Viking Vengeance (10 page)

There were three men at the edge of the camp.  One slept while the other two spoke. "Harald Iron Shirt should have gone further into the land of the Dragonheart.  We slew all that we met.  It was easy.  I like not this running with our tails between our legs."

"Sven you are a fool. Firstly the Dragonheart wields the sword which was touched by the gods.  Would you face him in battle?" I saw and heard nothing but I guessed that Sven shook his head. "Nor would I.  Besides we have been well paid. Had the man who stole Egbert's wife been there then we would have succeeded.  Our Jarl can recruit more men.  We took gold from the two settlements. We are richer and we lost few men.  Harald Iron Shirt is a good leader. Besides the information we had was good.  We knew that the Dragonheart would not be there. It made our task easier. This is a good raid.  We will be rich."

"I do not like running!"

"And the running has made me tired so I will join Einar here and sleep."

I had heard enough and we could have left then but I wanted our enemies to fear us.  I motioned to the other two and they followed me as we crept towards the three Danes. As one we jumped on the three warriors.  I held my hand over the mouth of one while I slit his throat with my seax. I heard only the death sighs of the others.  Taking a sword from one of the dead men I took his head and, finding his spear I jammed it on the top. The others copied me and we crawled backwards with our grisly trophies until we were beyond sight of the camp. We placed the spears in the ground next to the road and returned to the knoll. We went around the side to avoid the traps which were there.

"They are led by Harald Iron Shirt and Egbert paid them to kill my son. Have any of you heard of him?"

They shook their heads.

Haaken said, "They have more men to call upon and this Harald seems a careful jarl.  From what they said, Jarl, he is trying to avoid you."

"Then he is in for a shock on the morrow."

Dawn was not far away.  We could see the camp when the sun came up behind us. We were seated behind our wall of thorns and traps.  We would not be seen until I chose to make us appear, as though by magic. Wolf Killer would be up before dawn; well before dawn.  I had no doubt that he would have had the men on the road before the first rays had burned away the dew. The Danes appeared in no hurry to move. I saw men going to the river to collect water and to relieve themselves. I heard screams as some of the captives were hurt; I knew not why but the Danes were a cruel people.  They would keep their captives in a state of perpetual terror.  We were different.  We took away the prospect of escape but did not treat them badly.  Slaves were valuable to us.  We would either sell them or use them to work.  Why damage our own goods?

It was when they spied the three heads that uproar spread throughout the camp. The dead Danes were visible to us while we were hunkered down and invisible. I saw warriors run to the dead men.  The crowd parted and I saw Harald Iron Shirt for the first time.  He did not wear mail but had the lamellar armour I had seen in Miklagård.  He stared around.  He seemed to look directly at us but we kept still for I knew that it was an illusion. With darkened mail, cloaks and faces he would see shadows that was all.  Snorri had his bow strung and ready.  Harald Iron shirt shouted orders. The Danes were sent left and right to search the sides of the road.  Then Harald Iron Shirt shouted another order and his men began to herd the captives and animals. They were ready to move.

When three Danes began to walk along the road I nodded to Snorri.  He sent an arrow into one of them and even as they were looking around for the bowman he had sent another into a second Dane.  The third turned and ran, shouting the alarm.  An arrow felled him.

This time they knew where the danger lay; to the east.  They could not see us but the six dead Danes were testament to our position. The Danish Jarl had to use a third of his men to guard his captives.  They were too valuable to leave.  He formed up the other fifty or so warriors and made a wedge.  He stood behind the three warriors who were the tip of the arrow. I saw that few wore mail. The majority had a helmet.

I said quietly, "When they are a hundred paces from us we stand.  Snorri use your bow to kill any who is foolish enough to show you flesh."

We had learned that timing and a fierce disposition could win a battle or give you an advantage at the very least. They were advancing and looking for enemies they could not see.  That made them wary and a little afraid.  When a warrior could see an enemy he was less of a threat.  When he was hidden then he was an unknown quantity.

I stood and, raising my sword shouted, "I am Jarl Dragonheart of Cyninges-tūn and I am here to punish you!"

Even as my words hung in the air the Ulfheonar stood behind me and, banging their shields, chanted, "Ulfheonar!" over and over.

The wedge stopped. The warrior to the right of the man at the front turned to speak with Harald Iron Shirt. Snorri's arrow plunged into his exposed neck and he fell to the ground.  A second arrow hit the next warrior and the shields all rose as one.

