Monsters by C R May

Author:C R May [May, C R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781495364082
Published: 2013-12-20T16:00:00+00:00

The sense of unease which gripped many of the warriors and crew on the ship was almost tangible and understandable. Beowulf swung himself up onto the wale and gripped the shroud line tightly as he cast about for a glimpse of land. None was to be seen in any direction as the Griffon nosed her way steadily south. Almost without exception it was the first time that the men aboard the ship had sailed out of sight of land, excepting cases of sudden sea fogs and mists which could curl from the surface of the sea at any time in their northern homelands. Today visibility was limitless as the sun shone steadily from a deep cerulean sky. They truly were sailing the hwæl-rad, the whale-road, as the scops so beautifully described it.

Of course Beowulf, Gunnar and Cola had sailed this road before, the previous Yule, as they had traversed the hwæl-rad in the Puffin, Helgi’s ship, on their way to pour yuletide scorn on the then King Hythcyn’s midwinter celebrations. They knew the abilities of those who chose to sail the German Sea and were relaxed and confident as Grimma guided Hudda across the empty wastes.

They had sailed south in company with the Engles until they had reached the mouth of the great bay which the English called The Husem. At the head of this bay stood the hall of Ealdorman Wonred and the fleet would ride at anchor there while the most important members of the expedition travelled to the hall of King Eomær to report on the success of their campaign and deliver the plunder to the delighted king.

As soon as the Engles had peeled off to the East Grimma directed Hudda to take the Griffon south-west, away from the coast. It would he explained not only take them away from the Saxon coast which came on thereabouts but save them fully a day’s sail in good conditions, two if the wind died away and they had to bend their backs to the oars.

Beowulf sat on the edge of the steering platform, his legs idly thrumming against the uprights, watching Grimma and his men as they sat at dice amongst the Geats. Harald sat beside him as they regarded the newcomers. A bowman himself, he was clearly carefully appraising both the men and the quality of their weapons before he committed himself to any overtures of friendship.

As Beowulf had expected Wonred had accepted the unconventional manner of his defeat with customary good grace. A small boat had been dispatched to round up Grimma and his companions from one of the ships over to larboard and they were quickly on their way. Beowulf had been delighted to accept a party of Engles led by a man called Grimma. It was one of the names which Woden used on his travels and it bode well for the success of their undertaking.

Beowulf smiled to himself as he watched Harald out of the corner of his eye.

“Well, what is your verdict? Are

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