Beowulf - Curse of the Dreygurs - Chapter 6
King Ida
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Beowulf - Curse of the Dreygurs
·This is the webnovel version of my printed novel. The first 10 chapters are available to everyone. If you are a paid subscriber, you can read each chapter as released to the ending. Paid subscribers also have access to the ebook version download as well. For those interested in purchasing the complete book,
Chapter 6
“When I sent for you, my sons and I started out to confront the evil told to me by my people. I expect more Angles to join us, but they have not arrived yet. As I look at your men, I’m not sure what your small group can do.” Ida said with a thin smile.
“The number of these vicious monsters we battled last night was nearly overwhelming. And your overlord, King Heardred, sent me a leader who is younger than most of my retainers.”
A smattering of laughter from the Angle tribe broke out in the room. Tense mutters whispered among Beowulf’s men rose next among the Geats. Weohstan watched as his leader squeezed hard on the pommel of his sword. He feared a fight soon. But Beowulf’s face remained a mask. The expression eased his concerns as the warrior refused to take the bait offered by the king.
“My lord, don’t judge the size of one’s deeds by the look of their age. It was I who volunteered my Gedriht to your cause. These trusted thegns know how to fight. Our king accepted this decision with no reservations. Here in the wilds of Bernicia, you may not know of my exploits, but I have fought and destroyed a sea monster twice the size of this building. With my loyal men, I would put us against an army of ten times our number and wager we would defeat such a force.”
The murmur among Ida’s men rose at the bravado as Beowulf placed his hands on his hips. The old king raised his hand, and the rest of the room fell silent.
“My young nephew, I mean no slight to you or your men. It is a fact that you are inexperienced in this land, and you lack the number of warriors I expected,” the king replied.
His ragged cough broke out until he took a drink of mead. Beowulf noticed Glappa’s concerned expression while watching his father. Still, Beowulf’s temper rose at the indirect snubs coming from the king. He forced himself to remain diplomatic.
“Perhaps you can tell me more of the evil? Then you and I can decide if we cannot meet the challenge.”
His men heard the edge in his words. While beneficial in a fight, Beowulf’s quick temper got the better of him at times. They hoped he would keep his feelings in check.
King Ida gave a brief smile while enjoying the discomfort he saw in his cousin. He already knew of Beowulf’s travels and his heroic battle against the monster. The exploit already filled the lands of the Angles, Saxon, and Jutes. Ida knew more about the young warrior than Beowulf realized.
“They attacked us in the middle of the night while we were in the town. We’re fortunate to have been able to get to this fort,” Ida explained. “Foul monsters that stank of death swarmed over the village. When they attacked, they were nearly impervious to our weapons. Arrows and spears can’t take them down. My men fought them off as we moved up the trail to a better defensive position. However, several more bands set upon us before we got into the fort. Now I have only a small group of warriors left, scarcely enough men to travel with me as I raise more for the defense of my kingdom.”
“My men know of the damage caused by these creatures. We saw the destruction of the village where we docked before coming here,” Beowulf said with a quick glance at Ecgberht. “Do you know what these monsters are and where they come from?”
He recognized the surprise on Ida’s face at the news of another village lost to the monsters.
“This forces my hand. An elder told my son about these dreygurs,” said Ida. “These monsters move only at night when evil is at its peak. We are unsure why they have suddenly come into our lands. Removing their heads or hacking them apart will destroy them.”
“That explains what we found on the trail. Since it appears the monsters carry off their dead along with some victims, it would seem a straightforward task to follow them to their hideouts.” Beowulf declared with a confident nod to his men. “I assume your warriors have already followed the monsters’ trail?”
He noticed the sharp look that Ida gave his sons.
“No, I don’t have enough men to go after these creatures. Those still alive are looking after the dead and wounded. Many of the injured died of the terrible wounds inflicted by the savage beasts.” Ida stated.
Left unsaid was the reason the king kept his two sons close for the moment. Beowulf could only guess the reason came from the ill heal of their father.
“We’ll return to Bamburgh,” the king declared. “I’ll gather my remaining fighters in defense of Bamburgh.”
“I don’t understand,” Beowulf replied.
“Yes, there is a reason which gives me limited options.” Ida said with conviction.
Beowulf realized no further explanation was coming. While he knew the kingdom faced enemies from the south, the Geat believed in a more likely answer. The heirs to the throne knew their father was dying, and each man was determined to take over upon his death. The monsters were a distraction. Another fit of coughing from the king confirmed the man’s fragile condition. Beowulf waited until the king recovered.
“While it’s unfortunate your people did not find their lair; we should destroy these creatures,” he told him. “I doubt their trail will be hard to find, and there is plenty of daylight left. Let us ride to catch these monsters and slay them before they can commit even more foul deeds against your people.”
“You speak boldly for a man who has never fought this undead terror,” Appa interjected.
The second oldest son of King Ida swaggered over to stand in front of Ida’s men. His long, blonde hair and blue eyes gave him a look of a god. However, his smirking demeanor quickly changed Beowulf’s initial view.
“We had many a bold warrior who talked like you before night last, and now their bodies lay scattered on the trail. You act like you will destroy these monsters by yourself. I hear only words of a weakling.”
He looked down at his father’s men, who were sitting or kneeling on the hard floor. The men nodded their agreement at the challenge.
“That’s because the monsters have never dealt with me before,” Beowulf’s reply came with a deadly stare.
“Let me be plain. My fighters know well the brave and difficult deeds I put upon them. None of my men hesitate since they understand the road to eternal life lies in everlasting fame, here and in the afterlife. They follow this path because we act as one.”
He moved to look around at the warriors in the room. Then he gave a dramatic pause before turning back to scowl at Appa.
“Plus, my thegns know I would not have allowed my men to die in the night while I still drew a breath.”
He slid his hand to his sword. The expected reaction from the king’s son came when Appa whipped out his sword. However, King Ida sprang from his seat with unexpected strength.
“Appa, your manner reminds me of an ass. Beowulf came as my guest. You will treat him as such,” the king roared as he stepped between the men.
Appa quickly apologized to his father and backed away while sliding his blade back into the scabbard. Beowulf recognized from the glare the man gave him he would not forgive the insult. Tension filled the room. To question the Angle leader’s courage in public was a serious affront.
“There is a need for diplomacy,” Weohstan’s whispered voice came to Beowulf as he stepped next to him.
At the same time, Glappa rose from his chair and stepped closer to his father, whispering into his ear. Nodding, Ida turned back to Beowulf.
“My apologies for overstepping my welcome,” Beowulf gave a slight bow to the king.
“You honor our kingdom by coming here. I would accept your service and those of your men in my realm on one condition,” Ida stated.
“You will need someone who knows this territory along with the lands of our enemies. These dreygurs remain close to our border, so I require caution. Bernicia cannot afford a war with our many enemies around us.”
“Yes, such travel would need guidance,” Beowulf nodded.
“My son, Glappa, would be an excellent guide to join your group.”
The king’s tone showed it was not an option. After sizing up his new partner, Beowulf gave a broad grin.
“I have heard great things about Glappa in the poems of the scops who travel our lands. I would be pleased to have the son of Ida at my side,” Beowulf declared. “Together, we will rid the lands of these monsters and add to the glory of our names.”
“You honor me with your words.”
Glappa’s expression remained neutral, but the tension in the room dropped. The Angle warrior extended his arm to Beowulf. While the men gripped the other’s forearm in a warrior’s handshake, they appraised each other.
“Let us find that trail now.” Beowulf stated with a confident smirk.
Their act sealed a temporary bond between new comrades.
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