What History Doesn't Know

All At Sea

A scanned the horizon as the waves made our ship rock. So far, the weather was very clear and perfect for sailing. I took about nine months to complete all the ships. Preparations were made in advance to avoid wasting precious time. So here we are set sail on the high seas. I was on a boat commanded by Knut.

I walked along the side of the boat as the oarsmen grunted whilst doing the exhausting task. Sweat trickled down their foreheads. The weather wasn't hot at all and yet they managed to perspire. Some of these men were part of the archers that were under my command while others were soldiers under Knut's order.

I looked over at the rest of the archers who were not tasked with oaring. They kept on look out for any distress that may come from the other ships. Some of the other archers were resting after having their turn to row the boat. At first, Knut decided to let only the strongest on the boat to row the boat so that we wouldn't get left behind but then I suggested a better idea in which the men should take turns in manning the oars.

I walked to one of my archers who was keeping watch over our arrow supply. He stared blankly at the sea as the waves rolled about. Only when I cleared my throat did he notice my presence. He turned his head and instantly stood to attention.

"Sir! Good day to you. How may help you?"

"I don't need any help at the moment. Thank you for asking. How are our supply of the arrows?"

"They're in perfect condition, sir."

"Excellent, um...Michael is it?"

"Yes, sir. My name is in fact, Michael. I feel pleased that you could remember my name."

I tapped the side of my head with my right index finger. "Remember names is one of my strong points, Michael. When a name enters my head, I rarely forget it. By the way, have you seen Knut?"

"He's at the front of the ship, sir." he said as he pointed to the front of the ship.

I turned around and saw Knut looking straight a head at the head of the ship. I thanked the soldier and went of to talk to Knut. Upon approaching him, I couldn't help but notice him have a worried look on his face. At first, I didn't want to interrupt his thoughts but it his bothered expression did not ease at all after a while. I had no choice but to speak up.

"After all right there, big guy?" I said without a drop of fear in my voice as I knew Knut was not one to turn on his friends and associates that suddenly.

Knut rubbed his forehead but continued looking straight as he talked to me. "Certain events that King Harold have made me stressed out."

"What about King Harold?"

"I have received news that the king and his men are threatening to demolish my lord, Harald Hardrada, and his ally Tostig Godwinson."

"What would they have to do with King Harold? I mean, the king can't be stupid to just go attack other people that don't pose a threat to him. If I were him, I would focus on defending my throne."

"King Harold IS defending his throne. Harlad Hardrada is not any different than the Duke of Normandy in the eyes of King Harold."

I thought about this for a while until I realized something. "You don't mean...?"

"Yes, James. Harald Hardrada has eyes for the throne, just like William. That is why he has gone to remove the threat before it removes him."

"Oh, I see. Well, we shouldn't be bothered about that, right? It has nothing to do with us."

"James, this attack on Harald Hardrada by King Harold has something to do with us. With me, more specifically."

I raised my eyebrow, not sure what he meant.

Knut just sighed and continued. "Maybe I should have told you earlier. However, I knew you would disagree with my plan. You see, I told William that I will have to take my men to Stamford Bridge. It was unfortunate that and some of your men came along with us but I'm sure William had his reasons."

"Wait a minute. You mean we're not landing at the planned spot like the others. Knut, I heard King Harold has strongest forces heading for Stamford Bridge. If we head there, we'll massacred for sure. If I'm killed, who is going to command the archers of William's army?"

"I knew you wouldn't like this idea. James, my true loyalty lies with Harald Hardrada. I swore on my oath that I would come to his side in times of any distress that my fall upon him."

I thought about for a while. Sure, it was really annoying not being told of any change of plans when you were one of those in charge but Knut seemed so troubled. "Okay, fine. We'll head to Stamford Bridge but if we ever make it out alive, I'll give you a good punch in the gut."

Knut held his big stomach and roared with laughter, a change from his worrisome face. "I am glad you could agree to this, James. As for surviving, you need not worry. Just look around at your men. Have you noticed who the archers on this ship are?"

I glanced at the archers located over the boat. To my surprise, I actually could recognize some of them. Michael, the archer I was talking to earlier, was an archer who could shoot an arrow high in the sky, probably until it reached the heavens and come back down with menacing speed. Another archer was Jacques, an archer with strong arms that his arrows could fly straight for miles. One of the archers who was rowing the ship was Leonardo, the only archer I knew who had more deadly, accurate aim than I did. To be honest, I never noticed these men until Knut spoke to me to look around.

"Wow, I'm impressed. The finest archers in our lands are right in this boat with me. I guess we could still stand a chance, Knut."

"I specifically hand-picked those who were the best to be on my ship. They may not get along with my men so well, but I figure all of us would pose as an unstoppable force at Stamford Bridge." Knut said confidently.

"I noticed earlier on you had a rather bothered look on your face. Am I right?"

Knut just sighed again, only this time more stressfully. "What worries me is that we won't be in time to assist Harald Hardrada. I keep on thinking that by the time we arrive there, my lord would already have been slain."

"Cheer up, Knut. I think we can make it. Do have some optimistic views in your life."

Knut thought about for a while then he smiled. "I suppose you're right. We'll arrive there in time. Yes, I'm sure we will."

I smiled as I patted his back. "That's the spirit, Knut."

"When I arrive, I'll be so on to them, King Harold will be wetting his pants all the way home!" Knut exclaimed. We both laughed that.