by Lisa Plumley
‘It is the duty of the woman to greet any visitor,’ she replied carefully. ‘Valdar is a welcome visitor here. Always. Rurik will be overjoyed to see his old friend.’
‘No doubt.’ His eyes became speculative. ‘I shall have to make sure Rurik shows some of the moves I taught him.’
‘He is a friend. Nothing more.’ Kara’s heart thudded. ‘Rurik likes him because the man took an interest in him. Valdar always brings him something little when he visits and he did visit quite frequently when he was wooing me. Auda even joked that he tried to woo the woman through the son, but I knew the relationship he has with Rurik is based on mutual regard.’
Ash raised a brow. ‘Did I ask?’
Kara put her hand on her hip. ‘You implied. I want you to know the truth. No secrets, remember? We agreed. A fresh start for us both.’
‘Do you know why he has arrived here?’
Kara put her fingers to her temples. ‘Let me concentrate.’ She counted to ten. ‘No, sorry. Nothing. No idea why he is here. I was never a good soothsayer, Ash.’
A muscle jumped in Ash’s jaw. ‘I can make a good guess, if you won’t.’
Kara rolled her eyes. It was gratifying in a way that Ash showed this streak of jealousy, but the last thing she wanted was for the two to come to blows. Valdar had been Ash’s friend once. They could be again.
‘Why don’t we ask him and then we will know the truth? It could be a hundred different reasons, including that he wants to wish us well. Jaarlshiem is not far from his estate. He might even be able to give you tips on farming.’
‘Do you take his tips?’
Kara put her hand to her throat. She had always planned to once they were married. Before then, she had run the estate as best she could. ‘They are worth listening to. Certainly.’
‘And will you listen to my suggestions?’
Kara tilted her head to one side. ‘I listened to you about Rurik. Does that satisfy you?’
‘You think he has come to see you, his former bride. To check you are all right and once again make his offer of protection. Will you tell him about us?’
She shrugged and concentrated on the ground. ‘As far I knew, he had no plans to come here. I’m shocked that he has arrived.’
‘You can be such an innocent, Kara. I am far from shocked. I’ve been expecting him.’ He draped an arm across her shoulders, claiming possession. ‘Shall we see him together? He needs to know that while he is welcome as a friend, he needs to look elsewhere for a lover.’
‘I am not some bone to be fought over.’ Kara ducked under his arm and freed herself. Ash had guessed. She found it impossible to rid her brain of the thought that he had seduced her today. Was that why he made his offer?
His eyes narrowed. ‘I gave up fighting, remember? At your request. I am to be a farmer.’
Her heart knocked. He was doing this to please her, just as he had tried so hard to be a warrior.
‘I’m not a prize to be exhibited. I’m your wife and I have always behaved correctly. With modesty and decorum. The entire kingdom will buzz with the gossip, like busy bumblebees.’
‘There will be no fighting, I guarantee you that.’ Ash’s eyes glittered. ‘I have won. I trust you to tell him.’
‘You could never resist grinding your opponent into the ground.’ Kara glared at him.
‘I’m not my father or my uncle.’
‘Are you coming, Mor? Far?’ Rurik called out from the doorway. ‘I want to show you what Valdar brought. My very own sword! It is very sharp.’
Ash raised an eyebrow, but Kara shook her head.
‘I knew about the sword, Ash. It was to be his present to Rurik for being his new father. Valdar promised that it would not be a full-sized sword, simply one a young boy could be proud of.’
‘Rurik already has one father. He has no need of another. Make sure you emphasise that when you greet him.’
Kara didn’t bother to reply, but walked with purposeful strides to the hall where Valdar waited, standing with his back to the hearth and his feet splayed apart. Valdar’s face lit up when he spied her. Kara’s heart sank. She had hoped he’d be dressed casually, but he appeared to be dressed as if he expected trouble with his broad sword belted to his hip.
‘Valdar, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?’
‘This is far from a social call, my lady.’
