Baron of the North (23 page)

Take this ship to foreign shores

Find the girls and take the gold

Live today we'll never get old

Swear the oath and take the blood

Fight for the Baron as oathsworn should

If we die we'll meet once more

On Valhalla's distant shore

Bend the back and pull the oars

Take this ship to foreign shores

Find the girls and take the gold

Live today we'll never get old

We're sailing home to England fair

We sail to fight for the Baron there

After two renditions I realised that Olaf had changed it slightly.  It had changed from Jarl to Baron.

"They are not gaining but they are still within sight of us."

Although I barely had the breath I shouted, "How far to the Pillars of Hercules?"

"Not before nightfall I am afraid.  It will be a long afternoon."

I could see that the men were tiring. "One man in each oar take a break."

Erre said, "But they will catch us."

"They will gain I know but if we all row until we are exhausted then they will catch us. This way they will catch us but we will still have some fight left in us."

Wulfric chuckled, "Want to take a bet Erre?"

In answer Erre shook his head and he and Sven the Rus stood and joined me and Ralph of Wales. "Get water and a lemon for each of us.  It will sustain us.  We can wait for food."

Sven the Rus said, "Aye, Baron, it is not good to row on a full stomach."

They went to the hold and I took the opportunity of going to the stern to view the Arab dhow myself. I saw that it was half a mile away.  I could see the gleaming, sweating, black bodies as the dhow slid through the water. The ship bulged with the pirates. Their ship rode lower in the water than we did and that gave me an idea. 

"They are gaining again, Baron. We should have men on each oar."

"I know but the men were tiring.  Dai, do you have ballast aboard?"

"Ballast?"

"Aye stones, that sort of thing."

"We have some and the two sea anchors are made of stone."

"Where are they?"

"Gwynfor, show the Baron where the ballast lies."

As we passed him Ralph of Wales handed me a lemon which he had cut in two. I squeezed the sour juice into my mouth and then washed it down with the water from the skin. Immediately I felt refreshed both inside and out. "Ralph and Sven come with me. Erre, give a lemon and a drink of water to each of the rowers."

We went to the most forward part of the hold.  Here it was narrow. There were twenty or so large stones. "We will carry four of them to the cedar logs."

When we had manhandled them up to the cedar logs I was happier.  Erre gave me a curious look and Ralph laughed, "Do not try to read the Baron's mind, Erre; just wait and be amazed.  It is better that way."

I saw that the enemy was still gaining and we switched rowers. The extra power held the lead for a while longer. After the third change they were less than four hundred paces from our stern. "How far to the Pillars?"

Dai pointed ahead to a low smudge on the horizon. It was too far for us to reach. I took the fateful decision. "Wulfric stop rowing.  Store the oars and arm yourselves.  Dick, take the archers and the squires to the stern castle."

When Wulfric and my men had gathered they looked astern. "There are many of them Baron."

"I know Wulfric and we cannot fight them."

"You will not surrender surely! They are savages and will sell us to the slavers!"

"No Dai.  They will come alongside and we will drop these four heavy stones and stove in the bottom of their dhow. "

Ralph slapped Erre on the back, "I told you!"

"Dick, I want you and the archers to make life difficult for these pirates. Go for the leaders and those at the tiller. With luck you might discourage them enough to give up the chase."

Dai shook his head, "I would not gamble on that Baron.  These are desperate men.  Look how overloaded the boat is."

Erre pointed to the waters behind us.  "And I would not give much for the chances of any man in the sea now." Since we had thrown the bodies overboard and Erre had used the arm as bait we had been constantly followed by a squabbling shoal of sharks. Their dorsal fins appeared every now and then from the sea.

Dick waited until the dhow was a hundred paces from us.  That was well within their range but they did not loose their precious arrows blindly.  Each chose a target.  There was a large overweight, half naked man whose gleaming black body made a huge target at the bow. He was beating a drum for the rowers. Two arrows struck him in the back but the layers of fat and muscle stopped them striking a vital area.  Three other arrows hit two rowers on our side of the boat.

I heard Dick curse and watched as he carefully chose the perfect arrow. The others watched as it soared high and struck the drummer in the neck.  At eighty paces we saw the blood fountain high in the air and he fell. The other four then released their arrows and this time three men died.  One fell overboard and there was a sudden bubbling of the sea as the sharks pounced to tear the corpse to shreds.

