‘You can stay in the Normans’ house, right next door,’ Lana suggested. ‘It sits empty.’
Roul frowned. ‘Where did they go?’
‘They headed north about a year back.’ Lana looked suitably heartbroken. ‘We’ve not heard from them since.’
Wilona forced a smile. ‘We tried to help, but with eight children…’ She took a moment to compose herself. ‘We keep the house tidy for them, in case they return one day.’
‘It has two rooms,’ Odella said, looking at Eda, ‘so you won’t have to share with the men.’
Eda smiled appreciatively. ‘That’s very thoughtful, but I’d honestly sleep anywhere right now. It’s been a long day.’
Wilona brought a hand to her throat. ‘What was I thinking? You must all be exhausted and frozen solid. Why don’t you put your horses in the pigpen, then come inside for some soup? Perfect timing as the pot is full. The girls can go prepare the house for you.’
When his sisters went to leave, Roul said, ‘Don’t light the hearth. Better not to draw attention to the fact that the house is occupied.’
‘Why does your donkey not have a halter?’ his father asked, peering around him.
Roul sighed. ‘It’s not our donkey. The animal followed us here.’
‘His name is Basil,’ Eda said. ‘We thought you might have use for him.’
Clive laughed at the suggestion. ‘We have enough trouble keeping chickens. Meat doesn’t last long around these parts. An animal like that will make us a target.’
Roul’s stomach twisted at the thought of thieves coming to his home when he was not here to protect his family. Queen Fayre could replace what was stolen, but she could not stop them from coming.
‘They mean no harm,’ his father said, reading his expression. ‘If you give them what they want, they go on their way. I suggest you sell the donkey in Dolgellau when you pass through.’
Eda walked by with both their horses and the donkey.
‘Let me do that,’ Roul said, going after her. ‘You go on inside.’ Yes, he was breaking his own rules again. Perhaps the sight of her crouched in the stream trying to wash away her guilt was too fresh in his mind. He wanted her to rest.
‘I can do it,’ Eda said. ‘You go spend time with your family.’
Wilona walked over and took Eda’s arm, leading her towards the house. ‘There will be plenty of time for that. Let’s get you washed up and fed.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll help him,’ Clive said, taking one of the horses. ‘Many hands make light work. Finger count is irrelevant.’ He chuckled at his own joke.
Eda looked back at Roul as she was led away. He winked, reassuring her, then headed for the pigpen.
* * *
Wilona ladled watery soup into bowls and handed them to Eda and the defenders. The men were seated at the table, playing dice. Eda was perched on a stool close to the hearth, savouring every hot mouthful as she edged closer to the flames.
‘Any closer and your hair will catch alight,’ Wilona said, pulling up another stool.
Eda swallowed another mouthful of soup. ‘I didn’t realise how cold I was until you sat me here.’
‘You’ll thaw out soon enough.’ Wilona watched her eat for a moment. ‘Tell me. How did you come to be stuck with this lot?’
‘They needed a female who wouldn’t die.’ Eda placed the now empty bowl beside her and leaned on her knees.
‘Roul mentioned in one of his letters that you were good with a bow.’ She gestured to the weapon on the floor beside Eda. ‘It appears you can handle a sword as well.’
Eda was curious as to what else Roul had said about her in those letters. ‘I’ve been fortunate enough to have your son as a teacher. He’s very good at what he does, and the men really respect him.’
‘I’ve no doubt,’ Wilona replied, pride in her voice. ‘Does he seem happy there?’ She waved a hand. ‘It’s so difficult to get a full picture of his life from his letters.’
Eda thought about what her own mother would want to hear under these circumstances. ‘He’s built a temporary life you would be proud of, but he misses his family.’
