The Briton and the Dane The Complete Trilogy 2nd Edition by Bernal Mary Ann

Author:Bernal, Mary Ann [Bernal, Mary Ann]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2013-05-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty Three

Dalla and Kylan guided their horses through the congested market, bypassing the farmers’ stalls. They walked the winding streets, and followed the hilltop road leading to her husband’s encampment. The building that housed Inga and the boys appeared deserted since the windows were fastened and the door closed.

“Wait,” Kylan said while handing Dalla the reins.

Kylan freed his sword before cautiously entering the dark room. The sound of his boots echoed eerily while he searched the empty chambers.

“They are not here,” Kylan said, sheathing his sword.

Kylan opened the shutters, and smiled as the sun’s bright rays illuminated the room. Dalla knelt before the fireplace and examined the ash and charred embers.

“These cinders are cold,” Dalla whispered. “This is troubling.”

“Whatever happened was sudden,” Kylan replied as he noticed the rotten food and stale bread left upon the table. “We should find the sheriff. He might know something.”

“No, the sheriff serves King Guthrum. We will visit the alehouses since tongues are loosened when mead flows freely.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Kylan noticed a boy hiding behind a cart when he closed the window. He placed his finger over his lips, glancing at Dalla before walking quietly towards the back door and creeping stealthily towards the unsuspecting child who was watching Rigr’s wife.

“Leave me be,” the lad shouted when Kylan grabbed his neck and pushed him towards Dalla.

“What is your purpose?” Dalla said, forcefully holding the boy by his wrists. “Why are you here?”

“I was looking for my friends,” the child told her while struggling to free himself from Dalla’s firm grasp.

Dalla held the boy by the shoulders gently and looked into his eyes.

“We are not from these parts,” Dalla lied. “I am looking for my kin, would you know where they might be?”

“They left with warriors and walked into the woods,” the lad replied, pointing towards the forest path. “They have yet to return.”

“These warriors, what were their numbers?” Kylan calmly asked. “Are they known to you?”

“There were three, and they are not known to me,” the boy said nervously. “The holy man was not with them, but your kin was not afraid.”

“Your words are comforting,” Dalla whispered while placing a coin in the child’s hand.

“You are most generous, my lady,” the boy said as he took the shilling and ran down the hill.

“My men are trustworthy,” Dalla reminded Kylan as she headed towards the forest, “but Brother Martel serves Ulfr.”

“I think you are mistaken to suspect Ulfr. Not only is he known to me, but his loyalty has been proven more than once.”

“You do speak the truth, but King Guthrum still sits on his throne, and never forget swords can be readily bought.”

“There are many who swear you fealty,” Kylan reminded her. “Are they not to be trusted?”

“The river is not far,” Dalla said, changing the subject. “Hopefully, we will learn their fate.”

***

Rollo and Father Aidan walked towards the rear of the ship as the captain gave orders to leave the harbor. Rollo waved to the children watching the vessel navigate effortlessly through the calm waters as the wind filled the sturdy canvas sail.

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