reliable men in charge of the estate. Everything was in place. All he had to do now was fetch Astrid.
Her decision to come with him still carried with it an element of surprise. He had been quite open about what the relationship would be but she had still elected to go with him rather than marry Gulbrand. It was a courageous choice in many ways. It also raised interesting questions. Was this just the lesser of two evils? He preferred to think that wasn’t the case, that he hadn’t imagined the spark between them. The answer would be evident soon enough, a thought that filled him with a sense of anticipation. He couldn’t recall anything he’d wanted half as much. Did a woman’s value increase in proportion to the risk involved in winning her? If so, their relationship was likely to be a protracted affair.
The torches flared in a sudden draught and he looked up as the oaken door of the hall swung open to admit Trygg.
‘A messenger has just arrived, my lord. Man by the name of Ari. Says he brings important news.’
Leif frowned and lowered his cup. ‘Admit him.’
‘What in Hel’s name does a messenger want at this hour?’ demanded Finn.
‘Good question.’
The question was uppermost in other minds too and around the table conversation died as their shield companions exchanged quizzical glances. Before anyone could say anything more Ari came in and hastened across the hall to the high table.
‘My lord, I am sent by Lady Astrid to deliver a warning.’
‘What warning?’
‘That Steingrim and a large contingent of men are on their way here.’
Conversation died and all eyes turned towards the speaker. Leif’s expression lost all traces of good humour.
‘Steingrim comes here?’
‘Aye, my lord. They mean to attack tonight and to kill all they find.’
The men remained silent and for several moments the only sound was from the crackling logs in the hearth.
Leif’s eyes glinted. ‘How did your mistress find out about this?’
‘Steingrim’s men were openly discussing it.’
‘How many men has he got?’
‘Two ships’ crews of his own, my lord, but Thorkill has brought a third.’
The news elicited murmurs of angry disbelief. Leif’s jaw tightened as he assimilated the implications. In that he wasn’t alone.
‘Hakke doesn’t give up, does he?’ said Finn.
Erik frowned. ‘We should have killed the treacherous bastard when we had the chance.’
‘We’ll get another,’ replied Leif. ‘If not we’ll make one. In the meantime, we’re going to be outnumbered five to one.’
‘Unpromising odds. What are we going to do?’
‘We’ve got no choice but to go.’ Leif thought rapidly. ‘We’ll split up though. Steingrim can’t follow without dividing his force.’
Finn nodded. ‘That’ll make it easier to take them on when we’re ready.’
‘We’ll each choose the time and place for that,’ replied Leif, ‘once we’ve recruited extra swords.’
As the implications sank in, the faces around him were expressive of quiet appreciation.
‘I’ll round up my men and head for Alfheimer,’ said Finn. ‘We have friends there.’
‘I’m for Hedemark,’ said Erik. ‘King Sigelac owes us a few favours. It’s time to call them in.’ He shot a look at Leif. ‘You?’
‘My estate in Agder.’
‘Agder? But didn’t you once say you’d never...’
‘I know, but needs must. I’ll find swords enough there.’
‘No doubt.’
‘Send word when you can.’ Leif paused. ‘In the meantime, let’s arm and make ready to depart.’
Leaving the remains of the meal on the table, the men hastened to obey. Finn paused, looking round the hall, taking in every detail from the carved pillars to the smoke-darkened rafters, his expression compounded of anger and resentment. ‘This place was hard won, yet Steingrim will burn it to the ground in one night.’
‘A hall can be rebuilt,’ said Leif, ‘and we’ll live to fight another day.’
‘When we do, I’ll cut Steingrim’s throat myself.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’
With a short space of time the company was armed and ready to ride. Leif embraced Finn in a bear hug and then did the like to Erik.
‘Go well, Cousin. We’ll meet again soon if the gods so will.’
Erik nodded and clapped him on the back. ‘May Odin smile upon our endeavours.’
He and Finn mounted their horses and, raising a hand in salute, rode away. Leif turned to his shield men. ‘Go and ready the Sea Serpent. Take her round the headland to Gulderfoss. I’ll meet you there.’
His men regarded him in surprise.
‘Where are you going?’ demanded Thorvald.
‘There’s something I have to do first. I won’t be long.’ He looked at the messenger. ‘Ari, you come with me.’
With that he turned his horse’s head and rode away into the darkness. Thorvald stared after him for a moment; then looked at the others.
‘All right. You heard him. Let’s get going.’
* * *
Leif reined to a halt and surveyed the looming shapes of the buildings that made up Jarl Einar’s holding. Most were in darkness save for the great hall illuminated by flaming cressets. Ordinarily he would have expected to hear the sound of carousing from within but tonight the place was unnaturally quiet. He looked at his companion.
‘Find Lady Astrid and tell her to meet me in the usual place.’
Ari looked round furtively. ‘It’s dangerous, my lord. If you’re found here...’
‘This is the last place anyone will be expecting to see me. Besides, the inhabitants are otherwise engaged tonight.’
‘But, my lord...’
‘Do it, and be very discreet if you value your life.’
As the servant rode away in the direction of the buildings, Leif dismounted and tethered his horse to a tree. Then, loosening his sword in its sheath, he took a circular detour and made his way towards the
