Viking Raid (19 page)

"I would."

"And what of Thorkell's Stad?"

"Perhaps we abandon it.  Arne could do worse than to settle here." I knew, in my heart that if my warriors left Thorkell's Stad they would return with me to my home. Thorkell had been happy to rule his own land.  These three were followers and not leaders.

"Then we will train your warriors!"

There were few items from the hall that Sven wished to keep.  He had buried all the precious things with his wife. We took the pigs to his neighbour who was delighted with the gift. All that they took were the weapons of war which they would need. It took until nightfall to finish.  There was nothing left to drink and perilously little left to eat. I shook my head , "You are poor hosts! I hope I am able to offer better provisions at Cyninges-tūn."

"We will go there directly?"

"No, first we must return to Thorkell's Stad.  We must speak with Arne."

As we headed north the next day I felt a freshening breeze from the north.  That usually brought snow. I did not want to be stuck here if the weather changed. We could not go too fast for the horses of my old Ulfheonar were laden with their weapons. They had, at least, sharpened the swords and seaxes. I could tell that their professional pride had been hurt by my harsh but necessary words.

By the time Thorkell's Stad came into view the snow storm had begun. We rode, blinded by the whirling white pieces of ice. All of us were too old for this and were grateful to be in a warm hall with, most importantly, hot food and plenty of beer!

After we had eaten I gathered the men around me.  "My three Ulfheonar return with me to Cyninges-tūn." Arne nodded.  "Arne, you have a choice.  You can stay here as Jarl or you are free to settle elsewhere or even return to Cyninges-tūn with me. Whichever you choose; it is your decision."

"I am honoured by your confidence but I think we need to talk about this with each other.  It is not something to be done lightly."

"Very well." I had hoped to leave the next day before the pass south became impassable. That would not happen now. I resigned myself to spending a few more days up here.  I owed it to my warriors, and I was not going to be missed in Cyninges-tūn.

The storm raged all night.  Next day we awoke to a blanket of white. Arne was concerned and I saw him putting on his cloak early the next morning. "Is there a problem, Arne?"

"Aye, Magnar Forkbeard and his son, Thorir Magnarsson, are overdue.  They went fishing yesterday morning and I expected them back before dark last night. Your arrival drove it from my mind."

"I will come with you."

I did not think we could do much for if they were lost at sea then we would not know but it spoke well of Arne that he would venture out on such a poor day.  We took just our swords, our cloaks and a length of rope. Others offered to come but there was little point in more of us being uncomfortable. The river close to the stad was too narrow for them to land. We marched along the river westward looking for signs of wreckage or bodies. When we saw neither we took a little hope. The turf part of the Roman Wall still stood and we were able to walk along its top. As the river widened we saw white caps on the waves.  It was a strong wind from the north west.  That wind was always the harbinger of snow and foul weather.

Suddenly Arne's sharp eyes picked out something.  "Look, there! Is that an upturned boat?"

I shielded my eyes against the snow.  He was right.  We raced to the shore.  We could now see the boat and two figures were clinging to it. The wind was blowing it towards us but the tide and the river were taking it out to sea. I spied a lone tree. "Quick; I will tie the rope to the tree and then I will wade in the water.  It will give them a chance."

He shook his head.  "You can hold the rope steady in the shallows I will swim out.  I am younger."

I was not insulted.  He was right. He took off his cloak and his sword while I tied the rope around the tree.  I took my cloak off too and felt the vicious wind biting. I now regretted not bringing more people. Arne was shivering already and he was not yet in the water. I tied the rope around his waist and he headed into the water.  I pointed to the west.  "The river will drift the boat westwards.  Walk north west, into the wind."

He began to walk into the river.  The waves were not high but the flurries of snow combined with the wind on the water made them like needles in the flesh. I stepped into the river.  I would have to be his anchor and help him to pull.  The shock of the cold made me start. As it crept up my body to my waist I felt myself going numb. Arne was strong and soon he was just thirty paces from the boat.  He began to shout. If they were not alive then was there any point in risking Arne? I saw both heads rising.  They were alive.  He pushed on. 

