Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Brecc stared up at the rafters, willing the dawn to come. The dark shadows above his head had deepened as the last remaining coals from the cottage fire had faded from glowing orange to dusty gray. He had watched it happen. Despite his desperate need for sleep, the precious commodity had eluded him most of the night.

At first, he had blamed it on his discomfort, but as the night had worn on, the searing pain he'd experienced when Aisley had tended his wound had subsided to a dull ache, and he'd been forced to admit the true cause of his insomnia. His head had yet to relinquish the intelligence Aisley had shared, and his heart had yet to recover from its reaction to almost losing her to a Viking chieftain.

He groaned and closed his eyes again. If his overwhelming desire to pummel Wulfhere into the ground for what he had done to Aisley was not sufficiently telling, the fact that he'd volunteered to be the bearer of disastrous news to the king in order to spare her any further distress was proof that her well-being had come to mean more to him than his own. He flexed his fingers, remembering the feel of her small hand in his. It belonged there. He knew that as surely as he knew that morning would eventually come. But just as this night seemed interminable, so, too, did his commitments to the king. He could only pray that she would be sufficiently patient to wait for him.

The door to the cottage creaked open, and Brecc turned his head to see a man's silhouette framed against the moonlight. He walked in, and another man silently rose from his pallet. It was the changing of the guard. They would not leave the shore unmanned for long, especially as the king was expected back anytime. After a brief whispered exchange with Radolf, the new guard left, but to Brecc's surprise, Radolf did not immediately lie down to rest. Instead, he slowly made his way across the room toward the spot where Brecc lay.

"Radolf?" Brecc could barely make out the man in the darkness.

He stopped. "Aye. I didn't mean to wake you."

"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."

Her shy smile returned. "I shall rewrap it now, but if you are willing, we should treat it with honey and garlic again later today."

He was not sure whether she had purposely omitted mentioning vinegar to win him over or if he was truly to be spared the fire water. Either way, he knew his best chance of recovery lay in her ministrations. "Agreed," he said.

She had just bent down to wind the linen around his leg again when the door to the cottage flew open and Lufian entered. "The king has returned! He and the men with him are approaching the island."

Aisley turned to Brecc with alarm-filled eyes. "He is come." Her fingers fumbled, and she dropped the linen across his leg. Hastening to pick it up again, she resumed the winding, but her previous calm was gone. He wanted to take her in his arms and reassure her, but there were men everywhere. Even the queen and her maid had appeared from the small chamber.

"It will be well, Aisley," he said.

She nodded mutely and tied a knot on the bandage.

"Rheged," Brecc said. "Help me to my feet."

"Should you be—" Rheged broke off to give Aisley a questioning look, but before she could respond, Brecc continued.

"I will stand for the king. Look to the side of my pallet. Radolf made me a crutch. Once I have that, I shall manage without needing to put weight on my injured leg."

Rheged reached for the long piece of wood. "Radolf made this for you?" He appeared as stunned as Brecc had been when the older man had set it beside him. "It's quite remarkable."

Now that he could see the crutch properly, Brecc could more fully appreciate the workmanship that had gone into it. It must have taken Radolf all night to peel away the bark and smooth the wood so well. The long part of the branch was almost straight, and at one end, it forked into two stubby pieces.

"How marvelous," Aisley said.

Rheged handed her the crutch and moved to stand over Brecc. Bracing his feet, he grasped his hand. "Whenever you are ready."

Setting the foot of his strong leg down, Brecc nodded. "Now."

Rheged heaved, and Brecc pushed upward. He rose and wobbled, but he kept his wrapped leg off the floor.

"Here." Aisley handed him the crutch. He slid it under his arm. It felt awkward, but it did offer him a new way to maintain his balance.

"I thank you," he said. "Both of you." Being dependent on others for something as simple as standing required swallowing an unpleasantly large dose of humility. "And although I have no right to ask anything more, I do wish to make one further request."

Rheged raised a curious eyebrow. "And that is?"

"I wish you to take Aisley out of the cottage. Show her around the island, visit Bracken and the other horses, check on the punts. Do what you must to keep her from here until I have spoken with the king."

Rheged's brows furrowed. "But does she not have something important to tell the king also?"

"She does. And I shall ensure that she is given an opportunity to speak with him. But I must see him first. Alone."

Brecc glanced at Aisley. Had Rheged noticed how pale she had become or how tightly her hands were clasped?

"If you are willing, Rheged," she said. "I should enjoy that very much."

"Of course I am willing," he said, looking between the two of them as though attempting to decipher a secret code. "Fetch your cloak, and we shall go directly."

Aisley hurried across the room toward the partition, and Rheged swung on Brecc. "Would you like to tell me what this is about?"

"I would, but unfortunately, I cannot. Trust me. This is for the best. I will send for you and Aisley when it is safe for her to return."

"Safe?" Rheged's eyes widened. "What is this, Brecc?"

Brecc set his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You will know all soon enough, I give you my word. Until then, you must trust me."

"Hm." Rheged reached for his own cloak and set it around his shoulders as Aisley appeared from behind the partition wearing hers. "I accept no responsibility if Aisley chooses me over you after I have escorted her so gallantly around this patch of land lying in a swamp."

