The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

by Mary Ann Bernal

  A gentle breeze whispered throughout the rooms, enlivening the flaming candles that danced in the wind, cooling the chambers that held the sun’s warmth. Once the candle beside the bed extinguished its glowing light, Concordia held her breath as she tiptoed away from the bed lest her footsteps awakened her husband. She cautiously made her way out of the bedchamber, leaving the door open as she entered the main room where she heard the muffled voices of the men who guarded her quarters. Her silent gait was purposeful as she headed towards the portico and the beckoning moonlight. Concordia stayed in the shadows, breathing in the sea air as she scoured the landscape searching for Yara and Jafri in the darkness, becoming uneasy when she heard movement amongst the trees. She stood still, watching and listening, hoping to recognize a familiar voice, yet fearful of discovering the truth.

  “Chad, I am here,” Nadia whispered, her voice carried by he wind much to Concordia’s surprise.

  Concordia leaned against a stone pillar, looking over the wall at the rocky terrain for Chad, and stifling a gasp with her hand when Nadia and Chad embraced. She managed to control her rising fear when she heard them walking towards her, and was relieved when they entered the nearby tunnel. She should have returned to her bedchamber, but her inquisitive nature took hold and she found herself pushing away the bench and descending the stairs. She crept stealthily towards the passageway, remaining near the entrance, hoping to overhear their words without having to venture deeper into the concealed room, praising God silently when He granted her wish.

  “We share a special bond, yet you fail to keep me apprised of your plans,” Nadia said, somewhat displeased. “I now know why you stayed with Thayer when you first returned...you hid Concordia in your chambers and then left secretly at first light, like a thief! You have been here many times since then, yet you failed to visit my chambers. Why are you not confiding in me?”

  “If you are not privy to the truth, then you need not feign innocence if you are detained by the Caliph’s soldiers. My silence protects you,” Chad replied.

  “Do you think I am simple? My spies are everywhere. I know about the ship, and your men, and the prisoners.”

  “Then you know why I have been distracted.”

  Nadia laughed maliciously, her laughter echoing in the eerie silence, which made the fine hairs on Concordia’s arms quiver.

  “I wager Concordia is the cause of your distraction,” Nadia said knowingly. “I also wager you claimed right of conquest before presenting her to your brother.”

  Concordia paled when she heard Nadia’s truthful words, her heart pounded and beads of sweat formed upon her forehead while she awaited Chad’s reply.

  “Nadia, I am wounded by your accusation. You think I would bring shame upon this household by claiming my brother’s woman?”

  “What of our love?” Nadia interjected. “Or have you forgotten what passed between us?”

  “I have not forgotten, yet you have forgotten Thayer’s betrayal. He left you to your fate while he found solace in the arms of a Saxon woman.”

  “You speak false!” Nadia screamed. “It was your father’s doing. Thayer was not given a choice.”

  “It was Thayer’s decision...father would have given his approval, but my brother did not want a wife.”

  Concordia had heard enough. She ran up the stairs, moving the bench to its original position before returning to the bedchamber where Thayer still slept. Once again she tiptoed to the chair, grateful that Chad had not admitted the truth about their love, but deeply distressed by Chad’s revelation. She glanced upon the man who had once held her heart with disdain, shaking her head tearfully, suppressing her anger because she had not seen through the deception, but she was young and not worldly when Thayer had captured her heart.

  “Brantson, why did I not listen to your wise counsel?” Concordia thought. “Forgive me.”

  Thayer cried out suddenly, sitting upright with open eyes, his naked body dripping with sweat.

  “Why are you sitting there?” Thayer asked, beckoning her to return to his side while throwing off the coverlet.

  Concordia did as she was bid, averting his eyes as she laid beside him, becoming rigid to his touch.

  “Do not fear me,” Thayer whispered, kissing her lips gently, becoming angry when she did not respond.

  “I am unwell,” Concordia cried, trembling when he pulled her towards him. “I cannot. Take pity, I beg you.”

