The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

by Mary Ann Bernal

  Yara walked behind her, the expected behavior for a slave, not saying a word for fear of being overheard. She unlocked the door quickly, and locked it again just as quickly once they were safely inside. She embraced Concordia warmly, encouraging her to share her thoughts as they entered the bedchamber, flooded with sunbeams filtering through the open windows.

  “I would wear comfortable clothing,” Concordia said, walking to the chest and retrieving her favorite garment, made of wool and soft to the touch, “and I am pleased the shutters are open, but I would sit in the gardens, if I am permitted.”

  “You may walk these grounds freely, but Thayer’s men guard the path that leads to these quarters. You will not be disturbed.”

  Concordia nodded, permitting Yara to assist her, beaming with delight over her newly-found freedom.

  “You will sit with me, will you not?” Concordia asked hopefully, running to the locked door and waiting impatiently for Yara to set her free.

  Concordia ran through the archway, skirting the stone planters and fountains, not stopping until she reached the wall overlooking the sea. She sat on the warm stone, breathing in the salty air, her hair blowing in the wind as she watched the waves spilling upon the shore.

  “Do not sit on the wall, you might fall!” Yara said somewhat out of breath as she finally reached her charge.

  “Nonsense, it is quit safe...do join me.”

  Yara sat reluctantly beside her, kicking her feet like a child in the warm sunlight as she watched the coastal road for any sign of treachery.

  “No one must ever know I showed you the tunnels,” Yara whispered.

  “Not to worry, you are the only one I trust, and I pray you do not betray me again.”

  “Thayer had to be told...you and your child must be protected...this is not your country...and there are many enemies.”

  “I want to go home,” Concordia said wistfully, resting her head against Yara’s shoulder.

  “I know,” Yara replied sympathetically.

  “Will you help me?”

  “I do not see how...”

  “We must find the priest,” Concordia interrupted. “He will find a way...I would have you come with me...you would be free...please Yara, I beg you.”

  “You do not know what you ask of me.”

  “I know the danger, and the punishment should we be caught, but I cannot live the rest of my days this way.”

  “There is something, a truth no one is privy to, but many suspect.”

  “If I did not trust you, I would never have told you I was with child, and if you did not trust me, you would not have shown me the tunnels. Whatever it is, your secret is safe with me...I give you my word.”

  Yara glanced at the storm clouds forming over the horizon, lightning flashing across the heavens, soft rolls of thunder shaking the sea. She glanced at Concordia and saw the hope in her eyes as she waited patiently to hear her words.

  “My mother was a slave, taken by her master on the night she was bought. She was treated well, especially when he learned she carried his child. She died at my birthing, but his wife kept me in his household, a sister to her sons who were privy to my lineage...they were of age when I was given life. I have always been treated well, yet my freedom has been kept from me, but then, where would I go?”

  “I will never repeat what you tell me this day,” Concordia whispered. “Who sired you?”

  “His name is Idris, and he is also the father of Thayer and Chad.”

  Thayer escorted Nadia to his bedchamber once Concordia returned to her quarters. He held Nadia’s arm firmly, dismissing her women as he led her through the covered walkway, his anger mounting with every step. Nadia tried to free herself from his grasp, but he only dug his fingers into her flesh, which caused her to cry out. He sent his servants away when they entered the room, flinging her upon the floor as he closed the door.

  “What are you up to?” Thayer asked menacingly as Nadia scooted along the smooth stones, distancing herself from his wrath.

  “What are you up to?” Nadia seethed in reply, scrambling to her knees only to have Thayer lift her off the floor.

  Thayer carried her across the room, throwing her upon the bed, ripping off her clothing, possessing her roughly. As soon as Thayer was satiated, Nadia pushed him off of her, beating him with her fists, becoming infuriated when he laughed.

  “What game are you playing?” Nadia screamed as Thayer pulled her closer, kissing her lips tenderly while caressing her shapely body.

  “I do not play games, remember?”

  “You are cunning...and manipulative...and dangerous...and I think your Saxon woman should be told the truth,” Nadia whispered, returning his kiss playfully.

  “She will be of use if we must negotiate our freedom...the Caliph would ingratiate himself with King Alfred and we would leave these lands unharmed.”

  “Why would we want to leave?” Nadia asked inquisitively, sitting upon her elbows and running her fingers through Thayer’s hair.

  “It seems the prisoners captured from the last campaign have disappeared, along with the women who tended to their wounds and the men who guarded them...and their ship is missing. What was once a small army has been reduced to a pittance of men. I fear discovery of the truth. You know well the punishment for piracy.”

  “My spies know nothing of this. However, there are rumors spreading in the town that the Christians are demanding the right to worship their God. They are also demanding justice for the murder of their priest...they do not believe he drowned accidentally. What do you know of his death?”

  “Not a thing,” Thayer replied, “but I saw you plotting with Chad earlier.”

  “We were not plotting...I was merely asking when we might visit the market...we have many things to sell.”

  “Tread carefully, my love,” Thayer said threateningly. “If you dare betray me, I shall flay you alive myself.”

  “You are my betrothed and much loved,” Nadia whispered into his ear. “And I count the days until we are wed.”

