Viking Vengeance (19 page)

Gunnar was still angry about his own men and he could not see through the fog.  He shrugged, "An accident!
Wyrd
!"

Wolf Killer said, "The men of Man are treacherous and they are lazy. In the summer they keep a close watch for traders.  We escort our knarr and they have learned to avoid them."

"Then that is a good reason for them not to attack us for we had five drekar!"

Ketil was the youngest of the jarls and had the least experience of sea warfare but he was a clever young man. "When we left to make war on King Egbert I said goodbye to my kin in Brougham.  I gave my younger brother the power to rule in my stead for I did not expect to return.  The King of Wessex is the most powerful king in the land and we were going to fight him with a handful of warriors.  If the men of Man knew what we intended then they would expect us to have lost many men.  It would be the perfect time to attack the warriors of
Cyninges-tūn.  If they could defeat the Jarl Dragonheart then this land would theirs for the taking."

Wolf Killer nodded, "So how did they know?"

Gunnstein looked at the horn of wine before him and then downed it. "I have listened to the words and I have thought of your dream.  There is a connection to Wessex and to Man.  It is Hakon the Bald.  We wondered how King Egbert could have reached Hamwic so quickly. He arrived two days before we expected him.  He was warned.  In the Dragonheart's dream he saw the red stone such as we found in Wintan-ceastre.  There were the coins of Wessex. It is clear to me that Hakon the Bald was connected. I know not how for he did not know where we raided.  I only discovered that when I arrived here."

I glanced at Kara and Aiden who both nodded.  I said quietly, "And you suspected before the dream was revealed to you. Is that not right, Gunnstein Berserk-Killer?"

Every eye was on the warrior from Dyflin. He kept his head down and then raised it, to look me in the eye. "I am sorry.  I apologise to all who lost warriors. I suspected something but I had no proof."           

Gunnar slammed the table, "Then you should have told us! I have lost fine warriors, oathsworn!"

I stood, "Keep calm voices.  This is not a trial.  We try to discover the truth.  Peace Gunnar Thorfinnson!" He nodded and I sat.

"I had no evidence just suspicions. Hakon did not like me.  He never has.  I think he thought me a threat. The men who came with me on the raid were the ones he did not like.  The drekar is the oldest and slowest that Hakon owns. Is that enough evidence for you Gunnar Thorfinnson? Would you have expected treachery had you known that?  If I had said, before we sailed I think Hakon is trying to get rid of me what would you have said?"

Gunnar had the good grace to laugh at himself, "I would have said you were foolish.  I am sorry, Gunnstein Berserk-Killer.  I am angry."

"And an angry man makes bad decisions. Gunnstein could only see the significance of Hakon's actions in light of what happened. Looking back is always safer than looking ahead." I gestured to the silent Kara and Aiden.  "I am lucky.  I have around me those who can see into the future and into men's minds."

They all nodded.  Wolf Killer said, "Are we certain, then, that Hakon the Bald betrayed us?"

My son had asked a good question. "Certain?  No. We would need confirmation of that."

Gunnar said, "I still wish revenge on the men of Man."

"As do we all but have you enough men?  Would not your father wish to join you?" He nodded.  "Then that revenge is a dish best served cold.  We will join you after the winter and we will raid Man.  They will feel our steel."

"And what of Hakon?  Do we let that serpent sit and plot?"

"No, Wolf Killer.  We find out the truth and then we end the threat."

"You have a plan?"

"First does anyone disagree with my words and Gunnstein's explanation?"

They chorused, "No Jarl."

"Then I do have a plan. I will take a drekar and a handpicked crew and we will return with Gunnstein to Dyflin. It will not seem strange for Hakon is owed a share of the loot."

Gunnar snapped, "But he is treacherous! He should get nothing!"

"And when we uncover his treachery then he will get nothing save a blade. But we must uncover the truth first." I turned to Gunnstein, "Are there others like you in Dyflin or are they all as bad as Hakon?"                    

"There are some warriors but there are many like Hakon."

Ketil said, "If you take the head then the body may writhe around but it can harm no one."

"You are right, Ketil. From what Gunnstein and my father tell us then this Hakon has eliminated all opposition to himself. Gunnstein is the only leader left.  It was a cunning plan to have him killed by Egbert.  It saved him the trouble."

"And when he is dead then what?"

I turned to Gunnstein, "Could you rule Dyflin?"

"Aye."

"Then there is your answer, Gunnar." I looked everyone in the eye as my gaze passed around the room. "Unless there are any who do not trust Gunnstein?"

Without hesitation they all said, "We trust him!"

"Then we leave as soon as
'Red Snake'
is repaired."

Wolf Killer said, "
'Red Snake'
?  Why?"

"Firstly you will all need to go home and see to your own lands.  Secondly I want Hakon to think he has succeeded. When we arrive, after such a delay, it will be a shock. I have no doubt he will paint a face to meet us but that shock may give us an edge. Thirdly I want him to be off his guard. The smaller ship will do that. He will think I have few men with me."

The next day we returned to
Úlfarrston and Wolf Killer and Ketil returned home.  I made sure that Bolli was working on the damaged drekar and we divided the spoils of war. I bade farewell to Gunnar.  "I will attack Man with you when you are ready.  Send word to me and the Manx drekar will be repaired.  She is half yours, remember that."

"It has been good to sail with you Jarl Dragonheart. You are a different leader from my father and a man may learn much.  I know I  have." He smiled, "I will be less hasty and less likely to anger. You are right, it clouds the judgement."

Coen watched the drekar head down the channel. I took the time to look around the port.  It had grown and I saw many improvements.  "It looks like
Úlfarrston is thriving.  There is much building work."

"That is largely thanks to you and to the likes of Finni over there."

"Finni?"

