by Griff Hosker
I had not spoken to Gandálfr but the joy on his face was clear, “Aye lord and gladly. I am both honoured and humbled.”
A flicker of doubt crossed Olaf Olafsson’s face and then disappeared for he now expected the prize that was Nantes. “Good. Richard Tostigsson you performed heroically in the battle and your reward is Alençon.”
Like Gandálfr he had not expected it and he stammered his thanks, “I, I, thank you, lord. I do not deserve it.”
“But you do! You and Guy of Rouen saved your lord from the two Breton horsemen. It is right and fitting.” He nodded. “Guy of Rouen I give to you Lisieux.” He sat open mouthed and nodded. I smiled. “And that leaves Nantes. I give Nantes to my son William Longsword and with it the title of Count of Brittany.”
That was a popular choice for all liked my son. He was a man’s man and a fearless warrior. The only dark face belonged to Olaf Olafsson. I smiled, “And, of course, Olaf Olafsson contributed to our victory as did Sámr Oakheart. They are both accorded the title of Count! Count of Caen and Count of Djupr.” Sámr was overjoyed but Olaf had a sour face as though he had just eaten a lemon! He stood and left. It was rude and would be punished. I saw that he took with him half a dozen lords from the land north of the Seine.
William said, angrily, “That is lacking honour and disrespectful! Do not give him the title! He does not deserve it.”
I spoke quietly. William was still learning. “My son, I had already planned on giving him the title of Count of Vannes but he told all that it was his already. I will speak with him but first, we have much to do here. Tomorrow we send the fleet home and our men. I will stay with you, Gandálfr and Bergil until the land is secure.”
I did not get to speak with Olaf for he left before the rest of the fleet. I would have to travel to Djupr and chastise the new Count of Djupr personally.
Chapter 7
In the end, it took a month or more to make the three towns secure. I had men to hang. I had to make an example of them. These were men who thought I was a barbarian and did not understand figures and coin. They tried to cheat us. They learned that the Normans did not suffer fools. The lesson was quickly learned and no others tried to emulate the men. I spared the warriors who had fought against us but we let them know that they would now fight for us. If they did not then they were free to leave my land. My three new counts had families to bring from their homes and I felt duty bound to stay and see them settled in. The result was that I did not head for Rouen until the start of Gormánuður. I had been away far longer than I had intended. The journey back was not quick either. I visited with many of my lords. It was not just Rennes, Vannes, Nantes and Alençon which had new lords. I had rewarded all those warriors who had shown heroism and courage during the battle. I was weary when I reached Rouen. However, my weariness left me when I saw that my town had prospered in my absence. The Archbishop came to see me almost as soon as I reached my hall. He seemed agitated.
“Is there a problem, Archbishop?”
He nodded, “Before you left for Brittany you spoke of unrest in your northern marches. I was mindful of your words and I took it upon myself to travel my parishes. It is not the priests who ferment discord, lord. It is Count Arnulf and, I fear, some of your lords.”
He spoke so earnestly that I knew he was speaking the truth. The Archbishop was King Charles’ man and he knew that he had to be honest with me or risk being responsible for the breaking of the treaty. “Names?” He hesitated, “Come, you cannot fear them.”
He nodded, “I can for one is close to you, Olaf Olafsson, the Count of Djupr.”
I folded my hands together. “Thank you, Archbishop. I have a chest of treasure for the cathedral. I am sure you can put it to good use.”
“Thank you, lord. I have not angered you?”
“The truth might be unpalatable but it cannot anger me.” I had been suspicious of Olaf but I had put it down to ambition. I thought that he saw me as something from a past age and he wanted our land to move in a different direction. Now I saw the plan clearly. He and Arnulf planned to usurp me. The attack by the bandits had been planned by Olaf. He had delayed our start that day so that his men could be in place. I discovered that the Archbishop had discovered the plot by speaking with loyal priests. The confessional had not been violated but priests were almost invisible and they had heard pieces of conversations. It had taken the Archbishop to put all of the pieces together.
