Scourge of the Heathen- Chapter 15

AN: As always hope you enjoy! You can expect the next part of 'Pleasant Encounters' up next for anyone wondering.

Casting-

Rowena- Anna Belik

The whole of Perth was gathered in the main courtyard, the same place not so long ago that they watched the death of the bishop. This time there was no bloodshed to be had.

At the center of the square, there was a stone platform that only went up a few steps, and that’s where a procession was headed. Gathered there were the taoiseachs and jarls that had banded together to win their great victory. All save for one, but he’d be joining them shortly.

They could walk a little faster. For all that Harry had been instrumental in these events, he had a new, pressing headache to deal with back in the Highlands. There were murmurs amongst the crowd as Aengus flanked by two guards to either side of him entered. He wore a blue tunic embroidered with gold that had been newly made just for the occasion.

As he took his first step up, Aengus’ escorts stopped and arranged themselves around the platform. Ragnall moved beside Harry as he whispered, “I still struggle to believe that they came to an agreement.”

“Some men are happy with their station in life and grasp no further.” Harry responded looking over the Scots. That was true of some of them, Gamelin had withdrawn his name from consideration before the first hour of the discussions had finished.

In the end, it’d come down to Rhun and Aengus, and the arguments had been rather simple. Rhun was the eldest, most experienced of the nobles and had governed in his own lands for nearly forty years. There was value in that sort of experience, but his eldest son was slaughtered by the mob, same as Aengus’s father, and his only issue that remained were daughters who had children of their own. It muddied any talks of succession. Though Harry still remembered his boast, “I’m not too old to make more sons…”

Harry’s laughter in the hall that day had wounded the man’s pride, and destroyed his chances in the vote that followed, “You’d be lucky if your heart didn’t give out.”

Ragnall hadn’t helped matters when he added, “If you rise to the occasion to begin with.” Neither of them liked the old man, and they made no show of hiding it at the discussions. It was the very reason why Rhun was standing as far from them as he could manage.

“He looks the part.” Ragnall commented as Aengus stepped toward the center where Rowena was waiting for him with Gamelin beside her. There was talk about who should take part in the coronation, but Aengus had insisted on Rowena. His reasoning had been quite simple. The whole of Perth had seen her conflict with the bishop, and the men all remembered the night before their departure. Both were still the talk of the city, and those rumors were spreading across the whole of Scotland. No one was fool enough to speak up against the idea given after what they’d seen.

In Gamelin’s hand, there was a pillow and on that pillow was the reason they were all there. A crown. It was painstakingly polished gold, inlaid with gemstones of blue, red, and green. It was newly made for a new kingdom. The one that preceded it and once sat upon Causantin’s brow had been nothing more than part of the plunder.

As Aengus kneeled before the young woman, Harry agreed with the jarl, “He does, and with time I believe he’ll make a good king.”

Rowena took the crown from its pillow, and carefully placed it atop Aengus’s head. As he rose, she called out clear for all to hear, “All hail, Aengus… king!”

The cry was taken up by the crowd as a chant of ‘All hail the king’ rung out through the streets of Perth. Men, women, and children who just days before had been fighting them or cowering in fear of them, took up the call. Their treatment at the hands of the army had been nothing short of kind by the standard they’d come to expect of armies, whether Christian or heathen.

That was Rowena’s doing, Harry knew all too well, and it was having the desired effect. You couldn’t change the heart of a person in just one day, though the revelations of the bishop surely went a long way in that endeavor, but little by little they hoped to turn the people back to the gods of their forebears.

Silence fell as Aengus raised his hand. When he spoke, his words were measured and echoed through the streets of Perth, “As your king, I will do all I can to give you ease and plenty.” That more than anything was what the common folk wanted, “But should any threaten what I intend to build, whether through deceit or bloodshed, I will defend you with every bit of my being!”  

There were cheers among the crowd, but they were quelled as Aengus raised his hand again, “The likes of the Bishop Cellach will never again be allowed to prey upon your fears as he lies about his very nature!” Harry watched the crowd and could see nods of agreement.

“Together, we’ll build a great kingdom! That is my promise to each and every one of you!” This time when the cheering started, he didn’t do anything to stop it. Instead, he began his journey out of the square and back to what was now his hall with the rest of them following behind.

