What History Doesn't Know

Joining Harald Hardrada

We arrived at Stamford Bridge about a week later. To tell you the truth, that was pretty fast. Usually, it would take longer to reach Stamford Bridge but as time passed on, Knut became more and more agitated until he threatened every man on the ship that didn't put forth their fullest would have their body parts decorate the ship.

It didn't matter that Knut and I were close chums, I decided to participate in getting to destination faster. I continuously motivated the soldiers to keep going. Compared to Knut, at least I thought I was more bearable to the men.

Setting foot on the ground, I felt relieved. I was not one to end up becoming seasick on ships but still, I felt better if I had both of my feet planted firmly on the ground. I helped the others to unload our equipment off the ship.

I knew my men were all exhausted so I encouraged them that rest would soon come to them. It didn't get them going a hundred percent but it least they weren't wasting further time. I walked up to Knut and put an arm on his shoulder.

"Well, big guy. We're finally here."

"Indeed we are. I know where Harald Hadrada is, so let's not waste time and get moving!"

I ordered my men to start moving. I helped them to carry some off their equipment went they look too tired. We walked for quite a long time, but eventually, we made it to Harald Hardrada's campsite.

It was a rather warm day and most of Hardrada's men looked TOO relaxed. Hardrada himself was busy wiping his sword. Knut immediately fell to his knees.

"Hardrada, I, Knut, am here to assist you."

Hardrada looked up from his to Knut and smiled. "Ah, Knut, my most loyal soldier. I see you have kept your oath to come to my side when trouble dawns upon me."

"A Viking's word is his honour." Knut said as he looked at Hardrada with full respect.

Hardrada turned to look at me and his smile disappeared off his face. "Who is this?"

Knut lifted his head to look at me. "Oh, where are manners. My lord, this is James, an associate of the Duke of Normandy, here to help us in our attack on King Harold."

Hardrada just rubbed his chin as he scanned me. "Rather small fellow, isn't he? My boy, why not eat a little more meat? You look like you need more toughening up. I'm sure Knut could help you with that."

"I apologize for his stature but he is one of the finest in the lands. He can make our forces stronger."

"He'd better. Now, excuse me, Knut. I have some business to attend to."

Knut got up from his knees and walked away. I walked after him until I was walking beside him.

"He thinks he's hilarious by constantly referring me to me in the third person like I'm not even there."

"Relax, James. I'm sure he just has a lot on his mind."

"Yeah, like a big ego."

"James, would it hurt you to show an ounce of respect to someone with higher status than you?"

I just grumbled under my breath. Knut just sighed. "Look, James. I know you're a bit upset that you couldn't land at Pevensey Bay with William and the others but I need you by my side, old friend. There's a story I need to share that is the sole reason of bringing he here."

Knut looked around and whispered. "I think it's better if we strolled around the camp. It pains me to tell story to a lot of people. All they give me is sympathy and I don't want any of that. However, I know with you James, you could listen and understand."

I nodded. "Alright, Knut. Let's hear what you have to say." I said when we were beyond the hearing range of the others.

"Back when I was mere Vikingling, my parents got murdered by some of our enemies. If my sources are correct, those same people who took my parents away from me are in Harold's army. At the very least, their sons would be among those ranks. Finally, the weight on my shoulders can be lifted." Knut ended his sentence while staring at the sky.

I was shocked by what he had just said to me. "Wait a minute? Are you seeking vengeance, Knut? What makes you think killing your parent's murderers are going to solve anything? Do you really think ending their lives will bring your father and mother back?!"

Knut just sighed as he continued staring at the sky. "You don't understand do you, James? People always don't go looking for vengeance. I guess THOSE people have never lost people who loved them more than life itself. I can understand if you disagree with me, James, but don't you dare get in my way."

With that, he just walked away. Later that night, Knut secluded himself from the rest of us. I just don't know what he has planned, but I'm sure of all the stupid things he has done, this probably defeated all the others single-handed with one hand tied behind the back.

Dinner soon arrived and boy, was I hungry. In fact, I was more starving than hungry. Man, I could eat a horse. I sat next to Leonardo and Jacques at the campfire as we ate dinner.

"How are the preparations for tomorrow coming along?" I asked as I tilted slightly towards Leonardo to show I was talking to him.

Leo turned his head. "Sir, to tell you the truth, our current situation is so terrible, that if I was the one who was in charge, I'd bury my head in the ground."

I turned my head to look at Leo so fast in surprise that I think my neck cracked. I grumbled as I rubbed my neck. "What do you mean 'terrible', Leo? I will not hesitate to carry out punishment upon my own men if they show little disrespect for people of higher status!" I said to Leo but quietly to avoid unnecessary stares.

Leo just shook his head. "I don't mean any disrespect to Harald Hardrada or anyone of higher rank than me, especially you sir, but I heard that only a handful of our side is on this side of the river. The larger portion of Hardrada is on the east side of the River Derwent."

I thought about this for a while. This does seem rather unnerving. "You might have a point there, Leo. The east side of the river is probably of easier access. I think that might explain why Hardrada has some of his troops there. I mean, if King Harold was to take the left side, he would have to take the small bridge over the river."

Leo looked down at his unfinished food for a while. "I don't know about this, sir."

Suddenly, Jacques spoke from behind me. "Say, Leo. If you're busy talking and not finishing your share, can I have some?"

Leo nodded his head and passed his food over to Jacques. Jacques thanked Leo as I continued talking about our eventual battle. "If I'm not mistaken, tomorrow we would have nice, warm weather. It'll be too hot for an army in full battle armour to try and surprise us."

"But, sir-"

"Relax, Leo. Nothing's going to be happen that won't catch me off-guard. Now, if don't mind, I need to get some shut eye."

Leo didn't say anything after that. All heard was the sound of Hardrada's men being merry and Jacques belching as he finished the food that Leo gave to him. That probably explains why he has such muscular arms that enables him to shoot arrows straight for distances. He eats a lot. I chuckled to myself. What a pig.