The Long Hunt (The Strongbow Saga) by Judson Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

Hay
     
    Unfortunately, it proved to be not as simple as that. Hastein turned to Torvald and immediately began listing what must be done to ready the ships for a quick departure. Torvald scowled as he listened, and Hroald's expression looked increasingly alarmed. He rocked from side to side nervously and cleared his throat several times, as if he wished to speak but was afraid to interrupt. Finally he blurted out, "But there is the matter of the hay."
    There was a long silence, while Hastein appeared to be weighing what Hroald had said, and attempting—apparently without success, for a confused frown grew upon his brow—to discern what it meant. Finally he conceded defeat and asked, "The hay?"
    Hroald nodded vigorously. "Yes, the hay. For the winter feed, for our cattle. We have cut it, but it is still drying out in the fields. We must finish drying it and bring it in before we can leave with you."
    Ivar and Bjorn exchanged incredulous glances and rolled their eyes.
    Gudfred chimed in. "Aye, it is so with us, too. We've not even finished cutting all of ours. It must be done before we can leave. We must bring in enough hay to feed the beasts we do not slaughter. Winter is coming, and we cannot know how long we will be away. If the beasts starve, the folk will, too. This must be done."
    Ignoring Gudfred's and Hroald's remarks, Torvald leaned over, placing his head close to Hastein's ear, and spoke in a whisper that unfortunately was loud enough for all nearby to hear. "Hastein, we cannot just sail away with these men! We do not know their mettle. They are untested. They do not know our ways, nor we theirs. We expect to have to fight, if we pursue this hunt for Toke."
    Gudfred bristled, and spoke angrily to Torvald. "Do not disdain us because we do not serve a great jarl, as you do. Do not think, because we cut hay with scythes tomorrow, that we cannot also harvest men with different blades. Hrorik, our chieftain, was no bench warmer. We raided with him every summer. We are all experienced warriors."
    "I do not doubt it," Hastein told him, speaking quickly before Torvald could respond. "Hrorik Strong-Axe was a doughty warrior, and as you say, you all have sailed and fought with him. I have no doubt that you have courage, and can wield the tools of war. But there is some truth in what Torvald has said. In battle, in a shield wall, we must all fight as one. We should train together, at least briefly. If you would sail with us, on our ships, you must learn our ways."
    He sighed. I thought it a restrained response. It was all I could do not to groan aloud.
    "And the hay?" Hroald asked. Ivar sniggered.
    "Ah, yes…the hay. How many days will it take to bring it in?" Hastein asked Gudfred and Hroald.
    Gudfred glanced over at Hroald, who shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Ours is all cut, and has been drying. If the morrow is warm and sunny, our hay might be dry enough to gather by evening. If clouds hide the sun, maybe two more days to dry. But if it rains.…" He shrugged his shoulders again.
    "And you?" Hastein asked Gudfred.
    "That we've already cut has been drying for several days now. It can be brought in tomorrow. Cutting the rest, then drying it and bringing it in?" I felt my heart sink. He, too, shrugged his shoulders, as Hroald had done. There seemed to be much of that these days. "It would go faster with help," he suggested.
    Ivar snorted. "When did you last cut hay, Hastein? Or have you ever?"
    Hastein ignored him. To Gudfred and Hroald, he said, "You will cut your hay, and gather it, and we will help you. And we will train together, also. We must do all of these things as quickly as we can. Toke's trail grows colder every day that we delay our departure."
    *  *  *
    The following morning Ivar and Bjorn sailed. Before they departed, Ivar pulled Hastein aside. They obviously did not realize that I was near enough to hear their words. "You should come with us," Ivar said. "Give up this folly. This is not your fight. You do