As Harry fell into step beside Rowena, she took his hand and offered him a soft smile. Their path through the city was met with cheers all the way back to the hall. By the time the door closed behind the retinue, it sounded as though celebrations had already begun. And I’m sure that they’re going to last well into the night.

And under normal circumstances, Harry would be happy to participate in them, but there were other pressing matters that required his attention. That was what made them approach the newly made king, “My friends,” he hugged them, “I must thank you once more. I know there’s still much to do, but this feels like a necessary step.”

Unintentionally, they’d played kingmaker. Harry’s voice carried great weight in the meetings, and Aengus was the one to profit from it, “Give it time,” Harry counseled him, “You may not thank us in the time to come. The weight of kingship will grow heavy at times, I’m sure.”

“Doubtless, you’re right, but I count myself lucky that I’ll have you to call on for counsel should the need arise. You and my new allies…” He looked to the Norsemen that had stood with him in battle, “It will make the trials ahead all the easier, I know it.”

“There’s one piece of advice I’d give you before we depart, lord.” Rowena offered

“Depart?” His confusion was obvious, “The celebrations have only just begun.”

“Something demands our attention,” Harry saw no need to concern the new king with the details of something he couldn’t aid them with, “Something that only we can deal with. We think it unwise to delay anymore than we already have.”

Aengus looked between them before nodding his head, “I understand… what is your advice, lady?”

“When we went to Stjornavagr and dealt with the priest that tormented Jarl Ansbjorn, I recommended that the church being built there be converted to a place of pagan worship. I would recommend that you do the same here, whether you convert the ones that already stand or build new places of your own.”

Aengus furrowed his brow, “Why? The pagan gods of these lands and those of the Danes and Northmen have never needed any hall to be worshipped.”

“No, but such things have become common place amongst the people thanks to the Christians. I believe converting them, rather than destroying them, and filling them with the symbols of our gods will help guide people back from the god of Rome.”

“I recall Harry tearing down the church.” The memory was a good one for Harry as well, “It’s quite the hard thing to forget.”

“He did, but the foundations remain. Build something new and replace it in their minds and then in their hearts.”

Convincing him proved to be rather simple, as he nodded his agreement, “Of course, I will take your advice. You’ve yet to lead me astray.” He turned toward Harry, “Do you have anything parting wisdom to share as well, my friend?”

Harry chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder, “Don’t drink too much ale, lord. You’ll regret it in the morning.” He glanced around the room. There were noble ladies of good Scottish stock there, but more than one of them were Christian to their core, “And find yourself a wife, a good wife, and begin making your legacy.”

That was enough to make the king blush like the young man he really was. Coughing, he discretely glanced where Harry was looking, “Yes… I… I’ll do that. I know that such things are important.” He leaned in so that no one might overhear, “Though, I believe it would be best if I married one of the Norse, or the Danes… to strengthen the bonds that we’ve begun building on the battlefield.”

“Wise, lord.” Harry complimented him as it was exactly what he wanted to hear, “Perhaps you should discuss it with Thorfinn… I hear he has a sister nearly as fierce as he is.” The idea of confronting a man about his sister, particularly when she had three brothers clearly didn’t appeal to him.

“I’ll… think on it.” With that he smiled again, “Be well, and the best of luck in the task you have ahead. I’m sure the gods will smile on you.”

With that, he let them leave. Though it wasn’t that easy to get away, “And just where do you think you’re going?” Torgils burly form blocked their path as they neared the exit. He opened his massive arms to his niece, “Did you think I’d let you slip away without saying goodbye?”

“Of course not, uncle.” Rowena happily stepped in to his embrace, “It was good seeing you after all this time, even given the circumstances. And I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”

“I certainly hope you’re right.” Torgils let her go to hold her at arm’s length, and beamed down at her, “Your mother would be so proud of you… I hope you know that.”

There were tears threatening in the corner of her eye as she nodded her head. With that he pulled her in briefly and kissed the top of her head. Releasing her, he turned to Harry and offered his hand as way of parting.

“And don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on those hellions you’ve been bringing with you.” He assured her before letting them get on with their business. They had no intention of denying the children under their care a chance to celebrate, so all those who wanted to be were there in Perth. Heiddi assured them that she would do her best to look after them but considering he could see her in quiet conversation with Ragnall, Torgils watchful eye would be appreciated as well. And we made sure they each had a portkey just in case.

