Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Aisley and Rheged had completed a full circuit of the small island and were now watching the horses in the small enclosure. Throughout their walk, Rheged had done his best to entertain her with humorous stories about the men's misadventures when initially setting up camp on the island, but Aisley was quite certain she had been a poor audience. Rather than giving Rheged her full attention, she'd had her ears constantly tuned for the echo of angry words coming from the cottage, and the longer Brecc's lack of appearance dragged on, the more concerned she became that his conversation with the king had gone badly.

"What did you name Bracken when you had her?" Rheged asked.

Aisley tore her gaze away from the cottage and attempted to focus on the mare nuzzling Rheged's hand. "I did not give her a name," she said. "It never felt quite right. She went by ‘lady' or ‘girl' when I spoke to her."

"A sound solution," he said.

At the click of a door latch opening, Aisley tensed, her eyes turning back to the cottage. Others had exited earlier, but this time, it was Brecc who appeared in the doorway. He tucked his crutch beneath his arm and began limping toward them. "Brecc is coming."

"So, I see." Rheged gave the horse's nose a final rub, and they started across the grass toward Brecc. "What news?"

"The king would like to speak with Aisley," Brecc said. His face was grave but offered no further clue as to how his interaction with the king had gone or what the king's current mind-set might be.

Rheged raised his eyebrows. "It appears that you have been summoned, so I shall hand you off to Brecc. He is better at dealing with orders of execution than I am." Aisley felt her face blanche, and the humor in Rheged's eyes evaporated. "That was meant as a joke."

"It was in poor taste," Brecc said tightly.

"Aisley, you must know that King Alfred is a good and noble ruler. None of us would be here if that were not the case," Rheged said.

"True," she said, summoning a halfhearted smile. "I shall try to be brave."

Rheged gave Brecc a puzzled look. "Something untoward is in the air, and I should like to know what it is."

"You shall," Brecc said. "As soon as the king deems the time right." He inclined his head. "I think it likely that you will learn the whole of it before day's end."

"Very well." He took a step back. "I shall not delay you further."

"I thank you, Rheged," Aisley said. "For your patience with me and this difficult situation."

"Oh, what you see is not patience," he said, a hint of his normal joviality returning. "Rather, it is exceptional acting skills."

She managed a smile. "Exceptional, indeed."

"You have my appreciation also," Brecc said, and then he took Aisley's hand in his. "Come. We must not keep the king waiting."

Aisley wrapped her fingers around Brecc's, drawing strength from his touch. It would be well. Surely Brecc would not escort her in if he knew the outcome was to be a death sentence upon all members of Ealdorman Wulfhere's family. She glanced at him. He must have caught the movement because he looked down and smiled gently.

"Fear not, lady warrior. Once the king has heard the details of your story, he will quickly recognize your brave and loyal heart."

"I do not feel brave."

"Then focus on your loyalty," he said. "Your bravery will shine through whether you intend it to or not."

They reached the door, and Brecc released her hand. She felt the loss instantly. "Will you come in with me?"

"If you wish it."

"I do. Very much."

He smiled again. "Then lead the way."

The cottage's main room was empty, save for one man. The king was standing beside the fire, gazing at the low-burning logs. When they walked in, he turned, and Aisley dropped into a curtsy.

"Aisley, daughter of Ealdorman Kendryek," the king said. "We meet again."

"Indeed, Sire." Was it wrong that she'd hoped he would not know her from her ridiculous appearance at the head table on Twelfth Night? "I only wish it were under better circumstances."

"As do I." He studied her. "Brecc has told me of your claim that your brother has betrayed me, but I wish to hear it from your mouth. And I would have you spare no details. The whole of it, if you please."

Aisley's hands were clasped so tightly her fingers were hurting. She loosened her grip. The king's tone was measured, his gaze guarded. He would undoubtedly assess her every movement and word, but she would rather that than her being the target of his ire. Show loyalty. She repeated Brecc's counsel in her mind. This was something she could do. This was who she was.