  “In due time,” Thayer replied, rekindling his passion in the heat of midday.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Concordia remained seated on the stone wall that overlooked the sea rather than returning to her quarters when Yara left for the kitchens seeking refreshments. She was still surprised by Yara’s revelation and chastised herself for not discerning the truth before taking Yara into her confidence, but then again her behavior had not been unseemly. She praised God for giving her the wisdom to hold her tongue when Yara assumed the child was Brantson’s.

  The soft rumble of distant thunder was comforting as Concordia tried to collect her thoughts, hoping to formulate a plan of escape, with or without Yara’s help. While she was familiar with Thayer’s lands, she had yet to visit the city and nearby towns, and she needed to find the priest who lived in the sea caves. A strong breeze rustled the treetops, scattering fallen leaves in the nearby woods, masking the soft sound of footsteps walking the rock-strewn path.

  Concordia’s face paled when she noticed the stranger by chance, fearing he was one of Nadia’s spies as he headed towards the gardens stealthily, a shadow amongst shadows beneath the sun. She stayed still, hoping she had not been seen, almost falling off the wall when the stranger came upon her suddenly.

  “I did not mean to startle you,” Jafri said kindly. “Do you not remember me?”

  Chad’s trusted henchman laughed at Concordia’s discomfiture as he helped her off the wall, beckoning that she sit with him on a nearby bench. Concordia complied reluctantly, wondering if this meeting had been planned, and if so, with what purpose?

  “Why are you here?” Concordia asked bluntly.

  “What, no pleasantries?” Jafri laughed, amused that Concordia did not mince words.

  “If you bring word from your master, I do not wish to hear it,” Concordia said coldly. “Leave before you are seen and are punished for speaking with me.”

  “Your concern for my well-being was n
ot expected...I have misjudged you.”

  “Speak quickly then, before Yara returns.”

  “It is Yara that I seek...perhaps it is best if you go back to your rooms, the heat is tiring, especially when one is carrying a child,” Jafri told her knowingly.

  “You serve a man who has betrayed me and cannot be trusted!”

  “Are all Saxon women so spirited?” Jafri guffawed. “But then you succumbed to Chad’s advances in the end, they all do!”

  “How dare you speak to me so?” Concordia said angrily, raising her hand to slap his face, grimacing in pain when he grabbed her wrist firmly.

  “Remember your place,” Jafri seethed, his mood becoming foul.

  “Jafri, do not hurt her,” Yara yelled as she hurried towards them, out of breath. “You should not be here.”

  “We must speak...in private,” Jafri told Yara as he released Concordia from his firm grasp.

  “There is food and drink in the main room, await me there,” Yara told Concordia. “I will not be long.”

  Concordia embraced Yara warmly and returned to her quarters, knowing in her heart something was not right. Had she looked over her shoulder, she would have seen Yara entwined in Jafri’s arms.

  Jafri kissed Yara upon her lips, his hands caressing her ravenously as he gazed upon the woman who held his heart.

  “What is so pressing you risk discovery?” Yara asked as she pulled away, looking fearfully about the grounds searching for spies.

  “We fear betrayal,” Jafri whispered. “It seems the ship lies at the bottom of the sea with most of the crew. Those who escaped were captured and tortured before they were executed.”

  “How can this be?” Yara asked incredulously.

  “There is more...the wounded men from Concordia’s ship cannot be found. The men who guarded the cave are dead...their bodies rot where they were slain, and the women who ministered to the prisoners are also missing. It will not be long before we are discovered, and I would not have you suffer the fate of a thief. You must leave this place while there is still time.”

  “I will not leave you,” Yara replied tearfully. “I have no one but you.”

  “What of the Saxon woman? She does not belong here...you know that as well as I. Whatever game Thayer and Chad are playing is dangerous. I do not know what King Alfred has been told, but should he learn that Concordia is enslaved, he would demand her immediate release and have her captors punished.”

  “How did you come by this knowledge? I have heard nothing.”

  “You know we travel the coastal roads and are well known throughout the towns and villages, and do not forget the Christians that hide amongst our people. We have saved many a priest from death, albeit for a price.”

  “If I do this, with Concordia, will you come for me once it is safe, or will you...”

  “I will find you,” Jafri interrupted. “Do you not trust me?”

  “You know you are trusted, but I do not trust Nadia, and what of Thayer and Chad? Are they privy to this truth?”

  “The brothers know well the danger, but have yet to plan. Of the men that served Chad, only three remain. Thayer has many guards, but not enough men to defeat the Caliph’s soldiers. Whatever happens will happen soon...there is little time. Will you do as I ask?”

  “You are right about Concordia. She pines for her homeland...and she must leave these parts before she is heavy with child. I will speak with her.”

  “You trust her then?”

  “We have shared secrets, but she does not know of my love for you, but I will tell her if you agree.”

  “There must be trust if our plan is to succeed...do what you must. We will speak more of this later...until tonight then,” Jafri whispered, embracing Yara lovingly before returning to the woods.