There were others who surely saw them leave, but no one else made to stop them. Once outside they found a quiet place away from prying eyes and took hold of a portkey together. They arrived back in the Highlands, just outside of their little keep.

Heading inside together, they fell into the same routine that they’d developed together before the fervor of recent events. A fire was set in the hearth, and Rowena went to work cooking though only after they both greeted Aerna. It all served as a short delay to their true purposes.

Making his way through the nearest door, the expansion that’d been meant as his rooms when they retrieved the stone, now served a different purpose. Laying on the bed, bound at the wrist and feet and unconscious was one Salazar Slytherin.

They were probably unnecessary precautions, but he didn’t doubt that a wizard of Slytherin’s talents was capable of at least some wandless magic. He’d been in that same state for three days now as they dealt with the rather pressing matter of the new king. But we can delay no longer. It’s only a matter of time before the Council realizes their failure here and they’ll surely send another.

Given his association with Rowena, meeting another of the founders felt inevitable with enough time. Though I wasn’t expecting to get attacked in the night by one of them. If he was honest, with everything he knew of Salazar, he was the one that Harry was most hoping to avoid, if possible. He didn’t exactly have the best association with his descendant. Or his ruddy big snake either.

Levitating him from the bed, Harry brought the unconscious mercenary through to the sitting room and deposited him in a chair. Rowena left the knife to chop without her and joined him, “I’ve been meaning to ask since that night…” she hesitated, chewing her lower lip before coming out with it, “do you know this man?”

That wasn’t what he was expecting in the slightest, “What?”

“It’s just… when he told us his name. It was almost like you recognized him. Does he have some fearsome reputation that I should be aware of or… have you met him before?” He should’ve expected her to be painfully observant.

There was a lie ready on his lips, the same sort of small one that he’d been telling since he first arrived in the past. But he thought better of it. This was his woman now, and she deserved the truth, “I know of him, yes, though he doesn’t know of me. And as soon as this business with the council is finished, I promise that I’ll explain.”

“Just this?” She arched her eyebrow in challenge.

He took her hand, “Not just this, Row… everything. The dreams, and whatever other question you have for me.”

She stared into his eyes for a long moment, those midnight blue eyes holding him. Finally, she placed her hand against his cheek as he leaned into the touch, “I’m going to hold you to that. After all, I do like to know everything.”

They shared a laugh before Harry returned his attention to their unwelcome guest. With a wave of his wand, Salazar stirred awake as though he’d been shocked. He took a moment to get his bearings. When he recognized Harry, he said, “Is all this really necessary? I laid down my wand willingly. And given its rarity, I can assure you that is no trifling thing.” His stomach growled loud enough that you could likely hear it outside, “How long have you had me unconscious, I’m starving!”

“Three days,” Harry informed him as he tossed half a loaf of bread in his direction, “the hunger catches up with you quickly after that..”

“Something I’ve just learned for myself, thank you.” He brought the bread to his mouth with his bound hands and bit off nearly a quarter of it in one. Pouring the man a cup of ale, he offered that to him as well, “So, what do you want to know?”

“You’re quick to help us.” Harry pointed out.

Salazar shrugged his shoulders, “As I told you that night, I have no loyalty to them, even despise them.”

“But coin is coin.”

“Exactly.” He took another bite of his bread, “And if I’m to choose between my own life and answering a few of your questions, it’s a rather simple thing.” Harry wasn’t entirely sure why he immediately jumped to the idea that they’d kill him. But then we did just wage a war… and dismantle the rest of the people he came with rather efficiently.

“And why do you despise them?” Rowena asked.

“They are cowards.” He answered, “They wish for magicals to hide away from the mundane, to cower from the Church.” You could hear the disdain in his voice for both, “They’re already trying to force these things, otherwise why send me after you.”

“And you have such strong convictions on the matter that you took the job anyway.”

If he was bothered by the rebuke, he didn’t show it, “I have no say in their petty matters of politics and a man must make his way in the world the best that he can,.”

Harry just watched him as he took another bite of bread. Salazar already wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. He seemed to be charismatic and surprisingly affable. But then he was a man who valued cunning and ambition, and a truly cunning man knows when to use the carrot rather than the stick.

“Given your distaste for them, I’m sure that I can trust all the information you’re going to give me.” His tone made it obvious that he had doubts.

