Warlord of the Great Army

by cole.anderson501

Instead of sailing east to claim the throne of Kattegat, Ivar the Boneless decides to stay in York having greater ambitions to conquer all of Britain. Despite being a crippled Ivar's strategic planning creates a name for himself as one of the most feared Vikings of his time.

12. Chapter 12

I was entrapped, panicking. I quickly banged my fist against the walls.

'Help!' I shouted, 'Someone help, anyone I'm not dead!'

I continued striking the wooden boards that enclosed me.

'Sorry, baby brother,' said Hvitserk's voice.

'Hvitserk stop I'm not dead!' I shouted, banging inside of my coffin. By the gods, please, someone help me.

I shot up awake, my heart racing as I wiped the sweat from my face. I must have dozed off out here on my ship. I was lying on the floorboards by the stern.

Freydís's laughter snapped me out of my thoughts. Clenching my teeth together glaring where her laughter came from, I decided to remain here. Hidden and out of sight.

I lazily brought a twig to my mouth, cleaning my teeth, while I watched my sails flap. There was a light breeze that the spring brought as the sun beat down on me. The docks were crowded with my army that started to afloat their ships back into the river for the warmer months. Soon I'd be taking around a thousand men with me to invade Ireland. I was still hoping Bishop Heahmund would surprise me and show up to Yorvik for this journey. It had been four months since I left Wessex.

A light thump struck inside my ship, picking my head up to see my dwarven priest smiling at me with his drink in hand.

'My dear crippled pagan, you've been a difficult one to find,' said Father Judd.

'What do you want, dwarf?'

'You've been neglecting your duties of sitting in on the council meetings. A village not too far from here suffered a tragic fire. They're requesting assistance for substance.'

Groaning, I rested my head back on the floorboards. I hate dealing with politics.

'Why do I have to assist them? It's their error for being careless. How am I supposed to feed an army if I must feed villages every time a tragedy occurs, hmm?'

'Our lord had once fed an entire army of thousands with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish,' said Father Judd. I saw him taking a seat on the bench near me.

'Well, those fish had to of been massive,' I said, glaring up at the priest. 'Send the village a sack of grain for each household. Tell them I expect a good harvest, though.'

'Now you see that wasn't so hard. Now that you can read and write, your presence at the meetings would be highly beneficial for Northumbria,' said Father Judd standing up leaving.

I rolled my eyes at the priest's lecture. I had taken up Alfred's suggestion and learned how to read and write. Father Judd had held the lessons though he wasn't the best tutor. The priest usually showed up with a hangover or still intoxicated. I tried enforcing my housecarls to learn with me, but White Hair immediately shot it down, saying he was too old. Skul and Leif kept disappearing when it was time for the lessons, which left me in the company of Egil and Fletcher. The kid picked up the writing first, followed by Egil. Egil's handwriting was the best, and ever since, he's been writing down his poems. I eventually got the hang of the boring skill. I still struggle with the spelling and my handwriting's sloppy.

I reached for my silver cross, looking at it smirking as I remembered the previous owner. I regretted nothing that happened that night, but it had left me confused about myself. The reasonable explanation I could come up with was that I was attracted to clever and ambitious people.

My thoughts were interrupted upon hearing two consecutive horn blasts. That was the signal for letting me know a fleet was approaching. More Vikings have been arriving since last month. I've been sending them to the newly acquired lands in Mercia. A shadow fell over me moving my gaze towards the owner. White Hair was standing at the dock.

'Lord, the fleet approaching displays Kattegat's colors.'

'Have them anchor further down and send their earls to me,' I said, closing my eyes.

I wonder who was coming from Kattegat. Maybe the gods were gifting me Lagertha.

I brought my hands up to my braided hair tying it back. I picked myself up off the floorboards and stepped off my ship.

Freydís smiled up at me as I stepped onto the docks. She was sitting with a group of women weaving material for the army's sails. Her pregnant stomach was noticeable, now radiating a glow of beauty. I desperately wished the child she was carrying was mine. I knew it wasn't, which angered me into distancing myself from her. If I were ever to have a child, I think I would love to have a daughter.

Leif's obnoxious laugh distracted me from my thoughts. Ahead of Freydís, Leif was practicing swordsmanship skill with Fletcher. Briefly watching from a distance, I could tell the Mercian would make a good housecarl one day.

'Ivar.'

My eyes widened at the voice. Groaning, I turned to see my brother.

