New at BlueStarVisions Free Newsletter Spirituality pages

Attack on the Monastery in Jarrow
Chapter 1: Jarrow, England in the year 794 ...

Lady Annoure ran along a pathway on the edge of North Sea. It was windy and cool by the sea even though it was late summer. She pulled her cape closer around her slender body, and then pushed wayward strand of dark hair from her face.

The cry of sea gulls filled the air as they flew around down by the shore, fighting for scraps of food. Overhead clouds were gathering and it looked like it would storm soon. Annoure hoped to get to the monastery and back home again before the storm broke.

Five large ships coming toward shore caught her attention. They were headed to where the cliffs gave away to a narrow sandy beach. She watched them in awe and fascination. They were beautiful with large, red and white striped sails that rose high into the air, billowing out in the wind. The ships seemed to float on top of the water as they sailed gracefully along. The ship had the head of a ferocious-looking dragon rising up high at the stern and a curled tail at the keel. A row of colorful shields ran along the sides. It was unusual to see ships, though a few had come from the north in trade over the years.

She hurried along the path leading to the beach to get a better look. Each ship was filled with helmeted warriors. The ship closest to land lowered its sails, oars were put in place, and men took places along the sides and began to row into shore.

A tremor went through her as she realized these men had not come in friendly trade but must be the dreaded Norsemen who had attacked Lindisfarne, an island north of Jarrow, the year before, ransacking and burning the cathedral and monastery. They had killed or taken captive many of the monks.

Annoure ran back toward the nearby monastery to warn the monks. Much of the village¹s wealth was kept at the monastery and it was the most likely place of attack. Jarrow was a quiet town without a wall around it or soldiers to protect it. There had been relative peace in Northumbria under King Aethelred. Moreover, building along the ocean was considered safer than a wall; for Jarrow didn¹t have a deep harbor for ships where ships could land.

Upon reaching one of the monks working in the gardens she exclaimed, "Ships have landed on the beach filled with warriors! I think they are the Norsemen."

The nearest man¹s eyes widened in fear. "Jesus save us! We must go tell Father Eian."

Annoure ran inside and into Father Eian¹s study. "Norsemen warriors are landing on our shore."

A worried frown creased the old priest's brow. "How many ships?"

"Five. Each with about thirty men."

Father Eian turned to the monk who had accompanied her. "Go ring the warning bell. Then have the monks gather up everything of value and carry what they can to safely." The monk started off. "Don¹t forget the books. The heathens will burn them or steal them for their jewels." The priest picked up the large Bible off his desk started off for the church. "Come, Lady Annoure, we¹ll save what we can."

As they ran across the courtyard, she heard the sound of the bell ringing. Inside the church Father Eian went to the altar and put the Bible, a silver wine chalice, candle sticks, and other valuables into the bag. When it was full, he handed the heavy bag to Annoure and lifted the stone cross from the alter. Chiseled into the cross were vines with animals, and birds twisted among them.

There was noise at the door and Annoure turned to see that a Norseman warrior had entered. He was the tallest man she¹d ever seen and had blond hair and full beard. He wore a round leather hat with a nose-guard and leather armor, and had a shield and a sword. His clothes consisted of a belted-tunic, tight fitting pants, and a knee-length cape which was thrown over his right shoulder so his sword arm was free. Their eyes locked and she felt her knees turn to water as fear swept over her. He strode into the room with several men behind him. They were all armed with an assortment of weapons: axes, daggers, broad swords, and bows that were nearly the length of their bodies.

"Come quickly, Lady Annoure, this way" said Father Eian, putting the heavy cross on his shoulder. He slipped out the door by the altar and she hurried after him. They went through the back of the church until they reached an outside door. Annoure heard the Norsemen following them as she ran outside. The large bag hit against her legs and made running difficult. It had begun to rain and her face immediately became wet. They hurried along the slippery rock pathway leading through the church courtyard. In the distance smoke and flames rose up from burning buildings and there were shouts and the sound of weapons clashing against each other.

Annoure screamed as she was grabbed from behind. She swung the bag at the light-haired warrior assaulting her, breaking his hold and ran on. He lunged at her and she lost her balance and fell onto the rocky pathway. He came down on top of her and she fought him wildly while yelling for help. Her dress became wet and dirty and her hair came loose from its fastenings.

Father Eian turned back to assist her and one of the Norsemen slugged him, knocking the old man and the cross to the ground. The Norsemen picked up the cross and triumphantly held it up over his head. Annoure¹s captor pulled her to her feet and hoisted up the bag she¹d been carrying, then pulled her toward the monastery.

On the grounds around the monastery many monks lay dead or dying, their blood reddening the earth. Men from town had come in aid and many of them lay dead as well. Others still bravely fought the Norsemen using rakes and other tools. Only a few had swords to fight against the Norsemen¹s deadly weapons. The Norsemen were setting fire to the monastery and all the out buildings around it.

Annoure saw a monk thrust through with a spear and she broke into a sweat, feeling like she might vomit.

The sound of a horn rang out and the Norsemen started retreating to their ships, forcing Annoure and the priest to come with them. At the shoreline, Annoure and Father Eian were taken across a gangplank to the center of the ship where the floor dropped down a few feet. Several cows and sheep were also brought aboard and placed nearby them.

One Norsemen, who appeared to be the leader, started shouting orders. With surprising speed, the warriors took their places at the oars and began to row. Two other dragon ships had also headed out to sea while the two remaining ships were still in the process of loading. No notice was taken of her and the priest so she unfastened the ropes binding his hands. Overhead the sky had darkened from the billowing black storm clouds. The rain had increased in intensity and the sea was rough with large waves. The rowers were having trouble keeping on course against the current and waves. The boat was being blown toward the rocky cliffs.

 Read more: Heidi's upcoming book series "Star Rider on the Razor's Edge"    

 Receive news when "Dragon Ships" is published