Gistrid’s murder was an embarrassment to Ovrek.For people to learn the murderer was Ovrek’s wife who had gone behind his back would be outright humiliation.
There was only one person who could convince Ovrek that Sifma had poisoned Gistrid, and she would not do it unless forced, which meant Cenric had to force her.The realization made him feel cruel and used at the same time.
He had always tried to be honorable, especially with people he respected, but the only option left was far from honorable.Ovrek and Sifma had forced him to this.
Cenric kicked dirt into the fire.He picked up a piece of kindling and snapped it in half before tossing it into the flames.
Brynn seemed to wilt before his frustration.“I’m sorry.I don’t…I don’t know how I survive this one.”
Cenric faced her, resting his hands on her shoulders as he pulled her around to him.“I will deal with it.”
Brynn’s face was red and blotched.“I know you might not have a choice in what happens.I know you tried.”
Cenric silenced her with a kiss.Her lips were cold, but she returned it, her mouth tentative against his, shy as she had been in the beginning.He rubbed her arms, wanting to stir life back into them.“I will be back soon.I’m leaving Kalen, Esa, and the other thanes with you this time.”
Brynn bit her lower lip.
Cenric took the sprig of pennyroyal and stood, mind rattling in a hundred different directions.He singled out Kalen.“Stay with them.”
The boy’s brows pinched in determination as he straightened.He might not be able to prevent another attack from Tolvir, but he would at least be another witness.
He passed the same order to Ugba and Anders, commanding them to watch Brynn as well as the ship.The men both frowned, doubtless bursting with questions about the events since last night, but didn’t argue.
Cenric glanced down at the pennyroyal in his fist.It was all they had.
He had faith in Brynn.If she believed Sifma had done it, that was good enough for him.There was a time when Sifma had been above reproach in his mind, but that could be said about a lot of people these days.
Cenric realized he was heading toward the great hall before his plan had fully formed.The beach was abuzz with bloodlust as men scoured the ships for signs of Egill’s crew.From the sound of it, most the jarl’s men had disappeared.
It wasn’t surprising.They must have known that they would be marked for death in the event their jarl failed to kill Ovrek.How many of them had known of the plan?
Cenric found Vana on the way back from the great hall herself, probably having just seen to Hróarr.Her silver torque marked her out as a woman of means and she might be mistaken for a queen herself from the confident way she moved.
“Vana,” Cenric called to her as soon as she was in earshot.
“Cenric.”Vana’s smile was guarded.“Hróarr tells me that he returned your wife.”
Cenric wondered how much Hróarr had told her about that.Perhaps it was best not to continue this line of conversation.“I need your help.”
Vana raised her chin.“Oh?”
Cenric focused on the great hall over her shoulder, not quite able to meet her eye.“Queen Sifma is in the weaving house.I need you to deliver a message for me.”
Sifma, according to Ovrek, spent her days in the weaving house.Men were forbidden from entering, so Cenric would need a woman to at least deliver his message for him.It would have to be a woman who spoke Valdari, could be trusted, and had a rapport with Sifma.Cenric knew of only one.
Vana folded her arms beneath her shawl.“Hróarr says you punched him in the face.”
“He deserved it.”Cenric glanced to where the warriors were dividing up to search the different storehouses and workshops.
“We’re worried about you, Cenric.”Vana studied him carefully.“This situation is—”
Cenric bristled.“Will you help me or not?”
Vana exhaled.“Is this about the sorceress?”
“No.”It was a half-truth, but if Vana wanted full truths, she should have left Brynn out of this.“This is about the plot against Ovrek.”
“Why can’t you tell Ovrek about it?”
