Viking Voices (20 page)

So we spend a few nights drinking in the taverns of this city, the capital of Danelaw and centre of the whole British Scandinavian world. All the knowledge of this world is drawn to this town and the taverns here are the places where the most open and unguarded conversations take place. We are not only seeking information but also looking for men who want to fight. All of the men we meet are told that they can join Ragnald's army and that new raids will be taking place soon with the prospect of great plunder. There are a lot of people interested in such a proposition, and they all seem to know others that might also want to join our project.

The conclusions we reach are that it might well be possible to find those other refugees from Dyflinn and the possibility of negotiating a reunified army to take back our home is very worth considering. The tavern gossip says they are thought to be on the coast north of Vannin, close to where we held Ottar before ransoming him. This all seems like a very encouraging for our alternative strategy.

Before we can make a decision on whether this might be the best course of action we hear some important news. It is of the death of Ottar, King of Vannin. This changes things as it opens up a new additional possibility that we can take over his stronghold and his army, making Vannin our home and the base for our fleet. This seems to be very attractive to Ragnald, perhaps not just because of the strength of the base and its proximity to Dyflinn. Although Ottar, the target of so much bitterness, has now been removed from the picture, he stills seems to harbour a grudge against Ottar's family. Maybe he feels they still owe him the three bags of silver and gold missing from the agreed ransom.

We opt for a plan which involves creating a new alliance with the missing Jarls of Dyflinn against Bardr the new king of Vannin. The objective will be to take over his island fortress, and make a new much stronger base not just for our community but those of Sihtric and Guthfrith too. We might then be able to join together, along with the Danish mercenaries we have attracted and the additions we might still attract, to attack the Irskrs and achieve our true purpose in regaining our lost city.

Our king, having decided on his new course of action, is anxious to implement it immediately and has completely forgotten his promise to give an answer next day to Halfdan. Having reminded him of that obligation I get the difficult and unwelcome job of conveying Ragnald's refusal to the Dane.

Naturally it is not at all well received by Halfdan, and there is clearly a distinct cooling of the relationship between our king and the kings of Jorvik. Ragnald's absence is particularly badly received by Halfdan, who feels it is an insult. His perception of the relationship is that Ragnald is a minor king who is subservient to the Northumbrian crown. That is clearly not how Ragnald sees things, although he is conscious of having endured countless humiliations at the hands of these monarchs. It is part of the reason he is now prepared to turn his back on the relationship.

Halfdan has not anticipated this refusal and is suddenly feeling his own position weakened. He is revealing that his concerns about the Anglo-Saxons are actually much stronger than he has previously suggested. I can see that he is very worried that they are about to attack Danelaw in an attempt to subjugate the Viking people. So it seems Ragnald's services were more important to him than he was previously prepared to reveal. I think he has tried to play a clever game of bluff in his negotiations believing that Ragnald had no other options, so it is a shock and a keen blow to him to find Ragnald is now walking away from his proposal.

He suggests another meeting with Ragnald where I believe he will try to offer some improved terms, but it is now too little, and certainly too late. Circumstances have changed; Ragnald now has other ideas and is impatient to implement them. Halfdan, despite his wealth and power, is no longer of any great interest to him. It is a very dangerous position that Ragnald has taken. Provoking the Danes could easily back fire, but he seems blissfully unaware of that. He has not a moment's doubt that the new plan will work and is fully engaged with carrying it out immediately.

So when I pass on Halfdan's proposal for new talks Ragnald appears not even to hear it, he is so pre-occupied with leaving as soon as he can. We are not leaving alone as several hundred Danir warriors have already answered the call for mercenaries and are coming with us. The group now marching back across the hills resembles the army that Ragnald wanted to get by negotiating with Halfdan. It seems that despite the failure of our talks we have much of what we wanted from them, with nothing given in return.

On reaching the Ripam we have insufficient boats to carry the throng back home, but no need to do so either. It is clearly much better to settle them here on the Ripam and further develop the site at Prestune. We have had no shortage of boats on the Dee, and now we have the men to fill them. It will not be long before we sail to attack Vannin. In the meantime our new Danir army is gathering within our new settlement.

