“By God though, Eahlmund, is she not heavenly?”
It seemed that many others there shared his thoughts judging by the gasps that could be heard all around the church as she walked forward slowly, her eyes fixed all the time on Thurkill. Time seemed to stand still for all the while that Hild and Aelfric processed to the front of the church, until, finally, she stood in front of Wulfric. Then, Aelfric took her left hand and gently placed it in Thurkill’s own outstretched palm, symbolising that he was willingly passing her over into his safekeeping. Turning to face him for the first time, Hild smiled. It was the same smile she had given him when he first met her several weeks before in her village of Brightling where he had recuperated after the battle at Senlac. It was as heart-stopping now as it was then.
“Welcome one and all, welcome.” Wulfric’s voice boomed around the stone walls. “It is my honour and my privilege to stand here today in the sight of God and this congregation to witness the joining together in marriage of Thurkill, Lord of Gudmundcestre, son of Scalpi, noble thegn of King Harold, of blessed memory, and Hild, daughter of Nothelm of the village of Brightling.
“But before I do, if there are any here present that know of any just reason or due cause why this man and this woman may not be joined together, let them declare it now or forever hold their peace.” The pause Wulfric left seemed to stretch on forever to Thurkill’s mind, but the silence thankfully remained undisturbed.
Nodding in satisfaction, the priest continued, “I repeat the same question to you both, Thurkill and Hild. If you know of any just reason or due cause why you may not be married here today, declare it now.”
After another, seemingly interminable, Wulfric then said. “In which case, given there are no declared impediments, I must ask who stands here for this woman, Hild, daughter of Nothelm, so that she may be given to this man, Thurkill, son of Scalpi?”
“I do,” Aelfric stepped forward, speaking with a voice that was used to giving commands on a battlefield. His duty done, he stepped back into the front row, grinning more broadly than anyone could have thought possible.
Satisfied, Wulfric turned back to the couple. “And, so, Hild, daughter of Nothelm, I must ask whether you consent to be taken as wife by this man, Thurkill, son of Scalpi?”
Hild turned again to fix her man with eyes which sparkled with half-formed tears of joy. “I do.” Though quiet, it was as clear as a bell and resonated across the whole church so that none had difficulty in hearing her.
Wulfric smiled reassuringly at her, before turning that same smile on Thurkill. “And do you, Thurkill, son of Scalpi, consent to take Hild to be your wife, to protect her and put her before all others?”
Thurkill swallowed to try to force some saliva into his parched mouth. “I do.” It sounded thin and reedy to his ears, but it was enough to satisfy the priest. God how he longed for this to be over so he could sink his first cup of ale. Never had he needed a drink more than that moment.
“Therefore, by the power vested in me by Almighty God, I do declare that you be man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder.”
Thurkill stared dumbly at the priest. Was that it? Was it really over? As if reading his mind, Wulfric grinned at him. “Well? What are you waiting for, man? Kiss your wife before someone else beats you to it!”
To the sound of raucous laughter, cheering and applause, Thurkill grabbed hold of Hild and enveloped her in his muscular arms. Having almost crushed the life out of her, he pulled back a few inches so he could see her face, as wet with tears as was his own. Then with great tenderness that grew into a surging torrent of passion, he kissed her full on the lips, pressing his mouth against hers until, eventually, they had to break for breath.
***
The wedding feast passed by in a blur. It was Aelfric’s present to them both and the food was some of the best he had ever tasted. And the wine… It was rare for him to have wine, let alone the people of Gudmundcestre, and this was beyond doubt the finest he had tasted. Rich, dark and fruity, hailing from the southern lands of France, so Aelfric said. It must have been like the nectar that the legendary gods of ancient Greece used to drink, it was that good. Fortunately, Thurkill knew it was much stronger than ale and so he was careful to pace himself. After the first two or three cups, he ensured that the thralls brought it to him watered down. Sensibly, Hild followed his lead, but there were plenty who did not. There was a continual stream of revellers, many obviously the worse for wear, who staggered unevenly outside to vomit into the buckets that had been placed there for that purpose.
But Thurkill did not care. He was too happy to worry about anything. He laughed along as he watched the tumblers performing their tricks and turns; he sang along lustily with the bard as he went through the old songs, the favourites from his youth that were seemingly known the whole country over; and he listened in silence and with awe as the scop told his tales of great warriors performing daring deeds in far off lands from a dark and distant past. All the while he sat in his lord’s chair, holding Hild’s hand as she sat next to him, never wanting to ever let go of her again.
And it was not just him that was in good spirits. Away to his right his little band of hearth warriors were deep in their cups as well, singing along with the songs and laughing uproariously at every joke, pratfall or, indeed, at anything that they felt to be the least bit amusing. And chief amongst them was Eahlmund. But despite all his protestations, despite all his claims that he preferred his own company, there was no mistaking the fact that on his lap sat a slim, dark-haired girl, her arms draped around his friend’s neck. She had her back to Thurkill meaning he could not recognise her, so he made a mental note to speak to Eahlmund the next day. It seemed that there was nothing like a wedding to bring out the romance in an otherwise cold fish.
