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  I was not insulted. I knew from Atticus how those from ancient cultures viewed us, “Tell him that the men of the Land of the Wolf never forget a friend but we live many leagues to the north and I do not think that our paths will cross again.”

  He had nodded and I wondered if I had roused the Norns once more.

  We did not dress for war. None wore mail. Baldr and Sámr wore their finest clothes. I did not bother for I had brought only plain tunics. Haaken and I went with the captives along with Sámr and Baldr, to the citadel. Our men were less than happy that we were placing ourselves in danger but I doubted that they would try to harm us. Although we wore no mail, we kept our swords

  I let Sámr walk with Baldr and Sunifred at the head of the small column. I stayed behind the women. We passed through the streets of Tui. One wide avenue led to the gates of the stronghold. We saw no faces for the people hid behind their doors. I saw a square and guessed that there would be a market. When we reached the gate Sunifred spoke to those on the wall. The conversation took longer than I expected. Was there trouble? Sunifred had implied that he would be welcomed with open arms and that appeared not to be the case. Eventually the doors creaked open and we were admitted.

  Inside the walls the stronghold looked like the ones we had seen in Frankia. This one had stairs leading to an entrance half way up a wall. The guards were well armed and they viewed us suspiciously. I observed them. Who knew if we might have to fight our way out. They had pot helmets, short swords, small round shields and each of them held a spear. They wore no mail at all. Only two had leather jerkins studded with metal. They would not cause us much trouble if we had to fight our way out. When we reached the main hall, the captives were admitted but the four of us were forced to wait outside. Two guards watched us.

  “What is wrong, Baldr Witch Saviour?”

  “I do not know. I did not pick up all of the words but I gathered that Sancho of Pamplona is away in the east fighting Moors and the town is ruled by his nephew Pedro Theon. I got the impression that he was not pleased to see Sunifred.”

  Haaken smiled, “Then we may get to raid this town of Tui. The citadel may be well protected but the town is open. Without ships we could raid all along the river.”

  Sámr shook his head, “Before we go to war let us see what Sunifred can do. We gave our word and I would not like to go back on it without good cause.”

  I had said nothing but I was proud of Sámr. It was why he would lead the clan whereas Haaken would have been a disastrous leader.

  We heard raised voices from within. The arguments seemed to rage for quite a while. Eventually the door opened and a servant gestured for us to go in. Without being told I guessed which of the men was Pedro Theon. He was little older than Sámr and wore very expensive clothes. His fingers were bedecked with jewels. His hands looked as soft as a woman’s. He was no warrior.

  Sunifred spoke to Baldr. The conversation went on for some time. The occasional glances thrown in the direction of Pedro Theon told me that he was being referenced. Baldr nodded and turned to us, “It seems that the temporary ruler of Tui did not expect Sunifred and the others to return. They thought them dead. It will take time to sort matters out. Sunifred begs our indulgence and asks us to be patient and wait on the river. He will let us know when matters are resolved.”

  Haaken made to speak but Sámr interrupted, “Tell Sunifred that we are happy to wait but we will need to buy provisions at the market.”

  Baldr translated and Sunifred nodded and spoke. “He says of course and he will have ale, wine and food sent to us. He says he knows how to be a civilised host even if his nephew does not.” The lord we had rescued was embarrassed by the actions of his countrymen.

  As we headed back to the ship Baldr elaborated, “There is more to this than Sunifred spoke. Count Ordoño of Asturias is related to Sunifred’s wife and when the Count’s name was mentioned I saw fear in the eyes of Pedro. I fear there is treachery afoot.”

  I nodded, “I could smell it in the air. It will do no harm to spend a few days here. After the collision Erik Short Toe will wish to examine the drekar and it might be interesting to buy in their market. We have coin enough and it will save us having to call at Bruggas or Lundenwic.”

  Sámr nodded, “Is this another lesson being a leader, great grandfather?”

  “It is, this one is called patience. Haaken here has none! Let us wait and see what the Sisters have spun for us.”

