Brand’s mouth twisted. ‘Hrearek escaped, rather than face Halfdan.’
A distinct shiver went down Edith’s spine. Hrearek had escaped and probably blamed her for what had happened to him. ‘But there is no danger here.’
‘He’d be unwise to try his luck here. The men know what he is about. I suspect he will go to Ireland and try for a position there. His sword arm is second to none. You have nothing to fear if that is what you are worried about.’
Edith forced a laugh and tried to ignore her churning guts. Hrearek had given her such a look when he left. ‘Am I worried?’
‘You wore a distinct frown when I spied you sitting with your cousin. I’d wondered if that was the gossip—that he wanted revenge. Hrearek is not like that.’
‘Hilda feared you remained angry with me. I assured her that our breach was healed,’ Edith said and carefully composed her face. Every time she thought about it, her heart gave a little pang, but she knew what she was doing was right for everyone and when the time came, she’d confess.
‘Is there anything else?’
‘Hilda explained anyone helping the rebels is to be punished. Surely the rebellion has finished? All the rebels are dead or at least the ones from here are.’ Edith clenched her fists. Athelstan had only gone because she insisted. He hadn’t precisely rebelled against the king. He had followed her orders.
‘A formality. I’ve assured Erik that all the rebels from here are dead.’
‘You were there,’ she said lightly. She knew it should make her heart easier, but it only served to twist the knife. Brand would not go searching for any rebel, but there would come a day when she’d have to confess.
‘Yes, I was.’ He gave her a curious look. ‘Know this, Edith, even if Halfdan had not given that order, I would have done precisely the same thing. We are like-minded on this. The rebels abused our trust. Good men died that day because of your late husband and all his men.’
‘Is your world always so black and white?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Many of the men who died were good men. They had a bad leader. There is a difference.’ She concentrated, trying to pick the right words. ‘I’m not seeking to excuse Egbert, but do you seriously think the men who followed him had a choice, once he’d decided on treachery?’
He shook his head. ‘I don’t see the difference. Many of them stood by and allowed him to treat you horribly.’
‘You wouldn’t.’ Edith stood up. It did her heart good to know that he remained outraged at her treatment, but what sort of man interferes when a man chastises his wife, particularly when the man in question is the master? ‘There is little point in discussing this as it is something which won’t happen. They all died. A dead man’s reputation means nothing to a corpse.’
‘That’s obvious.’
Edith stopped. Her entire being trembled. She suddenly realised that she might have found a solution to her problem. So simple. If everyone believed that Athelstan was dead then he could take another name. As quickly as the thought came, she rejected it. Such deceptions were always found out. Her best course remained convincing Athelstan to leave before he was discovered.
‘Searching for dead men is a waste of time.’
Brand stroked his chin. ‘Are you trying to tell me something? Should I be hunting for ghosts?’
‘No!’ Edith regarded her hands. This was much harder than playing tafl. Real lives were at stake. ‘I simply wondered why Halfdan had sent the message.’
‘He likes to be thorough. After your husband’s rebellion, he refuses to take any more chances. He also requests my presence in Jorvik.’
‘So you will be leaving.’
Brand placed his hand on her shoulder. ‘I thought to take you with me. You should see the city now that it has been rebuilt.’
Edith’s heart knocked against her chest. He wanted her to go to Jorvik with him. ‘You want me to go with you?’
‘I can leave Starkad in charge for the few weeks in which we will be gone.’
‘When do you want to depart?’
‘In a few days, once the planting is well under way. Halfdan can wait for a bit, but kings grow restless if they think their wishes are being ignored. I want you with me, Edith. You may look on it as an order or an invitation, whichever you prefer, but you will be coming with me.’
Edith frowned. This time she wasn’t going to spin dreams. He wasn’t offering marriage or anything permanent, simply an excursion to Jorvik. But it was hard to stop her heart from leaping. He wanted her with him, rather than finding an excuse to leave her behind. She just wished that the offer had come after she sorted Athelstan out, rather than before. Without her here, the possibilities that Athelstan would be discovered increased. She had only a few days to solve the problem.
