We waited at the road junction until it began to go dark and then headed for home. My back was aching although not as badly as a week ago. I was on the mend. The hall was though someone had emptied a box of newly born chicks on to the floor as all the female servants and poor Thomas, flew around the yard trying to organise things. Amidst it all, sat calmly by the fire, was Ealdgyth. Sarah and Gytha both threw a dirty look at me as I smiled my way though them to the Queen. “I appear to have caused something of a stir Aelfraed.”
“Do not worry majesty. I normally manage to upset those two.” She gestured for me to join her. “You were followed.”
“So. Did you see who it was?”
“Better. We spoke with them. It was a priest and four guards sent by the Archbishop.”
Her eyes became angry. “I knew that reptile was up to something. It seems that I have come to the right place but I hope that I am not inconveniencing you too much.”
“Do not worry for soon I will have to begin training my new men for war will come.”
She looked sad and nodded as my uncle joined us. “I know.”
“I am sorry to have to be the one to bring it up but what are your plans?”
She looked suddenly like a lost child and her eyes filled with tears. “I know not. I must protect my children. What if I submit to William?”
“You would still be a threat and besides there is always Edith and as long as Edgar has a chance at the throne then she will do all in her power to rid the world of your children and Aelfraed and Aelfraed’s unborn child. But Aelfraed is right. We need to build an army to resist any who try to harm you. I will leave in the morning to visit the local Thegns and gather support. I will not say that you are here but that we are raising local forces and then Aelfraed, I think that we need to visit north of the border and speak with Malcolm.”
“Can we trust him?”
“Not to take advantage of the state of England? Of course not but can we trust him to protect the Queen and her children then yes.”
The Queen looked intrigued. “Why should he do that?”
“Because it will make you indebted to him and more importantly give him something to bargain with if he helped you regain your throne.”
I was not certain but I trusted Aethelward and so did the Queen. My problem was I was too used to warriors and the warrior code. Kings and politicians were not bound by such codes and looked after their own interests first. But I was learning. I went outside to speak with Aethelward. There were still worries about leaving my manor at this dangerous time. “Uncle, do I need to go?”
He looked at me strangely. “You do not wish to accompany me?”
“It is not that. Of course I wish to accompany you but I worry about leaving the Queen and my wife alone when their lives are in danger.”
“Aah. I see. Firstly I believe that Osbert and Ridley could easily defend the Queen and your wife as effectively as you or I. Secondly we will be gone but eight days at the most for the King is in the south of his land, close to Berwick but lastly and most importantly.” He suddenly looked old and sad. “I am no longer a young man. I am approaching the age Nanna was when she died. I am the last of the Thingmen and the last of the warriors who fought for England as young men. Only Sweyn was older and he, like Ulf, my oath brother, are both dead. I still have much to teach you and, just as necessary, I need to introduce you to others who can help you when I am gone. Malcolm, I know. He will remember me but you he does not. I wish to show you to him for the dark days are coming and a storm is brewing. We need somewhere safe for your chicks and that place is Scotland.”
I was shocked. Aethelward had always been there since I was a small child. I had hoped he would be there for my son but, as I looked at him, I could see that his hair now had more white than black and that he was thinner and gaunter than he had been. I had been so used to him that I had not seen him grow old. “Of course I will come with you and you are right Ridley and Osbert will be the guardians of my Manor.”
Grasping my shoulders he embraced me and, after mounting his horse, he rode to visit the other lords. “Branton!”
My faithful archer came over. “Yes my lord?”
“Send your brother to me and then ride to Lord Ridley and ask him to visit.”
I was now resolved to head north but I knew that Gytha would not be happy at my departure. I was not a common soldier I was a lord, she would have been better off had I been a lowly Housecarl and I wondered at the wisdom of marrying her. As soon as the thought came I laughed it out- wisdom has naught to do with the heart.
Osbert strode over he was, like my old friend Ridley, a rock upon which I could always depend. He had never let me down and had saved me on more than one occasion. I wondered why he did not seek service elsewhere for he could have named his price. I was just grateful that he remained. “Osbert, Lord Aethelward and I are leaving in the morning for Scotland.” He looked surprised. “Keep that news to yourself. We are asking Lord Ridley to bring his men here to help you and the Queen’s guards to protect the two ladies.” I lowered my voice. “Their lives are in danger for someone tried to poison the Queen in Jorvik.” A mixture of shock and anger filled his face. “I know that you wonder why we have to go to Scotland but I cannot tell you. Believe me, it is necessary or I would not go. I will just take Branton and four of his archers with me. You will need to keep scouts out to watch the roads. No-one must know that the Queen is here.”
