Astrid’s hand plucked restlessly at the furs. ‘They could have attacked earlier at any time before the service. Drengr would have done, knowing that the coalition was unstable. Turgeis is no fool, even if I have my doubts about the other two.’
‘You are speaking in riddles.’
‘There must be more to the timing. Something to do with Rand’s arrival. Turgeis wanted to send a message to Eire as well as Islay.’
‘No one expected Rand and his men.’
‘Turgeis did. Why else did he wait? Why did he risk discovery, anchored in that bay? Your new husband is the key to solving this mystery. Stick close to him, Svanna. Find the answer, prevent Turgeis from gaining power in Eire and Agthir will be that much safer.’
‘Drengr beat Rand until he could barely see. Somehow, his cousin managed to get them to stop, and they took the first ship away from Agthir.’
Astrid gave her a level look. ‘Drengr rarely did anything without a reason.’
‘Someone told him that Rand and I were having a flirtation—or perhaps more than a flirtation.’ Svanna tensed. ‘Rand only remembers a few details, but he remembered the reason given. It was why he kissed me before he went in to save you. He vowed that one day he’d kiss your daughter in truth. Rumours apparently swirled about me being easy meat for men.’
‘How did Drengr obtain that idea? Your nurse and I watched you very closely. The rumours were young men’s fantasies. How did Helga put it—“Young warriors speak with something other than their mouths and should not be listened to”.I then told her“but young women should be protected from them”. She agreed to keep her eyes on you. I know you found it hard to be watched closely, but I didn’t want you put in an impossible situation with one of those warriors.’
‘I’ve no idea.’ Svanna looked at her hands. Helga had kept a close watch out afterwards, but she never explained why. Perhaps if she had confessed what had happened to her all those years ago, things would have been different. But it was too late for regrets.
Astrid’s face showed sudden concern. ‘Did you know about the beating Rand received from Drengr before you married?’
‘I learned about it when he arrived here.’ She took a deep breath and knew for the second time that day she’d have to confess. ‘He remembers very little of what happened immediately prior to the beating, but he accepts that I played no part. But I’d spoken with him. Alone, without you or my nurse present. I don’t how Drengr and his sons learned of it.’
Astrid made a temple of her fingers. ‘Have you told him about your unwitting part?’
‘This morning.’
‘Did you tell him voluntarily?’
‘It slipped out. After…well, I knew I had to say the words.’
Astrid sighed. ‘Sometimes, Svanna, I’m amazed at your honesty, but at least that shadow is no longer between you.’
She closed her eyes and Rand’s appalled expression rose before her. ‘I fear the marriage might be over before it has properly begun. I doubt I will ever gain his trust. And without that, how can I be an effective voice for Agthir in Eire?’
‘It alters things in some ways and yet not in others.’ Astrid held out her hand. Svanna grasped it. ‘I shan’t blame you for that, but your marriage isn’t over. Solid reasons for its existence remain. Face the future and not the past.’
‘I thought that I could remain here, looking after you. Not for ever, but until you are better. Then I can travel to Eire. Or even back to Agthir.’
Astrid’s grip tightened. ‘Your mother wasn’t a coward. I didn’t raise you to be one either. Why are you giving in to your fear instead of fighting for your marriage—a marriage you made because you swore it was vital for your country?’
Svanna widened her eyes. Cowardice? She had done the prudent thing, escaping before Rand turned from her in disgust. Why had she allowed the ice shield to fall even the slightest fraction? ‘Someone needs to look after you.’
‘That someone is not you. Your place is with your husband, whom you insisted on marrying. I refuse to be used as a shield.’
Svanna pressed her hands against her eyes. ‘Why? What do you know that I have overlooked?’
‘He needs this marriage as much as you do. Maybe more so. But everyone witnessed that kiss you shared during the marriage ceremony. And you’ve little idea if you have lost his regard.’
Svanna hated that a small tendril of hope sprang in her breast. Inwardly, she resolved to think logically instead of sighing after him. Perhaps becoming friends with his daughter would be a way to earn his regard. She knew she wanted to be a good mother to the little girl.
‘I’m unafraid of hard work. I will go.’
‘Keep to the path you have chosen. You may yet avert disaster.’
* * *
‘Do you want the ship ready to go on the next tide?’ his helmsman asked.
