Free Viking Sword by Griff Hosker

When Snorri handed me the torc Haaken shook his head.  "Next time Snorri can make daub and I will hunt."
    "If you were half as good a hunter as Snorri then I might consider it." We prepared the deer as I told them of the fight.
    Aiden looked thoughtful. "The Eorl is right.  They are intimidating those who might favour Wessex over Mercia.  Do you think this Guthrum is their leader?"
    "He may be.  When Arturus joins us we will raid the Danish villages of the South Folk.  It will please our allies and it might reward us with treasure."
    It took another four days to complete the hall and to have it dry out. Eorl Edward came to visit us but this time just with his oathsworn and without the counsellors. He stood back to admire the hall.  "You build differently from us. Why do you use turf for a roof?"
    "It is the only material we have in Norway.  At home we use stone for we have it in abundance."
    "It is interesting." His face became serious. "But now you must tell me of the dangers from the Danes.  Your warriors said it was Willesdune which they attacked."
    "Aye.  And that seems perilously close to Lundenwic. My men thought that it was an attempt to make the villagers change their allegiance."
    "It would not take much.  What the people want is to be protected from raiders." He gave an apologetic shrug, "From people like you."
    "I am not offended and it is our way.  It is for that reason that I tell you to make your villages less appetising for the Danes.  Use ditch and wall."
    "Do they stop you?"
    I laughed, "No but we are Ulfheonar and nothing stops us.  If we choose to take somewhere then we take it but they would have stopped the Danes we bested today."
    "In another warrior I would take that as boasting but I know that you are merely speaking the truth. My father is happy that you are an ally for he would fear you as a foe."
    "And I am happy to be Wessex's ally for you are far from my land.  If Wessex ever cast covetous looks in my direction...."
    Eorl Edward smiled, "I do not think my father would risk such a reckless act."
    I led the Eorl to one side. "Some of your council are Mercians; you know that?"
    He looked astounded, "I did but how did you know?"
    "Aiden is a clever man.  He keeps his eyes and ears open.  Aethelheard is one but Aiden did not know the name of the other."
    "Osbert. We know of them and we watch them."
    I shook my head.  "If they were my enemies then they would be dead already."
    "My father hopes that they will lead us to other traitors."
    "No, Eorl Edward, if you have poison then cut it out for it can spread." I shrugged, "This is your land and I only offer advice."
    "I believe you are correct Jarl Dragon Heart but my father is king and it is his decision."
    We were left to our devices for the next few days until a messenger came from Lundenwic to tell us that Arturus had arrived. We had managed to construct a simple jetty from the wood we did not need for the hall. It meant that he could tie up and our boats would be protected. "Snorri.  Go to Arturus and tell him to moor here.  It is safer."
    "Aye Dragon Heart."
    The men were ready for action.  The work on the hall had occupied them but the raid on the port in Frankia had not been exciting enough for them.  They all envied Bjorn the Scout and Snorri.  We had fought Danes and we had won. "Haaken, have the weapons sharpened.  We sail on the morning tide."
    Arturus had had an uneventful voyage.  The slaves had soon been cowed and Bjorn Bagsecgson was not a man to be crossed. They would be treated fairly but they would work.  Scanlan would be their taskmaster as they toiled in the hills above Lang's Dale. Our miners would begin to extract the metal almost as precious to us as gold. We quickly gave an account of our time and, like Haaken and the others, he was envious.
    "We have been able to bring another eight warriors for it was peaceful when we left Úlfarrston. There were no more raids at home, Jarl.  Perhaps the news of our