“Don’t worry, Fergus. You will remain as steward,” King Rhun said, waving a hand dismissively at the man. “I sent you to Car Luel for your safety, Maithgemm, not because I had removed Caelin’s rights to his own lands. They are still his and if you wish to returnto them, then I will arrange it. Unless you would prefer to return to the Norse settlement? In which case, Caelin’s lands will be forfeit, as I will not have them controlled by my… ally.”
Arne and Ulf exchanged another glance. King Rhun had been going to say enemy and he wanted them to know it.
“There is nothing for me with the Norse.” Gemma remained facing her brother as she spoke, and Arne knew her mind was made up. He steeled himself against the disappointment. It was for the best. He couldn’t offer her son a title, nor lands, only wealth. And that would never be enough. They were better off here. Arne was sure Cenydd would ensure their safety, even if the prospect of allowing another man to do so caused an irrational feeling of resentment towards Cenydd.
“Your son’s lands will be restored, sister. Do not fear. Now, if that is all, Norsemen.” King Rhun flicked his hand, dismissing them. Arne was surprised when Lord Cenydd spoke.
“And what of justice for Lord Cadell? It seems wrong to allow the man responsible for his murder to regain his position like this.”
King Rhun kept his gaze on Lord Cenydd and sighed before he spoke. “Lord Cenydd, you may have to accept, as I have, that our dear friend and kinsman, Lord Cadell, may have been more heavily influenced by the Norsemen than we had previously realised. Marcant was rightly concerned about the influence of the Norsemen in our lands. We have made our peace.”
“Then Marcant should have come to you, not dispensed justice himself,” Cenydd insisted.
“Perhaps. But your cousin is married to the jarl. She has recently birthed his children. Cadell’s loyalties were divided. We must ensure the safety and prosperity of our own people first.”
“And the safety and prosperity of all the people of Strathclyde is your goal as king?”
“Only a fool would think I wished for anything else,” Rhun replied. For a long moment it seemed as if everyone in the great hall held their breath. “Are you a fool, Lord Cenydd?”
The silence grew and Arne thought Cenydd was going to say more, but after a glance at his advisor, Anwyl, who was seated beside him, he shook his head and sat back down. The young man’s expression was now carefully blank. Cadell’s death had resulted in him inheriting lands that would never otherwise have been his. Cenydd had nothing to lose and everything to gain by supporting Rhun, but clearly Marcant’s presence still rankled and he seemed also to have little love for the king who had made him a lord.
“I am, of course, grateful to the Norsemen for returning you safely,” Rhun said. “Queen Eithne and Prince Eochaid will also be delighted to see both you and Caelin.”
“Perhaps, King Rhun, your sister would be willing to share with us how she managed to escape from Alt Clut. We know the Norsemen were influencing Cadell’s actions. It might be sensible to ensure your sister is not similarly affected,” Marcant said.
Rhun leaned forward, running his finger over his lips as he observed her for a long moment. “Well, sister? Is Lord Marcant correct? Are you beholden to the Norsemen for your rescue from Alt Clut?”
“I am beholden to no one. Caelin and I walked through the gates of Alt Clut alone. Perhaps Lord Marcant should speak to the guards on duty at the time.”
“Princess Maithgemm, the holy men were concerned about your disappearance the morning after a group of Norse traders had arrived at Alt Clut. Did you leave with them?” Marcant said.
“Why would I join a group of Norse traders, Lord Marcant? Perhaps my brother may wish to know why so many villagers at that time were leaving their homes and heading for Alt Clut.”
“There is plenty to discuss, Princess Maithgemm,” agreed Marcant. “But the news that I have received a full pardon from your brother for all my actions must be remembered. These were done with only the best interests of the kingdom at heart. I gathered an army, yes, but at no time did I use it against the king. Why would I? And you cannot deny that you and your son were not mistreated during your time at Alt Clut.”
“Apart from denying us our freedom—”
“The holy men assured me they were simply keeping you safe.”
There was a long moment of silence.
“Has Marcant also been forgiven the crimes committed in his name against his fellow Britons, those he held captive after the murder of Lord Cadell?” Ulf stepped forward, refusing to back down even if it was clear his audience was not responsive.
Rhun flinched and his grip on the mug of ale he was holding noticeably tightened. Clearly the king had pardoned Marcant for his own reasons, but that did not mean he had either forgiven or forgotten what had been done in his name. Perhaps he did not know everything. “The treatment of Britons is not your concern, Norseman. We will discuss these issues later, and in private, Lord Marcant. I am sure my sister and her son are tired and need to eat, then rest. Take their belongings to one of the royal rooms and return to show them the way once they have eaten,” King Rhun ordered a serving woman.
Gemma gave the woman her pack, but Caelin refused to pass over the cubs. It was only when the woman peered in and smiled in delight that Caelin reluctantly handed them over. “You can bear witness as we pay the reward money, sister. After that there will be no further reason for the Norsemen’s presence here.”
Gemma and Caelin sat down next to Lord Fergus. At least she was as far from Marcant as it was possible to be at the table.
“I am sure Princess Maithgemm will confirm we have been hospitable during any time she chose to spend with us.” Ulf looked toGemma for confirmation. “Our jarl’s concern, however, is who will be lord of the lands of Ir Ysgyn, as they lie across the firth from our own. Shall we inform him that Lord Caelin’s lands will be returned to him— remaining as they are now under the stewardship of Lord Fergus—until he reaches his majority?”
“My nephew’s future is of great importance to me, Norseman. Lord Fergus has been overseeing the lands but always with the expectation that Caelin would take over once he reaches his majority. Nothing will change there.”
“Lord Fergus replaced Lord Marcant. With Marcant’s return, will Fergus retain control?” asked Gemma.
“For now, yes. There is no need for you to worry, sister. I will ensure you are taken care of.”
“Have Lord Marcant’s lands been returned to him?” Gemma pressed, keeping her gaze on the man who had wanted to use her son for his own ends.
