Varangian

Varangian

Book 3 in the Aelfraed Series

By

Griff Hosker

Published by Griff Hosker 2013

Copyright © Griff Hosker Fourth Edition

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.

Chapter 1

The Captain of the ship looked at Ridley and I with suspicion. There were not many Saxon lords left now and certainly none here in Scotland at the port of Leith. I could see that he suspected that we had allies and ulterior motives. Why do two lords such as you wish to visit Denmark? I hear that their king ravaged your land.

In that he was correct and I had reason to hate Sweyn, King of the Danes, who had broken his word but he was a lesser enemy than King William, the Bastard, who pursued us. We were the last two Saxon rebels and, unless we could escape from this island, we would be killed. King Sweyn owed us a debt and I would claim it.

Let us just say that this purse of silver allows us to travel with you and we will keep our motives to ourselves.

He weighed the purse in his hand and nodded appreciatively. This is sufficient to pay for your passage but understand me lord, I trade frequently with the Danes and I cannot afford to transport enemies to them. He spread his hands as he returned the purse to me. You understand?

I nodded. I give you my word that the King of the Danes will welcome us and I wish him no harm. I could feel Ridley, my companion bristling at the man’s suspicion and the captain still looked dubious. I never knew a Scot yet who did not want to make a little money. I am Aelfraed of Topcliffe and I give you my word that I will not cause you to lose trade.

He suddenly paled and bowed, My lord. I did not know it was you. Forgive me. I will take you but, he looked urgently over my shoulder, we should hurry to catch the tide and to avoid a certain Thegn who, we hear is not well disposed towards you.

I grinned, no, the Thegn of Fife, the man who had stolen my wife, Gytha, would remember me for he now had a scarred face as a reminder of our last encounter. The Captain hurriedly grabbed the purse and helped us aboard with our bags. As we stood by the stern we saw the ferry bringing the Thegn of Fife’s men to apprehend us, fortunately too late. We saw them wave their fists at the waddling cog on which we stood. Ridley gave a cheeky wave back and then turned to me. Do you think we shall ever return?

I looked in the sky as though seeking inspiration. "I do not know old, friend, I truly do not know. We are in the hands of wyrd now. Remember Sweyn speaking of the Norns and the webs that they weave? He nodded. Well, I feel that even more strongly now. Aethelward told me that we could travel east as did Reuben and the fact that this is the only ship we could board in Leith makes me believe that we have been sent to the east, but for what I know not."

The last time we had been aboard ships was when Harold Godwinson, my father, took us to invade Wales. There we had hugged the coast; now we headed into the stormy, blackened seas and skies of the German Sea. The Captain had told us that the journey could last up to a week if the weather was against us for our destination was Hedeby on the northern coast. Again, our destiny was being shaped for that was where Sweyn held his court. Some mysterious hand was directing my life and I just accepted that.

We fell into a routine aboard the ship; the first day we oiled and stored our mail and weapons for they would not be needed aboard the ship and the salt air would rust them. Then we set to repairing the pieces of equipment and clothes which had been damaged. The ship’s sail maker, a wizened little man helped us, for a few coins, of course, to repair the larger items. We knew not when we would be able to buy new clothes and we had been forced to leave our home land that we had not had the opportunity to acquire new ones. Both of us had brought coin from home and we had promissory notes for Constantinople. So long as we were careful the money would eke out. The rest of the time we exercised. It amused the captain when we asked if we could aid his crew when they hoisted and lowered the sails. He did not know that it was not us doing him the favour but the other way around. Ridley was still recovering from the wounds he had received when capturing Jorvik from the Normans and I had never truly recovered my strength after the wounds I suffered at Stamford Bridge. We both enjoyed working with the sailors who soon got over their amusement at two Housecarls working as seamen. They were good company and we enjoyed singing their songs with them. We also spent some time with Cnut who was a Dane serving on the ship for he taught us a few words as we toiled across the grey and black sea. He was a good teacher and we quickly learned the words we needed. I knew that we would have a long journey down to Constantinople.

One night, after a supper of dried meat and week-old bread, washed down with the weakest beer I have ever drunk we asked Cnut about the route to Byzantium. He shook his head, I have only ever done that once masters and I swore never to do it again. You sail through the land of the Rus across lakes and rivers. The people who live there are savages and the boats have to sail in numbers for protection. Then there are the portages.

Portages? Is that a Danish word?

He laughed, I know not where the word comes from but it is a cursed word in any case. It means you empty the boat and carry it and your belongings overland until you find the next piece of water. The savages and barbarians who live in the land know that the merchants have to do this and they attack each time you do that.