Choosing to begin from the moment she'd spotted Wulfhere and Rangvald conversing in the yard outside the family longhouse, Aisley rehearsed the entirety of her dismay at her brother's plans, her struggle to have him change his mind, and her realization that his actions had the potential of impacting the very future of Wessex, followed by her determination to notify the king and her subsequent escape and journey to Athelney.

Keeping her head held high, she finished her account and waited for the barrage of questions that would surely come. To her astonishment, however, the king spoke directly to Brecc.

"Your power of discernment has not failed you. Once again, you have been proven correct. In both appearance and heart, Aisley does, indeed, take after her father."

Unbidden, tears sprang to Aisley's eyes. She blinked them away, but not before the perceptive monarch noticed them.

"My comparing you to your father affects you," the king said.

"I can think of no greater compliment, Sire."

"Nor I." He clasped his hands behind his back, his expression pensive. "Your father was well loved by his people. Can the same be said of your brother?"

"No, Sire."

He raised his eyebrows. "That took no thought."

"My brother continues to raise taxes even though many struggle to survive. He has little interest in those living beneath his station and shows no concern for the welfare of those over whom he has stewardship."

"A damning report," the king said grimly. "Particularly as I have seen no sign of additional revenue from Wiltshire."

"If I may, Your Majesty?" Brecc asked.

"Please." The king signaled for him to continue. "I would welcome your input. I confess, it is at times like this that I sorely miss Ormod's level-headed advice."

"I do not believe I shall ever be so wise as Ormod," Brecc said, "but it strikes me that if the people of Wiltshire begrudge their ealdorman, it is likely that their political leanings do not emulate his. You are in need of Wiltshire's fyrd to beat the Vikings. If the people are willing to fight, it might be possible to call up the fyrd without Wulfhere's involvement or knowledge."

"Brecc is correct, Sire. The local people in Wiltshire are anxiously awaiting your call to arms," Aisley said.

"I am gratified to hear it, but the fyrds are the ealdormen's responsibility. I cannot see how we could rally enough men without using the established system."

"Aisley," Brecc said, "can you think of anyone in Trowbridge whose influence is great enough that information given to him regarding the gathering of King Alfred's fyrds would then reach those willing to join the fight? Someone whose loyalty to the crown is so sure that there is no threat of any hint of it reaching your brother."

Aisley pondered the question. She had witnessed many ceorls come and go at the longhouse, but she could not be sure of their faithfulness to the king. Her thoughts moved to Taber. His heart was true, but he had little to no influence beyond the stables. He received all his news from the fishmonger in town. She gasped. He had no title or position of power, but the fishmonger was the obvious choice.

"Nyle," she said. "He is the fishmonger in town. His cousin lives in a neighboring town, and between the two of them, they fuel all the news and excitement about the raids on the Vikings and the movements of the king's men. As he was willing to sacrifice his entire catch to spare me from the unwanted attention of Rangvald and his men, I believe it is safe to say he harbors no love for the invaders."

"I witnessed this event and concur with Aisley's opinion," Brecc said. "Nyle, although in many respects an unlikely choice, may well be the best man, for that very reason. Wulfhere would never suspect the peasants at the market of disseminating any information of worth."

"And you believe that if the men of Wiltshire were given a date and a location, they would come, armed and ready to fight without the leadership of their ealdorman?" the king asked.

Aisley looked to Brecc, and he gave a slow nod.

"I believe it is entirely possible," he said.

"As do I," Aisley agreed. "It has been under three months, but the people of Wiltshire have experienced enough of life under the cloud of Viking rule to know that it is far worse than anything they have experienced before. They will fight to restore you to the throne and to reclaim Wessex for the Saxons."

"Entrusting the gathering of Wiltshire's fyrd to a fishmonger is a grave risk," the king said. "But if we are to muster sufficient warriors to take on the Viking horde, I see no other avenue available to us." He turned on his heel and started toward the small chamber. "Rally the men, Brecc. I shall rest for an hour, and then we shall meet to make assignments. We have bided our time long enough; the moment has come to call out the fyrds and take care of our enemies—foreign and domestic."

