Sorry about the delay with Chapter 73.

In this Chapter, Drustina has gone searching to find the location of the threatening Viking invasion fleet. She knows the invasion is imminent but where and when and how many ships are vital facts that escape her.

Chapter 73

Drustina was roused from a deep slumber by light fingers tracing a sensuous line over her bust. She cocked one eye half open so as not to betray her alertness then when the fingers returned again she snatched out and grabbed the offending hand by the wrist while her other hand appeared as if by magic with her trusty dagger poised at the offender’s gut. The frightened squeak told Drustina that the slender wrist belonged to a female and the only other female aboard was Gisela, the Viking princess.

“What d’you think you’re doing girl?” Drustina hissed. “That sort of uninvited intimacy could have caused your immediate death!”

Gisela tried to rear back but found her wrist still trapped in a vicelike and somewhat unfeminine grip.

“Ow! You’re hurting!”

“You’d have been hurting a damned sight more if this had travelled all the way.”

She gently prodded the tip of her dagger into Gisela’s tummy just to remind the girl how vulnerable she still was.

“Don’t ever approach any woman like that unless she’s given you clear licence to do so.”

“But I; I was just, I was just ... sort of testing.” Gisela swallowed.

“Testing for what?”

“I was just wondering ...”

By now both Hengis and Heliox were watching the interplay as knowing smiles played upon their lips. They had watched the whole development and checked to see that Gisela had not concealed a knife as she was instructed to wake the lioness. Drustina sensed them watching but paid them no heed as she addressed the young princess again.

“Wondering what?” Drustina demanded.

“Well, I, I ... please don’t be angry.”

“At the moment girl I’m not angry, I’m simply restrained; this dagger still sits in my hand ready to do its work. An explanation please; you can ignore them.” (She glanced sideways at Hengis and Heliox.) “It’s me you answer to.”

Gisela swallowed fearfully. As a fourteen-year-old Sapphic, she was still desperately trying to find her way and Drustina’s unusual gender duality had aroused her curiosity. She had not yet acquired the social skills to approach the questions maturely and her clumsy invasion of Drustina’s personal privacy had reflected her immaturity. She tried to speak but only a hoarse fearful squeak escaped her throat. Drustina bit her bottom lip thoughtfully them relaxed her grip slightly.

“Go on girl, I’ll not condemn you for being what you are so give me your explanation.”

Eventually Gisela found her voice again but she still croaked hoarsely and she dropped her mesmerized gaze.

“I ... I thought you might understand. I thought you would ...”

Here Gisela lost her voice again as she glanced around to realise that Hengis and Heliox were watching her every discomfort. She tried to lower her voice to a whisper but her fear took it again and she failed to make herself heard. Drustina hissed angrily.

“You thought I would what; ... understand? Understand your nature?”

Gisela nodded slowly then lifted her eyes again to glance fleetingly and beseechingly for some slight display of forgiveness. She stuttered again as she struggled to find the right words.

“I thought you might ... you might want to show me ... you know; how I should ... I should.”

Here again she froze with fear for now she realised she had crossed some sort of line. Drustina was now more intrigued than annoyed so she pressed Gisela again.

“Go on girl. I’ve seen stuff and done stuff far beyond your understanding; I doubt that you’ll shock me or offend me. Go on.”

“I thought you could show me how to lie with another ... a woman, another woman.”

Drustina sat up and slowly wagged her head before responding in a softer, lower voice.

“Listen Gisela, you’re still young; too young to be experimenting with other people’s bodies. If you want to experiment, do it with your own body then that’s up to you but I warn you, if you ever try making advances to others you could land yourself in terrifying circumstances.”

“But my older sisters were married at fourteen and fifteen.”

“That’s a slightly different situation, being married as husband and wife; man and woman. That type of union is a contract. Both sides have obligations and responsibilities that the whole tribe recognise and will sometimes enforce. It also forces the man to recognise his children and provide for them as well as protect his wife. If the marriage is to work, both sides should remain loyal to each other for life.”

“But I don’t want that sort of marriage. You know what I am.”

