With a guttural cry, Cairell stumbled one step closer to the crackling coals. He pulled hard on the rope, digging in his heels and throwing his back into the movement.
Cormac’s muscles strained against the pull, but excitement rushed through him in spite of the discomfort. Cairell had faltered in his form sooner than Cormac expected. Once more, Cormac tugged the rope forcefully. This time, he put all his weight into jogging backwards.
Cairell flew forward, his feet flying across the hot coals and his oath echoing across the field.
Cheering broke across the crowd like a crashing wave.
He’d done it. For better or for worse, Cormac had bested Cairell. Dropping the rope, he hurried to help the poor man out of the bed of coals. Then he headed straight for Finn, though the rest of the Fianna waylaid him en route, congratulating him just as heartily as they always did.
“Well done.” Finn grabbed his elbow, pulling him into a hug.
“Thank you.” Cormac leaned nearer. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything,” Finn told him.
Cormac wetted his lips, looking around at the crowd and lowering his voice. “I’d like you to teach me the Ostman tongue.”
Finn’s eyes went wide, a smile overtaking his face. “Any particular reason?
Cormac shook his head. He could barely admit the reason to himself. He’d certainly not speak with anyone else about it, not even his closest friends. Not yet. Eventually, though, he’d have to tell them the decision he’d reached. He didn’t just want to win the tournament.
He wanted to win Astrid’s heart as well.
Chapter Nineteen
What in theworld was wrong with her?
Astrid stood watching the Fianna congratulate Cormac, still in shock over the short interaction they’d just had. He gave her an escape. He’d presented her with a solution.
And instead of doing the intelligent thing and taking it, she’d frozen up.
More and more each day, her uncertainty about what she really wanted deepened, and every time she spoke with Cormac, her resolve crumbled a little further. The pain in his voice when he’d asked if she wanted to wed Cairell had struck her like a blow. It hurt her to imagine that he thought she might desire someone else, but it confused her just as much to admit the reason why.
The crowd roared as Garvan, one of the smaller men who’d just defeated his second opponent, raised his arms in victory. The other man, Mochta, backed quickly off of the smoking coals.
Between the din of the crowd and the commotion of the next two contestants approaching the field to take their turns athoga tonk, Astrid made use of the chaos around her to broach a rather sensitive topic with her brother. Normally, she’d not dare such a conversation in public view, but she knew that no one would be able to hear them over the noise.
“You seemed to be enjoying Catrin’s company yesterday.”
“I thought it prudent to give both women a fair chance,” he replied. “She’s quite a lot of fun.”
“She’s quite young,” Astrid countered. “Sláine is the best choice, and I don’t really see a reason to prolong it any further.
Sitric’s crystal blue gaze turned toward her, piercing her to the spot. “Do I sense a sudden change in your opinion, dear sister?”
“It’s not sudden at all,dear brother,” she shot back. “Mother and I have spent time with both of the brides since last we spoke. And, as you appear determined to uphold your peace with Brian for the time being, you must choose one.And,if you’re going to choose a bride, she may as well be a woman capable of actually helping around here. That woman is Sláine. All politics aside,” she pressed, “she’s the better choice.”
Sitric considered her for a long moment, as though searching for a motive. “I’ll have her accompany me formally to theflyting.”
“Theflyting?” That was the first Astrid had heard of that particular contest.
“I thought that would be a fun one to spring on them without any training,” her brother laughed. “It’ll be more entertaining if they haven’t prepared, and I’m interested to see what sorts of things they can come up with.”
“How will they even know what to do?” Astrid groaned.
“I will explain the rules and show them a few rounds as an example. The more they drink, the more their tongues will loosen. It should prove entertaining, indeed.”
“I see.” Astrid narrowed her eyes. “And when do you intend to spring this on the men?”