When he had gone, I sent to Caen for Sámr and to Montfort for Erik. Sámr would take a few days to reach me as would Erik. With my son and Bergil in the south, I now needed men I could trust. Harold Mighty Fist and Ragnar the Resolute had shown me that they were ready for the life of a grandfather. If war came, I would use them but now I needed men who could act and act quickly. I did not act as I might have done twenty years earlier and that cost both me and my people. It was at such times I missed my right hand. I missed Sven Blue Cheek. And of course, I missed Hrólfr the Horseman. My grandfather would not have done as I did. He would not have dallied and delayed. He would have ridden north and dealt with Olaf Olafsson. I waited for my two lords. In the time it took for Erik and Sámr to arrive, the north of the Seine erupted in rebellion and disorder. I was in my Great Hall speaking with the two of them when Robert, son of Henry Sorenson rode into my stronghold. I heard the noise from my sentries and I went to the fighting platform. I saw Mauger speaking with the young son of Lord Henry. He looked both distraught and dishevelled. His horse had been ridden almost to death.
I returned to my hall. I waved over Father Harold and asked him to bring his wax tablet, “I fear there is mischief afoot.” He hurried out and Erik, Sámr and I waited for the boy to be brought to us. None of us spoke for we were busy trying to guess what news he brought.
Mauger and Arne brought the young man into my hall. I saw that his clothes were covered in blood. He could barely get his breath and his eyes were wild. Arne went to my table and poured a horn of ale for the boy. Mauger shook his head, “What he spoke was garbled, lord, but from his words, his mother and father have been slain. He said rebellion over and over.”
Father Thomas had been summoned by Father Harold and when he entered he looked at Robert. Concern was written all over his face. “Father, tend to this boy. I need to speak with him and for him to be calm.”
“Aye lord. Come, boy, let me look at you. Fetch water and a cloth.” Servants hurried to do his bidding.
While the priest took the shaking boy away, I said to Mauger, “What exactly did he say?”
“Just what I reported, lord. His horse is broken. We may have to put it down. He has ridden here from his home in the north. That is a long ride. Can it be that there is rebellion?”
Erik Gillesson said, “There is one way to find out. With your permission, lord, I will send ten of my men north. They can discover the truth of the matter and I will send to Montfort for the rest of my horsemen. If this is rebellion then you will need horsemen to deal with it.”
“Let us not get over excited about the words of one young man. He has not seen enough summers to take his words without confirmation.”
Sámr shook his head, “Lord, in your heart you know. This is Olaf Olafsson. The Archbishop spoke of unrest and conspiracy. This boy now repeats rebellion.”
“That is a sudden decision from so little evidence, my friend. Gossip from priests and a wild-eyed boy do not mean that Olaf Olafsson is trying to take my land.” Sámr was right of course and I was just trying to rid myself of the image of the son of one of my most loyal men not only rebelling but trying to take my land.
“It is measured, lord. When we blockaded Nantes and Vannes he wanted to command. He questioned every decision your son made. He tried to undermine him. I had to have words. After that he kept apart from your son and I. I thought nothing of it at the time but I can see now that I should have spoken to you. When he was not accorded the title he desired, he was angry. It is gossip but some of those who were seated near him heard him curse you. I pu
t it down to drink and thought that going back to Djupr would bring him back to his senses but now that I think back, I believe he had bad thoughts in his head. I am sorry for I have failed you.”
“No, Sámr, I have failed my grandfather and Normandy!”
Mauger nodded, “Remember, lord, the accounts? I think that Count Sámr has the right of it. I too heard Count Olaf’s words and he sounded bitter.” He shook his head. “Had I not dwelt on our dead comrades I might have acted. I was not vigilant.”
“Do not blame yourselves. I am as guilty as any. I had misgivings and voices in my head warned me but I ignored them. We ignore such thoughts at our peril.”