“Indeed I do ... now, and that’s what makes you even more vulnerable. There are many who will try to take advantage of your isolation.”

“I’m not isolated, my father will punish those who have abused me.”

“Your father’s writ does not run except where he has conquered and he has not conquered all of Britannia yet. Don’t forget, you are my prisoner and he has not conquered me. As a young Sapphic, you are possibly one of the most vulnerable classes of women. Firstly, you must somehow find a like minded soul then you must keep your partnership a secret. If others find out then you could end up being accused of witch-craft or some other such ridiculous charge.”

Drustina hesitated as she re-considered her words.

“Well ... it’s not that ridiculous is it? In fact it’s lot worse, it could be fatal!”

Gisela sobbed then cursed.

“Dammit! I already know that, my father told me bluntly I could not return to the bosom of my family unless I renounced my calling and married as he directed.”

Drustina frowned thoughtfully.

“What! You mean he’s given you a choice ... an option?”

Gisela glared at the sky as though seeking some sort of superhuman help or guidance.

“It’s not much of an option is it? Die in battle, kill myself, deny myself or submit to the imprisonment of my very spirit by some revolting jarl. It’s that or go into banishment for the rest of my life.”

“It’s still an option. He obviously cares for you in some way because did not want to have you executed which is what would have happened if those Christian priests had any sway in your father’s realm.”

Gisela looked directly at Drustina as her complexion paled with dread.

“Is that what they do?”

“What; the Christians? Yes. They preach some shit about ‘Thou shalt not kill’ then the first thing they do is start burning people as witches; women usually ... or stoning them to death on jumped up adultery charges. As a Sapphic you would walk in fear every day.”

Then Drustina had a thought.

“Just a minute; are you really banished from your father’s realm?”

“Yes ... unless I find a husband.”

“Dream on kid, Sapphics don’t find happiness in sharing a bed with a man.”

Gisela stared tearfully across the water as she contemplated her life’s options then turned to Drustina.

“What am I to do then?”

“Don’t tell anybody about your sapphism, don’t make things obvious.”

Gisela pursed her lips with discontent.

“You make no secret of your circumstances. Nearly all your old friends and comrades know about your ... your ... you know.”
Drustina chuckled.

“Ha, see! You have not even got a word for me. It’s called duality, or at least that’s what I call it. And yes; most of them do know about my duality; but they also know I can defend myself and, more importantly, they know I’m good for support in a fight. I’ll stand where any of my men will stand and face the foe. The old campaigners will reassure the new men that I would die fighting before letting my comrades down.”

“Huh, you call them comrades but you are really their leader. So I suppose none of them would dare condemn you for what you are.”

“Listen child! Nearly all the old campaigners who have been with me since the beginning know not to judge others for we have all walked our individual walks. When we stand side by side in battle, I am their comrade. We fight for each other because we die for each other. In fact young lady I am at more risk than my men because every foe wants to claim my head. My comrades know this and thus count it an honour to stand beside me. Furthermore, any traitor would find it an easy task to stab me in the back during a battle; and who would know?

No Gisela, my men respect and love me because of where I have led them. Every man has the right to leave our band if and when his time is right, for example, arriving home, or finding a mate, or finding some good rich land; or a position in a township, like a blacksmith or a mason or a wheelwright or whatever. We all have hopes and ambitions. You know my ambition and that’s to recover my homeland. “

“And become a queen.” Gisela offered, thinking that flattery might serve.

Drustina shrugged.

“Some will tell you I’m a queen already but if I am, I’m a queen without queendom. It would be nice to recover my homeland; I have no designs on anybody else’s lands.”

“Hmm, the Queen of Lleyn, that has a nice rhyme to it.” Gisela chuckled.

(******* See author’s note.)

Drustina’s face darkened but she did not get angry; her softened voice conveyed more warning than rage.

“There’s no poetry to war young lady, just blood and death, and fear and tears. Now go and get some food, if we meet with your countrymen, we may not eat for some time.”

“If we meet with my countrymen, I’ll be rescued.”

