The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey

Author:Sian Ann Bessey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2022-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

“More trumpets,” Knud said as a third blare cut through the air. “Word must have reached the castle that Leif, son of Jarl Ottar of Dyflin, has arrived.”

Ignoring Knud’s teasing, Leif thoughtfully studied the edifice standing atop the rise. Darkness shrouded the tref below, but the fortress was ablaze with light. “Something significant is happening,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that Prince Cadell would arrange a large social function so soon after his older brother’s death. He is doubtless still in mourning.”

“Well, whatever it is, it will have caught the attention of the townspeople. Someone will share the news with us.”

“I daresay,” Leif said. It was going to be difficult to gain the trust of the locals, particularly with Knud’s limited ability to communicate, but it was vital that they know what was occurring at the castle before they entered. “I shall ask at the inn.”

“I pray they have lodging available,” Knud said. “I was ready to dispense with being in a saddle hours ago.”

Leif grunted his agreement. Norsemen spent far more time in longboats than on horseback. He was quite sure that whatever saddle-soreness Knud might claim, his could rival it.

The road they’d been following along the river veered left, and before long, it was lined with an assortment of thatched-roofed stone buildings. Signs hung above a few of the doors. It was too dark to see them clearly, but Leif guessed that they marked the tref’s business establishments.

“Keep a watch out for an inn,” Leif said.

“Over there.” Knud gestured to his right. “You see it? There looks to be a stable at its rear.”

The building appeared a little larger than its neighbors, and a chink of pale light shone through the shutters of the closest window.

“I will try the door,” Leif said, dismounting and handing Knud his reins. “Wait here.”

He crossed the short distance to the door and knocked. Footsteps sounded from within, and moments later, the door opened to reveal a burly man with dark hair and beard.

“Good evening to you,” Leif said. “My friend and I just arrived in the tref and are in need of a room.”

The man placed his fists on his ample girth. “No chambers fer you at the castle after all them royal people arrived, eh?”

At Leif’s startled expression, the man chuckled loudly. “Yer welcome. We may not ’ave a servant fer every room ’ere, but I can give ya both a bed and a meal.”

“Our horses?” Leif asked.

“Have yer friend take ’em round back,” the man said. “There’s a lad in the stable who’ll take care of ’em fer ya.”

“I thank you,” Leif said. Keeping his back to the innkeeper, he moved closer to Knud. “There’s a boy in the stable who will take the horses,” he said softly. “Just hand him the reins and meet me inside. The boy should not need any instructions.”

“I hardly know what to do with a horse anyway,” Knud muttered, but he turned his mount toward the stable, leading Leif’s horse behind him.

Leif turned back to the innkeeper.

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