by A. E. Rayne
‘Tell me, Berard,’ Jael said as she pushed her plate away, finally full. She pulled her stool closer to his, aware that the cooks were still rushing about, sending trays into the hall. ‘What does your brother want? Surely he is not content to remain the fourth son? Not a man like him.’ Her eyes were sharp, but Berard’s were bleary, having quickly drained two jugs of wine since he’d sat down. ‘He must have his own ambitions for the throne?’
Berard’s eyes rolled around the room, pointedly avoiding hers. ‘Haegen will be king here when our father dies,’ he said weakly, reaching for his cup, suddenly awkward in her company.
‘Well, of course,’ Jael said easily, wanting him to relax again. ‘He is a good choice too. He seems very much like his father. Very certain. In control.’
Berard frowned. ‘Yes, but –’ He closed his mouth suddenly and looked down at his cup as he refilled it.
‘But?’
Berard shook his head. ‘No, it’s nothing.’
Jael didn’t look so sure, frowning as she tried a different tack. ‘Our families are now joined together, united in this alliance. We will succeed or fail together. It would be better to succeed, don’t you think? Taking Helsabor between us? That land will make such a difference to your kingdom, I’m sure.’
‘Of course, yes,’ Berard nodded enthusiastically. ‘We have always longed for some arable land. We have very little ourselves. We will be able to truly farm.’
‘Well, then, I hope that we can all move forward together,’ Jael said quietly. ‘I think that is what Haegen wants, isn’t it? But Karsten and Jaeger? I’m not so sure they have the best interests of Hest at heart...’ She had her hook out, baited, waiting for Berard to bite. Jael needed more information; she needed to know exactly what Jaeger was planning. She was certain that he was not a man prepared to remain in his place. But how dangerous was he? Really?
Berard readied a strong defense of his brother, but it fell apart on his thick tongue. ‘Perhaps,’ he began, then faltered. ‘Perhaps they are thinking about other things? I am not sure they see the alliance as... necessary.’
‘And you?’ she wondered lightly.
Berard thought on that. There was the book. The book would render all alliances pointless, he was certain. With it, Jaeger would claim power over the whole land. Osterland would belong to Hest in its entirety; that is what Jaeger had promised him. And once Berard had been eager to support his brother in that quest. But now? Now when he thought of Meena Gallas, and land, and the future, he was not certain he saw the same things anymore. ‘I think that my father is wiser than all of us put together.’ He picked up a chicken leg and took a bite. ‘I think that the wisest king sees what is best for his kingdom, not himself.’
That surprised Berard and Jael, both.
Jael leaned towards him, her voice low. ‘You are a good man, Berard. Unexpectedly so... for a Dragos,’ she said, narrowing her eyes. ‘And I need your help.’
Biddy closed the door and locked it. ‘I’m worried about Thorgils,’ she frowned. ‘I’m not sure he’s even taking the time to eat between caring for Odda and rushing around the island looking after everything else.’
‘Mmmm,’ Edela murmured distractedly. ‘Perhaps you should ask him to come and eat with us tomorrow? Then he could take some food back to his mother.’
‘Good idea,’ Biddy smiled, hanging her cloak on a peg by the door. There was a storm brewing, and she had been checking that the animals were secure. Askel had his own house and family to care for, and would not be back until morning. ‘He likes my chicken and ale stew.’
‘Well, let’s go and see him tomorrow, and we can check on Odda,’ Edela suggested. ‘If I’m still standing after the dream walk!’
Biddy saw the real fear lurking in Edela’s eyes, the lack of confidence in her own strength. She quickly sought to reassure her. ‘Of course you’ll still be standing!’ she smiled kindly, placing a log onto the fire. ‘You are the second strongest woman, I know!’
Edela smiled, thinking about the first strongest woman. Strong, yes, but so vulnerable right now and completely unaware of the danger she was in.
Berard hesitated, his cup touching his lips, his eyes hooded and evasive. ‘Help you?’
‘I have heard the rumours about your brother,’ Jael murmured. ‘About what happened to his first wife and son.’
Berard sat up, his body rigid, uncomfortable. ‘Well, he.... it was an...’
Jael didn’t say anything. He gave up the argument on his own, dropping his eyes to the table.
‘I need you to protect Amma.’