“If we meet with your countrymen, you are just as likely to meet death at their hands as any of us. Men don’t have time to check every foe before running them through in the thick of battle. Go and get some food, I am going to wee.”

Gisela went forward to the bow cuddy where some hot stew was being ladled out to all the crew. She collected two bowls and some black bread then returned aft to find Drustina nonchalantly sitting on the open thunder-box with her britches down whilst discussing developments with Hengis.

Her expression of disbelief brought a smile to Drustina’s lips.

“I’m only weeing girl. Put the food over there while I finish here.”

Gisela set the bowls down then ate her own as Drustina washed up and dipped her hands in the pot of vinegar that nestled in a rack beside the seat.

“Why d’you do that?”

Drustina shrugged.

“It’s an old Roman trick. Stops worms or something; dunno’ how or why.”

Having cleaned up, she ate her stew and turned to watch the river. The Honfleur harbour-master joined her and they strained their ears until they turned and nodded. Then Gisela heard the distant hissing and splashing as the sound increased to a roar. The next Mascaret was approaching. Everything had already been lashed down, anything that might betray their identity had been stored away and on Drustina’s signal, every warrior manned and oar.

At the stern and bow the extreme oars were double manned as the leadsman did a final check. The Mermaid was in deep water, the safest place to be.

Soon the approaching wave emerged from the fog as a series of increasing peaks and the crew needed no urging. They bent to the oars and started pulling hard as Drustina, Hengis and Heliox fought with both rudder and additional steering oar. The mermaid’s stern suddenly rose up on the first wave and in less than a second the craft had accelerated forward and started to surge down the front of the first wave. Soon the Mermaid was surfing the Mascaret and advancing at the speed of a galloping horse. The Harbour-master gazed with satisfaction as he recognised landmarks slipping by in the mist until he finally called to Drustina.

“We are past the headland and out of sight of Honfleur.”

Drustina nodded with satisfaction and ordered the men to hold on their oars.

“We need to slow down and let the wave slide under us whilst not broaching side on.”

Now the doubled bow and stern oars came into their own as the Mermaid resisted the forward rush of the wave without turning beam on and capsizing. Muscles bulged and voices cursed for several seconds until the last peak passed and the mermaid found herself in calmer water again. As she called for everybody to rest on their oars, a collective wave of relief sighed around the vessel. So far; so good.

“D’you think anybody noticed us?” Heliox wondered aloud.

The harbourmaster snorted then replied.

“Of course people saw us. Everybody watches the Mascaret as it passes, if only to be sure no harm has come to their boats or piers.”

“But, I’m thinking they won’t have recognised us, or realised what we are because of this fog. We would have been little more than a grey shape in this fog.” Drustina offered.

The Harbour-master nodded.

“They will certainly see you for a strange ship and that will set them on their mettle but they won’t have recognised you. I don’t know how far they will investigate, all I know now is that we must hide up for the night in a small creek that I know of that bends back against the river and provides protection from the worst excesses of the wave. Come I will take you there; it’s not far from where you landed your men.”

The men needed no urging to make landfall before the night and soon Drustina found her ship cleverly secreted in a small ‘L’ shaped creek with dense trees and high banks surrounding her. The entrance to the creek was screened by the trees and access from the land was all but impossible because of the surrounding cliff. Drustina recognised a good ‘hideout’ when she saw one but it was also a trap if they were discovered. There was only one way in and out.

They posted lookouts amidst the trees on the bank while the rest of Drustina’s band prepared for the night. The noises from the river were screened out and the rest of the men quickly adapted to the prospect of a quiet restful night sleeping aboard the Mermaid under a waterproof, green and brown awning.

During the dawn they heard the early morning Mascaret go thundering up the river but inside the creek there was little but a brief surge of water that was easily countered by the moorings and the men standing by the oars. As the Mermaid settled back into her comfortable bower, Hengis approached Drustina as she performed her toilet.

“This interminable fog is still here, is there no respite?”

Drustina smiled as she wiped herself.

“Don’t knock it Hengis, the longer the fog endures, the less likelihood of our being discovered.

“Aye, but how will our comrades find us when they try to rendezvous?”

