Saxon Bane (15 page)

I did not get a chance to answer for Penda said, “Of course.  There are always riches within their walls.”

The king nodded, “Many of my men will not attack such places.”

“That will not be a problem. There will be more than enough Northumbrians for them to dull their blades upon.”

We saw the skirmish unfold before us.  Bors led the spearmen towards the gate.  The Northumbrians had built the settlement with two gates.  One faced us and the other led across the Roman Bridge below us. Our attack had effectively sealed the fate of the village.  The only place they could escape would be across the bridge and Pol waited on the other side with his equites.  We had chosen not to attack across the bridge.  That would be a killing zone.

I saw commotion within the settlement as my men were spotted. Daffydd’s archers began to rain arrows upon any who stood on the walls.  As Penda had predicted the Northumbrians held their shields above their heads.  As soon as they protected themselves, then Bors and his men leapt across the ditch and his axe men began to hack a way through the wooden walls.  When the defenders tried to hurl their spears at Bors and his men they were skewered by a well aimed arrow.  Gradually the defenders fell one by one.

Penda shook his head sadly.  “They have no chance.”

“No chance indeed and look.”

I pointed to the bridge which suddenly filled with refugees fleeing the attack which had now breached the walls.  Pol timed his attack to perfection and he led his squires across the bridge once the refugees had reached the halfway point. They hurled themselves from the bridge into the quickly flowing river. I am not sure if they thought they could swim to safety but their clothes and the icy waters of early spring dragged them all to a rocky, watery death. Soon there was just the white capped grey water of the Tineus and there were no more refugees. Within the hour we entered the settlement and Hogan Lann sent the word.  He had captured Chesters too. We had achieved our objectives.  We had secured the crossings over the river and now we awaited King Cadwallon.

While we waited I rode with Gawan and Morcar to inspect the land around us.  Tuanthal gave us twenty warriors to watch over us. We found a few farms but the people hid when we approached. “This is good land, Gawan, you have never seen it before have you?”

“No, I have just had the description from you and Hogan Lann.  It is a shame that we lost it.”

“We lost it because of the treachery of a king?”

Morcar asked, “A king?”

“Morcant Bulc slew King Urien and then I slew him.  That ended the last alliance. We must make sure that this alliance lasts longer.”

Gawan sat upright in his saddle and drew his sword.  “I swear that I will do all to ensure that it does.”

I realised then that Gawan had not been given as much responsibility as Hogan Lann and that was unfair.  He was such a kind and thoughtful young man that he was often overlooked. I decided to give him a role.

Three days after we had captured the two crossings King Cadwallon reached us.  He and his men had made good time. He greeted me warmly. “Have you lost many men, Warlord?”

I shook my head, “None to speak of.”  I waved King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
forward. “This is our ally King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
.”

King Cadwallon gave one of his broadest smiles. “Welcome to this alliance against Northumbria.” He gestured towards me.  “Lord Lann is the only one of us to have fought in the last alliance against the men of Northumbria.  I hope that this new alliance of Ulaid, Mercia and Gwynedd can be as successful.”

“And I hope so, too, King Cadwallon.  We have heard of your fame and that of the Warlord.  Already I have learned much.”

Myrddyn stepped forward. “Perhaps, your majesty, you might address the armies.” He pointed to the huge bowl on the opposite site of the river.  “This is one of the places where we can gather them.”

King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
nodded, “It is a good idea, your majesty, for the men of Dál nAraidi have not seen you before.”

We gathered the warriors together and King Cadwallon sat astride his white horse, Wyddfa.  He was encased from head to toe in the armour of a cataphract.  When the sun peered out from behind the clouds it made his armour sparkle and gleam as though it was gold.  Even before he spoke I saw the awe on the face of the men of Dál nAraidi and even Penda’s Mercians looked to be impressed.

“Warriors of the west, today we have our alliance of the finest warriors in this land to oust the dark forces from the east.  We will wrest this land from the greedy fingers of Edwin and his robbers; we will free the people of Rheged.  Today we begin the road to peace and prosperity.”

There was a huge cheer but I noticed that the men of Dál nAraidi were less than thrilled at the prospect of peace. They had come for plunder and I hoped that the spirits had been right to invite them to join us.  I would have to speak with Myrddyn later. I decided that we had to take one step at a time.  First we had to capture Din Guardi and then destroy Edwin and his army.

“We will go to the lair of King Edwin and become the first army to take that stronghold of the east. Let us go forward and fight under the banners of the dragon and the wolf and let us be led by the Warlord of Rheged and Gwynedd, Lord Lann!”

