Viking Dragon (15 page)

Bjorn was a grandfather and knew how to speak with the young. "Indeed and all of Cyninges-tūn has heard how he saved his mother's life. What would you have for him, Jarl Dragonheart?"

I had already decided what he would have but I was acutely aware that this was an important moment in my young son's life. It was his first step to becoming a warrior."He has far to go to grow into Ragnar's Spirit but I would have a sword made for him rather than a seax. When he is a warrior grown he can wield a dagger which will be the equal of any sword."

"Let us test his strength then." There were iron bars laid out neatly in the workshop.  They varied in length.  "Come here, Gryffydd. Pick up each bar in turn and then lay it down."

The first three were easy for my son for they were short.  When he came to the one which was twice as long as my hand he had to use his other hand to help him. "Thor himself has decided for you.  That is the one!"

"But it is too heavy for me to lift with one hand."

"And when I have added the pommel and the guard it will be heavier but it will take a month to make and you will have to become stronger." He flexed his arm. "Put your hands around this." He tried but they would not reach and Bjorn laughed. "When I was your age then my arms were not like this.  You work each day and you use your arms. Little by little they will become stronger. Your father did not learn to use Ragnar's Spirit in a day.  When he was growing up he hewed trees for old Ragnar and he learned to use a bow. You must do the same."

"I will." His eyes showed the excitement.  It made me wonder why I had not paid him more attention before.  He was the future and I had been too busy with the present.

"And the design?"

I looked at Gryffydd and took the dragon from around my neck. "I think the gods have decided that for us.  There should be a dragon on the blade; this dragon."

Even Bjorn became excited.  "Aye Jarl.
Wyrd
!" He held his huge hand out, "If I could have this for the day then I can study it. " I hesitated.  I was loath to lose such a precious item.  My sword was rarely more than a hand span from me.  Bjorn smiled, "I must know the way the dragon moves and make it so that its movement is reflected in the blade. You can trust me with this Jarl.  I have never failed you yet."

I gave it to him, "I know Bjorn. Come son, let us find a bow for you and then we will cut firewood!"

The young are eager to learn and my son took in every word with a rapt attention I had not seen before. We practised with the bow and loosed arrows at a large oak by the Water. When his forearm was red from releasing the bow then we went and found a hatchet. I hewed the logs and he split them.  It took me back to Norway when Old Ragnar, one handed and crippled, had split logs with me.  Those had been happy times.  I did not know, at the time, how happy for I had been a slave. It made me realise that happiness came not from your station but your state of mind.

When the sun was at its height I laid down the axe.  "Come my son, we have earned our food this day!"

He was animated as we walked back to my hall.  Brigid must  have had servants watching for us.  There was food and ale on the table as we entered. Macha and Deidra shook their heads when Gryffydd entered.  "He is as filthy as a heathen! Come Gryffydd.  It is time for a wash!"

"But father."

I shook my head, "Never argue with a woman, Gryffydd; you will lose!"

His head dropped and he allowed himself to be led. "What have you been doing husband?"

"Hewing logs and teaching my son to use a bow."

She studied me and my face and then said, "And where is the dragon?"

"Bjorn is studying it.  He makes the first sword for our son and the dragon will be incorporated into it."

She made the sign of the cross. "Is this well done?"

"There is a connection between the dragon and my son.  You can see that even though you may not like it.  If this symbol of your past can protect not only our son but our people is that not a good thing?"

When she said, "Eat your bread and cheese. They are both freshly made." I knew that she agreed.  She had a stiff neck and would never acknowledge that I was right.

Even my wife smiled when she heard the way Gryffydd spoke of his new sword, the dragon and the archery. She reached over and put her hand on mine. She said nothing but the touch was enough for me. By the end of the afternoon my son could draw his small bow and release with far greater accuracy.  He even hit the target four times out of five. We did not bother with the logs for I could see that he was tired.

"You must practice each day with your bow.  Even if I am not here then I want you to spend as much time with the bow as you can. If enemies come then you will be on the walls defending our home.  These are your first steps to becoming a warrior."

"I will."

"Now unstring your bow.  When this becomes easy to draw we will get you a bigger one.  I will have Snorri show you how to make a bow."

"Like that which he uses?"

Snorri had an expensive bow from the Saami people. It could send an arrow further than any other bow I had ever seen. "No, but when you are strong enough to use the longest bow that we can make I will send Siggi to the Saami and buy you one."