“We post a couple of the men near the beach where we’ve agreed to meet. It’ll be tomorrow night then every night thereafter, possibly for a week.”

“I still don’t like it. We could easily miss them in the dark, during the fog.”

“It’s the luck of the draw Hengis,” Drustina replied, “None of us could have foreseen this. I have no more idea than you how long this fog will last but the Honfleur harbourmaster says at this time of year it can go on for a week without a break.”

“Bloody fog. It’s the devil’s work and no mistake. Are you ready to eat?”

Drustina finished rinsing her hands in the vinegar bowl and nodded hungrily. They joined the queue for food and Drustina noted with satisfaction that the little cooking fire gave off virtually no smoke and the fog would serve to provide sufficient cover. As she settled beside Hengis and Heliox, Gisela approached them with her feet shackled to prevent her trying to escape. She rattled the short chain angrily with her foot.

“There’s no need for this!”

“There’s every need for that. You would escape otherwise.”

“If I promise not to escape, will you unshackle me?”

“No.” Drustina replied bluntly. “There’s too much at stake. Eat your food and be quiet.”

Gisela retired to her cwtch (**)See author's note. amidst the stowed, spare sail under the awning. There was little to occupy her and she was bored. Thus the mermaid’s wait continued in virtual silence until the third night when two of the original party returned to the rendezvous. Immediately they were taken to the Mermaid’s hidden creek and debriefed. They explained the situation...

“The Vikings have occupied the centre of the town Milady and they have taken control of most of the town’s functions. They arrived in huge numbers and overwhelmed the town with hardly a fight. The Gauls were unprepared and the Vikings had an easy time of it. Consequently very little blood was spilt and there were very few reprisals. Then the main force left for the Havre across the river and left only a small garrison here. The Vikings who remain seem to think they have landed in clover.”

Drustina nodded slowly then asked.

“What of the other four?”

“They go abroad in the town masquerading as Gauls and the Vikings are completely fooled.”

“So why did you separate?”

“Many of the town’s people have had their boats confiscated to prevent them escaping. They are fishermen or river traders and they cannot pursue their livelihoods. There is much anger in the town and we were wondering if we could exploit that anger.”

“How?!” Asked Helios as he and Drustina shared the wooden log that served as the council seat.

The two comrades grinned.

“There is only one picket boat in Honfleur. The main Viking force is across the estuary in The Havre. If we destroy the picket boat, the townspeople can escape and flee to Britannia.

“How will they escape the river-mouth patrols?”

“They are local fishermen, they can safely sail the estuary and escape to the open sea even in the dark.”

Drustina nodded thoughtfully.

“So what of the rest, those who have to stay behind?”

“The townspeople estimate that they have enough boats impounded by the Vikings to carry about two thirds of the population. The others can escape overland towards Charburg. So far the Viking’s haven’t got as far west as Charburg because they are preparing to attack Britannia.”

“How do they intend to overpower the Viking garrison?”

“Our four comrades are quietly organising the people and they sent us back to inform you Lioness. With The Mermaid we should be able to capture the Viking picket ship in Honfleur harbour if we can take them by surprise.”

Drustina glanced sagaciously at Hengis who nodded thoughtfully then remarked.

“It could be done provided we know the numbers Dru. D’you want me to go back with them into Honfleur and make a proper assessment?”

Drustina nodded then decided it would be better if both she and Hengis reconnoitred the situation along with the Harbourmaster. His presence would help to convince the townspeople that there was hope and his knowledge of town and harbour would be invaluable. The only problem was making sure the Harbourmaster was not recognised by the occupying Vikings. Fortunately, the harbourmaster’s beard had grown substantially since escaping from the town and it was a simple trick to stain his grey hair and beard black with a mixture of ash and woad berries.

The following morning found the trio of Drustina, Hengis and the Harbourmaster sneaking into the town by a little known path through the reeds that finished amongst some derelict sheds that backed onto the marsh. The group emerged from between some trading houses on the busy street from the harbour to the town. Nobody showed any interest in a pair of men and a woman strolling between the stalls and stores that lined the street. All three visitors sensed the sullen depressed mood of the town and no townsfolk reacted to their presence for they had disguised themselves well as local farmers from out of town. Eventually the harbourmaster led them to an inn where he suggested they stop to eat.

