Giric took his hands away and moved to stand in front of her so he could see her expression. “Now open them.”
Saga slowly opened her eyes and gazed at the sight. The village of Prestwick was really a township and a busy place by any standard. Inhabiting close to 1000 souls, it was a gateway to the inner countryside and the last main point of rest for travellers to Glasgow.
“It is much larger than I expected.”
“Aye, it is no small village. Many of the people who work here have some affiliation with the castle, but it is also on a well travelled road which is why you will see taverns and other shops you wouldn’t normally see in a village that only supports a castle.”
“Can we go down there now?”
“Aye, in a few minutes. The horses need another little while to rest. We rode them hard to get here, though there is a shorter way.”
“Why did we not take it?”
“Because you were in the lead and I could not catch up.”
Slipping her arm around his waist, she leaned into him and said, “It is beautiful here.”
“Aye, that it is. Do you think you can be happy here?”
She lowered her head for a moment, and looked up. “That will depend on how I am received. It is clear that some will not accept me, now or ever. But there may be some who can see me for who I am and not judge me for what my people have done here.”
He did not want to respond. She understood the gravity of the situation and there was no point in adding to that. The fact that she was here and interested in peace was enough. Everyone else would understand in time.
She heard the bushes rattle to her left. Giric put his finger to his lips as an enormous feline emerged. It sniffed the air and gave them a curious glance and retreated through the trees.
“Highland wildcats are clever, stealthy, and deadly. The smartest thing to do when you encounter one is to ignore it. Even if it comes up to sniff you.”
Saga thought the creature beautiful, but realized the gravity of what a spooked wild animal could wreak.
Once the horses were rested, Giric and Saga rode to the village. They tied up the horses at a local tavern and entered. Of course everyone in the village knew Giric, but the slack- jawed expressions that Saga received might prove taxing if they continued. He was sure news had spread like wildfire of his taking a Viking wife. Hopefully he could keep this visit peaceful and not have her lose all faith in these people. They were inherently good, but superstitious and tended to believe all rumours. Giric opened the tavern door and they went inside.
Chapter Sixteen
The tavern was dark and smelled of peat. A fire crackled in the hearth and something bubbled in a pot above. At mid afternoon, there were surprisingly few people in the establishment, all men except for one woman who wore her shift and gown so low Saga wondered how her breasts remained within the garment. Was that the usual dress for serving maids here, then?
All din ceased as soon as they were noticed. The barkeep, and older man with wild grey hair and cunning eyes motioned them forward. “What can I get for you, m’lord?”
“Ale, Ronwald.”
“Aye, m’lord. Choose a table and I will bring it to you.”
As they sat, she took in those gathered. Some kept to themselves after they sat, but others continued to stare openly. One in particular wore a hooded cape hiding the features of their face, though intense eyes glared at her.
“Who is that?” she asked Giric.
Giric turned to see who she meant and turned back quickly. “He is no one with whom I wish you to acquaint. Stay away from anyone who looks like that, do you understand?”
“I do, but I will keep asking you questions, even if you do not wish to answer.”
“He is a member of the king’s private guard and often when you see one of them around, something bad is about to happen. Come, let’s forget the ale and continue on our tour of the town.”
With that Giric stood, reached for her elbow and lifted until she had no choice but to stand. He walked with her over to the counter, dropped some coin on the counter and left.
“Giric, what was that all about?
“There are more dangers about than potential raids from your people,” he said.
That comment was a little irritating considering the vows they had both taken and the peace accord struck.
