‘Osgifu and I went to help a wounded man.’
‘What man? Where?’
‘Leofwine’s brother, Hunfirth. He was wounded in the battle for Ravenswood and he took refuge in the forest.’
‘How many are with him?’
‘Just one.’
‘Where are they?’
‘Where we left them.’
‘Don’t test my patience further, Elgiva. Where are they?’
‘I cannot tell you that.’
‘Cannot or will not?’
‘These are my people. I will not betray them.’
‘You’ll tell me,’ he replied.
For the first time she noticed the coiled whip at his side and felt her legs tremble beneath her. Wielded properly, the lash could cut a groove in solid wood. She had seen what it could do to human flesh. He could not really be intending to use it. Her eyes sought for any clue in his expression that might suggest otherwise, but they found none. Then she remembered his response the day she had tried to run and a faint sheen of perspiration broke out on her forehead despite the cold without. The Viking knew how to punish and wouldn’t hesitate, either. Elgiva bit her lip, clenching her fists at her sides to stop them from trembling. Come what may, she could not betray Hunfirth and Brekka. Let the warlord do his worst—she would never tell him. Her chin lifted and she met his gaze.
‘I am a healer, lord. It is my part to save men, not to destroy them. Leofwine asked for my help and I gave it willingly. As I gave it to your men too. As I would to any human being who needed it. If that is a crime, I am sorry for it.’
‘No, that is not a crime. Disobeying my orders is.’
‘I was not aware you had given any orders about letting wounded men die.’
‘Don’t try to twist my words, wench.’
‘I had no thought of doing so, lord.’
‘It seems you have plenty of willing accomplices too.’
‘Leofwine sought to aid his brother. Osgifu and Hilda helped me because I asked it. They are not to blame. If your anger must fall on anyone, let it fall on me.’
Wulfrum’s gaze burned into her own, but Elgiva did not flinch. Inwardly she thought he might kill her.
‘You may live to regret those words.’
‘I beg you, lord, do not hurt them. They could not have done other than they did.’
‘They show a reckless loyalty to you, that’s for sure.’
‘Loyalty is not a crime, either.’
Wulfrum’s jaw clenched even as he admired the breathtaking audacity of the reply. He had to admit the little vixen did not want for courage. Even though she knew her present peril full well, she had answered him calmly enough and he had discerned no trace of fear in the unwavering amber eyes. She hadn’t lied to him, either, although she was undoubtedly smart enough to realise he would have learned the truth long since from her confederates. By rights he should thrash her now along with all the others in this latest exploit. He was still tempted.
When he had visited the bower earlier and found her gone, his anger had known no bounds. Hilda, on the receiving end of it, had very soon told him the plan, a tale corroborated in part by the guards. Then Ironfist had remembered seeing her speaking with the smith earlier that day, on her return from the Saxon funerals. Wulfrum had gone to the smithy with half-a-dozen men and, in a very short time, had all the information he wanted from Leofwine. He had been able to believe the tale about the injured man, but certainly not the part about Elgiva’s intention to return. She had got out of Ravenswood with a head start and would surely make good her escape. Yet both Hilda and Leofwine evidently had complete faith in her word. Even with his anger at white heat it gave him pause. Against his better judgement he had not ordered immediate pursuit, but instead had waited. In the meantime he had had the two Saxon miscreants chained with the dogs in the kennel where they could do no more mischief and could think at leisure of their probable fate.
Unable to follow his thought, Elgiva quaked.
‘We will test that loyalty,’ he said. ‘We shall try how far it will go under the lash. I think it will not be long before your friends tell me what I wish to know.’
Elgiva’s colour ebbed and tears welled in her eyes. ‘Please don’t hurt them. They have done nothing….’
‘Then tell me where the fugitives are.’
‘I cannot. You must know that.’
He took a step closer. Elgiva swallowed hard, but remained still, aware of Ironfist just behind.
