She frowned at the lack of warriors on the battlements—she would have to concentrate all of her forces at the harbour gates, as that’s where the enemy would sail in to attack. But it meant she would have fewer men around the back sections of the wall, which were higher up and a key position to spot oncoming ships. When the attack eventually arrived, she would have little warning of it. ‘I only wish the rest of the ships had returned with you.’
Oddmund shrugged, as if dismissing her concern. ‘We have enough men to keep them out. King Sven will follow shortly with our other ships. He thought it best to warn you first and, as the Saxon Kings were forming an army to retaliate, he needed all men at his disposal.’
Skadi didn’t like that answer.
Whatrightdid King Sven have to dictate where and when her ships sailed?
She had to hope they would arrive soon. She did not want a long siege, as it would put her people in danger from disease and famine. The grain stores needed replenishing and, because of Sven’s raiding, they had already been delayed. ‘But they are returning, yes? King Sven will be here soon?’
‘Of course, Queen Skadi. King Sven would never betray you.’
She gave a low grunt of acknowledgement, not entirely convinced, as King Sven cared more about himself than anyone else. However, she had no reason to doubt Oddmund, he had always been a loyal man. But it did strike her as odd that after such a heinous crime, Agnar would still not arrive before Oddmund’s returning ship.
‘I do not like all of this waiting,’ she said, speaking more to herself than Oddmund. ‘If Agnar wants Thrudheim’s crown, why has he not come? Why the delay?’
‘Perhaps King Sven has already captured and punished him for killing Heimdall? Or, the Usurper is seeking reinforcements before attacking? King Sven was worried that Agnar might seek aid from his enemies. If he has a large enough army, and he manages to conquer Thrudheim, it will be difficult for King Sven to help us.’ Oddmund scratched and tugged at his blond beard thoughtfully. ‘Your Highness, it might be wise to consider King Sven’s offer.’
Marriage.
Skadi’s stomach twisted, but it was not for herself that she worried, but her daughter. Astra was the bride he wanted and it sickened her. ‘Childbirth is a battlefield for women,notchildren.’
‘I am sure he does not expect—’
‘She will not leave me until she is a grown woman,’ snapped Skadi. This wasn’t the first time Oddmund, or even Heimdall, had tried to change her mind about an alliance between Sven and her daughter. She could understand their logic. Promising Astra to King Sven would ensure an alliance between their two kingdoms that went above the trade of grain and silver. It would safeguard Thrudheim from further attacks, not only from Agnar, but from any other petty king or powerful man who sought to steal her kingdom from her.
However, Sven wanted Astra toimmediatelyjoin his court and that disturbed her, for many reasons. Sven was older than Skadi and already had two wives. Could she condemn her child to marry an old man?
A further alliance with him would also weaken Thrudheim’s sovereignty and force it to become a vassal to Sven’s kingdom. What guarantee did Skadi have that Astra would return to rule Thrudheim after her death?None.Thrudheim needed a ruler on its throne, not a queen held hostage in another kingdom as a third wife!
Not only that, but King Sven had a habit of choosing young brides. Was a marriage with Astra simply to ensure Skadi’s obedience, or was it much worse than that?
Skadi shivered and her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword.
No, she would not do it.
There was no point in offering herself as a bride to any other prince or powerful chieftain. After seeing forty winters and only producing one child despite such a long marriage, it was clear she was no longer seen as a desirable match. Besides, no one would want to challenge King Sven by marrying her.
She needed to hold out against Agnar, Sven and any other petty king who sought to overthrow her, at least until Astra was old enough to marry. Then she could negotiate and find an alternative that suited everyone.
Changing the subject, Skadi asked the one question that had been playing on her mind since Oddmund’s return. ‘Heimdall…was he holding his sword when he died?’
Oddmund nodded. ‘Yes, even in death he held it tightly.’
Gritting her teeth against the sudden and unwelcome grief she felt for a man she had loved and lost years ago, she turned and said loudly, hoping the curious ears of the nearby warriors would hear her, ‘That is a relief. He always said he wished to die in battle. Tonight, our King feasts in Valhalla!’
Murmurs of approval followed her as she made her way down the wooden staircase to the ground. Morale would be important if it came to a siege.
She spotted her daughter in the distance. Astra was running down the wooden path that snaked like a river through the town from the golden hall at the top of the hill. Brenna followed swiftly behind her, the hem of her skirts raised to her knees so she could run after her. Astra was a handful and thankfully Brenna had the patience and youth to deal with her daughter’s excess of energy.
Astra’s pale-blonde braids flew behind her as she ran, her face flushed and her blue eyes bright with excitement. Skadi smiled as she approached, pleased that her daughter seemed to be accepting the loss of her father better with each day that passed. She supposed it was because Astra had barely known him anyway, considering how often he went raiding or hunting.
‘The cat’s had her kittens!’ yelled Astra, skidding to a halt in front of her, before grabbing her hand and pulling Skadi along to follow.
‘How many?’
‘Three!’ exclaimed Astra. ‘Is your work on the defences done? Can you come see them?’
Skadi nodded, giving Oddmund a meaningful look over her shoulder. ‘Rotate the watches regularly. I want to know as soon as any ships are spotted.’
