Hosker, G [Wolf Brethren 04] Saxon Blood Read online

  Saxon Blood

  Book 4 in the

  Wolf Brethren series

  By

  Griff Hosker

  Published by Sword Books Ltd. 2013

  Copyright © Griff Hosker

  The author has asserted their moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work.

  All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

  Cover image by the author.

  Dedication

  Dedicated to those new readers who appear to like the Saxon series. I enjoy writing about the Warlord of Rheged and there may be more in this series.

  Table of contents

  Chapter 1 Page 5

  Chapter 2 Page 16

  Chapter 3 Page 42

  Chapter 4 Page 63

  Chapter 5 Page 85

  Chapter 6 Page 102

  Chapter 7 Page 122

  Chapter 8 Page 141

  Chapter 9 Page 162

  Chapter 10 Page 180

  Chapter 11 Page 198

  Chapter 12 Page 220

  Chapter 13 Page 243

  Chapter 14 Page 263

  Chapter 15 Page 291

  Chapter 16 Page 305

  Chapter 17 Page 328

  Chapter 18 Page 348

  Chapter 19 Page 367

  Glossary Page 382

  Maps Page 386

  Historical Note Page 389

  Other books Page 397

  Part 1

  The rescue

  Chapter 1

  Mona 599 A.D

  “What I know, Lord Lann, Warlord of Rheged and king killer is that every Saxon in the land is coming to get you and we have your brothers surrounded. Prince Pasgen is a prisoner in Civitas Carvetiorum and Saxons come from all over the land to kill the Wolf Warrior. When King Aethelfrith comes he will dangle your brothers’ heads before you. Is that enough?”

  The words of the Saxon chief, who had died, emasculated but defiant, still rang in my ears. Men who have nothing to lose speak the truth and, despite the fact that Myrddyn did not believe him, I did. Had I abandoned all those I loved just to escape to Wales and were they now in danger of losing their own lives? The sanctuary I had created meant nothing if my brothers and their families were dead. I had given them the chance to accompany me and they had spurned the opportunity. They were my brothers and I had made an oath to my dead parents to protect them. You did not break an oath to the dead.

  I am Lord Lann of Rheged. I am infamous for wielding Saxon Slayer and for the Saxon kings and champions I have slain. When the king I served was killed and his son became a Saxon vassal, I led those who wished to follow me to Wales where we found sanctuary on the island of Mona. Having won over the people of the island we defended it against the Irish, the Saxons and the Welsh raiders from the mainland but now, when we should be enjoying the fruits of that peace, I would have to consider going to war again. This time the war would be to save my brothers and their families.

  Myrddyn, my wizard, had an ability to see beneath the skin, almost beneath the skull and he came to me one evening as I gazed out at the southern seas. Brother Oswald, the priest who organised our weapons and ensured that we had enough to eat, joined us. There were no secrets between the three of us.

  “My lord, you are troubled by the words of the Saxon chief?”

  “I am, Myrddyn. It is in my mind that he spoke the truth.”

  “Even if he did, there is little you can do about it. You gave Prince Pasgen and your brothers the chance to escape with you. Your responsibility ended with their decision to remain.”

  I looked at him trying to fathom the cold mind he had. “Was that how you were able to forget your family when they were killed by the Irish slavers and seek me? Or were you merely working to get me to conquer your home for you?”

  I thought he would become angry but he was Myrddyn and he nodded. “A just statement, my lord. I may have used you for my own ends but it has suited you and the sensible men and women of Rheged has it not?”

  “And so I should ignore those who tried to fight on and did not run away as I did?”

  “I did not say that.”

  “No but I thought it when I abandoned Aelle and Raibeart.”

  Brother Oswald spoke for the first time, “You are hard on yourself my lord. You did what you did for the good of all of the people. They have prospered since they reached this golden isle. What would it have benefited them if you had stayed with them? Then you, too, would be in the trap and who would come to save you? “

  I suddenly saw it all clearly and I knew what I had to do. “Oswald. Is the army ready to fight? Do we have enough food for the people?”

  He hesitated and I saw the hint of a scowl on Myrddyn’s face. “Er, yes my lord but if the army is away in Rheged then we would be at the mercy of the Irish and the Saxons.”

  I wagged my finger at him. “I did not ask that question. I merely asked if the army was ready and you answered yes. Good.”

  “What is in your mind lord?”

  “Another good question, Myrddyn. I believe that Garth and Ridwyn can both command and defend the island as well as I do. Correct?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Don’t play with words Myrddyn. We both know that, as generals, they are better than the Saxons. So if I left them here with my soldiers then the island would be safe and, Brother Oswald, they would be well fed as would the people?”

  “Yes my lord.”

  I could see that I had perplexed Myrddyn. “Would you go to Rheged alone, Lord Lann?”

  “No I would take you wizard.” I paused for effect and enjoyed the widening of his eyes as I said something he had not expected. “And my horsemen and Miach’s finest.”

  “You would attempt to save Rheged with less than one hundred men?”