‘This is the last time I shall ask you. Where are they, Elgiva?’
Seeing she remained silent, Wulfrum looked beyond her to Ironfist.
‘Go to the hall and find out,’ he said, handing the giant the whip.
‘Consider it done, lord.
With sinking heart Elgiva heard Ironfist leave and then she was alone with Wulfrum, who regarded her with that in his face which made her heart thump unpleasantly hard.
‘Please don’t do this,’ she said then.
‘If you were truly concerned for the welfare of others you would have considered the consequences of disobedience.’
‘Then punish me, not them.’
The amber eyes glistened with unshed tears. He wondered if she would weep and doubted it somehow. He had cause to know her courage and her pride.
‘Believe me, Elgiva, you will learn to obey me.’ He paused. ‘The lives of your accomplices will be forfeit if you attempt to leave Ravenswood again without my knowledge. There will be no other warning.’
Her face was very pale, but she faced him, dread vying with resentment, choosing her words with care. ‘Then you do not propose to kill them?’
‘Not this time, but their future well-being depends on you.’
‘I understand.’
‘Do you?’ He drew closer. ‘I hope so.’
It took every bit of self-control for her not to take a step backwards. He towered over her, seeming even larger in the confined space. His expression sent a chill through her.
‘In the meantime you will be confined to the women’s bower until further notice.’
The implications began to dawn. ‘But what of the injured? And Ulric and Pybba?’
‘You should have thought of that earlier,’ he replied.
‘But, my lord, I—’
‘I have said. You will do as you’re told.’ His keen gaze saw the glint of anger in her eyes before they were veiled. ‘Otherwise I shall thrash you to within an inch of your life.’
Her hands clenched with helpless ire, but she knew it would avail her nothing to argue. In his present mood he might well carry out the threat and she knew already the weight of his hand.
‘How long must I remain here?’
‘For as long as it pleases me.’
Elgiva fought the temptation to tell him the thoughts uppermost in her mind. However, it did not need a seer to read them for anger was writ large on her face.
He lifted an eyebrow and regarded her with a speculative eye. ‘Perhaps I should take your clothes too, just to make sure.’
Elgiva’s face registered an interesting variety of emotions. Wulfrum smiled, watching a wonderful rosy blush rise from her neck to her cheeks. Then he waited. Seeing that smile, she knew beyond doubt that the knave was enjoying this. It was in her mind to call him every kind of scurvy rogue in creation, but she bit back the words that rose to her lips—in truth, she dared offer no more provocation, knowing now he would do just what he threatened. The brute had no shame.
As a matter of fact, Wulfrum had himself well in hand. The idea of Elgiva without her clothes was a heady one, but he put it aside, for now. His time would come. In the meantime he would leave her to think about the folly of wilful disobedience. He strolled to the door.
‘I’ll bid you a good evening, my lady.’
Elgiva glared after the departing figure and saw the door close after him. There followed muffled words as he spoke to the guards outside, and then silence. For some minutes she paced the floor in helpless f
ury and frustration. Her heart was filled with dread to think of the possible fate of her companions, but she dared not try to find out. She had been so preoccupied with helping Hunfirth and Brekka that she had put others at risk. Pacing the floor, she tried to think. When she had calmed a little she realised she need not fear for Ulric and Pybba. They would be safe enough for surely Wulfrum would not punish the helpless for her fault. Wulfrum again! Everything came back to Wulfrum. Could she trust him in this regard? She had to hope so. Throwing herself on to the bed in helpless ire, she felt the awful truth sink in. She was exactly where he intended her to be and she would be there at his pleasure. Elgiva punched the mattress hard, unsure whether she was angrier with him or herself.