The flash of astonishment in Brecc's eyes was nothing to the shock that rippled through Aisley.

She took a few hurried steps so as to catch the king as he reached the door to the chamber. "Begging your pardon, Sire, but what is now to become of me and my family?"

"Your family members are no longer your concern. They shall be dealt with appropriately." He paused long enough to acknowledge Aisley's stricken expression. "For the good of the kingdom, traitors must be dealt with. I do understand, however, that although they are not blameless, in this instance, your mother and sister carry less culpability than does your brother. You may be reassured that I shall take that into account."

Aisley could hope for nothing more. Tears threatened once again, but he had yet to answer the question that affected her most. "What of me, Sire?"

"Do you have a preference?"

"I should like to stay here," she said. "I know the island was intended to house only your male warriors, but I am willing to help around the cottage, and I am skilled in the art of healing, should a need arise."

She looked down. She was all but begging, and it did not come easily. But she was desperate. If the king denied her request, she did not know what would become of her.

"You assisted Brecc with his wound."

"I did."

"How does it feel, Brecc?"

Brecc was so close that she could feel his warmth on her back. "Much improved, Sire."

"I am glad to hear it, but if that is so, you should clean yourself up."

A rustle of fabric sounded, and the queen stepped out of the small chamber and into the doorway. "I know nothing of the urgent business you have been discussing in the main room, but when you move your dialogue here, I feel that I may join it. My conversation with Aisley this morning, although brief, cheered me no end. I had not realized how much I have missed associating with other women." She looked to her husband. "If she is willing, I should like her to stay."

The king offered his wife a polite bow and then turned back to Aisley. "It seems that the queen demands your presence here at Athelney."

On trembling legs, Aisley managed a faltering curtsy. "I thank you, Your Majesties."

"I shall look for you when the men gather for their next meeting, Aisley," the queen said. And with a pleased smile, she walked back into the small chamber.

"One hour, Brecc," the king admonished, and then he followed after her and closed the door.

Aisley pivoted and fell into Brecc's arms. Brecc stumbled backward, his crutch clattering to the floor as he struggled to maintain his balance.

"Oh no, forgive me. I did not think." Swiping at her tears, Aisley backed away and reached for the long piece of wood.

"Leave it." Brecc had steadied himself against the wall. "And do not ever apologize for needing me to hold you." He extended his arms to her. "Especially as it is almost certain that I share the same desire."

Muffling a sob with her hand, she entered his arms. He pulled her close and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I can stay." She raised her head to meet his eyes, barely able to take in all that had transpired in so short a time. "The king believed me, and I can stay on Athelney."

Smiling, Brecc lifted one hand to gently wipe away the tears on her cheeks. "Bravery and loyalty. I never doubted he would recognize those things in you, but I confess, to have him grant you permission to remain on the island with his closest associates is almost more than I had dared hope for."

"I agree. But I prayed exceedingly hard. And in the end, his permission sounded a little more like a command."

Brecc's smile widened. "Just so. And I shall be forever grateful for it." And then, almost before Aisley knew what he was about, his lips were on hers, his kisses sending her fears and loneliness fleeing.

"Aisley?" he murmured sometime later.

"Hm?" She pulled back slightly to discover his emotion-filled dark eyes gazing at her as though she were the most precious thing he had ever seen.

"I must go to gather the men," he said, regret evident in his low voice. "But before I leave, I wish you to know that I have fallen in love with you." He ran his fingers through her hair, leaving a tingling trail behind them. "I do not know when I shall be free to offer you more than my heart, but with the king's decision to call up the fyrds, I pray it will be soon."

Joy threatened to overcome her. "Since you are the one whom I always dream of at night and ache to be beside each day, I have begun to believe that I am in love with you also."

A new warmth filled his eyes. He lowered his head for another brief kiss before whispering in her ear. "I like that notion very much, but I shall enjoy helping you discover its certainty."

