Page 60 of Summer of the Viking

He wanted to reach out and tell her that he’d protect her from all foes. He would battle until his dying breath to keep her and hers safe. He knew he had never felt this way about anyone before and it frightened him. They could have no future.

‘When did this happen? All was at peace when I visited the gristmill yesterday. The wheel will need replacing before next spring, but it can wait.’

‘Last night, apparently. Someone broke into his grain store. Oswald swore the Northmen were driven off by the dogs’ barking.’

Valdar went completely cold. His mind raced. He had to have heard her wrong. Northmen did not raid gristmills and take sacks of grain. But hungry men could. And there were other desperate men besides men from the North. ‘It sounds like outlaws.’

‘Or merely an excuse to get you out there with your sword. Apparently Merri promised—’

‘Wait! Where did Oswald see this ship?’

‘Merri knows.’ She broke the quill and put her hand to her head. ‘I’m sorry, you are right. Just outlaws. It brought back memories from last summer. We lived in such fear. I’d hoped that St Cuthbert’s storm had finished them. For ever. They are truly the scum of the earth. Demons in human form.’

‘Because they attacked a church and stole gold.’

‘Yes, and butchered people who had done them no harm.’ Alwynn put the broken bits of the quill down with trembling hands. He wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her until the only thing she knew was passion. He hated that his countrymen had caused these shadows in her eyes. ‘My second cousin died during that fight. I’d hoped that it would be the end of it. And then this. A plague on all Northmen.’

‘Even the ones who played no part?’

‘They’re all guilty.’

Valdar stared up at the ceiling. Even if he wanted to explain about his fears, he didn’t dare now. The instant she found out about his heritage, she’d turn against him and he wanted a few more weeks with her. Surely the gods could grant that?

‘I don’t see any burning houses,’ he said, quietly coming to put his arms about her. ‘All seems at peace. As you say, Oswald likes to tell tall tales.’

She rested her face against his chest for a few heartbeats. And with each heartbeat, the time seemed to be slipping from him. ‘My point precisely. If it were a raid, we’d know. There would be burning from here to Bamburgh.’

‘Oswy has done this before, remember?’

‘I know, I know.’ She moved away from him and began pacing. ‘It just feels like there is something wrong. He has no reason to fake anything now. Why did Oswald give such detail?’

‘To impress Merri? I gather he likes her.’

Alwynn gave him a sharp glance. ‘I hope for a better husband than that for Merri.’

‘We need to pay Oswy a visit. Together. I want to show Oswy that we are as one on this and that we do take it seriously. I had not bothered with him before as he had made a point of delivering the missing flour here, but that may have been a mistake.’

‘I’ve already been out. He showed me the broken lock. A thief did break in.’

‘You went without me?’

‘You were away. I had to go.’ She put her hand on her hip. ‘I can look after myself. I will have to do it once you are gone.’

Valdar watched the delicate curve of her neck. His stomach revolted at the thought of Alwynn ever meeting Girmir. The bastard would take great pleasure in torturing her, particularly if he knew Valdar cared about her.

All his muscles tensed, ready to do battle against his enemy. He had to find the men first. Before Girmir discovered that he had not drowned, before he learnt these people were important to him and burnt this place to the ground.

‘I want to see this inlet where Oswald claimed to see the ship.’

‘You won’t find anything there. Trust me.’

‘Humour me.’

Right now, Raumerike seemed like a distant prospect. He wished he could be more honest with Alwynn, but he wanted to grab the little chance of happiness he had. He could be the brave warrior she thought he was. He wanted to be that man for the rest of his life. But he also wanted her to love him—but how could she if there were secrets between them?

He caught a tendril of her silken hair and ran it through his fingers. Sighing, she leant back against him and closed her eyes. Her head was warm against his chest and she felt so right in his arms.

‘What are you expecting to find?’

‘I’ve no idea,’ he said against her hair. ‘But I will get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s my job to look after you and your estate. I will do that to the best of my ability while I am here. You don’t need to stand alone. Whatever is there, we cope. Together.’

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