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“I believe you know how deeply I love you and how desperately I wish to marry you. I have spoken to the priest who officiated at the baptisms, and if it pleases you, he is willing to also perform our wedding ceremony this day.” He smiled uncertainly. “The king has decreed that the grand banquet he has planned at Wedmore to celebrate the Vikings’ baptisms may also serve to celebrate our union.”

“Brecc,” she said, barely able to contain her happiness. “I can think of nothing that would bring me greater joy than to wed to you at the Aller church this day.”

His smile was immediate. He released her hands to cup her face, and before she could so much as catch her breath, he was kissing her—filling her heart with his ardent love and sweet promises for their future.

“Well, men,” Rheged said. “I have yet to hear from Brecc himself, but I think it is safe to summon the priest. All signs are that the wedding will take place.”

The door creaked open again, and Brecc drew back just far enough to set his forehead against hers.

“When the wedding is over, would you like me to lead him to the shore so that you may dunk his head in the swamp?” Aisley whispered.

He laughed softly. “Other than the realization that I could marry you this day, that is the best notion I have heard for a very long time.”

And then, because the thegns had gone in search of the priest and Brecc and Aisley were finally alone, he kissed her again.

EPILOGUE

Winchester, Wessex

Five Months Later

BRECC KNOCKED ON THE DOOR of the king’s chamber.

“Enter!”

He walked in, and King Alfred looked up from the table where he had been poring over a map.

Brecc bowed. “Good day, Sire.”

“I pray that it will be,” King Alfred said, his tone grim. “What news do you have for me?”

“One of our scouts just returned from the north. Aethelstan and his men remain encamped at Cirencester, dangerously close to our northern border. The new band of Vikings camped just west of London sailed up the Thames two days ago. They have since joined Aethelstan’s men.”

The king thumped the table with his fist. “By all the Saints, Brecc, I am not so foolish as to think that all of Aethelstan’s men were persuaded to abide by a higher law after their baptism, but I had hoped that with our newfound familial connection, Aethelstan would stay true to his word.”

“I agree, Sire.” Brecc was not sure that the Viking chieftain would consider the godfather and godson relationship as binding as did King Alfred, but Aethelstan had most certainly been treated generously by the king since the day he had taken upon himself Christianity.

“Well, agree or not, we cannot stand back and allow him to break his oath and attack Wessex again.” He pointed to the map. “Show me exactly where their camp is located.”

Moving closer, Brecc ran his finger along the line delineating the border between Wessex and Mercia. “Here, Sire.”

“And our men?”

“We have a large band of warriors guarding the border. They have served well as a deterrent to those contemplating brief incursions into Wessex, but they will be insufficient if we are attacked by the merged might of both Viking armies. The nearest fyrd is in Wiltshire.” He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Would you have me place the men there on alert?”

“Aye,” the king said. “And we’d best prepare ourselves for departure. In good weather, it is two days’ ride from here to Cirencester, and at this time of year, the weather may delay us further.”

Brecc nodded. King Alfred was correct. On all counts. But that would not make informing Aisley that he would be leaving and likely entering a heated conflict any easier. “I shall see to it forthwith, Sire.” He left the room and made directly for the great hall. Four thegns sat at one of the tables.

“Greetings, Brecc,” Lufian said.

“Good day,” Brecc responded.

“He does not look as though it is a good day,” Rheged said.

Brecc frowned. “One of the king’s scouts has delivered concerning news. Aethelstan appears to have joined forces with the group of Vikings who were previously encamped near London. The king needs messages sent to the Wiltshire fyrd and the men guarding the northern border.”

Instantly, all four men were on their feet. “We can be gone within the half hour,” Rheged said.