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“Do not believe him,” Rheged said. “He was injured two days ago, and I pray that despite your curious garb, you brought your remedies with you.”

“I do have them.” Aisley disappeared into the small tent, and Brecc barely had time to scowl at Rheged before she reappeared carrying a leather satchel. “I have much to tell you, but it can wait until I have treated your wound.”

Brecc shook his head and reached for her hand. “I do not wish to wait. You can tell me whilst you tend my leg.”

“I do not understand.” Radolf looked from one to the other. “Who is this person?”

“Radolf, may I introduce Aisley, daughter of Ealdorman Kendryek of Wiltshire,” Rheged said.

Still holding Brecc’s hand, she inclined her head toward Radolf. “Forgive my deception, sire. My errand is of so sensitive a nature, I could trust my true identity to no one but Brecc or Rheged.”

“A young lady.” Radolf almost choked on the words.

“A rather remarkable young lady,” Brecc said, tightening his grip on her hand.

Radolf bowed. “I beg your pardon, mistress. I would not have treated you so harshly had I known.”

“You treated her harshly?” Brecc tensed. “What in the name of all that is good did you do to her, Radolf?”

“I . . .” The older man appeared distinctly uncomfortable.

“He took his duties as guard seriously,” Aisley said, coming to his rescue. “He also offered me a place to rest and brought me some pottage.”

“Just so.” Radolf and the light he bore inched away. “And I’d best go back to watching the water.”

Aisley was obviously glossing over some significant and damaging details. A quick look at Rheged’s frowning face told Brecc that his friend’s opinion mirrored his own. But if Aisley was willing to overlook Radolf’s inhospitable behavior, Brecc would let it go. For now.

“Very well.” Brecc turned the other way. “We shall go to the cottage. My slow pace will likely give you time to tell us how you arrived here before we enter.”

“And how you came to have my mare,” Rheged added.

“Is she truly yours?” The warmth of her response was discernible. “In the madness of the Viking attack on the royal estate, she was given to me as a means of escape. I always wondered who her rightful owner was. She has been well cared for at Trowbridge, but I am sure she has missed you.”

“I have missed her,” Rheged said with feeling.

“Then I am especially glad you have been reunited.”

“As am I,” Brecc said, “but I should like to hear the story behind your arrival here. From the beginning, if you please.”

“The beginning.” All trace of pleasure disappeared. “Remarkably, that was not so very long ago. Two days, to be precise. But so much has happened since then . . .” Her voice faded to nothing.

This was going to be difficult for her. He felt it. “Take as much time as you need. If you would rather wait until we are situated indoors, we can do that.”

“Aye,” Rheged said. “And if you need a distraction in the cottage, Brecc’s fine-looking leg will surely provide you with one.”

Brecc was not sure who was most fortunate: Rheged because he was not close enough for Brecc to punch him or Brecc himself because the darkness covered his flaming face. “Ignore him, Aisley.”

“Or mayhap it would be better to use him,” she said. “Once mixed, some of my salves are excessively pungent in the worst possible ways. We could place him in charge of holding the bowl whilst we talk.”

“I politely but firmly decline the assignment,” Rheged said.

“Understandable, although most ungallant,” Aisley said.

Brecc could not help but chuckle. Aisley’s ease with his friend’s ridiculous banter was refreshing. Whether or not he benefited from her gift of healing, this evening was improved simply because she was there.

CHAPTER 26

THE COTTAGE WAS LARGER THAN Aisley had anticipated. Built of stone, it was protected on three sides by woodland. A chink of light shone under the door, and when Rheged opened it, the murmur of male voices floated out to greet them. Almost a dozen men sat around a fire, and most of them looked up as they entered.