Blind Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page A

Gunter, a thrall placed a large trencher filled with roasted boar and vegetables before him. His stomach grumbled. Whatever bad impression he held of Erik, he must admit, the jarl fed his guests well. While he ate, Aaron observed every move the girl made. She ate without inhibition, helping herself to three servings of meat and bread without batting an eyelash. What a rarity to find a beautiful girl with an appetite that could rival any man’s.
    Unable to resist his growing curiosity, Aaron finally turned to Gunter. “Who is the young woman at the end of the table?”
    Gunter pointed nonchalantly with his knife. “My sister.”
    Sister? Erik hadn’t mentioned a daughter. Why would he? Pressure built in his groin. Goddamnit , now he’d never get close enough to meet her. “Where is your younger brother?”
    Gunter swallowed his food, then wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “I’m the youngest.”
    Were all Dalgaards contemptible liars? Was there something special about the lad that made his family willing to risk their honor? Hadn’t he made it abundantly clear that he intended to have the boy in his regiment? He eyed Varinn, who simply shrugged.
    Diplomacy. Patience. Aaron promptly changed the subject. “Tell me who the other women are seated with your sister.”
    “Cousins and the daughters of some of the men who serve my father. Why do you ask?”
    “Tis a bad habit . . . I must know who I break bread with.”
    Gunter grunted in appreciation. “A wise practice, jarl, but I assure you there is no threat here. My father always protects his guests. We are a peaceful family.”
    Drit . The boy was addle-minded. Odin’s warriors aren’t peaceful. Nearly every man at the high table had a replica of Thor’s hammer on a chain around their necks, worn in open opposition of the cross. Erik met Aaron’s gaze as he continued to assess the men around him. Where was Kar?
    “I trust you’ve been well entertained, Jarl McNally?” Erik called out.
    “My appetite is well satisfied, although I feel a bit neglected in another way,” he replied. “Your middle son hasn’t been very entertaining.”
    The subsequent laughter made Erik’s face turn red. “Rest assured I have a surprise.” His sarcasm and confidence made Aaron wary. “If the ladies would retire, we have important affairs to discuss.”
    Aaron hated to see his beautiful distraction leave, but there were matters to settle before his departure tomorrow morning.
    Once the women were gone, Erik spoke freely. “As you know, milord, you’ve placed me in an awkward position.”
    Aaron understood his resistance, but it didn’t change anything. “If you fulfill my request, I’ll be on my way by sunrise.” His gaze didn’t leave Erik, gauging his reaction.
    “My brethren will think me a coward if I appease the king without question.”
    With less than three hundred men under his command, Erik couldn’t defend against King Olaf’s army. “Reconsider your position, milord, give fealty to Olaf.”
    “I do,” he assured dispassionately. “I’m no outlaw. Despite my faith, I recognize Olaf as the legitimate ruler. Why would I disobey my liege?”
    “For the same reasons any man does.” Aaron shrugged. “We live in perilous times and the potential for civil war grows. My purpose is to end any rebellions before they start.”
    “And Lagenheim is unfortunate enough to be your first stop.”
    “Tis the first place I’ve found men worthy of recruitment—nothing less than a compliment to your capable leadership.”
    Erik grunted. “Odin will strike me down for assisting a Christian king.”
    “And if you don’t, Olaf will, too.” He was hopelessly deadlocked with a man as stubborn as a bear. Conversation amongst the guests grew infuriatingly louder as he waited for Erik’s reply.
    Minutes later, a familiar form clad in armor entered the hall.
    “Marteinn.” Erik shifted his attention to the imposing warrior. “Demonstrate how well you’ve prepared