Still, not all disagreements were interrupted, and many ended in bloodshed. One man, whom Brenna was grateful she did not know, lost his life in what had started as a friendly test of strength. It was deplorable that such things were allowed to happen, and even more so that the winner was cheered for his victory.
Brenna was learning well the importance of strength among these people. It was considered the highest virtue. Without strength, a man was a failure; he brought shame upon his family. Brenna supposed a Vikingwouldrather die than lose a test of strength.
Tall tales were bandied about by one and all, and jests and chiding followed. Brenna became subdued as she heard Anselm repeating the tale of her capture. He had embellished it greatly, yet her courage could not be denied. Brenna watched Morna listen to the tale with obvious disbelief. She would dearly love to get that blonde viper alone and teach her a thing or two.
Her wish was nearly granted a while later, when the hour grew late and most were sodden with drink. Morna persuaded her brother to escort her home, and waited at the door while he went for her cloak. Brenna quickly intercepted Perrin when he was alone.
“You have not enjoyed the feast, Perrin?”
He looked utterly embarrassed. “Nay. I know my sister was not welcome here, yet she insisted I bring her.”
“Tell me, Perrin, is it true she has designs on Garrick again?”
“Yea, she has said as much,” he admitted. “Does this displease you?”
“Only if Garrick would be fool enough to jump into a fire that has already burned him.”
“Let us hope he never becomes such a fool.”
Brenna grinned. “You do not favor an alliance between them?”
“Morna is my sister, an unfortunate truth I cannot undo. What she did to Garrick, my closest friend, I have never forgiven.”
Brenna looked thoughtful. “You have not bid your host farewell. Do so, Perrin. I will take your sister’s cloak to her.”
He held back, alarm crossing his face. “Nay, wench. My sister begrudges you Garrick’s attention. She would be more than pleased to remind you of your status.”
“Do you fear for me?”
He shook his head and grinned. “I know you. ’Tis my sister who would be in danger.”
Brenna laughed. “Then may I walk you to the door? With you there, surely no problems will arise.”
He appeared reluctant, but finally Brenna’s winsome smile won him over and he agreed. They met an impatient Morna at the door. By now she was thoroughly vexed, and turned on her brother heatedly.
“I cannot believe that you would keep me waiting here while you talk with this slave!” Morna hissed through clenched teeth, her face livid with anger. “How could you embarrass me this way, Perrin?”
“You did not wait long, Morna,” he answered tiredly.
“If you had spoken with anyone else I would not have minded,” Morna continued indignantly. “But that you should keep me waiting—because ofher!Do you not consort enough with her when you visit Garrick?”
Perrin reddened. “That is not the way of it, Morna. Garrick will not share this girl with anyone. He keeps her only for himself.” He said this truth with relish.
His words angered the blonde widow even more, and Brenna was hard pressed to contain her mirth.
Morna looked at Brenna with cold contempt. “Put my wrap on me, slave!” When Brenna stared blankly at her, she turned back to Perrin. “You speak her tongue. Tell her what I demand.”
Perrin’s eyes narrowed. “You go too far, sister. Brenna is not yours to order about.”
Morna glared at him, her blue eyes smoldering. “She is a slave; now tell her!”
“What is your sister shouting about?” Brenna asked innocently.
Perrin sighed. “Odin help me. She demands you put her cloak on. She merely wishes to take her anger out on you, Brenna.”
Brenna smiled. “There is no problem, Perrin. Simply tell her I refuse. Then hand her the cloak and leave. ’Tis an easy enough solution.”
Perrin shook his head in doubt, but handed the cloak to his sister. “Brenna will not do your bidding, Morna. Now come along,” he said and left the hall.
