The Apprentice Prince (The Wolves of Dumnonia Book 4) by Fox Peter

Author:Fox, Peter [Fox, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elterwater Press
Published: 2022-04-16T00:00:00+00:00

9. Saeric Iron-cleaver

Worgemynster, Wessex

R odor appeared shortly afterwards with two more horses. Saeric recognised the finest of them as Eanswith’s mount. ‘I thought we might need one or two spares. We’ve put all the gathered weapons on another one and left the three survivors tied up by the lodge.’ His mouth twisted into a sneer. ‘We stripped the witch and strung her up by her ankles for her fyrdsmen to find.’

‘For Christ’s sake Rodor,’ Eadwald said. ‘Just because she was a monster does not mean we should be.’

‘I’ll have that one,’ Hildelith said, taking the stallion’s reins from Rodor.

‘Is that a good idea?’ Saeric began, but he received a questioning glare from Hildelith.

‘If that horse was hers, then I want him,’ she said, then deftly mounted the stallion and tugged on the reins, letting him know she was now his master. ‘And give me her sword. I want that too.’

Saeric mounted up, and this time they placed Asaf in front of Saeric so that he could cradle the boy in his arms. Both he and Asaf were shivering with cold, so Eadwald wrapped a riding cloak around them.

‘Straight to Worgemynster,’ said Eadwald. ‘There’s no telling what Baldwyn’s fyrd will do now that it is leaderless.’ He frowned. ‘Matter of fact, why wasn’t Edward leading it? I wonder if that means most of his men are still nearby. That is not good. Baldwyn always was a canny bastard.’

‘What happened at the burh?’ Hildelith asked.

‘Saeric dealt with Edward and Baldwyn, and then we set fire to it all.’

‘And the children?’ she asked, staring at Saeric.

‘He let them out,’ Rodor said derisively. ‘Should have left them to burn because they’ll come after him now to avenge their kin. Still, that would be fair justice if you ask me.’

‘That’s enough, Rodor,’ Eadwald snapped. ‘I want you to ride ahead to Gerard and tell him to make straight for Worgemynster. I don’t want him engaging Baldwyn’s fyrd unless he has no choice. In the meantime, we will take a more westward route to put his force between us and Baldwyn’s. We will meet you in Worgemynster. We’re unlikely to make it before dawn tomorrow, possibly even later, depending upon who we encounter along the way.’ He turned to the other fyrdsmen. ‘Go with him.’

‘My Lord!’ Rodor protested. ‘You must take an escort! This is Baldwyn’s country. Word will spread.’

‘Faster than we can ride? We will be fine,’ Eadwald said. ‘I have my ploughshare-wielding son here to protect us.’

‘Who will just as likely hack off your head as soon as you turn your back,’ Rodor growled.

Saeric let out a snort. ‘There’s only one head in danger here, arsehole, and my father is sending you away to ensure it stays on your shoulders.’

‘That tale is wearing thin, wealh. I know who you are.’

‘And you will keep that information to yourself,’ Eadwald warned, catching the eyes of all his men. ‘Saeric had nothing to do with the deaths of your kin,’ Eadwald added for Rodor’s benefit, ‘so I would appreciate it if you’d stop taking it out on him.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.