Father Thomas returned. The boy was still upset but he was no longer shaking. Father Thomas said, “I would speak quietly and calmly, lord. I have given him a draught to slow him down. His heart was beating too quickly.”
“Thank you. Fetch my other clerks. I have orders to give.” He left and I smiled, “Speak, Robert, Henry’s son, and tell me all.”
He nodded and I saw the enormity of telling the story to me sinking in. His voice wavered as he spoke. I kept my face as expressionless as I could. He was like a frightened and fey animal. I saw that he had grown since the last time I had spoken to him. There were wisps of hair on his top lip. He was no longer a boy. “My father returned from the war and he brought great treasure. His men returned to their farms. All was well for our men had prospered. The border seemed quiet and he had the weaponsmith begin to make my first helmet. It was a happy time.” I heard his voice begin to break and he coughed to steady himself. “And then, three days ago, the men of the village suddenly rose. These were not the warriors who had followed my father. These were the Franks and Flemish who lived close by our stronghold. We heard the sound of fighting. My father and I went into the square and saw the Franks butchering our handful of warriors. One threw a spear at my father. He was badly wounded and I went to him. He drew his sword and told me to ride to you and tell you of the attack. I obeyed.” He looked at me, “Should I have stayed?”.
“What happened to your father and mother?”
“When I mounted my horse and came from the stables, I saw that my father had had his head removed. My mother had come out to tend to him and she lay… lord two men were upon her.
“Then you have your answer. That would have been your fate. You obeyed your father and your parents will be avenged. That I swear. What happened next?”
I had to wheel my horse away for the men who were attacking my mother saw me and came at me with spears. I used my dagger to mark the face of one. I will know him again. The villagers were too busy ransacking my father’s hall and I was able to ride from the stables. I was seen and they chased me but I was mounted.”
I pointed to the blood on his tunic, “The blood?”
“My father’s.”
“You did well to ride here in three days.”
“I had no choice, lord. Each village I passed seemed to have the same chaos. I saw halls burning. I passed dead warriors on the road. I recognised some as the men who had fought alongside my father. It was only when I reached the land just north of the river that I found friendly folk.” His voice was now much calmer. I think the telling of the tale had helped him. His face looked determined.
I turned to Mauger, “Take Robert to the warrior hall. Find clothes for him. Have the men prepare to ride.”
“We only have the boy’s word, lord.”
“I know Sámr but look in your heart. What do you think?”
He nodded, “There is rebellion.”
Erik returned, “I have sent forth my men. Is it true?”
“It is, Erik. With half of our men in the south occupying Brittany, we now have a rebellion in the north and few men to deal with it. Sámr, send for your men and then send for Ragnar, Haraldr and the others. They will go with you, Sámr. I could do with my son, Gandálfr and Bergil but I cannot take them from their new homes.” I shook my head. This may be a Christian land but the Norns still spin!”
Sámr nodded, “And what then, lord?”
“We have no evidence yet that Olaf Olafsson is at the heart of this. I would have you march to Djupr and ask the son of our old shipmate if he knows anything about the revolt. Tell him that I am still with my son. It is a small deception but it might help you to discover the truth of the matter.” I looked hard at him. “Take no risks. If you suspect treachery then wait for me. I will march to the border with Erik and his men. I intend to recapture these fiefs before Count Arnulf can take them. We will all be mounted. I hope that speed and our horses will be enough to snuff out this rebellion.”
We left the next morning. I led barely two hundred men. They were, however, battle-hardened, mounted and well-armed. More they were all eager for vengeance! Erik’s riders had returned to confirm that some of the fiefs had revolted and their lords had been slain. The horsemen had had to flee for their lives from at least two places. All was not lost for there were still places where strong lords had resisted the attacks. We headed for the first such village. Saint-Saëns had had an abbey which we had destroyed before we made peace with the Franks. The stone from the abbey had been reused by Sven Mighty Arm. One of my older warriors, he had not fought with us in Brittany and that may have been the reason why he had not succumbed. His warriors lived in his warrior hall and they had fought back. We reached his stone walls and the old warhorse emerged.