'Ubbe,' I said wryly. My oldest brother was standing behind me with a woman that wasn't his wife, but Björn's wife. 'Ah, Torvi, welcome to Yorvik.'

Ubbe stared at me with hardened eyes as he placed his arm around Torvi.

Interesting.

Ubbe was the best warrior I've ever known. He was the peacekeeper in our family, a tall attractive man who held himself up with pride and humility. A part of me would always love Ubbe, but our relationship had shattered the day I accidentally killed Sigurd. I desperately wanted his forgiveness, but I knew I'd never received it. I hated the way he looked down on me now. The guilt I'd have to live with.

Torvi was a beautiful slim shield-maiden with the lightest hair I've ever seen. She was loyal to Lagertha, so I'd have to keep eyes on her. I looked past them and saw their crew, and frowned. These weren't warriors or shield-maidens. Their crew consisted mainly of families.

'Brother!' shouted Hvitserk, who ran to Ubbe, giving him a tight embrace. I rolled my eyes at that scene, noticing Torvi was staring at me.

She's probably surprised to see me standing. Or she's plotting a way to murder me.

'Hvitserk, we missed you. Torvi and I are married now.'

'Congratulations.'

I blinked at that smirking. I looked between the two.

'I am happy for you both,' I said sarcastically.

'Thank you, Ivar,' said Torvi coldly.

Every second I stood there in front of these people, I could feel my hatred intensifying towards them.

A hand wrapped around my arm, startling me. I looked over at Freydís who was smiling at me. I gave her a fake smile pointing at her. Then I just clenched my teeth, putting my hand back down to my side in a fist.

'Ubbe, Torvi, this is Freydís. She is carrying my divine child. It is a miracle,' I said, full of sarcasm.

Ubbe looked in nonbelief between Hvitserk and me. I knew what he was thinking. Poor Ubbe always too kind.

'Freydís it's a pleasure,' said Ubbe.

Grinding my teeth, I glanced past them, seeing another man walking towards us, which caused me to groan. King Harald.

Why did the gods hate me today? I need a drink.

I unwrapped Freydís's hand from my arm harshly. I knew Ubbe saw it. I gave them a smirk before dismissing myself.

Harald's loud voice was talking to them, which told me they were following me into the town. I smirked as I walked past my statue in the center of the village near the church. Leif and Skul had made it out of wood and metal. It amused me because I knew Hvitserk hated it. I could hear Harald's laughter knowing they were talking about it.

Walking into the hall, I shouted at everyone inside to leave. I approached the table, grabbing a pot of ale, pouring a cup, and devouring it. I could hear my guest voices entering the hall.

'Ivar Lothbrok, you're living quite comfortably here,' said King Harald walking up to me. 'This is magnificent.'

I exhaled deeply into my cup, taking another long swing from it. I looked up, giving him a forced smile. Leaning my body down, I seated myself on a bench looking over at my family. I needed a moment to understand what just happened. Ubbe arrived here with a fleet of women, children, and men who weren't warriors. While Harald came here with nothing but warriors. I glanced up to see Ubbe giving me a hard stare.

'Ivar, you deviated from the plans leading an invasion into Mercia. Word came back that you also nearly got yourself killed for your recklessness.'

Oh, like you'd even care if I died.

'I'd say everything worked out perfectly in the end. The gods love me. But I wonder why both of you are traveling together,' I said.

Ubbe glared at me, turning to whisper to Hvitserk. King Harald, though was grinning as he patted me on the shoulder and took a seat next to me.

'Björn is now king of Kattegat. And the very shield-maiden you've sworn to kill has retired to a simple farming life. I thought you might want to know.'

I nodded at the information. So, my oldest half-brother was the king of my homelands now. There was little peace of mind knowing that Lagertha was off the throne. Though I still wanted her dead for killing my mother. I will seek my revenge one day.

'Why haven't you overthrown Björn then? Inevitably that is your intention,' I said, throwing my hands up in the air.

King Harald wants something from me, but what? The fact he's trying to warm up to me instead of anyone else in the room is confirming my suspicion.

'I tried,' said King Harald looking at the ground sullenly. 'It didn't work out the way I intended. Your half-brother is clever. But while King Björn is stuck in Denmark, I'll be getting rich off easy plunder here in Britain. And possibly turn one of these kingdoms into part of my conquest. After all, what use does a god have for a mortal kingdom when they command all of Asgard.'

