Wolf Girl by Theresa Tomlinson

Author:Theresa Tomlinson [Theresa Tomlinson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
Published: 2009-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Uneasy Truth

Wulfrun lifted her chin with pride at the hermit’s words. ‘My mother is both resourceful and courageous,’ she said.

‘Well then, keep faith with her,’ said Nelda. ‘Listen well, for I have more to say about that garnet necklace.’ She shot a warning glance in Wulfrun’s direction. ‘Remember this: the truth is not always easy. Years afterwards, when Ianfleda was a girl of about sixteen and still a landless refugee at the court of Kent, Hild was sent by Oswy to visit her with the priest Utta, and I went as waiting woman. Hild and Utta’s purpose was to persuade our lost princess to come north as a peace-weaver bride and marry Oswy. Such a marriage would unite the two warring royal houses of Northumbria and at last bring us peace. Oswy could claim to rule Bernicia in his own right, but if he married the daughter of Edwin, then he could claim kingship of both Bernicia and Deira. It was a clever plan – your father is no fool, my little Elfled – and Hild was just the right person to speak for him.’

‘But what did the garnet necklace have to do with that?’ Wulfrun could not bear to lose the thread again.

Adfrith raised his hand to hush her. Nelda understood her need and chuckled. ‘Patience,’ she commanded. ‘You must let me tell it my way. When we arrived at the Kentish court, there was a wild and joyful reunion between those who thought they’d never see each other again. After the hugs and kisses we began to speak of shared memories; some good, some that made us weep. It was then that the garnet necklace was remembered. Most of Queen Tata’s jewels had been saved, so carefully had we stitched them into their clothing, but they’d had to be sold. Only a small gold and garnet bracelet had been kept as a special treasure, and I am so glad to see it there on your small wrist, Princess, where it should be.’

Elfled smiled. ‘Mother Hild gave it to me.’

‘No, child.’ Nelda shook her head. ‘That bracelet did not come from Hild. Your own mother, Queen Ianfleda, fastened it about your wrist, tiny though it was, the day she gave you into the abbess’s care. I was witness to it. “Let my little Elf not forget that she’s King Edwin’s grandchild,” she said.’

‘She called me . . . Little Elf?’ Elfled murmured.

‘Oh yes,’ Nelda said. ‘That was her pet name for you.’

It was very hard for Wulfrun to hold back her own urgent questions, but the tense silence that followed and the thoughtful wonderment on Elfled’s face told them that this piece of information was important to her. She opened her mouth and her lips trembled a little as though she’d ask more, but then suddenly her eyes widened as she stared at Wulfrun’s head where the moss had been. ‘The blood has all gone and your head is almost mended,’ she said.

Wulfrun smiled, surprised, and gently touched the spot.

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