Ridley could not comprehend such a journey. Why do the ships do that then? Why not sail around the coast?

A much longer journey and there are many pirates and storms. No, the merchants take the risk because the prizes are so rich. Byzantium pays much for the wood and furs from Rus and the merchants can buy spices quite cheaply to sell at home. Oft times the ships sail in little groups for protection. He looked shrewdly at the two of us. If I were you two I would hire myself out as guards to a merchant and you will be paid to travel on the ships.

Thank you, Cnut, that makes sense for we would have the same hardship whether we were paid or we were passengers.

Are the ships like this one?

I knew what Ridley was thinking; these ships were so big that it was inconceivable that they could be carried. Cnut laughed. No, they are like the dragon boats; you mainly row them unless you are lucky enough to catch the wind. They are quite light and they are low to the water for there are no high waves on the rivers and the lakes.

We were five days from Leith and, according to our new friend Cnut, about to begin to turn east to our destination, when we saw the pirates. There were three small dragon boats and they were approaching from the north west. Look like Orkney Vikings, nasty buggers they are. He looked at us as we hauled on the ropes to get the maximum sail. They were the ones who you lot beat at Stamford Bridge. That is where they went.

We could see them gaining on us. Ridley shook his head. These Norns that the Danes have, spinning webs, they are cunning, aren’t they?

They are that, and if they catch us and find out who we are, then I am afraid we would not have a glorious end. I wondered as we pulled and tugged on the thick rope if the captain might not offer us in exchange for his freedom; our fame had spread before us and we were known, amongst the Danes at least. I glanced up at the captain who seemed oblivious both to the danger and to us. I took heart from the fact that he was not concerned. He kept glancing up at the mast head pennant and nodding. I saw why as the bow turned slightly south and the wind was on our quarter; I had learned such terms from the sailors. We suddenly leapt forwards. Although the wind helped the dragon boats too, they did not have the spread of canvas available to the captain and the merchant ship began to pull inexorably away. The low freeboard of the dragon ship also slowed them for the wind made the waves a little choppier and, as we later found out, the faster you go in rough water, the more you take on board.

He wandered down to us. I think someone must be watching over you Saxon, for that wind came from nowhere. I had thought that we had lost the cargo and you two until the change in the air. So he knew who we were and we had come close to capture. I thanked Nanna and Aethelward although there were so many of those close to me who had gone beyond this world that I knew not who to thank.

Hedeby was an old town nestling on the north eastern side of Denmark. My military eye saw that its wooden walls would not stand up to an assault by a modern army but as the only enemies in this part of the world were other Norse warriors then Sweyn would not have a problem. It also showed why he had been so ill equipped to take Jorvik. Perhaps if I hadn’t helped him then the people of the north would not have been slaughtered? The complex threads of my life threatened to strangle me.

We had become quite close to Cnut and we tried to persuade him to accompany us as a translator and guide. He shook his head, I like you two and I think it will be an adventure but I would not undertake that river voyage again for all the gold in Araby but if you will take my advice then you will hire someone as a servant for you will need one. He looked askance at the bags we had, and I would make it someone big because they are not small bags are they?

As we stepped from the gangplank on to the stone jetty, we felt unsteady on our feet, having been on the ship for six days, it felt as though the land was moving, not the ship. However, I felt a lot more comfortable and at home for there was no sign of the Norman influence and it was like Jorvik when I was growing up. We stopped at the edge of the streets, partly to regain our balance and partly to decide where we ought to go. At least we had a smattering of Danish but I knew if the speaker spoke rapidly then I would understand nothing.

Well Aelfraed, what are we waiting for? We know where we have to go; the court of King Sweyn.

He was right of course but now that we were here, I wondered about the wisdom of that for we could, just as easily, get a boat and sail off to Constantinople but at the back of my mind was Sweyn’s promise to give us aid should we ever need it. Much as I wanted to take his head off with the Dane axe, Death Bringer, I knew that would not happen and yet I wanted him to pay, in some way for the deaths he had caused in my homeland. You are right. Let us beard the bear in his den!

