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“I thank you, Aisley,” Brecc said. “Despite my moaning, I am most grateful.”

At the look in his eyes, Aisley’s heart warmed. “I am glad to be of assistance.”

“Aye,” Rheged said, all hint of amusement gone. “Along with enabling you to escape your malicious brother, I daresay God guided you here to help Brecc.”

Aisley gasped. How could she have neglected to mention the most important reason for her journey to Athelney? “I would like to think that He did, but there is more. And it is perhaps the most terrible news of all.”

“I defy anything to be as terrible as forcing your sister to wed a Viking,” Brecc said stiffly.

“It is something that the king must hear first,” she said. “Something that will deeply affect his ability to rid Wessex of the Vikings.”

Brecc frowned. “The king is expected back within the next two days. I imagine the queen has already retired for the night. She and King Alfred use the small chamber adjacent to this larger room so that they might have some privacy.”

“When he returns, do you think he will grant me an audience?” she asked.

“Undoubtedly. No matter what your brother has or has not done, your father was beloved by the king and all the thegns who knew him.”

Aisley set down the bowl of honey and garlic and reached for the egg whites, the familiar ache that came with memories of her father filling her chest. “Would that he were still here.”

Brecc gave her a knowing look. “Your dreadful news would not exist if he were, am I correct?”

“Yes.”

He nodded grimly. “You shall speak to the king the very day he returns. I shall personally ensure that it happens.”

“You have my thanks.” She knelt next to him, waiting for the egg whites to dry so that she might wrap his leg. In an odd way, she wished that she had more still to do. It felt good to be close to him, and her assigned tent was cold and lonely.

“Shall I take these away?” Rheged asked, pointing to the bowls and rags.

“That would be most helpful.” She smiled at him. “And, Rheged, despite your qualms, you are a worthy assistant.”

He grinned. “It is far better than being the patient.”

She waited until he’d gathered everything, and when he moved away, she began wrapping Brecc’s leg with a long strip of linen Rheged had included among the rags. “Promise me that you will rest,” she said.

“You have my word. My leg feels as though it is on fire. It’s hard to imagine ever moving again.”

Aisley tied the linen in a knot above his knee and attempted to push aside her lingering worries. It was a clean cut, but that did not guarantee that it would heal well. If it festered, Brecc’s condition would worsen very quickly.

“Would you like me to make an infusion for the discomfort?” she asked.

“No. You have done more than enough already.”

She studied the bandaged leg anxiously. “The pain should subside as the honey and garlic do their work. I shall come back and check on you first thing in the morning.”

“Come back? Where are you going?”

“To the tent.”

He looked at the blanket, cloak, and satchel lying in a small heap behind her. “Did you leave any items there?”

“Only the horse’s saddle and bridle.”

“Then you have no need to return. The tack will be safe enough overnight.”

“But the men . . .”

He pointed to a small partition up against the opposite corner. “The queen’s maid sleeps there. I have no doubt there is room for another pallet behind the partition. If you are willing to endure a chorus of snoring men, I would feel better about having you nearby.”