Vale of the Gods

by A. E. Rayne

  Briggit was much changed, and Draguta was relieved to see it as she ran her eye over the tiny queen who stood silently beside her, next to the map table.

  Draguta had been feeling oddly unsettled since Jaeger’s attack on Amma. It had been some time since she’d had a dream. And not having had any warning about Jaeger’s attack on his wife disturbed her. But, she supposed, she had been busy working her binding spell on the Followers at the time. Even a woman as powerful as she was could not possibly see everything that was occurring all at once. Still, she reached for the goblet Brill offered her with a desperation to calm her fractious mood. And turning to stare at Jaeger, the main reason for her irritation, she dared him to cause any more trouble.

  But Jaeger was too busy watching Briggit, who appeared quite changed from the spitting, snarling queen he’d captured in Angard. She stood silently by Draguta, red marks on her wrists where the fetters had been. Jaeger frowned, not convinced that Draguta should have freed her at all. Eadmund appeared to be thinking the same thing, for when he wasn’t glaring at Jaeger, he was eyeing Briggit with suspicion.

  ‘We will get to work quickly,’ Draguta announced, her bloody symbols glowing around the table, revealing exactly what she needed to see. ‘They may be bringing an enormous army to us, but I’m sure we can trim it before it arrives!’

  Eadmund’s attention moved to Draguta, his discomfort growing. ‘We need to decide when and how we’re going to get to this vale. If they’re already marching, I can’t think we’ll have long. Not if you want to stop them there. If you want to fight them on your own terms.’

  ‘No, we won’t have long,’ Draguta agreed. ‘But never fear, I’m sure Briggit and I can do something to delay them. What do you think?’ And turning to her right, she watched those golden eyes spark into life for the first time all morning.

  Bram and Ulf had been organising everyone in the fort to do their part: chopping wood; harvesting what was left of their summer crops; stripping the ships of everything they could use to protect the fort; foraging for berries, mushrooms, and plants. They had groups out hunting, hoping to find an elk, rabbits, deer, boar, wild pigs. Anything that would help sustain them throughout the summer and the coming winter.

  And now they had come together with Gant to prepare a solid plan of defense.

  ‘Anyone who stays up there is risking their life,’ Gant began. They were walking outside the fort in the drizzle, staring up at the ramparts, watching the warriors on the wall hunching their shoulders, eyes on the valley in the distance. ‘They’ll be outside Edela’s circle, so we’ll need volunteers, those who don’t have families. When the time comes, they’ll need to ring the signal bells.’ He frowned. ‘The dreamers will be busy, perhaps too busy to open and close the circle. They may not make it inside.’

  Ulf nodded. ‘If even one person breaks it, we’re all in danger.’

  ‘Mmmm, I’ll have to think about that. Talk to Edela. But until then, Bram, seek out volunteers. If you need help finding any, let me know.’

  Bram ran a hand over his bushy beard, realising that he was no longer one of those men. He had no plans to volunteer. He needed to be waiting when Fyn returned. And he stopped his mind from wandering, not wanting to go any further. ‘Everything we need must be inside the circle come dark.’

  ‘Edela won’t be done,’ Ulf warned. ‘Poor woman. It’s a weight to carry on her own. And at her age too.’

  Gant grinned. ‘Well, I’m not sure there are many stronger than Edela Saeveld. She’s survived a lot lately, and I’ve got faith that she’s going to keep us safe in here,’ he said, strengthening his voice. He believed in Edela, just as he believed in Jael. They were made of the same blood.

  And that blood was iron-strong.

  ‘I just can’t do it!’ Edela wanted to fall on her face. She was on her knees, and the desire to flop down onto the ground was suddenly strong.

  Eydis and Ontine were by her side.

  ‘You can, Edela,’ Eydis promised, wishing Biddy was there to offer some support. ‘Perhaps you need a rest? Some sleep might help?’

  ‘And a change of clothes,’ Ontine suggested. ‘You’re very wet.’ She too glanced around, looking for Biddy.

