“Hundreds. Men, women, and children,” she reveals, sickening me. “They’re sold to the highest bidder to do what they please. Some are bought as houseslaves, while others are left in the hands of twisted men and women who wish to see if Danes bleed the same as Saxons.”
I want to be sick.
The crucifix brand is to dishonor the Danes and their gods because the Saxons do not believe in anything other than Christianity. The brand is just another way for the Saxons to assert their dominance over the Vikings.
This must stop.
“You confided in me, so I will do the same. I seek out Skarth because my sons, Sune and Loki, have been taken from their beds, and I do not know where they are. I need Skarth to help me find our sons.”
Alruna’s eyes widen. “It would be an honor to help you on your quest. I promised Skarth I would pay my dues even though he never wanted it, but I must do this for myself.”
I understand what she means. She doesn’t want to be indebted to anyone, regardless of whether Skarth sees it this way or not.
“He is in Wessex, then?” I ask because I know Skarth would never leave his people to suffer this way. He would be doing everything in his power to put an end to such atrocities.
“Yes.”
“Then we must leave this instant.”
I attempt to leave, but she grips my wrist. “We cannot leave here until nightfall. Bodil does not want to help as she does not agree with Skarth helping my people.”
“Why not? They are her kinfolks too.”
“She believes they are weak for being captured. Some have submitted to Christian ways and turned their back on the gods, accepting your God as theirs. She sees them as nothing but traitors. But she does not understand…the men, they are cruel.
“We do not have a choice but to submit if we wish to survive. We dishonor the gods, however. There is no victory in surrender.”
“And neither is there in death,” I counter, as Bodil is a fool. “I was once a prisoner too. I understand you do what you must to survive. Why did Bodil provide us sanctuary then if she does not intend to help me?”
“I suspect it has something to do with Ulf,” she reveals while I shake my head.
“That man needs to be neutered.”
She stifles a laugh behind her hand.
“I would be honored to have you ride with me, but please know, you do not owe Skarth or me anything. I ask you to ride with me as I need a trusted ally. I need someone who wishes ill on every bastard Christian who takes without asking.
“England is once again bleeding at the hands of cowardly men. I cannot stand back and allow her to perish. Those who are against us will pay with their heads, and the heads of those they love.”
Alruna’s eyes are animated with talk of revenge because nothing is sweeter than the smell of vengeance on those who’ve wronged you. “I will take you to Skarth and help you take the heads of those who stand in our way.”
I smile because retribution has never felt this good.
Alruna’s spirit reminds me so much of Catherine. She rode back to Northumbria with Lord Louis, Aric in tow. It’s apparent they’ve formed a connection, which puts my mind somewhat at ease, as I trust he will protect her if need be.
I hope it does not come to that, but war is coming, and only the strongest will survive.
Alruna is watching her kinsfolk, waiting for the moment to flee. She knows their routines better than I, so I will await her command when it is safe to flee.
“Two men are guarding Bodil’s camp,” she whispers, eyes never wavering from outside. “They will not sleep. I am unsure we will be able to alert Ulf of our plans.”
“That is a sacrifice I will have to make. He will find me.” And I know he will.
Ulf is smart, and once he realizes I’m gone, he’ll do anything to find me. If Bodil wishes to hold him here against his will, then Godspeed to her.
Alruna nods. “All right, let’s go.”
We both stick to the shadows, becoming one with the night, and thanks to Alruna’s knowledge of her people and the terrain, we are able to sneak away. We are almost at the clearing when an arrow zips past my head and lodges in the trunk of a tree.