I hoped that would have been enough but I saw the rowers rearrange themselves and warriors appeared with shields to protect them.  They still closed with us, albeit slower and Dick and the archers only scored minor hits on the crew.

"It looks like we will need the stones.  The ones who do not have stones use the javelins to stop them climbing aboard. Dick and the archers will be able to thin them out too."

It seemed that Nature conspired with the Arabs for the wind began to drop and the oar powered dhow began to gain rapidly on us. I brought my shield around as the Arabs hurled spears at us.  Most clattered harmlessly on the cedar logs but one stuck in Roger of Lincoln's shield.  He pulled it contemptuously from the shield and hurled it back to sink into the chest of a giant covered in gold and jewels.  As his body fell into the sea I reflected that the sharks would have a rich meal.

My archers were causing such devastation that the captain panicked and brought his dhow in before the oars had been retracted. Some of them sheered and splintered.  Many of the rowers were speared by splinters and there was much confusion. I saw that there had to be fifty or more warriors still alive in the dhow.

The dhow nudged next to us.  It was much lower than we were and they would have to climb the sides of the cog to board us. "Now!"

The four stones were lifted and then dropped.  They fell quickly and such was the effect that two of them went straight through the planks of the hull.  The other two crushed men and must have cracked the dhow for, with an alarming creak and groan, it split in two and the crew were thrown into the water.  The blue waters became a maelstrom of churning, bubbling bloody terror as the sharks gorged themselves on the thrashing pirates who desperately tried to flee from the monsters of the deep.  It was in vain.  As we headed west we saw in the darkening sea of red that all of them perished.  No one would return to Africa and their families would ever wonder the fate of their men. As we passed the Pillars of Hercules just after dark, I wondered if, like Ulysses, we were doomed to sail the seas for year upon year.  Already the journey seemed to have taken longer than our outward voyage.  I clasped my wolf token and prayed that we would reach home soon.

The weather worsened as we passed through the Pillars of Hercules.  That was not surprising.  It was now close to the beginning of autumn. On the first morning after we had left the calmer waters of the Mediterranean Dai asked to speak with me.

"Baron, I fear the weather.  I would put into a port sooner rather than later to offload and sell some of our goods.  With the Sicilian blockade we will make as much here as we would in England."

"But where is safe?"

He pointed to the east, "This is the land of the Muslim.  They value spices but it is, perhaps, not worth the risk. We should make for Aquitaine and Bordeaux. It is the first Christian country we can safely reach."

"Very well then, Bordeaux it is."

It took many days to beat up the coast.  We were all on watch, perpetually. Although this was not the Mediterranean filled with the threat of pirates there were minor warlords who could put out to sea in fast oared ships to take advantage of helpless Frankish merchants. The banks of storm clouds out to the west kept us within sight of the coast and danger. The captain, of course, was correct. This did make sense.  Bordeaux was famous for its wines and we could make double profits by selling some of our cargo in Aquitaine in return for wine and then the rest in Normandy and England.  Captain Dai could make enough money to buy a second ship although I doubted that he would so.  He seemed to be a solitary man. I could see him ending his days on the high seas. What would he do with all of his profits?  At least my men and I had a purpose. My family, my castle and my people would all be better off for my endeavours.

We were now travelling into colder, damper weather and we had all changed from our fine eastern clothes back into the heavier garments from home.  Many of the clothes we had brought and bought were the worse for the wet. The chests Sophia had given me for the gifts for my family were the exception.  Inside all was dry and the clothes and presents in perfect condition. 

The Gironde is a long and wide river and we found shelter from the tempestuous weather we had endured. I knew little of the region saved that it was ruled by a Duke, William, and that it was fiercely independent. I wondered at our reception and I made sure that, as we sailed up the river to the fortress city of Bordeaux, my men were all well presented.  We had not had time to  change the surcoats but that would have to wait for England and my wife.

The port was well maintained and they were used to dealing with foreign ships of all types.  I saw huge warehouses next to the river filled with barrels of wine. We were, of course, viewed with suspicion when we docked.  Dai had never been there and, with the bow castle gone, we looked more than a little odd. The people spoke Poitevin but they understood Norman. Armed guards accompanied the port official who came to greet us or perhaps to warn us off. My Varangians looked more like pirates and brigands than warriors of an English lord.