The thegns sat around the fire in the cottage, awaiting the arrival of their king. Tension hummed in the air. Over the last couple of months, they had gathered often in the evening to exchange stories and receive instructions, but rarely had a meeting been called at midday, and never had it come so unexpectedly.

From his position beside the king's empty chair, Brecc could see Aisley and the queen conversing quietly in the far corner of the room. The queen smiled at something Aisley said, and Brecc marveled at the confidence Aisley had gained since the Lord of Misrule had forced her to approach the head table at the Twelfth Night banquet. In truth, Brecc was changed too. He had most certainly developed sincere feelings for Aisley while they had been in Chippenham, but those sentiments paled in comparison to what he felt now.

The door to the small chamber opened, and the king emerged. Everyone in the room rose and watched as the monarch crossed the room to take his position within the circle. After he'd taken his seat, he indicated that they all do the same.

"You are my most trusted men," the king said, taking a moment to survey those around him. "I thank you for your loyalty and steadfastness, particularly during this trying time. Your efforts over the last weeks have been significant. The information you have gathered from watching the Vikings' movements has been invaluable. Your raids and ambushes have not only frustrated our enemy but have also lowered their morale whilst raising the Saxon people's determination to overcome their oppressors. Because of your actions, the Saxons know it can be done. And I believe the time has come to involve them."

An excited murmur passed through the circle, and King Alfred raised his hand for quiet. Instantly, the whispers stopped.

"First, allow me to share with you some of the things I have learned during our sojourn at Athelney. More important than matching the Vikings in physical might is the need for us to match them in cunning. The chieftains are as crafty as serpents, but we can gain an advantage by combining shrewdness with nobility. The pagan invaders cannot conquer a country led by true noblemen, for if our motives and actions are guided by Christian principles, we cannot fail.

"My people have spent far too long living under the threat of Viking pillaging, looting, and rape. They are ready for a return to Saxon rule. Support for our cause is steadily growing. The common folk are ready and willing to fight for freedom from their oppressors. Our job is to prove that Saxon leadership is also ready, that we are as good as our word, and that we have God on our side."

He paused, and Brecc braced himself for what was surely to come next. A quick glance at Aisley told him that she and the queen were still fully engaged in their own conversation. He prayed she would be spared from hearing this portion of the king's report.

"Unfortunately," the king continued, his tone steely, "not all thegns demonstrate the fidelity that should be integral to the title. These men must be routed out from amongst us. I have recently learned that Ealdorman Wulfhere has broken his oath of allegiance to the crown and has aligned himself with the Viking chieftain Rangvald."

Shouts of shocked indignation filled the room. Brecc felt Rheged's stunned gaze, but Brecc's eyes were on Aisley. The men's loud and negative reaction to the king's news had interrupted her conversation with the queen. Both women were now looking at them, and he could tell from Aisley's pained expression that she had guessed the cause of the thegns' anger. She lowered her head. The queen said something to her. She nodded, and they both quietly rose and slipped out of the cottage.

Brecc rolled his shoulders, attempting to release the tension there. He wanted to go to her, but for now, his place was here. With the king and his men. Grateful for the queen's thoughtful gesture, he endeavored to focus on the heated discussions going on around him. Wulfhere surely had no notion of the full consequences of his treacherous decision. Not only had he broken with his king, but he had also broken with his fellow thegns. Those who considered him an enemy had just multiplied more than twentyfold.

"Enough." Once again, the king raised his hand, and once again, silence fell. "Wulfhere's time of reckoning will come. He will suffer for what he has done, but if we are wise, we shall gain from it. His underhanded cooperation with Rangvald has served as a reminder that we must be on our guard for traitors in our midst. Especially now, as we move into our final phase to reclaim the kingdom."

The king had every man's attention. The fury that had filled the room only moments before had turned to excitement.

