Varangian (Aelfraed) Read Online Free PDF Page A

seemed impossible that they did not collide.  Thor nudged his ship into a berth which looked too small to fit but he managed it with much creaking and grinding of wood. The four of us went ashore to meet the merchant whose goods were to be taken by Thor. As we walked he tapped his nose and explained, through Eric, about the merchant.
    “This may be your opportunity for this merchant, Folke the Fat, does not like to journey down the river.   He normally hires warriors to do his bidding.  Unless he has already chosen a man we might be able to persuade him to take you all on.”
    I looked at him suspiciously.   “You are being very generous with your information and help.  Without meaning disrespect what is it in it for you?”
    “I understand your suspicion but I am an old man now and I have been married to the sea.   You three seem like brothers and I would like to think that had I sons they would have turned out like you, leaders, warriors,“ he nodded to Eric, “singers and poets.  I have enjoyed your company and I would like to voyage to Ladoga with you.” There was honesty in both his words and eyes.  I had learned to see deceit and here there was none.
    Satisfied I nodded, “Then thank you , Thor, for your kindness and I apologise for my rudeness.”
    “No , Aelfraed Godwinson, even here in the Baltic we heard of your fight and how you were betrayed by so many.  I understand your suspicious nature and it will stand you in good stead for the land of Miklagård is a treacherous place. I will go in first and introduce the idea.”
    Thor returned after a few moments and beckoned us in. Folke the Fat was well named for he was the fattest man I had ever seen.   Unlike other fat men I had seen, however, he was not jolly and appeared to have no sense of humour.  However he had an acute business sense which had made him one of the richest men in Uppsala.
    “Thor here tells me you wish to be hired on as guards and book keeper for the voyage?”
    Eric spoke for us all.  He translated what Folke said and then answered for us.  That day I was glad that we had agreed to take Eric on for he spoke with confidence which had not been visible in Hereby. “We would; we have three strong men and two acclaimed warriors and I have the ability to read and to write.”
    “You are the son of Sweyn are you not?”
    “One of many, yes.”
    He looked us all up and down as though appraising us. “I usually use my own men.   None of you have the experience of the river do you?” We all shook our heads. “This makes you not as valuable as others who might wish to serve me.”
    Something about his words did not ring true. I tried out my few words. “Why not use your own men then?”
    Eric and Thor shot me a look which suggested that I had lost my mind to question the hand that might feed us. Folke coughed and reddened a little.  “Well the truth of it is the last men I used on the last voyage took my cargo and did not return.”
    Eric’s smile and look told me much about his thoughts.   He began to speak, “So you need men you can trust?”
    “How do I know you can trust you?”
    Eric spread his hands, “I could say that Lord Aelfraed and Lord Ridley have names which tell the world of their honesty and for mine own part I do not believe I have ever been found to be lying.”
    Folke pointed a finger at Ragnar.   “What of the dummy?  The one who speaks not?”
    At first I knew not what he had said but when Ragnar reddened and Eric looked shocked I asked for a translation. When it came I exploded.   “Then find your own guards.  It seems to me that you have piss poor judgement in men if you decide we are not to be trusted despite our reputations and yet the men you do trust rob you.  This man may not be able to speak but he has more honour than you will ever have, Folke the Fathead! Come we will seek another merchant.”
    Surprisingly for a fat man Folke jumped to his feet and stopped us from leaving.