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The two men sized each other up. Of the same height and musculature, each recognized the other as an equal foe, if the need ever arose.
“Can you spare a moment?” Wulf inquired.
Sidroc nodded and walked over to the barrels of water. Taking a long draught from a cup that hung at the side, he motioned for Wulf to sit on a nearby bench. Joining him, Wulf observed his surroundings. “ ’Tis an impressive display of military preparedness.”
“You have no idea. This is only one of three fields where the Varangian Guard hone their skills, and there are three others for the tagmatic armies assigned to the palace. In addition, there are thematic armies throughout the empire. In all, tens of thousands of armed men, either off to battle, recovering from battle, or about to march off.”
“I understand the emperor, John Tzimisces, is a former military man.”
“He is. Well respected, too.”
“And about to be married.”
Sidroc rolled his eyes. “Wait ’til you see his betrothed. Her appearance will surprise you, but she is pious, you must credit her that. Was a nun most of her life.”
“Piety is a requisite for marriage in Byzantium?” Wulf arched his brows at him.
Sidroc snorted. “Hardly. You will soon learn that, as religious as this nation purports to be—they have hundreds of churches in Miklagard alone—they are great practitioners of adultery. And fornication. But then they do penance. Most men of the upper classes have at least one mistress. Many have several.”
“And you?”
Sidroc laughed, not at all offended by the question. “Only one.”
“Have you enjoyed being a Varangian?”
Sidroc shrugged. “It has met its purpose for me. There is much wealth to be gained for good soldiers.”
Wulf nodded.
“Are you interested in joining the guard?”
“Oh, good Lord, nay! I am engaged in another enterprise.” He eyed Sidroc for a moment, as if wondering whether he could trust him, then told him about the pirate activities he led against King Edgar. “That is one of two reasons why I came here this morn. To see if you might be interested in joining us.”
Ah, so that’s why he approached me. Sidroc was surprised and, yea, flattered at the offer. “Mayhap later. In truth, I am about to resign from the Varangians, but I must needs build a home for myself. ’Tis time for me to set down roots.”
“Where? Dost have a place in mind?”
“I’m considering the Orkneys, but I have not yet ruled out someplace in the Norselands. Wherever I choose, it will be far from my father’s jarldom.”
“I can understand the need to distance oneself from a father, believe you me,” Wulf said. “At least consider it for the future.”
“I will,” Sidroc said. “You mentioned two reasons for approaching me. The other?”
“Stay away from Princess Drifa.”
Sidroc stiffened. “Oh? And why would I do that? More important, why would you care? Are you interested in her yourself?”
“Nay! But she is under my protection whilst I am still here in Constantinople.”
“And how long will you be here?” Sidroc asked coolly. He did not appreciate being bullied on personal matters, even in the guise of friendship.
“A few days. A sennight at the most. But Drifa has four guardsmen who will stay with her.”
There was clear warning in Wulf’s words, past the point of mere bullying, and he did not like it. Not one bit. “What makes you think I would harm her?”
“You entered her bedchamber in the middle of the night.”
“And?” Pray the gods that is all you know.
