Free Viking Treasure by Griff Hosker Page B

them did not have armour.  I also realised that there were many of them. Our approach had been silent. 
    I waved my sword left and right.  We formed a thin line. I saw Wolf Killer's standard. It flew still in the midst of his warriors but he was beleaguered. I waved my sword and we ran towards the rear of the Frankish warriors. It was strange to attack silently but I wanted as many men to die before they knew we attacked.  That would add to their fear. I brought Ragnar's Spirit down and hacked across the back of a Frank. My sword jarred on his spine and he died silently.  Others did not die so quietly.  I stabbed the next Frank under his right arm.  Twisting my sword out of his back it emerged covered in bloody gore.
    There was a wail from ahead as Asbjorn and his men struck the far side of their line. As we stabbed and sliced at the ones before us the shouts and cries spread to our side. Olaf's mighty axe sliced through a warrior's back and the arm of the man next to him. A chief was spattered by the blood and turned to face me.  He swung his sword back handed at me.  I blocked it with Ragnar's Spirit and our swords clanged and rang together.  Sparks flew from them. I did not give him the chance to swing again.  I punched hard with my shield.  His helmet had no nasal and his face took the full impact of my metal boss. His nose and mouth were struck and I heard bone and cartilage break.  His eyes were streaming when I plunged my sword into his bloodied throat.  He fell at my feet, dead. I sliced and stabbed three more warriors who tried to turn to face this new threat. My Ulfheonar had slain three lines of Franks and it proved too much.  They turned and ran.
    "Turn and face them.  Form a shield wall! Asbjorn, bring your men!"
    As the Franks were funnelled back through the gap, Asbjorn and his men stood behind mine to make a stronger wall. I yelled, "Wolf Killer! Take your men up the hill to my standard! Rally there!"
    I did not hear a reply and I did not turn. Although the Franks were falling back some of the younger warriors sought glory and hurled themselves at our line.  It was a mistake.  They died. We were a solid line with warriors who knew how to fight on foot.  The Franks were horsemen. The biggest danger we faced was tripping over the dead beneath our feet.  I saw many of the warriors Wolf Killer had led from Elfridaby lying dead.  Their swords were in their hands.  They would be in Valhalla. We moved back through the congested body littered huts. Suddenly out of the darkening gloom of dusk I heard a horn.  It was a Frankish horn and it was rallying our enemies.  Soon they would reform and attack.  The survivor had said that they had horses.  We had to be away before they charged. Frankish horsemen were good!
    There was no one before us and I shouted, "Back to the standard! Run!"
    I was the last to reach the horses.  Wolf Killer, blood pouring from a gashed arm, stood with the twenty men who had survived.  I saw that Asbjorn had also lost six men.  "Mount. Those without horses ride double.  We have but a little way to go. Cnut Cnutson waits with a shield wall." I mounted Storm Rider. "Rolf Horse Killer, you and Olaf Leather Neck form the rearguard.  Listen for danger!"
    "Aye Jarl."
    I rode next to my son. "What happened?"
    "My men were surprised. The enemy appeared without warning.  My men were still building the wall when their scouts fell upon them. They managed to light the beacon and I came as soon as I could.  By the time we reached the burgh there were but two men left and the outer wall had fallen.  I know not why Beorn Long Sight did not send me a message."
    "I do.  He and his scouts were captured.  Their eyes were removed along with their tongues."
    He closed his eyes and then opened them.  "I am sorry Beorn for cursing you." He shook his head.  "It is fortunate that you came so quickly." He suddenly started.  "My home! I left few guards there!"
    "Fear not.  Sigtrygg