The good thing about Osbert was that once you had explained something to him you did not need to elaborate or ask stupid questions. Any questions he did ask were pertinent. “And the Normans my lord?”
“An excellent question. At the moment they are still in the south but there will come a time when they head north. That is certain. I will be back before then. I cannot see him travelling over Yuletide. But when he does come we will have to fight. Get as many men as you can but they must be trustworthy and they must be good. We will spend any money we have to guarantee that.”
Ridley rode in and while Osbert went to deploy his scouts I asked Ridley to watch over my manor. “I know it is asking much of you old friend but I fear for the Queen’s life.”
“I am honoured that you trust me with such precious jewels. I will return to Coxold and bring my men back.”
“Good for I have business in Jorvik and I may be able to gather intelligence.”
“Be careful Aelfraed. There are daggers in men’s hearts now.”
“I will take Branton with me. I trust only those people who will be here in Topcliffe and Coxold. As for the rest….”
When I went to take my leave of Gytha she and the Queen were busy with the twins. I decided to leave before they had noticed I was not there. My money and valuables were in two saddlebags on my horse. Strangely I was not afraid of bandits or robbers. As the two of them rode quickly south I knew why. When you have faced fearsome opponents in a shield wall then all else becomes mundane and almost harmless. “We will be leaving on the morrow for Scotland, Branton. Pick four of your archers to accompany us.”
“Scotland, my lord? I have not been there since our old lord was killed. Is there peace between us now?”
“Lord Aethelward believes so but we shall see. We will only be travelling to Berwick and we will need to be swift for I do not want to leave the Lady Gytha alone too long.”
Jorvik, again, seemed sinister and threatening. There appeared to be few friendly faces and people had that hunted look I had seen before. When we reached Reuben’s home I left Branton on guard with the horses whilst I entered with the bags.
Rueben carefully counted all the money and valuables and wrote the quantities and values on a sheet of parchment. That in itself was unusual for parchment was expensive. He saw my expression and spreading his hands shrugged. “The parchment is worth the expense for it prevents arguments at a later date. Not that I think you would quibble my lord but it is my practice.”
“Do not apologise Reuben. I am just grateful for your security.”
When it had been tallied he asked almost apologetically, “Would you care to check my figures?”
I smiled, most lords could not read, my dead brothers could not but my grandmother had taught me when I was a child. “Yes I can read it Reuben.” I scanned the lists and nodded.
He melted some wax, impressed his ring upon it and then wrote his name next to it. I was grateful that I had had a ring made by Ralph my smith. It was a little crudely fashioned but I liked the horse symbol upon it as that had been Harold’s sign. When Reuben had melted the wax I made my mark and then wrote my name next to it. Reuben beamed when that was completed and he poured us a drink. That was the first time I had drunk from a glass vessel and it made the drink taste like nectar. Nor had I ever drunk such a fine drink. “This is delightful. What do you call it?”
He shrugged, “It is a wine fortified with spirits. One of my kin brings it from the Country of Portugal in Leon. It is only since the Moors were expelled that we have been able to import it. It is fine is it not?”
I smacked my lips. “It is indeed. So your people are all over the world then?”
“We are a people who lost our homeland many years ago and were doomed to travel but we still keep contact with each other. Wherever you wish to go, Byzantium, Normandy, anywhere, you can access your money.”
I was more intrigued than anything, “How does that work?”
“I will give you a piece of paper which you can exchange with any of my brethren and they will give you that amount in the coin of the land.” I must have looked dubious for he smiled. “Ask your uncle for he brought just such a document from Constantinople and I gave him the money myself.”
“How do I know who to ask?”
“My people live in small areas, we call them ghettoes. You say you are a client of Reuben of Jorvik and they will direct you.” It seemed such a simple system and yet I still worried. However if Aethelward vouched for him I would continue to trust him. After I had said goodbye I left with Branton. “Is there aught we require from the city Branton? I am not sure when we will return.”
He laughed, “Before I came to Topcliffe I would have said ale but Goody Sarah makes the best ale I have ever drunk so there is naught. As long as Ralph had the metal for my new arrows I will be happy.”
The ride home was pleasant as Branton animatedly described his new arrows. Ralph had made him six to practise with and the results had been excellent. They were still refining and improving but, Branton was certain that when the Normans did arrive they would have a shock coming in the form of a slim but deadly missile.
