Page 26 of Merciful Salvation

Offended, Kara leapt to her feet. The bastard was drunk on more than just wine tonight.

“On second thought...” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “You should retire before I follow through on my threat.” He grabbed her arm and laughed. “Bolt your door.”

The thin scrap of wood that served as a barrier on her cabin provided no protection. A silk-slippered foot could kick it down.

Chapter Nine

After

Three weeks afterAaron made conditional peace with his cousin, he sailed south to recruit more men. He landed in Floro, purchased twenty horses and supplies, then travelled inland with his escort. Late spring in Norway rivaled Scotland if the weather held. The endless number of lakes and rivers made it difficult to work when he’d rather fish and hunt.

Tyr pledged twenty warriors to the king’s cause, shielding the families who lived closest to his steading from the draft. Three of those men were now permanent members of Aaron’s personal guard. Rumors of outlaws living in the forest, close to Erik the Bald’s home, drew Aaron back to Lagenheim. However, he questioned what really made him go. He couldn’t forget Kara. In a few days, he’d see her again, kiss her, hold her in his arms, and declare his intentions. The visit with Tyr convinced him it was time to start his own family.

While camped two days outside Lagenheim, during the eventide meal, four threadbare riders showed up. Aaron watched while his captain, Tayte Olavson, greeted and disarmed them before they were permitted at the fire. When the boys were offered plates of salt fish, boiled cabbage, and cups of wine, they devoured their food. Aaron suspected something was wrong.

“Where are your families?” he inquired.

“Dead,” the eldest droned. “Our parents perished in a fire weeksago. These are my brothers.” He pointed to them. “Dane is a bastard.”

Aaron stifled a sad laugh as he looked the fourth boy over. He had exceptional features, tall with long arms and legs. He’d make an excellent archer. “Can you swing an axe properly—hit a target?”

“Aye,” Dane answered.

He addressed the eldest brother again. “What are your names?”

“I’m Buri. This is Dusten and Ivar.”

“Where did you ride from, Buri?”

“Naustdal Valley—ten miles east. Driven out of another camp.”

“I know the place,” Aaron said. “Who cast you out?”

“I don’t know. We were never introduced, milord.”

Aaron flicked a measured gaze at Tayte. Outlaws. Perhaps the very ones who had attacked Kara and her brothers. He’d give a king’s ransom to meet up with them again. The poor lads were in rough shape, underfed and in need of warmer clothing. The kindest thing Aaron could do was provide opportunities for each one to make an honest living as a soldier.

“The gods blessed you today,” Aaron said. “This is King Olaf’s camp. I am recruiting young men like you for his army. You can thrive without scavenging and stealing food.”

His words piqued Dane’s interest the most. “I considered enlisting a year ago, sir.”

“Are you sincerely interested in serving your king?”

“All of us?” Buri queried.

Buri and Dusten appeared old enough. The youngest, Ivar, looked too frail to fight, but sturdy enough to work as a cook. “The offer is legitimate. If you prove loyal, the king has guaranteed great reward in the future.”

Dane whistled.

The brothers embraced, openly appreciative of their change in fortune. “Whatever you ask, milord,willbe carried out,” Buri assured him.

Aaron believed him. “Tayte, give these men proper gear and sleeping quarters.”

“Aye.” The captain grinned, then escorted them to a nearby tent.

The Naustdal Valley was so desolate, it seemed unfit for anyone to live in. Aaron’s gaze swept the area. With Buri leading the way, Aaron hoped to find the camp where the boys had been just a couple nights ago.

“How much farther?” he asked the lad.