  Edela sighed, sitting back on her heels. ‘Oh, girls, I am simply old. And weary. But this circle must be finished by me. If the rain doesn’t wash it all away.’ It was just a light drizzle, though, and Edela could see the sky was lightening rapidly. ‘Perhaps a bite to eat would help? I did see Branwyn wandering around with a tray of something. You could find her for me, Ontine? And, Eydis, I wouldn’t mind my other cloak. Perhaps you could see if Biddy would fetch it?’

  The girls nodded, standing up, Ontine reaching out a hand. ‘Here, you might need to stand for a while. Stretch your legs?’

  Edela shook her head, staring up at her. ‘Thank you, but no. That will not get this circle drawn. You hurry along now, and I’ll get myself in order. Talk like this isn’t going to get me anywhere today!’

  Ontine watched Eydis who was turning around, trying to get her bearings. ‘I think Biddy went to the hall,’ she said kindly, wondering if she should touch Eydis and point her in the right direction. ‘Perhaps we could walk together?’

  Eydis tensed all over, immediately wanting to refuse the offer, but she could hear how friendly Ontine was trying to be, and remembering her talk with Edela, she nodded. ‘Yes, alright.’

  Edela looked around in surprise, smiling. ‘Good girls, now off you go and leave me to it. Perhaps something hot to drink would be nice!’ she called after them. The smoke was still tickling her throat, reminding her of her dream. And shaking her head, realising that her thoughts were drifting like a cloud across a wind-swept sky, she took her knife, and pushed it into the earth, continuing the circle.

  The Followers were still being corralled on the square, though Draguta had insisted they be given water and shade. Some food too. She didn’t want her army of dreamers to perish before she could deploy them. ‘They do not look much,’ she sneered, eyeing the tattered black-robed group of women. ‘Not worthy of assisting me, at least.’

  Briggit was walking beside her, in front of Eadmund and Jaeger who followed some distance behind them. ‘What you did demoralised them. Not knowing if they would live or die? Watching everyone collapse around them? They need food. They need to bathe. Somewhere to sleep. Some comfort and certainty.’

  ‘How very charitable you are!’ Draguta laughed, turning to her. ‘I had not picked you for that sort of queen at all. You look like the type who enjoys a little torture. A little depravity.’ Briggit eyed Draguta with a look she couldn’t read, saying nothing. ‘Though you are not wrong. One cannot expect beaten dogs to do anything other than want to kill their torturer. So, yes, I shall see that they are taken care of, never fear. And besides, we do not wish to look like a gaggle of beggars standing before our enemy, do we?’

  ‘Why let them stand before you at all? After what you did in Angard? A woman that powerful should not even need to send an army. Why use men when you have the Book of Darkness?’

  Briggit’s eyes were sharp with urgency, Draguta could see.

  It was both encouraging and disconcerting. Briggit was powerful, but her place was not to lead. And she would need to realise that quickly. ‘How sweet you are to try and help me, Briggit dear. Though what I intend to do is not your concern.’ And snapping her fingers at Brill who lurked further back, she watched as her morose servant hurried forward. ‘And how is Amma this morning?’

  Eadmund’s eyes were immediately on Jaeger, who jutted out his chin, determined to deflect any blame before it arrived.

  ‘She is well. Meena is with her. Sitha is on her way to tend to them both.’

  ‘Both?’ Draguta spat. ‘That woman needn’t concern herself with Meena Gallas, you can tell her that. A few bruises will hardly matter on that face. Get back upstairs, then send Meena down to me. I have work for her to do!’

  There was a lot of sympathy in Sitha’s eyes
as she laid her hands on Amma’s rounded belly. ‘I am no dreamer,’ she said, ‘but I’ve felt my way around a lot of pregnant women, and you seem fine. I’ll apply a salve to your lips and bruises, then I’ll look at you, Meena.’

  Meena’s eyes were on Draguta’s tables, disappointed to see that the ring box hadn’t returned. She sighed. ‘Me?’ And spinning around, she was suddenly aware that her face was aching, her head was pounding, and her throat was tight with fear. She shook her head. ‘No, Draguta would not like it. I must go. She will need me.’ Meena stood up straighter, surprised to realise that she knew that for certain.

  Amma looked disappointed. ‘Will you come back? I don’t want to be stuck in here all day alone. Not if Draguta returns.’ She glanced at the door, not wanting it to open.