He pointed to a fat Viking who was ordering the loading of a knarr. I seemed to remember seeing him before.  He was always busy loading and unloading his knarr.  He seemed to be a hardworking merchant.   While he looked overweight the warriors who loaded it looked to be veterans. "He came last year.  Many have come in recent years for you have made this land a haven which is safe from pirates and thieves.  He came from Hibernia.  He said he fled Hakon the Bald and the Irish robbers. He has a knarr and he is very successful.  He trades with those that we cannot like the men of Man, Mercia and Wales. He had that warehouse built by the river and you must have passed his hall when you journeyed past the shipyard."

"That is his?"

"Aye."

I had noticed it for it was more like the houses my people built. "And others came too?"

"Many traders came here.  None are as successful as Finni Foul-Fart but all do well and the town has fine halls.  Come I will introduce you to some of the leading burghers.  It makes us all richer for they pay taxes and they ensure that there is work for all."

He was right and I saw an Úlfarrston which had grown in size since his father had died.  He had learned well from my old friend.

I spent the evening and night with Coen. Many of the new traders were keen to speak with me.  I made polite conversation but they only spoke of trade.  I found Finni Foul-Fart more interesting. I had to comment on his name.  "Your name sounds like that of a warrior and yet you are a trader."

He was not put out by my direct question, "Aye Jarl.  When I was younger I did go A-Viking but it was not for me.  I am too small and not strong enough.  I prefer to eat rather than fight. I trade.  The name? I like to eat and I eat too fast.  Or I used to.  I am afraid the name has stuck but men know me for an honest trader so I do not mind." I nodded.  I liked him. "I would like to thank you for making this such a safe haven. We all profit from the peace it brings."

"Thank you." I was pleased when they all departed.  It left just Coen alone with me and I needed to speak with him. We sat together at his table after we had feasted and the others had gone.  "I need words with you for I have put you in danger. The peace we all enjoy may be shattered."

"How so?"

"I have made enemies and they will come to seek revenge.  The obvious way is through you.  I will help in any way you like to defend this town or you can be neutral and not stop our enemies.  I would understand."

He shook his head, "When first you came you stopped the raids which took so many of our people. We now thrive.  We are rich. My father swore to be your man and I did when I became headman.  We do not desert our friends in times of hardship.  However it is good that you have told us of this danger.  We will use more rock from the Old Man to bolster our walls.  We will deepen our ditches and we will buy mail and swords from Bjorn.  The men of
Úlfarrston will stand by you. We may not be warriors such as you have but we have learned from you and we fight our enemies and yours. Never fear. Besides your captains, Erik, Olaf and the others live close by as does your shipwright.  They are strong warriors.  We are becoming one people."

"I have another boon to ask.  My knarr will now trade only with our brethren to the north.  I dare not risk them close to Wessex and Man but your vessels may travel where they will. I would have your captains keep their eyes and ears open for us.  Is that too much for me to ask?  If so please let me know."

He shook his head. "No it is not and I may have someone who can help you." He waved over a servant. "Fetch my brother."

"Your brother?  Pasgen ap Pasgen?"

"No, he is too young.  It is my half brother, Raibeart ap Pasgen. He went to Wessex with you in his knarr."

I remembered his half brother.  Old Pasgen had taken a Saxon slave to his bed.  His wife had understood the arrangement and they got on well.  Raibeart was the result of their union. I had not see him since he had been a child. I now remembered that he had captained a knarr for us.

"My brother now captains a knarr. He is keen for adventure.  If we had warriors who raided he would have happily led them."

"He could have joined one of my war bands."

Coen shook his head, "My father did not train him as a warrior.  My training was rudimentary.  We can defend our land but we are not Vikings. He would have been out of place."

"I am not a Viking and I come from the line of a Saxon and the Old people."

"But you were trained from a young age." He shook his head, "You do not fully know how other warriors fear you.  It is known that a Viking will fight long after all hope has gone.  Your ferocity is legendary. Any who takes on a Viking either has a death wish or overwhelming numbers on his side. Raibeart can use a sword and has a quick mind.  He is also very clever. My father taught him to read and he has studied the charts which Aiden made for us." He looked up. "Ah here he comes."

He had changed since I had last seen him.  But the blond hair he had had as a child had not changed, as mine had.  He looked like a Saxon! I remembered him then. I had noticed someone who looked like a Saxon sailing a knarr.

"Raibeart, Jarl Dragonheart has a request to make of you."

"You wish me to captain one of your drekar and fight for you?"

He could not keep the excitement out of his voice. I shook my head, "Not at the moment but I thank you for your loyalty and it may be that I will take you up on your offer but this is not the season of the drekar. Your brother says that you seek adventure?"

"Aye, I do.  I enjoy sailing but I want excitement in my life."

"I have a task for you but it may be dangerous, not only for you but your crew too."

"I chose my crew and they are all of the same mind as I am." He looked animated, "If this involves adventure then I am your man."

I nodded, "I will pay you and your crew for the service."

"You need not.  I am happy to do it."

"The gods would not be happy if I were to endanger your lives without reward.  I will pay you." He nodded. "I wish you to spy for us. We are enemies with Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria.  We are blind without knowledge.  You can sail into their ports and trade. We can provide the goods you trade.  Our iron is much sought after. I would have you listen to the gossip in their alehouses and waterfronts.  Report back what they are about."

He nodded, "That sounds like something I could do.  When do I sail?"

"I will have a cargo sent down to you.  As payment you keep half of the profits."

"A quarter, I would not rob you."

"Believe me you will be doing us the favour but if you are happy with that arrangement then a quarter. I should counsel caution. You need to say that the iron comes from somewhere other than my land.  Say it is from the land north of here; the land of the Scots. Be vague and only give the origin if they ask. And I would use a nickname.  It is know that your father was our ally."