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  Liddy thought hard. ‘There is a small inlet. It is not often used. You could land a boat or two there. But these Northmen are landing here.’

  ‘Thorbin will not have trusted them.’ At her questioning glance, he added, ‘I feel it deep in my gut. It is the same sort of feeling I get before battle.’

  Liddy gave a soft laugh. The love he felt for her threatened to overwhelm him. ‘And you are asking me to trust your gut.’

  ‘We have this one chance to stop them, so, yes, I am asking you to trust me. Can you lead me there after this is all over?’

  ‘Yes, but there will be nothing there.’

  ‘There will be and I will find it.’ He put his hands on her shoulders, willing her to understand what he wanted to do and why. ‘I have this one last chance to find this gold and I will.’

  ‘I believe in you.’ She put her hand to her eyes. ‘They seem to be turning around. Do you think they will just go away?’

  ‘They are waiting for the tide to turn. It is easier to beach your ships when the tide is with you.’

  ‘What do we do now?’

  ‘We wait and we give them a welcome that they will not soon forget!’

  * * *

  The boats remained offshore, not doing anything, but the water had begun to lap in earnest at the shoreline. Sigurd had arranged his remaining men in position. Half of her hoped that nothing would happen, but the other half wanted Sigurd to be right. She wanted to believe that the Northmen from Dubh Linn could be defeated here.

  The first warrior had returned without her father or brother. They were busy securing the hall, but would come to help if circumstances permitted. Liddy pressed her lips together. Typical.

  ‘Can you see the boats?’ Sigurd asked.

  Liddy’s stomach clenched. The lead boat had turned and was heading straight for the bay. She had had such hopes. ‘We have run out of time. The tide has turned.’

  ‘Go, Liddy. Go to your father and keep safe. You have your freedom. You can then go where you will.’ He gave her a little shove. ‘No one else will be coming. Aedan mac Connall will be like your father. We have run out of time.’

  Liddy crossed her arms and refused to move. ‘No.’

  ‘No?’

  ‘Either I will be safe here with you or Ivar the Boneless’s men will overrun everywhere. You asked me to trust your sword arm and I have.’ Her throat worked up and down. ‘You can dismiss me if you like, but I will find a way to stay. If you have given me my freedom, then I am free to make up my mind. I stay with you, Sigurd. You and I, we make our own luck.’

  Sigurd’s eyes widened. ‘You have more grit in your little finger than your brother or father.’

  ‘Someone has to.’

  Liddy counted the warriors again. No matter how many times she counted, she still came to the same conclusion. They were outnumbered. She knew she should flee, but she was reluctant to leave Sigurd. Somewhere deep in her heart she knew if they parted, it would be the last time she saw him. ‘Will you have enough men?’

  ‘You only know that when the battle is done. Sometimes one man is enough, sometimes you can have a thousand and still lose,’ Sigurd said, giving a half-truth. He had the advantage of surprise and that was about all. ‘We will manage with what we have.’

  The tiny frown relaxed between her eyes. Sigurd heaved a sigh of relief. Liddy didn’t realise the peril they faced. If the gods and fate were with him, he could win, but if not, he would lose and lose badly.

  ‘That makes sense.’ She stiffened. ‘I hear horses. Aedan will be coming to our aid. I knew he couldn’t resist the chance to fight Northmen.’

  ‘Just the wind.’ Sigurd cocked his head to one side. ‘You tried, Liddy, but Aedan has his own concerns.’

  ‘You have more men,’ Aedan called out as he rode into view. ‘My scouts spotted the ships just after you left and I summoned my men. I will admit to thinking you had double-crossed me. Thinking to attack after mouthing peace, however, I met your messenger on the road and he explained.’

  Sigurd bowed. ‘I am grateful you decided to join in the fight.’

  Aedan bowed towards Liddy and handed her the cross. ‘I would have come with or without this, but it made my decision easier. One way or another you will be free. You have requested sanctuary.’

  Liddy tore her arm from Aedan’s grip. ‘It is not why I sent for your help. It is time you did more than proclaim your opposition to men from Dubh Linn. Time to start fighting for your land!’