It would be a race to see if he could reach the half wrecked boat before it was swept beyond his reach and out to sea. He was going to be a little short of the fishing boat and I walked west too to give him more rope.  He was swimming now for the river had deepened.  One of the figures slid down the boat and he held tightly on to it with one hand.  He reached out with the other for Arne.  It was hard to see what was happening because of the snow but I saw the two figures flailing to make contact. One figure, it looked to be the son, was reaching out for Arne while clinging on to the upturned boat.  I almost cheered when I saw them clasp wrists. There was no time to waste.  I began to haul on the rope.  I was so cold that it was hard to make my arms move.  I  had lost all feeling in my legs. The current was too strong. I could not pull. I had no strength in my arms. The boat was a dead weight.  Had I been closer I would have shouted to them to abandon the boat but I was too far away.

I ducked under the rope so that it was behind my back. I received a soaking for my trouble. Then I took a step back. And then another. The rope wrapped around me helped. Miraculously I found that I was walking backwards and pulling the boat albeit slowly. I took another few steps and found that the river was now just up to my knees.  We were winning but would they still be alive when I landed my catch? When I stepped on to dry land the wind whipped around my already freezing legs. I gritted my teeth and walked backwards. When I reached the tree I began to walk around it, wrapping the rope as I did so. If the rope wrapped around me had helped then a tree would be even better. It meant I could take a little breather every now and then as the tree stopped tightened rope slipping. 

Arne was now able to stand.  I could see that the one holding his hand was the son, Thorir; he had no beard.  When he stood I was able to pull faster.  We were almost done. Arne grabbed the arm of Magnar and he and Thorir pulled and dragged the body out of the river and on to the land. I let go of the rope and ran towards them.  I threw Arne's cloak at him and put mine on Thorir. There was little point in warming a corpse. Thorir threw it off and put it on his father. "He lives!"

"We must get back to the fort or we shall all die out here."

Thorir pointed west, "There is a drekar in the estuary and it is heading east.  It is ready for war.  It is a Viking raider!"

The Norns were spinning once more.

Between us we carried the unconscious form of Magnar. It was hard to move quickly for we were so cold.  I do not think I had ever been as cold in my life. Neither the wind nor the snow had abated but, luckily, it was now blowing us towards the fort and warmth.  Sven and the others had taken my criticism to heart and they stood sentry themselves.  When they saw us coming they opened the huge gates and helped us to carry the two fishermen into the fort.

As we headed for the hall and the roaring fire within I shouted, "Sound the horn! There may be danger.  Sven, get those from without the fort inside."

Sven knew me well enough not to question me. I helped Arne put the two men as close to the fire as we could get.  My legs actually hurt as the fire warmed me but I would have no time for such luxuries. Einar and Ragnar awaited my instructions. "The two fishermen said that they saw a dragon ship. It was heading this way and it was ready for war.  It may not be coming here or it might actually come in peace but let us assume the worst. I need every man and boy arming. We need water preparing in case they have fire and, as we do not know how long they will take to come, I want hot food preparing." They stood waiting for more.  "That is all for now! Go." As they opened the door to go out I heard the sound of the horn summoning all who were within earshot.

I knelt next to Magnar and put my ear to his mouth.  He was breathing but only just. I took my wolf skin from Magnar.  "This is wet.  Find dry blankets."  I saw that Thorir, too was blue.  "Get your wet things off and your father too. Arne, cover them both with blankets and then change your clothes.  I will begin to organise the defence until you are ready. Make sure that everyone on the walls has warm clothes.  The cold, the snow and the ice will be as much an enemy as any Viking raider."

I took off my clothes in the corner of the hall they had given me.  This was no time for modesty. I put on my leather byrnie and my mail.  Neither was warm but they were better than the sodden clothes which seemed to suck the heat from my body. I began to warm up a little when I was dressed for war.

Sven arrived back.  I pointed north. "There is a drekar out there.  It might have peace on its mind but I fear it is war."   The storm and the delay in my leaving make me think I was supposed to be here. This felt like the work of the Weird Sisters.  Suppose I had returned to my home, what might have resulted?  "How many men have we?"

"Eleven warriors, twelve with you."

I shook my head, "Men! How many men?"

"Twelve warriors and eight other men but some are old."

"I care not.  Ragnar fought when he was the oldest man in the whole village.  An old man can cause a wound.  I want them all armed and on the walls.  How many boys?"

"Seven."

"Then they will go on the wall.  If they can use a hunting bow then give them one; if not then a slingshot."

He paused at the door, "I am pleased that my last fight will be by your side Jarl Dragon Heart."

