Viking Treasure Page 14

  "Were they afraid?"

  "Not afraid but it took Guthrum to contain them. They wanted to help you."

  "They are good boys both."

  "They are and they fought as hard as any. When they become stronger their arrows will fly further. It has shown me that I ought to bring my boys to sea."

  "How old are they now?"

  "One has seen six summers and the other four. Ships' boys do not cost much to feed. They do not take up much space and they have energy to spare. I began when I had seen four summers."

  "Aye, I remember. Your father was slain and your mother fell to the winter cough. It was the only way I could watch over you."

  "And I have ever been grateful."

  "You did not wish to be a warrior?"

  "There was a time when I did. Perhaps I would have been as Cnut Cnutson. He was a ships' boy when his father died but he chose the warrior's path and he is now a leader. It was Josephus who took me down this path and I think it was wyrd. I can fight but here, with my hand on the steering board, I feel as though I am part of the drekar and part of the water. I fear nothing whilst I am at sea. The Norns chose this path for me. I had a choice and I chose the sea."

  Aiden came back, "I can see naught." He pointed aft. "The sky begins to lighten. Soon it will be day."

  Erik Short Toe stretched, "Then I will sleep. Wake me when we reach the sea." He smiled, "It is hard to get lost in a river but at sea..." I took the steering board for it was a straight stretch of river.

  "How are the wounded?"

  "Many needed stitches. I could not use fire but the wounds looked clean. Audun Beornsson had some bones in his left hand broken. I have put a splint on them and told him not to row."

  "Will his hand heal?"

  "It should but bones... we shall see."

  When Aiden was comfortably settled at the steering board he said, "One thing is clear about your dream; your thread is still entwined with King Egbert and now his is entwined with Ragnar."

  "I did not see that. I thought that they were just two enemies."

  "No, Jarl. The spirits are not haphazard like that. Besides Ragnar Ruriksson took the road to Lundenwic. The world knows how much Egbert hates you. He will be at the court of Wintan-ceastre."

  "And we both know that the oath King Egbert took will not last long. He will come after us and Wolf Killer again."

  "It will last a little longer. There were priests there. I have no doubt he will seek a way to find a flaw in the oath but he will not openly oppose you. Ragnar Ruriksson gives him the chance to hurt you without being seen to have a hand in it."

  "And I allowed him to escape!"

  "No you did not, Jarl. From what you say he has warriors who are there to protect him. You could do nothing. The Weird Sisters began this web when you first met Rurik of Dorestad. It brought us Josephus and that brought great rewards for us all. There is a price to pay."

  I pointed to the deck. "And there will be a price to pay for this treasure."

  He nodded, "I know not what it will be but we both know that nothing is free. I told you of this treasure and encouraged you to find it. I am as responsible as any."

  "This treasure was earned by the blood of my men!"

  "True but the way we discovered it was not. It was no accident that Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson found the parchments and could not read them. He had the treasure from the monastery. Had the Weird Sisters wished it they would have pointed him towards this treasure too. They did not. They sent it to you. I have no doubt that Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson will pay a price for his treasure. When men follow a jarl such as you they know that there will be honour, reward and riches but they also know that there may be death." We both glanced at the cloak covered bodies by the stern. "They know that and accept it."

  As the dawn slowly broke I considered his words. Suppose I had not sailed for the treasure? That was a foolish question. Suppose I had not been born? Not taken from the Dunum? Not met old Ragnar? We begin our first faltering footsteps alone but they are directed by others. We think we make decisions but we do not. When I had told Haaken that I gambled I had been wrong. I just tried to deal with the problems the Weird Sisters put in my way and hoped that I was doing the right thing. I glanced down at my young son and grandson. My thread and their threads were entwined. One day one of them, perhaps both, would have to lead our people. They would be standing, as I was, at the stern of a drekar deciding what was best and making choices which could cost men their lives. I suppose the difference was, between me and those like Ragnar Ruriksson and Egbert, that I cared and fretted about the men I led. I suspect they did not.