‘Why are you telling me this now? Instead of when we bathed?’ she asked.
‘I had other things on my mind.’ His hand went down her back. ‘Is it so wrong of me to want you by my side? You are far from indispensable here.’
‘You keep reminding me of that.’ She looked up at him and put all her worries to one side. Anything that happened she would find a way of dealing with—right now she wanted to be with him. ‘I am happy to go. Delighted to be asked. The last time I was in Jorvik was before the Norsemen arrived.’
He gave an amused laugh.
‘What is so funny about that?’
‘You called it Jorvik.’ He gave a crooked smile. ‘Progress.’
‘I am being practical. The name has changed. Everything has changed. There is little point living in the past.’ She had to hope that the shadows from the past didn’t reach out and spoil this happiness. ‘Did the king say why he wished to see you?’
Brand rested his chin on the top of her head. ‘He will make his wishes known in due course, but it is never good to keep a king waiting.’
A distinct chill went through her. She wanted to ask if the reason he was being summoned had to do with his unmarried state, but she also remembered the row. She’d accepted that he wasn’t going to marry her, but she knew if he had to marry anyone else, she’d be desolate. She wasn’t ready for things to end. ‘Did he mention me?’
‘Why would he?’
‘No reason. I merely wondered.’ The words stuck in her throat.
Brand’s gaze narrowed. ‘Halfdan has set ideas about things. I doubt your paths will cross.’
‘I know my place, Brand. You need not remind me. I was curious.’ She gave a quick smile to hide the hurt. ‘Curiosity can lead to heartache. I’ve learnt my lesson. There is no need to repeat it.’
‘I always knew you were a quick learner.’ He raised her hand to his lips. ‘I do want you by my side, Edith. I want your company.’
She knew it should be enough, but somehow she longed for more.
* * *
‘Everything will be well, Hilda,’ Edith said a week later. Brand had ordered their departure for the next day and Edith had spent most of the day getting ready, making sure the covered cart was full, while, after Edith’s suggestion, Brand decided to get a day of hunting in. Although she would have liked to ride Meera, she thought it best not to shock people. Brand had agreed.
‘Who are you trying to convince? The estate will be here when you get back. Your little problem will be as well. Have you considered that? Each day Athelstan remains, he puts everyone in danger.’
‘I won’t be gone long. Mary is capable.’ Edith gave her keys a little pat. ‘It makes it easier without Brand being here to supervise the packing. I do like having things packed the way I like them packed. Knowing Brand, he would be giving me advice about the proper way.’
‘Does that bother you?’
‘Most of the time, no, but I didn’t want him to take over with packing.’ Over the past few days, she’d no
ticed how he took her ideas and improved on them. Most of the time this was fine, but Edith wanted to make sure that there were no awkward questions or helpful suggestions. Everything about this trip needed to be perfect. She wanted to demonstrate to Halfdan that he need not suggest Brand take a wife. Edith knew she wasn’t ready for their affair to end, but it would have to, if the king insisted.
‘I’m worried, Edith. You are playing a dangerous game. Think about the consequences. Other people depend on you.’
Edith grasped Hilda’s cold hands between hers. ‘No one is hunting for ghosts. If Athelstan travels now, it would kill him. The last thing I want is his death on my conscience.’
‘Is there anything you want me to do?’
Edith slowly shook her head. ‘I believe everything is under control. Shall I bring you back a present? Perhaps some ribbon or something for your hair? The merchants are well regarded. It is one of the benefits of the Norsemen. We do get more goods now or so I’m told.’
Hilda gave an envious sigh. ‘I hear the metalworking is superb. But I would love some ribbon. A pretty red one if you can find it, it always flatters my complexion.’