  Chapter 10

  Although darkness had fallen, we made ourselves comfortable on the quay. It must have been built by the Romans for it was made of stone. We lit a fire there and men laid their blankets and cloaks on the stones for beds. Erik Short Toe had the old sail brought out and made into a shelter. It would be for the sun rather than the rain. Ketil was still recovering from his wound as were three others. This would help them to recover. The ship’s boys ran lines from the ship into the river so that we could fish and have fresh food.

  As Erik Galmrsson tied his line close to the steering board, I approached the two Eriks. “Erik Short Toe, you told me that Erik Galmrsson, here, would be a warrior.”

  “Aye, I did but I also said that he was too small.” Vikings spoke their mind and a true Viking never took offence at the truth.

  I looked at the boy who was not the youngest of the crew but was the smallest. “Erik Galmrsson, I owe you a life and that life, if you will have it, is to live with me at Cyninges-tūn and be my shield bearer while I train you to be a warrior. You have no father and I would be as a foster father to you.”

  His eyes lit up and he nodded, “Aye, Jarl Dragonheart. That would be an honour!” He looked at Erik Short Toe, “Would that be agreeable to you, Captain?”

  Erik Short Toe grinned, “Aye! You are a good enough ship’s boy but you do not love the sea. A sailor has to love the sea or he will come to hate her. Go with my blessing. If we need you on the voyage home then you will still be a ship’s boy.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  I put my hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Then, Erik Shield Bearer, your first task is to take my fur ashore and make me a comfortable bed.”

  “Aye, Jarl!”

  Erik Short Toe said, “That was kindly done but I fear you will have much work ahead of you.”

  “And with Sámr well on the way to being trained then I will have the time. Our threads are entwined and I can do nothing about that and besides, I like the lad. I was left alone with Old Ragnar. I will try to do for Erik what Ragnar did for me.”

  The next morning, we were rewarded by fish taken from the river. We ate well. I went with Erik Shield Bearer, Baldr, Sámr and Haaken to the market. We had silver in our purses. We might be viewed with suspicion but the burghers of Tui would happily take our money. We needed food but also some of the items they produced which we could not get at home. Both Nanna and Aethelflaed had complained about the poor cracked pots they had to use. We found some good clay pots. I had feared that we might be charged exorbitant prices but, perhaps, the sight of our beards and swords deterred them. We spent the morning spending coin. When I found a carved spice box which, despite the high price I paid, was worth it, I bought it. The other lay beneath the ground with Uhtric. Sámr used much of the coin to buy wine and food for the crew. It was another lesson in leadership; a good leader looked after his men. I was pleased when he found a local fletcher and bought a hundred arrows to use with the Moorish bows we had captured. The fletcher had them sent to the drekar and we sought refreshment.

  We found a place with tables outside where they served ale, wine and food. We sat for I was keen to observe the town. Sunifred’s words were a warning. We might have to fight to get that which we were owed. We had finished our food and the jug of ale and, having paid, were about to leave when we saw a Frank riding a horse. He was followed by an armed retainer and leading four pack horses were two slaves. I recognised, by their dress, that they were Norse. They still wore the sealskin boots. Their beards and moustaches, although untrimmed, we
re still the mark of a Viking. The confirmation came as they stopped by the square. One of the horses was limping and I saw one of the two thralls bend down to examine the hoof of the horse he was leading. I saw his hammer of Thor dangling. The Frank spoke the same language as Sunifred. He came from this area. One of the Vikings said something and pointed to the horse. In reply he was given a tirade of what sounded like abuse and was then smacked about the head. The armed guard took out a whip and began to beat the man.

  I turned to Baldr, “What did the man say?”

  “I did not pick up all the words, Lord, but I gather that the horse has a stone in its shoe and has become lame. The Asturian blames the slave.”

  “Asturian?”

  “He has the same accent as the Lord of Tui.”

  The Norns were spinning, “Come Baldr. Sámr and Haaken, watch our backs! Erik, stand clear.” The two of them stood and moved to the side. I strode up to the guard with the whip and as he lifted it, I grabbed it and tore it from his hand. The Asturian shouted something and the guard went to draw out his sword. I might have seen more than sixty summers but I had been fighting for my life for long enough to react quicker than he did. As his sword came half way out of its scabbard, I grabbed his hand and arm and brought my knee up to snap his right wrist. The blade rattled to the cobbles. The Asturian lord looked shocked.

