The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

by Mary Ann Bernal

  “Is it done?”

  “Not quite...Concordia was unwell...from the heat...they await us in one of the sea caves,” Jafri said contritely. “They will be ready to travel at first light, but there has been mischief. Have your plans been thwarted?”

  “I am in need of your help,” Chad replied. “Thayer is dead because he was betrayed.”

  Jafri shook his head in disbelief, mumbling to himself while following Chad into the main room. He waited impatiently, wondering by whose hand Thayer was struck down as he looked upon the lifeless body.

  “Thayer and his men were poisoned,” Chad told Jafri. “The Caliph’s soldiers will believe they fled, which is why the bodies must not be found.”

  “The old well in the woods,” Jafri interjected. “It is deep, and forgotten.”

  “We must hurry,” Chad said as he lifted Thayer off the bed and tossed him over his shoulder. “There are dead guards in Thayer’s main room, await me there.”

  Jafri did as he was bid while Chad headed towards the woods, walking hurriedly despite the weight he carried. Chad paid no heed to the low-lying branches that whipped his face, his gait steady upon the pebbled ground. He sweated profusely because of the heat, but he refused to rest until it was finished, breathing a sigh of relief when he came upon the partially-hidden well. He set Thayer’s body roughly upon the jagged edge before pushing him into the gaping hole, tapping his fingers upon the stone. He was surprised at hearing a splash, believing the well to be dry. He left quickly, returning to the stables where he gathered the horses, leaving them tethered near Thayer’s quarters before joining Jafri.

  “I brought horses,” Chad shouted as he ran into the room and picked up one of the guards, carrying his body over his shoulder.

  Jafri prayed to Allah as he carried a soldier to the waiting horses. It did not take long for the bodies to be placed atop the animals’ backs, nor was it difficult to guide the stallions through the dense trees. The battle-tested steeds did not move when relieved of their weight, standing still while the grisly remains were thrown into the well. Chad grabbed the reins and started walking down the narrow rock-strewn trail.

  “It grows dark,” Jafri reminded Chad as he led his horses along the path. “We should take the main road.”

  “It would take too long to reach the caves, and I would have us rested if we are to leave at first light as planned.”

  “How did this happen? And where is Sharif?” Jafri asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.

  “I was too late, the men were already dead but Thayer still had life left in him. I took him to my quarters fearing his enemies might return, but the poison was too strong.”

  “Poison? Only someone Thayer trusted could have done this! Perhaps Nadia?” Jafri whispered. “It cannot be Nadia, but if not Nadia, then who?”

  “I suspect Sharif.”

  “Sharif has served your family as his father before him,” Jafri said. “He would never betray Thayer, never.”

  “He would to avenge Nadia.”

  “Sharif loathed the woman, blaming her when Thayer was sent to the Saxon king’s court,” Jafri reminded him.

  “You are blind, my friend. Sharif was besotted with the woman. Bashir spoke of their plans to wed one night when his tongue was loosened from drinking overmuch. At the time, I thought nothing of it, but now, after this, I fear he spoke the truth,” Chad lied.

  “You must send word to your father.”

  “I cannot. His innocence must not be feigned when he is questioned by the Caliph’s soldiers. But do not worry my friend, one day I shall have retribution, after Concordia and I are settled, and you and Yara are wed.”

  The men remained silent as they made their way carefully down the sloping hillside, reaching the coastal road beneath the star-studded sky. Chad glanced at the rocky cliffs, wondering which cave harbored the woman he had come to love.

  “Soon, Concordia,” Chad said beneath his breath as he looked at the brilliant moon. “Soon.”

  Concordia was cheerful when she finished her meal, thanking Yara for her kindness as she sat upon the bed, stretching her arms lazily and leaning against the smooth cave wall. She closed her eyes, listening to the comforting sound of the roaring surf, her thoughts returning to Wareham, and she wondered if her father was looking at the North Star while waiting for her safe return as he did when she had been but a child. She thought she was dreaming the whispering voices as her mind wandered, her youthful memories a beacon of hope, reminding her that she was much loved. She opened her eyes slowly, becoming unsettled when Yara was not beside her, chiding herself for her foolishness when she saw her beloved friend standing at the mouth of the cave, enjoying the moonlight.

