Viking Dragon Read Online Free PDF

Eorledman's shield came up to block my strike but the edge slid over the bindings on his scale armour.  As I withdrew it I saw leather beneath. We did not relent but all stepped forward once more.  This time we had enough space to punch with our shields.  I heard a cry from my right as Haaken slew one of the hearthweru.  There was a second shout as the warrior who came to take his place was also slain by Haaken.
    I pulled back my arm and, as we stepped forward again I lunged at the Saxon's middle. His scale armour held but my punch winded him and he reeled back into the men behind.  The weight of the Saxon and his armour knocked down two other Saxons and the Eorledman struggled to keep his feet. There was space before me and I brought Ragnar's Spirit down towards Eorledman Brynoth.  Had the blow struck he would have died but one of his men tried to intervene.  He took the strike instead and my sword hacked off his arm close to the shoulder.  His falling body afforded Eorledman Brynoth the time to regain his balance and shout.  "Back to the burgh!"
    They turned and ran. I had no intention of following. I turned as I sensed a weapon coming towards me.  A shieldless Saxon was thrusting his spear at my right side.  I deflected the spear head with my sword and then smashed him in the face with the boss of my shield.  It struck him square on the face. His nose disappeared in a mess of blood and bone and he fell down dead. I was so surprised that I looked down at him.  I had never killed a man with my shield before.
    Turning around I saw that we had slain fifteen or so of the Saxons.  My men were despatching those who were wounded. "Search the bodies and take the mail and the weapons to the ships. Olaf, take six men and stop them leaving by the north gate. I will send a messenger to you when it is time to leave."
    Haaken joined me, "They were poor warriors."
    I nodded, "Egbert will have his better men in Corn Walum.  Did we lose many?"
    "None.  Some of the newer warriors were wounded.  Arne Sheep Head now has a long scar across his face.  Aiden will need to sew it."
    "Let us see what we have and then return downstream."
    Ketil's men were carrying boxes, chests and jars back to the ships. They were in good spirits, "We have a fine haul, Jarl Dragonheart!"
    "You know what they say, Sven Thrallson, do not count your treasure until you are safely in your home.  The Weird Sisters might be listening."
    The warrior clutched the amulet around his neck, "Sorry Jarl! You are right!"
    When I reached the river I saw that we had managed to capture four knarr. I did not have enough crew for all of them. We would crew two and sink two. I took off my helmet and walked down the river bank so that I could see Lambehitha. My drekar were still tied up but the men I saw, in the distance, did not look to be in any danger. I returned and climbed aboard the first knarr we had captured. Aiden was there organising the storage of the captured items.
    "I think this knarr and the one at the end are the best two, Jarl.  They have the largest holds.  I am filling them first."
    "Good.  We will burn the others before we leave. Is it rich pickings?"
    "Kara and the women will be happy.  There are chests of fine pots from Frankia as well as spices.  The other knarr we will take has a cargo of wine."
    "Why were they not unloaded?"
    "It was the festival of Easter. It is a holy day for the Christians and they do not work."
    That explained much. I crossed to " Heart of the Dragon ".  Erik was still refitting the mast. He smiled, "A successful raid, Jarl.  When do we leave?"
    "I have Olaf watching the north gate.  We will leave when Sigtrygg and Asbjorn are done. I need two men to captain the two knarr I will take. The men from Cyninges-tūn can guard the crew. We can row back to Tilaburg with just the Ulfheonar."
    "I have two captains in mind. Thorir Svensson is one and Cnut Cnutson the other."
    Cnut was the son of one of my dead Ulfheonar. He