The Viking's Defiant Bride by Joanna Fulford Read Free Book Online Page B

number had been taken prisoner. They stood roped together under heavy guard. From their sullen expressions he knew them unbowed, though they feared for their lives even now. It was well. It meant they would do nothing foolish. He had no intention of shedding any more blood for he would need able hands to work these lands in future. However, it would not hurt his cause to leave them in doubt a while longer.
    Wulfrum turned away from the prisoners and met the keen gaze of his sword brother. Halfdan lowered his voice.
    â€˜Hold this place well, brother. Lying as it does on the road to the north, it is of strategic importance to us.’
    â€˜You may depend on it.’
    â€˜I know it.’ Halfdan clapped him on the shoulder. ‘I couldthink of no better hands to leave it in. Even so, it will keep you busy. The place seems to be strangely neglected.’
    Wulfrum glanced around. ‘It looks to have seen more prosperous days, but they will come again, I promise you.’
    â€˜Why would any man worthy of the name allow his holdings to fall into such disrepair?’
    â€˜I know not.’
    â€˜Unless of course there was no man in view,’ said Halfdan, his tone thoughtful.
    â€˜Perhaps, yet the Saxons were organised and fought valiantly. It suggests a leader, does it not?’
    â€˜Belike he fell in the fighting, then.’
    â€˜Most likely. The Saxon losses were heavy. I shall make enquiries.’
    Before further conjecture was possible they were interrupted by the approach of two of their fellow Danes, dragging a captive with them. The man’s hands were bound before him and his face beneath a layer of grime was ashen. From the shaven crown and long robe Wulfrum recognised one of the Christian priests. He glanced once at Halfdan and then watched in silence as the trio came to a halt before them.
    â€˜Look what we found, my lord.’ The guard’s lip curled as he glanced at the prisoner. ‘The craven swine was hiding in the barn.’
    â€˜Hiding, eh?’ Halfdan’s expression mirrored the guard’s as he looked the priest over. ‘Scarcely surprising, I suppose. He’s a poor specimen by the look of him. Must be fifty if he’s a day.’ He turned to Wulfrum. ‘What do you want to do with him? Shall we have him spitted and roasted like an ox? Or shall we flay him and nail his hide to the door of his accursed church?’
    â€˜Beg pardon, my lord,’ said the guard, ‘but we burnt the church down.’
    Halfdan followed his gaze towards a distant plume of thick dark smoke. ‘Ah, yes, so we did. Pity. We’ll spit him, then.’
    Grinning, the men moved to obey.
    Wulfrum held up a hand. ‘No, not yet. He may prove to be of use.’ He fixed his gaze on the trembling form. ‘How are you called, priest?’
    â€˜Father Willibald, my lord.’
    Halfdan stared at the earl in disbelief. ‘You want this shaven ass?’
    â€˜Aye, I do.’
    â€˜Very well, as you will. Put him with the others, then.’
    With ill-concealed disappointment the guards dragged the priest away.
    Halfdan watched them a moment before turning back to his companion.
    â€˜Have some of your men search the forest hereabouts. ’Tis likely some of the serfs have taken refuge there. We should not lose valuable slaves thus. Besides, if left on the loose, they may foment trouble later.’
    Wulfrum nodded for it had been his thought also. ‘It shall be done, my lord. If any are hiding, they will be found and brought back.’
    â€˜Meantime, let the injured be carried into the hall and treated. There must be those among the Saxon women versed in the knowledge of healing. They must be identified and put to work.’
    â€˜It should be easy enough. I’ll wager that priest will know.’
    Wulfrum was right. Two minutes was all he needed to elicit the relevant information. Hearing the names, he hid a smile. It seemed that his