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that Angharad came here."
    "We cannot change the past."
    "I know but it is just as sure that it changes our future.  The ripples from that stone have not yet reached the shore. Who knows what dangers they will bring."



Chapter 2
    Despite Brigid's objections I took Gruffyd with me. I had promised him that the next time I rode beneath my banner he could accompany me. Kara had not dreamed danger to us and I felt it was safe.  In fact the dream seemed all good. The flying raven meant Jarl Gunnar Thorfinnson prospered and Erika counting out treasure was also good.  It meant we prospered. My wife wept as we left but, when I returned, she would be calm. We rode down the eastern shore of the Water with the noon sun lighting Old Olaf.  My men nodded when they saw him smile.  It was a good omen. Leif the Banner rode next to my son.  He would be his bodyguard.  I rode with Haaken.  We had much to say.  He was my oldest and closest friend.  As you grew older such friends became even more important.
    "It is Wolf Killer who worries you, Jarl, and not this Ragnar Ruriksson is it not?"
    "You know me well.  Enemies I can deal with.  With warriors like these and those we left at home I can face any foe but family?  It is always difficult.  They are of your blood but you cannot change their nature.  Wolf Killer has ever been thus.  He is headstrong and wishes things his own way."
    "Perhaps he got that from Erika.  You have always been one to compromise and see another's viewpoint." He laughed, "Save in battle where I would not be your foe."
    "Perhaps the ride home and Elfrida's counsel will calm him.  She is gentler than Brigid."
    "I would not let your wife hear that lord! Her Welsh blood will rise to the fore!"
    We headed up over the ridge towards the valley of Windar's Mere.  I noticed that more land had been cleared and there were more farms.  We were slowly taming the land. My people were prospering. Perhaps that was why Old Olaf was smiling.
    Haaken asked, "What if our passage north is barred? Will we fight?"
    "I would travel in peace but I asked for us all to bring two horses and our weapons and arms in case someone objects to our presence. I think Eanred's thegns will have trouble enough in the south of his land.  He has all but lost Eoforwic."
    "True, it is now normally called its Danish name, Jorvik."
    "Aye the Danes have insinuated themselves into that land.  Within a few years I can see it being a Danish kingdom and then Wolf Killer will really need to watch out." I looked towards the north.  We had reached the high point on the ridge and I could see the Wolf Mountain to the north. "We will take the quiet road through the forests of the north.  They will be fly filled at this time of year but I would avoid the Saxons until we reach the stronghold."
    "Last time we were there we crept like ghosts did we not?"
    "We may still not have the luxury of visiting its interior but so long as I speak with Eanred I will be happy. If he refuses my offer then we will know where we stand and we can make our plans."
    It took a couple of hours to reach my son's hall.  I saw men toiling in his ditches.  He had heeded my words. I smiled to myself.  I would not mention it.  He might take it as crowing on my part.
    Ragnar, my grandson, threw himself on the back of a horses as soon as we were spied and galloped towards us. Haaken laughed, "Just as reckless as his father."
    "And he has grown too. Since he carried the banner to fool the Saxons he has grown a hand span."
    He reined up next to me.  "Gruffyd shouted to his cousin, "I am going with the Ulfheonar! We ride to Bebbanburgh!"
    "Grandfather! Can I come with you? Can I?" I must have looked confused for he pointed at my son and said, "Gruffyd is going with you to meet the King of the Saxons! I am older and I have carried your banner. Can I come too?"
    I saw another confrontation with my son and I said nothing. I think Ragnar took my silence as assent for he began chattering