Scourge of the Vikings by Burke T D

Author:Burke, T D [Burke, T D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dean Park Press
Published: 2022-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32: Negotiations

Spring 863

Ile de Groix

As the Loki neared the shore of Ile de Groix, Rejar warned the crew for one final time, ‘Remember, on your best behaviour now. We don’t want any trouble.’

A dozen of Anstign’s crewmen jumped into the waves to haul the Loki up the beach. One or two of Ubbe Ragnarsson’s men assisted them which Rejar took as a good sign.

Anstign used the mast to steady himself as the boat bumped onto the sand. He could see the beach was home to a few dozen Viking long-ships although, with their sails rigged out like tents, they clearly weren’t ready for immediate action. What seemed like an army of men watched them, but none had drawn swords. The mood appeared to be one of curiosity rather than malevolence. On a low rise behind the dunes, he saw some buildings. He jumped down onto the soft sand and looked around. His scarred, one-eyed face made him easily recognisable, and a big, burly man wearing a walrus-hide jacket marched quickly towards him.

‘ Halsa , you are Jarl Anstign?’

When he nodded, the burly man extended his arms in a gesture of goodwill. Anstign responded and moved his hand from his sword. The Speardane’s actions appeared cordial, but when he looked into the dark brown eyes, he saw only coldness.

‘My lord, my name is Miko, I am Ubbe’s hersir . I’m honoured to meet the great Anstign, we have all heard of your travels to the southern sea. And Bjorn Ironside?’ He looked round enquiringly.

‘He will follow when our ship is secured.’

‘As you wish, please come this way.’

They had agreed that Anstign would lead the way with Halfdan who, to Britnoth’s amusement, had been strutting around self-importantly ever since. Bjorn would stay back a little and keep his eyes open for anything unexpected.

‘That man Miko was the bastard I fought at Mudford,’ muttered Britnoth to Cadan, as they followed the others up the path. ‘He’s another one I’d like to settle with.’

‘You fought Ubbe’s hersir ? I don’t remember you mentioning that?’

‘It was earlier on that day we were marched to Wareham.’

‘That’s where some Speardanes gave me a beating,’ recalled Cadan. ‘Just keep out of his way, though, if he recognises you it’ll only lead to trouble.’

Ever since Anstign had announced they were sailing to Ile de Groix for a council with Ubbe Ragnarsson, Cadan had been nervous. He knew all about Britnoth’s determination to settle his score with the Speardane chief, but this was definitely not the right time or place.

‘Britnoth,’ he reminded him quietly, ‘remember, no heroic gestures with Ragnarsson.’

His friend’s face was tense. ‘I know, don’t worry. I just want to take a look at him.’

They reached the farm buildings which were set in a square courtyard with a great oak tree in its centre. Miko led them towards a large long-hut. The Slav stepped back to let Anstign and Halfdan enter and there was a slight pause as Anstign waited for Bjorn to catch up. Rejar made to follow them into the long-hut but two Speardane guards stepped into his way.

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