Northman Part 2 by M J Porter

Author:M J Porter [Porter, M J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-12-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

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Northman

The better weather came slowly but steadily and still dodging messengers from Eadric, now coming from wherever the king was residing, Northman took the opportunity to hunt and train with his father’s men and those who formed his brother’s slowly growing band of household troops. Leofric didn’t yet have his own household and so didn’t need his own warriors, but their father always had his eye on the future, and so Leofric trained with four youths who would form the core of his household troops. When the time came.

Northman didn’t miss his own men for in effect all of them, apart from Olaf had been chosen by Eadric, more than likely to keep an eye on him and for no other reason. They were good warriors, and Northman could rely on them in a fight, but that was more because they didn’t want to lose their lives for Eadric, not because they respected him.

They were hunting in the woods near to Deerhurst when sounds of horsemen approaching caught Northman’s ears and he made his way carefully through the burgeoning undergrowth to see who was near. He was surprised when he recognised the king’s son. Godwine had followed him when he heard the noise and without words, he turned his back and disappeared back into the wooded canopy to find their father.

Edmund was wearing a deep black fur cloak, swung half around his shoulders and half over his horse, and his expression was grim.

“Your mother directed me this way,” he offered by way of an explanation and Northman nodded in understanding.

“You’re well my Lord?” he enquired, knowing already that the answer would be negative but asking it all the same.

“I’m well, but I’m troubled, if you can understand that. I must speak with your father, and although I understand how much more convivial it must have been to spend the winter with your wife and family, I fear that Eadric has spent the time plotting with the king.”

Northman stiffened a little at the mild rebuke but didn’t lash out. After all, it had only been a mild rebuke and Edmund wasn’t angry, only concerned.

“What do you think he intends to do?”

Edmund shook his head unhappily.

“Wait for your father to join us, and then I need only explain once.”

Lapsing briefly into silence, Northman calmed his restive horse with a slap on the neck and remembered whom he was addressing.

“My apologies my Lord, do you need food or mead?”

Edmund shook his head absentmindedly.

“No, and thank your mother, she offered me the same but I fear I was a little abrupt. Speed may well be essential.”

They lapsed into an almost comfortable silence as they waited, the cries of the hunters and those seeking the hunters reaching their ears. It seemed to take a long while for Leofwine to appear from amongst the trees and when he did he was apologetic and amused in equal measure, until he saw Edmund.

“My apologies, My Lord,” he said, formerly, and Northman swung his gaze back to Edmund in an effort to decipher what his father had seen in the man’s face that he hadn’t.

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