I knew that Wolf Killer and my men were hurrying towards us and I needed to buy some time. I yelled, "Harald Iron Shirt, come and face me as a man.  Stand before your Danes and fight me!"

I knew I had stunned them.  I knew his name.  There was magic in that and I had challenged him. Would he face me?

"Why should I fear a handful of men dressed in the skins of dead animals! Charge!"

It was a mistake.  Although his men ran at us there would be no heart in them.  Their leader had refused the offer of battle and the chance to show his courage.  Even if he survived one of his men would challenge him.  Harald Iron Shirt was as good as dead. Snorri's bow snapped three times and three men fell in the one hundred paces that they ran towards us.  They reached the tangle of branches, bramble vines and traps.  They ploughed on, those at the front propelled by those behind. The front three all found the ankle breakers.  The holes were as deep as a man's arm. I heard the sound of two legs breaking.  The force of warriors behind trampled over the wounded men and more fell.  The wedge was in disarray.  I saw Harald Iron Shirt fall and then struggle to his feet. Snorri had but a dozen arrows left but he used them all well.

Three men leapt on the backs of the fallen, thereby avoiding the traps and threw themselves at us.  I held Ragnar's Spirit before me and impaled one. My warriors all wore mail, it gave us an advantage.  When eight men were slain Harald Iron Shirt yelled, "Fall back and form a line!"

He knew he would lose more men so long as he kept up a frontal attack.  He had to use superior numbers, he had to surround us. Even as they moved back Snorri used the last of his arrows and then, laying his precious bow down he took up his shield.

"They will try to surround us.  Be ready to fight back to back."

Haaken laughed, "Better to attack them Jarl Dragonheart.  This Harald has lost much honour already."

He was correct.  The Dane had spread his men out in a long line to completely encircle us. We could attack him. "Haaken is right! On my command we charge them."

Finni laughed, "This will make a glorious tale, Haaken!"

"Aye if we live!"

Olaf snorted, "Then we tell the tale in Valhalla and even Odin will listen!"

The Danes came steadily.  I waited until they were just twenty paces from us and spread out.  The ones at the extreme ends of the line  were hurrying to close with us and attack our unguarded backs.  It made the ring thinner.

"Now!"

Using the dead Danes we launched ourselves towards the advancing line of warriors. I brought my sword hard across the neck of one warrior while punching at Harald Iron Shirt with my shield. It was understood that it would be me who fought their jarl.  Both sets of warriors realised that but as the Dane reeled back I could see fear in his eyes. He swung his sword at me.  He liked to fight in the traditional Danish manner.  He would batter my shield arm and hope to break my arm or bend my sword.  He would do neither. I did not swing at his shield I half lifted my arm and, as his shield came up thrust the blade upwards towards the metal plates. They were secured to each other by wire.  My sword ripped through one of them and scored a cut on his side. I stepped forward as he recoiled and put my weight into my shield. His blow was weak, for he was falling back and my body absorbed it. I half lifted my sword again and he brought his shield across his body to block the blow to his weakened armour.  I swing Ragnar's Spirit across his shoulder and bent a metal plate while cutting through a wire.

I knew that my Ulfheonar were close by me and they had slain their opponents. They protected my back and sides.  Ahead of me I heard a roar as Wolf Killer brought the rest of my men to attack the Danes guarding the captives. I saw Harald Iron Shirt's eyes as they flickered in fear at the sound. I grinned, "You are the one who is now outnumbered. Be ready to die."

He brought his sword around again in a wide sweep intended to take my head but the weakened armour got in his way.  His armour looked good but it was not. The hit barely registered with me. I stabbed forward and this time the weakened plates gave way and my sword entered his side. He sank to his knees. His sword fell to the ground.  He had no strength left to hold it.  He glared up at me.  "Finish it.  Give me the warrior's death."

I shook my head, "It was my son's people and Ketil's father that you killed.  They can make that decision." After slicing through his hamstrings I kicked away his sword and joined my men as we hacked our way through the Dane's oathsworn.  They did not fight hard.  There were few of us but they quickly ran towards the east. My men advanced and butchered from the west. Wolf Killer and his men had vengeance in their hearts.  In the daylight we could see that some of Wolf Killer's men had been taken as captives.  Some of his warriors had seen their daughters dead on the journey to this valley.  They were in no mood for mercy. I swung my sword across the back of the fleeing Dane I had caught and cut through to his spine.  He fell twitching to the ground.

Those of our warriors who had no armour ran after the Danes.  I waved over some of them.  "Take our hobbled ponies.  They are in a dell yonder."