If the cheers for the first part had been muted when King Cadwallon had finished there was a cheer and an acclamation which could have been heard in Dunelm far to the south. That evening there was a boisterous and optimistic mood around the camp.  It felt as though we were on the threshold of something great. We needed to keep the momentum going.  This alliance would not falter as the other had; not if I had anything to do with the matter.

We headed west the next day. This time the scouts of Aedh ranged far ahead while Tuanthal and his horsemen formed a mobile screen before us.  We would not be surprised. The kings and the leaders rode with Hogan Lann and me at the front. Myrddyn rode behind us with Lann Aelle, Pol and Penda. I glanced around me and I was reminded of the days of King Urien when I was about the same age as Lann Aelle. The future then had been hopeful but that had been before the treachery of Morcant Bulc.  I wondered if all the hearts which headed east were as true as that of King Cadwallon. He had put great faith in me to bring his retinue so far north from his land and fight for Rheged.  I felt humbled.

Hogan Lann nudged his horse next to me.  “You are quiet.”

“I am an old man remembering the days of marching here with Ywain and Pasgen.  The last time I was in Din Guardi I ended the life of the traitor who stabbed my king in the back.”

“That was a noble thing to do.”

“It was but it cost us Bernicia. Remember that my son. The consequences of our actions are like a stone thrown into a pond; the ripples go on forever. We are now going back to finish what I should have done all those years ago.”

Before we began to head east I summoned Hogan Lann, Tuanthal, Aedh and Gawan. “Perhaps I am tempting
wyrd
but I believe that we will triumph at Din Guardi.”

Hogan Lann nodded his assent.  “I believe so too.”

“With that thought in mind I want Gawan here to take a column of horsemen south to find King Edwin.” I saw him flush with pride.  “Take your squires, twenty of Tuanthal’s men, five of the boy riders and five of Aedh’s best scouts.” I saw Aedh smile, “Not you Aedh, I need you with me.” His elation was replaced by disappointment. “Well Gawan, are you up to the task?”

“I am.” I saw the hesitation on his face and then he turned back to me. “Just to make it clear what do I do when I find King Edwin?”

“Send one of the pony riders to me with the news and then shadow him. You will have the better horsemen.  You will be able to evade him.”

“Thank you for this honour, Warlord.”

I saw Hogan Lann nod his approval. They would work well together when I was gone and that pleased me for Ywain and Pasgen had become enemies when their father died. This would not happen to my sons. We need the harmony within the family else the balance of nature would be upset.  We had learned the lessons of family discord and we had paid a high price for the lesson.

Our horsemen and our scouts dispersed the few Northumbrians they encountered so that we reached that mighty fortress perched perilously on the cliffs without loss. Of course the riders took news of our arrival and every Saxon within miles would be hiding within its mighty walls. We saw the high walls bristling with standards and with warriors. Only Myrddyn and I had seen the fortress before and I heard the sharp intake of breath from all of the leaders and kings as they beheld the seemingly impregnable fortress.

We sat on our horses on the high ground some half a mile from the castle.  It afforded us the best view.  You could even see within and beyond its walls. I pointed out the features as I described them.

In ancient times the castle had been built on a rock. I suspected that someone with knowledge of Rome had had a hand in its building.  There was plenty of stone work as well as wood.  A winding path twisted from the beach to the only gate.  An attacker would have to endure missiles and rocks whilst negotiating the steep ramp.  The side away from the castle was open and the sharp teeth of rocks awaited anyone who fell. Once they reached the gate an attacker could not use a ram because there was not enough space to wield one. As if that was not enough the path to the castle could only be accessed at low tide.  At other times the sea gave it a natural and, at times, a wild moat.

King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
shook his head.  “It is impossible! No one could capture that without losing all of their warriors in the attempt.”

Myrddyn chuckled, “It would appear so but the Warlord and I know another way in, unless, of course, they have blocked it up.”

The kings looked to me as did Hogan Lann. “We need your warriors, King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
, to go with the wizard at low tide.  He will gain you entry into the fortress.” I smiled at his open mouthed expression of wonder, “Then you can let loose your wild Hibernians.”

He seemed genuinely happy about that.  “Good because we have watched and waited too long. My warriors are eager to fight. We will show you what we can do.”

Myrddyn wagged an admonishing finger. “We want warriors who win and not just fight.  They must obey orders.  As I will be leading you and your men they must be my orders which are obeyed!”

“Do not worry wizard.  My men will obey orders!”

I turned to Hogan Lann, “The horsemen will be spectators today.  If any flee then your men can run them down. I want a circle of iron around the castle.  They have no ships here and the only escape will be through your men.” I turned to Penda. “I will lead some of the men of Gwynedd, Rheged and Mercia.  The warriors who have not fought yet will have their chance.”

“No, Warlord, I cannot allow you to lead the attack.” I could see the concern mixed with anger on my son’s face.