  ‘Your men are most welcome,’ Sigurd said, putting a restraining hand on Liddy’s shoulder. ‘Liddy, he is here to help. We have enough enemies without making more.’

  He rapidly explained his plan to Aedan, who seemed to grasp the rudiments and asked pertinent questions. Sigurd’s respect for the warrior grew. It was easy to understand why he had been able to gain control of the headland.

  Liddy linked her arm with his. The simple touch did much to steady him. She smiled. ‘What do you want me to do?’

  ‘Stay hidden. Keep out of the way,’ Aedan retorted. ‘I can’t believe you allowed her to be here, Sigurd. She should be in hiding.’

  ‘Liddy made her own choice.’ Sigurd gave Liddy’s hand a squeeze before stepping away from her. ‘Keep back from the fighting, Liddy. If you see the tide turning against us, use your horse and ride far away from here. We agreed on this.’

  She stood proud with her red hair flowing free. ‘I believe in your sword arm, Sigurd. I have seen it in action. I stay.’

  Sigurd gave Aedan a look. ‘Eilidith is a woman who knows her own mind. If you had had more warriors with her spirit, you would have not lost this island.’

  ‘I wish that my father...’ Liddy pressed her lips together. ‘He will not fight.’

  ‘But his son will,’ her brother said, coming out from the shadows. ‘Don’t worry, Liddy, Fa has taken Ma off, but I figure we need to make a stand.’ He motioned to the group of men who stood behind him. Most of the islanders had hoes and scythes, but the priest held a smouldering torch.

  ‘What is that for?’ Sigurd asked, nodding towards the priest.

  ‘I figured that we might be able to burn their heathen boats, the same way they have burnt us in the past.’ The priest glared back. ‘I want to do more than bind wounds afterwards.’

  ‘I am grateful for any help.’

  ‘First boat coming this way,’ one of his men shouted out. ‘It looks like you were right, Sigurd. They will make landfall here.’

  Sigurd raised his right hand. ‘Wait until they are in the water. It is when they are most vulnerable.’

  ‘How do you know they mean harm?’ one of his men asked.

  ‘They haven’t come calling the usual way.’ Sigurd beat his sword against his shield. ‘Will you follow me?’

  The men gave a ragged cheer and then were silent.

  Sigurd’s nerves tightened. This was the part he normally loved best about any battle—the tension and anticipation before the start, but today, all he could think about was keeping Liddy safe. He wished she was a thousand miles from harm, but he was also pleased she was there, with him. He glanced over his shoulder to where she stood, by the horses. She gave him an encouraging nod. Then he turned his gaze towards the sun-dappled bay.

  The lead longboat slid into the shallow waters with its shields down. Its warriors started to get out, more intent on getting the boat ashore than noticing their surroundings. The second boat slid alongside them and the third had just started its manoeuvre. The warriors were definitely from Ivar the Boneless, and they had no idea that they were being watched.

  Sigurd lowered his arm. ‘At them.’

  His warriors rushed forward, shouting. The priest tossed his torch, sending it arching in the sky until it connected with the sail cloth where it caught fire. Plumes of smoke is
sued from one boat.

  The would-be raiders took one look and started running back for the boat. One climbed the mast to put the fire out, but an arrow felled him.

  Sigurd grabbed their leader by the arm, recognised him as one of Ivar the Boneless’s most loyal warriors. ‘Not so fast. This is my land and you need to ask my permission.’

  ‘Never.’ He tried to knee Sigurd in the groin.

  ‘Then you face the consequences.’

  Sigurd pivoted and landed a blow on the man’s back. The man screamed in agony.

  The battle was fast and furious and the blue water of the bay turned a dull red from the blood. But when it was done, Sigurd counted two dead from his band and more than twenty from the opposing side. The remaining Northmen rapidly surrendered.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Liddy picked her way around the smouldering wreckage of the longboat and the other debris from the brief battle. A group of Northmen from Dubh Linn sat on the beach with their arms tied. After the noise and fury of the battle, the sudden stillness hurt her ears.