  Thayer pushed Concordia away, mumbling under his breath as he walked towards the table and poured himself some wine. He quickly drank the intoxicating beverage, refilling his cup until the flask was empty. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glaring at Concordia menacingly; incensed that she was still dressed.

  “I weary of this game you play,” Thayer shouted, tearing Concordia’s clothing while she screamed in terror.

  Concordia tried to fight him, but he was too strong. She winced with pain when he possessed her, holding back her tears until he lay satiated beside her. She turned on her side, crying softly, aware that her husband had fallen asleep. Her thoughts returned to Yara and Jafri, and she was hopeful.

  “This nightmare will end soon,” Concordia thought. “Stay hardened and play the game well or you will never return home.”

  While Concordia was drifting off to sleep, Nadia was seething with rage when Chad dismissed her, waving his hand as if she was a lowly servant, remaining silent while she left the tunnel, ignoring her cries when she fell over an exposed tree root. She picked herself up but grimaced with pain when her twisted ankle gave way, falling forward onto the rocky terrain, alone in the darkness while plotting her revenge under her breath. Nadia crawled on her knees towards the gardens. Her hands bled from the jagged rocks that also tore her clothing, which only hardened her resolve as she inched her way to safety. She was close to the gate when she heard footsteps running in her direction. Her fingers dug into the solid ground, freeing an embedded stone that could be thrown at the stranger should the need arise.

  “My lady, are you injured?” Bashir asked when he saw his mistress attempting to rise.

  “Praise Allah you found me,” Nadia replied. “It is my ankle...I fear I cannot walk.”

  Bashir lifted Nadia into his arms and carried her past the gardens, choosing to follow the overgrown path that led to her bedchamber. Neither of them spoke until they were safely within Nadia’s quarters where their words would not be overheard.

  “Your hands bleed,” Bashir said as he set Nadia down upon a cushioned couch. “The wounds must be cleansed.”

  Nadia nodded while Bashir fetched water and cloth. He tended to her injuries expertly, his skills acquired on the battlefield. She winced when he bound her swollen ankle, accepting a cup of wine to ease the pain, but the intoxicating liquid could do little to ease the pain of betrayal.

  “Why were you on the hill this night?” Nadia asked while sipping her drink.

  “It was late, and I did not wish to be seen returning at this hour, which is why I chose the coastal road.”

  “What do the men say?”

  “The Caliph’s soldiers are searching the coastal towns...it will not be long before they reach Málaga. They seek the pirate leader, but it is doubtful they are privy to his identity, unless...”

  “He was named under torture,” Nadia interrupted. “When does the assassin arrive?”

  “In two days time.”

  Nadia beckoned Bashir to refill her cup as she rested upon the soft cushions. She glanced through the open window, looking at the brilliant full moon and starlit sky as she emptied her cup in one swallow.

  “Whatever Thayer and Chad have planned is not known to me. I fear my fate should I remain here, yet where would I go?”

  “Lisbon...my father still lives...he would give you refuge.”

  “I am grateful for your loyalty,” Nadia whispered through misty eyes, “but I have no wealth, or possessions, and I cannot reward you.”

  “Serving you is my reward,” Bashir smile
d. “Besides, I have tripled my earnings in the gaming rooms and have adequate funds for such a journey.”

  “I accept your offer then.”

  “Do not worry about the preparations, I will see to everything, but I would have you fill a sack with whatever you wish to bring and have it ready should we need to leave suddenly.”

  “There are no words to thank you.”

  “There is no need, my lady,” Bashir replied humbly, “but before I leave there is something else. It seems a man wearing the Christian cowl was seen in the village. He arrived a few days ago with his followers, and they live in the sea caves, having traveled from Gibraltar. His ship was attacked by pirates, but how he escaped or why he did not drown is not known.”

  “Perhaps he searches for Concordia?” Nadia asked thoughtfully. “Find him and arrange a meeting, I care not where. He could prove useful.”

