The Viking's Touch

‘Why?’ he asked. ‘It wasn’t your fault.’ ‘Ingvar should not have spoken as he did.’ ‘Seemingly he misread the situation.’

‘I believe he did.’

Wulfgar eyed her coolly. ‘There is an understanding between the two of you?’

‘No, nothing like that. At least not on my part.’

‘Certainly on his, I would say.’

‘That is as may be, but I have given him no reason for encouragement.’

Wulfgar raised an eyebrow. ‘Then he takes much upon himself.’

‘You saw what happened in the bay.’

‘Why do you tell me these things?’

‘In truth I don’t know, except that I didn’t want you to think …’

‘What?’ he pursued.

‘That Ingvar spoke with any tacit support from me.’

‘I am honoured by your confidence, my lady, but I don’t quite see how all this concerns me.’

A rosy flush crept into her cheeks. ‘Forgive me, I did not mean to involve you in my affairs. I merely wished to … to explain.’

He regarded her steadily for a moment. ‘You know, of course, that a man like Ingvar will not give up easily?’

‘Yes, I know.’

‘A widow’s life must be lonely. He is strong and could protect you. Perhaps you should consider his offer.’

‘Lonely or not, I will never give Ingvar a husband’s authority over me.’

The words, spoken with quiet vehemence, elicited a quizzical look. ‘Do you object so strongly to a husband’s authority, then?’

‘I would object to any authority that is based on tyranny. Ingvar is of that kind, and I will never put myself or my son in his power. Nor will I have the people here subjected to the tender mercies of Grymar and his men.’

‘I can understand why you might not wish to. However, such men tend to take what they want.’

‘He will not take Drakensburgh. I have already given him my reply and I stand by it.’

Wulfgar met her eye and held it. ‘When it comes to the crunch, words have no power. Only swords and superior numbers will stop men like Ingvar.’

Anwyn pondered over that conversation later and privately acknowledged the truth of it. That led to other, more worrying thoughts. After her husband’s death some of the men had chosen to move on. Their departure left roughly thirty; not enough to stop Ingvar if he decided on the use of strength to achieve his aim. It seemed she was not alone in the thought.

‘If only Drakensburgh had a larger force of men under arms,’ said Jodis later when the two of them were alone in the women’s bower.

‘It would make us independent of Grymar and men like him,’ replied Anwyn.

The maid laid aside the distaff on which she had been winding wool. Although her expression was hesitant, it was clear she had something to impart.

‘What is it, Jodis?’

‘Forgive me, my lady, but it seems to me that you have the means to do that now.’

Anwyn stared at her. Then understanding dawned. ‘You refer to Lord Wulfgar and his men.’

‘Aye, my lady. With their numbers added to ours …’

‘We would be safe?’

‘Would we not?’

‘Perhaps. There’s just one difficulty attaching to all this.’

‘What is that, my lady?’

‘They would never agree to stay.’

‘They might … if they were paid enough.’

Anwyn shook her head. ‘It’s a crazy idea.’

‘Maybe so, but it’s also a perfect solution to the problem.’ Jodis paused. ‘Lord Ingvar would be out of your life for good.’

‘If only it were so simple.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘He would not give up so easily,’ replied Anwyn.

‘He might have no choice if the odds were too great.’

‘It might take a long time to convince him of that. Meanwhile, the services of seasoned warriors do not come cheaply.’

‘No, but Earl Torstein was rich.’

For a moment Anwyn said nothing, turning over the possibilities in her mind. What her companion said was true; her late husband had gold, though she had never enquired exactly how much. In marrying her he took a wealthy bride, for her dowry had been considerable. To the best of her knowledge the greater part yet remained. It should be more than enough on its own.

‘The money could likely be found,’ she said, ‘but hiring such men brings its own risk.’

‘How do you mean, my lady?’

‘We do not know if Lord Wulfgar is to be trusted.’

‘Has he done anything to make you think he cannot?’