"The time has come to call up the fyrds." A cheer sounded, and the king smiled. Imperviousness to the men's enthusiasm was all but impossible "That seemingly simple act may not be quite so easy as you imagine. For generations, the responsibility of gathering the fyrds has fallen to the local ealdormen. Wulfhere's perfidy has illuminated the need to assess the faithfulness of each ealdorman before they receive the order. And in cases where trust is lost, the fyrds shall be gathered by another means. We shall be mobilizing an army beneath the Vikings' noses, but no word of it must reach them. It is imperative that Guthrum and his chieftains know nothing of our plans until we are fully ready to face them."

"How do you wish this done, Sire?" Odda voiced the question every man was undoubtedly asking himself.

"I wish you to go out in small groups throughout Wessex, much as you have already been doing. But rather than focusing your efforts on crippling the Vikings, I would have you assess the mind-set of the local leadership. If there is any question of loyalty, discover someone in each community who can be trusted to pass along the king's command. Do not ignore those of lower station in life. They are often those who are most true to the king. Visit the folkmoots. That is where local business is conducted and where messages may be passed." He leaned forward in his chair. "Once our secret network of communication is established, our preparation for battle will truly begin."

"When do we leave?" Bertwin asked.

"Two days hence," the king said. "That will give those who recently returned from raids time to recover and will enable us to acquire any necessary provisions." He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair as though pondering something. "Those of you assigned to Wiltshire must needs be especially circumspect in your inquiries. Rheged, I wish you to take two men to Trowbridge. Locate Nyle, the fishmonger, at the market there. Word is he is trustworthy. If you can confirm that, swear him to secrecy and prepare him for what is to come."

Rheged bowed his head. "As you wish, Sire."

"Brecc, until your leg is sufficiently healed, I wish you to remain on Athelney with two others of your choosing. You shall guard the queen and those others who remain here as well as maintain our supplies and gather the reports as they come in." He turned to look at the group as a whole. "Gentlemen, if we each do our jobs correctly, six weeks hence, my call to arms shall reach every able-bodied man in Wessex, with the Vikings none the wiser."

"What of our raids on Viking encampments, Sire? Do you wish those to continue?" Lufian asked.

"The invaders would likely wonder what had become of us if we halted those completely," the king said. "And I daresay an occasional well-targeted raid would be a good diversion from your fact-finding missions." He rose to his feet, and the men followed. "Do what you must to increase Saxon confidence and to leave the Vikings in a quandary." He strode across the room and into the small chamber.

The door had barely closed behind him before the room erupted with unrestrained exclamations and weighty discussions. Brecc situated his crutch more comfortably beneath his arm. He'd been glad of its assistance in helping him rise when the king had come and gone, and now he was ready to have it assist in his escape.

He'd traveled only three steps when Rheged appeared before him, his expression grave.

"This was the other burden she carried." He shook his head. "I suppose I should not be surprised since the marriage arrangement Wulfhere made for Aisley was so cruel, but this ... this absolving of all that a king's thegn stands for ..." He stopped, seemingly realizing that Brecc had no desire to revisit the king's damning revelation about Aisley's brother. "I have not spoken to Aisley since she met with the king. Did he direct his anger ... ?" He stumblingly changed his approach. "Is she well?"

"Well enough, I believe. The king's initial fury had diminished by the time he spoke with her."

Understanding filled Rheged's face. "Your private conversation beforehand."

"Aye. I am sorry I was unable to tell you more at the time."

"No matter. It was a judicious move, and I am glad I could help facilitate it."

Brecc set his hand on Rheged's shoulder. "You are a good friend, and I am almost sorry that I cannot accompany you to Trowbridge."

Rheged's eyebrow rose. "Almost sorry? I did not think you would take kindly to playing nursemaid to the queen."

"Aisley will also be here. The king all but ordered her to stay on Athelney."

"Is that so?" A hint of humor replaced the worry in Rheged's eyes. "Well then, I shall offer you no pity whatsoever."

With a chuckle, Brecc shifted his crutch and took another step toward the door. "Good day, Rheged. I shall leave you to your planning."