  ‘I don’t know. But if I can, I will. Or perhaps Brill will come and keep you company?’

  ‘They were in the square,’ Sitha mumbled, heading for her basket. ‘Draguta and that Halvardar woman. Inspecting the Followers. No doubt making plans.’

  Meena shivered, her eyes wandering towards the tables again, wondering where Draguta had hidden the ring.

  They were all making plans.

  Ayla was struggling to settle her nerves. It had been a trying time, and she did not doubt that the stress of the past few weeks had taken a toll on both her mind and body, but she needed to think of how she could help. Of ways to protect them all. Of how to keep her and Astrid safe while she tried.

  The noise of the wagon wasn’t helping. The creak of the wheels as they clattered along was hammering a hole in her head, and eventually, she threw her hands in the air and gave up.

  Astrid, sitting opposite her, laughed. ‘It’s awful, isn’t it? That noise?’

  ‘I thought the fish oil would help. I can’t believe it sounds just as bad!’

  Bruno was riding up front, talking to the driver. Four more men walked on either side of the wagon, another two at the back. They were surrounded by warriors, yet Ayla felt exposed. She could see Hallow Wood through the window, which unsettled her further. It felt as though they were being watched. By who, she didn’t know, but she could almost feel eyes following them. And she needed to think about what she could do if someone was out there.

  Or something.

  ‘Perhaps you should try and sleep?’ Astrid suggested, though she wasn’t sure that was even possible. The road continued to be a lumpy, bumpy mess and they were jerking and rattling about inside the wagon, sliding up and down on wobbling stools.

  ‘I think that sounds like the perfect idea,’ Ayla declared with a grin. ‘As long as you’re keeping watch. I don’t want to roll into the fire!’

  Astrid nodded. ‘I will, don’t worry. I’m feeling wide awake and certain that my head’s about to hit the roof at any moment!’

  Ayla wasn’t listening as she stood, heading for her bed in the left corner of the wagon, already letting the thump and creak of the wheels become a rhythmic chant that would hopefully lull her to sleep.

  ‘Is it safe?’ Jael wondered as Thorgils approached, nudging his horse alongside Tig. She didn’t look pleased with the company.

  ‘Might be the last time we see each other, Jael,’ Thorgils said. ‘Imagine if that were true and your last memory was of being so mean to an afflicted man?’

  ‘Afflicted by what?’ Jael snorted. ‘Your own greedy eyes?’ And peering at Thorgils, she could see him squirming, his left hand hovering near his griping belly. ‘Don’t even think about it,’ she warned, ‘or I’ll send you out with the scouts. You and Torstan both.’

  Torstan, who had come up with Thorgils, looked indignant. ‘What did I do?’

  Jael laughed. It was a warm day, though the sky was still grim and the heat clung to them in a way that made them wish they weren’t wearing armour. ‘You have the misfortune of being next to Thorgils. The smell of him lingers on everyone he’s near, didn’t you know?’

  ‘Speaking of smells,’ Thorgils grinned, ignoring Jael’s insults, ‘how good did that venison smell? Tasted even better. Beryth has a fine cook. Apart from the cabbage, of course. She did something wrong there.’

  ‘Well, looks like Rork agreed with you,’ Torstan said, turning around to Rork and Karsten who had their heads together behind them. ‘Never heard him talk so much.’

  Jael could see that it was true as she turned around. Rork’s mouth was open, his face and hands animated as he chatted to Karsten. He almost looked happy.

  How odd, she thought, that amidst all this terror, anyone could be happy. But as she glanced around, she saw Fyn and Axl sharing a joke; Ivaar was riding with Aleksander, and they both had smiles on their faces; even Raymon looked happy.

  Shaking her head, Jael lifted her eyes to the clouds, watching Fyr circle above them all, wondering what she could see.

  Gant and Gisila were alone.

  ‘Just for a moment,’ he insisted, fidgeting. ‘I shouldn’t be here.’ He was lying on top of the bed, next to her, their faces almost touching.

  ‘Why shouldn’t you be here?’ Gisila was feeling better. More comfortable. Able to move without yelping. She was ready to get out of bed, but her mother was keeping her prisoner awhile longer, and she was eager for the company. ‘Surely, others can manage without you for a moment? Bram? Ulf? They’re capable, aren’t they? And if not, why keep them around?’