  However, the voices grew louder, familiar voices from her past, and they were heading in her direction. Concordia slid off the bed silently, taking care not to alert Yara as she headed down the unexplored tunnel, controlling the urge to cry out until she could identify the intruders. The corridor was dimly lit, the wall torches infrequently placed, causing her to stumble over an exposed rock. She fell forward, her face hitting the hard ground, her arms scraped by the stones.

  Concordia saw their boots as the men walked towards her. She scrambled to her knees, peering through the darkness, not believing her eyes when she saw Bryce. She got up quickly, running towards her savior, tears flowing as she shouted his name, trembling when she ran into his arms.

  “How did you find this place?” Concordia asked between sobs. “We must leave, it is not safe.”

  “Concordia...praise God you live,” Brantson cried as he came upon his wife.

  Concordia’s knees buckled beneath her, and she would have fallen had not Brantson lifted her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head, wiping away her tears through moist eyes, grateful to God for His miracle.

  Concordia ran her hand over Brantson’s face, suppressing the urge to scream when her fingers followed the scar that covered his cheek.

  “I thought you were dead...forgive me...forgive me,” Concordia sobbed uncontrollably.

  “We must go,” Bryce interjected. “There will be time for words.”

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Sea breezes flowed inland, a salty mist shrouding the shore while the melodious sound of the roaring surf resonated throughout the landscape. The fishing boat was motionless in the calm sea, barely discernible beneath the darkened sky. Rippling waves slapped the hull softly, a comforting sound heard often when anchored in the harbor. A lone fisherman watched the beach intently, waiting for the Saxons he had brought to these shores, but for how long should he wait? He dare not be seen this close to the sea caves lest he was accused of following the Christian faith. Many of the Caliph’s cities permitted Christians to worship openly, but Marbella was not one of them, at least for now. Umar wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, blaming the heat and not his anxiety as the hours passed slowly. He should never have agreed to such a foolish venture, but the Christian monk had been persuasive, and where was that Christian monk now? Dead. And, if he was not careful, he would soon suffer the same fate.

  As he waited, Umar used the time wisely, planning the best route to take once they left these parts. He had initially agreed to bring them to Gibraltar where they could find a seaworthy ship to take them to Britannia, but the disfigured leader would have none of it. Umar thought the man daft when he had insisted they complete the journey in his fishing boat, believing it easier to elude the menacing pirates. He had tried to reason with him without much success and would have sold him the boat had not the Christian monk called him into Allah’s service. He could still hear the holy man’s words, reminding him they both served the same God, no matter by what name He was called. The Christian monk had been compelling, telling him he would spend eternity in Paradise, but Umar was in no hurry to leave this world, especially since he had yet to find a woman who would bear him sons. Umar had finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, succumbing to the temptation of a life lived in luxury once he wa
s rewarded by the Saxon king for his service.

  It was very late when Umar heard voices calling him from the beach. He rowed towards the noise and was quite relieved when he recognized the Saxon men, concealing his astonishment and remaining silent when Brantson helped Concordia into the boat. Brantson and Bryce jumped onto the deck, grabbed their oars and rowed furiously out to sea while Umar brought Concordia below deck.

  “You must rest,” the fisherman said, pointing to a straw mattress in the corner.

  Umar waited until Concordia did as she was bid before joining the Saxon men and taking his place on the oar bench. He dipped the blade into the water, his rhythmic strokes strong and purposeful as the vessel headed towards deeper waters. They were soon beyond the towering cliffs, sailing through wind-swept waves easily, distancing themselves from the enemy and thanking God beneath their breath when the coastline disappeared from their view. They would not rest until the break of day, believing they might be followed.