I smirked challengingly at him. So, my conquest tales have already traveled back home. I have a suspicion King Harald wants me to ally myself with him to overthrow my brother. Reputation is everything as far as it stands. I've been undefeated. I glanced over at my older brother, annoyed he was ignoring me.

'Ubbe, tell me why you have brought so many families but so few warriors? Are the people in Denmark growing fat and comfortable in their lives that they no longer wish to raid?' I asked, looking in his direction.

King Harald chuckled. He was indeed up to something.

'We don't need to fight anymore, Ivar. I brought families who wish to settle in East Anglia. We have a signed document from King Ecbert granting us the land,' said Ubbe pulling the document out.

I waved my hand to see it. He walked over, handing it to me. Reading over it, I struggled with a few words, but I was cursing myself for being foolish after finishing it. Folding the document, I gave it back to Ubbe.

'Well, with that document, I'm sure. Peace. Will be granted,' I said sarcastically.

King Harald was eying me with interest. I have no interest in being his instrument.

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed onto my crutch, putting my weight on it and lifting myself. Wincing from my left leg's pain, I dismissed myself from their company. Ubbe was here to settle in East Anglia. He was walking into a trap, but my older brother wasn't a weak fool. He could handle himself. King Harald was here to go raiding. I might allow him to come with me to Ireland, but I couldn't trust him.

The streets were crowded outside with both Ubbe and Harald's additional forces. I saw a man carrying a crate of mead. Halting him, I snatched a bottle out and headed towards the church. Bishop Wulfhere was inside consulting some of our Saxon slaves. I set the bottle of mead down at the alter next to him.

'Bishop,' I said, watching the plump bishop look at the mead and then at me. 'A gift from my homelands.'

'Oh, thank you, Lord Ivar,' said Bishop Wulfhere in his annoying high pitch voice.

'The taxes will need to be collected here soon,' I said, lowering my voice and leaning towards the man. 'My threat from last year remains should I not receive it.'

The plump bishop nodded his head, doing his Christian cross sign over himself.

The door burst open and White Hair was storming inside. I gripped onto my crutch, ready to act.

'Trouble.'

I nodded, clenching my teeth as I tried to quicken my pace and ignore the throbbing pain of my left leg. Leaving the church, a crowd was in the center of the street forming. It looked like a fight was breaking out between King Harald's army and mine from the shields. Groaning, I shoved myself through the crowd to see who had instigated this. Making my way to the center, to my surprise, was my housecarl. Leif was on the ground grappling with another man identical to him.

'That's enough!' I shouted. Leif recognizing my voice, looked up at me. 'Stand down!'

Leif rolled off the man, but the man ignored me shoving Leif into the ground. I dropped my crutch and snatched a bow and two arrows from one of my men standing next to me. I released the first arrow intentionally at the ground next to the man. He looked up at me as I had the next arrow strung and aimed at him.

'Get off my housecarl.'

White Hair had unsheathed his sword along with Skul who stood on the other side of them. My army began reaching for the hilts of their weapons. I was ready to end this worthless shit's life.

The man shoved Leif and stood up, looking at me challengingly as he spat on the ground and walked away. Leif got up, dusting himself off with a busted lip. I had to control my anger by not releasing that arrow at that man's retreating form. Fletcher ran up to me, handing me my crutch. The crowd started disbursing moments later. Leif, groaning, walked up to me with Skul by his side.

'That was my twin brother Gerlak. We've never seen eye to eye, lord. He insulted you, said I was weak for following orders from a crippled, and I lost it.'

I exhaled lowly, forever the world will see me for my deformity. I needed to hurry up and get Harald's army out of here before more trouble arises. Right now, his and Ubbe's men would start tapping into our food supply that would begin to diminish rapidly.

'You're my man Leif, and your brother chose to serve King Harald Finehair. I'd say your opposites indeed,' I said, smirking and patting Leif on the arm. I looked over at White Hair. 'Pass on to all the earls and shipmasters that I'll be announcing our next raid tonight at the feast.'

'Yes, lord.'

Skul was at Leif's side, walking with him to the castle. I shoved Fletcher gently, who was standing in front of me.

'Go play,' I said, dismissing my servant. He gave me a stupid grin running off. 'Stay off my ship!'

Wincing, I shifted my weight, trying to take off as much pressure as possible. I began walking to the castle to see Ubbe when a woman from my past walked in front of me. She was chained and shackled with messy blond hair wearing a filthy dress.

