Chapter 9.8
9.8.1
August 1035
Jorvik, Jorvik
Sensing his father’s discomfort, Alfgeir remained silent as they neared the Council Chambers. As his father’s page he knew he should speak. A page was expected to be concerned about his lord and to take action to ensure his well-being. However, being the first time, he accompanied his father in such a capacity without a tutor Alfgeir lacked the confidence to be decisive.
Seeing the internal conflict reflected in his son’s face and looking for a reason to delay his appearance in the chamber Öysteinn halted and looked at him. “What troubles you, Alfgeir?”
Surprised his father knew Alfgeir stumbled for words.
Öysteinn grinned, “A page must answer his lord without fear. There are times his life depends upon the words of his page.”
Alfgeir took a breath and replied, “Why are you uneasy about meeting the Council?”
Öysteinn chuckled, “You are conflicted over my own conflicts.” His smile grew, “You do have the makings of a good page.” Alfgeir smiled ear to ear as his father continued, “I am a solider, nothing more. I have no desire to be involved in the affairs of the council or court. I witnessed firsthand the price paid by those who are.”
Knowing his father was held in high regard and many thought he would be given a title and land to go with his current title of Lord General. Not wanting such an honor was contrary to what Alfgeir believed and he was confused, “I do not understand, father.”
Öysteinn tried unsuccessfully to show a good face, “Your grandfather Sumarliði was King of Damark. When I was a couple of years older than you are now Einar claimed he should be king and began a war to force his claim. Many of the men who had elected your grandfather a few years before now betrayed him and sided with Einar. After a brutal war Einar won and Sumarliði returned to Nerke to be its chief. The defeat rendered him depressed and his depression lead to a bitter and broken man. He directed his frustrations toward his family and courtiers. Once I grew old enough and tired of his abuse I left. At first I spent time as a mercenary and when the call came from King Rædwald to come to Jorvik I jumped at the chance.”
Alfgeir was stunned. He had never heard this tale or even a rumor of it.
Öysteinn smiled, “Here I have made a better life and that is why when I was informed of your troubles with King Ofeig I had you brought to me and made my page. I will not have you or brothers or sister suffer as I did. Do you understand?”
Alfgeir nodded, “Yes I understand. Is that why Kjartan Lord Harold’s page and not page for Count Yngvar of Lincoln?”
Slightly surprised Alfgeir knew of Yngvar’s request of Kjartan asked, “Who told you of Count
Yngvar?”
Without any thought of repercussions Alfgeir replied, “Mother.”
Öysteinn set his jaw and responded, “Unhuh, I should have guessed.” Öysteinn knew his wife, Sif, tired of being a soldier’s wife. He was aware she desired a title, and this disagreement had led to a rift in their relationship. “Your mother and I have different opinions regarding certain matters. Kjartan will learn much more as Harold’s page than with Yngvar.”
Alfgeir did not fully grasp his father’s displeasure with Sif telling Alfgeir of the count’s request. As a child it seemed unimportant now. What was important was they were about to enter the Council Chamber, a place his father obviously was not fond of so he asked, “If you do not like the Council then why are we here?”
Öysteinn laughed, “When you are summoned by the Regent of King Ofeig and that summons is delivered by the Commander of the Royal Guard you come.”
He patted Alfgeir on the shoulder and said, “Now we must get on with it.”
Öysteinn and Alfgeir entered the chambers and were directed to a place to sit until called.
As they settled into the seats Tadg passed them, his business with the Council concluded. Tadg nodded to Öysteinn and smiled at Alfgeir who returned the smile.
Being a warrior Öysteinn surveyed the room. He noticed first the ornate and plush king’s chair at the end of the table was empty. The chair was not centered on the table but pushed some to right. Next to the king’s chair was a ordinary chair in which the regent, Rígán sat. To right of the regent along the side sat Mayor Strula of Macclesfield. Next to the Chancellor was Princess Ælfthryth, now the Spymaster. On the left side the Marshal, Jarl Padern was placed. To his left was Þegn Vagn of Warwick, the Stewart. At the bottom of the table closest to Öysteinn was the Court Chaplin, Bishop Wistan of Burton.
Öysteinn watched several servants place a large map on the table and unroll the map. At this distance Öysteinn could not see what area the map covered. Rígán held a document in his hand which he appeared to be reading. Finished he pointed to Öysteinn saying, “Lord General would you come forward.”
Reluctantly Öysteinn stood. He indicated to Alfgeir he should remain. Feeling like a lamb being led to the slaughter the general slowly crossed the room. Nearing the table, he could comprehend the map. The map showed Scotland, English Lothian, Northern Ireland, and the jarldom of Northumberland. Öysteinn could see about half of Scotland was marked “Rebel” including the counties of Moray, Buchan, Ross, Caithness, Ross, Strathearn, Carrick, and Oriel.
“I had not grasped how large the rebellion was,” Öysteinn said to no one in particular.
