Beyond the Sea Mist Read Online Free PDF Page A

involve himself with the princess’s dilemma. But something inside him wouldn’t let it go. He was intrigued by the contrast between her delicate beauty and prickly temperament. Even more, he was tantalized by the thought of what a bold thing it would be to free her.
    He bit into one of the oyster pastries, which was piping hot and dripping with savory juices. He finished quickly, then eyed the other pies. As he was wondering how hungry his companions really were, a movement from behind set him on alert. Croa was leaving.
    Magnus heart pounded as he watched the big Norseman squeeze by. This was his chance to find out where the Irishwoman was being held. He glanced over to the dice game. Orm was crouched on the floor, engrossed in play. But where was Skulli?
    As soon as Croa was out the door, Magnus rose. He made his way to Orm and squatted down beside him. “Where did Skulli go?”
    “To empty his bladder. He should be back soon.”
    “I need to do the same. Don’t forget there’s food waiting for you.” He motioned to the table.
    Orm leaned near and whispered, “A few more wins and I’ll able to buy something more far more satisfying than an oyster pie.”
    “Good luck to you then.” Straightening, Magnus shot a quick glance at Orm’s gaming partners. They were hard-eyed, cunning-looking fellows. Orm would need exceptional fortune to come out well in this game.
    Magnus left the alehouse and looked around. The fog had moved in again and he could see very little beyond the arc of lamplight spilling out the doorway. Fortunately, Croa’s voice never dipped much below a bellow and Magnus could hear him complaining in the distance.
    "Thor’s hammer! What’s wrong with Sitric? It’s one thing to embrace the religion of the White Christ, but that doesn’t mean he has to behave like one of those womanish monks!” As Magnus hurried in the direction of Croa’s voice, the Norseman continued, “Baldar says the king of Dublin has no interest in taking a new concubine, no matter how fine she is. Now I’ll have to find another wealthy man to offer her to!”
    One of Croa’s companions apparently responded, and Croa muttered, “It won’t be easy. I may have to take her to York and try my luck there.”
    Magnus’s heart pounded. He might have only a little time to help the Irishwoman. That thought kept his feet moving, although his conscience argued that he shouldn’t leave Orm. But Skulli would come back soon. The older warrior would make certain Orm didn’t get into trouble.
    Croa was still grumbling, although he‘d lowered his voice. Magnus quickened his pace until he was a dozen paces behind his quarry. As the group of men reached a building lighted by torches, Magnus ducked off the walkway to avoid being seen.
    The group entered a longhouse. Magnus regarded the structure keenly. This must be where Croa stayed when he was in Dublin. Were the Irishwoman and her companions inside? Probably not. The longhouse wasn’t that big, and if Croa wanted to make certain his prize remained untouched, he wouldn’t keep her in the same dwelling as his warriors.
    For a moment, Magnus didn’t know what to do. Then he saw a small cat moving along a narrow wooden walkway around the side of the longhouse. With caution, he followed the cat. Behind the longhouse was another daub and wattle structure, with an armed sentry in front of the doorway. This must be where the women were being held. All he had to do was kill the guard and free them, then get them back to the
Waverunner
.
    Magnus crouched down and chewed the inside of his cheek as he considered the obstacles he faced. It wasn’t simply the matter of getting the women free and safely away. Even if he managed that, how could he convince Sigurd to take them on as cargo, yet not sell them at another port? Sigurd was a decent man, but also a shrewd and successful merchant. He would want something for his trouble.
    What did he have that he could offer the captain? Magnus