'I know you, don't I?' I said, walking towards her. The woman flinched back as I stood by her. 'Margrethe.'

What in the nine realms happened to her. Did Ubbe make her into a slave again?

Her fingers moved in strange motions. Ah, she has gone mad. I smirked at her fate. I knew she told my brothers about my ashamed secret. My inability to pleasure women. Oh, Margrethe, how you were wrong about that.

'Do you know who I am?'

'I. I. Ivar,' said Margrethe shrieking back.

'Are you still a free woman?'

'Yes, she stole him from me. She stole my husband. I was supposed to be queen. But Hvitserk. Hvitserk is kind. He'll want me.'

Why in Allfather's name would they bring a mad woman to my village?

That evening I waited at the hall sitting next to King Egbert. Egil was performing one of my army's favorite songs about my battle with the Wessex king. My army was chanting along to the song. They segregated themselves from the newcomers sitting at the benches to the right of me. The jealousy and hatred radiated from both my brothers. They have a way of trying to play the victims as if I stole the army from them. The truth is they were ready for peace. All the success was thanks to me. It was my ideas and ambition that has led us to this point. Yes, peace may come later, but not now.

After Egil finished with the song, I stood up.

'Hail Ivar!'

'Hail Ivar!'

'Hail Ivar!' said my army as they banged their cups repetitively against the table.

I held up my hand, silencing them. My brothers' annoyance was apparent, and I was receiving an amused look from King Harald.

If I didn't know any better, I'd guess that Harald wanted me to strain my already damaged relationship further from my family.

'My people, the taxes will be collected here in a few days. By this summer, I'll be leading a raid into Ireland. There we will find rich plunder, slaves, and battles!' I shouted as my army started banging their cups against the table, cheering. Waiting for the noise to die down, I continued. 'There will also be a conquest lead by my brother Ubbe. He'll be leading a fleet to East Anglia to reconquer the lands promised to us.'

Ubbe stood up, walking in the hall's center, holding onto the document. He had no idea what it said.

'There is no need for conquest. With this signed document from King Ecbert of Wessex, it states we're the rightful kings to the land. We had invaded Yorvik and took control over Northumbria. Since I've been away, this army had gone further south and invaded into the Kingdom of Mercia.'

Oh, by the gods, here we go, his stupid peace talk.

'You're welcome!' I shouted sarcastically, which caused my warriors and shield-maidens to laugh.

Ubbe turned and glared at me.

'Let me remind everyone that we're not just a raiding party. How we choose to act now will affect the future of our people. Will be living on this land, we need to focus on peace. The Saxons now know what we're capable of. So yes, thank you, little brother. But they also need to learn another side of us. A side that could help smooth our relationship. We can learn from the Saxons just as they could learn from us.'

I brought my hand up to my forehead, massaging it for I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'm starting to have doubts that Ubbe is related to me.

'What are your plans going into East Anglia?' I asked.

Ubbe ran up to the front table excitedly, standing next to me. He leaned in on the table, looking at the army.

'Will load our ships these upcoming days. Anyone that wishes to settle in warm, rich soil land is welcome to join King Harald and me!' Shouted Ubbe.

'You're making a mistake,' I said lowly, shaking my head. 'I'm going to have to remind you of that later. You don't corner a wolf and expect it not to retaliate.'

'East Anglia was given to us. Settlers be ready to depart in a week. Ivar, may we take this year's tax collection to help start our people's settlements.'

'Yes, brother, for our people, they may have access to the tax collections that I've enforced.'

'I wish I could trust your motives, Ivar,' said Ubbe in a whisper, looking down at me.

'What, you can trust me, I'm your crippled baby brother,' I said with a smirk.

'You're no longer the brother I knew and loved,' said Ubbe, whispering in my ear. 'You're the most dangerous person here. One day we may fight on opposite ends of the shield wall.'

I chuckled lowly, smiling at the army and waving my hand in Ubbe's direction evading his speculation. I stood up beside Ubbe.

'The tax collection may go to the settlers. If there are any Vikings here who wish for reputation, rich plunder, and epic battles, stay in Yorvik, swear your loyalty to me.'

My army erupted in cheers while the other side of the hall where Ubbe and King Harald's army sat started murmuring among themselves. I grinned at Ubbe walking over to Hvitserk.

