Beowulf: Curse of the Dreygurs

NEW ENEMY

On the same night, Beowulf and his comrades fought for their lives against Verch, King Ida passed through the gates of his fortress of Din Guardi. On the way to the king's residence, the Angles went through their village home of Bamburgh. Now the families of the warriors followed them along the trail. Their king entered his seat of power reminiscing his great victory over the Brythonians several years earlier. Now his body ached from the long journey and the constant pains of his illness. The trip had taken longer than normal due to frequent stops for him to recover his strength. His failing health frustrated him. Coming to a stop, he slowly slid himself from his mount where he was met by a retainer. The young boy helped steady his king as Ida worked to get his legs to respond. They were still numb from the long ride. The unlikely pair worked their way through the entrance. Other attendants scurried about, unloading and carrying various leather bags and trunks from the king's wagons. The head of the castle guard came to the king, updating him with the latest news of the castle.

"My lord, I received your message about Glappa joining the Geats, but we have no news from Appa," he said. "Did he return with you?"

"Appa went with his brother against the dreygurs. Have Aethelric join me in my chambers," Ida ordered him.

The leader of the guards immediately set out to find the king's third son. Ida continued to lean on his retainer as they went through the vaulted hall to the king's bedchambers. By the time the pair reached the heavy wooden door, Aethelric had rushed through the hall to greet his father. He followed the king into his room, taking the place of the servant who they sent away.

"Where are my brothers?" he asked.

"They have joined with Beowulf," Ida replied before he nearly collapsed upon the great bed. "Both have decided to be the king upon my departure. When they return, they will bring glory to themselves and the lands of the Angles."

Aethelric said nothing. However, his face betrayed his concerns. The brother's rivalry filled much of their lives. Aethelric knew like Ida that Appa would challenge his brother for the throne when their father died. He helped his father lay back, stopping briefly while the king began a violent coughing fit. Aethelric covered his father with a thick wool blanket.

"Take heart, my son," the king reassured him. "The Witan will make the decision after my death. The council is made up of wise men. A person of valor and quality will be chosen and, I promise, you are not disadvantaged by staying with me."

"I will try to remain worthy of your praise," he said with a thin smile. "Now rest. I will care for the small matters that drain your strength."

King Ida closed his eyes and thanked him, telling him he would speak with the council.

"I know the Witan believes Glappa will become king," the old man explained. "But I trust your abilities and wisdom to forge the coalitions. You will have your opportunity to help your family keep our rule over Bernicia." He gripped his son's sleeve. "You must remember to trust your instincts and keep a firm hand on the families making up the Angle tribes. I'll be sure to tell Glappa and the Witan of your wisdom."

Ida's grip loosened, and he told his son to return in the morning so they could plan further. Aethelric left quietly and walked down the hall to his chambers. He recognized that his father considered him to be the most capable person to keep the lands of Bernicia under the Angles, even over his older brothers. However, he knew Appa's ways. Several of their kinsmen, who made up the council, might side with the scheming brother over Glappa. The only solution was for the Witan to agree before the king's death that Aethelric would lead Bernicia.

As he thought about the problem, Aethelric paid only scant attention as a pair of guards standing nearby. Then, he came upon a plan. The warrior decided he would call the members of the council to fortress where they could meet with his father individually. Aethelric decided to take the risk given his father's noticeable ill health. But he needed to ensure the leaders of the other Angle tribes gave their sworn oath to the king in public about the transition to a new ruler. Then he would keep the Witan from meeting until after his fathers' passing. Such action would stop any chance for Appa to bypass his father's wishes. He smiled to himself as he waved over the two guards standing close.