Leif thought rapidly. ‘We’ll split up though. Steingrim can’t follow without dividing his force.’
Finn nodded. ‘That’ll make it easier to take them on when we’re ready.’
‘We’ll each choose the time and place for that,’ replied Leif, ‘once we’ve recruited extra swords.’
As the implications sank in, the faces around him were expressive of quiet appreciation.
‘I’ll round up my men and head for Alfheimer,’ said Finn. ‘We have friends there.’
‘I’m for Hedemark,’ said Erik. ‘King Sigelac owes us a few favours. It’s time to call them in.’ He shot a look at Leif. ‘You?’
‘My estate in Agder.’
‘Agder? But didn’t you once say you’d never...’
‘I know, but needs must. I’ll find swords enough there.’
‘No doubt.’
‘Send word when you can.’ Leif paused. ‘In the meantime, let’s arm and make ready to depart.’
Leaving the remains of the meal on the table, the men hastened to obey. Finn paused, looking round the hall, taking in every detail from the carved pillars to the smoke-darkened rafters, his expression compounded of anger and resentment. ‘This place was hard won, yet Steingrim will burn it to the ground in one night.’
‘A hall can be rebuilt,’ said Leif, ‘and we’ll live to fight another day.’
‘When we do, I’ll cut Steingrim’s throat myself.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’
With a short space of time the company was armed and ready to ride. Leif embraced Finn in a bear hug and then did the like to Erik.
‘Go well, Cousin. We’ll meet again soon if the gods so will.’
Erik nodded and clapped him on the back. ‘May Odin smile upon our endeavours.’
He and Finn mounted their horses and, raising a hand in salute, rode away. Leif turned to his shield men. ‘Go and ready the Sea Serpent. Take her round the headland to Gulderfoss. I’ll meet you there.’
His men regarded him in surprise.
‘Where are you going?’ demanded Thorvald.
‘There’s something I have to do first. I won’t be long.’ He looked at the messenger. ‘Ari, you come with me.’
With that he turned his horse’s head and rode away into the darkness. Thorvald stared after him for a moment; then looked at the others.
‘All right. You heard him. Let’s get going.’
* * *
Leif reined to a halt and surveyed the looming shapes of the buildings that made up Jarl Einar’s holding. Most were in darkness save for the great hall illuminated by flaming cressets. Ordinarily he would have expected to hear the sound of carousing from within but tonight the place was unnaturally quiet. He looked at his companion.
‘Find Lady Astrid and tell her to meet me in the usual place.’
Ari looked round furtively. ‘It’s dangerous, my lord. If you’re found here...’
‘This is the last place anyone will be expecting to see me. Besides, the inhabitants are otherwise engaged tonight.’
‘But, my lord...’
‘Do it, and be very discreet if you value your life.’
As the servant rode away in the direction of the buildings, Leif dismounted and tethered his horse to a tree. Then, loosening his sword in its sheath, he took a circular detour and made his way towards the rear of the weaving shed, making use of deep shadow for concealment. The quiet intensified. The place might have been completely deserted. Hakke must have sent every available man to accomplish his mission tonight. Had he gone with them? Had Jarl Einar? Somehow he doubted it, which meant that the two of them were holed up somewhere waiting for Steingrim to report back. Leif smiled grimly. Unwittingly they had just made it easier to get Astrid out. By the time anyone knew what was happening the birds would have flown.
* * *
As Ari briefly reported the success of his mission, Astrid felt intense relief. Hakke’s plan had failed. At most his men would burn an empty hall. Leif and his men would live to fight another day. However, the leaving had other, more immediate, implications. With an effort she controlled her voice.
‘Did Jarl Leif send any message for me?’
‘Aye, my lady. He’s waiting to speak with you now. In the usual place, he said.’
Her heart leapt. He hadn’t abandoned her. He’d kept faith. Handing Ari a small pouch of coin, she dismissed him with her thanks. Then, taking a swift look around to make sure the coast was clear, she hurried towards the weaving shed. She reached it a short time later and stole silently along the wall to the far corner.
‘Leif?’
The word was scarcely more than a murmur but it did not fail in its effect. A tall figure detached itself from the depths of the shadows.
‘I’m here.’
Pale moonlight gleamed softly on mail byrnie and silver arm rings. The relief at seeing him there was so strong it almost hurt. Mixed up with that was heart-thumping excitement. ‘You did come.’
‘Did you doubt it?’
‘I hoped you would but I didn’t know if it would be possible.’
‘I always keep my promises.’ He paused. ‘Besides, I owe you a debt of gratitude for the timely warning. You took quite a chance.’
‘I’m just relieved that it arrived in time.’
‘Time enough. My men are safe away.’
‘I’m glad of it.’
‘Now we must be gone too.’ His hands came to rest on her shoulders. ‘Do you still want to come with me?’
The touch thrilled through her. His closeness diminished fear. ‘Of course.’
‘It isn’t too late to change your mind.’
‘I won’t change my mind.’
‘Then let’s get out of here. My horse is tethered in the trees behind the barn.’
He took her hand and led the way, retracing his original route. As they passed the bower Astrid felt a fleeting regret that she hadn’t been able to say goodbye to Dalla, but there was no time for delay now. Every moment they lingered carried an element of risk so she hurried along beside Leif, occasionally looking round to make sure their flight was undetected. The holding was silent, almost eerily so. She shivered, just wanting to be away from the place now.
Leif paused in the shadow of a building and glanced down. ‘Are you all right?’
She nodded. ‘I’m fine.’
‘Come, then.’
They ran across the intervening space to the edge of the trees. Astrid breathed a sigh of relief. Leif squeezed her hand, a strong warm clasp that reassured and excited too.
‘Not far now.’
A voice behind them said, ‘Far enough.’
Astrid’s heart leapt towards her throat and she cried a warning as half-a-dozen armed men detached themselves from the shadows. Leif whipped round, reaching for his sword hilt. The blade had barely cleared leather before the first club swung at him. He ducked. The blow aimed at his head connected with his shoulder instead, jarring the length of his arm. He struck out and heard a grunt of pain. One of the attackers reeled backwards. The rest closed in, clubs swinging. He defended himself valiantly but there were too many of