Free Viking Dragon by Griff Hosker Page B

happy. I had a new grandson, my wife was happy and we had had a good raid. The world of Cyninges-tūn was in harmony.
    We had work to do the next day as my people waited for me to divide up the animals, treasure and goods we had brought back with us. Haaken and my men were always disappointed when I did not take a greater share.  I did not need it and they could not understand that.  I think that was the blood of my mother's people. My family would not suffer but why did I need extra gold and silver? I had plenty.  I had never been defeated in battle and every time I slew a great warrior I was the richer. I took a ram and a ewe for I had an idea to crossbreed the animals.  My own flock, which my thralls watched for me, were hardy but they had little meat and their wool was not high quality.  The two I had taken were. I would have Scanlan begin to breed them.
    When they had all departed I sought out Bjorn Bagsecgson. I had gold for him but it was for a purchase I wished to make. "A good raid, Jarl. I shall do well for already every young warrior has been with gold and asked for a byrnie of mail! Some have even enough gold for a good sword. Some of the mail you brought can be repaired but much of it will need to be melted down and reused."
    "The Saxons and their churches are well endowed, Bjorn." I handed him my helmet. "I would have you attach mail around the bottom of my helmet."
    He frowned. He had made the helmet.  "Is there a problem with the helmet, Jarl? Is it unsatisfactory?"
    "No, Bjorn, but I have seen warriors who have had their throats slashed in battle.  It is too vulnerable a place.  The weight will not be much."
    "No and it is a good idea." He smiled, "Of course as soon as you have it then Haaken and the others will all come in to copy the idea."
    "I know!"
    Once Scanlan knew what I intended for my sheep he was happy. "I have hired some shepherds, Jarl.  They are building a hut on the fells close by Old Olaf."
    He was not asking permission but he had been a slave once and he was still deferential to me.  He had yet to make a bad decision. "That is good.  You have my permission to give them one lamb in four for themselves."
    "A wise decision Jarl.  If we did not then they might take them anyway."
    "Scanlan, there were Danish spies at Úlfarrston.  They have fled but I want all newcomers watched carefully until we know that we can trust them."
    "These shepherds are not from outside our land, Jarl.  They lived up close to the Stad by the Itouna and they feared the raids from Strathclyde. They lost their flock last winter; some to the wolves and some to raiders."
    "Then, when my men are rested, I will take a warband and we will scour the land north of the Itouna.  It is time they learned to go elsewhere for their animals."
    Finally, I went to see my daughter and granddaughter,.  Ylva would be a great volva one day; her mother and her grandmother had both been volvas and her father was a galdramenn. But to me she was just my first granddaughter. She giggled when she saw me.  I took that as a good sign but my daughter assured me that it was just wind. We spoke of the treasures we had captured and  how they would improve the lives of our people. Already those who lived in our town by the Water had better homes than any other in the land for they had much stone in their construction.
    "We have to do something about the cattle and sheep raids from north of the river.  Arne Thorirson is a good hersir but he is not a warrior." Raids and wars had taken my jarls from the northern borders.  I needed to put a warrior there who would be an effective leader.
    My son and daughter had a way of knowing what I thought. Aiden said, "Ulf and Erik are both good warriors.  They have recently taken a wife each.  Perhaps one of them might like to rule the northlands for you.  Ketil has kept the east quiet. He was a good choice. Which one would you choose?"
    "I think Ulf for he is older and Erik is close to Rollo and