Chapter Five
She had plenty of time to think of all the things she would like to do to Wulfrum in the days that followed. A guard brought her food and drink and emptied the slop bucket, but other than that she saw no one. As time passed the bower seemed to grow smaller and incarceration chafed her spirit. With growing anxiety, she pondered the fate of Osgifu and the others, praying that they were unhurt. Had Leofwine led the Vikings to the hidden cave? Had they captured Hunfirth and Brekka? Was Aylwin still alive? Were her nephews being cared for? Tormented by the lack of news, she could not settle to anything and paced the floor, inwardly cursing Wulfrum and all his fellow Vikings. She had no regrets about trying to help Hunfirth. It had been the right thing to do. If only she could be certain that her people had not suffered as a result. The enforced idleness was as bad as the lack of knowledge. Wulfrum knew it too, of that she had no doubt.
‘Damn him!’
The very thought of the man was enough to stir her anger again. He knew how to punish. Yet in her heart she knew this was but a small taste of his power. Had he chosen to, he could have flogged her until the flesh hung in ribbons from her back. She shivered. In truth, she had been surprised that he had not, surprised and mightily relieved too. He held all their lives in his grip now and they were his to do with as he pleased. Why had he stayed his hand? He could have made an example of her, of all of them. Perhaps he already had. Perhaps he had lied to her when he said he would not kill her companions, and Osgifu and Hilda were hanging from a tree even now along with Leofwine and Elfric. Perhaps her incarceration was but a prelude to something far worse. The uncertainty was what she hated most, as of course he knew she would.
‘Damn him!’ she said for perhaps the hundredth time.
Her imprisonment was running into its third day when the door opened to admit Osgifu. Elgiva leapt up, staring at her in disbelief. Then she was running across the intervening space and they were hugging each other fiercely.
‘Oh, Gifu. Are you all right? I’ve been imagining all kinds of terrible things. Did they hurt you?’
‘No. I am quite well.’
‘What of Hilda and the others?’
‘Well, too.’
‘And the children?’
‘Both fine.’
Elgiva closed her eyes and gave silent thanks to God. The relief was so intense she found herself shaking.
‘What of you, child? Has he hurt you?’
‘No. Things are as you see.’ She glanced with distaste around her prison. ‘But I am not hurt.’
‘Thank heaven. When you were taken away that night, we feared the worst. No one has set eyes on you since and rumours are rife.’
‘How did you get in here?’
‘The guards let me pass, on Lord Wulfrum’s orders.’
‘When did he release you?’
‘The very next day.’
‘What!’
‘It’s true. At dawn he and his men came for Leofwine and took him away. Hilda and I thought we’d never see him alive again. As for Elfric’s fears, you can imagine.’
Elgiva could, only too well. ‘What happened?’
‘A few hours later the Vikings returned. Leofwine had taken them to the cave, but when they arrived, all they found was Hunfirth’s body. It was cold. He must have died in the night. Brekka was gone.’
Elgiva digested the news.
‘Where will he go, do you think?’
‘South, probably, to try to reach Wessex or somewhere the Danes do not hold sway.’
‘I wish him God speed.’
‘And I.’
‘Will the Vikings try to find him?’
‘I don’t think so. From what Leofwine said, they showed no interest in pursuit. They brought Hunfirth’s body back for burial too.’
‘Wulfrum let Leofwine bury his brother?’
‘Yes. And he freed the rest of us. He sent me straight back to tending the remaining wounded from the battle.’ Osgifu shook her head. ‘I thought we were dead for sure that night we were caught returning from the forest. He is a strange one.’
‘Strange indeed,’ replied Elgiva, turning the story over in her mind. Wulfrum had shown mercy to an extent she could never have imagined.
‘We thought you were dead at first. Then we learned you were shut up in this room. I begged to be allowed to see you but he refused, until now.’
‘Oh, Gifu. I’ve been so afraid. I thought I would never see you again.’
Elgiva’s tears spilled over now and ran down her cheeks. Then Osgifu’s comforting arms were round her.
‘Don’t cry, child. You have been so brave. Your strength has given us all the will to go on.’
‘I was terrified, Gifu.’