  As the hues of first light appeared over the horizon, the fishing boat headed towards the Hispanic coast. The massive wall of cliffs was intimidating and the rocks jutting from the water beckoned a watery grave as Umar steered the vessel towards a sea cave. The men were weary when they pulled in the oars once the boat was inside the watery cavern. Their arms ached and every muscle in their body was sore as they leaned against the wooden planks, grateful for the respite.

  “We will rest until the sun sets,” Brantson told them as sunbeams filtered through the opening, its warming rays glistening upon the rippling water.

  Bryce and Umar grunted as they stretched out on the deck and within minutes fell asleep. Brantson opened the hatch and went below deck where Concordia waited, wide-awake. She held out her hands as he hurried towards her, holding her breath when their fingers touched, crying joyful tears when he pulled her against him and held her in his arms.

  “I have prayed so long for this day,” Brantson whispered through misty eyes. “Forgive me for not protecting you.”

  “There is nothing to forgive,” Concordia replied. “I am at fault and seek your forgiveness. If I had not...”

  “Hush, you are not to blame,” Brantson interrupted. “There is much to discuss, but not yet. We must regain our strength to sail again once it grows dark. We have enough food and water so we need not visit the markets, but we must rest during the day. We have charted our course and if all goes as planned, we shall reach Britannia’s shores before the moon is full, God willing. Would you be displeased if we rest? My eyes grow heavy and my body aches.”

  Concordia kissed Brantson tenderly upon his lips, grasped his hand and led him to the bed. She laid beside him, resting her head against his shoulder, her hand across his chest, praying silently for the words she needed to speak before he fell asleep.

  “I am with child,” Concordia blurted suddenly. “Please do not hate me.”

  “I could never hate you,” Brantson said as he rubbed his hand gently on her growing belly. “I would know everything, but will not press you. You have suffered overmuch.”

  “I am not deserving of your love, but if you find it in your heart to love me once you learn the truth, I promise to be a loving and dutiful wife, and will bear you many sons. I do love you, Brantson.”

  “I will acknowledge the child. No one need know,” Brantson replied, kissing the top of her head as he drifted off to sleep.

  Concordia held onto Brantson tightly, feeling safe in his protected arms. However, she felt ashamed because of the love she bore Chad. How could she tell Brantson she had submitted willingly on the night she conceived? She had not sinned against her husband because she believed him to be dead, but she had sinned nonetheless. She need not mention Chad since Thayer had publicly admitted she carried his child. Why could she not keep up the ruse? Besides, Thayer would not seek her out, his father would never permit it, and was he not promised to Nadia? But should she tell Brantson that Thayer had taken her by force? Even if it was just once? Would he seek vengeance if she deceived him? And how could she tell him she had given herself freely to Chad? She could not bear to see his pain when hearing those words.

  Brantson stirred in his sleep, mumbling incoherently, much to Concordia’s dismay. She needed her mother’s wise counsel, praying Arista was near while waiting for the whispering wind. Her eyes grew heavy as the morning hours passed and she soon found herself falling asleep. Her dreams were unsettling. She had given birth to a son, yet Brantson would not look at the child...years passed and her first born was sent away, given to serve the church, and only then did Brantson share her bed. Concordia sat up abruptly, grateful to be awake, but her hands were shaking and she was covered with sweat. She glanced upon her husband, crying when she touched his mutilated face, stifling a scream when she noticed the marks on his neck. Her curiosity got the best of her and she opened his shirt, gasping at the scars that covered his body. She was overcome with remorse, knowing her selfishness had caused Brantson such pain.

  “Do whatever you must to convince Brantson he is the only man you truly love,” whispered the wind. “Do not betray him again.”

  “Mother, do not leave me,” Concordia cried, but the wind was once again silent.

  Concordia remained in Brantson’s arms while her husband slept soundly, staring at the upper deck and laughing silently as Umar’s snorting sounds echoed throughout the still cavern. She would let the lot of them sleep until nightfall if need be, suppressing her hunger while she waited, being at peace because she knew what she must do.

