Viking Treasure by Griff Hosker

out tables and benches. One was laid for the King and one for me and my men. "Haaken fetch the men."
    I suspect that Prince Aethelred had been responsible for the food for it was excellent and there was plenty of it. Having had dried rations for the previous day my men appreciated it.  The Prince came and sat opposite me. Ragnar and Gruffyd were on either side of me and he nodded to them.  "Are these your sons, Jarl?"
    "This is my son and this is my grandson."
    He smiled at them, "And will you two be warriors like the Dragonheart?"
    Ragnar said, "We already are.  We fought King Egbert! I am not afraid to fight!"
    The Prince nodded, "I see even young Vikings have spirit."
    "I am sorry to say, Prince Aethelred, that your White Christ stops you and your men becoming great warriors.  Warriors do not forgive and forget."
    "I see now; that is why you came here to kill the renegade." He leaned forward.  "The killing of Coenred of Hagustaldes ham was a clever move, Jarl.  He had threatened to take my father's throne."
    "I told you Prince.  I tried to avoid killing him.  I did not kill him to ingratiate myself to your father."
    He frowned.  "But you had to kill him.  He was like a mad dog."
    I smiled, "Ah, you mean it was meant to happen?" He nodded. "It was wyrd !"
    "You are interesting Viking.  A man who can quote the Bible and argue like a Greek.  You are not what I expected."
    "And that is the difference between us for I never expect anything.  I use my eyes and ears to judge. All men are equal in my eyes. A man only betrays me once. Magnus the Foresworn thought he had found somewhere to hide in the most heavily defended castle in the land.  He was wrong.  I hope your father keeps his word.  I shall but if he does not then the wrath of God will seem as nothing compared with a Viking's wrath."
    I kept my voice calm but I saw him recoil in fear.  "And I believe you."
    We left at noon when my men were full and the skies were clear. The Prince and his men escorted us as far as the Aln.  He pointed to the loop in the river. "I will build a burgh here."
    "A good choice. You need but a ditch across the front and it will be almost as strong as Bebbanburgh."
    "Could you take Bebbanburgh, Jarl?"
    "A man can take any castle.  He would lose many men but it could be done.  A leader has to weigh those questions up.  Is it worth the effort?  Besides while men are in their castle their land can be ravaged."
    "Is that why you do not build burghs?"
    "We have no need.  We follow the old ways and the land protects us. We live in harmony with the earth and the spirits." I smiled, "Your people did once."
    "Would I be welcome if I came to visit you at Cyninges-tūn?"
    "Your father would approve?"
    "I am my own man and I make my own decisions."
    "Then you may visit and welcome."
    We bade him farewell and we headed west into the afternoon sun.



Chapter 4
    "Jarl, it is Raibeart ap Pasgen.  He has returned from Frisia." The message from the guard on the tower by our gate was a relief.
    We had been back for half a month and the preparations were going well for whatever attack Ragnar Ruriksson had in mind.  Bjorn Bagsecgson and his sons had produced arrow heads, spear heads and swords.  The ditches had been deepened and the land around the walls cleared back even further than the fifty paces we already had cleared.
    Those of my Ulfheonar who lived nearby made their way to my hall as did Aiden and Kara.  This was of vital importance to us all. Gruffyd also sat in with me.  He had been both quiet and reflective since we had returned from Bebbanburgh.  He had been close enough to hear all of our discussions.  His Saxon was the equal of any.  Perhaps he had his skill in languages from me; I know not. He watched me more. I had also noticed him emulating my walk and my stance. It was like having a half sized shadow following me around.
    Brigid had Uhtric bring in ale, bread and some fresh and very runny goats' cheese. The fact that