Time of the Wolf by James Wilde Read Free Book Online Page B

darted outside before the Vikings could react. Grabbing Redteeth’s axe from where the mercenary sprawled in a daze, he slammed the door and embedded the weapon in the splintering jamb to seal it shut. The roaring of the fire drowned out the terrified shouts from within, which turned to screams as the burning roof began to fall in.
    Through the throbbing of the blood in his head, Hereward heard Alric cry out in warning. The Viking commander was struggling to his feet. Whirling, Hereward kicked Redteeth in the face with such brutal force that the mercenary pitched backward, unconscious. His fury spent, Hereward’s euphoria faded. The world suddenly looked too brittle, cold, and bright. Lurching from the pain seeping back into his battered body, he attempted to lift Redteeth. “Help me,” he croaked.
    â€œYou are badly injured,” Alric said as he shouldered the Viking’s bulk. “You will not reach Eoferwic alone.”
    â€œI have survived worse.”
    â€œSooner or later, your luck will run out.”
    The screams of the trapped warriors died amid the roar of the fire as the walls caught light and the flames soared up high into the sky. Hereward thought of Gedley and felt proud.

    When Redteeth came round, confusion flickered across his face, then uneasy awareness, then simmering rage. Hereward watched the play of emotions with cold satisfaction. The noose was tight round the Viking’s neck and his hands were bound as he wavered precariously on the chopping block. Alric turned away as the mercenary fought to keep his balance, no doubt remembering his own ordeal.
    â€œThis is not an ending,” Redteeth growled.
    â€œIt is the end of your story,” Hereward replied. “Except for the part where the ravens feast on your remains.”
    â€œYou should have left well alone,” Alric added.
    â€œGood Christian man,” Redteeth spat.
    The monk was a strange man, Hereward thought, but he might have his uses. Turning his back on the glowering Viking, he said, “You are a free man now. What will you do? Return to your monastery?”
    Alric hung his head. “I am not free. If Harald Redteeth does not return with my head, another will come in his place, and another after that, until this matter is done.” His eyes flickered in the direction of Gedley. “I will never be free.”
    â€œI have business in Eoferwic … grim business,” Hereward said, searching the other’s face for even the barest hint that betrayal lay ahead, “and I cannot risk becoming food for the wolves.”
    The monk’s eyes narrowed. “What manner of business?”
    Hereward hesitated. How could he tell the younger man that it involved murder, conspiracy, and the security of the very throne of England itself when he had no idea who could be trusted or how far the plot reached?” There are lives at stake,” he said. “More, perhaps, than died in Gedley.”
    â€œYou butcher without thought for God’s work. Why would you be concerned with saving lives?”
    â€œWe all wrestle with our devils, monk. Can any man truly say he is wholly saint or wholly sinner?”
    Alric’s eyes brightened as if he had alighted on some great notion. Waving a finger, he said, “And you would have me accompany you?”
    â€œIf I can be sure you will not pass judgment on me on the road, as it seems in your nature to do.” He could feel his legs growing weaker by the moment. They would need to find new shelter and a chance to recover. “These wounds drag me down. You are right: I will never reach Eoferwic on my own.”
    The monk pondered.
    â€œI will pay you well,” the warrior added, jangling the pouch at his hip.
    â€œVery well,” Alric said, setting his jaw. “You need me now, and I, God help me, need you for protection, at least until we reach Eoferwic.”
    Hereward clapped a weak hand on his companion’s shoulder.