Before he could bring Hild’s attention to the strange spectacle, however, Aelfric chose that moment to come to sit next to Thurkill, slapping him hard on the back as he did so. “A grand day, my boy, a grand day. One of the best I can recall for many a year, without a doubt.”
“Mostly thanks to you, Lord. Your generosity – as ever – knows no bounds. There’s many who will recall this feast with fond memories for a good while, not to mention the wine with which they washed it down. Yet again, you have our gratitude.”
Aelfric waved it away as if it were nothing. “Ach. It’s no more than any lord would do for one of his most favoured sworn men, but I thank you for your words nonetheless. But, listen, I am sorry to bring this up on the day of your wedding but I have need of you.”
“Name it, Lord. I am yours to command.”
“I must be away back to my hall now but come to see me in Huntendune tomorrow or the day after. There are matters which we need to discuss, matters of great import which could affect us all.” With that, Aelfric held out his hand once more for Thurkill to shake before rising to leave.
TWENTY
He woke to leaden grey skies. So dark was it that it was hard to tell whether the dawn had even happened. To make matters worse, rain poured down from the thick, forbidding clouds in stark contrast to the previous day’s crisp blue sky. The rain was so heavy that it sounded as if an army of rats were running hither and thither across the thatched roof. Here and there, the water found its stubborn way through the tightly packed straw to form tiny little waterfalls that cascaded down to the floor. Fortunately, none of them was positioned over their bed, but Thurkill knew it was a job that could not be left for too long.
“Hild, while I’m gone, see if you can find a thatcher in the village and have them make repairs.”
She pushed herself up on one elbow, curls tumbling across her face. “You’re going out in this? Why not wait until tomorrow when the weather may have improved.” Patting the covers where he had been lying, she added, “Come back to bed. It’s warm and dry in here and we have unfinished business to attend to.”
The look on her face left him in no doubt as to the business she had in mind and he ha
d to admit he was sorely tempted. What harm could it do to leave it a day? He mused. But his lascivious thoughts were soon replaced with feelings of guilt. He owed everything to Aelfric and if he couldn’t bring himself to do his lord’s bidding for the sake of a bit of rain, then what sort of man was he? No, he would have to drag himself away to do the right thing, however hard it may be.
He sat on the edge of the bed to cuddle his new wife, kissing her on the forehead as he did so. “Forgive me, Hild. As much as I would like nothing more than to stay with you this foul day – or any other day for that matter – I must do my duty to my lord.”
Rather than look disappointed, she broke into a warm smile. “I would have been surprised if you had said otherwise, husband. I am sorry to have tempted you so; it was more in jest than anything.”
Kissing her once more, he rose to go, laughing as he did so. “Sore temptress, I shall think of nothing else now all day.” Wrapping his cloak around his shoulders, he paused once more. “I shall take Eahlmund, the brothers and Eardwulf with me. I’ll tell Copsig to look out for you. He’s turning into a fine young warrior now. He’ll soon have the beating of the others in sword-craft, if I’m not mistaken.”
With that he pushed open the door and stepped out into the rain, pulling the cowl of his cloak down over his head as he went. Making his way to the nearby barn, which had now been given over to be a stable for their horses, he found the four other men already waiting for him, horses saddled and ready to go.
“We’re definitely going then?” The look on Thurkill’s face extinguished any spark of hope in Eahlmund’s voice as if he had been doused with a full bucket of water.
“Indeed so, my friend. My duty is to our lord. I only wish the day were better for travelling. But take heart in the fact that it is but a short ride. We will be there within an hour or two.”
“And you on the morning after your wedding night too. I am surprised you managed to drag yourself away. Or, more to the point, I’m surprised Hild let you go.” Leofric nudged his brother in the ribs, causing the latter to let out an involuntary snigger.
“Believe me, I’d much rather be in bed with her than staring at your ugly faces, but beggars can’t be choosers. Now, let’s go and find out what our lord would have of us.”
Although their destination was but a few miles distant, the persistence of the rain meant they were all soaked to the bone within a few hundred paces. There was nothing for it but to pull their cloaks tightly around them, put their heads down and plod on so that the journey might be over as quickly as possible. The track was already a quagmire in many places, making it hard for their mounts to keep a sure footing. Every step splashed mud up the horses’ legs and – at times – as far as the men’s knees. It was a truly miserable day that showed little sign of improving. Thinking to lighten the mood a little, Thurkill dropped into step alongside Eahlmund.
“Speaking of being in bed, my friend, would you care to share with us the name of that beauty I saw you with last night? The one who appeared to be chewing on your face.”
Even with his face half hidden beneath his hood, Thurkill could see Eahlmund’s cheeks flush with colour briefly before deciding to tough it out, ignoring the chuckles of the three other men. “Oh, you mean Hereswitha? She’s the miller’s daughter; you know, old Haegmund... What of her?”
“She seemed to be a friendly sort. But I thought you had no time for women. That you wanted to be your own man with no one to tell you what to do?”