‘No one would ever have known it.’
‘I thought he would kill us all.’
‘The Viking respects courage and you have shown that in good measure.’ Osgifu smiled. ‘I think it is why he has not exercised his power as he might have done. In truth, I expected a very different outcome to the events of the past few days. You must have made quite an impression.’
‘I’ve paid for it since.’ Elgiva dashed her tears away with the back of her hand. ‘He has let me sweat in here, not knowing anything. He knew it would be almost as bad as a flogging.’
‘The man is cunning.’
‘He’s a devious swine. I would give much to tell him so.’
Osgifu looked at her in surprise. ‘Have you not seen him then since he locked you up?’
‘No, only his guards. He means to teach me a lesson, you see.’
‘Surely he will free you soon.’
Elgiva sighed, wishing rather than believing it might be so. The knowledge that he had freed the others long since made her continued punishment all the more pointed. This was not about helping an injured man, it was about defiance. He did not need to beat her bloody to let her know his power. A more subtle demonstration had worked just as well. Elgiva gritted her teeth.
‘How I hate that man!’
‘He has made his point. He can’t keep you locked up much longer.’
However, it seemed Osgifu’s prediction was wide of the mark for that day passed and the next and still Wulfrum made no move to release her or even to speak with her. Elgiva could only feel thankful for his continued absence. Though it was most irksome to be confined, it was infinitely preferable to the plan originally proposed for her future. Perhaps he had changed his mind now. Indeed, it looked as if he had forgotten all about her. She prayed it might be so.
The hope was short-lived for the following day he did come to the women’s bower. Hearing the door open, Elgiva assumed it was Osgifu, but turned to see Wulfrum standing there. For several moments they faced each other in silence. He surveyed her critically. She was a little paler than usual but he put that down to her enforced stay within doors. Otherwise he could detect no ill effects from the experience. She was as beautiful as he remembered and, from the look in those glorious eyes, quite unrepentant. He was amused. Shutting Elgiva up might have restricted her freedom, but it had not cowed her spirit for her chin lifted in a manner that was becoming familiar to him. Would she plead with him now to set her free? He suspected not. Pleading was not something that came readily to her, at least not for herself, however eloquent she mi
ght be on behalf of others. If he knew anything about her, it was that she would cut out her own tongue before asking any favour of him. She was proud and she was brave and he was becoming hourly more reconciled to the thought of their wedding. Far from having changed his mind, she would have been unnerved to learn that recent events had but confirmed him in the decision. Unable to follow his thoughts, Elgiva grew restive under that keen scrutiny and it was she who broke the silence.
‘There was something you wished to speak of, lord?’
‘Indeed. I have had no chance before now, being occupied with other matters.’
‘Such as the burial of the slain?’
He heard the ironic tone, but let it go. ‘That was a part of it,’ he acknowledged. ‘However, ’tis done, and now other things take precedence.’
Elgiva threw him a cool quizzical look but ventured no comment and remained where she was, watching him cross the floor towards her. She had forgotten how tall he was, how powerful a presence.
‘It is of our marriage I speak,’ he said.
Some of the colour faded from her cheeks.
‘Never tell me you had forgotten, my lady. Or perhaps you were hoping I had?’
She bit her lip but said nothing, for it was a most accurate shot.
‘I regret to disappoint you, Elgiva. You and I wed on the morrow.’
The words hit her like a blow, but she recovered fast enough. ‘I will not.’
‘Your consent would be better. More dignified.’
‘Do you intend to use force, then?’
‘If I have to,’ he returned mildly.
Amber eyes glared into cool blue, Elgiva the while much tempted to hit him and remove some of that infuriating self-assurance. Then she reflected that it wouldn’t even dent the surface. His arrogance was as impenetrable as his armour.
‘Do you think I would stoop to wed a Viking thief? I would rather die.’
Wulfrum held his temper. ‘You are overproud, my lady, and pride goes before a fall.’
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