  “And the assassin?”

  “He will silence those who have betrayed me. For now it is best you do not know their identities.”

  “As you wish, my lady,” Bashir bowed before taking his leave as the orange and red hues of first light brightened the night sky.

  While Bashir returned to his quarters and Nadia rested alone in her chambers, Concordia awakened, slipped out of bed and dressed quickly. She left the bedchamber quietly, shutting the door behind her. She returned to the portico, sitting upon the cold stone bench, watching the brilliant colors of the early morning sky brightening the earth while she plotted her escape. She wondered if many ships sailed to Rome and where she might book passage, but then she remembered she had no coins and she became despondent. She also doubted that Yara had anything of value, but Jafri was a soldier and soldiers were paid for their services. She wished she had met with Yara and Jafri so she could witness firsthand the love between them, but then her judgment was marginal at best with so many wrong decisions. She also wondered if there were any trinkets that she might take, small items to hide beneath her clothing.

  “There you are,” Thayer said from the doorway, disrupting Concordia’s thoughts.

  “I did not wish to disturb you,” Concordia whispered as Thayer sat beside her.

  “I am shamed by my actions last night...I do not know what overcame me. What must I do to obtain your forgiveness?”

  “A gift was taken from me and I would have it back,” Concordia said softly, “and I seek the man who had given me this gift, not the man who lives within these walls.”

  “I am the man you remember even though he seems distant,” Thayer replied as he kissed Concordia’s hand. “It will be different once my affairs are set right, until then I ask you to wait for that day...it will be soon, you have my word.”

  “As you wish, my love,” Concordia lied, “but I would wear the necklace.”

  “I fear that is not possible, but there is a goldsmith in the village...perhaps you might find something you fancy. Yara can accompany you.”

  “That would please me,” Concordia told him, resting her head against his shoulder as the first rays of the sun appeared on the horizon while the sound of the roaring surf resonated throughout the hillside. “May I visit the goldsmith this day?”

  “After the morning meal...I will see to it.”

  Chapter Twenty One

  The sound of the bookshelf moving every so slightly was masked by Thayer’s shouts as he barked orders at the soldiers who had stood guard during the long night. Concordia remained at her husband’s side, waiting patiently for him to leave her alone with her thoughts. She paid no heed to their words as she wondered about the goldsmith and how much wealth she might acquire without raising suspicion. Even though her mind was elsewhere, she noticed Thayer’s tranquil voice was in sharp contrast to his stern demeanor. She nodded to the men when they took their leave, but became apprehensive when Thayer shut the door.

  “Did I not promise never to hurt you again?” Thayer asked as Concordia shied away from his touch.

  “I meant no offense,” Concordia stammered while kissing Thayer’s hand. “I feel unwell and would rest before Yara returns.”

  “If you do not wish to birth the child, there are ways,” Thayer reminded her.

  “What you suggest is a sin...I would never...how could you!” Concordia said in disbelief.

  “You will soon be unfit to travel...”

  “I do not understand,” Concordia interrupted. “Why would we leave your lands?”

  “My father insists I visit Constantinople and I would have you accompany me, but a sea voyage in your condition...”

  “Carrying a child is not an illness. The journey will be uneventful, I promise you.”

  “Very well then,” Thayer said, patting Concordia’s belly before affixing his dagger onto his belt. “You are not to leave these grounds without Yara, understood?”

  “What of the goldsmith?”

  “It is being arranged,” Thayer said gruffly as he stepped into the sunshine.

  Concordia stood beneath the archway, watching Thayer disappear amongst the buildings, knowing she was still a prisoner, yet grateful she was not confined. The early morning air was invigorating as Concordia hoped to see Yara walking up the path, but she grew weary of standing and returned to the main room, closing the door behind her, smiling because it was no longer locked.

  “I see you have discovered my brother’s true nature,” Chad said, standing in the entrance to the library.

  “How long have you been there?” Concordia asked, failing to hide her discomfiture.