Despite knowing that a fearful tempest was about to be unleashed, Brecc's lips twitched. "Fair enough. I shall simply have to hope that ultimately, the best man triumphs."

Rheged started across the floor. "In that case, your cause is lost. Aisley already loves my horse."

Brecc watched them walk out of the cottage and took a moment to collect himself. Rheged was intelligent enough to guide Aisley away from the royal party, even if he did not know why it needed to be done. He was giving Brecc the time he needed. But how was Brecc to inform the king of Wulfhere's treachery without it leading to the entire family's being condemned? Kendryek was the key. He had to be. The king would not disregard traitors, but neither did he forget those who were ardently loyal.

Voices approached. Brecc watched the door. It opened, and the king walked in. Instantly, those in the room stopped what they were about and bowed.

"Welcome back, Sire." Using his crutch, Brecc hobbled toward him.

"Brecc." The king eyed him critically. "You look terrible."

He was correct, but that was not very comforting. "I have had better days."

"So, I imagine." King Alfred pointed to his leg. "What happened?"

"A Viking blade."

The king grimaced. "Has it been properly attended to?"

It was the opening Brecc had hoped for. "It has. Fortunately for me, Ealdorman Kendryek's daughter arrived at Athelney yesterday. She is a skilled healer, and she cared for the wound last evening."

"Did she come with her brother?"

"No, Sire. She was alone."

King Alfred appeared dumbfounded. "How is that even possible?"

"Through a series of miracles. And she was driven by a desperate need to relay vital information to you."

"Well, where is she?"

"She is outside, waiting to be granted an audience with you."

The king heaved a weary sigh. "I am excessively tired, Brecc. Indeed, my exhaustion has gone so far as to rob me of all curiosity. Sleep is to be my first order of business. I shall speak with her this evening."

"Under normal circumstances, I would agree wholeheartedly," Brecc said, knowing full well that by openly disagreeing with the monarch, he was treading on dangerous ground. "But I believe the news she brings is of such import, you will not wish to delay hearing it."

King Alfred offered him a warning look. "Does this report directly impact my life and the lives of those I love?"

Given that King Alfred genuinely cared about his people, Brecc was able to answer without hesitation. "It does. And if you wish to be the judge of whether Aisley's news can wait until after you rest, I can offer you an abbreviated version."

"By all that is holy," King Alfred grumbled. "You would think a king might have full control over his agenda."

"Forgive me, Sire."

"You are not walking away, I see."

"No, Sire."

"So you seek forgiveness but are not truly repentant for imposing your will upon mine."

Brecc inclined his head. "So it would seem. Although I do fully understand your need for rest and shall make my delivery as brief as possible."

King Alfred grunted and started toward the small chamber. The few people remaining in the cottage scattered.

"You have only until I reach my pallet," he said.

Taking up his crutch, Brecc hobbled alongside him. "Aisley is cut of the same cloth as her father, Kendryek. She is fully loyal to the crown—to the extent that she was willing to risk her own life to save the king's."

"Her father was a good man."

"He was. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of his son, Wulfhere."

The king stopped so suddenly, Brecc all but ran into him. "What has Wulfhere done?"

Brecc steadied himself with the crutch. There was no point in dissembling. He had promised to be concise. "He has made an alliance with the Viking chieftain, Rangvald. Not only will he refuse to call up the Wiltshire fyrd when you issue the order, but he will also inform Rangvald of your intentions."

For the length of three heartbeats, there was total silence. A muscle in King Alfred's jaw twitched. "How sure are you that Kendryek's daughter tells the truth?"

"Completely sure."

Color flooded the king's face. "He swore allegiance to me! He accepted the ring-giver's gift no more than three months ago." The king's voice rose. "Has he no honor? This is a complete betrayal."

Brecc waited, knowing the king desired no response from him. He simply needed to release his fury.

With a muttered curse, King Alfred paced eight steps, swiveled, and paced back. "Mark my words, Brecc." His complexion remained mottled, but already, he had his temper in check, and his icy calm was far more unnerving than a shouted tirade would have been. "That blackhearted thegn will pay dearly for his actions. He will rue the day that he broke his oath to the Saxon king, and it will serve as an example to any other thegn who considers aligning himself with the Vikings."

As far as Brecc was concerned, Wulfhere deserved whatever fate the king meted out. His anxiety was not centered on the outcome for the deceitful, grasping ealdorman. "What of his family, Sire?"

"Each person will learn a necessary lesson." Anger laced his words, and Brecc's tension increased.

"If I may be so bold, it would seem to me that Aisley deserves commendation for bringing us the news rather than censure for her role in this affair. Like her father before her, she risked everything for Wessex and the crown."

Thankfully, his comment appeared to offer the king pause for thought. "Does her brother know what she has done?"

"No, Sire. To the best of my knowledge, he is ignorant of her whereabouts. If he had known her destination, he surely would have stopped her."

"Hm. Methinks I should hear from the young lady herself before I make any determination. If she is truly her father's daughter, in every sense of the word, I shall know it forthwith." He waved his hand toward the door. "Fetch her. You have ensured that I shall be granted no sleep even if I were to lie down. I will speak with her now."