Immediately his hand went to his sword’s hilt. Without even looking, Kara knew Ash had entered behind her. From the footsteps, it would appear his men were there, ready and waiting for Ash’s signal. Ash had made plans she knew nothing about. So much for no secrets. Were his plans to be a farmer also lip service?
‘No bloodshed,’ she murmured.
‘If he draws his sword, I doubt I can control my men,’ Ash retorted in an undertone. ‘They are loyal.’
‘Control them or consider yourself an unworthy commander.’
‘My lady has spoken. It seems sometimes she doesn’t require a farmer.’ Ash’s voice held more than a note of irony.
‘Valdar Nerison, you are always a welcome friend who comes in peace and friendship,’ she said, advancing forward, ignoring that Ash stood behind her glowering at the other warrior. Ash should know after what had just passed between them that she had no feelings for Valdar. She paused and attempted to gather her wits for the rest of the formal greeting.
‘For you, my Lady Kara, always.’ Valdar inclined his head, but his hand still hovered above his sword hilt.
‘I’m sorry we weren’t here to greet you,’ Ash said, stepping in front of her. ‘Kara and I were out tracking.’
‘I see.’ Valdar’s face fell and his hand dropped from the sword.
‘Ash took over Rurik’s training and I wanted to make sure that what he proposed for Rurik would be acceptable.’ Kara was aware that her face had gone bright red. Somehow, her words seemed to make the situation worse instead of better as Valdar paled.
‘Kara finds my training more than acceptable.’ Ash gave a short laugh, obviously starting to enjoy the situation. ‘There again, Rurik is my son. Funny how that works out.’
‘Rurik is a son that any man would be proud to call his.’ Valdar inclined his head. ‘I welcome the fact that the Lady Kara has finally agreed to his proper training. I had hoped she might consent to my services, but I can see the child’s father would be preferable.’
‘A huge responsibility, but I am more than willing to shoulder it,’ Ash commented.
Valdar turned sharply towards her and concern flickered across his face.
‘Ash intends to stay, Valdar,’ she said quietly.
‘I see.’
Kara pressed her lips together. Valdar had known before that it was impossible. Silently she prayed that Valdar had not appeared in the hope that all remained uneasy between her and Ash.
‘Rurik has amply entertained me with tales of his training.’ Valdar ruffled Rurik’s hair. ‘You have the makings of a fine warrior. Hopefully we shall see you ice-skating this winter, as well.’
Kara schooled her features. It hurt that Valdar also thought she had been overly cautious with Rurik. ‘We shall have to see what the winter brings.’
‘Rurik understands why his mother is being careful,’ Ash said.
‘My mother had only me to look after her. It is different now that my true father has come back,’ Rurik piped up.
‘Who taught him that one?’ Kara murmured, giving Ash a sideways glance.
Ash appeared unrepentant. ‘I thought the sentiment had a ring of truth.’
‘Indeed.’ Kara ground her teeth.
‘Did you come merely to see Rurik and how he fares?’ Ash asked in ringing tones. ‘Or was there another darker purpose?’
‘I came to see you, Ash Hringson, on urgent matters.’ Valdar stood and re
ached into his pouch and withdrew a wooden tablet. ‘The king instructed it be placed in your hand. You are to return to Sand immediately. There is to be an enquiry. I have the authority to bring you in chains, if you do not come willingly.’
Kara’s stomach roiled. The king had turned against Ash. She had thought everything was settled before they had left. ‘Why?’
‘My uncle demands my ship plus tribute.’ Ash gave the rune-stick the briefest of glances. ‘He swears my ship attacked his on its way up the river. An act of aggression against Raumerike on my orders. Unfounded, but effective. My oarsmen had their orders to come straight here. The king takes a cautious approach and wishes to investigate. I had expected it might come to this.’
‘You already knew? You expected this?’ Kara stared at him in astonishment. He’d kept something so important like that from her! After declaring no secrets! He couldn’t be certain his men had followed orders. Sell-swords were notorious for going after easy prey. She sank down on a stool. If the charges were proved against Ash, Harald Haraldson would be within his rights to demand all of Ash’s holdings, including this estate.