  “Tell him, Baldr, that I do not like to see slaves ill-treated and I do not suffer men to draw weapons on me.”

  Baldr spoke and the man spat out a vitriolic reply. The guard held his arm and glared daggers at me. I was not worried. Baldr smiled, “He says he will have you whipped and then your head placed upon the walls of the town.”

  I turned to the Vikings, “Do you wish your freedom?”

  “Aye, lord, but this is Lord Aloitez and he is a powerful man. He knows the Count of Tui.”

  “And I am Dragonheart. I care not who he knows. I bow the knee to no man. Baldr, tell the man I will buy these slaves from him.” After Baldr had spoken the Asturian shook his head. “Then tell him I will take them from him and he will be out of pocket.”

  Behind him I saw men approaching from the stronghold. They were dressed in the livery of the nephew of Sunifred. Erik Shield Bearer said, “Should I fetch more men, lord?”

  Haaken One Eye laughed, “For these overdressed apologies for warriors? I think not.”

  The four men arrived and Lord Aloitez began to shout what sounded like orders. To his surprise the leader of the guards shook his head and then spoke. I saw the two Viking slaves smile as he did. I looked at Baldr. “He said, Lord, that you are not to be harmed. This is by order of the Lord of Tui.”

  The Asturian was obviously not happy and he mounted his horse and shouted to his guard. The two Vikings began to move. I said, “You two stay here.”

  They looked from me to the Asturian and then, letting go of the reins of the horses, walked over to us. The Asturian shouted at them and they answered. He shouted something else and the guards from the stronghold led the animals away.

  Haaken rubbed his hands, “More ale. Baldr, order it if you would. We have guests!” He turned to the Vikings, “I am Haaken One Eye. If you have heard of the Dragonheart then you have heard of me.”

  The elder of the two nodded, “We have heard of you both. I am Aðalsteinn of Orkneyjar and this is my sister son, Dagfinnr. We are grateful to you but you know not whom you anger. This lord knows the Count of this land. He has power. As he left, he said he would have our left legs hamstrung as a punishment.”

  I nodded, “Sit and tell me your tale. Let me worry about upsetting Franks!”

  They nodded and, nervously, sat. Haaken poured them some ale and after they had swallowed what must have been their first decent ale in a long time, Aðalsteinn of Orkneyjar wiped his untrimmed moustache and began, “We sailed and raided with Jarl Thorfinn Eysteinsson. We had a bad winter and my wife and sister died. Dagfinnr’s father had been slain in a battle with the Picts and so we decided that Orkneyjar held little for us save sad memories. We signed on with the Jarl. We raided the Hibernians. It was hard fighting with little reward and then we heard of the Clan of the Horse. Hrolf the Horseman and his son, Ragnvald, were having success against the Franks and we joined them for a season.”

  Dagfinnr shook his head, “It was a good life there for the winters were kind and the Franks could not withstand the ships and horses of the Clan. We would have been there yet except that the Jarl fell out with Thorir Thorsten. He was a Hersir and close to Hrolf the Horseman. It was our Jarl’s fault but we suffered for it. We left the Haugr and sailed south. We raided the rivers of the Franks for a season. We survived but that was all. Many of the men believed that the Jarl had been cursed. None turned against him but …”

  I nodded, “I know. When a leader makes bad decisions then it sucks the heart out of the men.” I did not look at him but Sámr knew the comments were meant for him. I now knew why the Norns had sent these Vikings into our lives. They were another lesson and it was not one which I could teach to Sámr. He had to hear their tale.

  Aðalsteinn of Orkneyjar continued the story, “We met a drekar which was heading north. It was a Dane and they had raided this land. Their hold was filled with treasure and they had many dark-skinned slaves. They said raiding was easy in the land conquered by the Moors and we believed them. The Jarl led us south. We all agreed that it was better than raiding the Franks. We sailed until we found a wide river. There were few settlements for the first twenty miles but then we found unguarded farms and monasteries. The mistake we made was raiding a house of women.” He looked at me, “You know, the ones who cover their bodies and heads in layers of clothes?”

  I nodded, “They are called nuns.” We had captured two, Deidra and Macha. They became part of our clan. The followers of the White Christ held such women in high regard.

