Page 57 of Paying the Viking's Price

‘I thought you’d want to know.’ Starkad stretched. ‘By Loki’s beard, it will be good to have a proper bath rather than freezing my arse in the lake.’

‘Let me know when you are finished. I expect it to be ready by nightfall.’

‘We all hope for that.’ Starkad dug into his pouch. ‘I nearly forgot. A rune arrived.’

‘Why wasn’t I informed? Immediately?’

Starkad shrugged. ‘The messenger couldn’t find you. He is seeing to his horse.’

‘You should have given it to me at once. When he is ready, I wish to see the messenger and find out how things fare in Jorvik.’

‘You insist on things being done in a proper order. Far be it for me to do otherwise.’

Brand rolled his eyes. ‘The rune?’

He rapidly glanced at it. It told him nothing that he wasn’t already aware of. Not all of the rebels were dead and some might try to return here. It was one of the reasons why he trained his men so hard. No one would take this land from him. He would fight to keep it. The rebels had given no quarter. They deserved none.

* * *

After speaking briefly with Halfdan’s messenger and learning Halfdan remained as adamant as ever about punishing the rebels, Brand spied Edith walking in close consultation with her cousin. His senses went instantly on alert. If anything she looked more desirable now than she had when they’d parted this morning. He wondered that he had ever allowed her out of bed.

He frowned, trying to puzzle out if he should tell her about Halfdan’s order about providing no shelter to any rebel warrior. There was no need. He had made his views clear on the first morning—he would tolerate no challenge to his rule and anyone who aided or assisted the former rebels for whatever reason would be punished.

‘Edith, a moment of your time.’

Edith froze. How could he know? All she’d done was to collect the basket of food from the kitchen.

Hilda gave her a wild glance. She squeezed Hilda’s hand. ‘It will be well.’

‘Will you tell him?’

‘When he needs to know...’ She handed the basket to Hilda. ‘Take it to Mary now. Be quick about it.’

Hilda snatched the basket from her and hurried off.

‘Is there some problem with your cousin?’

‘She and I planned to see Godwin’s mother. She wanted to make sure the cakes remained hot.’ Edith was amazed at how steady her voice sounded. She wasn’t lying. She simply wasn’t telling him the whole truth. Early this morning, lying in his arms, she had decided to see Athelstan first before confessing the truth to Brand.

Until she had actually seen Athelstan, she only had Hilda’s word. And there was always the possibility that he would wish to give himself up. She wanted a chance to speak with him and find out his story. She owed it to him for his long service to her family and to Godwin for saving her when he spoke out after that trap Hrearek had set. She wouldn’t be the one to betray him.

Edith gave a faint shudder. The risk she was taking was dreadful but she owed it to Athelstan. She had to keep it a secret until she knew precisely what Athelstan wanted and why he was here.

‘I’m pleased you reminded me about Godwin. I’d nearly forgotten the lad in light of other things.’ Brand’s eyes grew warm, reminding Edith why she had had little sleep the night before. ‘I need to speak with his mother.’

‘Why?’ Edith schooled her features, trying to ignore the sharp prickle of fear. ‘What has Godwin done now?’

‘I want to have him train to be a warrior. He could have a great future in my service and, if he is good enough, I will send him to Halfdan in due course.’

Edith choked. Unexpected and generous. The offer was precisely what Godwin needed. He could go far. But it was completely at the wrong time. ‘You want to speak with her now?’

‘The sooner, the better. The boy needs direction. He reminds me of myself at that age. We can go together.’

Edith twisted her belt about her fingers. ‘Now would not be a good time. Trust me.’

His brow creased. ‘But you were going to see her.’

‘There is...that is, someone is not well. It would upset Godwin’s mother as she would be unable to give the sort of welcome her lord requires.’ Edith released a breath. Not exactly a lie. Hilda had said that Athelstan was seriously injured. ‘But I’ll send word with Hilda that Mary should come and see you once she is free from her nursing duties.’

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