Gytha took the news of my departure remarkably well. The baby was becoming larger and she was preoccupied with herself and the Queen. The Queen, for her part, enjoyed mothering my wife and Sarah, of course, delighted in waiting on them both. We left before dawn just in case anyone was watching the manor. Ridley and his men had augmented the garrison and Osbert would set them to work improving my defences. It seemed a long time since I had ridden with my uncle but old memories flooded back as well as the knowledge that this might be our last trip together. All of that put my injured back into perspective and I was able to ignore the pain as I talked with Aethelward and Branton about warriors, armour and what the future held. My competent sergeant of archers had two of his men half a mile ahead of us to warn of danger whilst the other two were half a mile behind. It made for a most enjoyable ride.
We halted, the first night at Dunelm which had accommodation, and protection for the Cathedral there attracted many pilgrims who wished to visit the shrine of Saint Cuthbert. “This would make a fine castle nephew.”
I had to admit that he was right for the steep hill was surrounded, almost completely by a river. I idly wondered why no-one had done so before but then the Scots had always raided down this valley and I wondered if that was the reason. Certainly this would be our last night in England for on the morrow we would be in the borderlands and we would need our wits about us.
We met our first Scotsman the next day when we were close to the Holy island of Lindisfarne. He was a herder and, with his son was driving a small herd of shaggy beasts with wicked looking horns to Dunelm. He looked at us suspiciously, especially as we wore helms and carried swords. Had we been rustlers we could easily have killed the two of them and taken their cattle but Aethelward smiled and put them at their ease.
“Good day to you. Heading south are you?”
We could understand his words as they sounded a little similar but we had to work at it. “Aye sir. Down to Dunelm.” He tapped his nose. “Get a wee bit more for them there. The pilgrims and the churchmen ye nah.”
We laughed. “Wise man. We are seeking Berwick. Can we get there today or should we stay at the Holy island.”
He looked at the sky and then our horses. “Aye ye could, mind ye’ll have to get a move on.”
“Thank you for that.”
We were about to go when he suddenly said, “I’d gan canny bonnie lads for the King is there and his men may tek exception to yon swords and helms.”
Aethelward smiled. “Thanks for the warning but I know the King and I think he will make us welcome.”
As we kicked on I thought about Aethelward. He had been a friend of the King of England. He had served the only King of Wales and now he knew the King of Scotland. I asked him about this Malcolm Canmore.
“When I was a Thingman he was at Edward’s court for he was driven from his land after his father’s death.”
“Some say that he betrayed the loyalty he owed England when he invaded the north and supported Tostig.”
Aethelward nodded. “Yes there were some but remember a king is not as ordinary men. He lived in a difficult time with Macbeth claiming his land and Macbeth was a good king, at least for a while. I do not blame Malcolm for claiming the land north of Berwick; he owed his people that security and I do not blame him for trying to capture the land to the Tees. It is what I would do if I were king.”
“But Harold did not try to take Wales when we defeated Gryffydd?”
He smiled, “No for he was not yet king. But believe me if the Normans had not come and he was secure then Wales would have been added to England.” He shrugged. “It is power, it breeds the need for more power and in the language of kings that means more land.”
“Edward did not seek more land.”
“No and that is why, although he was a kindly king he was not a good king. You need a king who can be ruthless and single-minded. I fancy Duke William to be such a man.”
I gave him what I thought of as my shrewd look. “Don’t tell me you knew him too?”
He laughed and he was the easy going uncle who had first taken me in hand. “No but I met him.”
“What is he like?”
“He looks more like a brawler than a warrior. He is not tall but he is broad and he follows no rules of honour. He is, however, a strategos which is how he beat Harold at Senlac for he saw the weakness, the fyrd, and exploited it.” He suddenly stiffened. “We are being watched.”
Branton whistled and the four archers rejoined us. “Where my lord?” Even though Branton could not see the watchers he had served with Aethelward enough to respect his senses.
Aethelward looked to the hillside to our left where there was a stand of trees. “There on the hillside.”
I stared as did Branton and at first could see nothing and then I saw a flash of flesh which indicated a hand. “I see them uncle.”
“Keep your hands from your weapons. Had they wished it they could have taken us any time. For the moment keep an eye on them but do not do anything. This means that we are close to the Scottish camp.”