'Hvitserk, I noticed you didn't volunteer to go with your older brother. Why is that?' I asked.

'I'm happy here in Northumbria.'

I smirked at his response, nodding my head and sitting down on top of the table looking at him.

'It's come to my attention that you're pretty useless here. It's probably my fault for not involving you as much. My dear brother, I'm still a little upset about you trying to kill me.'

'Ivar,' said Hvitserk clenching his teeth together.

'To make yourself useful as a leader of the Great Army. I'd like you to take a thousand men and travel south of here in a few days. I'll need you to link up with King Burgred and collect the taxes Mercia owes me.'

'I'd rather just stay here.'

Chuckling at his boldness, I shook my head.

'You'll leave with Ubbe's fleet, but instead of sailing to East Anglia, you'll sail south to Nottingham.'

'Ivar,' said Hvitserk changing his tone cold. 'What will you do if I refuse? Kill me too.'

'I'll kill the one lady you love most,' I said with a menacing grin.

Hvitserk stared at me, probably trying to see if I was jesting with him. Torvi must've overheard as she gave me a disgusted look.

'I don't love any woman.'

I gave Hvitserk a shocked expression raising my eyebrows, and then smirked at him.

'Are you sure you want to chance that.'

'You're crazy, Ivar, and you're not a god,' said Hvitserk. Leaning in towards me, he lowered his voice. 'I don't think you'd kill an innocent woman to prove a threat to me.'

'Of course, I won't kill an innocent woman,' I said, looking away from him, smiling. 'So long as you're on that ship departing for Nottingham.'

Hvitserk slammed his fist on top of the table, standing up staring me down. I knew he wanted to snatch me by my shirt and shove me to the ground. He must've realized that'd been a terrible move, so instead, he stormed out of the hall.

The Northumbrian taxes were collected, and the livestock was given to Ubbe's people for their settlements. I was going to laugh when he came back with a black eye. East Anglia will most likely tell him to piss off. If Ubbe would've asked me, I would've gone with him. I would've taken my army to East Anglia for protection and joined in to negotiate a truce. I was bitter when he never approached me.

About a week after Ubbe arrived, I stood at the docks watching both his fleet and Hvitserk's fleet sailing out of Yorvik.

To my irritation as I was happy to see both my brothers leave Yorvik, King Harald stood beside me.

'King Harald,' I said, letting my annoyance show in my voice. 'Why aren't you sailing with Ubbe, hmm?'

King Harald released a loud laugh smacking me on the shoulder.

'I sailed west to be a Viking. I came here to gather easy plunder, slaves, and battles.'

I glanced over at the Norway king, smirking at him.

'Then I'd recommend you should sail south to Wessex. You could easily defeat King Æthelred's army and conquer it.'

King Harald grinned, shaking his head at me not taking the bait.

'Tell me, Ivar Lothbrok. If it's so easy to conquer, why hasn't the ever-ambitious Earl Ivar the Boneless conquered it yet?'

'It was worth a try to get you killed,' I said with a shrug.

King Harald released another loud laugh slapping me on the shoulder. I hope he knew I was being honest.

'I wanted to join you on your raid to Ireland. Think about it with me leading the army, and your mindset we'd be a dangerous combination and rich men,' said King Harald.

I didn't want Harald traveling with me. There was something about him. My gut was telling me not to trust him.

'I think I'm going to have to halt my invasion temporarily. I foresee having to go to East Anglia and save my foolish brother's ass. But I wish you the best on your raid.'

It had been a few months since King Harald and my brothers had departed Yorvik. It was late July, and I was supposed to have sailed west to Ireland at this time. It would seem my lie I had told King Harald was becoming a truth. Hvitserk should have been back a long time ago. I wasn't worried, for he left with a heavy force.

I walked into the hall where King Egbert and Bishop Wulfhere sat. I was about to say something I thought I'd never say.

'Lord king,' I said, looking at my puppet king. 'It is time to summon the fyrd.'

'But Ivar, it's the harvest season. The villagers won't be happy leaving their fields at this time,' said King Egbert.

I glared at the king, restraining my anger, for I wanted to throw my war pick at his face.

'You can tell them they should be happy I'm keeping them alive, and that's as far as my generosity goes.'

I was furious. Hvitserk left with a considerable force. I needed to travel into Mercia and find out what happened to them. I wouldn't have enough men to guard the walls of Yorvik. I needed to depend on the Northumbrians to protect the village while I went off to war.