  I shook my head. “I cannot save Rheged; only an arrogant fool would believe that. I do not think that I am either arrogant or a fool. I can, however, save my family. And I have something the Saxons do not; I have a wizard.” I rubbed my hands together. “Brother Oswald I want as many arrows as can be made in the next week. I want every one of my equites with the best armour that my blacksmith’s can make in the time available. I want fifty spare horses and I want you to organise and manage our land while I am away.”

  He smiled. So long as he knew what he was doing, he was happy. “And Hogan, my lord?”

  “He stays here under Garth’s tuition and Myfanwy’s watchful eye.”

  Myrddyn smiled for the first time, “I look forwards to you telling her that.”

  In truth that would be the hard part. She was an intimidating woman and I suspected she would be the woman I would spend the rest of my life with; just not yet! I want sixty equites and forty mounted archers with ten of our scouts and a total of one hundred and fifty horses. So you had better start preparing, priest, and you, wizard, you will need all the spells and potions you can muster.”

  I left them both speechless and sought my son and Garth. I knew that Tuanthal and Miach would not object to some action but Hogan was a different matter. He had been my squire for some time and he would be offended that I was not taking him. I found Garth first and asked him to accompany me. Hogan was sparring with Pol, who had formerly been my squire. I could see the imp
rovements in Hogan already. A month ago Pol was easily beating my son and barely breaking into a sweat but now he was having to use every trick he had.

  I waited until a suitable break in the bout. “Well done; both of you. A word with you my son and then you can spar some more. Garth, come with us if you please.” We wandered out of the gate to the cliff top where the sea birds screeched and cried in the sea breeze. Garth and Hogan waited. Everyone knew that I did not speak until ready.

  “I am going to take a small party north to Rheged to see if I can aid my brothers.”

  Garth kept a stony expression on his face but Hogan exploded with joy. “We are going to war!”

  “No, I am going to war and you will stay here with Garth to learn to rule this land when I am gone.”

  His face fell and it was as though I had plunged him into an icy bath. Garth hid his smile. He would sympathise with the boy. “Why leave me behind? Have I displeased you in some way?”

  “No, Hogan, but you are the only child I have left and the journey I take will be the most dangerous I have ever undertaken.”

  “Even more dangerous than sneaking into Morcant Bulc’s castle and killing him?” His anger made him indiscreet.

  I put my fingers to my lips, “Ssh! We all know that was a ghost but this journey will be more hazardous. Every Saxon in the country will be hunting me and they will expect me to attempt something. I am only taking horsemen and archers. The rest will need to defend the island against our enemies. It is a responsible job I give you.” I could see him fighting back tears. He knew that to cry would be to give me another argument and I felt sorry for him. “The skills that Garth and Oswald will teach you will make you a better ruler than I could ever be for I was ill educated and badly trained. I want you to be the one to wield Saxon Slayer when I am gone.” He nodded. “Will you do it for me?” In answer he threw his arms around me. “And Garth, will you help to rule the island in my absence?”

  “You know that you do not even need to ask my lord. I am, as I ever was, your oathsworn.”

  Tuanthal and Miach, as I had expected were more than content. The prospect of a ride of more than one hundred and fifty miles through hostile territory did not worry them, They were both consummate warriors; one as an archer and the other as an equite.

  “We shall need plenty of arrows, my lord. There will be no re-supply.”

  “I know Miach, and Brother Oswald has the fletchers working every daylight hour to make as many arrows as he can.”

  “Aye well, when I tell the lads that we go hunting Saxons they’ll be making their own.”

  “Captain Tuanthal, I want every man as fully armoured as we are. I am taking forty spare horses so that, when we do need them, most will be fresh. I am taking scouts to not only scout, but also to guard the herd. If we can acquire more, then so much the better but we have sufficient.”

  Tuanthal shook his head. “The Saxons do not use horses. We will have to be careful and husband them.” His face creased into a frown. “Will we be taking wagons?”

  “No for we will have to ford rivers sometimes.”

  “Then the horses will have to carry the armour. If we are able I would like to take some mules.” He saw Miach’s face and he shrugged. “I know, they are awkward and truculent beasts but they can carry great weight and we can eat them when we are hungry.”

  I nodded. “See the Brother and he will arrange it.” I beckoned them closer. “We tell no-one where we are going. There may be Saxon or Irish spies nearby. Your men will need to know we are going to war but let them think it is with those who live across from the Narrows.”

  Micah picked some meat from his teeth with an arrow- it was most disconcerting. “Do you mind me asking how we are going to get by the Saxons at Deva?” The Saxons had captured Deva from my Strathclyde allies, who now held the fort at the Narrows.

  “Simple, we travel further east first and avoid both Deva and Wilderspool.” I saw the looks on their faces, “I know, it is unknown territory for us but think on this. We will be the most mobile we have ever been. There will be no shield wall to slow us down. We can move faster than any Saxon and we are strong enough to hold our own with any but the greatest army.” I smiled. “This is not a suicide mission. This is not a hunt for glory. I wish to rescue my brothers as quickly and quietly as we can.”

