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“I’ve been awake for some time. Is something amiss?”

“No.” He stepped forward and set down something long and hard beside Brecc’s pallet. “I made something for you.”

Curious, Brecc rolled to his side and moved his arm in a slow circle, groping for what Radolf had set on the floor. “What is it?”

“A crutch. I found the branch soon after you headed to the cottage with Kendryek’s daughter.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I swear, I had no idea that’s who she was when she arrived here in a peasant boy’s attire.”

“I am sure that is so.” If Radolf was this uncomfortable about his treatment of Aisley, for the older gentleman’s sake, it was probably better that Brecc remained in ignorance about what he had done. “I am grateful that you were willing to grant her the opportunity to speak with me.”

“Aye.” He cleared his throat again, obviously anxious to move on. “When I saw your limp, I thought you might could use some assistance. And seeing as there’s not much to do when a man’s on watch duty at night, I was glad to have something that kept my hands busy and my mind alert. The branch would be too long for me, but I think it might be about right for someone of your height.”

Brecc’s fingers had finally found the piece of wood, and by the feel of it, Radolf had cut off the bark and sanded it smooth. “I’m much obliged to you,” Brecc said. “That was most thoughtful.”

“Think nothing of it.” Radolf took a few steps back. “Well, I’d best get some sleep and let you do the same.”

“Good early morning to you, Radolf.”

The older man grunted. “I believe we’d both be better off if we pretended the night was yet young.”

Brecc smiled into the darkness. His thoughtful gift notwithstanding, Radolf was still Radolf.

Sometime later, Brecc awoke to the sound of men moving pallets and benches. He opened his eyes, blinking against the light now streaming in through the cottage shutters. Sleep had finally overtaken him, and a new day had ultimately come.

“Ah! You are awake at last.” Rheged stood over him. “How is the leg?”

Brecc attempted to move it. “It hurts but not so badly as before.”

“I am glad to hear it. And Aisley will be especially pleased. She’s been waiting for you to rouse yourself so she can check the wound.”

“Where is she?” Brecc pulled himself onto his elbows and glanced around the room. Over half the men were gone, and if the sound of chopping reverberating through the cottage was any indication, some of them were already hard at work replenishing the wood supply. Those yet within the building were setting the room to rights in preparation for a meal later in the day.

“She’s talking with the queen.”

Brecc shifted so he could better see the entrance to the small chamber. Two women stood by the door. The taller one wore an elegant dark-blue gown, and her dark hair was braided into a coronet. The petite one’s gown was pale green in color and simpler in design. Her coppery hair flowed freely down her back, catching the light of the morning sun. As he watched, she smiled at something her companion said, and Brecc’s chest tightened.

“She’s wearing a gown.” It was a banal statement, but the best he could manage.

“She is indeed, and I should warn you that far more of the other thegns took notice of her this morning than they did last night.” At Brecc’s immediate frown, Rheged laughed. “I see it is just as I thought. The fiercely independent and heroic warrior Ealdorman Brecc has fallen hard.”

Brecc’s frown deepened, and Rheged’s laughter increased. It caught the attention of the two ladies, and moments later, Aisley bobbed a curtsy to the queen and crossed the room toward them. Brecc could only imagine how disheveled he appeared, but as he could do nothing whatsoever to put himself to rights in the amount of time it would take Aisley to reach him, he pushed himself into a sitting position and greeted her with a smile. “Good morning, Aisley.”

She returned his smile, a hint of pink on her cheeks. “Good morning. How does your leg feel?”

“I have yet to rise, but currently, the pain is better.”

Obviously pleased, she knelt beside him. “May I check the wound?”

“As long as there is no vinegar in the vicinity, you may.”

She laughed lightly. “You are in luck. Your trusted friend Rheged carried it all away.” Carefully, she began untying the linen strip, unwinding the fabric until the cut was exposed. She studied it, silently and carefully.

Brecc’s anxiety mounted. “Well?”

She met his eyes and smiled. “The swelling and redness have both diminished, and there is no sign of pus. We have a long way to go, but I believe we are on the right path.”

His shoulders sagged with relief. He’d not verbally acknowledged the depth of his own concern for his previously untreated cut, but he knew enough to realize the seriousness of his situation. Too many good men died from wounds that festered. This early report, however, gave him real hope.

“I am most grateful.”