Viking Treasure by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page B

Cyninges-tūn.  I have never broken an oath in my life.  Even my enemies admit that, if I give my word, then it is so. I swear that if you agree to this treaty then we will not raid your land or take your people.  More if the Danes or the Hibernians cross your border to raid and try to cross our land we will capture them and deliver them to you for punishment. And if you wish I will swear on this sword.  You have heard of it I know.  You may not believe the story but to us it is the truth."
    Prince Aethelred could keep silent no longer, "Take the offer, father!"
    "Silence or leave us.  This is the work of men and not striplings." He stood and approached me.  There was still fear in his eyes but also curiosity, "It is a reasonable offer but I am suspicious of your motives.  Why?"
    "I will be honest.  I have many enemies.  King Egbert is an enemy of mine and although I have defeated him I have no doubt that he will come again to attack me. The Hibernians always raid for slaves. The Danes at Eoforwic trouble not only you but me also. I need my northern and eastern border secure so that I can face my enemies and defeat them when they come. I have no desire to rule this land. I am happy with the Land of the Wolf."
    "Which was once Northumbria."
    "And which was lost in years gone by. And before that belonged to King Coel and before that..." I waved a hand as though rolling back the years. "You must look to the future, King Eanred.  The time of the Dane is coming.  If you waste your anger on me they will take the whole of your land not just Eoforwic."
    He returned to his seat and pondered. "This should be written down."
    "Why?  If a man's word cannot be trusted why should a piece of paper.  I am willing to swear and shake your hand."
    "And what would you have of me?"
    "I would have you swear on your Holy Book that you will neither raid nor attack my lands and you will not aid my enemies." As he considered it I said, "And as a token of my esteem I give you this gift. Haaken, give it to Prince Aethelred."
    Haaken unrolled the sheepskin and handed the gleaming sword to the prince. A shaft of sunlight sparkled off it.  The oathsworn were impressed as was Prince Aethelred. Once more King Eanred consulted with his priests. It seemed to me that they had more power than the King. Haaken must have thought the same.  He said, out of the corner of his mouth, "Do you think he asks them when he should make water too?"
    Eventually one of the priests hurried back into the castle and the King stepped forward. "I agree, Jarl Dragonheart, but I have to tell you that I am still suspicious of you.  A wolf does not become a sheep overnight."
    I nodded and said, "And yet we have sheepdogs at home which are descended from wolves and now protect their sheep. Does not your God tell you that men are not always what they appear on the surface? I have heard that your God's lieutenant turned against him and became the one you call the devil."
    I almost undid the good work I had done for the priests recoiled when I named the Devil. We waited in silence for the Holy Book.  When it arrived the King said to me, "Swear."
    I took out my sword and held it in my hands.  "I swear by Ragnar's Spirit that we will no longer make war on the men of Northumbria.  From this day forth they are as our friends and allies."
    I think the Saxons were stunned.  My word was legendary and I had sworn.
    The King gave his oath on the bible and the priests poured some water on his hands. I walked over and clasped his arm.  I saw his priests grin.  They had poured what they termed Holy Water on the King's hands and they expected it to affect me. How little they knew. I think they expected me to shrivel before their eyes. They could not keep the disappointment from them.
    I stepped back, not knowing what to do. Prince Aethelred said, "We will now seal this with a feast.  We have a great bounty from the sea. Let your men come forward and eat with us."
    Slaves brought