The young warriors eagerly took up our offer. The galloping hooves promised death to the Danes.

Ketil and Wolf Killer were both covered in spattered blood when they reached me. I took off my helmet.  Both men dropped to their knees.  "Thank you for the courage of you and your Ulfheonar, we are indebted to you."

"These men were not warriors.  They were carrion! Their leader lives still.  I leave his fate to you two."

I followed them to Harald Iron Shirt. The wound still bled.  He would not be moving anywhere soon. Ketil was angry and he smashed the Dane across the face with his fist.  "Kill me and send me to Odin!"

"The Allfather would not welcome you even with a sword!" Wolf Killer could be ruthless.  "Give him the blood eagle!"

"No!"

"I will do it! It is vengeance for my dead father! He should have died in peace not slaughtered by those such as you."

With his armour stripped and discarded Ketil tore his clothes baring the Dane's back. He took his seax and ripped open the flesh down to his spine.  He peeled back the flesh revealing the ribs. Harald screamed the whole time.  He did not take his punishment with stoicism. It seemed to make Ketil more determined than ever to carry out the ceremony.  He broke each rib in turn and pulled them out to form the wings.  Harald passed out with the pain but Ketil did not falter.  Finally he tore out the lungs leaving them flapping like the wings of an eagle.  It was then that Harald died. None of his Danes lived to see his death but we left his body as a reminder to all of the price for hurting my people.

As I headed down to the others I saw Hrolf watching with his mouth wide open.  In his hand he held a bloody seax.  He had killed. He walked with me. "That is a terrible death, Jarl Dragonheart. How could anyone bear such pain?"

"He did not bear pain, Hrolf.  I have seen this done before and the warrior never uttered a sound.  Those who suffer in silence go to Valhalla.  Harald Iron Shirt will not.  He is a nithing. He had the chance to fight me.  Had he done so he might have died with a sword in his hand.  He chose to let his men fight for him."

"He knew that he would die."

"We all die Hrolf; it is the manner which is important but today was not my day to die and I am born again,"

The captives were still in shock.  They were relieved to be rescued but they had suffered at the hands of the Danes. Many of the women and girls wept uncontrollably. We remained in the small, now deserted settlement. Our men returned from the hunt bringing with them the weapons, arm rings and treasure they had taken from the dead Danes.  Much of the treasure had been taken from Windar's Mere in the first place.  We had been lucky to recover it. My jarls joined the Ulfheonar and we sat around the fire to talk and to plan.

"I doubt not that there will be Danes who will return from whence Iron Shirt came and they will tell what we did.  Some may even come and seek his body but I do not think they will risk our wrath again. However, Wolf Killer, you need to watch your borders even more."

He shook his head. "It is too far from your home, father.  When I first chose to live there I was arrogant.  I thought to outdo you and create somewhere as fine as Cyninges-tūn.  I was wrong.  I freely admit it now here in front of your warriors."

"It shows that you have grown into a fine man, my son, that you can admit to that.  I do not call it arrogance.  It is the process of growing up. You would live in Cyninges-tūn?"

"No Jarl, with your permission I would settle the land at the head of Windar's Mere.  It is good land and I can protect the way to Cyninges-tūn." He looked at Ketil "But if you wished to rule where your father did then I would understand."

"No, Wolf Killer.  This is
wyrd
.  I would find the memories too painful and besides I like Brougham."

I nodded.  "Good then that is settled and we now need to decide what to do about Egbert."

Sigtrygg said, "He is a powerful king.  He rules most of the land of the Angles."

I laughed, "You must think me arrogant as my son once thought himself, Sigtrygg. We cannot defeat King Egbert but we can punish him."

I could see that they were intrigued.  Asbjorn leaned forward, "Punish the King of Wessex; how?"

"Egbert attacks others.  He rules Kent and he has captured Corn Walum.  He has defeated the men of Dyfed and he has repulsed Coenwulf and his Mercians.  We attack him. We raid his heartland, the place he feels safe and secure and we will let him know the price he pays for this blood feud.  I will invite those like Hakon the Bald and Thorfinn Blue Scar to join us on this raid.  They will gain much treasure and the extra numbers will show King Egbert that we are serious."

Haaken advised caution, "Remember when we allied with Sihtric Silkbeard and Ragnar Hairy Breeches. That did not end well."

"And this time I make them swear to follow my orders. If they do not then they do not come."

Haaken seemed happiest of all. "I think this is a good thing Jarl Dragonheart.  It does not do to run from our enemies. Egbert especially."