Berard glanced towards the door. ‘But she is Jaeger’s wife.’
‘Yes, and I want her to stay that way. I don’t want her to become Jaeger’s late wife. I need her to stay safe,’ Jael insisted quietly. ‘She is a kind girl. An innocent girl. And she does not deserve to be mistreated in any way. You have met her, and I’m sure you agree?’
‘But what would you have me do?’ Berard asked, leaning forward.
‘Watch her, talk to her, become her friend,’ Jael suggested. ‘She will need one. Someone who will be honest with her, kind to her, and someone who she can come to if she feels scared, or threatened. I want you to protect her. For me.’
Berard squirmed beneath those insistent green eyes. They were hard to argue against. And so were her words, for, though he was loyal to Jaeger, he had been horrified by what had happened to Elissa.
Berard could understand Jael’s concern. He had the same concerns himself. He knew that Jaeger hadn’t meant to hurt his wife, but at the same time, he was becoming increasingly worried that the book was changing his brother somehow. He appeared to have less control over his rage.
And that could become a very real problem indeed.
‘You appear to have lost your wife,’ Haaron noted as Eadmund’s eyes scanned the hall again. Jael had disappeared with Berard some time ago, and he had no idea why they hadn’t returned. The plates were being removed now, and hers had remained untouched, next to his.
‘She is not especially fond of weddings,’ Eadmund said lightly, ignoring Lothar’s jiggling belly as he laughed out loud.
‘That is true!’ Lothar smiled. ‘But she seems content enough with you. Perhaps one day she will even thank me for gifting her to you as I did?’
Eadmund doubted that. ‘Perhaps,’ he mumbled into his cup. He felt oddly displaced and couldn’t stop thinking about Oss. He missed Sigmund desperately. The idea of returning to his son was all he could think about. That and Evaine. He blinked, confused, feeling guilty as Jael returned to the hall at last.
‘Well, mystery solved,’ Haaron said. ‘Perhaps she was checking on your ships again? She seems very eager to leave.’
‘We both are,’ Eadmund admitted, pushing away his plate. ‘My father’s death means an unsettled time for our people. It’s better that we’re there, ensuring no problems arise.’
‘You mean with your brother?’ Haaron wondered.
Eadmund was surprised but tried not to show it. ‘My brother killed my father, so yes, he is a problem that I must take care of. I’m sure you can understand my eagerness to depart in the morning?’
‘I can, of course,’ Haaron agreed, feeling Lothar’s breath on his neck as he leaned into their conversation again. ‘Your father ruled for a long time, so it’s important to reassure your people quickly before their heads are turned towards... other possibilities.’
Eadmund wasn’t sure what he meant by that but Jael sat down in between them, and he didn’t have a chance to ask anything further. ‘Where have you been?’ he wondered sharply.
Jael looked at the curious faces of the men around her. ‘Just exploring,’ she smiled. ‘Since we are leaving early, I wanted one last chance to look around. Your castle is very impressive, my lord.’
Haaron frowned, surprised. ‘Thank you.’
‘We have plans to rebuild the fort on Oss,’ Jael offered by way of a fuller explanation. ‘It is a stone fortress, but it is
small and not impressive at all. We wish to expand it, so your castle has given me many ideas.’
Eadmund’s eyes did not betray the surprise of that news.
Haaron’s shoulders relaxed as the sense of her explanation sunk in.
‘I hope you don’t mind me peering into your kitchens and your corridors?’ Jael laughed, nodding at the slave who reached out to take her plate away.
‘No,’ Haaron mumbled. ‘I am glad that my son could be of assistance. It is good to know that he is useful for something.’
‘Oh, yes,’ Jael murmured. ‘He was very helpful indeed.’
Entorp tapped away on his drum, distracted. Biddy frowned at him, noticing how sleepy Edela looked as she perched on a stool before the flames. The wind was rattling the door now, rain pelting down the smoke hole. The thunder and lightning had spooked the puppies so much that they would not get off Biddy’s feet as she sat there, wishing the night would hurry along.
‘I think, perhaps, we ought to begin,’ Edela said quietly, almost to herself. ‘I am ready.’
44
‘You’re not leaving?’
Gisila looked anxious as she stopped Gant by the entrance to the hall, her hand on his arm.
