When they entered the vestibule that led to the great hall, they found two familiar figures waiting for them.
“Oskar! Emeric!” Kai cried, striding over to them as fast as his legs could carry him. “Ye are all right!” He clapped each one on the shoulder in turn, smiling broadly. He looked them over and let out a breath he didn’t even realize he’d been holding. Even in the weak light of the torches, he could see that neither seemed to be carrying injuries. They looked tired but whole.
Oskar smiled in greeting and Emeric gripped Kai’s arm tightly in a brotherly embrace. “It is good to finally get here,” he said gruffly, but with no little emotion in his voice. “I doubt I’ve ever ridden so far so fast. Lord Brochan was very determined to get here before Snarlsson.”
Kai stepped back and looked at him shrewdly. “How many of the Order are with ye?” he asked.
Oskar and Emeric exchanged a look. “We’ve brought two hundred fighters,” Oskar said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty. “And that is not all.” He shifted. “Lord Brochan will explain.”
“Let us go in then,” Kai replied.
They strode into the great hall and found the cavernous space full of people and noise. Kai recognized many of the faces and he called out greetings. But there were people here he didn’t know as well. There was a group of tall, pale-haired strangers dressed not like highlanders in their plaid and trews, but in thick, heavy cloaks and high boots.
Kai crossed to where Lorna and Tobias stood with two men. One he recognized immediately. Lord Brochan MacLeod, grandson of Laird Callum Sutherland and de facto leader of the Order of the Osprey now that Laird Callum was an old man, was difficult to miss. He was tall and thickly set with russet hair and eyes a startling amber color. The other man, Kai did not recognize. He was older than Kai and had white-blond hair that fell to his shoulders in braids. He was dressed in rich gear with gold brocade trim.
Brochan turned as Kai approached and broke into a grin. “There ye are,” he cried. “Kai, Magnus, Conall. It seems we owe ye a debt. Ye’ve put our enemy within our grasp at last.”
“I think it’s the other way around,” Kai said, taking Brochan’s arm in the warrior grip. “Thank ye for coming so quickly. Ye dinna know how relieved I am to see ye. And the warriors ye bring.”
Brochan nodded. “Aye, we’ve seen some bad days these past few weeks,” he said grimly. “But ye’ve done a right fine job thwarting the bastards so far, Kai.” He looked then to the white-haired stranger. “And I bring allies. Kai, might I introduce ye to His Majesty, King John of Denmark and Norway.”
Kai’s eyes widened in shock. Then, remembering his manners, he dropped to one knee, followed by his men. “Yer Majesty,” he said softly. “I am honored.”
King John gave a small, wry smile and indicated for them to rise. “The honor is mine,” he said in a deep voice that held a slight accent. He faced Kai and fixed him with a piercing gaze.
“Word reached me that you were tracking Leif Snarlsson. It seems then, that we have common cause.”
“I heard that Leif Snarlsson was wanted in yer court,” Kai said. “But I didnae expect ye to come join the hunt.”
John’s jaw clenched and he looked away. “Snarlsson attacked a ship traveling from Copenhagen to Oslo. The ship sank and everyone on board was lost.” His eyes met Kai’s. “One of those on board was my daughter. I will do whatever it takes to have my vengeance.”
Kai nodded. That was a sentiment he could understand.
Tobias stepped forward and bowed to King John and Lord Brochan. “Your lodgings are ready, Your Majesty, my lord,” he said. “You must be weary from your journey. Might I suggest you retire and we convene in the morning for a war council? “
“Aye,” said Brochan. “It’s late and we can do no more tonight. With yer agreement, yer Majesty?”
King John nodded. “Agreed. We’ll gather here at first light and decide what’s to be done. Until then, rest.” He gave Kai an encouraging smile. “We shall make short work of Leif Snarlsson, so ye can rest easy tonight.”
“My lords, if I may,” Lorna said, moving to stand beside her husband. “If ye follow the serving staff, we will get everyone settled for the night.”
The servants began bustling about, organizing themselves and their guests into groups of twos and threes and leading them to their assigned places. Soon enough, through Lorna’s guidance, places for sleeping had been found for everyone and the great hall slowly emptied.
Kai found himself alone with his men. The candles were burning down and the great hall was full of dancing shadows.
Tomorrow, he thought.It all begins tomorrow.
He blew out a breath. God help him, he was tired. His thoughts flicked to Caitlin. He ached to see her, to tell her everything, but it was the middle of the night. Let her sleep while she still could.
Bidding goodnight to his men, he left the great hall and walked back to his room alone.