Ragnald and I spend the night away from the camp in an inn within the old village of Prestune with its older and better quality buildings, as seems appropriate to status of the leaders. It is well that we did as we are sought out there by the local Jarl, Agmundr, known as Agmundr the Hold, as he holds the land in this region. It is a considerable and very rich area with many farms, and so he is a man of great influence.

He points out that we are building on his land without his permission, provoking an awkward moment before he says that he is honoured to meet Ragnald, whom he knows to be a great king and mighty warrior and seeks to form a friendship with us. Another sign, if any more were needed, that Ragnald has gained a huge reputation as an inspired leader and a successful warlord. Agmundr is given a token sum of silver not to press any claim over the land Ragnald is building on. It is better to build friendships with our neighbours rather than provoke any further enmity with the Danes.

Agmundr also has the same concerns about the Mercian Angles along his southern borders as Halfdan had expressed to us. He fears them, especially as they may soon be reinforced by the Saxons of Wessex. The Mercians have already become bolder recently and scavenged across the Danir lands closest to their own northern boundary. These are Agmundr's lands and he is both angered by the raids and frightened by the prospect of them growing in the future.

Ragnald's standing and reputation in the Danelaw have grown to an enormous extent. Even a powerful man like Agmundr respects him and perhaps even fears him. That fear is reinforced by the way that Ragnald has gathered an army on the Ripam, at the centre of Agmundr's territory, removing much of his authority. He is certainly very anxious to establish friendly relations, and there are all kinds of ways in which co-operation between us will be of mutual benefit.

I quickly get to like this Jarl as he has a pleasant social manner, and seems very open and honest and is therefore someone I feel I can work with. We hope that we might also attract his support in the future when we need allies. He is a potential ally that we will do well to remember and he is also going to be a neighbour, living close to our developing home.

Ragnald finds time to linger in the tavern and it is soon clear why. He has become fascinated by one of the youngest and prettiest girls waiting at table there, a slim girl with long black hair and an attractive manner. She is always laughing and chatting with the soldiers who clearly appreciate her charms. She seems attracted to Ragnald too. Although he is certainly a few years older than her he must appear to be very athletic, dynamic and maybe even a handsome man. He is larger than most men but still lean and muscular. His scars may be seen as disfiguring but they add to his brutish and masculine manner. He looks every inch a warrior, and exudes confidence and high status. All of the warriors defer to him and call him “Lord”.

During the evening they have become constant companions, she is continually staying to talk with him, seemingly entranced by his powerful personality and no doubt his reputation as well. The two are openly flirting with each other, and she sits on his knee, and there is an increasing amount of touching and petting. They do look very happy together, and there is certainly a lot of laughter and giggling. Later that evening they disappear together and I am sure that they became lovers that evening.

It seems that, having married his concubine and made her his queen, Ragnald sees the need for a new concubine. He has found one very quickly.

This is unwelcome news to me as it inevitably means that Ragnald will stay here longer; a delay at a time when I am anxious to be with my family, and we also have a newly developed strategy to implement. The new strategy that Ragnald was so anxious to implement immediately just a short time ago. I am sure it will suit Ragnald very well to have a second home here, as it fits with his view of Prestune as a better fit with his strategies. Even though that strategy has now changed the link to Jorvic is still as necessary.

Indeed it does entail delay as Ragnald dallies here a whole week and has to be persuaded quite vigorously to eventually move on to our real home where our families live. I use my time here purposefully supervising the further construction of the houses which are accommodating an ever increasing Viking army. The land we clear of trees to build the houses is developed as fields to sow crops.

New volunteers continue to reach us and quite rapidly, as the word of our offering here continues to spread. We are not paying these men; however, they seem content to accept the prospect of sharing in the plunder when we move. So it is increasingly urgent to persuade Ragnald to put our strategy into action soon.

The following morning social matters are finally put aside and we are at last moving onto one of the longboats, and put out to sea to take the quickest possible route back home. This will allow me to pursue the next stages of our new plan. It is a breezy day but we know this trip, its peculiarities and dangers and are well on the way into our own river estuary by the time the midday sun is above us.