“The food used to be good in here before the Vikings came,” he whispered, “but God knows what the situation is like now. I know the publican well. We can trust him.”

“All we want is information,” Drustina repeated, "most importantly the number of Vikings and their movements and habits."

Even as they took their seats a group of Vikings swaggered in and intimated that they wanted the window seats that the trio had taken. Carl was all for confronting them but Drustina quickly interceded and motioned to Carl to vacate the favoured seats and move to the back of the inn. As they resettled in the shadows, Drustina lightly scolded Carl whilst suppressing a smile.

“You silly bugger, we don’t want a fight just yet. Let’s just sit and listen. They’re a loudmouthed bunch of braggarts, we’ll learn a lot more just sitting and listening quietly.”

Her words were then confirmed as the Vikings became progressively more loose tongued as the beer began to talk. The most vital piece of information being that they had presumed that the Viking ship that Drustina had destroyed had been capsized by the Mascaret. This told Drustina that the Vikings still had no idea there was an enemy in their very midst.

‘The element of surprise was complete!’ She concluded as a visceral thrill of satisfaction rippled through her bones.
Carl had also realised this and the pair exchanged knowing secretive glances. The harbourmaster picked up on the faintest nuance as he returned with their beers and he immediately wanted to know as he sat down. Drustina explained and he nodded as he added his own useful news.

“The publican says there are about fifty holding the town. They favour this inn and an eating house on the quay.”
Drustina nodded with satisfaction and they continued drinking their beer quietly whilst watching the Viking group that had grown by other three or four men. By listening quietly they determined that the Vikings had organised themselves into three shifts to patrol the town whilst they had taken over a large warehouse and dwelling at the entrance to the quay. They used this as their main base whilst generally acting abusively towards the townspeople as they patrolled the streets and took what they fancied for their own pleasure. No woman was safe and nearly all the women had been assaulted whilst some had been raped — usually the prettier ones. The town was traumatised. Eventually the trio departed the inn and Drustina noticed the Viking gang eyeing her covetously. Instead of the normal fearful response however, she walked boldly past them and out into the street. To her surprise, they did not follow her and the three decided to go walking about the town in the hope of encountering the other members of her crew who were still going amongst the town people.

After crossing the square several times they eventually came upon two of them sat at the back of an eating house talking earnestly with some townsmen. Having been assured by her crewmen that the group was to be trusted, Drustina quickly made the townsmen aware that help was now at hand. Eventually they recognised their harbourmaster as he revealed his identity; then they were quietly jubilant as Drustina declared herself as ‘The Lioness of Carthage’.

“I have heard of that name,” declared one of the men. “She was in Dane-mark last year.”

“Well she is amongst you now and prepared to help you.”

“How?”

“Destroy the butchers who occupy your town.”

“What good will that do? It will only antagonise the main force across the estuary in the Havre.”

“By the time they learn that their cronies are dead, we’ll all be long gone. How many are left in the town?”

“There are about three hundred; mostly old men, women and children. They make it a sport to kill any able bodied man who stands up for himself. Most of the men are forced to hide in the woods or leave. What is worse, they took all our weapons when they surprised us.”

Drustina nodded thoughtfully as she was deciding how to defeat the Vikings in one swift blow. As she mulled over different ideas she demanded one thing from the townsmen.

“I want to know exactly how many Vikings there are, when we have finished, they must all be accounted for. Nobody must be allowed to escape and raise the alarm across the river.”

A rustle of nervous anticipation rippled through the group as another townsman asked.

“What have you planned?”

Drustina was not prepared to reveal any plans too early. Even if the men were totally loyal, a slip of the tongue could easily invite disaster. Surprise had to be total so she pretended she hadn’t formulated a plan.

“I have nothing planned yet. I’m just gathering information. Does anybody have any ideas or facts or anything that could serve as a weapon?”

