Page 67 of Merciful Salvation

“Aye,” Rachelle said. “But then you’d miss the meeting with my seamstress.”

Kara cast a sideways glance her way. “Seamstress?”

“Tyr and I have decided to present you with a new wardrobe as your wedding gift. We can’t have you running around here in rags.”

Although Kara owned several lovely gowns, she hadn’t been provided new garments in quite some time. “Thank you,” she said. “Aaron will be forever grateful you’ve kept me in proper attire for a woman.”

“As for your husband,” Rachelle added. “A stallion and ten sheep to build his herd. Once word of your nuptials reaches our allies, expect more. Jarl McNally’s presence in the Trondelag will put the northern lords closer to the king.”

Two hours later, Kara emerged from the bathhouse. She basked in the sunshine. A long soak in the hot spring had melted away her aches and pains and left her feeling refreshed. She rushed to the great hall, disappointed how late she was for her appointment with the seamstress. With a heart set on pleasing her new husband, she planned on designing a couple of gowns in blue silk, with plunging necklines. Of course that would only encourage him to strip them off her.

Aaron mopped sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. Two days of felling trees was one thing, cutting shingles could take weeks. Several test bolts from the trees he selected had divided into smooth shingles. Now, cutting enough shakes to cover the roof would take time. Aaron gripped his wedge and hammer. Amund held a wood drum on end, while Aaron sawed it in half. He inspected the grain. Next, he split off a triangular section and removed the heartwood. The width of every shingle needed to match in order for the roof to seal properly.

He cursed when two riders arrived unexpectedly.

“Milord,” one called, dismounting. “My name is Dillingr. I’m a representative for Jarl Alfgeir. We welcome you to the Trondelag.”

Aaron handed Amund his tools, wiped his hands on his tunic, then addressed the stranger. “I’ve only been here a few days, how did you learn of my arrival?”

Dillingr smiled. “Word travels quickly.”

“Offer salutations to your master.”

“He requests your company on a hunting trip.”

Aaron eyed his house, then the messenger. “As you can see, I’m in the middle of repairing my roof.”

“A short delay, milord. And why would the king’s captain waste his time on menial labor? Jarl Alfgeir is only a few miles from here. He’s willing to pledge several men for service. And I’m sure your servants can finish what you’ve started.”

Aaron frowned thoughtfully, scrutinizing the strangers. Dressed as warriors, they appeared legitimate in every respect. “Amund.”

“Milord?”

“I cannot risk offending our neighbor.”

“No, milord.”

And Aaron had spent half the day instructing his men how to cut shingles. Surely they’d make good progress in his absence. “I’ll be back before nightfall.”

After he changed his clothes, Aaron mounted, then followed Dillingr and the other horseman north. They crossed the Gaula River, riding deeper inside the forest before they stopped in a small camp miles from Aaron’s steading. Three tents, similar to the ones Aaron used, were arranged around a fire. Half a dozen horses were grazing nearby.

After he climbed off his horse, Aaron straightened his weapon belt. He smelled roasting venison.

“This way, Jarl McNally.” Dillinger ushered him to the fire.

“Where is Jarl Alfgeir?”

“Over here, you piece of shite.”

Aaron swung around, then stared at Erling, stupefied. “I should have finished you the first time we met.” Ripping his sword from its sheath, he prepared to fight, feet spread wide and shoulders squared—his blade raised over his left shoulder.Forgive me, Kara, I failed you miserably...Not again. “Why are you here?” He knew the answer, but wanted to hear the bastard say it.

Erling bellowed with laughter. “To recover what you stole from me.”

This time Aaron laughed, but it came out sounding more like a growl. Rage pulsed through him.“Dra til helvete din mor.”

Three guards flanked Erling now. “My whore of a mother died shortly after giving birth to me, so it would be difficult to take my pleasure with her, but your wife will serve as a perfect substitute.”

Aaron controlled his breathing to keep himself from sinking into the fury that threatened to override his senses. Erling’s spies must be everywhere, including watching his wife. His gaze swept quickly over his surroundings. Two men stood behind him, four in front. Although Erling held no weapon, his men were heavily armed. And more fighters were likely hiding in the shadows. “Face me, one-on-one.”