When we arrive back at our own town on the Dee Ragnald wants me to organise a Lochlain group which will seek out Sihtric and Guthfrith. They are as central to our strategy of building up our enlarged community in Vannin, as well as the Danish mercenaries.

I have a little time overnight with Aud but I do have the chance to explain everything that has happened. She is rather shocked to hear that Ragnald has built himself a new home with a new concubine, and is suitably indignant on Thora's behalf, even though she is not a close friend. I feel that I need to tell Aud everything, no need to keep any secrets between us. She is very interested to hear it all, and I think she is wishing that she too could take part in these adventures rather than always to be tied to the home by her need to be a mother.

I can see that she has a keen mind and great ideas; indeed I intend to use some of her ideas. In different circumstances she might be a very useful adviser and guide to take with me. She is, however, very limited by her responsibility to raise our two small children.

In the morning I again need to leave, this time I am tasked by Ragnald with finding Sihtric and Guthfrith, and then negotiating their co-operation with an attack on Bardr to gain us the use of the fortress on Vannin for our coming invasion of Dyflinn.

Ragnald will himself soon return to Prestune, he apparently is telling everyone that he has further tasks to complete there. No doubt he is needed to undertake further supervision of his Danish army and the new town they have constructed.

I am sure he will enjoy himself in Prestune, now his favourite place.

It is good to be on the sea, the wind in our faces, and I am in command at last. My mission is to search for the lost Lochlain groups under Guthric and Sihtric. The time there is no Ragnald looking over my shoulder and no other leader to consult. All of the decisions are mine, and I am relishing the responsibility.

After a long day's sail along the old familiar route past the hostile island of Vannin we find ourselves able to shelter for the night on the mainland shore to the north of that island. It has been a very full day and night too, we have covered a lot of distance.

I have eight boats and am therefore able to organise us into teams of two boats to explore all the inlets along the coast, one large bay each day, starting at the far western end of this stretch of the coast. We make a point of meeting up every night and exchanging our thoughts on how the search is going. It is not going to be easy to find our Lochlain comrades in this great space. This is a complex and winding coastline with many bays, each with multiple rivers and inlets, not only are there some very large rivers but there are also a huge number of small brooks and streams. Their settlement could be in any of these waters, and it is likely to be well hidden for defensive reasons. Or our information from the taverns of Jorvik may simply be wrong and they are not here at all.

I decide to ensure that there are never more than two boats together close into the shore, as I do not want to give the impression that we are a large aggressive force. This is a diplomatic project; we are not here to raid or plunder and must ensure the maximum possibility of negotiation and reconciliation. When we last saw these Jarls on Dalkey Island there was a strong feeling of ill blood between them and Ragnald. Now we need to reverse that feeling through careful diplomacy and form common cause with them against the common enemies; first Bardr Ottarsson and then the Irskrs.

Slowly each pair of boats looks into each river, as far as a boat can reach before grounding. We find quite a number of settlements, which involves a number of close encounters with the Britons who are the native people of this land. They are never pleased to see us, as they instantly recognise us as their old enemies.

They have little need to fear a force which consists only of two boats however, so there are some very awkward encounters where we are threatened. Keeping afloat is normally a means of keeping safe though, no matter how aggressive they are. None can match us for boat handling and they will not put themselves at risk by trying. Keeping afloat is not always easy though in shallow rivers with a restricted ability to manoeuvre.

It takes a lot of searching and a uses up a lot of time, almost a week, before we do finally find our kinfolk. The pairing of boats has meant we could search four bays with their rivers each day and that makes us very efficient. We have covered a lot of ground along a huge stretch of this wild coast.

Ironically they are near to the large estuary which we used to conceal our fleet at the time we were holding Ottar captive here. We were so close to them for all that time without realising that they were there. They are living in a settlement up another similar but slightly smaller river, just an hour or two further east. It is a narrower estuary and a little more difficult to navigate, being shallower and two of our boats are grounded on a sand bank for a while until our other boats tow them off, and the rising tide also helps raise them off the sand.