  Gant burst out laughing. ‘When did you become so bossy? Though now that I think about it, there’s a definite resemblance to Edela I seem to have overlooked.’

  ‘You think I’m turning into my mother?’ Gisila was horrified, brushing strands of greying hair out of her blinking eyes. ‘An old woman?’

  ‘Or your daughter, who is not an old woman, but just as bossy as the two of you.’

  Gisila’s face dropped as she thought of her children. ‘I wish I knew if they were alive. Though it’s not only death to fear, is it? Who knows what those people will do to them.’ Tears were quickly leaking from her eyes. ‘I feel so worried, Gant. They are my children! My children, and what can I do to help them? Ranuf isn’t there to protect them either. And you’re not with them.’ She rubbed her eyes. ‘Perhaps you should have gone? You could have brought them back. You could have kept them safe as you did Ranuf.’

  Gant took her hand away from her face. ‘I trust Jael.’ He didn’t say any more, but he stared into Gisila’s eyes, urging her to believe in that one thing. ‘We can’t predict what will happen, but we can hold on to what we have right now. And we have this. A second chance.’ He shook his head, amazed at how well she looked. How alive. ‘I thought you were dead. Thought I’d wasted all those years. That I’d run out of luck. But look at us now.’

  Gisila cried some more, freeing her hand to smooth down his eyebrows which were growing out of control, she thought, grinning through her tears. ‘Mmmm, two old people about to die.’

  Gant laughed. ‘Yes, possibly. Or two people about to begin the rest of their lives together.’

  ‘Is that so?’

  ‘Well, if you’ll have me?’

  Gisila’s teary eyes sharpened. ‘Are you asking me to...’

  ‘Be my wife?’ Gant nodded. ‘I am. Unless you have other plans? Other offers?’

  ‘I do not,’ Gisila whispered. ‘And if I did, I would still choose you, Gant Olborn.’

  Gant smiled, pleased to hear it. Leaning closer, he kissed her softly. ‘It’s not so bad being old, is it?’

  ‘No, it’s not. Not at all.’ And closing her eyes, Gisila edged closer, not noticing the ache in her stomach for the first time in days.

  36

  Once Draguta and Briggit had disappeared, Eadmund had hurried away from Jaeger, not trusting himself in his company. Draguta’s eyes had warned him away again, and he felt the threat in them. He couldn’t ignore it, as much as he wanted to. So, instead, he did the only thing he could do: he visited Amma.

  Amma was pleased to see him, disappointed to hear that he hadn’t killed Jaeger, but well aware that Eadmund was tra
pped. She could see it in his eyes. They were kind eyes, she thought, noticing them properly for the first time as he sat on the bed with her. Kind but troubled. ‘I want to get up,’ she said. ‘I feel embarrassed about it all... what happened.’ She tried not to grimace, but now that her belly had stopped aching, she could feel every other part of her body that Jaeger had hurt.

  ‘You shouldn’t feel that. What Jaeger did? He did it to Evaine. He tried to do it to Briggit. He’s likely done it to Meena. I imagine he raped his first wife too. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed, Amma.’ Eadmund felt embarrassed, seeing her discomfort, wanting to change the subject so she could relax.

  Amma could see, so she changed the subject herself. ‘When will you leave?’

  ‘Tomorrow. You only have to survive one more day, then Jaeger will be gone.’

  ‘For good?’ Amma almost joked.

  Almost.

  Eadmund frowned. ‘I don’t think Draguta will let anything happen to him,’ he said slowly. ‘Though... perhaps she won’t always be watching.’ His eyes drifted to the curtain floating across the door to the balcony. Even with the door open, the chamber was stifling. Sweat was soaking his tunic again, and he felt wistful for Oss’ cold weather. ‘I can’t. But his brothers...’

  ‘Axl too.’

  Eadmund nodded. ‘Jaeger will have a target on him for sure, so you never know what might happen.’ He felt hope surge at the thought of what Karsten might do to Jaeger. He had less certainty about Axl. Axl was barely a man, though Eadmund remembered how he had taken off Lothar Furyck’s head, and run back for Amma when it had looked impossible to save her.