“It is very large,” Rígán stated. Öysteinn did not realize anyone heard him and nodded. Pointing to the map the regent asked, “Beyond what you see here, what is your understanding of the state of affairs in Scotland?”
Öysteinn looked at the map and took a moment to gather his thoughts. He heard many rumors and innuendo and did not want to give the impression he was a gossiper.
“I know King Gilchrist was forced to abandon his war to revoke Strathearn from Earl Stephen when the earl became Duke of Galloway. There were rumors he still desired Strathearn.” Looking down at the map he continued, “From the map here, I gather the rumors are true and Duke Stephen did not take too kindly to the wishes.”
Rígán nodded, “You have assessed the situation very well. One Stephen refused the revocation Gilchrist found himself at war with not only Duke Stephen, but Duchess Lillias of Moray, and Earl Malmure of Oriel.”
Öysteinn rubbed his chin hearing of his old foe, “Malmure, now that is an interesting turn of events. I would have never guessed he would rebel against his king. Scotland must be a bigger mess than we suspected.”
Rígán chuckled, “We do value your opinion.”
Confused and growing a little angry Öysteinn replied, “I was summoned away from my soldiers to give my opinion on the state of Scotland. I am sure another could have suited you better.”
To Öysteinn’s surprise it was Ælfthryth who answered, “My good Lord General your assessment of Scotland is not why you were brought here.”
Now angry Öysteinn replied, “Then why am I here?”
The spymaster grinned, “We wish your opinion on fighting the Scottish specifically the Rebels.”
Öysteinn’s eyes widened with surprise and then narrowed as he thought on the matter, “Battling determined Scottish is not something I would relish doing anytime soon. Once in a lifetime is plenty for me.” Looking at each council member Öysteinn an unsettling thought crossed his mind. Fearful of the answer the Lord General asked, “Is war forthcoming?”
This time Rígán responded, “King Gilchrist has requested our assistance in this fight.”
Öysteinn’s mind screamed No. Unknowingly he clenched his fist and raised his voice, “Jorvikian blood should not be shed to help Gilchrist settle is what is obviously a problem, a Scottish problem, he initiated.” As soon as he finished Öysteinn regretted speaking. He had done what he abhorred and placed himself square into the politics of the Council.
Padern pounded the table with his fists, “We said, Lord General.”
Other than Vagn all the other counselors glared at Padern. Vagn for his part kept his head down looking at the table avoiding eye contact with anyone.
In a raised voice Rígán ordered, “Jarl Padern control yourself.”
Eyes burning with hate Padern glared back at Rígán and replied, “Gilchrist does not truly need us. He can easily defeat these rebels if he only tries. He only wishes to have our soldiers bear the brunt of the fighting and dying while his soldiers collect the glory and the spoils.”
Now it was Rígán who pounded the table with his fist. His anger reddening his face Rígán responded, “We are his suzerain and as such are obligated to protect him and come to his aid when called.”
Öysteinn had thought Wistan had fallen asleep suddenly stated, “Not honoring our obligation will be looked upon poorly. Trust would be lost. In the eyes of many we will find ourselves labeled oath breakers. We would be with the support of the pope.”
Padern scoffed, “I care not about that lunatic, Gregorius V who claims to be the Vicar of Christ.”
Wistan responded in anger, “Take heed Jarl of Deheubarth. You speak of our Holy Father.”
Padern chuckled, “Holy Father indeed. Do they not call him ‘Son of Lucifer’?”
Embarrassed Wistan looked down and did not respond. The pope’s many transgressions and cruelties were something that was spoken of in whispers and behind closed doors. Many wondered how such a man come remain as pope.
Padern looked around the table and continued, “And trust? We are surrounded by enemies. Do any of you think England, Cornwall, or Connachta trust us. They would sooner cut our throats than give us trust or respect.”
Rígán banged his fist on the table startling everyone. “We must fulfill our obligation otherwise those we wish to aid us will not respect their obligations.”
Padern muttered, “Fools.”
Öysteinn had heard tales of the bad blood between Padern and Rígán. Until now he had only half believed it. After witnessing the exchange, he was more convinced he wanted nothing to do with the life at court.
However, as a general he knew he had certain obligations. As a soldier he resigned himself another war with the Scottish was coming and he felt compelled to express his concerns.
“Milords, if I may.”
The muttering around the table subsided and all looked at Öysteinn. Welcoming the interruption Rígán asked, “Do you wish to speak Lord Öysteinn.”
Öysteinn nodded, “I do, milord.”
Rígán nodded, “Then do so.”
Öysteinn nodded and looked around the table, “If we are to fight this war we must consider many of the lords of this land will not look kindly on a war with the Scottish so close to the one we only concluded a little over two years ago. Their dissatisfaction could fuel many other problems within the kingdom.”
Padern smiled thinking he had gained an ally. Rígán stared at Öysteinn trying to determine the general’s motives. Finally, he asked, “Do you oppose this war?”