Fortunately the community we have found are pleased to see us, at least once they are reassured that we are coming in peace and looking to gain their co-operation. Naturally they have also heard a great deal about Ragnald's exploits and are somewhat awestruck by his adventures and achievements. The tales that have reached them make him sound like a very powerful and resourceful leader, apparently very different from the surly and quarrelsome teenage Jarl that they remember from our youth in Dyflinn. Even in such a remote, hidden community such as this his deeds are known, his fame has spread and he is widely admired. No one has heard anything of me in these tales though.

Sihtric and Guthfrith are clearly frustrated by the lack of opportunities that have come their way, having had a much smaller group of warriors at their disposal and having chosen to hide away in such an isolated place. It was their choice to come here and it definitely makes them safe from any large scale raids, just an occasional nocturnal intrusion from one of the boldest Britons, but they have little opportunity for the raiding and waging war which seems to be second nature to a Scandinavian.

They have harassed Bardr in a small way and their Briton neighbours in an even smaller way as those people have so little to take. Although they have succeeded in living well from peaceful pursuits, they have had little opportunity for either seeking plunder or even much trading. Consequently they feel that they are missing out and not living out their destiny as a part of our warrior race.

I sit down with them to hear their account of their journey from Dalkey Island after the battle of Dyflinn. As we already knew they had sailed north and the first place they came to was a small island off the coast of the kingdom of Brega. They settled there overnight and for a few days and were exploring its possibilities as a long term settlement. It was less than half a day sailing back to Dyflinn and so offered the prospect of resettling the town at some point. That thought must also have occurred to the King of Brega too, since he soon brought his warriors there to attack our kinsfolk and drive them off.

They then moved across the sea to Vannin, and so they attempted to settle there, in a very similar way to that which we ourselves attempted to. The outcome was also the same as ours, since they found themselves faced with demands from Ottar for very high payments of tribute to be made in silver. As this group had no silver the demand was impossible for them to meet, and they were heavily outnumbered by Ottar's men. The only sensible option was to move away, and they continued on until they reached this coast, which they found largely unoccupied except for the occasional small groups of Britons. In the main they have avoided contact with the Britons, who have also kept away from the Vikings.

They have cut down the forest, built longhouses, developed extensive farm lands and exploited the abundance of fish around this coast, just as we did. They are generally well fed, but also frustrated and feeling very isolated, having suffered from limited access to other Scandinavian people. They have been able to make a small amount of trade by boat with Danelaw, which has allowed them to hear of Ragnald and his adventures. They view those adventures with some envy; no doubt they can see the glory of his successes without understanding the great sacrifices that have also been made to achieve them.

They already have been living exactly the tranquil, peaceful agricultural life that Aud aspires to. No threats and almost perfect safety, an excellent place to bring up children. Yet they are not happy, they find it incomplete and unsatisfying. Maybe this place is simply too remote and it needs greater opportunities for trade and social connections.

As a result they welcome our arrival and the prospect it brings of trade and exchange with another Lochlain community and through us, the wider world. They seem particularly happy at the idea of ousting Ottar's successor from his seat on Vannin, he is unpopular with this group too, but as they know the strength of his fortress there, they have some considerable scepticism about the practicality of an attack on it. That castle is widely known as an exceptionally strong defensive position, and it deserves its formidable reputation.

This is wonderful progress and we are all happy to be reunited, the majority of the surviving Lochlain of old Dyflinn will soon be brought back together again in one powerful force, united under Ragnald's kingship. This is a pre-condition of co-operation which they gladly accept now. That issue that split our community at the Althing on Dalkey Island is now put into the past. They fully accept that Ragnald's subsequent achievements have now proved his kingship. This will be great news to take back to my master when I retrace my steps. For now we are very content to take part in a great feast, to eat their salmon, venison and beef and to drink large amounts of their mead and beer. They are well supplied with these delicious foods and there will be a few days of this good life before we consider going home again.

They have agreed to join a combined action against the Danes of Vannin, which I propose to schedule for around seven day's time. We will assemble off the coast of Vannin, near the impregnable fortress. I will signal to them the moment when their involvement should begin by sending a boat from our fleet to summon them.

