Conquest

Hereward had given the Talisman back to Torfida after Macbeth’s death, saying that he never wanted to see it again.

Torfida had quickly become very animated. ‘You gave it to him as a lucky charm, an amulet to ward off evil. That’s not what it is. You still don’t understand, do you? It’s a symbol of wisdom and kingship, not a lucky charm. The wisdom must come first, then the warrior may wear it and harness its power — because he understands its meaning.’

‘You talk in riddles. The damned thing is just a lump of amber. The only mystery is how it hoodwinks apparently intelligent people like you.’

Torfida had stormed off in a fury, leaving Hereward to look back on the sad events in Scotland.

It was something he would do many times in the months and years that followed, as they travelled far from Scottish shores.

As Godwin of Ely completed his story of the demise of Macbeth, King of the Scots, he breathed a prolonged and mournful sigh.

There seemed to be tears in his eyes, but he soon closed them. Within moments, he had fallen into a deep sleep.

It had been a long night; dawn would soon be bringing a new day to the old man’s precious haven.

Prince John Comnenus got to his feet and stretched himself. He ordered that an extra bearskin be placed over their ancient storyteller and that the fire be replenished. Leo the priest had also fallen asleep.

As the two princes walked towards the east and the rising sun, John Azoukh smiled to himself. ‘He tells the story as if it happened yesterday. But it was sixty years ago!’

‘I suppose he has had plenty of time to remember everything in detail; there’s not much else to do up here in the mountains. I suspect that’s part of the reason he’s here, so that he can remember.’

‘Our storyteller is obviously Hereward of Bourne. Why do you think he has assumed the identity of Godwin of Ely?’

‘I’m sure that will become clear as the story unfolds. We’re still only in 1057. My father was just a nine-year-old boy then. This man has lived a very long time.’

‘Isn’t it interesting how his life has moved in a great circle? Now, he’s a wild hermit, living out his days in isolation.’

‘Exactly as the Old Man of the Wildwood foretold.’

The two princes strolled for a while, deep in thought. After several minutes of reflection, it was John Comnenus who ended the quiet introspection.

‘The Talisman hasn’t yet revealed itself as an object worthy of the respect my father gives it. The King of the Welsh seemed wary of it, while its influence on Macbeth didn’t seem to help his cause!’

John Azoukh looked at his friend and smiled. ‘I suspect the importance of the Talisman is also part of the story to come. It would not have ended up adorning the neck of the Emperor of Byzantium if it didn’t have some significance.’ He paused, seeming concerned for his friend. ‘Would you risk a fight to the death for the Purple of Byzantium, as Macbeth did for his throne?’

‘That is a good question, my friend. I have been thinking about that. Would I have the courage? Would I be prepared to lose everything to fight for what I thought was right?

‘I’d like to think so, but it’s easier to say than to do. Macbeth must have known he had little chance against a stronger, younger man. Perhaps it was his way of regaining his self-esteem after the crushing blow of losing his crown and his sad personal decline. Now, at least, he will be remembered for his courage, not for his defeat.

‘I hope I’m never in the same position and that I never have to make that choice.’

John Azoukh placed his arm around the heir to the throne. ‘I hope so too. Let’s get some sleep.’

It was well past noon before Godwin of Ely was ready to continue his story.

The day had become typically hot. There was no need for bearskins and log fires. Instead, the stewards built shades from leafy branches and drew fresh cool water from the lake.

After a long and relaxed lunch, with much good humour and a little wine, the four men settled themselves for the continuation of the saga of the life of Hereward, Thegn of Bourne.

8. Ancient Wonders

Although Hereward had the trappings and demeanour of a nobleman, he still used the simple title Hereward of Bourne. Even so, wherever they went, they were in demand; everyone wanted to know what sort of man carried such mighty weapons, to meet the beautiful woman at his side and admire their formidable companions.

They journeyed to Goteborg to visit Thorkeld and his father. The old man was delighted to meet the owner of his lethal masterpiece — the Great Axe of Goteborg, as it had come to be known — and thrilled to hear that it had already drawn blood in battle. In Scandinavia, they wandered to most of its major settlements, all the while absorbing Norse culture. Einar and Hereward, in particular, felt a great affinity with the lands of their ancestors.