  It was noon when we reached the sea. We woke Erik and then my men gathered for we would send our dead warriors to Ran. It would not have done to leave their bodies in Frankia; better that they lay in the sea and when we passed this point we would remember them. Wrapped in their cloaks their bodies were slipped over the side. We all spoke silent prayers for them. I saw Ragnar and Gruffyd as they saw each of the bodies, some young and some old, drop beneath the waves to the ocean floor. It was good that they did so for they had to know that our lives were filled with death as well as glory.

  Once we headed north and west we resumed our formation. 'Red Snake' led with us in close attendance. I had decided to head for Dyflin. The other drekar had no gold but goods. Dyflin's market would be the best place to sell them. Until we had more friends it was the only place to make profit from them. Rather than risking an attack by the men of Wessex we kept well out to sea. It meant sailing close to the islands of Syllingar but that could not be helped. If the witch wished to speak with us there would be nothing we could do about it. She did not. Aiden was silent the whole day we came close to the deadly little string of islands but when we had passed them he smiled and returned to me from the dragon prow. "She has no message for us." He saw my face, "You look disappointed."

  "I had hoped she would enlighten me about my dream."

  "And if she did so then you would stop thinking about it and you need to try to fathom out the answer yourself."

  "You mean Egbert and Ruriksson?"

  He nodded, "We need not raid again. We have lost warriors and we could not raid again; not soon anyway. We have gold to pay Basil the Mason to build. Our time in Cyninges-tūn will be occupied. You will need to turn your thoughts to the dangers from outside. You need to wrestle with the danger."

  The course we took added two days to our voyage. It did, however, mean we sailed far from land. Corn Walum was far to the east and Hibernia stood to the north west. Ragnar watched the sea to the west. "Grandfather, what lies over there?"

  "Some men say the edge of the world and if you sail too far then you fall off. Others say that there are terrible seas and rocks. They grind drekar and their crews to a pulp."

  Gruffyd said, fearfully, "Is that true?"

  "I know not but none who ever sail west return." The both looked open mouthed at the blue grey water which was now, suddenly, dangerous. "On the other hand they may have found a paradise so great that they do not wish to share it with others."

  "Would you wish to sail there, grandfather?"

  "I have a family. There are grandchildren and children. I could not leave them. Those voyages are for young men who are reckless and wish to have adventures which are the stuff of legend. When a man takes a wife and sires sons his world changes. One day a young jarl will sail west and he will return. Then we will know. Until then we sail as far as Hibernia and no further."

  The island soon hove into view. The southern coast was a wild place and not worth raiding. The monasteries were on the west coast. It had been many years since I had raided. I doubted I would do so again. The coast on the east was now peaceful. It was Jarl Gunnstein Berserk Killer's peace. When we reached it we saw that Dyflin harbour had few ships at the quay and no drekar. This was the summer and the time of raids. That meant even greater profit for we had goods to trade and a market which would be eager for them.

  Jarl Gunnstein Be
rserk Killer was at home. He rarely raided these days. His tight control of the wild men of Dyflin was enough of a task for one of the most feared warriors in the west. "Jarl Dragonheart, it is good to see you and I can see you have had a successful raid. Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson had one too. The Allfather, it seems, smiles upon those who follow the wolf."

  I shrugged, it did not do to make the Norns angry. "We are forced to raid in places which have not been raided yet. Soon the Franks will be as the Saxons and learn to keep their treasures behind solid walls but for the moment we are successful and lucky!"

  "What do you have?"

  I waved Aiden forward, "My galdramenn can tell you."

  The Jarl waved over his steward and he and Aiden headed for the drekar. The other ships were unloading but my crew stayed aboard. "Do you stay, Jarl Dragonheart?"

  "No we travel back as soon as we are unloaded."

  "Then I would have come conference with you." He led me to a quiet corner of the crowded quay. "I have heard rumours of Vikings attacking other Vikings and taking their drekar."

  "Do we know who?"

  "It may be some of Thorfinn Blue Scar's men. He had a drekar taken by some of his men who wished to raid. They are outlawed."

  "Are they named?"