"We are here to trade."

He looked down his nose at Dai who had spoken. "And what can a Norman have that is worth trading?"

I smiled for Dai had expected such a response. "Cedar wood," the official nodded, "lemons," he became more interested, "olive oil," his eyes widened, "and of course many spices such as pepper, saffron, cumin and coriander." His mouth actually dropped open.

"You have been to Constantinopolis?" He used the old name for the city. Dai nodded. "But we have heard that the Normans in Sicily have blocked the route.  They are trying to strangle the Empire. There have been no ships for weeks."

"Nonetheless we managed to evade them.  The Baron of Stockton here and his men are doughty warriors."

It was interesting the change which came over the official.  He became fawning, "I am certain his grace the Duke would appreciate meeting someone who has bested the men of Sicily."

I nodded, "I will leave you to discuss the trade, Captain.  Is there someone who could direct us to the Duke?"

"Of course.  Gilles, take the Baron to the castle."

Gilles was curious about our appearance.  The Varangians in particular looked both exotic and barbaric. I explained how we had fought against real barbarians and these were now my warriors. "You live close to the Scots then Baron?"

"I do."

"Are they not barbarians too?"

I smiled. I think many of the knights there would have taken offence at being called a barbarian. "They are fierce and wild fighters it is true but their knights dress as you and I."

Duke William was roughly my age and I liked him immediately.  He too had a young family.  Once Gilles had explained who we were and how we had reached his land we were treated well.  My men were taken to the main square where they could enjoy the taverns and my squires and myself were taken to the main hall. His wife was a frail looking creature,
Aenor de Châtellerault
, who sadly died the following year.  He had three children.  His only son, William, was a pleasant little boy but he too only survived his mother by a year.  It was the Duke's eldest daughter who made the greatest impression not only on me but all that she met.  Eleanor was just seven years old but she was both bright and confident.  She acted much older than her years. I came to know her well but that was a long time in the future.  She took a close interest in all that we had to say. She was a good listener.

The Duke was fascinated by my account of the defeat of the ships which had assailed us.  "Then you must have had experience as a seaman before, Baron."

"No, your Grace.  I could not sail a ship to save my life but I applied the rules of the battlefield to the sea and they seemed to work."

He nodded, "You are a quick learner then. Your King Henry is very ambitious is he not?"

I wondered if this was an attempt to make me disloyal. If so, it failed. "King Henry is careful to protect his lands.  His father conquered England and Normandy is his by right."

He held up his hand, "I do not wish to offend.  I too am ambitious but here we do not have the army which your King has at his disposal. I was merely thinking that with men such as you a leader could do almost anything. If you should ever tire of service to King Henry then there will be a place for you here in Aquitaine.  I need men who have battle experience."

I nodded, "I am grateful and flattered by your offer but I swore an oath to the King and, in my family, such oaths are sacred."

Eleanor suddenly interrupted, "As it should be!"

Her father silenced her with a glare. "I am sorry, Baron, my daughter is a little forward."

I smiled, "There is nothing wrong with that. In my land they have a phrase which is
'shy bairns get nowt
' which translated means that children who ask for nothing get nothing.  Your daughter does right to express her opinion."

"But she is a girl!"

"King Henry's daughter is a woman and she was Empress of the Empire and is now heir to England and Normandy.  Women can wield power too."

I could see that I had made a friend for life of Eleanor; not that I had said what I had for that reason.  The Duke also reflected upon my words. "Will you stay with us, Baron?  For a while at least."

"I am sorry your Grace.  Normally I would be happy to do so but seeing your charming family has made me realise how much I miss my own.  I am anxious to be home.  The blockade means that both my King and my family might fear for my safety."

He smiled and ruffled Eleanor's hair, "I understand.  My family travels everywhere with me."

"Would that mine could but I am a warrior who is often called upon to go to war.  I make the most of my precious moments with my family."

They accompanied us to the wharf. Eleanor raced forward and reaching up said, "I would like you to visit with us again, Baron Alfraed."

"And I promise that I will do so.  Who knows I may bring my own family here to see your beautiful land."

As we sailed back up the Gironde I was pleased that Dai had made us call in at the port. King Henry was all about making alliances. I felt that I had made one too.  It would remain my secret.  Who knew when I could use it to bargain my way out of a corner. Who knew when I might need somewhere I could find sanctuary? Dai was more than pleased.  He had traded half of our cargo for wine. My men at arms had also made a profit but I feared that the Varangians would consume their profits before we ever saw England.