  Yara hurried towards Concordia’s assigned quarters, paying close heed to her surroundings lest she was being watched. She burst through the door, the sudden noise startling Concordia who spilled her wine. Yara mumbled apologies as she fell to her knees, wiping the floor thoroughly before noticing Concordia’s stained clothing.

  “I fear your garment is ruined,” Yara said contritely.

  “It is nothing,” Concordia replied, “but I would know why you met with Jafri.”

  Yara glanced at the open window as she placed her finger over Concordia’s lips, motioning for silence as she headed towards the library where their words would not be overheard. She closed the door, making sure the secret doorway was also sealed before speaking.

  “There is much you do not know, but I am sure you have your suspicions. Jafri and I are secretly betrothed,” Yara said softly, ignoring Concordia’s bewildered demeanor, “which is why he can be trusted. It seems the Caliph’s soldiers have been successful in defeating the pirates that sail the seas and the brigands that attack the caravans. My brother’s ship and crew are gone, along with the men who serve Chad, and your wounded countrymen have vanished.”

  Concordia was hopeful as her thoughts turned to Bryce and his warriors. She silently prayed they had escaped and found passage to Britannia, believing King Alfred would soon learn the truth, but would her rescue be timely? She was listening half-heartedly, lost to her own thoughts, when Yara chided her for being inattentive.

  “You are right, I am at fault,” Concordia said. “I do not make light of the danger...pray continue.”

  “If we are taken prisoner by the Caliph’s soldiers, our fate is sealed. I will be ravished before being sold at the market, but your life is in peril because of the God you serve, which is why we must flee these parts.”

  “You will help me escape?” Concordia asked excitedly. “You would do that for me?”

  “Jafri will help us...we meet this night to make plans...I trust you not to speak of this to Thayer and Chad.”

  “There is something I have yet to share. On the night I found this tunnel,” Concordia whispered while pointing to the bookshelf. “I overheard Nadia speaking to one of her men. She was suspicious about Chad’s return...she would have had Jafri tortured to learn the truth, but I believe Jafri was already gone by the time her spies searched the town. She also sent for an assassin...for me perhaps?”

  “What is Nadia up to?” Yara said beneath her breath, more to herself than to Concordia.

  “Is Nadia privy to the piracy and slave trade? And why does Thayer wait to make her his wife? Surely he has not pined for me all these years.”

  “Nadia’s father’s fortunes changed years ago when he lost his wealth, spending unwisely and gambling. He died in a brawl, leaving Nadia penniless. Thayer had fancied her, but father would hear none of it, and that was when he was sent to your king’s court. This estate was given to Thayer upon his return, and Nadia was Chad’s gift to his brother.”

  “I do not understand.” Concordia interrupted while controlling her rising anger, believing Nadia had been Chad’s woman first, just as she had been.

  “Chad lived on his father’s estates, but he kept a separate household, which proved useful when he gave Nadia refuge. I believe she shared some of Chad’s adventures, but I have no proof. I never visited Chad’s villa, nor was he ever forthcoming.”

  “There were voices one night, beneath the portico, before I knew of the tunnels. I could not hear the words, but it is seemly that Nadia spoke to someone, especially since she had been in the gardens.”

  Yara tapped her fingers on the wooden table, lost in thought while Concordia took in all that she was told, wondering how best to use this little known truth to her advantage. Concordia’s innocence had led to her undoing, but that was in the past. Her heart no longer ruled her head, and neither brother deserved her love. Even though she did trust Yara, she held back the one truth that could pit brother against brother.

  “Does Thayer share my bed this night?” Concordia asked suddenly.

  “I was told I am not needed this evening, which is why I arranged to meet with Jafri. Why do you ask?”

  “The door, will it be locked?”

/>   “There is no need...guards will be stationed outside.”

  “Is there more of the potion you gave me?”

  “I know well the herbs,” Yara replied inquisitively. “What is your purpose?”

  “I have no purpose...yet. I would have the powder readily available if I cannot sleep.”

  “You would ensure Thayer’s rest,” Yara told her knowingly. “How can I trust you if you are not truthful?”

  “I meant no offense...Thayer shares your blood and I would think your loyalty...”

  “You still believe I betrayed you when I told Thayer you were with child, but your trust was not misplaced. Your unborn son protects you from being taken by force. Do not be fooled by Thayer’s charm, he is cruel and unforgiving.”

  “You are right, and I am grateful for your friendship,” Concordia said truthfully. “I do not fear him, yet I would rest better if he did not awaken until first light. If you cannot do this, I understand...after all he is your brother.”

  “I will arrange it, but you must take care with the amount given lest he grows suspicious.”

  “Measure the amounts for me...to be sure,” Concordia whispered. “You need not fear discovery.”

  “We play a dangerous game, Concordia, and my life rests in your hands. Do not deceive me.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Thayer tossed in his sleep, his hands clutching the covers because of haunting dreams. Concordia watched him intently from a nearby chair, waiting for the potion to take effect while thinking of Yara and Jafri. She wanted to accompany Yara once Thayer succumbed to the draught, but Yara had dissuaded her from doing so, the danger was too great. If Thayer awoke and she was not by his side, his suspicions would be aroused, and he would not rest until he discovered the truth.