Strian by Celeste Barclay

Author:Celeste Barclay [Barclay, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2019-10-13T21:00:00+00:00

NINETEEN

Warriors dragged Strian and Gressa to a tent further away from Grímr’s. This time they had Norse guards who could understand anything they plotted. It was hours before anyone brought them a meager meal of Scottish bannocks, which were dry oatcakes, and two mugs of ale. Their jailors left with one water skein to share between the two of them. They appreciated small mercies: Grímr had allowed them to stay together. The couple huddled together, both for the security they felt in each other’s arms and the opportunity to whisper.

“How much of our stories do you think Grímr believed?” Strian murmured near Gressa’s ear.

“Most of it. His greed and ambition override most people’s rational thoughts. He isn’t stupid enough to rush forward with an attack because we told him how. He will send more spies. That’s why he said we would wait two days. He will check to make sure we didn’t lie.” Gressa spoke in equally low tones. “I pray that our lies about relations deteriorating is enough to overlook the truth about ways to enter the homestead.”

“They should be. How can he know that we’ve been doubling the guards at both gates? He won’t be able to see the extra guards on the ground inside the wall. He’ll only see the defenses Ivar wants him to see. We’ve expected spies the entire time.”

“I suppose. I imagine the others noticed our absence by now, so they must have figured out someone took us. Do you think they’ve sent anyone to search for us?”

“Probably, but without a full army, they won’t come close enough to risk being captured, too. I don’t think this is where Ivar or Rangvald want to hold a battle. Grímr’s too entrenched here. The tents offer too many places for hiding or ambushing our people. If anything, Ivar and Rangvald will lure Grímr away from the camp. He will take us with him as hostages. I don’t think even he’s arrogant enough to believe we will fight on his side.”

“I wouldn’t put anything past him, but I think you’re right. As long as he doesn’t separate us, we should make it through what he plans. I just hope we can get back to our people before they think we have switched allegiances.”

“They won’t.” Strian reassured.

“I’m not so sure. They already believe I’m a spy. It won’t take much for people to argue I bewitched you and forced you to turn against them.” Gressa bit her bottom lip.

“The people who matter won’t think that, and that’s all that matters.”

“Strian, you know that’s about as true as the sky being green. Ivar and Rangvald can control people attacking us, but they can’t control their thoughts or the small things they can do to lash out at us, at me.”

“Then maybe when this is all over, you were right to say we want to travel back with the Welshmen.”

“To be unwanted there, too? The only way that can happen is if Rhys is killed here, and that can’t happen at either of our hands unless we can hide it from Dafydd.

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