  "They are the followers of a warrior of Orkneyjar, Harald Black Teeth." The name sounded familiar. "He has renamed the drekar and we know not what it is now."

  I clutched my dragon, "He risks the wrath of the gods. You do not rename a drekar. When we captured the ship from Magnus the Foresworn we left it as 'Red Snake'. We have prospered. No good will come of renaming a drekar."

  "At the present time he appears to be successful. He is sailing in the waters around Orkneyjar and the northern isles. He knows them well. He takes the smaller threttanessa."

  "And Blue Scar?"

  "He has put a price on him but the warrior is cunning and knows the islands. The Jarl lost a second drekar in a sea fight."

  "Then we will have to escort our knarr when they sail. Has Siggi been in port of late?"

  "No, Jarl Dragonheart. Are you concerned?"

  The hairs on my neck prickled again. I could sense danger. "Each time I leave my land undefended then some disaster strikes. I hope that Siggi is safe. I will leave now. The other four can travel back together."

  He laughed, "It would be either a brave or foolish Viking who tried to take 'Heart of the Dragon'."

  "If this man is willing to risk the wrath of Blue Scar then I think he might do so."

  I headed to my drekar, "Erik, prepare to leave as soon as Aiden returns." He looked puzzled but nodded. I went to the other captains who were standing on the quay buying ale from a woman who pushed a handcart. "I will be leaving soon."

  "Is there a problem, Jarl?"

  "There may be, Raibeart. There are outlaw Vikings in these waters preying on other Vikings. Siggi has not visited here. I am worried. Sail together and be wary of dragon ships. They may be enemies."

  They finished their ale and returned to their ships. It would take some time to sell all that they wished to trade. There might even be some goods they had to carry back. Jarl Gunnstein spoke with Aiden and he hurried back. "The Jarl told me. I have not felt danger, Jarl, but my mind has been on your dream."

  We were soon under way. When I told Haaken of the danger he and the weary crew took to their oars and we flew across the waters. The island of Man no longer seemed as threatening as we sailed close to Hrams-a. There would have been a time when we would have been wary of the Vikings who lived there but they would only attack solitary ships and never 'Heart of the Dragon'.

  "Sail ahead!"

  "Aiden you have good eyes. See if you can identify it."

  He ran to the prow. After a few moments he shouted, "It is Siggi and he is on a parallel course to us. He too is heading for Úlfarrston!"

  We had been lucky. From now on I would send a drekar with every knarr which left our land. The pirates would not have one ship from us!

  "You can take in the oars now. Siggi is safe! We will let the wind take us in."

  Siggi was unloading when we edged into the small quay. He seemed surprised to see us, "Jarl I did not expect you back so soon."

  "We were worried. We heard there were drekar hunting in these waters."

  He nodded, "I heard the rumour when I was in Dyfed. I used the straits of Menaii. I know them well. It would take a brave drekar captain to try them."

  Aiden nodded, "That is why we saw them not. We kept well away from the land of the Angles' Sea."

  "Then when our ships have unloaded and we are refitted with a full crew we will go hunting pirates. I will make them find waters which are less dangerous to our enemies!"

  Coen strode over his face creased with worry. "Is my brother safe?"

  "Of course. Why Coen ap Pasgen?"

  "Our two knarr have not returned. They left seven days before you sailed. They should have been back already."

  "I fear that this pirate, Harald Black Teeth, has taken them. Do not worry, Coen; if that is true we will compensate you for your loss."

  He shook his head, "It is not the boats I care about it is the men. How can you replace those Jarl?"

  "You are right and it was a foolish thing for me to say. I meant we will make sure your people do not suffer this winter because of their losses."

  "I know, Jarl. My nephew was on one of the knarr. I have put off telling my sister for I hoped the knarr would return. You have now dashed my hopes."

  I had been so concerned with the treasure that I had left my land unguarded. Who knew what calamity had struck my land too? I turned to Haaken. "The Ulfheonar will come with me now and we will get to Cyninges-tūn. Cnut Cnutson, see to the unloading of the treasure. Bring it to my hall."