"We did not run."

I looked at Wolf Killer, "We did my son but we had but two boat's crews and we were in Lundenwic.  Only a fool would have stayed but Haaken is right.  You face up to your enemies.  You either defeat them or go to meet Odin.  It is as simple as that."

I glanced around at the faces.  Some, especially the Ulfheonar were nodding.  Some of the others had doubt etched on their faces.

"I will not order any jarl to follow me. My son and I will go but each warrior makes his own decision. It will take me some time to seek out allies who may wish to raid with us."

Haaken rubbed his hands together, "It is said that the churches of Wessex are filled with gold!"

"I doubt that but they are richly endowed."

Snorri said, quietly, "Aiden will know such things. He has his maps and his writing."

I was tired and I lay down to sleep.  Just before I slipped off into a deep sleep I wondered about the chests which we had recovered from St. Asaph,.  What had Aiden found in those? What twists and turns had the Norns laid in store for me?

We returned to the land around Elfridaby slowly.  The captives had suffered enough and there was no need to hurry. Some of Wolf Killer's men stubbornly chose to live in the land they had farmed. He brought the rest of his men to Cyninges-tūn.  There were things he needed if he was to build a new town.  We headed through the dale of Grize.  As we passed through those fly infested woods I saw to my great relief that Finn, his son Sven and Thora, Sven's wife had all survived unharmed.  I was happy.  In fact it brightened and lightened my mood.  Thora had lost her first husband, Gray, when outlaws had come to my land. She had saved my life and she was a symbol of hope.  I returned to Cyninges-tūn with more optimism than when I had left. Ketil left us to head north to his home.  He wished to raid but he had no drekar and he needed to protect his land.

The women of Cyninges-tūn had word from Grim the Fisherman that we were heading back up the Water and they were waiting at the gates to greet us. We had been away for a short time but they knew we were chasing Danes.  They felt for the captives and when they saw them returned there was great celebration. I allowed the other families and Wolf Killer to go ahead of me.  Brigid would understand.  I went to my hall where she waited with Gruffyd and my servants.

"You saved the captives. I am glad."

"Some died.  They were young girls."

"I will pray for their souls."

Even though they were not Christian Brigid still believed that they had a soul and that her prayers would help them.  It was kind but it was a wasted gesture. Kara and Aiden came to visit with me when they had seen to the wounds and hurts of those who had returned with us.

"I have spoken with Wolf Killer.  He tells me you intend to raid King Egbert."

There was no judgement in Aiden's voice.  He had a mind which could think things through well. "If we do not he will send more men to do us harm and the next time we may not be so lucky."

He nodded, "I think it is a good idea, Jarl Dragonheart, so long as you choose the right place."

I smiled ,"And, of course, you can tell me the best place."

He laughed, "Aye, I believe I can."

"Tell me, did you examine those chests we brought back?"

"Not yet Jarl.  They are here in your hall.  I had thought to do so when you are present."

"Then when we have supped we will do so.  It will be a diversion after the last few days."

A brief silence descended upon the hall.  Kara said quietly. "Ketil performed the blood eagle."

"Aye daughter.  He had much anger in him. I did not think that Wolf Killer would have done so alone but Ketil... it was his father."

"I will speak with him when he comes for the raid.  I have potions which will help him to sleep and to clear his mind." My daughter was even more powerful than Aiden.  Her skills and knowledge were legend.

Aiden had Uhtric bring the chests to us.  It was tempting to open the largest one first but the smallest of the three looked the most intriguing for it was delicately carved and had, upon the lid, a dragon.  A Viking couldn't ignore such signs. Aiden patiently worked his picks into the lock until it rustily groaned open. There was a heavy, musty smell within. The box appeared filled with wood shavings.  I felt slightly disappointed. Then I removed the shavings.  I found a dagger in a sheath and a ring.  There was nothing else.  I had seen daggers before but the ring intrigued me. I held it to the light of the candle.  It was a signet ring and had the image of a mounted man on a rearing horse. I handed it to Kara.  She closed her eyes. "This belong to an ancestor or yours.  It speaks to me." Opening her eyes she handed it to me. "Put it on your finger."

I took the ring and slipped it on my forefinger.  It fitted perfectly, "
Wyrd
."

"Aye father.  You must wear it and use it."

"But mine is the sign of the wolf."

Aiden said, "I believe it was also the sign of your ancestor.  My wife is right.  You should wear it. You need not use it; you do not write but its power will protect you."

