Viking Treasure by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page A

oathsworn before him. There were six priests behind him.  I think that one was a bishop but I am not well up on the different types of priest. As we slowed I said, quietly, "I was born to a Saxon father on the river they call the Dunum.  I was born in Northumbria.  Think on that."
    I dismounted and handed my reins to Finni the Dreamer. Turning to Leif I said, "Stay here with my banner and the two boys." I saw the disappointment on their faces but they heeded the words of Haaken. "Aiden, fetch the sword.  Haaken come with us."
    King Eanred frowned as we approached and two of his oathsworn stepped forward. One of them was a huge warrior with a split nose and a scar which ran down his forearm.  He wore many battle bands and he held a double handed axe.  He said, "I am Osric and the King's champion.  Approach no closer."
    I smiled, "I am here to make peace and not to fight."
    Prince Aethelred said, "I have spoken with the Viking, father, and I believe he comes in peace."
    "I will believe that when the sun rises at midnight!" He waved a finger at me, "I warn you Viking I have sent riders seeking your warband and I have called up the fyrd.  The army you try to sneak through our lands will be destroyed!"
    Aiden said, "Your men would be better working in the fields.  It will be a hard winter and our army consists of the men you see here before you.."
    King Eldred recoiled as he recognised the wizard; his priests made the sign of the cross and began to chant.  "It is a wizard! Do you seek to enchant me?"
    Aiden frowned, "If you do not believe in magic then how can it hurt you? Surely your god and your army of priests will protect you."
    "Sorcerer! I will not speak in the presence of this man! Get him gone."
    Osric put his hand on Aiden's chest. I removed it firmly saying, "Do not lay on hands on my friend or peace or no peace I will give you another scar that will not heal in this world." I spoke quietly but he saw that I meant my words.  He stepped back. "Aiden you had best go. It seems they fear that which they neither understand nor believe." He handed the sheepskin covered sword to Haaken and nodded.
    Aiden had a wicked sense of humour and as he turned he flapped his hands at the priests and mumbled gibberish. They fell to their knees. Haaken could barely control his laughter. Even Aethelred had a smile.
    "This is not the beginning I wished, King Eanred. Let me start again. As I said to your son I have never invaded your land and the only Northumbrians I have killed came to harm me." I saw him start to speak and I forestalled him, "When I entered your castle it was to kill a renegade, Magnus the Foresworn and I apologise for that breach but he had to die. Now I come with an offer of peace.  I am ready to swear an oath and as you have your priests here assembled we could make it binding."
    "I do not fear you or your barbarians!"
    I did not mention Coenred and his tongues but I could see that Aiden was right.  He did fear me. "That is good but would you want a peace which would stop your men dying and your cattle being raided?  We would. For that is our aim to live in peace with our neighbours and you are our nearest neighbours. Those who were here before the Saxons are our allies.  Coen Ap Pasgen is descended from the kings who ruled here in the times of the Romans.  They are our allies and they prosper.  Why cannot you?"
    "We do not raid." He said it almost petulantly.  It seemed wrong for a king to speak thus.
    I shook my head, "King Eanred your thegns do try to take slaves and cattle.  Coenred of Hagustaldes ham did. Ask his men.  They told you the truth of the fight.  They will tell you the truth of that also."
    He turned and beckoned over a priest who was slightly better dressed than the others.  His fingers were heavily ringed. After he had spoken he said, "How do I know that you will keep your word?  What assurances do I have?"
    My eyes bored into his.  "You have the word of Jarl Dragonheart of