I suddenly realised that we must have crossed the border and we were in Scotland. I hoped that my uncle was right and Malcolm would remember us or my money would have to be spent on my ransom! It was a nerve wracking ride as we headed north and the sun set slowly to our left. The short winter days mean that it would soon be icy cold and I wondered how we would fare when we reached their camp. We came around a sharp corner in the rough road and there was a party of warriors with spears levelled. Aethelward spread his arms in a sign of peace and we all did the same. Although the spears remained pointed at us they were lowered.
A huge warrior, dressed like a Housecarl came towards us. “I am Ross, what is your business Englishman in this land of Scotland.”
“I come from Ealdgyth, the Queen of England, with a message for King Malcolm.”
With a nod Ross ordered his men to lower their weapons and led us down the track to the walled enclosure that was some way off. “You were lucky you did not arrive after dark for then my men would have attacked first and asked questions later.”
“Aye, I know but our mission is urgent and we have had to take risks. These are parlous times.”
“Aye they are that.” He looked up at my uncle. “You are Aethelward are you not? The Varangian?”
“I was a Varangian Guard but now I serve the Queen. And this is Aelfraed. Lord of Topcliffe.”
He looked at me with a new respect. “The hero of Fulford I hear and the man who killed the Welsh champion.” I nodded, “Tell me my lord why you were not at Senlac with the other Housecarls?”
I forced myself to keep calm for I knew my temper and I suspected that Ross meant no insult but I was insulted. “I received a bad wound at Stamford and I could not move or else I would have died with my oath brothers.”
“I meant no offence and I did not know of your wound. We just heard that you and your army slew the Vikings.”
“We did.”
“And for that we thank you for they are a curse.”
We had reached the camp of King Malcolm of Scotland. We were watched and guarded as we entered his fortified town and the gates slammed ominously shut behind us. I noticed that Branton and the archers looked quite nervous and, perversely, that made me feel better for Aethelward looked like calmness personified.
We dismounted. Ross pointed to a rough building some way off. “Your men can stable their horses and sleep there.”
Branton looked at me and I nodded, I hoped they would be fed but Branton was resourceful enough and charming enough to be able to get food for him and his men. I could see a devious mind at work here for my uncle and myself were separated from our men. Should they wish harm to befall us we would not represent too much of a problem. I had learned that the laws of hospitality did not always apply to kings. As we were led to the main hall I suddenly remembered the two Scottish killers who had tried to kill King Edward. How much of that did King Malcolm know? We laid our weapons on a table at the entrance to the hall. I had only brought a sword leaving Boar Splitter and Death Bringer at my hall-I could not see me standing in a shield wall up here in Scotland.
The King was seated on a modest throne on a raised dais. He had four burly bodyguards, armed with axes around him and he watched us warily. He had eyes which seemed to bore into you. He was far more silent than either of the other kings I had met and he seemed to be weighing you up and assessing you. We both bowed and Aethelward began, “Your majesty I come bearing messages from the widow of the King of England, Queen Ealdgyth.”
“Rise Lord Aethelward for I remember you and your kindness when we were at Winchester.” He suddenly turned to me. “And this is Harold’s bastard is it, Aelfraed? And would you be king?”
I was shocked at the abrupt nature of the comment. It had never occurred to me that I might become king. I raised my head and met his stare. “My only wish, your majesty, is to serve my Queen and defend my land from invaders.”
Her laughed and it took me by surprise. “I can see Aethelward that you have raised your nephew to be like you. He has a quick mind and an even quicker tongue. For tonight we will eat and feast and you can talk of your embassy on the morrow. Come Aethelward sit on my right and Aelfraed on my left.”
He led us to the table and I felt the stares of the warriors around me but even more acutely I could feel Aethelward’s stare for we had not had time to talk about this situation. We had assumed that we would make our plea and have an answer. This Malcolm was clever and devious and I resolved to drink little. The King sat and we followed. He leaned over to me. “Excuse the stares of my men Aelfraed but your reputation precedes you. They see in you a little of my predecessor, Macbeth, who like you was a formidable warrior. I think some of them would like to try your skills.”
“I came unprepared for combat your majesty for this is a peaceful embassy but I am sure that it your majesty invites me back and I am not fighting Normans then I could oblige them.”
He slapped my back. “Excellent. If we have time we shall do so at Midsummer.”
I saw my uncle’s eyes pleading with me to be silent and listen and I nodded. He immediately engaged the King in conversation and I resolved to listen more than I would speak. The man opposite kept staring at me, even more than the others. It began to put me off my food for he ate little and kept staring. Did he wish to fight with me? I could see now that a warrior’s reputation could be something to regret rather than celebrate if every warrior thought he could defeat you. Eventually I put down my knife and stared back at him.