Edith raised an eyebrow. She did notice that Hilda seemed to be taking extra pains with her dress. ‘So you are no longer adverse to the Norsemen? Is that a new hairstyle?’
‘The old one kept getting in the way of spinning. I find this one more practical.’
Edith was tempted to ask how a more elaborate hairstyle with curls hanging about her face was going to help with the spinning, but she made a non-committal noise. ‘And the Norsemen? Should I worry about any more incidents with you or have you learnt your lesson about encouraging men?’
Hilda dipped her head and her cheeks flamed. ‘Starkad is very pleasant. We talk occasionally. He has travelled all over the world. Some day I would like to see the world beyond Northumbria.’
Edith laughed, trying to picture the big Norseman as being shy. ‘Do you think?’
Hilda shrugged. ‘He has not said anything yet and I have let him know that I might enjoy a kiss or two, but he does nothing. It is most aggravating.’
‘That makes a change. I thought all men were in love with you.’
‘You are teasing me now, Edith. I know he likes me. I simply wish he would refrain from treating me like I might break.’
‘Lady Edith! Lady Edith!’ Godwin hurried up. ‘Me mam asked me to find you. It is important. You must come at once.’
‘Her ladyship is busy,’ Hilda answered and clutched Edith’s hand. ‘You won’t have time. Other things are more important. You need to finish this packing. You going to Jorvik could be the making of everyone. You could see the king and maybe convince him that Brand should marry you. The king could make him marry anyone. Starkad told me. Think about what you could do before you throw it all away, Edith.’
‘Who is spinning dreams?’ Edith whispered back and slipped out of Hilda’s restraining hand. She knelt down. ‘Godwin, what is wrong? Slowly. Count to ten first, then tell me. Why do I need to go to the cottage?’
The boy gulped air and she could see him mentally counting to ten.
‘Godwin,’ Brand’s voice boomed out. ‘It is good to see you. I trust your sister’s health has improved.’
Edith froze. ‘Brand, I wasn’t expecting to see you. I thought you were out hunting.’
‘The game proved elusive and there are a thousand things which I need to do here. You didn’t think I’d leave the packing all to you, did you?’
‘I’d hopes.’
Brand put his hands on Godwin’s shoulders. ‘Has your mother decided to allow you to foster here?’
Godwin flushed. ‘My...mother has been very busy lately. We have...have sickness in our house. We haven’t discussed it, but I would like to be a warrior.’
‘Lady Edith told me.’ Brand looked over Godwin’s head. ‘I would like to visit his mother, Edith.’
‘Right now?’ Edith put her hand to her throat and kept her gaze from Hilda’s. The faint gasp told her all she needed to know.
‘Yes. No one else has fallen ill in the village. We may safely assume the illness is not contagious.’
‘I feel certain that Mary will come to you when she can.’
‘We will be in Jorvik. I wish to have this matter settled. Godwin should come and take up his duties.’
Godwin’s face lit up, then quickly fell. ‘My mother will never allow it.’
‘You think she will refuse her lord?’ Brand thundered. ‘What sort of woman is she?’
‘We will go together and see your mother, Godwin,’ Edith said quickly. ‘Do you wish to run on ahead and tell her that we are coming?’
‘There is no need for that. I’ve no wish for her to stand on ceremony. I always enjoy my talks with Godwin.’
‘Yes, I do as well.’
The pit of Edith’s stomach sank. There was nothing she could do to prevent this disaster. She gave one last look at the cart piled high with its trunks and silently bid the dream of Jorvik goodbye. All she could do was pray for a miracle and they had been thin on the ground recently. ‘Shall we go? It is best that I come with you.’
* * *
The cottage stood on its own, a little way from the other houses in the village. The garden was well turned over and the young plants had started to push through. Brand’s scar itched and he instinctively checked for his sword.
What wasn’t Edith telling him? Her mouth had become more and more pinched the closer they came to the cottage. And her cousin had gone positively white at the thought of them going together to the cottage. Or perhaps it had another cause. Maybe they had quarrelled because Edith was going to Jorvik.
