Read Online Viking Treasure by Griff Hosker - Free Book Online Page A

understood the importance of their role. It was dusk when we rode through the gates of Elfridaby.  I was pleased with the improvements my son had made. I was weary and Elfrida saw that.
    "Let your father sit and take refreshment before you badger him with questions.  He will tell you his news soon enough." She pointed to Ragnar.  "Our son put your mind at rest when he returned from Bebbanburgh."
    Elfrida was like a mouse but when she roared she was like a she wolf. Wolf Killer looked abashed.
    "Thank you Elfrida but a horn of ale will suffice for a while and then I will give my news."
    Ragnar sat next to my chair between Haaken and me. I saw the frown flit across my son's face. Was he jealous?
    Haaken saw the look.  "We have spoken with those who guard the beacons.  They will be vigilant.  If our enemies come then your beacon will bring the men of Windar's mere. They have many horses and ponies.  They can be here before you know it."
    Wolf Killer nodded gratefully, "Then they will be coming this way?" Elfrida flashed an angry look at her husband.  "I ask Haaken, not my father!"
    "And is not Haaken of an age with your father? Neither is getting any younger!"
    I think Haaken took offence at that last comment but he did indeed have streaks of white hair as I did.  He smiled, "Do not worry, Elfrida, we have life left in us yet.  Aye, Wolf Killer, they come and they may come sooner than we thought. Raibeart is patrolling the sea ways. He told us that there could be ten or twelve boatloads of Frisians, Franks and Danes heading this way."
    "If they come by land then they will have to pass here first."
    I nodded, "They will and therein lies our problem. I have asked Sigtrygg to watch in case they take a southern route. You must send out your scouts to watch the high passes. Have you Hersir you can send?"
    "Aye, I have.  They may not be Ulfheonar but they are warriors I can trust as you trust Haaken and the others."
    "Good.  If you see them early enough then I can bring every warrior we can muster and defeat them but it is twenty miles to my home.  It would take longer for a message to reach us and longer to arrive here.  Your vigilance is the key."
    "I see that now. This land seems perfect.  The fields yield much and we prosper but at times like this I see that the sword has two edges and one can cut."
    "Aye. Cyninges-tūn is harsher and harder to farm but Old Olaf protects us." He nodded.  "I know that Bjorn Bagsecgson sent you arrows and spears.  If you have not enough then send for more.  Our archers may make the difference."
    The next day I rode with my son, Haaken, my grandson and eight of Wolf Killer's oathsworn. Garth had been desperate to come but there was too much danger for that.  He was still young and the rocky wasteland that was Shap was perfect for ambush.. We rode towards the stone circle of Shap and the high passes. "This is Beorn Long Sight.  He is my best scout."
    Wolf Killer pointed to a lean looking warrior who wore leather armour and just a short sword.  Hung from his saddle was a bow.  He bowed, "I am honoured to meet with you, Jarl Dragonheart."
    We were ascending a track which led from the valley bottom alongside the tiny deserted farmstead of Low Borrow. "Do you know this land well?"
    He pointed to the farm.  I was born there and lived there until the Danes came and slaughtered my family." I waited for he had not finished.  He answered my unspoken question. "I was away hunting.  I followed those that did this and killed them all.  It took a month but my family was avenged. It was then I journeyed west to serve your son. I know this land."
    "You will need to keep a close watch on the high passes.  Are there others who have your skills?"
    He gave me a serious look, "That is not for me to answer, Jarl.  If I say no then it sounds as though I am arrogant.  There are others who can scout but you ask me can they stand amidst a field of Danes and remain hidden as I can then the answer