‘I’m going to check on my men,’ he yawned. ‘And then find my bed. It’s been a long day.’
Gisila glanced back into the hall where she knew Axl was drinking too much.
Gant followed her gaze. ‘He’ll be fine. I’ve asked Aleksander to watch him. He’ll get Axl to bed soon.’
Gisila didn’t look convinced.
‘He’s doing well,’ Gant assured her. ‘Many a man would have made things worse today, but he has kept himself under control. Don’t worry.’
Gisila sighed and removed her hand quickly as Lothar approached.
‘Is everything alright?’ Lothar asked sharply. ‘You seem upset, my love.’ He glared at Gant, furious that he had once again caught him alone with his wife.
‘Yes, my lord,’ Gant nodded. ‘I was just saying goodnight to the queen.’ He ducked his head and disappeared around the corner before Lothar could utter another word.
Lothar gripped Gisila’s upper arm between his fingers. She winced. ‘I think we need to have a talk, you and I,’ he hissed in her ear. ‘A very serious talk indeed.’
‘A new fort?’ Eadmund yawned as they lay there, listening to Eydis muttering away to herself in her sleep. ‘You’re really thinking about that?’
‘After seeing Haaron’s castle? Of course,’ Jael whispered, honestly enough. ‘Why not? It makes sense to improve it. We need to make Oss as impenetrable as possible. There is a lot we can do.’
‘If we’re not too late,’ Eadmund murmured as he rolled over, moving away to the edge of the bed. ‘If Ivaar hasn’t destroyed it all.’
Jael suddenly felt cold as he disappeared, taking all his warmth with him. ‘Don’t say that,’ she said sadly, rolling to the other side. ‘I’m sure we have time.’
Eadmund didn’t say anything.
Jael closed her eyes and sighed, wishing she was back on Oss, desperately wanting to speak to Edela.
She needed her help.
‘I hope he’s not going to tear your dress off her!’ Karsten slurred, laughing as he stumbled along next to his less-than-impressed wife. ‘You do like that dress.’
‘I hardly think he will get so excited that he needs to tear anything,’ Nicolene sneered. ‘She is a plain girl.’
‘Plain?’ Karsten snorted loudly. ‘Well, if you consider her plain, I’d hate to know what you think of Irenna!’
Nicolene glared at her husband, jabbing him in the ribs. ‘Lower your voice,’ she hissed. ‘That’s Jaeger’s chamber.’ She nodded to the door they were passing, dragging her drunken husband away. ‘I can’t believe you have such low standards,’ she muttered as they turned the corner towards their own chamber. ‘I don’t even want to know what you think of Jael Furyck!’
That put an end to Karsten’s fun. He frowned at his wife, blinking her into focus. ‘I’d slit that bitch’s throat if I could. It doesn’t matter what she looks like to me!’
Nicolene was confused as she stared at her wobbling husband. ‘What does that mean?’
Jaeger barely heard the disturbance in the corridor as he sat on the bed, filling his wife’s goblet with wine. She seemed more relaxed than earlier, he thought, but her eyes were still nervous when she glanced his way.
His wife. It didn’t feel right, not yet. He had not imagined marrying again so quickly. He still thought that Elissa would walk through the door, carrying their son in her arms.
Amma smiled politely, swallowing as he handed her the goblet. He had sent his servant away for the night, and now there was just the two of them; entirely alone for the first time. She felt too warm, uncomfortable. Her head was fuzzy. She thought of Axl and hoped he was alright, wishing he was here to save her from what she knew was coming; from what she feared most of all.
Jaeger leaned towards her, and Amma jumped. He laughed. ‘You don’t need to be scared of me, although, of course, I understand why you are.’ He reached out and slowly ran the back of his hand over her cheek, down her neck, around the base of her throat. She visibly shuddered, her eyes fleeing his. ‘Drink your wine,’ he smiled. ‘It will make it easier for you, I promise.’
He had patience.
Well, he had some patience.
He would let her have a moment, and then he would get that dress on the floor.
‘Perhaps it’s time for bed?’ Aleksander suggested, nodding at Axl, who looked intent on reaching for the jug of wine again. ‘We’ve probably drunk the castle dry by now.’ He watched as their men slowly stumbled out of the hall. Most had been stuffed into the empty ship sheds, some were bedding down with Haaron’s horses, and the unluckiest ones had the goats and pigs for company. He didn’t doubt that they were all as eager to be gone from this place as he was.