“Did I say that? Well I must have been jesting. A man should think to his future and if a pretty woman wants to throw herself at you, who I am to refuse? And besides, her father could do with the help. He has no one to work the mill and to take over when he becomes too old, since he lost his son at Senlac.”
Thurkill laughed. “Ah now we get to the truth of it. You’re only using Hereswitha to get to the mill. You have an eye for a good deal my friend. Bed her and you get to keep the mill and all the coin it will make for you.”
As the others roared in delight, Eahlmund took on a most affronted demeanour. “I’m shocked you would think me capable of such despicable scheming. Though, now you come to mention it, that would be a nice bonus should our relationship continue to flourish. I could see myself running a mill. It beats working in a field in the pissing rain like you sorry bunch of goats arses.”
“I am sorry, Eahlmund,” Thurkill struggled to speak, he was laughing so much. “I’m pleased that you seem to have found love, for I had feared you might grow old alone. I hope the two of you are very happy together. And, speaking as your lord to whom all must pay their dues, I’m also pleased at the prospect of the mill being handed down to such a hard and honest worker as you.”
“Now I know you’re having fun at my expense. Bastards, the lot of you.” With that, Eahlmund kicked his heels into the flanks of his mount, forcing it into a bad-tempered trot leaving his companions in his wake, peals of laughter ringing in his ears.
***
They found Aelfric in his hall, warming his back by the hearth fire. He welcomed them all, summoning thralls to take their cloaks so that they might be dried by the heat, ready for their departure. Next, he invited Thurkill’s four companions to help themselves to the steaming mutton broth that bubbled within a huge iron cauldron that was suspended over the flames. “A bowl of that will soon warm you through, lads. There’s hot fresh bread to go with it as well.”
With the men settled at a bench, happily spooning pieces of meat, turnip and carrot into their mouths, Aelfric pulled Thurkill to one side. “Thank you for coming so soon, my boy. I almost didn’t expect to see you today. It’s foul out there, is it not? Tell me, how is Hild? Enjoying life as Lady of Gudmundcestre?”
“As happy as I have ever known her, Lord, though we have been together but a few short weeks. She has all that she could wish for and you have my thanks for that.”
“Good, good.” Though the older man seemed genuinely pleased to hear those words, Thurkill could tell he was distracted, as if something else weighed heavily on his mind.
“I am sure, Lord Aelfric, that you did not bring me here just to enquire after my wife’s health? What would you have of me?”
“Ah, indeed. To the point as ever, eh? Well, look, I hear that William plans to return to Normandy in the next few weeks. Word is that he feels he has been away for too long and that his presence is needed there lest there be trouble brewing.”
“His rule there is not secure?” Thurkill was genuinely surprised by the thought.
“It very much is, never fear. But like with any field in spring time, if you don’t take care of it, weeds quickly rise up to choke your crops. I suppose it is to be expected, though; now that he rules two great lands on either side of the narrow sea, he’ll be forced to divide his time between the two.”
“What of it? Why do we care what he does?”
Aelfric grinned. “A point with which I can find little fault, lad. But there are two factors that concern me, seeing as you ask. Firstly, William has decreed that many of the great English lords will accompany him. Whether it’s because he favours us and wishes to lavish his hospitality on us or whether it’s because he wants to keep us where he can see us, I know not – but I can guess.”
“When you say, ‘us’, Lord?”
“Very astute of you to observe that, Thurkill. Along with Edgar and the Earls Morcar and Eadwine, I am to be a member of the Saxon party that goes with the king. And this is why I summoned you, to call on your support to take care of things in my absence. My Steward, Alwig, can look after my affairs quite admirably, I’m sure, but he is no warrior. I would have him be able to call upon someone of your ilk in case of need.”
“You expect trouble, Lord?”
“Not necessarily, but it pays to be cautious, I always find. That said, there are rumours of large bands of lawless men roaming the countryside. If that’s true, I don’t doubt for a moment that they might try to attack a village should they become desperate for
food or shelter.”
“Whence come such men and why have they not been dealt with before?”
“They are the product of William’s harsh treatment over the last several weeks. While he was waiting for Edgar to submit, he did what he could to encourage him by laying waste to large swathes of land between Warengeforte and Lundenburh. Several towns were burned to the ground and many of their people – those that were not killed – fled into the hills and forests as their homes were destroyed behind them and their livestock stolen or slaughtered. They’ve nothing left and no hope of rebuilding. Through no fault of their own they are now destitute and having to live off the land or from what they can steal. I do not blame them, they did not ask for this, but I have a duty of care to protect my own people. And now I lay that duty on your shoulders while I am in Normandy. You are my sword and my authority in this matter.”
Thurkill knelt. “And you may trust that I will be steadfast and my sword true.” Rising back to his feet, he continued. “But you said there were two matters?”
“Ah yes.” The tone of his voice darkened noticeably. “I confess this other matter concerns me even more than the thought of marauding brigands.”
Saxon Storm: The Huscarl Chronicles Books 1 & 2 Page 40