Hosker, G [Wolf Brethren 02] Saxon Revenge by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page B

spear could strike me again I punched with my shield boss into his face.  He took the punch well but he opened his body slightly and I slid Saxon Slayer through the mail on his left side; the blood which dripped from my sword told me I had wounded him and he stepped backwards. We all knew that to step back in a shield wall was to invite death and so it was.  The warrior to my left pushed forwards and stabbed the wounded man in the throat.
    Garth was busily engaged with Wach who was desperately trying to reach me.  I heard the clash of arms from ahead and heard the wail as King Gwalliog and his horsemen struck the men at the rear of the Saxon line and began to butcher them.  I noticed that the arrows were now falling further away and that meant that Raibeart could see the enemy lines faltering. “On, men of Rheged! One last push and we shall prevail!”
    Wach’s guttural Saxon almost spat in my face. “Not before you die at my hands, killer of women.”
    I did not bother to answer him and deny his lie.  He was angry and that was a weakness.  I slew the fierce faced swordsman who hacked at my shield and then turned to face Wach.  There were two of us fighting him; no honour in that but we not seeking honour, we were seeking victory. He could not stand against two of us and his men, desperate to aid him were hacked to the ground by my shield wall which still retained its integrity. It was Garth who struck the mortal blow.  As Wach’s axe embedded itself in my shield Garth’s sword took off his head. The Saxons who were oathsworn did not flee but pushed even harder to redeem themselves by saving their leader’s body.  They were slaughtered to a man. When we stood amidst the pile of bodies I glanced up and saw that Raibeart had led the garrison to pursue the fleeing Saxons.  King Gwalliog and his horsemen were hurtling towards the woods and the last of the Saxons. I could not have fought any more for my leg was sending waves of pain through my whole body.  All I wanted was to lie down and sleep.
    I raised my helmet and Garth’s face filled with concern.  “You are wounded my lord.”
    “I think it is a scratch.”
    “I think not my lord, I can see bone.  Brother Patrick!”
    The priests and women had also followed Raibeart and were tending to the wounded.  The young priest shook his head. “Are you determined to die Lord Lann? Your wife will not be happy when you return to Rheged.”
    I gave a painful grin. “At least spare me the fire this time.” Suddenly my legs would no longer support me and I saw their faces get further from me as I slumped to the ground, to lie on the bloody, gore spattered ground.
    Brother Patrick reached down and held a cloth to my face. “Garth, get your men to carry him.  He has lost much blood.  Another hour and he would be dead.” He shook his head.  “The sword may be magical my lord but you must remember that you are mortal.  Take more care.”
    The last vision I had was of Raibeart’s concerned face peering over the priest’s shoulder and then all became black.
    When I came too it was to see Brother Patrick and Raibeart still leaning over me but I was now in the priest’s hut.  Brother Patrick did not look concerned but Raibeart had the fearful look he had had when I had been stabbed in the leg.  “You will live Lord Lann. You are tough.”
    “How long ...” I croaked.
    “Just a couple of hours,” said Raibeart with relief in his voice, “but it seemed longer.  Brother Raibeart took his time with the stitches.”
    The priest shrugged and gave me an apologetic smile.  “Having given you one scar I felt obliged to make the other as neat as possible.” He stood up.  “There.  I would tell you to rest but I suspect you would ignore me. Besides unless you laugh a lot you will do your face no harm.” So laughing he left.
    “And the battle?”
    “When Wach and his bodyguards all died the rest fled.  King Gwalliog and the horsemen are still pursuing