The Last King by M J Porter

Author:M J Porter [Porter, M J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-22T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

I quickly regret my decision, and not just because looking at the boats and stepping onto the boats is such a different experience.

It transpires as I hoped that the four boats docked at Worcester all belong to the one captain. He watches me approach, in the early morning daylight, a flicker of respect and surprise on his wind-roughened face.

I waste no time with niceties.

“My men and I, horses as well, need to get as close to Repton as possible, by boat.”

Ships master Æthelred, as I’ve learned his name is, honks a bark of laughter at my question, while I stand, watching him, arms folded, not enjoying his amusement at the suggestion.

Eventually, he stills, looking from me to where Edmund and Icel still dog my steps.

“You’re not joking?” Æthelred sobers eventually, and I shake my head.

“Not even a little bit.”

“But. But.”

“But what?”

“Well, I don’t know. I’ve never been asked to do something like that before. The rivers are for trade, the trackways and royal roads are for riders.”

“That’s as maybe, but I’m trying something a bit different.”

“A bit different! Well, fuck me. I just don’t know.”

Æthelred turns to gaze at his boats, and as he does, I take in the sight of him. He’s probably a little older than I. His face is weathered by the sun and wind, and his hands look strong and able. The lack of hair on top of his head, while his brown beard and moustache are neatly trimmed makes it difficult to guess at his exact age. His eyes are bright, and shimmering green, reminiscent of a deep pool of water. He’s clearly a wealthy man to command so many crew and ships. Yet the boats he has are currently empty and riding high in the river because of it.

“Well, were you going somewhere else today?”

“No, not yet. I’m waiting for a shipment of quarried stone, that’s why the boats are so light, but it’s been delayed. I assume.”

“Then I can pay you for your service for a few days then?” I’m starting to feel frustrated that it’s all taking so long to resolve.

“Well. Well,” Æthelred leans his head to one side, and then rubs his hand through his beard, as though seeking the answer there.

“Will it be dangerous? I’ve heard you’re being hunted.”

“I don’t see how,” I offer, “not with all of my warriors on board.”

“So you are being hunted?”

“It would seem so. But the Raiders search for me on the roadways, and so I require a different mode of transport.”

Swift comprehension touches Æthelred’s face, and then he nods his head, clearly reaching a conclusion.

“We’ll take you, your men and your horses, but no further than the end of the River Stour. From there you can ride, or find others to transport you. But you’ll protect my sons and I. No amount of coin would compensate me if one of my sons lost their lives.

“Agreed,” and I hold my hand toward him to seal the bargain. But he hesitates, and I realise I’ve offered no price.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.