A pretty teenage girl, who looked grey with fatigue, nervously raised her hand. Drustina recognised the face of a multiple rape victim, the empty eyes, the dirty hair, the shabby clothes, the determined attempt to make herself as unattractive as possible. Drustina spoke softly.

“Yes darling, what have you to tell?”

The girl cast nervously around as though fearing some sort of censure from the townsfolk gathered in the eating house. Drustina’s razor sharp senses quickly discerned that the girl was not highly regarded, ‘Possibly she had been a bit flighty and attracted the Viking’s attention; though she did not have the look of a whore about her.’ Drustina decided to reassure the girl.

“Go on child, if you know something that could be of use, I would gladly listen.”

After some hesitation she spoke haltingly.

“I am Symone, my father and older were killed by the Vikings and my mother has gone into hiding. They took me before I could escape because their attack was so sudden. I know how they sleep, their dispositions and which parts of the warehouse they favour. It is a big place with many alleyways and storerooms; you would be foolish to blunder in blindly.”

“Make a drawing girl, and if you are willing, you can show us the best way to approach.”

As the girl eagerly took a charcoal and drew the plan of the warehouse, Drustina looked up again.

“Does anybody have any further information?”

Initially, nobody responded so Drustina concentrated on the drawing. Then one of the townsfolk came forward and corrected parts of the drawing whilst explaining he had worked there before the Vikings turfed everybody out. Drustina was beginning to form a plan and she invited Symone to return with her back to their hideout. The girl was keen to escape the c censorious feelings of the townspeople and nodded vigorously. The constant reminders of seeing Vikings in the town had traumatised her almost to the point of paralysis and nervous exhaustion. Drustina had seen other such situations and she was sympathetic to the girl’s plight. Symone sensed this and was therefore keen to escape the town.

As they prepared to leave, Drustina whispered in the girl’s ear.

“Be prepared to leave when we signal you. I will remove my shawl and re-arrange it or fuss with it until I get a response from you.”

Already the girl seemed to stand taller as she realised the visitors were fashioning some sort of plan. She sat quietly while Drustina finalised the plan with the town’s people. Within an hour, Drustina and her followers were back at the boat. The harbourmaster had remained in the town to check that no leaks or traitors could wreck their plans. All the Mermaid’s crew-men soon got the gist of Drustina’s plan and the decision was made to return to the town at the break of dawn. Drustina’s extra force would easily tip the balance in the townsfolk’s favour.

Before the first light of dawn, over a score of figures emerged from the marshes and sneaked towards the warehouse until all of Drustina’s band were assembled at strategic locations. Drustina smiled at the incongruous adornment of yellow narcissus that each warrior wore for identification. Next, a bedraggled Symone appeared by prearrangement and approached the guard who manned the warehouse doors. Drustina was impressed by Symone’s appearance as she acted out her role as a rape victim. Hengis turned and whispered to Drustina.

“She plays her part bloody well Dru.”

Drustina spat angrily; not anger at Hengis but anger that such a young and pretty girl should ever have endured such trauma that she was able to portray the roll with devastating accuracy.

“Aye! “, croaked Drustina as rage and revulsion cracked her voice, “the poor bitch has had enough bloody experience. They’ll pay for it though, mark my words, they’ll pay.”

And Hengis knew they would.

~~oo000oo~~

Gazette of Characters etc.