‘I suspected my uncle might make this move. I thought the ship would arrive three days ago, yesterday at the worst. Far better to know my men are safe rather than suffering in a shipwreck.’ Ash inclined his head. ‘I thank you for being swift, Valdar Nerison. It has eased my mind no end.’
‘I felt it my duty to let you and the Lady Kara know as soon as possible.’ Valdar straightened his back, giving her a significant look. ‘There are other people to think of besides yourself, Hringson or Ash the Untrusted.’
‘I am well aware of that name. My father unfairly gave it to me after I fell asleep guarding some sheep when I was ten and had been awake all night. It has not been used for many years.’ Ash gestured towards the door. ‘You appear dusty and travel-worn. You should have a bath and relax before we discuss all the news. The morning is soon enough to depart.’
‘You will go willingly?’
‘When my king makes an order, who am I to refuse? I am a loyal subject of our king, regardless of what Harald Haraldson might say.’ Ash gave a crooked smile, but his eyes were deadly serious. ‘The hour is late. We leave at first light.’
He rapidly gave orders for Valdar’s things to be placed in his bed cabinet and for his men to be treated with respect.
‘You should have said something when you suspected that something had gone awry,’ Kara said when Rurik had led Valdar off and they were alone in the hall. Her mind whirled. Ash had deliberately kept things from her. ‘You should have confided in me about this.’
‘Why worry you about something which might not come to pass?’
‘We’re far from ready if Harald Haraldson should decide to attack Jaarlshiem. The grain and wool will need to be moved.’ Kara pressed her hands together to keep them from trembling. ‘It was wrong of you.’
‘And have you fret and use it as an excuse?’
Kara bit her lip. ‘You should have told me.’
‘Harald Haraldson will not attack here. He wouldn’t dare. Not with my sell-swords guarding it. And he covets this estate. He doesn’t want to lay waste to it.’
‘How do you know?’ Kara glanced at the door. Suddenly Ash’s insistence of a guard and men seemed less extravagant. ‘He could be on his way right now. Things need to be properly stored. We could be facing a long siege.’
‘Think with your head, Kara, instead of giving way to blind panic.’ Ash slammed his hand down on the table. ‘My uncle wants this hall above all things and believes he will get it through the king. It makes no sense for him to attack if he has taken my ship. He needs to remain in Sand if he wishes to influence the king.’
Kara put her hand over her mouth. Ash was correct. If Harald Haraldson wanted to influence the king, he needed to be in Sand. Ash did know what he was doing, but it didn’t make her any happier or feel any less used.
‘You weren’t sure which way your uncle would move. It is why you brought your men, rather than fearing any threat from Valdar. It is why you have been training them so hard. You expect war. You have been using me like a counter in a game of tafl.’
‘War happens whether you expect it or not. It is best to be prepared.’ Ash shrugged and began to rearrange the pieces on the tafl board, concentrating on them, rather than looking Kara in the face. He could sense Kara slipping away from him. This afternoon she had been his, but... It hurt that she refused to understand that he was acting to protect her. ‘Sometimes you have to wait for the other person in the game to make his move.’
‘Who do you think you are playing this game against? The king?’
‘My uncle,’ Ash said, putting the tafl piece down. Kara deserved to know the truth now that his uncle had acted. Once she knew, she would see that he had done the right thing. ‘My uncle seeks me banished or dead. He wants this estate. He is using the king as his instrument of destruction.’
Her face showed her dismay. ‘You told me it was all resolved. The king gave you permission to depart. I believed you. It was why I went with you. You used me, Ash. That is unforgivable. You should have trusted me. What is a marriage without trust? Was your promise to become a farmer simply mouthing words?’
He winced. In seeking to protect her, he had lost her trust.
‘I want to be with you and our son. I am willing to try, but I have to do this first. I am used to operating on my own.’
‘The last time you asked for permission to do something first, you were gone for seven years.’