  Just when she had nearly given up hope of spotting Sigurd, she saw him sitting on an upturned rock, speaking to Aedan and Malcolm. Anger swept through her. Here she’d been worried about him and he was laughing and joking.

  She marched up to the group. ‘You might have told me that it was over. I thought something must have happened to you. I worried that I might not see you again.’

  The instant they heard her voice, the discussion stopped. Sigurd went over to her and enfolded her in his arms. She laid her head against his chest and listened to the steady thumping of his heart. He was alive.

  She touched his face and felt the soft bristles of his stubble against her hand. ‘I was so worried. Is it over?’

  ‘Wait here. Once you see this, you will understand.’ Sigurd loosened his arms and let her go. He went over to where he’d been sitting and retrieved a large sword which he handed to her with a flourish. ‘The leader of this particular felag’s appetite for battle vanished once he realised that this was not going to be an easy raid. He attempted to run, but misjudged it. One boat got clean away. Another burns, but the third I claim as bounty.’

  Liddy raised herself up on tiptoes and tried to peer around his bulk. ‘Will they return?’

  ‘They will not be able to use this place again to launch their raids on my people. I will keep a guard on it,’ Aedan declared.

  ‘We both will,’ Sigurd said, holding out his hand.

  Aedan reluctantly took it. ‘I never thought I’d be grateful to have a Northman on my side, but I am.’

  Liddy awkwardly held the sword. A large part of her wanted Sigurd to enfold her in his arms again. As it was she kept looking to see if he was injured, but he appeared unhurt except for some minor bruising. Aedan had a cut to his cheek and his hand bore a nasty gash.

  ‘But where have they gone? Will they regroup? Bring back more men?’

  ‘Last seen, heading towards Ireland,’ Aedan commented. ‘It did me good to see Northmen turn tail and run. We may have differences, your man and I, but he is as good as his word and I’ve never seen a better fighter.’

  ‘The battle may be over, but they will return.’ Sigurd tapped his fingers together. ‘I’m not altogether convinced they were here to raid or even to fish. I think they had another quarry.’

  ‘What other quarry could there be?’ Aedan asked.

  ‘Sigurd is convinced that Thorbin hid his gold and possibly told Ivar the Boneless where it was hidden. Or at least gave him enough of a clue.’ Liddy looped her arm through Sigurd’s. ‘Isn’t that right?’

  Sigurd gave her arm a squeeze before moving away. ‘Unfortunately none of those surviving has much of a clue. The leader perished in the attack. He had, however, promised them great treasure, ripe for the taking. I suspect Ivar paid Thorbin gold and this is where he collected it.’

  Aedan nodded. ‘Interesting. To the finder, the gold, eh, Sigurd? If it is on my land and I find it, it is mine.’

  ‘That is the law.’ Sigurd drew his brows together. ‘We need to go, Liddy.’

  A clatter of hooves interrupted the preparations. Hring rode into view. ‘Sigurd Sigmundson!’

  ‘A bit late,’ Sigurd remarked, going forward. ‘We will discuss defence of this island later, king of Loairn and laird of Kintra.’

  ‘I look forward to it.’

  Hring saluted Sigurd. ‘There has been a development. Beyla has arrived with her son.’

  Liddy’s stomach tightened. Was this why Sigurd had given her Hope? Was that why they journeyed towards her father’s estate rather than away from it? He was planning this. Her stomach roiled. This was supposed to be goodbye. And now she had forced the issue by demanding that she stay with him and yet she knew she had to fight for him.

  ‘She was expected, several days ago by your reckoning,’ Sigurd said. ‘Why the panic? She will be easy to deal with in due course.’

  Hring’s face became graver. ‘But that is not all. Ketil has also arrived.’

  ‘Ketil?’ Sigurd stared at Hring in astonishment. Ketil Flatnose being here was absolutely the last thing he needed. After settling things with Aedan, he wanted to take Liddy somewhere quiet and explain things to her, but this had thrown his plans. ‘Why is he here?’

  ‘Beyla has outfoxed you,’ Hring declared. ‘She outfoxed us all. She went straight to Ketil and demanded her husband’s blood price. Claimed you had no right to kill him. Claimed it was in cold blood. She had spies, Sigurd. I blame myself for not considering the option when she said that she wanted her own ships.’