“You are all well, old friend?”
“Aye. Although it was touch and go. I lost some fine warriors.”
I nodded, “Erik, round up every man who is older than ten summers and bring them here.”
“Aye, lord.”
“Sven, have your weaponsmith light his fire. We have need of heat!”
The fifty males were brought, some of them screaming, to the outer bailey of the stronghold. One shouted, “I am innocent, lord! I did nothing!”
I looked at Sven, “Is he innocent?”
In answer, he walked up to the man and struck him so hard with the back of his hand that he was knocked to the ground. “This bastard killed Arne Three Fingers.”
I nodded, “Mauger have him held and then blind him!” We went down the line and in all twenty-five men were blinded. Their womenfolk led them away. I shouted, “These men are banished from Normandy! Take what you can carry and leave. This is the punishment for rebellion in my land!”
That first day we visited five fiefs. Four had held out against the rebels and their men were blinded. At the next village, we saw the burned out remains of the hall and found the bodies of Benni Silver Helm and his family. The village was empty and the men and their families had fled. Word was spreading of my punishment. The hearths were still warm. The people had run away at our approach. We camped in the village and I reflected upon the scale of the revolt. This had been planned for some time. Olaf was not just reacting to his perceived slight and that meant the Flemish were involved. I had another enemy and, once again, I would be doing the bidding of Charles of Frankia. Wyrd!
“Erik, tomorrow we use your horsemen. I will keep my oathsworn and the young men of Rouen.” The survivors of the battle of Rennes were now led by Roger of Rouen. They had proved themselves and I could trust them. “We are now in the land of rebels. Your men will ride around each village which we approach. We will stop them leaving.”
Erik nodded, “And you blind them all?”
“The next village will see the men lose their hands.”
“That will make this land a wasteland, lord.”
“Then so be it. I will not brook rebellion. Our men can spread their seed and in the fullness of time, the fiefs will be occupied once more. I am getting old, Erik. I have my son to consider. He is yet to be married and I must think of the future. I will be as harsh as I must to leave the land for my heirs. Hrólfr the Horseman had a dream. A Norn prophesied. I have to keep that dream and prophesy alive.”
My protective ring of horsemen was alert, the next day, as we headed north. We were appro
aching the home of Lord Henry. There were two fiefs before we reached it. I knew that there were no lords left this close to the border. My men had all been slaughtered. That they had died as warriors was small compensation. As we neared the next village, we heard shouts and screams. Swords clashed and I urged Blue on. We found Erik and his men fighting with the men of the village. The blackened shell of the hall of Einar Alfsson told me that another of my lords had perished. I drew my sword and galloped, recklessly, into the heart of the fighting. My first blow split a man from his rump to his neck. None surrendered. When the men were all dead, I glowered at the survivors. They were women and children but they had condoned what their men had done. As the women cowered, I pointed Longsword at them. “Erik Gillesson, have your men bind their feet and hands. Take them back to Rouen. They are now thralls.”
One woman, a grey-haired mother dropped to her knees, “Mercy, Duke Robert!”
I laughed, “This is mercy and more mercy than was shown to Anya wife of Einar and their three children! Your men did not even bother to bury their bodies. Your priest is slain too! Not another word or I will punish you!”
I guess someone must have escaped for the next four villages, including that of Lord Henry, were abandoned. We did as we had all the way north. We buried the lords and their families in the churchyards. My heart was hardening even more. Many of these people had been with me since Norway! I had let them down. Some of the wives of my men had been abused before they had been killed. This would be a long, hard winter for northern Normandy. It took another week to reach Djupr as we continued with the purging of the north. We had found no lords left alive. It was now obvious that Olaf Olafsson and Count Arnulf had colluded. Why else was Olaf still alive? Why had he not sent me a message to warn me of the rebellion? We reached Sámr Oakheart’s camp at dusk. He had the town ringed on the landward side.