Birthright by Ethan Jones

Author:Ethan Jones [Jones, Ethan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-11-17T00:00:00+00:00

I called for my men to stand down and I sheathed my blade before stepping forwards. Bjorgolf tried to grab my arm to stop me and cursed as I shook his arm free. The lord and his men still cheered my name as the priest sent some of the armed townsfolk to spread the word that their rightful king had arrived upon the shores of Ynys Môn.

Bjorgolf put one of his bear like hands on my shoulder to gain my attention as I stood still in-between the two forces, a feeling of intense pride strong within my chest. “What the hell is going on?” The Dane was confused, as were most of my men.

Bjorgolf did not have to wait long for the answer. Their lord sheathed his blade and marched forwards until he stood before me. The man wore an old mail hauberk and, from the hilt of his blade, I could see that he had some wealth although his helmet, complete with cheek guards that hid his features, was plainly designed. He removed his helmet to reveal a middle-aged and heavily lined dark face with a receding hairline of greying black neatly cropped hair and was clean-shaven except for a neatly trimmed moustache. He met my eyes briefly and dropped to one knee before speaking respectfully in the language of the Britons. “My King, I am Gwyncu son of Owain, Lord of Rhosyr and the port of Abermenai. I pledge my sword and those of my men to your service.”

I grinned happily. I was home; this was it. The moment for which I had been longing all these years. These were my people and they wanted me as their king. Soon I would reclaim all my rightful lands from the usurpers. I put my hands on Gwyncu’s shoulders and told him to rise. He stood a head shorter than I and turned to face the crowd which was beginning to swell as the townsfolk heard word that their rightful king had returned. Gwyncu thumped the air and roared to the crowd. “The king has returned! Rejoice at his coming, for we are free! All hail King Gruffudd!”

Bjorgolf winked at me and chuckled at my embarrassment as the crowd shouted my name enthusiastically. Gwyncu gestured for me to follow him and so I called for my warband to form up before following the Lord of Rhosyr deeper into Abermenai. I placed a hand on Ronan’s shoulder. “My compliments to Sitric, but the army is under his command as I discuss things with my people. He is to remain close to the ships until I send word and make sure he keeps Faelan under control.” Ronan nodded that he understood the message and ran across to where Sitric’s men were formed up under his raven banner.

The men of my warband grinned excitedly as women gave them drink and food, a few even kissed some of my men on the cheeks. The priest, who was a small, rotund and ageing man, had joined the grand procession which followed Gwyncu up the main street from the beach into the town.

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