The Orne and the coast of Normandy was a welcome sight.  I would not be home in time for the harvest.  The voyage had taken longer than we could possibly have imagined. I was just grateful that we had survived intact. My mission was almost over.

As Dai nudged his ship towards the wharf he said, "Baron I will sell some of my cargo here and the rest in London."

I cocked my head to one side, "What you are really asking is permission to delay returning me and my men to our home."

He smiled and nodded, nervously, "Aye lord.  I am anxious to sell my cargo when it is in prime condition. And I would like to hire sailors to replace those we lost. I do not like to sail shorthanded; especially with winter so close"

"Just so long as we land, unload and leave then that is satisfactory.  I have delayed my homecoming long enough."

The wharf was not a large one and was some way from the castle. I went with my precious parchments to the castle taking only Leofric and John.  When I reached the castle I was told that the King was in Rouen and I cursed my misfortune. Rouen was a day's ride away.

"I need three horses."

The Castellan looked ready to object to my request. To forestall him I held up the documents I had brought.  "I have travelled half way around the world on the King's behalf and he will be less than amused if he discovers that you prevented me from fulfilling my duty."

He saw the wisdom in acceding to my demands and he gave us three poor palfreys. We rode back to the ship.  "Wulfric take charge here. I will be in Rouen for a couple of days. You may be able to sell your trade goods here but keep the  men, all of them, well behaved. I do not want a delay when I return."

Wulfric nodded and heeded the warning. "Do not worry, Baron, the men are all as anxious as you are to return home to England."

We headed north through an autumn rainstorm along muddy roads.  Our clothes became filthy and we had no spares with us.  The King would think he had three vagabonds returning to him.

Rouen was now the royal court.  It was better positioned for the King to react to danger from either Flanders or France and since Matilda's marriage the border with Anjou was more secure. As we rode through the streets I could see the liveries of many lords.  It looked like a conclave of knights. I left John with the horses for I wished a speedy return to Caen and the ship. Robert of Gloucester greeted me as I waited in the ante-chamber.  I had not seen him for some time and there was an uneasy air between us still.

I took the parchments from Leofric. "I have the treaty from the Emperor."

His eyes widened, "You have succeeded? I thought your early return meant you had failed."

"Early return? I thought we had been away longer than expected."

"It is known that the Emperor John is like all such men; he does nothing hastily and considers the ramifications of everything."

I shrugged, "He did not seem that way to me." I pointed to the closed door of the Great Hall.  "There seem to be many knights in the city this day."

"My father is rewarding those who served him well in the recent wars." He smiled at me, "I believe you are one such.  Had he known you were about to arrive he might have delayed the ceremony.  Still, he can reward you in private.  That way King David will not be offended."

I smiled. It was as though the ice between us was thawing, "I am never worried about offending the Scots."

He laughed, "And I feel the same about the Welsh.  Although they are quiet at the moment.  They are like an itch I cannot scratch."

"I shall be telling the King but, in case he does not know already, the Normans on Sicily are blockading the Empire.  I have heard that their Duke is about to become a king."

Robert frowned, "Aye we had heard such things. It is a good job there are many leagues twixt their Duke and my father for I think the two of them would clash.  You escaped without incident though?"

I shook my head and told him of my clashes both on the outward and homeward voyages. He smiled, "Fortune favours you although it is said that fortune always favours the brave or is it the reckless? You do take chances, Baron."

"We have but one life, my lord, and one chance to achieve.  I take my chance. I have seen too many brave men die with dreams unfulfilled.  That will not be me.  When I die I hope that men say of me that I never gave up."

"Gave up what?"

"Living!"

The door opened and a flurry of finely dressed and noisy knights erupted.  They looked at me as though I was a beggar. I ignored them all for I saw, in their midst, Stephen of Blois.  Our eyes fixed.  There was mutual hatred between us.  It had existed ever since he had tried to abduct the Empress Matilda. No matter how much he deceived the King and the Earl he would never fool me.  I knew him for what he was, an enemy of the Empress and of me.

When they had emptied the room the Earl shepherded us in. The King's face lit up. "Baron! You have exceeded my expectations.  I had thought you would have been away another six months at least."