He became even more excited then and his words came out in a torrent as we headed for Bjorn's workshop. He took off his leather apron and came towards us.  He gave me the dragon, "This is a wondrous symbol, Jarl. I have studied it closely.  See how the muscles on the dragon's body make it seem real.  It feels alive. That is not easy to do in metal.  It is a shame about the mark on the body."

I laughed, "You mean the Dane's blade should have struck me and not the dragon?"

He grabbed his hammer of Thor, "Sorry, Jarl! I did not think. The dragon has a thick skin.  See how it has scales along its body, Gryffydd. Your sword shall have such scales and, perhaps, your first byrnie.  If you are to be the dragon warrior then you should look like one."

I had not thought of that but it seemed appropriate.  I was the wolf warrior with the heart of a dragon.  Perhaps my son would be the dragon warrior with the heart of a wolf.

Aiden and Kara did not return until noon the next day and, as they entered my hall, I saw how drawn they were.  Macha and Deidra fussed over them. Gryffydd and I had spent the morning practising and hewing logs and we ate greedily as the two of them told their story.  The three Christians clutched their crosses and silently intoned prayers as they heard what, to  them, was blasphemy.

It was Aiden who spoke and Kara cuddled Ylva. "The old wizard came to us.  You are right Brigid there is a connection to the old people of this land.  The dragon was their symbol but it is more than that.  The old man told us that the dragon came from a land far to the east; a land without mountains and without trees.  It is from the land of the horse." He looked at me.  "You were meant to find it.  The grave had laid there since the time of the old wizard and the rain was sent to show you what lay within. It was
wyrd
."

"But what does it portend?"

"You are to be as the dragon.  You must move quickly and when you strike do so with all the power at your command. A dragon is hard to kill for it wears armour over its body but every dragon has a weak spot.  There is always one spot where a dragon can be hurt."

Kara looked up, "Your family. Each time you defend this land and fight our enemies then all of us in this hall and Wolf Killer and his family will be in the greatest danger. That is your challenge, father.  You must be as the dragon and range far and wide to defeat our enemies and yet you must protect that which makes you strong; your family."

All those in the room looked at me.  I had been set an impossible task.  I had to be in two places at once.  How would I do what had been foretold?

Wolf Killer and the warriors from Cyninges-tūn did not return until the summer was almost over.  The air was still warm and the days long but the crops were ripening and the young animals no longer needed their parents. Our markets were filled with the bartering of lambs, calves and kids. A long line of horses and men trekked up to the gates of my hall.  Even though Wolf Killer could have gone directly home more quickly he came to speak with me. The raid appeared to have been a great success.  I could see that by the quantity of goods they brought but, as my jarls and my son sat and drank ale with me, they told me of the cost.

"The men of Neustria are fierce warriors and they have well made burghs.  We lost warriors; good warriors."

"Did they die well?"

"All died well."

"Then it is
wyrd
."

They told me of the rivers up which they sailed and the churches they had robbed. "We did not get as much coin from the holy books we took.  They are not as good as the ones we take in this land."

"We met up with Gunnar Thorfinnson and young Hrolf.  We both chose the same river in which to hide. They came on one raid with us.  Your young apprentice is doing well, Jarl.  He is like a son to Gunnar. They plan on spending the winter there.  There is a river they make their own.  It will be a hard battle for them but he has a determined crew."

"I am pleased for them both.  I liked young Hrolf.  He had spirit and it is good that he goes back to the land which enslaved him."

Wolf Killer had sharp eyes and he spotted the dragon about my neck, "That is new, father.  Is there a tale there too?"

We told him of the raid by the Danes and our escape. Aiden finished off the tale with their dream. "You are right, father nothing we do is in isolation.  Our raids in Neustria will have an effect.  I know not what that will be but it will change our future. I would say that you were lucky to escape with your life but I know that  it is not luck but the Weird Sisters." He stood, "And now I must return to my home.  Your words have made me anxious about my family.  My home is the closest to the Danes." He pointed to the chest his men had brought in. "I have left a share for you father.  I will not raid again this year."

"Thank you, my son. And I may have to take the rest of my men to Jorvik over the winter so it is good that you stay close by.  The prophecy says that my land will be in danger when I am away and yet I must venture into the heart of our enemy's land.  You will protect my family."

Gryffydd said, "I will have the dragon blade by then! I will protect the land!"

All smiled.  Wolf Killer said, "I will tell you what, little brother, we will both protect this land.  What say you?"

His eyes widened as he said, "Aye, Wolf Killer!"