I would not give up but I knew that he was probably right.  A drekar would have a crew of at least forty and we had but twelve warriors.  We were going to die.  And it would be a fight that no one would remember.  Some warrior might wield the sword which was touched by the Gods but he would not say how we died. He would just boast of the magical weapon which was a legend among Vikings. That last stand would be forgotten; along with us. Despite those thoughts I was determined that we would die hard and die well.

Armed and ready I donned my sodden cloak.  It was heavy but I had fought in it for so many years it felt like a weapon. Besides it had stopped blows before and perhaps it would do so again. I carried my helmet and my shield.  As I stepped out of the door, the wind whipped into my face.  I suddenly realised the snow had stopped.  I did not know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I passed terrified looking women.  I smiled and spoke to each one.  "Fear not. Keep hot food ready for the men. We will prevail." The words did not matter.  It was my smile and my tone of voice.  It made them think that I was confident. It seemed to work for they began to smile themselves.  Inside I felt the lie.

My three Ulfheonar were at the gate house already.  They were armed and wearing their wolf cloaks around the shoulders.  I wondered how many years it had been since they had worn them. Each fingered their wolf amulet. It was a habit all of my Ulfheonar had. "Can you see anything?"

Einar said, "One of the warriors thought he saw a dragon ship on the river." He shrugged, "He has young eyes, I saw nothing."

"Thorir saw it.  It is out there.  We can only hope that it suffers the same fate as the fishing boat. It is a stormy night.  Perhaps it will sink. If it does I doubt that the crew will be in the best of condition.  Perhaps when they see four Ulfheonar they may think better of it." I was giving them hope when I felt none.

Gradually the walls filled with warriors, farmers, blacksmiths, fishermen, shepherds and boys. It was hardly the army I would have chosen but it was the one the Norns had given me. I walked around the narrow rampart to speak with each of them in turn. Some of them asked to touch Ragnar's Spirit. It strengthened those whose resolve was weakening. For the older ones it was a sign that they thought that this would be their last fight. The boys stood shaking in the cold, holding their bows or their slings. I said the same to each of them, "Do not waste an arrow or a stone.  A wounded warrior is almost as good as a dead warrior.  You will be the one who stops them coming close.  You can save your family."

It was not a lie but it was unlikely that they would be able to stop the advancing warriors. They could slow them, they could irritate and annoy them but they were too few in number and too inexperienced to do serious damage. It would be down to the men and the swords on the wooden walls. I needed more information about these attackers. When I reached Arne I asked, "Any sign of them?"

Arne shook his head and pointed east.  "It will soon be dawn and then we shall know."

I noticed that some of the men were shaking.  It was the cold and not fear. "I will speak with Thorir again. Keep a good watch and shout if you see aught."

As I passed the cooking pots I smelled soup.  I spoke to the women, "Take some for the men on the walls."

"Aye Jarl."

Thorir was looking a little better. The colour had returned to his cheeks.  His father still remained in another world but he too had a better colour.  "How is he?"

"His breathing is better."

"Good.  Get some soup for the two of you.  But first tell me about this drekar and how you came to be there."

"We had had a good catch and were on our way back to shore when the squall blew up." He pointed north. "We were close to the land of the men of Strathclyde and my father said we should run for safety.  There are rocks close to the coast and we were heading south west when the canvas split." He shook his head.  "It was a good sail! It should not have split."

Wyrd
. I knew that the Norns had been weaving again.

"The sea was taking us away from the land and it took longer to fit the new sail than it should have.  We were cold and our fingers fumbled. By the time we had managed to replace it the snow and the clouds had hidden the land. I think we sailed in the wrong direction for a while. Then the snow abated for a few moments and we saw a smudge of dark.  Father said it was the land and we headed towards it. The snow began again and we sailed blindly once more. When we saw the land again we thought we were saved and that is when we saw the dragon ship."

"How big was it?"

"I have seen your ship. Jarl, and this one looked a little smaller.  I only saw it briefly but I think there were either thirteen of fourteen oars. The prow had a red dragon.  There were shields along the side."

It was a warship, "And the sail?"

"The sail?"

"Was it plain? Coloured?  Did it have markings?"

