on the trails before dawn. The presence of them and their horses would, however, make the Danes warier.

  I went back into the hall and found Aðalsteinn. “We will be staying the night. Ensure that our horses are cared for.”

  My warrior had been standing close enough to hear the words between Eystein and myself. “It must be hard for him, Jarl. His father is dying.”

  “And if this was a battlefield, would he have time to grieve or would he not fight even harder?”

  “I suppose he would.”

  “Life is hard, my friend. You of all people know that. You can grieve for the dead and worry about t
he sick but only when peace reigns. This is the Land of the Wolf and peace is a luxury we rarely enjoy.”

  I went back inside. Asbjorn’s wife was just leaving the bed chamber, “He is sleeping and that is a mercy.” She threw herself in my arms, “I cannot bear to see him in pain. He is a good man and does not deserve it.”

  “I know. I have sent to Kara for medicine.”

  She brightened, “Then there is hope.”

  I did not spoil her dream. The medicine would ease the pain. It would not cure him.

  Eystein busied himself away from me. His wife and young son came into the hall and sat with us. The boy was little more than two years old. Asbjorn’s wife sat him on her knee. “I am just pleased that Asbjorn got to meet his grandson.”

  I nodded, “Our children and their offspring are a great comfort to us all.”

  The two women questioned me about my family but especially about Ylva and Kara. The two were also spinners of clothes and understood the art of the volva. The afternoon slipped away. The servants prepared the evening meal. Eystein returned not long before it was served. He looked contrite. His wife and mother, sensing he needed to speak alone with me, took the child away and left us alone.

  “You have something to say, Eystein?”

  “You were right, Jarl Dragonheart. The Danes have been on our borders.”

  “Your men found them?”

  He shook his head, “We found their camp. It was a cold one.” He shook his head, “It was less than four miles from the edge of the Mere. They came from the east.” He realised the inherent danger of Danes camping so close and remaining unseen.

  “Then it is not too late to become vigilant. You know now what to look for. As winter draws on it will become easier to find their trails and the evidence of their presence. Hunt them down and kill them. Leave their heads as a warning. Your father promised me watch towers. Are they built?”

  He hung his head.

  I sighed, “Then you must take men away from the harvest and have them search for Danes and build watch towers. Come, have some ale brought and I will tell you what will be required when the Danes come. You may well be the one leading the men of Windar’s Mere. It will not be a time for indecision.”

  We continued our talk throughout the meal. After we had eaten the two of us went to speak with Asbjorn who had woken some time earlier. His wife had been sat with him and when she came out, she was distraught. “If he was a horse in that condition, we would end his misery.”

  I shook my head, “That is not our choice. When Erik returns his pain will lessen. I took this potion and can swear that it made my life easier.”

  “But it did not cure you.”

  “No, Eystein. That needed a doctor who cut me open and took out the dragon!”

  When we went in to the chamber, we did not speak of the illness. Instead I told him what I had had Eystein do. He nodded, “The fault was mine, Jarl Dragonheart, and not my son’s.” I said nothing. He turned to his son. “Where did you find the sign?” Eystein told him. “Then they know the land well for there is a hunter’s trail which comes over the ridge from the north east. Cent’s Mere is a good place from which to watch. Since Cent’s son was killed by wolves no one has lived there. They fear his ghost. Have men stay there for four days at a time. They can watch across the valley and they will see the Danes if they come. Then they can use the signal towers which we have yet to build to warn the Dragonheart.”

  He lay back, exhausted by his own words. Eventually he opened his eyes, “Is that good enough for you, Jarl?”

  “Aye Asbjorn, that will do.”

  Erik arrived well after dark. He and Dagfinnr looked exhausted. He handed me the small amphora jug. “Kara reminded you to be careful of the dose, Jarl.”

  I smiled, “I know and you have done well. The two of you go and eat.” I took the jug and a horn of ale. I poured in a small amount and entered the chamber. “I have put the potion in the ale. Drink it, Asbjorn and you shall sleep.”

  “And will I wake, Jarl Dragonheart?”

  “You will and we shall see what the morrow brings.” I leaned in and said, “One of the side effects is that you dream. You may well enter the spirit world. Do not be afraid. They will not harm you.”

  He nodded and drank the whole horn of ale. It would take a few moments for the liquid to enter his body and the drug to take effect but I saw his face relax and he smiled, “Kara is a great witch. I feel no pain. Thank you.”

  “I will see you on the morrow.”

  That night was one in which I was denied sleep. The Danes had sent at least three parties over to scout out my land. Would they come sooner than I expected? I began to doubt myself. Eystein was older than Sámr but he was barely ready to take over from Asbjorn. I could not die yet. My work was unfinished. After what seemed like moments asleep, I woke. It was almost dawn. The hall was quiet although I could detect, when I had gone outside to make water, the first signs of dawn. I went to see Asbjorn. He looked better. His wife lay asleep on the other side of the bed.