  Sigurd silently cursed. He had failed to consider that option as well. ‘Not your fault, Hring.’

  ‘Worse, Ketil has taken her side.’ Hring pushed his helm back. ‘If you remember, her father saved Ketil’s life way back when. He has a soft spot for her.’

  Sigurd closed his eyes. Just when he had considered the day could not get any worse. ‘What blood price does she claim?’

  ‘Ketil named a weight in gold. Far more than most jaarls would be worth.’

  Sigurd winced. If he had found the missing gold, it would not have been a problem, but as it was, the amount would be difficult to raise. ‘Does Ketil agree to it?’

  ‘Ketil has come to make sure that he gets what is due him and that justice is done.’ Hring gave a short laugh. ‘He appears to have a liking for Beyla. There again, he always did have an eye for a well-turned ankle and a soft smile, but he always makes sure to put business before pleasure.’

  ‘Beyla can be most persuasive,’ Sigurd said, remembering how her soft words of undying devotion had nearly undone him and had lulled him into Thorbin’s trap.

  Hring bared his teeth. ‘Are you coming? Or are you leaving in that longboat you captured? Shall I say that I couldn’t find you?’

  Sigurd lifted a brow. ‘Do I have a choice?’

  ‘Not really. Not if you want to live.’

  Liddy slipped her hand in his. The simple touch showed him how much he stood to lose. If Beyla wanted to get to him, she’d use Liddy, just as his mother had been used all those years ago. He needed to think clearly.

  ‘Sigurd, what is going on? What is wrong? Did your men refuse to come?’

  ‘None of your concern, Eilidith.’ He drew a breath. How could he ask Liddy to share his life with this hanging over him? She deserved much better. She deserved to stay free and to live her life in comfort. ‘I will solve this, but you need to remain here where you will be safe.’

  Her eyes flashed. ‘You consider me safe here? No, I am safe with you. You promised me when we first met.’

  Each word was another knife in his soul. He should have considered that Beyla would act and act decisively. He had made a fundamental mistake in forgetting about her connection to Ketil. If Beyla suspecte
d his feelings for Liddy, she’d seek to use it against him. In order to protect Liddy, he had to hurt her. He had to make her think that they were over. It tore at his soul far more than he had ever considered possible.

  ‘Aedan offered you sanctuary. It is the best place for you. He will protect you now.’ For one last time, he touched her cheek. She turned her face away. ‘He knows you are far from cursed.’

  ‘Sigurd Sigmundson, we must depart!’

  ‘No! I won’t accept that,’ Liddy protested. ‘We belong together.’

  ‘You must.’ He took his mother’s cross and handed it to her. It had kept him safe thus far. His mother had been right—true love was worth fighting for and this time he would keep the woman he loved safe from Beyla’s clutches. ‘Keep this to remember me by.’

  ‘Your mother’s cross?’

  Sigurd closed her fingers about the cross. ‘You must accept it. It is better this way. She would have wanted you to have it.’

  He hoped she’d understand its significance. He was giving her his heart and his pledge to seek her out once he defeated Beyla and any other enemy.

  He nodded towards Aedan. ‘Take care of her. Keep her safe. You will answer to me.’

  Aedan gave him a grave nod. ‘For a Northman, you are one of the good ones.’

  ‘I hate you for leaving me here! I will never forgive you!’ Liddy cried and as Sigurd forced his feet to keep on walking, he knew he’d hear those words in his dreams.

  * * *

  ‘Are you coming, Eilidith?’ Aedan asked. ‘Or do you have to be carried?’

  Liddy stood watching where Sigurd had ridden off without a backwards glance. If she strained she could just about imagine the sound of horses’ hooves. And she knew her last words to him were wrong. She had forgiven him the instant he was gone. He was trying to protect her from whatever waited for him back at the hall.

  ‘I am a free woman, Aedan, not your slave.’ She crossed her arms and glared at him. ‘I belong to no man. Sigurd Sigmundson gave me my freedom in a way which my father or you never would have. I go where I please.’