Varangian (Aelfraed) Read Online Free PDF Page B

He was heading for the river which would take us to Lake Ladoga and the next part of our journey. We steered towards the right bank and I saw that the ships coming the other way took the opposite side of the river.  There was understanding and compromise amongst these disparate peoples.  They had found a way to work together for the good of all.
    Thor came over to me. “I will find the ship we are seeking and berth next to it and then it will be up to you and young Eric to give the Captain Folke’s instructions.”
    I nodded and went forrard to speak with Eric. “You have made a copy of the merchant’s instructions?”
    The eager youth showed me the two documents which looked identical. Fortunately Folke’s ring mark was an easy one to copy.   My own, which was a rearing horse was a complex one and difficult to fabricate.  I had paid much for it and now I saw the benefit. “Good.  Give the original to Ridley for safe keeping.” Giving something to Ridley was like locking it in a steel box; no-one could have it unless Ridley allowed it!
    We found a berth between two low river boats.   They were longer than we were and slightly narrower. I would get to know them well soon enough.  After we had tied up Thor stepped ashore and Eric and I accompanied him.  We left the other two to assemble our gear.  The ship he took us to was called The Maiden.  I took that to be a good sign for it was wyrd ; my home at Topcliffe had been Maiden Bower. We stood on the quayside. “Captain! Ho!”
    Jarl Gunnersson came to the rail.   He was a younger man than I had expected for the other two men were much older.  He had the lean look of a warrior and I knew, from his title, that he was like me, a lord. His looked every inch a Viking warrior with the clear blue eyes which bored into you. “Are you Thor, from Folke?”
    “I am that.”
    “Stay there and I will come down to speak with you.”
    As he began to descend Thor said, quietly to me.   “I have heard of this one but I do not know him.  It is said he was a warrior who chose the sea; a fearless and brave captain.”
    “Honest?” He shrugged and I knew that I would have to learn that myself.
    Jarl Gunnar Gunnersson was as tall as me, powerfully built and I watched him appraising me in the same way as he stepped down the gangplank.  He put his arm out for Thor.  “What do you have for me from our fat friend then?”
    “Furs, Jarl Gunnersson.”
    He rubbed his hands, “Good that means a speedy voyage.  Do you have the documents from Folke?”
    Thor gestured to me and I nodded to Eric who handed over the copy he had made. He glanced at me and then read them.   Seemingly satisfied he addressed me.  “So you two are the representatives of Folke?”
    “We are, I am Aelfraed Godwinson and this is Eric Sweynson.”
    He gave me a quick look, obviously recognising the name, but said nothing. He reread the papers. “He must trust you, especially after his last man betrayed him.”
    “Were you the captain of the boat?”
    His eyes narrowed and flashed anger for a brief moment.  “No, but it was a friend of mine who was the captain and if I ever catch the whoreson who robbed him, I will cut his black and treacherous heart out.” I nodded, understanding the feelings. “How many men do you bring?”
    “There are two more.”
    “How many would you say we needed Jarl Gunnersson for this is my first voyage to Miklagård?”
    “I have some rowers, tough men but the Pechengs were a little lively the last time we passed through their lands. Their chief, Kurya, is seeking to enlarge his wealth at our expense.”
    Thor looked surprised.  “I thought the Pechengs were allies of the Emperor.”
    “They were until the Emperor and all his guards were slaughtered at Manzikert.” My face showed my surprise.   “You did not know?” I shook my head.  “The Emperor Romanos was defeated by the Turk and all of his guards were slaughtered.  There is a new Emperor, Michael