Outlaw (Aelfraed) by Hosker Griff

Author:Hosker, Griff [Hosker, Griff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword Books Ltd
Published: 2012-12-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

When Branton returned he had many empty saddles. “You have done well, Branton, and saved us this day. I will not forget it.” He nodded. “See how many horses you can find and, if you are able bring any of our wounded from the field.”

We knew there were wounded for we could hear their pitiful cries as they lay amongst the carnage. I did not know if the Normans would bother with their own dead but we had so few men left now that every man, even the wounded, was worth double the dead and dying Normans. Osbert spat on the ground as he bound a wound on Edwin’s arm. “With respect my lord, Earl Morcar is a prick and if I see him again…”

“Do not worry, Osbert, we have fought alongside that coward for the last time.”

“With whom will we fight then, Aelfraed, for we have few men left?” Ridley’s voice of reason chilled me to the bone.

“I do not know. What is the alternative? Submit?” I looked at Ridley and suddenly realised that he had a future. “You could take your men back to Coxold and continue as Thegn.”

He smiled sadly. “Aelfraed, it has always been the same, my world and yours are tied together with a bond which has been determined by wyrd. Where you go, there go I.”

“But Ridley, I am outlaw. You know what that means?”

“Aye my lord, it means that every man’s hand is turned against you. You have no home and you will be shunned by all.”

“And you choose that?”

“I choose that.”

I turned to the circle of warriors who watched us and listened to the conversation. “And all of you, do you choose that; for I will give coin to any who wish to go home. It is only Aelfraed of Topcliffe who is outlaw.”

In answer they all banged their shields and roared, “Aelfraed.” None left me and we were all outlaws from that moment on. The sign of the Red Horse became the symbol for rebellion and resistance to all invaders.

When Branton returned he had managed to acquire thirty mounts, some of them Norman. He also found eight warriors who were wounded. Two of them would not see out the night but, at least they would die amongst comrades.”My lord, we cannot stay here. We must move.”

“I know, Osbert, place the wounded on the horses, Branton lead us out and have four men as scouts to watch our rear. We trudged north all night, eventually collapsing at Knottingley where we begged some shelter and food from those in the small village. I felt honour bound to tell them who were and that we were outlaws. Cnut, the headman nodded. “That is as maybe my lord but I stood with you at Stamford and to us you will never be outlaw. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish.”

“Thank you Cnut but we will leave on the morrow for I would not wish harm to come to you and your people.

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