Therefore before we leave this river I want to make sure that those sailing all of our boats are capable of finding their way back to this place, and we also build a great cairn on the headland at the mouth of this estuary. It now marks the entrance to our comrades' home. Though the numbers of this community are smaller than ours, they are a significant addition to our strength and their number might well be sufficient to sway the balance of power in our favour, especially as we do already outnumber Bardr's men.

It is time to leave our newly found comrades and return across the sea to our own community. When we reach the Dee and rejoin our people, I find Ragnald has returned from Prestune for a few days to await my return and consult his leaders ahead of the attack on Vannin. I report to my king on what I have achieved. Ragnald is delighted with my news, and particularly the proposal to attack Bardr in six days time. As always he is anxious for action and wants to carry the attack to Vannin as soon as possible.

Naturally Aud is less happy to hear that I am leaving again so soon, but this time even she is more philosophical as we both believe that Vannin might become our last base from where we might attack the Irskrs and finally regain our land. The approach of the final battle might well spell the end of our wandering and perhaps a rich, settled role of high status and wealth for me as a reward for my service to Ragnald. Although she has been happy here in the Wirral, she is also as anxious as I am to return to our green valley and live out the original childhood dream of our little farmstead in the Dyflinnarskiri. She can see that the final steps are being put together, and now the final victory is already in sight.

This is my first chance to get to know my new son, little Thorfinn, still a tiny bundle so helpless and entirely dependent on his mother. He could not have put his trust in any one better; she is entirely dedicated to his welfare. Each day she breast feeds him and cleans him and keeps him close to her, the two are quite inseparable. I think she seems even more pleased with him than with little Astrithr, who remains the apple of my eye.

My infant daughter is able to talk with me now and play games, so we spend many hours struggling and playing, with me bouncing her and throwing her around. Her mother is not impressed with such rough play, and is convinced that I am going to drop her and hurt her. So eventually we respond to Aud's chiding and play quietly together with a rattle. After all, although it may be a little less exciting, it seems to make sense to keep my precious little daughter safe.

Life has many simple pleasures but surely none are as great as walking hand in hand across the sands with your little daughter on a sunny day. The water of the Dee estuary is nearby and the hills across the river look green and fresh in the bright light. My wife is walking beside me, holding my other hand, and she has our son in her arms. The whole family are together for the first time. No man can be happier than when experiencing his family like this.

I have loved this short opportunity to get to know Astrithr and play with her and have found it delightful. I can see that being a father can become a very rewarding experience. My little children offer me such pleasure in everything I do. I will need to leave very soon, but I know now the wonderful rewards of being a father, the greatest of all incentives that I am being offered to get home safe and soon.

Other events will not stand still no matter how much we want more time to nurture and play with our families. The army is already assembled and we will sail tomorrow. I still want to make one more change before we leave, to have every boat carry a sail with a large black raven painted on it. I want this to be the symbol under which we will fight to gain the castle where I once dreamed that it could only be gained by the warriors becoming ravens and flying in. It is also the symbol of Woden and his power, and so Ragnald has accepted it as our emblem, not just my personal banner.

It's very tempting now to avoid my responsibility towards Ragnald and the army and just run away to avoid going with the fleet that sets off tomorrow and staying with my young family. I am so much enjoying my time with them; I am delighted with my tiny daughter who has just reached the age where she can really relate to me, talk to me and I suddenly feel so close to her. I know it is not possible for me to stay, my presence and participation is interwoven into the plan, which needs my presence and our king would never forgive me if I disappeared now. The die is cast, and for now I cannot break it.

As the sun dawns I bid the farewell to my young family once more, with an especially heavy heart now, and a sinking feeling of approaching doom. I must ensure that nothing happens to me, I know that I have already survived more battles than most men and the odds against my survival must be shortening each time. My time will surely come if I continue to roll the dice, but I feel confident that this is not my time yet, I believe I will get to see my family again and have the chance to move them into the safe area inside the impressive castle on Vannin.

The leaders are summoned to a meeting with Ragnald in his longhouse. I find I am expected to put a plan to Ragnald, he always expects me to explain how we will conduct the battles now, as though the planning of battles has become my job through some unspoken process. Naturally I expect it and have already thought through our tactics.