  Yara walked the moonlit beach expecting to see Jafri, becoming anxious as the hour grew late and he had yet to return. She should have returned to the cave instead of heading towards the sloping path that led to the coastal road, but she wanted Concordia to rest. She skipped through the foaming bubbles as the water receded, spinning around amidst the splashing waves, a fine white mist caressing her face. She loved the musical sound of the roaring surf ringing in her ears and the taste of the salty sea upon her lips.

  Chad and Jafri were taken by surprise when they came upon Yara dancing amongst the breaking waves, crying out her name where they waited with the horses. She was in high spirits when she noticed the men, waving excitedly as she waded through the knee-deep water, laughing loudly when a wave broke over her back.

  “You are safe!” Yara exclaimed as she hurried toward the men, paying no heed to her wet clothing when she embraced each of them firmly.

  “Where is Concordia?” Chad asked when he did not see her anywhere on the beach.

  “In the sea cave, sleeping. I did not want to disturb her so I decided to meet you at the path.”

  “I do not think that was wise,” Jafri chided her. “You know what is at stake.”

  “You worry overmuch,” Yara retorted. “Is that not so, Chad?”

  “I am in agreement with Jafri, yet forgive you this unwise decision,” Chad smiled, “but I fear I bear grave news.”

  “What has happened? Has Thayer learned of our plan?”

  “Thayer is dead,” Chad whispered. “Poisoned, along with his men.”

  Yara covered her ears, denying the truth, taking deep breaths and trying not to cry. She looked directly into Chad’s eyes, seeking answers while Jafri took the horses and walked towards the sea cave.

  “What have you discovered?” Yara asked tearfully.

  “Thayer was betrayed by someone close to him. How else could the poison have been administered? I suspect Sharif.”

  “Sharif! You are wrong...Sharif would never!”

  “Nadia and Bashir are also missing.”

  “You think Nadia conspired with Sharif? I find that hard to believe. Sharif detested Nadia.”

  “That was a ruse, and it worked,” Chad lied. “Have no fear, one day I will avenge Thayer, but Concordia’s safety is pressing. We must be gone before the Caliph’s soldiers search the villa.”

  Yara held onto Chad’s arm as they followed Jafri, choosing to walk in the soft sand. Yara glanced at the twin
kling stars, remembering the brother who had kept her enslaved while under his protection, yet his death did not free her, but would Chad? She would have to ask him now, while they were alone, yet she feared his answer.

  “Chad, there is something I would ask of you, and forgive me if you think me disrespectful, but I...”

  “You have your freedom,” Chad interrupted. “That is what you want. Am I right?”

  Yara trembled as she embraced Chad, resting her head against his chest, releasing her pent-up tears, her words garbled in between her sobs. She was pleased when Chad returned her embrace, stroking her damp hair gently as he waited for her to regain her composure.

  “There is also something else, right?” Chad asked her once she stopped crying.

  “I do not understand. Of what do you speak?”

  “You have my blessing to wed Jafri,” Chad told her, kissing her forehead and laughing because she was truly bewildered.

  “How did you know? We were careful.”

  “One just had to look at your eyes whenever Jafri was in your presence.”

  “Did Thayer know?”

  “Probably not. He had other distractions.,” Chad reminded her.

  Brother and sister were in high spirits when they reached the mouth of the sea cave where Jafri waited. Jafri was taken aback when Yara ran into his arms and kissed him lovingly upon his lips. He pushed her away, fearing Chad’s response, but Yara told him excitedly that Chad had given his blessing.

  The mood was festive when the three of them entered the dimly-lit cavern, but their mood changed suddenly once they discovered that Concordia was nowhere to be found.

  “She must have wandered down the tunnel,” Jafri told them as he grabbed one of the wall torches and started walking the long corridor. “Do not worry, she cannot have gotten very far.”