“Before you continue, I’ll tell you what I told Captain Arlanson,” he interrupted. “I am loyal to the people first and foremost. Whoever is in their best interest is who I will support. I cannot be swayed by flowery words and empty promises.”
“Latham has been here.” It was not a question, but he answered her readily.
“Yes. The captain has been ... persistent.” Solveig was worried for all of two seconds before she caught the irritation in the jarl’s voice and the deep frown on his usually friendly face.
“I see. Well, one of the reasons I wished to speak with you was about my position, yes. However, I was going to ask you to tell me about the months I was missing. I’m sorry for not being here sooner to discuss it, but it has been a difficult transition for me.” The fact that she could evenadmit that spoke volumes of how much she trusted the male. His face softened and he looked a little chagrined.
“Yes, of course, General Tordottir. I’m sorry for assuming.”
“Please do not apologize for upholding the integrity of your post.”
He nodded. “I’m not sure what you’ve already heard, but I will try to give you a succinct account of what happened.”
“I would greatly appreciate that, and please do not try to spare my feelings.”
He took a deep breath. “The beginning was chaos. When the raiders returned, families rushed out to see who’d made it home. Sighs of relief were heard all through the camp at the reunions.” That made Solveig smile. “But when Latham, not you, brought up the rear, we were shocked. I honestly don’t know how long the silence lasted. Then everyone was yelling over each other with questions and accusations. Gerrie called a clan meeting, and within ten minutes, everyone was gathered to hear what happened.
“The captain was not there to defend himself—Laeknir had taken him immediately to the infirmary. You would’ve thought the people were ready to storm the hospital with torches and pitchforks. Gerrie was not forgiving in her telling.
“You were probably right to not make her your second—she was quite frightening.” Solveig chuckled at that, but her laughter died quickly as he continued. “It took Captain Arlanson about three days to recover, and in that time, Maddock returned. Gerrie informed us of his desertion, but he came back to Vanaheim bandaged up, telling us he had been struck with a poison and had to leave or face death. I do not wish to speak ill of other realms, but I don’t trust Jotunheim or its prince.
“Unfortunately, most believed him, and Maddock spoke in favour of Captain Arlanson, calling him a hero. Gerrie was furious. But the seeds of doubt were sown, and when the captain gathered the legion, hetold a harrowing version of the story in which hismisdemeanourwas but a small step outside the lines rather than the disgraceful choice it was.
“He quickly established his place as general and buckled under Jotunheim’s pressure to ally with them. He demoted several people and promoted others, currying much favour.”
He paused while Solveig took it all in. She hadn’t known such changes had occurred. By the look of things, Quillon didn’t agree with Latham’s choices.
“Who exactly did he replace?” Solveig asked hesitantly. Quillon took a deep breath.
“All the females.”
A heartbeat passed before Solveig’s magic surged, the air charging around her. The jarl seemed confused about where the shift had come from. She stilled, trying to calm herself.
“All the females?”
He nodded.
“Including Gerrie?”
Rage crossed Quillon’s face and Solveig abruptly stood.What. The. Fuck. Gerrie hadn’t told her this.
She tried to keep her voice steady. “Thank you. I’ll be back to hear the rest, but I have some business I must attend to.”
Quillon nodded in understanding. “I am sorry for all that you endured, General Tordottir. Your loss was felt here. Captain Arlanson has pretty words and grand promises, and I will always support those who act over those who simply speak.”
“Thank you, Jarl Bjornson.” She untied Helle and walked her back to the stables.
A lethal calm settled over her, drawing whispers as rage sprouted inside her, filling her with determination. She could not let this go unpunished, position be damned. She took her time with Helle,letting the emotions move through her. Making a rash decision wouldn’t help, especially not in front of her people.
Within minutes of exiting the stables, she heard the sounds of running footsteps. Soon enough, Gerrie caught up to her.
“Solveig, what’s happening?” Solveig could not answer. “People are nervous, and I’m not surprised. You look like ... Well, you look fucking pissed.”
“I am fucking pissed, Gerrie.” She whirled on her. “How could you not tell me?” she hissed. Gerrie stared blankly at her until it clicked. Solveig had rarely seen Gerrie falter.
“You were dealing with so much and I didn’t want—” But Solveig’s glare silenced her.
“How could you keep this from me? You tell me I need to deal with my problems. That I’m not fit to lead, and then I hear you’ve been keepingthisfrom me? How can I lead when I don’t trust my people?” Gerrie flinched as though Solveig had struck her, but Solveig was past caring.
