I do not hesitate and mount my horse. “I will ensure your name is safe…for now. But mark my words, if I uncover your deceit or intent to cause us harm, I will destroy you and your bloodline.”
She nods with fear, her bravado soon dying as she knows I’ll make good on my word.
I do not wait for idle words. I must find Emeline as she rides to Wessex, and I originally to Northumbria. I cluck my tongue, my horse knowing time is of the essence. Emeline is no longer safe. Both Saxons and Danes hunt her. For her to risk her beloved England this way can only mean one thing—our children’s lives are in danger.
I do not know how or why. But I do know that I will spend the rest of my days making amends to my family for not shielding them.
I thought I was protecting them because what is safer than a queen in her kingdom? But it seems the gods have another plan for us all.
I don’t bother to ask fellow travelers along the way about Emeline because I fear our allies are long gone. I do not have any trusted confidants. I have chosen to keep to myself over the years, preferring solitude to company. I cannot trust anyone but myself.
But I fear that if I do not find Emeline soon, then I will need to make myself known. A man who has spent years in the shadows does not have friends. The only ally I have is because we share the same interest.
And that is Ulf.
Yes, he is with her.
Does that make me feel better?
No, it does not.
It only cements my failure to protect my family because he is where I should be.
I coax my horse to ride faster, refusing to stop until I find Emeline. I will not stop until I grovel at her feet, begging for forgiveness.
But is it too late?
I fear I know the answer to that.
I peer into the sky and fondly recall the words I once said to Emeline.
“I will always be with you. And when I am not, peer into the skies, and the North Star will remind you of that. North of the stars is always the brightest, just how your light shines within me.”
Those words were spoken a lifetime ago. How we’ve both changed. Regardless of what has happened, my love for Emeline has never wavered. Neither has the love for my children.
My stomach turns at the thought of my boys being in danger. I believed I was doing the right thing by staying away, but Ulf now provides protection in my place.
I want to hate him, but I cannot. He is providing for my family when I cannot. Emeline has every right to detest me. And I will accept that fate because I deserve it.
I cannot think clearly, and this is the most dangerous way to ride. This is when errors are made. I cannot afford such oversights because my family’s safety is at stake. When I see a camp in the distance, I decide to stop.
In the past, I wouldn’t have.
But now, I cannot ride blind.
Emeline and Ulf will not leave a trail behind, as they do not want to be hunted. They wish to remain incognito. Just as I do. The only way I will be able to find them is with an army behind me. The time to remain hidden is no more.
Skarth the Godless has arisen from the shadows, and it’s time to make some fucking noise.
I ride toward the camp, making my presence known, which is so unlike how I would usually ride. My people emerge when they see me, instantly recognizing who I am. Skarth the Godless was once a myth. But now, I am here and prepared to pay what I must.
“I mean you no harm!” I shout, raising my hands in surrender.
My people view me with skepticism in their eyes. I do not blame them. They are wise to approach me with caution. I have been neither here nor there. But now, I need them.
“I come because I need your help.”
Many scoff, turning their noses up at my request. They have every right to. I have turned my back on most, so they owe me nothing. I am an outlaw. A traitor. A lone wolf. My people do not owe me a single thing. But I can only hope Odin rewards the sacrifices I’ve made.
