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“It was my honor. I saw how much the tea eased your father’s discomfort.”

“Did it truly?”

He nodded. “The next time I saw him, we were on the battlefield. He was weak but insistent that he participate. He held the line with Wulfhere beside him. The Vikings were unprepared for the heart with which we fought that day. Ultimately, they were forced to retreat.”

Aisley’s wide eyes met his. “But the Saxons were not the victors.”

“We let down our guard.” Bitterness filled his voice. “It should not have happened. When the Vikings retreated, our men—exhausted yet exhilarated—broke ranks to celebrate.” He paused as the memories of that awful scene came flooding back. “I saw your father. He had given his all.”

“It was the illness that took him, then?”

Brecc shook his head. “The Vikings returned, and we were unprepared for them. They swept through the battlefield like howling fiends, slaughtering everyone in their path. Your father was too weak to fight or to run.”

Silent tears were rolling down Aisley’s face. “He did what he set out to do,” she whispered.

“Aye.” He stopped, set the basket on the ground, and raised his hand to gently wipe the tears from her cheeks. She was cold, and he longed to comfort her but did not know how. “He was a good and honorable man, Aisley. He fought for his home, family, and people, and loth though he was to leave you, I believe he was at peace with knowing that his life would likely end on that quest.”

“No matter whether it was his illness that took him or the actions of an invader.” Her voice broke.

“They both take equal amounts of courage, I believe.”

She managed a watery smile. “The last words he spoke to me were of courage. He said that we must be brave together.”

“Losing your father at a young age most certainly required that.”

She looked up at him then, the discernment he was beginning to recognize shining in her tear-filled eyes. “How old were you?”

“Eight years of age. My father was an adviser to King Aethelwulf. He and the king died within a few months of each other. As you know, the kingdom then fell to King Aethelwulf’s older son. Prince Alfred was only ten years of age at the time, and as we were experiencing similar losses, we spent much time together.” He shrugged. “It seemed natural to continue that close association even after he became king.”

“You were brave together,” she said.

“I suppose that is true.”

She took a deep, unsteady breath, then picked up the basket. “It might be best if I return to the longhouse before my mother and sister awaken.”

Brecc nodded. “Even if you return bearing a bounteous crop of cowslip, I believe that would be wise.”

Her tears had stopped, but he suspected her emotions were too fragile for further conversation, so without a word, he offered her his arm, and they started back the way they had come.

Already, the mist was rising, leaving everything in its wake dripping with moisture. A loud plop sounded from the river.

Aisley started, and Brecc gave her arm a comforting squeeze. “A duck diving for its first meal of the day,” he said. “There is a whole family of them living beneath the willows over there.” He pointed to the large tree hanging over the river. “At first, they were rather loud in their disapproval of my being on their portion of the riverbank each morning, but we’ve smoothed things over, and they now tolerate my presence without a single quack.”

This time, Aisley’s smile reached her eyes, and Brecc felt the tightness in his chest ease. He’d likely shared more than he should have with her, but she had lived with the weight of not knowing about her father’s final days for too long. She might need time to ponder what he’d told her and to grieve anew, but he was fully convinced that Aisley was every bit as courageous as her father. She would manage as nobly as Kendryek had.

“I thank you for talking to me so freely.” They were approaching the entrance to the royal estate. Her feet slowed to a stop, and she withdrew her arm from his.

“If my account has caused you pain, I am truly sorry.”

She shook her head. “Your show of trust and understanding means more than I can say.”

“I believe you have exhibited similar amounts of those qualities.”

“Then we are even.” She smiled again, and his heart warmed. “Good day to you, Brecc.”

“Good day, Aisley. Oh, and watch for the cats patrolling near the stables. If caught unawares, they will make almost as much noise as the ducks.”

She nodded. “A valuable warning. I shall avoid all creatures, great and small, and wish you a similarly quiet return.”