He must have realised that he had been staring for he suddenly grinned and said, “I am sorry my lord for staring. It was rude of me.”
I relaxed a little, his smile had disarmed me. “I was beginning to worry that I had grown horns.”
“No my lord it is just that I owe you a debt.”
I was puzzled. I had never seen this young man before. “Me? But I have never met you before.”
“I am sorry my lord, I am being rude and ill mannered tonight. I am Calum, Thegn of Fife and you are right we have never met but you killed my father’s murderers.” I must have shown the confusion in my face for he went on, “The two men who tried to kill your king had murdered my father and were outlaws. It is why they were hired for had they been in Scotland we would have killed them but you did what we could not and for that I am in your debt and if there is anything I can ever do for you, then just ask.”
“I killed them because they were trying to kill my king but I am pleased for the information you have given me for it puts my mind at rest.” I could see that he did not know to what I was referring but I now knew that Malcolm had had nothing to do with the attempt and I began to relax more. “Why did they kill your father?”
“They had been his warriors and when he punished them for raping some women on the estate they killed him and fled.”
I was silent. That said much for the young man’s father for you had to know your men well if you were to fight with them in a shield wall. He had obviously made bad choices. “Tell me, my lord, do you fight and train with your men?”
He looked puzzled. “Why would I do that?”
“When you lead your men into battle you need to know that they will protect your back and the only way to do that is to train with them and fight with them so that you know their strength and weaknesses.”
“I had not thought of that but here we have had no major wars and battles since Macbeth was deposed.” He looked a little embarrassed. “I am experienced at border raids.”
I laughed. “Do not despise that for it is good training. But if I may give you some advice Calum I would spend a couple of hours each day with your men at arms. When the day comes for you to fight with them you will see the difference and you will have more chance of surviving.”
I suddenly noticed that the table was silent and all, including the king were listening to me. King Malcolm nodded, “I can see now Aelfraed the Bastard that your reputation is deserved. I wondered how one so young could have achieved such fame. Those are good ideas and from the silence around the table I can see that many of my lords are listening.” The rest of the evening was spent with me answering questions about the battles in which I had fought and my men. I could feel my uncle’s stare and I was glad that I had taken no ale for I thought about each word before it slipped from my tongue.
At the end of the feast Ross escorted us to a small chamber at the end of the hall, close to the guard room. It showed that, whilst we were being honoured, we were being watched. Once in the room my uncle spoke quietly to me. “That was well done Aelfraed. The King is a careful man. He wished to hear us make a slip in our cups and divulge information which he could use. You did well and I am pleased that you have impressed them for that may help us in the future. This may end the way we wish it to.”
The next day we were taken to meet the King along with Ross who was obviously his lieutenant. “Firstly Lord Aethelward I have to tell you that I have no intention of fighting the Normans. If that is your embassy then this will be a short meeting.”
“No your majesty, we will fight our own battles. There was an attempt on the life of the Queen and she fears that with the unrest in the country, she and her children are at risk. She would seek sanctuary with you much as you sought it with the Confessor.”
Malcolm rarely showed what he was thinking but I detected relief upon his face. “It is our Christian duty to aid our sister. Is that it? Is that all that she requests?”
“It is…”
“Except,” Aethelward shot me an irritated look, “I would ask, your majesty, if my wife and unborn child could also be housed with the Queen for I fear for her safety too.”
“That will be an honour Lord Aelfraed, if only for your illuminating lecture last night.” In honour of our visit the king presented us both with a pair of daggers. The steel was from Toledo and the handles were carved from bone and inlaid with silver. “Take these as a symbol of the love and respect we have for two warriors but this is the only armed aid we can provide.”
“Your majesty, this is more than enough.”
As we headed south Aethelward called Branton over. “Well Branton, what did you discover?”
“They are waiting to see what happens with the Normans my lord. There are armed camps all along the border. If Duke William succeeds in England and tries to come North they will repel him and if not then their king will see what he can steal from England.”
Aethelward had obviously briefed Branton to be a spy. “Well uncle it confirms what you said, with the Queen in his court he has a hostage.”
“Hostage, guest, the terms are interchangeable. It is what we do in the field which will determine the outcome of this war not where the Queen is. I would rather her in Scotland and safe than in England and at risk. This way we will not worry about our women and we can fight harder.”