of suppressed nervous tension and dreaded that her uncle might intuit something amiss. Let him think she was resigned to the match with Gulbrand. If things went according to plan she would be away and clear before anyone knew she was gone.
She hadn’t let herself think further ahead than that; to try and imagine what her life might be like afterwards. If anyone had told her that one day she would be a kept woman, and by choice, she’d have been shocked beyond measure. Now it seemed the only possible course of action. If she had to belong to a man then she would choose Leif and trust that her faith wasn’t misplaced.
When she had given her consent to this she had half expected a triumphant smile from him but it hadn’t happened. His reaction was not of a man taking a whore into his keeping but rather of a nobleman paying court to a lady. Would he treat her with the same consideration in bed? This was a part of the agreement that her mind had glossed over but reality was about to catch up. She would have to give herself to him and, possibly, feign enjoyment. That last sat ill with her because she didn’t want to practise deception with Leif. Perhaps time would help there. Perhaps when she became accustomed to him and her new role—
Her train of thought was broken as the door opened to admit Dalla. ‘Here’s such a to do, my lady. More of Prince Hakke’s men arriving and the servants running around like witless chickens.’
Astrid’s stomach lurched. ‘More of the prince’s men?’
‘Two ships’ crews just sighted. They’ll be here in minutes.’
‘Is Gulbrand with them?’
‘I don’t know, my lady.’
‘Can you try and find out?’
‘Of course.’ Dalla shook her head. ‘It looks as though your uncle intends this wedding to be memorable.’
Astrid frowned. Her uncle never did anything without a reason, and even a wedding didn’t seem to account for such a huge influx of men. The impression was reinforced when, ten minutes later, the newcomers arrived. She and Dalla watched from a distance as the column approached. It bristled with spears. Every man there wore mail and was armed to the teeth besides.
‘Mercenaries,’ murmured Astrid.
‘What are they doing here?’
‘I don’t know but I’d be prepared to swear it has nothing to do with the wedding celebrations.’
‘I’m inclined to think you’re right.’
Astrid watched with misgivings as row upon row of warriors marched in. No green boys these, she decided. They were men grown, seasoned fighters by the look of them, the kind who’d kill without a qualm. She estimated at least a hundred. Their leader was a burly hatchet-faced individual whose dark beard was plaited and interwoven with a strip of red cloth.
‘That’s Steingrim out in front,’ said Dalla. ‘The one-eyed brute on his right is Thorkill. They’ve been here before.’
‘Not the sort you’d want to meet on a dark night.’
‘Not the sort you’d want to meet at all, my lady. Their kind will kill and maim because they enjoy it.’
Hearing the servant give voice to her former thought Astrid’s frown deepened. ‘With these and the men Hakke brought with him before he’s got a small army. What’s he up to?’
‘Nothing good, I’ll wager.’
‘See what you can find out, Dalla.’
* * *
It was late afternoon before the servant returned. Her expression only increased Astrid’s apprehension.
‘What did you learn?’
‘You were right; their arrival has nothing to do with the wedding. They’ve been brought here for a hall burning.’
‘What?’
‘Some of them were openly talking about it earlier. They were virtually straining at the leash.’
The feeling of foreboding increased. ‘Whose hall, Dalla?’
‘Leif Egilsson and his kin. It seems the prince intends to settle a score.’
Astrid paled. ‘When?’
‘Tonight.’
For a second or two Astrid was speechless. Such a possibility had never occurred to her. Only now was the extent of Hakke’s malice apparent. It filled her with disgust. Mingled with that was concern for Leif, and it went deeper than she’d realised.
‘This mustn’t be allowed to happen.’
‘How can you stop it, my lady?’
‘By getting a message to the intended victims first.’
Dalla raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s quite a risk to take for a group of strangers.’
‘Leif Egilsson once did me a service and I am not one to forget such things.’ It was a partial truth only but it would have to serve. The rest was too complex to explain, even to herself.
‘If the prince or Jarl Einar found out...’
‘They won’t find out, not if the matter is handled with care. One man could slip away unnoticed and take a message.’ Astrid paused. ‘All I need is someone who can be trusted.’
‘I know of one person—the stableman, Ari. He keeps himself to himself but he’s reliable. He might be prepared to go.’
‘There’s no time to lose. Go and ask him.’
As the maid hurried away, Astrid glanced through the open doorway where afternoon was merging into early evening. She let out a long slow breath. She had to keep calm. Nothing would be served by panic. If she could get a message to Leif all might yet be well. It would mean some disruption to their plans but surely that was not insurmountable, unless of course he decided to cut his losses and leave without her. That was a possibility. He didn’t seem to be the kind of man to renege on a promise but it was a question of risk. It would be simpler to save his skin rather than hers. After all, it was nothing to him if Astrid had to wed Gulbrand. A man like Leif would have no trouble finding another mistress either. She bit her lip. Would he keep faith with her? Would he come for her?
* * *
Twenty minutes later Dalla returned. In response to Astrid’s quizzical look she nodded.
‘He’s agreed to go.’
Relief rose like a tide. ‘The gods be thanked. I’ll make sure he’s amply rewarded for this.’
‘Let’s hope the warning arrives in time,’ said Dalla.
* * *
Leif reached for a loaf and broke off a sizeable chunk. A day in the open air had given him a keen appetite. Quite apart from the usual chores, he’d also had to put his other plans in train as well. That he’d been able to do so was due in no small part to his