Mabina.... The youngest daughter and Twin to
Drustan.... Her twin brother.
Grandpa Erin.... The twin’s grandfather.
Giana.... The twin’s grandmother
Caderyn.... The twin’s father.
Herenoie.... The twin’s wise and beautiful mother.
Morgaran.... The Twins oldest brother.
Aiofe.... The twin’s oldest sister. Famous for her beauty.
Tara.... The twin’s second oldest sister. Famous for her grace.
Feidlim.... Twins aunt (Caderyns’ beautiful sister.)
Mogantu.... Twins uncle (Married to Feidlim.) Chief of the Gangani tribe.
Brun.... Twins 2nd cousin and the Acaman clans’ blacksmith.
Feorin.... Twins second brother. Also training to be a blacksmith.
Rhun.... Feidlims’ son and Feorins’ favourite 1st Cousin. (Both red-heads.)
Arina.... Child of a Demetae fisherman, (rescued by Aiofe, Drustan and Mabina.)
Penderol.... Dumnonii Minor chief.
Udris.... Young Dumnonii warrior.
Dryslwyn.... High chief of the whole Celtic nation. Dwells in Brithony.
Bronlwyn.... Dryslwyn’s wife (and queen.)
Magab.... The moor who taught numbers.
Eric.... Saxon galley slave rescued from Corsair pirates.
Carl.... Another Saxon galley slave rescued by Drustan.
Torvel.... Celtic galley slave rescued from the same captured corsair ship
Arton.... Turdetani Chieftain Holder of Gibral Rock.
Carinia.... Arton’s wife.
Isobel... . Arton’s adopted daughter.
Appotel.... King of the Turdetani Tribe. (Southern Iberia.)
Bramana.... Queen. (Wife of Appotel)
Pilus.... King of the Capetani.
Shaleen.... Pilus’s queen and sister to Bramana.
Pedoro.... Lord Marshal of the Southern border region.
Lady Shulaar.... Lord Pedoro’s wife.
Taan.... The scullery maid.
Isaar.... Pedoro’s oldest son.
Ferdie.... Pedoro’s 2nd son
Sular.... Pedoro’s 3rd son
Gontala.... Pedoro’s youngest son.
Shenoa.... Pedoro’s only daughter.
Portega.... Tyrant King to the west.
Portua.... Portega’s grandson.
Jubail.... Old Fisherman.
Mutas.... Magab’s younger brother and usurper.
Walezia.... King of Malta.
Alviar.... Megalomaniacal bishop of Carthage. (Hates Drustina.)
Ethelia.... Female healer who treats Drustina during her pregnancy.
Seripatese.... Drustina’s faithful horse.
Astos & Amitor.... Minor royalty who govern Alexandria. King and Twin Queen.
Meronee.... Nubian Queen of Nobatia The northern Kingdom of the Nubians.
Horam.... The Egyptian master Boat builder.
Muraa.... King Astos’s male partner.
Tuk.... Makurian general.
Fantu.... Makurian Captain.
Irene.... Emperor Leon’s only child.
Leon.... Byzantine Emperor.
Zano.... Byzantine general who defeats the Bulgars with Drustina’s help.
Urthos.... The Gaul elected captain of the 4th ship. Ex Barbary galley slave.
Horus... . Horam the boat-builder’s son.
Sister Catherine.... Leader of the pirate nuns.
Guthrun.... Jarl of Bornholm.
Etheline.... Guthruns’ wife the countess of Bornholm.
Capenda.... Taras’ mare.
Athun.... Gay king of Dark Age Denmark.
Queen Elthorn.... King Athuns’ Consort.
Iselda... . Athun and Brendigan’s, younger (middle) sister.
Heingist or Hengis..... Drustina’s loyal Danish pilot who becomes her 1st Mate
Brendigan..... Athun’s older sister and consort queen of Svenland.
Bjorn.... . The captain of the Palace Guard. King Athun’s gay partner.
Morgan and Amethyst..... Drustina’s twin children.
Dalcimon..... Queen of West Friesia.
Andrar..... Prince of West Friesia (Dalcimon’s son.)
Jupus..... Carl’s stallion.
Heliox..... Drustina’s second mate and deputy navigator (Ex Belgiie fisherman)
Gisela..... Viking princess captured after the Battle of Godwin Sands.
“Althred..... Young Saxon Naval commander who allies his fleet with Drustina
Symone.... Young teenaged rape victim who join’s Drustina’s band.

(**) Authors note. A ‘cwtch’ is a Welsh word for a comfortable little niche where a body can curl up snugly and go to sleep

(*****) Author’s note. Lleyn is a Welsh peninsular in North Wales, UK
Lleyn is a Welsh place-name pronounced like ‘Lean’, as in lean meat.
The double Ll cannot be reproduced in English. The sound is produced by pushing the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth then expressing the air around the sides of the tongue.