Passion's Fury by Violetta Rand

Author:Violetta Rand [Rand, Violetta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2016-10-17T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

RUNA DISMOUNTED AND joined the temple guards in the clearing where Prince Axel’s camp had been. Nothing looked the same. Most of the tents had been dismantled. Bags were scattered everywhere, their contents littered the wet ground. The carefully constructed rock fire pits were broken up, appearing as if someone had tried to erase the evidence of who had been here before.

“There isn’t a living creature about,” one of the captains said somberly, shivering. “I am truly sorry for your loss, milady. Judging by the quick work of whoever attacked you, it isn’t safe to stay here.”

Runa wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye. The memory of the threat and violence Jarl Skrymir presented had raised a fear inside her she’d never known. But standing here in the aftermath, seeing the destruction firsthand, conjured deep sorrow. No one appeared to have survived. As that realization started to sink in, another soldier called out.

“Over here, Captain Harald.”

Runa started to follow him, but he stopped her. “Let me secure the area first.”

“There’s no need to shield me from blood and death. I’ve seen enough already.” She scanned the field, finding bloodstains half-washed away by the rain. “I have as much right to see whatever it is your man has found.”

“Aye,” the captain agreed. “But will it serve any purpose? Make the outcome better? Cling to your hope and innocence as long as you can.”

She appreciated his kind sentiment. “You have daughters?”

“Two.”

“I understand your protectiveness, Sir. But I am the sister of Jarl Roald, a man who deals harshly with criminals. I’ve witnessed executions and numerous fights. Let us walk together.”

He sucked in a breath and hesitantly took her arm. “The ground is rocky and uneven, let me help you.”

His man waited across the clearing. No one needed to direct Runa where to look. Two dozen bodies were carefully stacked underneath protective layers of canvas. Confused by it, she blinked in disbelief. A cold-hearted murderer with a conscious? Skrymir surely hadn’t wasted time gathering the dead. But someone had. “Captain—”

“You didn’t exaggerate, lady. I am sorry if the high priest doubted your story.”

“I expected no less,” she said. “But now that we’ve confirmed everything, I am not sure we should leave yet. These men must be honored immediately, to keep their souls from getting trapped between worlds.”

He bowed his head in acquiescence. “I am here to serve you.”

“Ask your man to uncover the bodies. I wish to identify the men I knew.”

Harald directed several of his soldiers to do as she bid. An hour later, the victims had been laid out on the ground. With grief in her heart, Runa walked slowly down three rows of bodies, pausing next to each one in respect. Giving thanks for their willingness to fight for and protect her. To die for Prince Axel.

She found her brother’s men in the last row: Dain, Gudmund, and Isolf. It pained her to bid farewell to men she’d grown up around. She knelt beside Dain and caressed his brow.

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