088

We sailed past Lindisfarne Island and went to the place where we camped last year. My men immediately began building the camp, but this time much larger. Fences were erected, wolf pits were dug ... I did not expect an attack by the local army, after last year's defeat, they certainly did not have the strength to face 4,500 warriors... However, setting up a camp, even a temporary one, was something I required of my army. Digging wolf pits was not necessary, but it was important for me to develop a habit in my people. It was supposed to be second nature to them.

I called all the commanders to me.

- Nobody leaves the camp, if a person or a group of people leave the camp and raid some nearby settlements, they will be sentenced to death ... (Ulf)

It caused a stir among the crowd, my order seemed incomprehensible to them ... they did not understand why I forbade them something for which they came here.

-... Look, I didn't come here to steal the farmer's hens, but to get thousands of pounds of silver and gold ... and to get these riches, you need a plan. Obey, or go back to Norway. I will not let a bunch of greedy fools waste my efforts, I promised you the spoils and you will get it, but in due time. (Ulf)

I didn't have any more time to deal with such nonsense... Me, One-Eyed Arne, Torstein, Leif, Floki, and Rollo, and a few other warriors, went to the royal seat in Bamburgh.

The neighborhood looked normal, there was no sign of last year's war, as we approached the city, we saw that the gate was open and was guarded by a soldier.

I took two men with me and approached the guard. He looked like an orangutan crossing a human... It was like an unsuccessful experiment, trying to create life in a tester ... father unknown, mother was a glass factory. You could play dots on his face. One thing is for sure, he will die a virgin unless he finds an unconscious woman.

- Listen to me carefully, freak. Tell your commander that King Ulf Erikson has arrived ... the same one who killed your king a year ago. (Ulf)

Not only was the guard's appearance leaving much to be desired, it was similar with his intelligence. He did not know how to behave or which way to go ...

I went back to Leif and the others and waited for reactions from the castle. Several minutes later, a group of thirty armed soldiers ran out of the castle and headed towards us ... when they were close, I looked towards the commander, or at least someone who made such an impression.

- Before you do anything stupid, know that 4,500 of my men are waiting a few kilometers from here. (Ulf)

This stopped the soldiers' enthusiasm. The commander looked at me.

- Leave your weapons and you can go to the castle. (Commander)

I had no problem with that, I signaled my men to give up their weapons and we headed towards the town and the castle ... after a few minutes we were there. The damage in the city has been rebuilt, the gate has been reinforced with metal bars ... I was curious if my ballista could handle it. Rest?.. Everything looked normal. The commander led us to the throne room ...

Queen Ealhswith sat on the throne, and on the second throne to her left sat her son and future king, Ecgberht. The Queen's face was stone, there was neither hostility nor smile ... just concentration.

- Queen Ealhswith, I hope you are in good health ... I hope you missed me ... I must have caused you many sleepless nights. (Ulf)

- I will not say that the sight of you makes me happy ... Supposedly you are the King, the King of what? You didn't claim to be king last year? (Queen)

- Ulf Erikson King of Norway, in order to become king, I had to kill some other kings ... Those who did not want to die, submitted to me. My beautiful Queen Ealhswith you did not answer the question, did you dream about me? (Ulf)

- Yes, they were very pleasant dreams ... (Queen)

- Were you above me or was I above you? (Ulf)

- You hung, you were dead ... (Queen)

- So I was above you, you flirt with me ... (Ulf)

The tone of my voice changed from frivolous and cheerful ... to firm.

- Enough of this merriment, 4,500 of my men are waiting not far from the castle ... so let's talk seriously. You have stayed on the throne, congratulations, but your throne is only standing because I have allowed it. I expect information from you about the Kingdom of Mercia and Wessex ... I also want to know about your internal problems. If you help us, you will survive. (Ulf)

The queen turned pale, she didn't know about my army before, and my tone didn't indicate that I was joking. She ordered the servants to prepare a welcome feast for us ... not that she would have a different option.

The tables were quickly set and the first food and wine brought ... I sat down next to the Queen.

- Lady, I noticed that your court is smaller than the last time ... I know we killed some nobles, but by Gods not that many ... do you have any problems? Tell me what is on your heart and I will help you. (Ulf)

I put my hand on the Queen's thigh, she shuddered, looked at me, tears welled up in her eyes.

- Don't cry Beauty, there will be time for tears ... now tell what bothers you. (Ulf)

My behavior was noticed by the queen's son and he started shouting at me and insulting me.

- Listen, boy, your mother sacrifices herself for you ... because if it weren't for her sacrifice, your corpse would now be lying in the courtyard and you would be a feast for the ravens ... (Ulf)

- Lord ... don't do anything to my son, this child. I'll agree to anything. Please ... don't hurt him. (Queen)

- I know you'll agree ... but later. What's happening in your country right now? (Ulf)