Tormod stood and paced to the small chink in the wall. Outside the fire crackled in the centre of the village. A number of people stood around it drinking, but there was tension in every one of them as their gazes were regularly drawn towards the hall.
“I am sorry,” she said at last.
“What for?”
“For whatever I have done to displease you.”
“What do you know of the animals dying?”
There was a long silence while he continued to stare outside. He had hoped his marriage would mark the start of better fortunes, but everything seemed to keep going wrong. He looked at his wife to find her watching him.
“Only what Ulf told us.”
“Last night. How did you know?”
“I told you, I dreamt about it. I saw cattle falling to their knees and dying.” She shivered. “A huge pile of them, burning.”
“You have been out at Håkon’s farm every day.”
“At your suggestion. Do you think I am to blame for this?”
“You were sick yesterday and now the cattle are sick today. Perhaps those things are linked?”
“If they are, then did you consider that maybe I am not to blame, that perhaps I am also a victim?”
Tormod frowned, then grunted in acknowledgement.
“I have visited Håkon’s farm at your bidding, tried to do everything you asked. I have worked with Magda, taught her my language, and tried to learn yours. Every day I have walked overthere.” She stopped and waited until he looked at her. “I have looked after Elisedd, I said I would care for your son, I have willingly shared your bed, but it’s not enough, is it? I am sorry I am ill, perhaps for being with child when you don’t want another child… at least not with me.”
He searched her face for any trace of deception and found none. “That is not—”
“Tormod!” Ulf shouted from the corridor. When there was a loud banging on the door Tormod tutted, then stood up and strode towards it. “One moment,” he shouted, then leaned against the door and turned to face her. “Whatever you know, you must tell me now.”
“I don’t know anything!”
“What is killing the animals? Is that why you are sick or—”
“Ragna thinks it is because I am with child.”
“And you?”
The pause before she spoke told him that there was more to be said. What was she not telling him? Why was she hiding some of the truth from him? Despite Ragna’s words, he felt a leaden weight gathering in his belly at the thought he’d been deceived again.
“How would I know? I am newly married, I have never—” She looked at the ground.
“Why were you beaten?”
“What?”
“Why were you beaten? Why were you sent to the abbey?”
“I told you why.” She met his gaze once more and sounded sincere, but still his suspicion lingered.
“You said that you became ill at Alt Clut and that was why your family left.”
“Yes.”
“And now you are sick again when something strange is happening. And there are the dreams as well.” Tormod stared at her. “Why would your family have you beaten for warning them and saving their lives? Why? Why won’t you tell me?”