With no emotion Öysteinn replied, “My opposition or not is of no concern. I am a subject of the kingdom and as a commander of the kingdom I will do as ordered without question. I merely state what we all know is true.”
Rígán smiled. He felt satisfied although he was not if it was from knowing the Council would authorize aiding Gilchrist or watching the smug smile fade from Padern’s face after he realized Öysteinn did not side with him.
Looking at Öysteinn Rígán said, “You speak wisely. We do not want to upset the lords of land needlessly. Therefore, we raise the levies from the king’s own lands of County Jorvik and County Lancaster. With the retinue they will comprise your army. Will this suffice?”
Öysteinn rubbed his chin as he thought. Lancaster, Jorvik, and the retinue would give him close to five thousand. Gilchrist should about five thousand under arms at the present. He quickly estimated the Scottish Revolt could raise somewhere between four thousand and forty-five hundred.
With a stern face Öysteinn nodded, “Yes, Lord Regent, it will be adequate.”
Making as much noise as he could getting out of his seat, Padern stood. Shaking his fist at Rígán saying, “As my opinion as well as any other whose differ from the Lord Regent then perhaps the time has come for Deheubarth to forge its own path.
The way Padern looked at Vagn reminded him a master looked at dog who was at his beckoning call. The Jarl of Deheubarth spun around and without a look back stormed from the chambers. Vagn rose sheepishly, bowed awkwardly and hurriedly followed Padern.
Öysteinn did find some relief in Padern’s action. They meant that he was again conceding control of the armies to Öysteinn and there would be no meddling by the Marshal. Öysteinn shook his head knowing this was a far cry from when Padern’s father, Emrys, was marshal.
We have fallen so far from where we once were. Öysteinn looked around the chamber. He wondered if there would still be a kingdom for Ofeig to rule when he came of age or just a collection feuding lords.
The meeting was quickly adjorned. Öysteinn walked over to Alfgeir. The boy stood wide-eyed in a combined state of awe and confusion over the proceedings he had just witisnessed.
Öysteinn put his hand on Alfgeir’s shoulder saying, “Come now we must return to the army.”
Öysteinn and Alfgeir had just exited the chamber when a woman’s voice called out, “Lord Öysteinn, please wait.”
Slightly angry but curious Öysteinn stopped and turned to see Ælfthryth approaching. He bowed, “Princess.”
Ælfthryth smiled looking at both Öysteinn and Alfgeir. “So, this is Alfgeir.”
Alfgeir nodded, “Yes, milady.”
Ælfthryth continued, “I have heard much about you. You are very much like your father, a great fighter.”
Having the pretty young princess praise him, made Alfgeir blush. He mumbled, “Thank you.”
Still smiling the princess replied, “It is a shame you are not among us any longer.”
Now it was Öysteinn who spoke, “After the incident with the king it was decided he would learn more being my page.”
Now it was Ælfthryth turn to blush, “I did not mean to insult. In my opinion Ofeig had it coming.”
Tired of the small talk Öysteinn asked, “Is there something I can do for you princess?”
Ælfthryth nodded, “You seem troubled by this war. Can I ask why?”
Öysteinn took a breath and replied, “This is an unnecessary war. It is also dangerous.”
The princess nodded, “I can understand unnecessary, but dangerous?”
Öysteinn frowned, “Dangerous in many ways. The lords will not be happy with the war. When it is over Jorvik will have gained nothing. Gilchrist, on the other hand will become stronger.”
The jovial attitude was lost. Ælfthryth responded, “I understand your misgivings. However, we must honor our commitments to the Scottish king.”
The general shook his head, “We should have taken some land such from them instead of making them tributary. Sometime in the future we may find ourselves looking at a much stronger Scotland, a stronger Scotland we helped create.”
Ælfthryth was silent as she thought for a moment. With a slight frown she replied, “You have given me much to think about.”
She began to leave but Öysteinn called her back, “Princess can you answer a question for me?”
She nodded, “I will try.”
With some sadness and concern in his voices Öysteinn asked, “What can you tell me of Vagn’s actions? He served with me during the Scottish War and his mannerisms today were out of place for the Vagn I know.”
Ælfthryth frowned, “He supports Padern these days.”
Shocked Öysteinn replied, “How? Why? I know he does not care for Padern at all.”
The princess sighed, “Padern resolved a rather embarrassing matter for Vagn involving Vagn’s daughter Yrsa several months ago. Padern has called in the favor by demanding Vagn support his actions in the Council and any factions Padern is involved in.”
Visibly disappointed Öysteinn responded, “I see. Thank you, milady.”
Ælfthryth nodded and excused herself. She left Öysteinn and Alfgeir standing in the corridor.
Öysteinn looked at Alfgeir and said, “Now do you understand why I want nothing to do with this den of unscrupulous scoundrels.”
Alfgeir nodded his agreement.
As they walked down the corridor Öysteinn could hear St Eustace say, “You forgot soulless wretches who care only for themselves.”
Öysteinn now found himself nodding in agreement.