  "Aye Jarl. I am honoured that I am to be entrusted with it."

  "Cnut you have earned great honour this raid. Your father would be proud of you!" He nodded and turned to order his men to unload. "Erik, have the ship readied to sail in three day's time. When the other captains arrive tell them that we hunt pirates!"

  We borrowed horses and ponies from Coen and we galloped up the forest trail to Cyninges-tūn. Coen's words had worried me. Had the dream I had had been a portent of some catastrophe? The walls stood, boats fished and I saw the smithies at work by the Water. The worst had not happened. We were seen when we left the forest and the fishing boats brought the news. It meant we had an audience when we reached the gates.

  I saw anxious faces. They were the families of the warriors who had sailed with us. Some of those warriors would not be returning. Those families would be the ones to whom I had to speak later on. We would ensure that they did not suffer. If a warrior gave his life for the clan then the clan took the responsibility for that family. That was our way. Kara and Ylva engulfed Aiden. Their hall was close to the gate. Leaving my horse there I went with Gruffyd and Ragnar to my home. Erika could now run easily and she raced to me. I said quietly, "Gruffyd, greet your mother!"

  It was not a lack of affection which stopped Gruffyd; he did not want to be seen to show himself up in front of his cousin. Ragnar said, "Go on Gruffyd."

  He obliged and threw his arms around his mother. I saw the gratitude in her eyes and then her nose wrinkled as she smelled him. Days at sea mixed with the blood of wounded warriors did not make any of us smell pleasant.

  I took off my wolf cloak and handed it to Uhtric. "Come boys, we will go to the Water and bathe. Let us purify and cleanse our bodies. Uhtric, fetch clean clothes."

  "Aye Jarl."

  "Thank you husband!"

  As I turned I asked, "Is Wolf Killer and his family well?"

  "He is. He has sent a rider every day to inquire after us."

  "Good." My fears had been unfounded. My dream was not about my home.

  We had bathed, changed and eaten by the time that a weary Cnut Cnutson led my men and the treasure to my hall. He had also brought our chests. I opened my chest and took out the Frankish sword I had
captured. "I give this to you Cnut Cnutson as a mark of my esteem and so that others will know of your bravery. Take it and use it well."

  "Thank you, Jarl. I am honoured. When you sail again in three days' time I would beg a berth from you."

  "Of course."

  Brigid snapped, "Three days?"

  "There are pirates raiding the sea lanes. They have taken some of Coen's people. We need to scour the seas of them."

  "You will not be gone long?"

  "A week at most. This is important. If the waters around our home are not safe then I have let down my people."

  She relented. "I would I was the wife of a simple farmer!"

  "No you do not! We would not have such a fine hall and you would not have such luxuries as those pots and the linens. Wait until you see the rich goods we have brought back for you."

  "You cannot bribe me, Dragonheart! I would be happy with a simple life knowing that my husband is there to protect me."

  Gruffyd said, "But he protects the land and the people. Without him we would all wither and die."

  I looked at him in surprise. "Where did you hear that?"

  "On the drekar when you slept. The Ulfheonar said it so it must be true."

  Further discussion was ended when Kara, Aiden and Ylva arrived. Kara made no apology. "I have come to see this mountain of gold and silver you have captured father!"

  I laughed, "We have yet to count it. Do not forget that every man who sailed with me is entitled to a share."

  Us too, Grandfather?"

  "You too, Ragnar!"

  We set to counting. The pile of gold appeared to be disappointingly small. Aiden laughed, "It would be strange indeed if there were huge quantities of gold. These taxes come from the people of Aquitaine and Neustria. How many of them have even seen gold, let alone held it."

  He was right and the gold and bronze soon mounted up. The division of the spoils was harder than the counting. Aiden had kept a record of all who had sailed with us. He apportioned the coins. There would be more arriving with the rest of the drekar as well as other goods to share.

  That night, as I lay in a comfortable bed holding my wife in my arms, I wondered if I should tell her of my dream. I decided not to. Instead I spoke of how well our son had done. She listened and nodded. "Was he in danger?"