“I must. If Myrddyn and the men of Dál nAraidi are to have a chance to gain entry into the castle then we need the attention of the whole fortress on the front gate. They will see me and my wolf shield.  It will make them desperate to kill me.  Whoever commands these walls will bring all of their force to bear on me. Do not worry. Daffydd and his men will be able to cover us with their arrows.”

“I cannot allow it.  It is too dangerous.”

I made my voice as hard and commanding as I could.  I did not want to demean my son but I had to assert my authority. He would command soon enough. “I am Warlord yet.  There will come a time soon, my son when you can put me out to pasture but so long as I am Warlord, I command.”

The air of tension remained until Myrddyn shrugged and said, “He will not die beneath the walls of Din Guardi. He defeated King Morcant Bulc here and the spirits watch over him still.  I swear to you that the Warlord will not die here.”

It was either a brave or a foolish thing to say.  The effect was that the warriors who went with me believed that we would not die.  That gave the warriors more confidence.  I wondered at Myrddyn.  He had dreamed my death.  He had seen the knife in the back. Had he seen more that he had not told me?

We were up early.  The tide would allow Myrddyn and King
Fiachnae mac Báetáin
the chance to get inside the fortress but we needed to be prepared to go while the waters still surrounded the rock. Morcar and Lann Aelle helped me to dress.  I saw the concern on Lann Aelle’s face but Morcar just seemed excited.

“Remember Morcar you have to stay behind me and keep the standard high so that all may see it, friend and foe.  Use your shield well for they will drop rocks and stones upon us.”

“Do not fear, Warlord.  I will not let you down!”

Lann Aelle shook his head as he fitted the armour around my neck. It effectively protected the vulnerable part of my body beneath my helmet and above my mail. It was a little fiddly to fit. “It is not about you today, cousin, you bear the standard and you are the rallying point. Remember you will march at the Warlord’s back.  You will protect him with your shield whilst keeping the banner high.  Trust me, cousin, it will take you all your time to keep your feet in the press of warriors who will be around you.” He stepped back. “There it is done. This one piece of armour is the hardest to fit.”

I nodded, “It is but it is the most important for it protects the neck. I have forgotten how many warriors I have despatched with a blow to the throat or neck.”

“And you, cousin, will need to learn how to do this. Remember you are the Warlord’s squire now.”

Morcar handed me Saxon Slayer. “I know and I am honoured.”

“I will not ask if it is sharp I know it is.”

Morcar laughed, “To show you how sharp just feel my chin.  I shaved with it this morning.”

“That is no test cousin; put some milk on your beard and the cat could lick it off.”

I smiled until I saw that Morcar had taken it seriously and had reddened.  “Do not mind Lann Aelle, Morcar. Pol and Hogan Lann both teased him the same way. It is what happens when you are new.”

“One day I will not be new.  One day I will lead armies.  Just you watch. Then no one will mock me!”

“Of course you will cousin.  Do not listen to me.” Lann Aelle had only been bantering. It spoke of the state of mind of Morcar. He had yet to prove himself.  Until he did he would be sensitive to all comments. And of course there was Morgause…

The chosen warriors waited eagerly.  They had all been chosen because they had good mail and sound weapons.  Bors and Kay led the men of Rheged and Penda those of Mercia.  I was happy with their choices. While we waited we practised marching in formation.  None of the warriors I was leading had fought with the others.  This would be a baptism of fire.

We could see, in the first light of dawn, the sea as it began to recede.  I gathered the warriors behind me on the sandy shore across from the gate. The sentries inside the Northumbrian stronghold had seen our movements and I watched warriors beginning to line the walls.  That was a good thing. We had their attention.

Bors and Kay stepped in front of me.  “You can lead Warlord but not in the front rank.  That honour goes to Kay and me.”

I noticed that Bors wielded his war hammer.  He meant business. “Very well.”

Penda said, “And I will have my warriors with axes close behind, Warlord, just in case they do not open the gate for you when you knock.” My warriors all laughed.  Penda had a sense of humour and they had already forgotten that he was a Saxon.

We formed up with Kay, Bors and three men before me. Two of Bors’ men were to my left and two of Kay’s men on my right. Morcar was tucked in behind me and Penda and a warrior were to his right while two other Saxons were to the left. I hoped that all would see the trust I had in Penda and his men. It would be simplicity itself if the Mercians chose to kill me as we marched. Of course they would be slaughtered themselves but by then the damage would be done. I laughed inside at myself.  I knew who would kill me already and it was not a Saxon.

“Sound the buccina!”

The Roman horns were blown and we began to march across the damp sand towards the gate. Bors and Kay began to chant to help the men keep the beat.  We all knew to start on the same leg. Speed was not important but a solid front was.