Call of the Viking Dead by Anna Chant

Author:Anna Chant [Chant, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter five

Ari was well aware that Ceorl had given orders that he was to be watched at all times, even while he slept and he welcomed it. With Fiske growing bolder, he was glad there would be at least one man willing to confirm that he was not involved in whatever evil deeds that might occur.

Feeling safer than he had done for an age, he slept well, woken only once by an icy draft. And when the cockrel crowed from outside, starting a chorus of birdsong, he woke feeling much refreshed. Stretching, he joined Egbert building up the fire, backing away respectfully to allow Egbert alone to help Branwen set a vast pot of porridge to boil. But still Branwen sent him a black look, telling him that however far back he stood, it was not enough.

The morning started normally, but when Siflaed left her bedchamber he noticed she looked pale. Approaching her mother, she seemed upset as she spoke to her in a low voice. But all he heard was Mildryth’s reply. “You always were a little careless when removing your jewels, my child. I do not doubt your brooch is on the floor among the rushes. You will find it if you look closely.”

Siflaed said something else but it was clearly nothing too serious for Mildryth laughed. “Leaves? Oh, Siffy, leaves are everywhere. You were in the orchard yesterday and then are surprised there are leaves in your bedchamber? Now break your fast and let us get to our tasks.”

Satisfied that all was well, Ari turned to Egbert. “Should we fetch firewood?”

Egbert nodded and the two were half way to the door, when a rap reverberated against the stout wood, stopping them in their tracks. And they were not alone in their shock. Just as when the priest had knocked a few days previously, everyone froze. Ceorl shook his head. “What is wrong with everyone?”

Without waiting for an answer he strode over, drawing back the bolt himself to admit Odda. He gave a curt nod. “A good morning to you, Odda.”

Odda’s smile was friendlier, but hesitant. “Greetings Ceorl and I fear it is not a good morning at all. We lost another two sheep in the night, their bodies left mangled near the borders of my lands. And I spoke to one of your herdsmen on the way over and he tells me that you too lost a sheep.”

Ceorl cursed as Ari and Egbert went out to fetch firewood. By the time they returned, Odda and Ceorl were both sat at the table, a jug of weak ale before them, talking. The manner between the two men was cordial, but not warm and a far cry from the affectionate manner that Ari had once observed between them until Odda declared he would not marry Siflaed. Inwardly, Ari shook his head at this, wondering what Odda had been thinking in rejecting such good fortune.

As he stacked the firewood beside the hearth, he was aware of Odda sending him the occasional glance and guessed that Ceorl had told him of the events of the previous day.

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