“I will do my best, my lord,” she said. “Did you bring the spike with the poison on it?”
“Aye, here it is. Be careful with it.” Giric removed it from his pocket and placed it on the side table near the bed. Lady Fraser placed a drop of water over it and they both watched at how the reaction had no effect.
“Is that bad?” he asked.
“Nay, that is good. It means the poison is most likely plant based and so can be flushed out by getting her to drink water.”
“Do you think they were trying to kill her or incapacitate her?”
“Considering her current state I believe they were trying to kill her, but misjudged the dose. They could not have guessed her size or strength otherwise she would not be breathing right now.”
“And have you gleaned the poison?”
“Aye, but I want Freydis to examine her as well.”
Freydis swiftly examined Saga and the spike. She touched it on the tip of her tongue despite Lady Fraser’s urgings and smiled.
“’Tis belladonna, m’lord. Wolfsbane. Your wife will live but she will be weak for some time. I have potions that will help flush the poison from her body, but your biggest worry right now is if she was carrying a bairn. I know you are just wed, so ’tis probably too soon, but that amount of poison would surely kill a bairn though not your wife. She is as strong as any man I’ve attended, yourself included. She will live.”
“Lady Fraser, go with Freydis, aid her in any way you can with her potions and I expect both of you to be here at all times whilst my wife recovers, is that clear?”
“And where do you go?” Lady Fraser asked.
“I go to send word to her brother. We have much to prepare,” he said as he smoothed the hair on Saga’s forehead and kissed her softly. “Get better swiftly, my love,” he whispered. “I need my shield-maiden recovered and by my side for the coming battle.”
At the door he turned and regarded both women. “You will tell no one of her progress. Do you understand? No one comes into this chamber and you do not leave it until my return. I will arrange for food to be delivered to you. Go and see to your potions and make enough for three days, or better yet, bring it all up here. I do not want anyone to know how ill she is or if she still lives. Do you ken?”
“Aye, my lord,” Lady Fraser said.
Giric left and found Aislin outside pacing. “You will not enter this chamber under any circumstances, do you understand?”
“Giric, will Saga live or not?”
“I cannot say that at the moment, but I need to go send word to her brother. This is a serious business, sister, and I need you to do exactly as I say. I want you to stay in the chamber across from this one and watch through the keyhole to see who comes and goes. I know this may mean some sleepless time for you, but it’s important you do this. Can I trust you?”
“Aye, you certainly can, brother, I will have my meals brought up here and will not leave until you tell me to.” That would suit Aisling, since she was not one to enjoy being around many people.
That meant three people were assigned a duty. Now for the rest of the suspects in a long line of who could have been involved here. Osgar had put some doubt in his head about his sister and he’d already had them about Lady Fraser but he was certain this business was beyond any agenda she may have. He absolutely trusted Freydis and also knew she always carried a concealed weapon as a good Norsewoman would. He also knew a thing or two about belladonna and by Saga’s reaction, realized she should regain her strength within a few days. The only factor remaining for her safety was his presence, and he was determined to not leave her side until she was recovered fully. Unfortunately, he had to send word to her brother. Gunnar needed to know he was in much more danger than he realized and he’d have to see reason that Giric could not come to his aid right at that moment. Rather it was safer for Gunnar and his people to come to him. Though he realized there would be no way he’d leave the village without defences.
Nay, Giric needed to make a choice for all of them and he needed to make it swiftly.
At the bottom of the stairs he located Osgar.
“How does she fare?”
“She’s been poisoned by wolfsbane.”
“Christ’s teeth, Giric. There is nothing to be determined from the assassin’s bodies. More darts and some small blades, but all we could see was white foam at their mouths and that they are dead. Giric, who would send them?”
“I am starting to glean an idea. We need to send word to Gunnar. I cannot tell the man to bring everyone here for safety, but I believe his enemies on Islay are in a closer position to attack than he realizes. Either way, send word and tell him his sister has been poisoned but will live. Send this by someone you trust.”
“I will take it myself. I do not trust a carrier pigeon for this. Is there anything else you would like him to know?”
“Aye. Tell him to trust no one. And take Vigdis with you to prove to Gunnar we are still on the same side. Keep her safe.”
The two men clasped arms and parted. Giric was certain Osgar would get the message to Gunnar. The two had fought in battle many times and knew exactly how the other would react in each situation. The fact that Osgar could be walking into a trap would not be lost on him.
Giric made his way to the kitchen to talk to the cook. “I will be away for a few days,” he said loudly. “Ensure meals are brought to my wife’s chamber for her and her ladies and leave them outside.”