After he had gone I sought out Siggi and Raibeart Ap Pasgen. Before he had captained my drekar Raibeart had acted as a spy for me. He had sailed a knarr and found information which we needed. "I have a task for you both but you can refuse if you wish."

Raibeart shook his head, "I will never refuse you, Jarl Dragonheart, for you have made me what  I am today."

Siggi's face displayed his determination, "And I can never repay you for helping me to avenge Trygg.  Ask."

"I would have you, Raibeart, sail '
Weregeld
' into Jorvik.  I would know where the Halfdan clan live.  If Siggi goes with you then it will appear less suspicious and you can protect each other" They both nodded. "With the goods you have brought back from Neustria there will be goods we can trade with the merchants of Jorvik. There are still many Saxons who live there and they are Christian.  There may well be a market for the holy books and goods you brought."

Siggi nodded, "Bjorn told me there is some low grade iron ore at the mines. That is good ballast and they need that for the Saxon armouries."

"Good.  See if you can trade for young animals. The vales around Jorvik have many fine flocks. But the most important part of your voyage will be to find where the Halfdans live."

"We will do so."

"I will ask for volunteers to sail with you.  You will need warriors but the ones you take should look like sailors."

"Do not worry about that, Jarl.  There are many young warriors who are keen for adventure.  This will appeal to many."

It took us three days to gather the crews and the goods which they would take. I went with them, accompanied by my son, to Úlfarrston.  I needed to speak with my drekar captains. Erik and Olaf were the only ones who were there. Bolli, my shipwright was working on
'Odin's Breath'
which needed repairs following the last raid.

"We will be taking our ships to Jorvik and we will do so in winter."

Olaf was new to winter raiding, "What if the river is frozen?"

"We will travel before Yule.  If the river is frozen then it means we are not meant to raid and we will return home."

Erik was more philosophical about it all.  So long as his drekar was on water then he was happy. "Will you be attacking Jorvik? It is a powerful fortress."

"I hope not." I pointed to '
Weregeld
' which was being loaded.  "Raibeart and Siggi will find out where we need to attack."

"Then we have time."

I nodded.  "I cannot see them being back here before the end of a month."

"Good then I will replace some of the sheets and shrouds.  Sailing in winter is demanding! How many drekar will we take?"

"That depends upon the information which our scouts bring back.  It may be just your two but if needs be we will take them all. The Danes have troubled us three times this year. We rid ourselves of this particular boil with one sharp strike." I told them how the brothers we had sought had been involved in the attempt to attack the heart of my land.

Erik Short Toe frowned, "They died too well. You should have half killed them and left them to be eaten by carrion. That is the punishment for traitors." He looked at Gryffydd.  "Would you like to see your father's ship?"

I could see, by his reaction, that Gryffydd was fascinated by the drekar. Erik now had children of his own and they were swarming over the drekar. "You can play with them if you like.  I have much to discuss with my captains."

He raced off, eager to play with some new companions. We spent some time discussing routes and charts. Olaf would have to copy the ones which Erik had.  They were jealously guarded by my captains. Most Vikings did not have the luxury of charts and that was the reason many failed to return from voyages. Aiden ensured that my captains knew what the land and the sea would be like. Olaf was lucky that he had such a fine mentor as Erik. "The seas to the south of Jorvik are treacherous, Olaf.  There are swamps and reeds which spill over into the river.  It is easy to miss a channel.  When we go you will follow Erik.  His boat draws more water; if he can sail then so can you. "

Erik pointed to the side of Olaf's drekar, "We will be travelling light and will not draw as much water as we normally do but we ride lower in freshwater."

"There is much to learn and to remember."

"And you are learning, Olaf.  I remember when Erik had to learn.  Old Josephus passed all of his knowledge to Erik and he will do the same for you. It is our way."

There was a sudden shout and clamour from on board
'Hear
t' we ran to see what it was.  Gryffydd lay on his back and his nose was bloody.  Sven Eriksson who was a little older than him stood over him. Erik Short Toe shouted at his son, "What have you done?  This is the son of the Jarl!"

Sven pointed a finger at Gryffydd, "He said this was his ship and he would be captain.  I said it was mine and he hit me. I hit him harder."

I saw Erik ready his hand. "Stay your hand Erik Short Toe. My son is at fault." I helped him to his feet.  "If you strike someone you should either be confident that you will win or suffer the consequences." I took a leather water container and poured it on Gryffydd's face.  "There the blood has gone.  Now can you play or would you stand with me and wait?"

"I will play."

"Good.  This is how you learn to become a man."

Erik said, when we were back studying the charts, "I am sorry, Jarl."