‘It won’t be that long. I’ve taken all the steps necessary. The king did give me permission to return to Jaarlshiem. Until my uncle chose his move, I couldn’t counter him.’ He forced a smile, but knew it wouldn’t fool her. ‘I am an excellent tafl player. You know that. I mean to win.’
Her eyes turned sad. ‘You should have said something when you first suspected.’
‘What could you have done?’ He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘I know what I am doing. It has been my life for the past six years. Let me prove to you that I am worthy.’
She shrugged off his hands and her eyes flashed. ‘You leave for Sand at first light. You won’t be here to put things right.’
‘Everyone is prepared.’ He struggled to understand her hurt. He knew what he was doing. He would return as soon as he could. ‘You’ll be safe here.’
‘Sometimes safety is an illusion. You showed me that with Rurik.’ She dipped her head and he could only see the crown of braids. ‘I thought Rurik was safe with Gudrun and look what happened.’
‘Like you, I’d give my life for our son.’
Her mouth became an O.
‘Valdar wanted me in chains, but I suspect he gave me the option for the sake of our son and you,’ Ash continued. ‘I suppose I should be grateful that he likes my son. It would not do for him to see his father escorted out in chains.’
‘Valdar isn’t like that. He is your friend.’ Her hand played with the chain on her waist. ‘It is why we first became close. He was able to tell Rurik stories about you.’
‘He was my friend once, but he fell in love with my wife. He’ll take pleasure in seeing me humiliated. It is why my uncle persuaded the king that he was the perfect man for the job. Why he wasn’t at court that morning. He is my uncle’s man now.’
‘Will your uncle win if no one pleads for you?’ Kara began to pace the hall. Her skirt swished, revealing her trim ankles, but Ash admired the steel in her backbone more.
‘My uncle will have put it about that I am a Viken spy.’
She stopped mid-stride. ‘Are you a spy?’
‘I was a sell-sword who fights in the open, not a spy who hides in the shadows. I certainly never betrayed my country. I never preyed on Raumerike ships and I would never do so.’
He waited, willing her to
understand.
‘I believe you, my husband.’
Tension rushed from Ash’s shoulders. Kara believed him. She had claimed him. He gathered her in his arms. ‘It is a start.’
A tiny frown creased her forehead. ‘Can you prove it?’
‘Should it come to it, I believe I can. My men will vouch for me.’
‘Who would believe the word of a sell-sword? Everyone knows they will say anything for money.’ She stuffed her hand in her mouth. ‘That sounds dreadful, Ash. But you need others to support you. You can’t do this alone.’
‘My uncle will overreach. He needs a small push, but he will do it.’
‘Would you give up your man if it turns out your uncle is correct and your ship did attack?’
Ash considered Helgi. His oarsman was cautious to the point of inaction. He only attacked if he knew he had superior numbers. The ship had barely enough men to get upriver. Ash had made sure of it. They had not been the aggressors. He knew this in his gut. ‘It would go against Helgi the Short’s nature to attack.’
‘That isn’t what I asked! Would you be the one to strike him dead if he turns against you? The king is sure to ask you. Hesitating will only give credence to our enemies.’
He tilted his head. ‘Our? Since when did my enemies become yours? A man doesn’t abandon his friends or the men who trust him, Kara. Helgi did not do this.’
‘Not even to save himself?’
‘Especially not then. I’ll prove Helgi’s innocence and my own, as well.’
‘Attacking you through this ship means Rurik’s inheritance is in jeopardy. I can’t allow that to happen. Promise me you won’t put your friend above our son.’
A pang went through Ash. He wanted to be more important than Rurik. He shook his head in disbelief. When had he started to be jealous of his son? He wanted Kara to trust him.
‘I want the truth, Kara. If Helgi has disobeyed my direct orders, then I will be the one to draw a sword and strike his head from his shoulders. But a man should be deemed innocent until proven guilty. I will defend him until I have proof otherwise.’ He hoped Kara believed it. If he couldn’t convince Kara, what chance did he have of convincing the king?