  “Long enough,” Chad grinned as he approached Concordia, brushing his fingers through her hair and kissing the nape of her neck.

  “Do not touch me,” Concordia said angrily, pushing him away. “If Thayer finds you here...”

  “Then the two of us will have you,” Chad grinned.

  Concordia slapped Chad hard across his face, her anger rising when she slapped him a second time. She would have hit him again had not Chad grabbed her wrist, holding her in a vice-like grip, laughing as she attempted to free herself, finding her rage stimulating.

  “I do not take women by force like my brother,” Chad whispered. “Thayer is only satiated after inflicting pain, and he will not change his ways; do not believe his promises. The child is mine...is that not so?”

  Concordia looked away, hiding tears she could not control, her emotions surfacing, her resolve threatened, but gentle arms embraced her, his words soothing, yet the pain remained.

  “I trusted you and you betrayed me. I wish I had drowned,” Concordia sobbed.

  “I never meant to cause you pain, and I am truly sorry about the child, but he will be acknowledged, you have my word.”

  “I yield...I am weary of the intrigue...what do you want of me?”

  “It is best if you return to Britannia,” Chad said truthfully, “but my brother will never release you, which is why you must escape, and I will help you.”

  “Why should I believe your words? Thayer could have sent you...perhaps he listens now.”

  “Thayer meets with Sharif who will keep him occupied for most of the day. Nadia rests in her chambers and Yara prepares your morning meal. We need not fear discovery.”

  “What do you propose?” Concordia asked, using her sleeve to wipe away her tears.

  “I have arranged for Jafri to be your assigned guard...you do remember Jafri, do you not?”

  Concordia simply nodded, holding her tongue lest he discovered her duplicity.

  “There is one thing I would ask...I would have Yara accompany you. She must be given refuge in your country.”

  “My father will protect her, but why are you doing this?”

  “Because I do not want our son believing my brother is his father, and because you do hold my heart,” Chad said, his voice barely audible.

  Concordia shuddered, her thoughts chaotic as she listened to Chad’s confession. She must not let her heart control her actions or all would be lost. If she had been able to deceive Thayer, she should not find it diffic
ult to deceive Chad. She would be agreeable, but she would be cautious, choosing her words carefully, and acquiring possessions secretly, knowing men looked the other way when a coin was pressed in their hand.

  “Thayer and Yara believe I carry Brantson’s seed. I would not have them know the truth.”

  “My brother would see to it that you lose the child should he discover I am the father. What passed between us must never be shared, otherwise our lives are lost, but I frighten you.”

  “I have been frightened since the night you left me in your quarters. I am grateful you value my life and accept your help,” Concordia told him, kissing his lips tenderly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Perhaps one day we may rekindle our love.”

  “Perhaps, but I must leave before Yara comes upon us,” Chad replied while gently removing her arms. “Come, let me show you how to find the tunnel. Even though there is no escape, you could hide from my brother.”

  Concordia followed Chad into the library, feigning surprise when he opened the bookshelf. He kissed her passionately upon her lips, a kiss readily returned, before he released her reluctantly and disappeared inside the corridor. She set the bookshelf in its proper position and was returning to her bedchamber when Yara entered the main room, carrying a tray filled with baked delicacies and assorted fruit, and a flask of wine.

  “Did you sleep well?” Yara asked, becoming alarmed when she noticed Concordia’s misty eyes.

  “We must increase the amount,” Concordia said while handing Yara the empty bottle. “He must not awaken before first light.”

  “Thayer took you by force, did he not?”

  “It does not matter,” Concordia replied truthfully. “Pray tell me about Jafri. Will he help us? When might we leave?”

  “It must be soon, before the Caliph’s soldiers arrive, but Thayer must not become suspicious. We must hide food and clothing for the journey, and we need gold.”

  “I will have gold,” Concordia interjected excitedly. “We are to visit the goldsmith this day. Thayer is arranging it...and you are to accompany me, with an assigned guard.”