We could see the huge hall whose roof dominated the town and we headed up that way. Death Bringer was slung across the back of my shield and I saw many interested looks as we made our way through the crowded streets. King Sweyn had told me that it belonged to a famous Viking and it obviously intrigued many Danes. There were two guards at the door and they recognised us at once. One held up his hand to halt us while the other went inside. I wondered what sort of reception we would receive. There was no reason to think that Sweyn would not make us welcome but I suspected that he knew of both my animosity and my words. The meeting, if it happened, would be an interesting one. The guard came back and beckoned us in. We dropped our gear and weapons at the door. There was little point appearing to be tooled up for war when we only intended to speak and it would make him think we feared him, which we did not. The dimly lit hall reminded me of the warrior hall at Winchester but this was had a higher roof. There was a raised dais at one end, just beyond the blazing fire. Sweyn was sat on a huge chair. I noticed that he had put on weight and he looked a little greyer but he still had his distinctive plaited beard with just the one strand unlike his famous ancestor Sweyn Forkbeard. There were five men who stood near him. I recognised one as his son Harald but the rest I did not. Sweyn was famous for his large number of illegitimate sons. I should feel in good company then for I was one of Harold Godwinson’s bastards.

As we neared the dais he stood and came down, grinning like a drunken bear. Aelfraed! I wondered how long it would take for you to come. Have you come to kill me then boy?

Those around him stiffened and their hands went to their daggers. Sweyn just held up his hand. I suppose I should but if I had wanted you dead then I would not have left Death Bringer at the door.

He suddenly laughed and then wrapped his arms around me. By the Gods but it is good to have a man here again. He turned to the others. Do you see my sons this is a warrior? He fears neither me nor death. You would do well to be like him. He pointed at them. Harald you know, the surly one with the sneer is Canute named for his grandfather. The fat bear is Ole and the weedy pale one is Eric. He leaned in to speak into my ear, We gave him a warrior name but he is more of a poet and singer than a warrior. And where is the archer, Branton, the king killer? Do not tell me the Bastard managed to kill him too?

I too laughed, No he still lives although he has found out that crossbow bolts hurt as much as arrows. He stayed in England with his brother to annoy the Normans.

Good. Your men were good. And the others?

All dead! We are the last of the Hooded Men.

Come sit and drink. We sat at the huge table and were served drinking horns with foamy ale. Here’s a toast to the band of men who made William’s life so hard. He looked at his sons. If you want to make money quickly then take these two back to England for William will pay a Prince’s ransom.

I did not know if he was joking or if he meant it. You never knew with Sweyn. I just laughed it off. I am not sure the tight bastard would have paid. I looked Sweyn in the eyes, It seems to me he paid quite a lot to get rid of you, your majesty.

There was a sudden silence and I could see the anger on the faces of Canute and Harold, the one called Eric just smiled. Aye well, I did charge him a mighty price to be rid of me. He suddenly looked serious, Now, enough of these barbed blades Aelfraed or I shall become angry. Tell me why you came here, apart from the fact that England is too hot for you at the moment.

All the while we had been talking Ridley had kept his hand on his dagger. I leaned over to pat his hand and he relaxed. We wish to go to Constantinople, the place you call Miklagård, and I remembered you said once that you were in our debt, for Jorvik. I come to claim that debt.

I think I saw him relax a little. He must have thought that our price would be higher. It is a long and dangerous road to Byzantium but I am a man of my word and I will do all I can to aid you. Tomorrow I will get my people to make the arrangements but tonight we feast.

The feast passed in a blur of too much food and too much beer. The other warriors were keen to hear my stories of my combats with the Normans and the Welsh. Many had heard of Ridley’s heroics at Jorvik and he was forced to show his scars off. None could believe that he had survived such wounds. Eric, sat closely listening to the stories. He had a quick mind for he composed a song about Ridley at the battle of Jorvik which moved Ridley to tears. That was the last conscious thing I heard for I passed out soon after. When I awoke it was with a mouth which felt as though I had been chewing sawdust. I staggered to my feet in the huge hall filled with sweating foetid bodies and made my way to the doors. It was daylight and the shock of the cold and the sun soon sobered me up. I went to the water butt and poured a bucket of it over my head. The town was busily going about its business and I stood for a while watching something I had not seen in England for years, peace, with ordinary people able to go about their business freely. Would England ever enjoy such peace again?

It was mid morning before the hall was totally awake and I felt better for having eaten something. Sweyn was as good as his word and, by the time Ridley had once more joined the land of the living he had managed to make arrangements for us. There is a ship leaving for Uppsala at the end of the week. You will then take ship from there. There is a merchant, Bjorn of Gotland with whom I have had dealings. For a small fee he will take you to Miklagård.

He smiled as though he had done us the biggest favour in the world when, in reality, he had just given us one short voyage on a ship and provided an introduction to a merchant. Thank you, King Sweyn, for your help. I wonder however if I could press you to find us a servant who can speak languages for we will be travelling through strange lands.

