The Viking's Defiant Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

down her sewing and hastened to the door, but her companion was before her. Both of them halted in dismay on the threshold; outside was a scene of urgent haste with men running to their posts, buckling on swords as they went. They stopped a man-at-arms who was hurrying to the palisade with a large sheaf of arrows.
    â€˜What is it? What’s happening?’
    â€˜The sentries have reported sighting a large enemy force, my lady,’ he replied. ‘It is advancing on Ravenswood.’
    Osgifu paled, looking in alarm at the armed men running towards the ramparts. ‘An enemy force?’
    â€˜Aye, the Vikings approach.’ He inclined his head to Elgiva.‘Your pardon, lady, but I dare not stay longer. I must to my post.’ With that he was gone.
    The two women ran to the hall where Aylwin was barking orders to his men. As they hastened to obey, he turned to Elgiva.
    â€˜Go bar yourself in the upper chamber, my lady. It will be far safer. Take Osgifu and the children too.’
    Before she had a chance to reply one of Aylwin’s men spoke out, throwing a dark glance at Osgifu.
    â€˜I’ve been told that this woman is of Danish blood, my lord. How do we know she can be trusted?’
    Elgiva surveyed him with anger. ‘Osgifu has served my family faithfully and well for many years. Her loyalty is not in question nor ever has been.’
    The man reddened. ‘I beg pardon, my lady.’
    Aylwin glared at him, then nodded towards the door. The other took the hint and beat a hasty retreat.
    â€˜I’m sorry, Elgiva.’ Aylwin laid a soothing hand on her arm. ‘Such times make men cautious.’
    â€˜So it seems.’
    With an effort Elgiva forced down her indignation. It would not aid their cause to quarrel among themselves. She turned to Osgifu.
    â€˜Fetch Hilda and the children and the women servants. Then go with them to the upper floor.’
    If Osgifu had been in any way discomforted by the conversation, it was not evident. Returning Elgiva’s gaze, she asked, ‘What about you, child?’
    â€˜I will come presently, but there is something I must fetch first.’
    â€˜Make haste then, my lady,’ said Aylwin. With one last warm smile he hurried off to join his men outside.
    Elgiva raced back to the bower and, throwing open the chest in the corner, retrieved the sword from the bottom. The familiar weight of the weapon was comforting. At least they should notbe completely defenceless if the worst came to the worst. Closing her hand round the scabbard, she slammed the chest shut and went to join the others, barring the stout door behind her as Aylwin had instructed. Then she took up a station by the far window. The shutters were pulled to, but through a broken slat she could see much of the hustle and activity below as men ran to their posts. Aylwin had his plan ready days earlier and each one of his retainers knew where he was supposed to be. Within a short time they were ready, armed to the teeth, and grimly determined to defend their homes and their lives.
    The clanging bell had brought the peasants from the fields and the wood to seek the relative safety of the pale. No sooner were they gathered within than the men on the wall called out a warning as the forward ranks of the Viking host appeared. Like an army of sinister wraiths, silent and intent, they emerged from among the trees into the pasture beyond. One of their archers loosed an arrow, killing a Saxon guard where he stood. Then, as though at a signal, a great shout went up from the invaders, splitting the stillness, and they surged forwards as one.
    â€˜Merciful heavens,’ murmured Aylwin. ‘Surely this can be no ordinary raiding party. There are hundreds of them.’ By his private reckoning his men would be outnumbered five to one.
    Beside him, his armed companion had made a similar calculation. ‘This is revenge indeed for their dead chieftain.’
    What Aylwin might have