"Do not be.  My son has to learn to take blows.  This is my fault.  I have not toughened him up yet.  He has spent too much time with his mother. She is teaching him to read and he should be learning to fight. This lesson will be valuable and I am pleased that he went back to playing. I would have been disappointed had he walked away."

We headed back in the afternoon. The bleeding had long stopped but the congealed blood was still in his nostrils. We rode in silence until he said, "Is that your drekar, father?"

"It is but Erik is my captain and he spends longer on the drekar than any.  It is his too. If you are going to pick fights then there are two things to remember: be in the right and make sure that you can win."

"But he was bigger and older than me!"

"I have fought much bigger men. Use your mind to defeat bigger enemies and if you are going to hit then do not hold back. A man, no matter how big, cannot fight if he has no wind.  You hit to the gut.  If you hit to the face then you hurt your hands.  Look." I pointed to his grazed knuckles. He must have hit Sven Eriksson in the teeth. "It is the same with a sword.  Unless you have a good blade then you will gain little from striking at mail.  Better to strike flesh.  That is some time off but you must use your mind.  If you do not then you will not survive as a warrior."

I saw him looking at the knuckles on his hand as we rode back to Cyninges-tūn.  It pleased me that he was thinking. I knew now that I had to let my son experience more of the rough and tumble of life in a Viking Stad.  He could no longer be cosseted in my hall. I sighed, I would have a battle with his mother.

Brigid did not spy the damage until the next morning.  I suspect one of her servants told her.  "What happened to our son?"

"He got into a fight and did not win.  He will do better next time."

"He is the son of a jarl.  He should not be fighting with other boys."

"He will not become jarl if he does not know how to defend the land and before he can do that he has to learn to defend himself.  He must become tougher."

"But he is a child."

"Ulf Olafsson had boys little older than Gryffydd and they stood a watch on the walls.  They hurled their stones at the pirates. You know as well as any that an enemy will not spare Gryffydd because of his age nor his size.  Better to die fighting than accept death."

Both of us knew that I was talking about Christianity.  The priests told them to turn the other cheek and not take a life.  They promised them eternal life if they behaved. We wanted life on earth and, if we died well, then we would have just as good a life in the Otherworld.

She nodded, sadly, "I knew you for a pagan when I married you.  I suppose I cannot complain that you wish to bring our son up as one too."

When I gathered the Ulfheonar to tell them of the raid I had my son seated at the table next to me.  I told him to listen, not fidget and not fall asleep. The last would be the hardest for him. "Tell your families that we sail before Yule and we will be away for a month. I intend to end this feud with the Halfdan clan."

Vermund's death was on their minds and they all nodded their agreement. Erik Ulfsson asked, "Do we risk incurring the wrath of the other Danes?"

Olaf Leather Neck laughed, "I do not care if every Dane in the land wishes to fight me.  Let them come."

"Erik is right, Olaf.  The Danes are becoming like fleas.  If we can end this with one battle, Erik, then so be it but if more wish to come then we will have to make them think twice about doing so.  We have had a good year thus far and we are all richer.  We fight to hang on to what we have."

Snorri asked the question which was on everyone's lips. "Do we replace Vermund?"

"We do but if we take someone with us to fill Vermund's oar then it will be a trial.  The warrior will need to hunt the wolf after Yule."

"Then let us find four or five who wish to join our ranks. There are many who wish to do so."

"Then Haaken One Eye, I leave that task to you."

After they had gone Gryffydd asked, "Will I be an Ulfheonar?  Wolf Killer is one is he not? He hunted the wolf when he was young."

"You will have the chance but it is more than just killing a wolf.  Snorri will test the men's skills in scouting and hiding.  Olaf Leather Neck will see if they have the skills with a sword or axe and then all of the Ulfheonar will decide if they wish to fight alongside them. We are all oathsworn.  We never leave a man behind."

He thought about it and then nodded, "I will learn those skills. Perhaps, when Gói is gone I can spend time with my brother and he can teach me."

"I am sure that Wolf Killer will enjoy that and you can get to know your cousin, Ragnar." Ragnar was a little older. Soon he would accompany Wolf Killer on a raid.  He might even do as I had done and be a ship's boy. Being the son of a jarl allowed few privileges.

Bjorn finished the dragon sword and the repairs on my dented helmet about the same time.  I saw, when he handed me the helmet, that he had added two large eyebrows.  They made the helmet look more like a dragon's head but, more importantly, they added more protection above my eyes. "Thank you Bjorn.  It is an improvement."