He frowned, Men with languages do not come cheap my English friend but I shall look for one. Hopefully, I can find one before you sail.

Suddenly a Danish voice piped up. I will go with them father.

The waiflike Eric stepped forwards. He was hardly the sort of servant I had expected. He was the son of a king and looked to have no strength. How could he possibly help us? I looked at Ridley and saw that he shared my views. The King, however, looked delighted, as though the solution had been sent by Thor himself. Excellent suggestion, my son. Does he meet with your approval Lord Aelfraed?

The sardonic smile playing on his lips told me that this was deliberate; he had put me between a rock and hard place. If I said no then I would be insulting the royal family. Of course, it does your majesty but it would then require me to ask if you had a servant we could employ for we have much gear and I do not think that the son of a king should have to carry our bags. I gave Sweyn back the smile he had given me and the slight nod of his head showed me that he understood my ploy.

Of course, we have many such men and he could act as bodyguard for my son. He waved over his steward and said something. And now I will leave you two to become acquainted with Eric while we conduct the business of the court.

With that we were dismissed. Ridley looked as disenchanted as I did; I knew I was prejudging the boy but I could not see how he would be of use to us. Had we been staying in Danish waters then his royal connection might have been of some use but we were going much further east. I put on my ‘new man’ smile as Osbert used to call it. Well Eric. Are you sure you want to do this? I suspect the road will be hard.

He had an eager, keen face and was always an open boy. His smile lit up his face, Oh yes Lord Aelfraed. I have always wanted to travel and… he glanced nervously over to his father.

I saw the look. Come, let us take the air for it is stuffy in here and I would walk.

It was relief and something else I saw on the boy’s face. Ridley grumbled. I’ll bet it is cold out there.

Tell me Eric, what you know of the lands to the east and the peoples there.

He became animated, I have never been there but I have heard many stories. The first peoples are like us but are Rus. Later we pass through the Khazar Khanate where the Mongols live.

Ridley looked interested, The Mongols?

They are a group of fierce tribes who ride fast ponies and use bows which can shoot great distances. They have no king, as we do but they fight under chiefs and great warriors. And then we reach Byzantium.

How old are you Eric?

I have seen sixteen summers, my lord.

"I think that we can dispense with the ‘my lord’, as I have lost my land and I am an outlaw. Besides aren’t you a Prince?"

He shook his head happily, No, I am a bastard.

He said it so cheerfully that I laughed aloud. Well, you are in good company then for so am I. Tell me Eric, why is your father so keen to send you off with us. I held my hand up. What you should know about me is that I prefer plain words and the truth. We will survive this journey a little happier if you remember that. I saw something in your father’s eyes which told me that he wanted you away from court.

That is true. He wants me away for I embarrass him. I am not a warrior. I never have been. I do not like the fighting and the violence.

I shook my head, So you would travel with two strangers through, by your own admission, extremely hostile lands to serve two warriors who will fight for an Eastern Emperor. How does that sound to you, Ridley?

It does not sound right Aelfraed. Perhaps he is a spy?

Eric’s face filled with colour and he shook his head violently. I could see his eyes were filled with terror; was it the terror of being left behind?

You are right and there will be danger but I have heard that Byzantium is a magical place with many books and many other cultures. True I serve two warriors but when we reach our journey’s end I will be safe within Byzantium’s walls and, when you are away fighting then I will order your house and be able to study. The journey is the risky part but I am willing to endure that to escape my prison and reach heaven.

He sounded honest but I knew that there was something else he was not telling me. However, he was being as open as he could be bearing in mind he had just met us. I suspected this was wyrd again. We had needed a translator, Cnut had told us that. The fact that he did not fit the picture we had of him was our fault, not his. Well, Eric son of Sweyn, welcome to our little group. I just hope that your father picks us a strong servant for our bags are heavy and, from what we have heard, we need to carry our boats across parts of the journey.

He eagerly nodded, Aye my lord, the portages.

I would ask your father but can you tell us what we would need for the journey?

He shook his head, I do not yet know. But I will find out for you.

Good. Had you lied to me and pretended that you knew I should have been unhappy. Always speak the truth and be honest and we will get on.

We wandered around the town with Eric chattering away and telling us many stories about the people and the buildings. We discovered that his mother had been a slave from the far south which explained his slight frame and his slightly darker appearance. He was the only of Eric’s sons who had black hair and that, it emerged, had caused him to be beaten and bullied by his siblings. When he told us that Ridley and I exchanged a glance for we both knew that was my story. The boy was very gentle. His voice was soft and it did not seem to suit the harsh words of the Danish language. He told us that