‘Is everything all right, Edith?’ he asked. ‘What do you want to tell me? Your face always has that expression when you fear you are going to lose at tafl.’
Edith stopped. ‘Godwin, run on ahead and tell your mother that Brand Bjornson is also coming.’
‘There is no need. Why don’t we surprise her?’
‘I doubt she likes surprises. It is a major honour for the lord to visit.’
‘It is how I want it done.’ Brand put a hand on Godwin’s shoulder, restraining him. ‘I want to find out the true reason why Godwin’s mother has avoided sending him to me. The boy should become a warrior. You want to be a warrior, don’t you, Godwin?’
The boy glanced at Edith, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. ‘Yes. I want to carry a big axe and fight bad men. My mother worries about me getting hurt.’
‘Good lad.’ Brand turned towards Edith. ‘You see, you are worrying for naught. The boy and I will convince his mother.’
‘If that is what you want...’
‘You don’t approve?’ He lifted his brow. ‘Pray, what is wrong with my plan?’
She gazed away from him and a gentle breeze moulded her skirts to her legs. ‘I would like Godwin to become a warrior,’ she said finally. ‘He will make a good one.’
‘Trust me to make him into one.’ He leant over and allowed his breath to caress her ear. ‘I am a good teacher.’
He was rewarded by her cheeks turning a deep crimson. It amused him that she still blushed. Later he intended on showing her exactly what a good instructor he was when he had an apt pupil, but first he was going to ensure that Godwin had a good future.
‘My lady, my lady.’ Godwin’s mother rushed out of the cottage and then stopped. The colour drained from her face and she dropped into a deep curtsy. ‘Your lordship, you are here as well. A most...unexpected pleasure.’
‘You appear to have recovered.’ Brand frowned. Something was very wrong. Edith appeared more uncomfortable than ever as the woman paled.
‘It is...is my daughter, your lordship. I haven’t dared to leave her.’ The woman toyed with her apron, not quite meeting his ey
es.
Brand’s gaze narrowed. Whatever was going on, Edith knew about it. Had she kept it from him, hoping not to embarrass the woman? He could understand why she might be apprehensive as a warrior’s training was far from easy, but the boy deserved a better fate than being a farm labourer.
‘I sent word that I wished to speak with you.’
‘I apologise.’ The woman refused to meet his eye. ‘I know the great honour you wish to do my son, but my daughter occupies all my attention. I wanted to honour you with my full attention.’
‘Is there no one who could have looked after your daughter? I understood people around here looked after each other.’
‘Mary is most particular about who looks after her daughter,’ Edith said, stepping between him and the woman. ‘It was an unintentional slight. I told you, Mary, that Lord Bjornson was most determined to give Godwin this honour. You would be wise to think about it.’
‘I...I...’ The woman went beet-red and started stammering. ‘I’ve no idea what to say. Your coming is most unexpected. We’re far from ready.’
‘Come, come, what is the problem?’ Brand moved towards the door. ‘I want to advance the boy, not eat him for dinner!’
‘Mary! Has Lady Edith arrived yet?’ a man’s voice boomed from the cottage. ‘I need to see her. There are things we must discuss before...before I leave this place.’
Brand reached for his sword. ‘Who is this man?’ he shouted. Instinctively he looked for ways to escape.
The guilty pair regarded each other and Brand knew without a doubt that Edith had been a party to the deception. A great hollow opened up inside him. She had betrayed him and he’d been prepared to trust her with his life.
Chapter Thirteen
Everything slowed down. Edith heard a great rushing noise in her ears and saw Brand’s terrible expression as he gripped his sword. He knew. The absolute worst thing in the world had happened. He knew what she had done and he would never forgive her for it. He would also exact the punishment Halfdan decreed from Athelstan. Blood would be spilt today. Rather than saving Athelstan, she’d ensured his death.
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