Chapter One
The Burh of Chichester flourished under the leadership of Lord Richard’s youngest son, David. His unique defense stratagems and training programs set the standard for the daily operation of the fortifications King Alfred had built along the Wessex coastline to ward off heathen attacks.
David was a proficient warrior who fought alongside his soldiers in the heat of battle. His courage and humility readily earned him the respect of the men under his command. His charismatic personality inspired his warriors to fight against insurmountable odds, and his distinctive tactics had turned many impending defeats into remarkable victories.
There remained an unsteady peace after the Danish King Guthrum, and his army returned to East Anglia. The mighty Gorm carved out the land and ruled as the Christian King Aethelstan. King Guthrum and his Godfather, the Saxon King Alfred, encouraged marital alliances and had blessed the union of David and his Danish wife, Helga. Their twin sons, James and John, would grow up in a land devoid of war and conquest if King Guthrum remained on his throne.
King Guthrum also refused to sanction Danish raiding parties against the King of Wessex. Word spread quickly that a large army from the homeland had been forced to camp near London for the winter since King Guthrum would not consent to the pillaging of King Alfred’s kingdom. King Guthrum’s reputation was further weakened when it was learned that the army had set sail for the Frankish Empire. It was rumored that King Guthrum was no longer the formidable warrior who had shown no mercy since he now followed the teachings of the new Christ God, and preached peace. Many believed King Guthrum was weak, ineffectual, and no longer fit to rule.
***
Chichester was fortunate to have a thriving market town near the fortification. Merchants and traders traveled along the coastline on roads that were made safe because of King Alfred’s laws. Market Day was well attended by the local villagers and inhabitants of the fortress since the heathen threat was considered to be insignificant.
Inga hummed joyful tunes, helping James and John finish their chores before leaving for the market. The boys placed their toys in the chest next to their beds, changed their tunics and joined their mother and father for the morning meal.
Inga gave each child a bowl of berries and porridge, singing softly while slicing a loaf of warm bread. David was quite amused his sons were so well behaved and eating quietly while satisfying their hunger.
“You appear to be in good spirits,” Helga smiled.
“Dalla’s brother returns this day,” Inga replied.
“Loki brings our toy soldiers,” James interrupted.
“Dalla said they are made of ivory and were bought in Rome!” John told them.
“I do not know your friends,” David reminded Inga.
“Why not invite them to share the night meal?” Helga interjected. “They are welcome to stay in the guest quarters.”
“Or they will be escorted back to town, if they so wish,” David said.
“You are most kind, my lord,” Inga told him.
Inga and the boys could not contain their excitement as they left the room and stepped into the dusty street. They were laughing amongst themselves as they hurried towards the main gate.
“Do you think she fancies this Loki?” David asked his wife.
“She has not said anything,” Helga hesitated.
“Why are you unsettled, my love?”
“I cannot say, but something is not right.”
***
Inga and the boys waved at the guards who stood atop the gatehouse when they left the compound. They would arrive at the market well before the midday heat, yet they appreciated the gentle breeze as they walked the main road.
The town was bustling by the time they reached the outskirts. The boys held Inga’s hand while following the winding street leading to Dalla’s dwelling. James and John stared at the various fruits and vegetables that were carefully placed upon the open carts, pointing impatiently to their favorite foods and pleading with Inga to visit the stalls. Flies buzzed around the hanging carcasses of newly slaughtered pigs, which were ultimately quartered and sold.
Dalla kept waving enthusiastically when the brothers broke free from Inga’s grasp and ran to the top of the hill. She embraced the lively children, laughing at James and John shrieks when they saw Loki standing in the doorway with his hands behind his back.
“Have you the soldiers?” Both boys asked. “Let us see!”
Loki held his arms above their heads as the boys tried to grasp the ivory figures that were just out of their reach.
“Loki!” Dalla shouted. “Do not tease them!”
“As you wish, dear sister,” he replied just as the boys grabbed their precious gift.
Dalla embraced Inga, kissing her cheek before they entered the house. Loki poured ale and wine while Dalla placed a bowl of fruit upon the table.
Inga was delighted when Loki surprised her with a small token, but her hands were shaking when she opened the silk pouch that contained an exquisitely carved bone hairpin.
“This is lovely,” she whispered. “There are no words.”
“It pleases you?” Loki asked.
“Oh, yes,” she blushed.
Dalla led Inga to the table and offered her a goblet. She sipped the wine, laughing at the boys’ excitement when Loki surprised them with a superb wooden replica of an ancient Roman chariot.
“The wheels move!” John shouted while rolling the toy across the bench.
“You are most generous,” Inga told him as she tried to stand.
Loki came to her rescue once she leaned unsteadily against the table.
“I fear I am not well,” Inga whispered just before losing consciousness and falling into his arms.
Loki carried her outside, placing her into the back of a cart, but the boys were busy playing and paid no heed to their elders.
“James and John, are you thirsty?” Dalla smiled as she handed them half-filled goblets.
The boys eagerly drank the sweet wine, emptying their cups in one swallow, and were soon sleeping soundly beside their beloved Inga.
Dalla and Loki rode unhurriedly through the busy streets when they left the market town and headed east.
***
Helga crossed the inner bailey, walking swiftly towards her family’s private quarters since the sun would soon set and the main gate closed for the night. She was not able to find Inga and the boys playing with the other children. She kept praying they were already in their chambers, shouting their names while searching the empty rooms. She was frantic, hurrying to the gatehouse just as the guards were about to shut the gate.
“Inga and the children are not back,” Helga yelled as she climbed the stairs. “Do you see them on the main road?”
Helga listened halfheartedly while the soldiers reminded her that the scouting party had already returned and would not set out again until first light. She pushed the men aside, leaning over the wall and suppressing the urge to scream when she saw the deserted countryside.
Helga held back the tears while running to find David who would still be in the great hall conferring with his advisors. She hurried through the open door and was out of breath by the time she came upon her husband.
“The boys are not in their chambers!” Helga exclaimed, out of breath.
“You are trembling,” David whispered, “what is wrong?”
“Inga has not returned with the boys,” Helga sobbed.
David shouted for his men to bring the horses and requested Brother Aidan be found to comfort his wife.
It did not take long for David and his men to reach the market town where the soldiers searched house-to-house while David spoke with the local merchants. As dusk became night, the men continued looking for the missing children, but they were unsuccessful.
Brother Aidan and Helga had been keeping vigil at the gatehouse, but they watched fearfully as David and his men galloped towards the main gate.
“David!” Helga yelled, frantic and in tears, by the time she reached her husband. “I am afraid.”
“There has been treachery,” David told her.
“What do you mean?” Helga asked between sobs.
“Dalla and Loki are not known. Our children have been taken.”
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