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attacked too many times by the men of Northumbria.  This and Ketil's Stad were two barriers on the old Roman Road to the Land of the Wolf.
    He rode out to greet us when we approached our westernmost outpost, "Do you visit with me lord?"
    "No, Arne, Ketil's Stad.  Tell me have the Saxons been a nuisance of late?"
    "No lord.  Not since the last time you trounced them.  The bones of their wounded still mark the road east. The Hibernians and the northern barbarians are more of a problem.  The Jarl rides north every month or so to take a few heads and mark the border afresh. It is only the young hotheads who risk the wrath of the Jarl."
    "Good.  Keep a close watch and if you hear or see anything unusual then send a messenger to Cyninges-tūn."
    "Aye lord."
    "Have you seen my Galdramenn?"
    "Aiden?  Not yet, lord."
    "He should be passing along the road soon.  Have your men watch for him.  He might be a wizard but he rides alone."
    As we approached, at dusk, the lonely old Roman fort which stood astride the road from Northumbria I regretted not warning Ketil.  He was no longer the single young adventurer, keen to escape his father's life of plenty. He had married and had children. I had behaved much as my son might have; recklessly. He was, however, a good host.  His men had seen our approach from his walls and he was ready to greet us.  His wife was Saxon; she had been captured as a slave.  Like many female slaves she became a wife and seemed, as far as I could see, to be happy. 
    "Welcome, Jarl Dragonheart.  My wife, Seara, will see to your men.  Come to my hall and we will feast you."
    I could hear the unspoken questions in his words but he knew me well enough to wait.
    "Thank you and I apologise for the inconvenience."
    Seara gave a small bow, "How can we be inconvenienced, lord.  We would have nothing without you."
    As we were led away I turned to Ragnar and Gruffyd. "Tonight you keep silent. Listen and watch.  This is training for when we meet King Eanred." They both nodded seriously.
    Ketil and I sat before his roaring fire and the two boys squatted out of sight but not hearing. I told Ketil, briefly and succinctly what I intended.
    "And how can I help?"
    "If you could supply some scouts who know the land then that would help us.  I do not wish to start a war."
    "It would be better if I came with some of my warriors."
    I nodded, "But I would not wish to take you from your children and your family; not to mention your people."
    "I think you are right to bring so few warriors. A show of force would be wrong.  I would bring two scouts and six oathsworn. That would be enough."
    I nodded.  "And what think you of the idea? Am I a foolish old man who is becoming a dotard?"
    "No lord.  If anything it is the opposite.  I think it is astute. We need not the land to the east of us so why not make an ally of the Saxons?  It would make my land safer.  We could keep more animals on the fells. I am more worried about this Ragnar Ruriksson. Perhaps your son is right.  He may use the southern passes or even the sea."
    "That he may and having the Saxons as allies makes our task easier for then our enemy has but two choices."
    He laughed and turned to the two boys.  "When you grow if you are half the leader that is Dragonheart then men will follow you to the ends of the earth."
    I asked that Seara join us while we ate.  That was unusual.  Normally the men ate separately but I wish to use her knowledge. It had been many years since I had lived amongst Saxons. She had only been married to Ketil for four years.
    "Tell me how the Saxons view us."
    She looked nervously at her husband.  He smiled, "Speak.  Nothing that you say will cause the Dragonheart offence.  He was born a Saxon."
    "Truly?"
    I nodded, "I was but six or seven when I was taken as a slave."
    "And yet you are now Jarl." She shook her head. "They fear you.  They fear all Vikings for you do not respect the church. But you hold a special terror for them.