  “Aye well it brought the wrath of the Franks upon us. We had not seen any warriors and the Jarl thought that there were none. He was wrong. Dagfinnr and I were lucky. We had been tasked with loading the treasure from the holy place in the hold. There were six of us and the rest of the crew had left with the Jarl to raid again. We watched as horsemen swept in from every direction. The Jarl and the crew made a shield wall but it merely delayed the end. The ones who did not die in the battle were butchered after and their bodies dismembered. I think that saved us for they had satiated their anger. They came to the ship and surrounded it. Ulf was the jarl’s uncle. He was as a foster father to the Jarl and he told us to surrender. Our deaths would not bring glory. We did so and were enslaved. They burned our drekar and took us far to the north. The Lord you angered bought us. He is a cruel man. Ulf died soon after we arrived. He was beaten to death by Lucidiol, the man whose arm you broke. The others died in the last years. I think the fact that we were related was the only reason we survived. We had each other to hold on to. We would not blame you if you left us for we are cursed. We have had no luck.”

  Sámr said, “Then your luck has changed now.” He turned to me, “Dragonheart, let them touch Ragnar’s Spirit.”

  Sámr was clever. I did not believe that the men were cursed but they did. Touching my talisman might be the act which they needed to break what they saw as a curse. I took out the sword and gave it hilt first to Aðalsteinn. His eyes widened as he touched the blade and he felt its power. He handed it to his nephew. Dagfinnr almost recoiled when he touched it. “Is this magic?”

  “It is the Allfather’s work.”

  Erik Shield Bearer said, “Lord, I think that they return.” He pointed and I saw Lord Aloitez, Lord Sunifred, his son and ten guards marching down towards us. There was no sign of Lucidiol.

  Baldr rose and greeted Lord Sunifred when they reached us. Lord Aloitez glared at us. After a short conversation Baldr said, “Lord Sunifred wonders why we attacked Lord Aloitez and his man and why we stole his property.”

  I smiled and laid my purse on the table. “Explain to him what happened, exactly what happened!”
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br />   Baldr grinned, “Aye lord.” He began to speak. Dagfinnr interrupted at one point to clarify some word which Baldr had said wrongly. Then Lord Sunifred spoke to Lord Aloitez. When the lord replied he almost spat out the words. It was obvious to me that Lord Sunifred was of higher rank. The Asturian nodded and hung his head. Lord Sunifred spoke to Baldr. “He says you can have the slaves. They are worthless anyway.”

  I emptied the purse on to the table, “Tell him to take what he thinks they are worth.”

  Baldr translated and I saw the look of incredulity on the faces of the two men. Lord Aloitez took half of the coins. Lord Sunifred said something and Baldr said, “He said that is too much!”

  I shook my head and gave him half of the remaining coins, “Tell him now it is enough for I know the value of real warriors!”

  Lord Aloitez grabbed his money and left with the guards who had been unnecessary. Lord Sunifred said something to Baldr. “Lord Sunifred would like to speak with you and I in private.”

  I was not happy about leaving Sámr and the others out of this but I guessed that whatever he had to say was not for the ears of our two new men. I nodded and said, “Haaken, spend the rest of the money and then take the new men back to the drekar. I think we may need to keep watch tonight.”

  “Aye, Jarl Dragonheart.

  I rose and followed the lord and his son to a quiet corner of the square. He spoke quietly and urgently to Baldr. Baldr nodded and then conveyed the message to me, “He fears that you may not receive the reward you should. His nephew is the reason they were taken in the raids. He colluded with the Moors. He lied to Sancho of Pamplona and Count Ordoño of Asturias. He believes that their lives are in danger.”

  When he had finished, I asked, “How does he know this and what does he intend to do about it?”

  I could see that Lord Sunifred expected a different reaction from me. He spoke again and this time it was a longer conversation. Baldr had to interrupt him a few times to clarify words. “He says he knows for there are women of the house who were loyal to his wife. They fear for their lives but they told the Lady the truth. As to what he wishes to do he says he can do nothing. He has no men here and he believes that his nephew let you have the slaves for he thinks that you will leave when there is no chance of a reward.”