Varangian (Aelfraed) by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online

spirits of my ancestors and they care for me.”
    He nodded and gestured towards Eric who was busily translating for Ridley.   “He is interesting.  He is what you English call the runt of the litter and he is, well he is different to other men. Did his father force him upon you?  Was he glad to be rid of him?”
    “No I was happy to take him.   Not every man is chosen to be a warrior and I had the feeling that Eric would make the difference at some time during this voyage but his father was, I believe, a little sad to see him leave.”
    “He is nothing like his brothers.”
    I laughed, “No you are right there, it was as though a bear had sired many young bears and then followed it with a lamb.”
    “Aptly put.” He became businesslike again, “When we begin rowing I will assign you your positions.” I gave him a questioning look. “It is all a matter of balance, having the right weight distributed on each side.  Your book keeper can row for he is the same size as Stig and they will balance each other.”
    “He is lighter.”
    “True but I can move heavier men to counteract that. You have never rowed before so take a word of advice; wrap a piece of cloth around your hands.”
    I watched the shoreline recede into the distance. “Do you anticipate trouble?”
    “Always and yet the last two voyages have been trouble free so who knows. The first part is hard for we travel upstream.  After the first portage we have an easier stretch for then we will be going downstream.  When we are going downstream we do not need to stop at night but your men will have to take turns as guard when we anchor midstream.”
    I wandered back to my men; I had been given a number of problems to solve and I decided to use Eric’s mind to help me. “Come Eric, let Ridley try out the words he has learned so far.”
    Ridley shrugged and I was pleased that, Ulf apart, they all appeared to enjoy being with Ridley.  That was important.  “Now then Eric, we have to stand watches and that needs organisation.  What do you suggest?”
    I already had my ideas for I had stood watches before but I was interested to see if this poet and singer could put his mind to that problem too. “Using all of us?”
    “All of us Eric, that means you and me as well.”
    He suddenly smiled. There are ten of us which means five pairs.   Some are obvious like Stig and Hammer, me and Ragnar.”
    I held my hand up.   “I like the pairs but not you and Ragnar.”
    He looked crestfallen.   “Am I not to be trusted?”
    “The first thing you need to understand Eric is that there is never anything personal in this.   We do things because they work. Ridley and I have stood sentry before whereas you and Ragnar have not.  You will be with me and Ridley with Ragnar.  Now go on.”
    He grinned with relief. “It seems to me that if we all do the same duty at night that is unfair so we have four watches each night so that one pair gets a night off.   Then each watch moves on one.”
    I nodded.   It was well thought out and, more important, fair. “Well done.  Divide the men up, put Ulf with Harald, it might lighten him up a little and put a smile on that miserable face of his and then tell the men.”
    The river we would be travelling down was the Volkhov and, fortunately, it was wide for there were boats under sail coming in the opposite direction. We anchored while Jarl Gunnersson fussed amongst us, arranging us.   Ridley and I were in the middle, opposite each other with another of the crew next to each of us.  Once he was happy he pulled up the anchor himself. “Up oars!” I could see the wisdom of putting the newer rowers with experienced men. I never knew the name of the man next to me for he spoke neither English nor any of the other words I had learned but, as he kept grinning at me with a furtive grin I called him Weasel.  He soon answered to Weasel although I doubt he knew what it meant. “Stroke!”
    Ridley and I just held onto the oar