"It looked plain." I nodded and gestured for him to continue with his tale, "My father said that it was an enemy.  He said it was not one of your ships and that we should get home and warn Sven and Arne. We saw the land and the estuary which was to the north of us.  We had to turn with the wind for it was coming across the side of our boat.  Our catch meant we rode low in the water and the sea had been filling us up. When we entered the river the choppy waters began to swamp the boat even faster. There are dangerous sands on the southern side of the river and we headed for the middle so that we could avoid them. The water came in faster than we could bail.  When we tried to turn for shore disaster struck and a sudden gust overturned us.  The mast caught my father a blow to the head. I dragged him on to the upturned boat and climbed up with him. He seemed to drift in and out of consciousness. Then you came."

"You did well and you saved your father's life."

"Perhaps the dragon ship also found danger."

I would not lie to him.  He might have to fight for his life soon. I shook my head, "It is in the river now.  They will come here but thanks to your warning we have a chance. Get some soup for your father and yourself."

I joined Arne and Sven.  "I think that the ship was just raiding.  From what Thorir said I believe they brought the ship here.  It followed them when they ran for safety."

"Then they are not enemies?"

"They are raiders." I looked at Sven, "You have been a raider, and you know how they work.  They will look for chances to make a profit."

"Aye." He looked at Arne, "You may raid with a target in mind, but you are looking for places where people live and where you can find slaves, food, and treasure."

Just then Magnus shouted, "Jarl, I see movement.  There towards the river!"

I peered into the snow which still came into our faces. There was a dark line moving towards us. "Spread the word they are coming.  No one releases an arrow or a stone without my permission.  I want everyone hidden beneath the ramparts. We use surprise as our first weapon."

I knew that it was asking much to have these who were unused to war to wait but I wanted the raiders to believe that we were not guarding our walls.  They might have seen the upturned fishing boat and assume that we had no warning. I counted on the fact that they would be tired and they would be cold already. They would be hurrying to kill those asleep within the walls as quickly as possible. If we could kill some of them first it might weaken their resolve.

I saw them then. There was a line of warriors. I estimated forty. We were outnumbered. Only one, as far as I could see, wore mail. All, however, had shields and many had spears. They moved purposefully and quickly. They had the wind behind them and would not hear us when we spoke. I still kept silent. Arne, Sven and myself were in the tower over the gate and could see without being seen; our mail, helmets and wolf skin worked well. I glanced along the wall and saw the rest of our defenders crouched below the wall.  I smiled.  They would be out of the wind and warmer that way.  At least they had something warm inside their bellies. The fear for their families would also give them heat; anger.

When the Vikings were forty paces from the walls they halted.  I saw the leader spying out the land.  He would see the bridge leading to the gate and realise there had to be a ditch.  Nature had aided us here.  The sides and the bottoms of the ditch were covered in a thick layer of snow. They would not know that there were traps in the bottom.  The sides, too, would be slippery. The Jarl who led them waved forward ten of his men and they ran towards the bridge.  He was not cooperating.  I had hoped that he would advance along a line. We would have killed and wounded more that way.

When they were ten paces from the bridge I shouted, "Now! Make them pay!"

Those with bows, half of the men and half of the boys, loosed arrows.  The five boys with slings whirled them and the stones cracked into the ten men advancing. More fell than I could have hoped and would take no further part in this raid.

The line of shields came up and I heard shouts from their leader. They formed a wedge. It was what I had feared. The mailed warrior stood at the point and the shields locked.  They began to advance.  "Slingers, aim for the heads.  Archers aim for legs and those with bare arms." Those to my left would be able to hit the spear arms of those who advanced. It was but a forlorn hope.

I turned to Sven, "The Ulfheonar will go to the gate." He nodded, "Arne you take charge on the walls. Do not let them climb up.  When they try to raise their men up on their shields then use your spears. Keep them from climbing over the ramparts and we will have a chance of victory."

"Aye Jarl," he grinned, "It seems I need not seek adventure, adventure has come to me!"

I laughed, "This will be a tale worthy of Haaken!"

When I descended the rickety ladder I found the other three waiting for me. Ragnar said, "This will be a good end, Jarl."

"Do not be so willing to go to Valhalla, old friend.  The battle is not over yet." He nodded.  "There are too few of us for a wedge.  But we can fill the gate. We let them waste their energy breaking it down and then we charge them.  Push them into the ditch.  We become the gate."

Surprisingly all three were grinning. They began banging their shields with their spears and chanted, "Ulfheonar!" over and over.  I took my spear and joined them.  The wind would carry our voices away but they would hear our chanting and they would wonder.