Fyn, bleary-eyed, and slightly disoriented, agreed. He yawned and peered at Axl, who appeared to have no intention of moving as he sipped from his cup and glared at Osbert, who sat at the next table.
‘He did this, you know,’ Axl grumbled morosely. ‘Told Lothar about Amma and me, I’m sure of it. He’s like that, always trying to hurt someone. Pathetic bastard that he is.’
Aleksander reached out and took the cup from Axl’s unsteady hand. ‘He is. That’s agreed. But let it go tonight. You’re not thinking clearly.’
But Axl was thinking clearly enough to get his legs working as he lurched up suddenly from the bench, and headed towards Osbert, before Aleksander and Fyn could grab him.
Osbert had been drawn to his mysterious Kalmeran woman, Keyta, again. She had exquisitely fine, straight black hair, ebony skin and sultry, blue eyes. Despite any protestations to the contrary, he was going to find it hard to say goodbye to her.
‘Who is that?’ Keyta wondered, her hand in Osbert’s lap, her eyes on the tall young man lurching towards them.
Osbert looked up as Axl approached, his face red, his eyes bulging. ‘That would be my cousin, or even my stepbrother,’ he slurred sleepily, distracted by her roaming hand. ‘What bad timing he has.’
Aleksander and Fyn caught Axl just before he reached Osbert, grabbing an arm each.
‘Hello, Axl,’ Osbert murmured. ‘Is there something I can help you with? Or did you just want to start a fight to take your mind off the fact that Jaeger Dragos is upstairs fucking your poor sweet Amma raw?’
Aleksander glared at Osbert, tempted to let Axl go.
Keyta smiled, amused, running one finger over her full lower lip.
Axl felt numb. Sick. Bursting with rage. He tried to shake his arms free, but Aleksander and Fyn held on tightly.
‘What do you think you’re going to do, Axl?’ Osbert sneered. ‘Try to hurt me? In Haaron’s hall?’ He looked around calmly. There was barely anyone left now. The slaves had finished clearing up, and most of them had left for their beds. It was late, and Osbert’s mind was far more inc
lined to consider what to do about the tantalising hand in his lap than any problem Axl was about to cause. He turned to Aleksander with disdain. ‘Get him away from me before he does something he will truly live to regret.’
Aleksander was finding it hard to hold himself back. Osbert had been asking for a severe thrashing ever since he had strolled into Andala with his father and stolen the throne, destroying all their lives in the process. And he was just as ready to give it to him as Axl.
Fyn coughed, trying to get someone’s attention. ‘We should go,’ he mumbled, pulling on Axl’s arm. ‘Your mother...’
‘Oh yes, that’s right, his mother will be busy getting fucked too!’ Osbert laughed to Keyta. ‘All the women he cares about, getting royally fucked. And poor Axl there, powerless to stop any of it!’
Aleksander had had enough. It was all a game and Osbert was playing it to titillate his guest, to show her what a tough son of a king he was. ‘Come on, Axl,’ he growled, helping Fyn pull him away. ‘Leave Osbert to his bitter tongue and his tiny cock.’
Osbert clamped his teeth together, lunging at them as they left, dragging Axl between them.
Keyta sat there, enjoying the show. ‘I wouldn’t say it was that tiny,’ she smiled at Osbert as he sat back down.
‘You had a dream, didn’t you?’ Edela asked in a hushed voice. She reached out and took Jael’s hand.
Jael frowned, not wanting to look at her. ‘No.’
Edela laughed softly. ‘No? Well, I can read minds, you know.’
‘No, you can’t,’ 8-year-old Jael insisted.
‘Well, so you say,’ Edela smiled. ‘But I can read feelings, and I can feel that you are scared.’
‘No, I’m not!’ Jael shook her long braids, fingering the wooden sword that lay across her lap. She had woken up determined to go and find her father, to ask him to train her again. ‘I’m never scared.’
‘Oh, yes you are, my sweetest girl,’ Edela said, taking her hand. ‘I know you better than you think, and you are a dreamer, just like me.’