  Miach burst out laughing. “The Wolf Warrior wants to do things quietly. I tell you Tuanthal, it will be worth going on this just to witness that!” Tuanthal joined in the laughter and, at that moment, I knew that they were with me.

  Myrddyn was correct. The hardest one to persuade was Myfanwy. “You are the Warlord of Rheged. Surely one of these other men can trot across the Narrows and fight these animals. Why must it be the lord?”

  I could see, behind her, Hogan, Garth and all the others with self satisfied smiles upon their faces. I stood as tall as I could to muster all the dignity I could manage. “I am lord here and I make the decisions.” I could see from her face that she was not convinced. My eyes pleaded with her as I took her hand. “Please, Myfanwy, watch over my son while I am away.”

  She threw my hand down and snorted, “Well that is the worst insult! As if I wouldn’t care for that dear boy while his thoughtless and reckless father is off seeking more glory. Men!” She stormed off but I knew that she would do as I asked.

  Everything was ready in the seven short days I had given them. Brother Oswald had copied all of Brother Osric’s maps and given them to Myrddyn who guarded them as though they were gold. Pol carried my Wolf Banner and Aedh deputised for Hogan as my squire. As far as the men and the people were concerned we were heading for the mainland to punish the ones who raided our island. There were just the four of us who knew our true destination- Rheged!

  Chapter 2

  We carried our armour on our horses for the first part of the journey. Although we held our shields and our spears we did not wear our mail shirts. The armour gave us safety and security but they were a heavy weight for the horses. Our scouts, led by Aedh, would range far ahead of us and we would, hopefully, have an early warning of any attack or ambush. Miach and our archers gave us the edge we needed. They were ahead of us and others behind.

  We travelled along the valley pausing briefly at the monastery of St.Kentigern. Bishop Asaph greeted us warmly as he always did. He liked the security our presence gave him. While our horses were fed and watered he took the four of us into his cell for some refreshment.

  He was a polite man and we ate and drank before he spoke. “You have heard the news then?”

  I wondered if he meant the news of my brothers but I had learned to listen more and speak less. It was Myrddyn’s way. “What news my lord?”

  “Beli ap Rhun has died. He was slain by the Saxons on the eastern borders.”

  I glanced at Myrddyn who shrugged. We were heading towards the east and might run into this same band of Saxons. “And his son, is he now king?”

  “Yes, King Iago was not with his father.” He smiled, “I suspect that was planned; that family was always careful.”

  I had had a working arrangement with King Beli, I would protect the west and he would not ask me to subjugate myself to him. It suited both of us. Some of my captains had suggested that I wrest the kingdom from him; his warriors were not a match for mine but they did provide a buffer from the Saxons. “And Iago, what kind of man is he? I never met him.”

  Bishop Asaph understood my question; he was a clever man. “He hates the Saxons and, I believe he will honour his father’s wishes.”

  “Good. If you see him then tell him I sympathise with his loss and he has my support, should he need it.”

  He nodded and ate sparingly of the small cakes on the platter before us. “And this visit, Lord Lann, what is its purpose?”

  “We go to the east. I would know how close the Saxons are to my lands.” I spread my hands at my three companions. “It is a scouting expedition only. I did not bring my whole army. The island and the peninsula are well de
fended still.”

  I saw relief on his face. I hated lying to the old man for he was kind and he was honest but I did not know how discreet he was. The wrong word here and we might be ambushed long before we reached Rheged.”Good. My monks appreciate the security you provide. Since that nest of vipers from Wyddfa was destroyed we have had peace and pilgrims return to us.”

  After we left, to continue up the vale Myrddyn and I discussed how this would change our journey. “It means, my lord, that there are belligerent Saxons up ahead.”

  “Then we will need to be careful but it also means that they will be recovering from the battle and in no position to fight a swift and well armed force such as us.”

  “The Romans had a fort at Mamucium.”

  Myrddyn knew the maps of Rome well. “I know and we could use it if needed but I would avoid anywhere which is occupied if possible.”

  By keeping to the vale we hoped to avoid detection and we camped just on the edge of the border between Gwynedd and the lands of the Saxons, the land of Mercia. We built a camp in the Roman style and Aedh had his scouts beyond the perimeter. I was awoken by a shake from Myrddyn. I opened my eyes and saw that it was still dark. “My lord, Aedh is here. There are Saxons around.”

  I became alert instantly. Aedh bowed, “A mile away, Lord Lann, there is a band of Saxons. They too are camped. It was our horses which alerted us. They are directly in our path. If we wish to avoid them we have to either go north or south. East is blocked.”

  We could not afford either deviation as time was of the essence. “How many of them are there?” The numbers would dictate our actions.

  “Less than a hundred.” he hesitated. “They appear to be some of those who defeated the Welsh king. They have some of the arms and shields of those people. I also think they have some prisoners. There were four bound warriors although one looked to be little more than a child.”

  I sighed. “So we must destroy them. Wake the men.” Aedh went to rouse the camp and I looked at Myrddyn. “Any magic from you wizard?”