It is the second half of Solmonath and winter is just beginning to slacken its grip upon the Dane-Lands. King Hrothulf receives word from Thegn Hildwine of Falster that there is a madman loose on Falster who has slain several of his carls and left their mutilated bodies in the woods for their families to find. They have had no luck in finding the slayer. All these men have been men of land and property in the prime of their lives. Hildwine calls upon the King to help him in this matter.
King Hrothulf selects for the task an old and grizzled gesith named Haefoc Hammerhand for the mell that he wore in place of his right hand, struck off in some long ago war in his lord’s service. He asked that Hrothgar take a few men to support him in this and lend a hand (the king chuckles at his own joke) lest he need it. So Hrothgar brought with him his Geatish companions – Herewulf, Tohrwulf and Herefrith – and the Small-land scout Puttoc and boarded ship for Falster.
On reaching Geldenburh where lay the Hall of Thegn Hildwine, they discovered that events had moved on. There had been another death and one came forward to identify the assailant. Athulf was a nervous, diffident fellow with a heavily bandaged left hand. He averred that the killer was a waelcyrige who had a long-held and justified grudge against a group of men who raped her and sold her into slavery eight years since. Now she was back and seeking her revenge. She had gelded and killed two who had taken their turn with her and blinded and killed one who had merely looked on. So he considered himself lucky that he still lived, for though he had spoken forcefully against what they had done, he had, as she said, not lifted a finger to aid her. She had but taken a finger from his hand in token of that. He thought that there was another reason that she let him live – to declare her previous killings and to let men know the why of them. There were still four men on her list: a ceorl from Fishbaek and three brothers from Gedser where the deed was done. One of these brothers was now the Dreng there. The woman’s name was Saehild.
At this Hrothgar stood forth to say clearly that Saehild had been a member of his crew, rescued in the Eowan War, though he was quick to say that he knew nought of her past or of her plans. Hildwine began to make accusations at this but was shouted down by Haefoc who slammed his hammer-hand down upon the board in front of them. Hildwine had referred this matter to the King and thus had no further say in this matter. It seemed to Haefoc that this was a legitimate feud. Saehild had declared the killings (eventually), the reasons for them and her future intentions. She had harmed none but those against whom she had reasonable complaint. According to Athulf, Saehild’s father had come to make complaint to the Thegn at the time and he had done naught. So feud was her only recourse. He would dispatch his men to find Saehild, but only with a view to ensuring that matters did not get out of hand. He went on then to compliment the Thegn upon the excellence of his pork, thus indicating that the matter was settled.
Speaking privily to the Geats afterwards, he indicated that as far as he was concerned these rapists had all that was coming to them and for all he cared they could simply make common cause with Saehild. However, he did not want matters to get out of hand and they were to ensure halls were not burnt, families or unarmed gebur harmed or steadings sacked. Nor did he want her list extended to anyone not involved directly – including the thegn, for all he was a lazy, craven arsehole. He was damned if he was going to leave Hildwine’s fine pork for a winter campaign at his age so they were on their own with this. Just report back when they were done. If they needed anything let him know.
The Geats decided their best move was to go to her father’s steading which they guessed she was using as a base – though her father was long dead and the steading deserted. They asked that Athulf go with them as a guide. Athulf was most reluctant to do this as Saehild’s parting shot to him was that if she ever saw him again she would kill him. However, with the word of Haefoc and his Thegn upon him he agreed.
When they came to the steading it was empty but there were signs of recent habitation and Saehild’s heavy armour, shield and spear were there. There were also a couple of pounds of silver hidden in the bed. They decided to wait, knowing she would return in due course, though no doubt with the blood of Gewis of Fishbaek upon her hands. It was indeed but a couple of days before she made an appearance. Wary at first, she eventually agreed to allow them to help her and acceded to Hrothgar’s conditions. As they surmised Gewis of Fishbaek was dead, leaving only the Gedser brothers to slay. She allowed that reinforced by her old crewmen it might be possible to step up to gates at Gedser and issue a challenge. Most warriors would prefer to fight their foes outside their steading to avoid casualties amongst their families and the possibility of a hall-burning – especially if they outnumbered their assailants. She thought there would be enough Hearthguards at Gedser that they might consider it likely they would be able to overwhelm our small group. Anyway it would be thing worth trying. If they cowered within their steading they would have to think again. So it was agreed.
The following day they set off for the sea – the narrow channel on the western coast that separated Falster from its neighbouring island, Lollands. There they used the king’s name and Hrothgar’s silver to obtain a faering. Their experiences on the first day convinced them of the wisdom of hiring a pilot – young lad from the next fishing village called Ceol – for the second.
On the third day they come to the north strand of Gedser. The harbour guard tries to ask their business but they push him aside. Sensing they mean trouble he runs away from them along the causeway leading to Gedser – to be the harbinger of their coming. On coming to the foot of the steep steps cut in the ridge leading up to the steading of Gedser they gaze up at the palisade of the crown and Saehild issues her challenge. One of the brothers pops his head over the palisade to mock her, saying she looks a lot prouder than when he last saw her. She make no reply and in due course the gate is opened and warriors issue forth. They are nearly twice the number of Hrothgar’s band.
The Geats form their shield wall on a landing stage part way up the steps. Puttoc places himself where he can provide some flanking fire upon the unshielded side of the Gedser warriors as they charge pell-mell down towards the Geats. Though they are ferocious, and have impetus from charging down hill, they are disorganised in their assault upon the Geatish shieldburgh which stands firm and repels them. It becomes quickly apparent that Saehild and the Geats are more skilled – battle hardened, no doubt, in the Eowan War. They are also better equipped. Half of them wear byrnies and carry fine and even runemarked blades. It is not long before the men of Gedser, including all three brothers, are dead or dying in the dirt, the remnants of their hearthguards fleeing back up to the steading, pursued by Puttoc’s vengeful arrows.
Thus Saehild agrees that her vengeance is complete and the feud at an end for her part. The party returns to Geldburh to make their report to Haefoc Hammerhand. Haefoc declares himself satisfied with the outcome. He pronounces a three-year outlawry upon Saehild but no other penalty. Hildwine is wroth at the lightness of the penalty and the loss of so many warriors from an important tenant’s steading. Haefoc speaks to him brusquely. If he does not like the King’s Justice then he should have dealt with the matter himself. He says he is welcome to complain to the King directly if he is unsatisfied with the way he has dealt with this matter.
Saehild sails with the Geats and Haefoc back to Heorot. Hrothgar offers her her old birth back on the Spearhafoc. She says she will think on it.
A Feud in Falster – Hrothgar’s Tale
A Feud in Falster – Herewulf’s Lay