AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘When?’ She tilted her head to one side.
‘Here and now.’ He gestured towards where one of his men sat tuning a lute. ‘A little music for the background, Starkad. “Ragnar’s saga”.’
‘That is the one where Aella was made into a blood eagle,’ Edith said with a faint shudder as she named the man who had done more than most to bring about the Norsemen invasion ten years ago.
‘Did you know him?’
‘My father did not think much of him.’
‘Then we shall have the Lindisfarne one with Haakon the Bold. It might be ancient, but I still enjoy it.’
‘You would have it sung here!’ Edith seemed genuinely shocked.
‘To the victor, the spoils.’ Brand raised his glass to his lips. ‘The man who led the raid was an ancestor of mine through my father’s line. They say I take after him.’
‘And you are proud of that?’
‘He was a great warrior.’ He quickly moved to set up the pieces. ‘If you are ready to begin?’
‘You will need to explain the rules as I’ve only played according to my father’s.’ Her long lashes swept down, covering her eyes. ‘I would hardly wish to make a mistake, given the ferocity of your ancestor.’
The back of his neck prickled. Sometimes she was far too transparent. Edith wanted to win—not this game of tafl, but this game between them. She was fighting her instincts, and only allowing her personality in short bursts. He should have seen it earlier.
‘Modesty does not become you, Edith. You are trying too hard.’
Her mouth gaped opened and her hand froze in the act of moving her piece. ‘What do you mean? I haven’t even begun to play.’
Brand leant towards her so that his breath caressed her shell-like ear. ‘Relax. You’re trying too hard to be pleasant. You really want to tell me to go to the ice cold of Hades, particularly as I brought up Lindisfarne. You were hoping to depart before I trapped you into this game and now you are afraid that you are going to enjoy this.’
‘Hell is hot.’ She folded her hands in her lap and adopted a falsely pious expression. Only the gleam in her eye gave her away.
‘Not where I come from.’ He motioned for more mead. ‘Now admit I’m right about the game.’
She laughed, the first genuine laugh he’d heard from her. ‘Yes, you are right. I do enjoy pitting my wits against you.’
* * *
Edith regarded the tafl board. Another move and she’d win. Her fingers trembled on the carved ivory piece. Did she dare? She hated that she had enjoyed herself far more tonight than she had in years. It was as if that horrible time with Egbert had never been and she could be herself.
Hilda had sent her several warning glances. Edith had tried to pay attention to her words of wisdom from just before supper, but it was proving impossible. All the joy she’d once experienced playing with her father came crowding back. She wanted to play to win, rather than allowing Brand to win as Hilda had advised.
‘You might be right. A man might like to think he is superior, Hilda,’ Edith muttered under her breath as the saga reached a screeching finale. ‘But it doesn’t have to mean that I cave in—but I can do something.’
‘Did you say something?’ Brand enquired, leaning forwards.
‘I believe it is my game and the match,’ she said, giving in to an impulse and making a move that was reckless. If he was good, Brand could still win.
‘Not so fast.’ Brand’s hand stilled hers. ‘You’ve not won yet. I have one more move.’
‘You think that will save you?’
‘Yes.’ He moved his piece. ‘My match, my lady. It does not do to become overconfident.’
She looked at him open-mouthed. He had done it. Egbert had always failed that test. ‘You’ve won.’
His eyes turned serious. ‘Edith, promise me that you will never again be tempted to just allow me to win again.’
Her hand flew to her mouth and a hot flush crept up her cheeks. ‘Can I claim the music put me off?’
‘Your eyes gave you away. I saw your cousin’s nod.’ His hand covered hers. ‘I prefer my opponents honest. It makes the victory sweeter.’
‘Enjoy the feeling while it lasts.’ Edith withdrew her hand and started to set up the pieces. ‘I demand a rematch! This time without a saga as background noise.’
‘That is easily done.’ Brand moved his first counter. ‘Shall we set everyone a challenge as well? Something to keep them occupied.’