That brought a wolfish grin to Salazar’s lips, “I knew I liked you. Only a fool would be openly trusting of someone who just recently attacked them.” He picked up his ale and took a long drink from it, “So, I offer you an exchange that way you can trust my word.”

“Your life, I presume?”

“That goes without saying, yes. But also, the return of my wand. I went to great lengths to acquire the materials of its crafting, and I wouldn’t wish to lose it.” The wand was safely tucked away somewhere that he wouldn’t be able to find it.

It seemed a reasonable request, “Agreed.”

“Excellent, ask away then.”

“Where will I find the Wizard’s Council?” He knew London, and he knew that the old courtrooms of the Wizengamot had been there long before the Ministry, but he wasn’t certain that’s where he’d find the Council.

“In London, they convene beneath a complex in the old Roman quarter not far from the Thames.”

“When?”

He smirked, “I thought you’d already know… my understanding was that cowardly little Ecbert told you they were to meet in a fortnight. That must be ten days ago now from my counting.”

Harry shared a look with Rowena, “I didn’t intend to make good on that invitation of theirs, but I suppose things have changed.”

“Quite right. It’s obvious that you don’t take kindly to threats against you and yours, even from people who think they hold some power over you.” It sounded almost like Salazar respected that fact.

“Is there security?”  

“Of course, there are guards. They think themselves far too important to risk their safety, I assure you.”

“How many?” He was confident that he could either get past them or dispatch them regardless of their number, but thought it best to be forewarned.

“I could not say for certain. I doubt I’ve seen every nook and cranny that the place has to offer, but never less that a dozen though it is probably more.” He asked a host of other questions trying to get the clearest picture of what to expect and each one was answered without complaint.

It only ended when the meal they started on their arrival was finished. Rowena busied herself with putting it on a plate for each of them before returning to join them. When his was placed on his lap, Salazar held up his hands, “I understand your caution, but surely it would be easier to eat and not make a mess of myself if I was unbound.”

It was simple magic and took only a wave of his hand for the knot to come undone. Salazar rubbed his wrists before eating ravenously. Between a mouthful of turnip, he asked his own questions, “I must admit, I’m curious, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to teach them an invaluable lesson.” A violent one if that was what would prove necessary.

“Perhaps you can beat into their thick heads the same truth you’ve just shown these people of Alba…”

“And what would that be?” Rowena asked.

“That there is no reason we should hide from the muggles, or from the Church.” Given everything Harry experienced, everything he’d already done, it sounded more than reasonable, “This was a land where our kind were respected once, and I think you’ve already proven that it can be true again.”  

Harry couldn’t help but wonder why this rhetoric would one day be replaced by outright hatred of muggleborns. Was there some pivotal event in his life that turned him against them, or had it happened slowly, over time, as they were forced to hides themselves more and more… to fear the Church.  Of course, that’s assuming that everything I know of history is true.

Rowena considered him, and whether he truly meant it, “Well, on that we certainly agree.”

Salazar took the last bite of his meal before either Harry or Rowena had finished even half of their own, but he had good cause, “It was a wonderful meal, lady. I’d say you have a gift.” Stretching for the first time in days, he turned his attention back to Harry, “Do you have a plan?”

“Enough of one, yes. Why?”

“Because I find myself of a mind to help you.”

“Help me?” That wasn’t something that Harry was expecting.

“Yes, I take it you didn’t just send my accomplices back to London, did you?”

“Not with any memory of events, no.”

Rowena snorted out a laugh at that, “And I’d wager it will take them some time to get back from where we left them anyway.” They were deposited in the middle of the Highlands with no wand and no portkeys. Just the walk to Inverness would take days if they were lucky.

Grinning, Salazar elaborated, “Very good, then no one back in London knows of our failure. And so, I can walk you into the Wizard’s Council without anyone so much as batting an eye.

“And you’ll get paid your coin.”

“If I’m lucky, yes.” He didn’t even think to pretend otherwise, “But you can’t deny that it will be easier with an escort who can simply walk right where you want to go.”

“And what’s to stop you from betraying us?” Harry countered.

It seemed as though Salazar was enjoying this, the negotiation of it all, “You can call it part of our agreement, until I’ve fulfilled my end, my wand remains in your possession.”

Turning to look at Rowena, the tilt of her head was all the answer that he needed, “Agreed.”

“To London then?”

“To London.”