My attention returned to the dagger.  The sheath was decorated in the same rich fashion as the sword we had found but when I took out the blade it was not rusty. The wood chips had, somehow, protected it. The blade was much slimmer than a seax and had a sharp point. The pommel was plain save for a single small blue stone.  I handed the blade and sheath to Aiden. "This is the blade the ancient Roman soldiers used.  It is called a pugeo and I saw them in Miklagård."

I nodded, "It would be a good blade to use. Its tip would find its way through chinks in mail."

"Aye."

We put the dagger to one side and Aiden opened the second chest.  This one had felt heavier. When it sprang open there were no wood chips but it was filled with coins.  Most were of silver but I saw the glitter of gold amongst them. Aiden and I picked some up to examine them.  Some were marked on one side with the same image as my signet ring.  Aiden held up one golden one and turned it over in his fingers. "This one has the mark of Rome upon it. I wonder why these two chests were placed in the monastery."

I went back to the smaller chest and rubbed away some of the dirt and detritus on the top. I could see something. "Uhtric fetch a cloth and some water." When he returned I rubbed the side of the wooden chest with the water.  It revealed the carved horseman on the rearing horse. I repeated it with the second chest and it was there also.

Aiden went to the lock of the other chest.  "Then this may contain more clues to your ancestor."

"Hold, let me clean the top." I used the dampened cloth to clean the top.  This time there was no rearing horseman but a cross.  "This did not belong to the warlord."

"But we shall open it anyway."

It proved the hardest to open and when it was opened, like the first one it was covered in a layer of wood shavings. Aiden cleared them away and his face showed that he had found the greatest treasure of all; writings.

Brigid could not keep the disappointment out of her voice.  "No gold?  I thought it would be a suit of golden armour at the very least."

Kara smiled and put her hand on my wife's arm, "This is greater treasure.  This is knowledge.  Knowledge gives us all more power than any suit of armour."

Aiden took them out one by one and laid them on the table.  He unrolled them as he did so and organised them.  When he had the parchments on the table they filled it. He pointed to a large number on one side.  "These are maps, charts and lists. The others are writings. I have much reading. Could I take them to my hall, Jarl?  I will need to study them."

"Of course."

I took the pugeo again and took it from its sheath. It looked as though it had been used but yesterday rather than many years ago. Kara and Aiden carefully studied the rich haul of documents.  I knew that they could not resist. Kara gave a little squeal of joy. "The lists are lists of herbs and how they can help cure ailments. I know some but there are others here that I have not seen. There are even drawings of what the herbs and plants look like."

I laid the dagger down and went to look at them.  I recognised them.  "I have seen these before." I pointed to one.

It was rare that I could surprise Kara but I did.  "I have never seen such plants and I wander the land looking for new ones constantly. Where did you see it? In the east?"

I shook my head, "No, we have seen these," I jabbed my finger at another four, "and these at every Roman fort we have visited.  They are a normally growing wild in a small walled area. I only remember because I once slept there and I noticed their fragrance."

"Then I will take my women to the Roman fort close to Windar's Mere.  We will bring them here.  This will help our people live long and healthy lives.  This is
wyrd
."

Just then Aiden laid down the parchment he was reading and poured himself a horn of ale.  "These were written by the priests of the monastery.  Most talk of the saint, Asaph who founded it but there are many references to someone they call the Warlord of Rheged and, at other times, in different hands, the Dux Britannicus.  It is your ancestor." He picked up one parchment.  "Here the priest says that the Warlord was the most Christian pagan that he knows.  He says he is more Christian than many priests and yet he is pagan."

Brigid came and stroked my hair, "And that is like someone else that I know.  I find this strange, husband.  Does the blood course through the centuries?  Are the dead reborn?"

"We are all tied by threads to the past and to the future.  There are threads which bind us together. There is a plan to all this.  We are human and we do not see it but the Norns and the Gods, they do."

The two of them left with the parchments leaving Brigid and I to reflect on the night. "They are right, husband, the gold is not as valuable a treasure as the others. You have learned about yourself."

I shook my head, "I have learned what I might be not what I am. Would my ancestor, the warlord, have allowed the blood eagle?"

"Perhaps.  If you had stopped Ketil would he have been unhappy?  Would he have resented you?"

"He may have done but a good leader does not heed such things. He does what is best not what is popular. Besides Harald Iron Shirt deserved the death.  He had neither honour nor courage."

"And that is where we differ for we are taught to forgive our enemies."