  He held out the empty horn, “This is indeed a miracle potion. Later, Jarl Dragonheart, I would administer my own dose.”

  We both knew what he meant, “Are you certain?”

  “Aye, Jarl, I cannot bear to see my wife so distraught. She is becoming ill and she has a grandson, Asbjorn, named after me who needs her attention. My work on this earth is done. Eystein has spoken with me. Your harsh words were just what he needed. He has been hiding in the shadow of his father. It may well be that he dies in the battle with the Danes but if so then it is wyrd. He has a son. He has a future.”

  I realised that the potion had, indeed, worked, “You dreamed?”

  “Aye I dreamed. Aiden came to me and spoke. I am content. Do not tell my family. I will see them all to say goodbye and then take the potion. I pray you make certain that my fingers grip my sword.”

  “I will do that, Asbjorn the Strong.” I clasped his arm in mine and felt his thin, bony fingers grip my arm. The dragon inside him had almost consumed him.

  His wife stirred and Asbjorn leaned over to kiss her, “Wake up sleepy head. I feel better and the Jarl needs food!”

  There was joy in her eyes at his voice and she leapt to her feet, “Aye Jarl.”

  He winked at me and held out his hand. I slipped him the jug. I knew he would not take it until I was next to him. He needed me to ensure that the sword was in his hand.

  The news that Asbjorn was a little better brightened everyone. After we had eaten, I said, “Let us take his grandson to see his grandfather. It will be good for both of them.”

  I stood back as the four of them sat on Asbjorn’s bed and my warrior made his grandson laugh. He tickled him and the boy giggled. He played for quite a while. When his wife saw pain flicker on his face she said, “Come, let us leave him. He is tired.”

  Asbjorn gave the slightest of nods to me and said, “No, I will have some of my ale. There is some potion in it and it will ease my pain.” As his wife handed it to him, he kissed her, “You have been the best wife a man could have. I am honoured that you chose me. Eystein, you will be a great leader and young Asbjorn will be a warrior too.” He raised the horn, “I raise this horn to you all and my friend, Jarl Dragonheart. It has been a journey I could not have imagined when first I met him. Thank you, Dragonheart.” He swallowed the ale and then reached for the sword. It fell to the floor and I quickly picked it up and placed the hilt in his hand.

  I said quietly, in his ear, “Farewell my friend. I will not be far behind you.”

  He smiled and closed his eyes. His wife screamed, “No!” And threw herself on him. “Do not leave me! I am not yet ready to part!” She held his hand and sobbed on his chest. I watched his chest rise and fall and then stop. He must have emptied the whole jug into the ale. “No!” He could not hear her. His spirit was already hovering above our heads. I could feel him. I let her sob while Eystein cradled his wife and son in his arms.

  Tears coursed down Eyste
in’s face. “I did not tell him that which I should.”

  “He knew what was in your heart and you will see him again. He will come to your dreams. take comfort in that. Few warriors get to choose the time and place of their death. Asbjorn the Strong’s was a good one. He was with his family and in his home. He had his sword in his hand. What more can a warrior ask?”

  Chapter 21

  Autumn came early as I headed home and the world seemed darker. Erik Shield Bearer and my two men were aware of my mood. Aðalsteinn said, as we neared the Bridge of Skelwith, “My death, Jarl, will be in battle. I have neither wife nor child any longer. It will be a good death.”

  Dagfinnr shook his head, “Do not be so keen to go so quickly, uncle. I have yet to take a bride and when I do then my children will need someone like you. You shall be the grandfather that was denied them.”

  I shook my head. My mood was affecting the others. “Asbjorn is in Valhalla. He was a warrior and we do not grieve. Let us put our minds to defeating these Danes. You are both new to my hall. How could we make that stronger?”

  That changed the mood for we spent the last hours of the journey coming up with ideas to make it hard for the Danes to attack me in my own home. I knew that despite all the precautions we might take Danes could still sneak over my palisade. I was Ulfheonar and I had done it before. It was Aðalsteinn who came up with one idea I had never even thought of.

  “When we raided the Franks, we attacked a town in the middle of the night. The warriors who ascended the walls were skilful and they made not a sound. We should have gained entry save that there were geese in a pen by the gate and when they heard our men they began hissing and honking. If you had geese close to your hall then any who disturbed them would raise the alarm.”

  I nodded, “A good idea and if the men who tend them are the night guards the geese will not react to their presence.”

  “And you should bar your doors at night, Jarl Dragonheart.”

  Once again Dagfinnr was right. There had been no danger for so many years that we had long since stopped barring them. The servants came and went from the rear entrance. That would need to stop. I began to worry about those who lived in our walls. The clan I knew but what of the slaves? We had many. None were Danes but they could have been bought. As we rode over the col which led to my land, I shook my head. If I worried about everything then I would drive myself mad. The Norns had spun. What would be would be.