Saxon Bane by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online

the works of the Romans. I cannot raise the dead.” He smiled.  “But I have saved some who are close to death from dying.”
    The king laughed and clapped the table. “You are a valuable man to have around.  Warlord, how much to buy this wizard from you?”
    I smiled, “He stays with me because he wants to.  I do not pay him and he is his own man.  If you wish him to serve you then ask him.”
    That really confused him. “Truly? I can ask him to become my wizard?” I nodded and gestured with my hand for him to ask. “Wizard come and be my healer and I will give you your weight in silver.”
    “A generous offer, King Fiachnae mac Báetáin , but my destiny lies with Lord Lann the Warlord of Rheged. I have served him since I was a young boy and the spirits came to me and told me to follow his banner. I have done so since I walked from Mona to Castle Perilous. As you can see it is out of my hands. It is wyrd .”
    I saw an evil smile come over Calum’s face.  “So if the Warlord was dead you could serve my king?”
    In answer Myrddyn said, “Alive or dead I will always serve the Warlord.”
    It was Calum’s turn to be confused. “I think then that this warlord has a reputation which is not deserved.  He has achieved all he has through your trickery and his treachery.”
    I saw my entire band of warriors stop eating and stare at this giant. I waved my hands for them to calm down.  I wiped the food from my mouth and measured my words before I spoke. “Be careful Calum of Dál nAraidi for I do not suffer insults lightly.  I have killed many warriors, kings and champions and in fair combat.  My sword, Saxon Slayer, has never tasted defeat.  I would not offend your king by killing his oathsworn.”
    Suddenly Calum leapt to his feet. “My lord, I demand the blood rite of combat.  I have been insulted!”
    The king shook his head.  “It is you who insulted our guest first.”
    Calum glared at his king, “It matters not I have the right!”
    The king nodded sadly. He looked at me, “It is true.  I am sorry, Warlord, but tomorrow you must face Calum and this will be decided by first blood. Whoever draws first blood is the winner.”
    Myrddyn looked from one to the other, shook his head and said,  “I would reconsider, Calum. You are dealing with a warrior who has a sword with magical qualities.  Are you willing to take that chance?”
    He laughed, “I am fighting an old man who could be my grandfather. He is the one who should be worried.”
    I smiled, “Then I have to tell you, I am not.” I turned to the king.  “And what of the alliance?”
    The king laughed, “You are a confident one; if you can still walk after the combat and are not lying in a pool of your own blood then we will have an alliance and my warriors will fight alongside you against the Saxons.”
    I had won! “Excellent! Then this old man will get to bed, the better to prepare for the morrow.” My warriors and Morcar all stood to accompany me.  Myrddyn sat at the table still.  “I will join your later, Warlord.” There was the most subtle of winks and I left.
    Morcar said, “Let me fight him, uncle. I will be your champion I am not afraid of him.”
    “No,” said Tuanthal, “I am the leader of the bodyguard, it is my right.”
    I stopped and faced all of them.  “The challenge was to me and I will face it.  Do you think the Wolf Warrior can no longer fight because his hair is going white? I will defeat this giant and then we will have our allies.  The gods are with us.”
    I saw the disbelief on their faces.  Every one of my bodyguards was willing to take my place.  I did not need them to do so but I was touched that they offered.
    I was still awake when Myrddyn returned to our hut. I know that my bodyguards had arranged for one of them to be awake during the night.  I feared no treachery for the treachery had already taken place. I confirmed it with Myrddyn.
    “So Calum has been bought.” Myrddyn nodded. “By