Return of The Atheling: White Blade, Warrior Prince by Pattison Arthur

Author:Pattison, Arthur [Pattison, Arthur]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

Oder started the process of ascertaining their reserves, provisions, the population of the village and what number were adult men and what number were women, older residents and children. He was pleased that the armoury had been much increased by the salvaged weapons of the defeated enemy. Though the total population numbered ninety, Oder was concerned that only a small number were warriors. Due to losses in the recent battle, perhaps thirty could be mustered as a fighting, or more crucially, a defensive force. Worryingly, he realised that they would be hard pressed to defend against another strong attack.

Following the end of their debate the five of the council inspected the palisade which was steaming as it dried in the sunshine that now replaced the overburdened sky.

Looking over the palisade Oder noticed plumes of smoke in the far distance.

‘Innis, is that a distant village or do you have workers out there?’ He pointed to the thin plumes that threaded skywards. Innis looked to Guthra who shook his head.

‘No, there is no settlement. We have no workers out, those look like camp fires to me.’

‘We will have to find out. Can you organise someone to spy on what’s happening? We need an answer quickly.’ Oder’s concern was growing as the number of smoke spirals had increased.

‘Uffa and Edwin, you are our best huntsmen, one of you go and investigate what’s happening, without being seen of course.’

‘I will go, Innis, Edwin has family.’ Uffa answered.

‘Go swiftly, then, Uffa, I fear we may be under threat.’ Uffa merely nodded to Oder before leaving the palisade.

‘Find out why the lookouts did not see this before me. I will get young Alfred up here; he has the eyes of a hawk. Join me in the hall after he arrives.’ Oder shouted as he negotiated the ladder.

After instructing Alfred, Oder informed Edred and the three women of the possible threat before returning to the hall.

Guthra and Innis were waiting as Oder entered the hall. ‘I have ordered Edwin to alert the warriors and prepare them for action,’ Innis informed him as he sat at the fire.

Oder paused before giving an opinion. ‘If this is another war band of Cadwallon, I fear they are part of a larger campaign to provision his camp. He has withdrawn his forces from the north; perhaps they are going to concentrate on pillaging east and west on the south of the river. It would make sense for him to strengthen his camp if he is expecting Oswald.’

‘What do you advise if that is the situation?’ Guthra asked.

‘We must wait for Uffa’s report before we decide. There may be no threat.’

‘But what if there is a threat, Oder? What is your plan then?’ Innis voiced concern.

A noise at the entrance to the hall distracted them. They watched fascinated as Gitre walked in with the aid of a spear to support himself; two women, obviously concerned that he might fall, kept close to his side.

‘Thegn Gitre!’ Innis shouted. ‘By the gods it is good to see you on your feet.

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