The place reeked. Heat, foul breath, the stink of over-boiled meat and unwashed bodies were all trapped under the clouds of smoke that hovered under the rafters. With heavy rain and no wind, the smoke-hole was next to useless. Bodies were strewn everywhere, some blanketed and asleep, others slumped against the wall or sprawled on tables, overcome with ale. In the darker nooks, she noticed several couples grinding and pawing at each other. That didn’t help the ripe smell in there, none.

The guard led them through the main hall to a smaller chamber that lay beyond and told them to wait and to help themselves to an ale-pitcher on a side table. Einar wasted no time in pouring out one for himself and, two drained cups later, for his female companions.

‘Cheery place, ain’t it?’ he said, wiping his beard.

‘I see no power here.’ Lilla peered idly up at the dusty hangings and battle-scarred shields that adorned the walls. She felt angry with Einar, that he could so blithely quench his thirst when all hope hung by a thread. Angry with everyone, in truth. But she knew why. She felt weak, to come begging in a place like this, humiliated. It wasn’t Einar’s fault that her choices were so few.

‘Sure, the place needs a clean. But don’t be put off by that,’ said Einar. ‘The Livi are a fierce folk if the tales of the Estland Wars are to be believed.’

‘They seem more interested in ale and bed-slaves.’

‘Well, what man wouldn’t be in winter?’

‘Winter is ending.’

‘All the more reason then.’ Einar sank another ale.

Meanwhile, Gerutha was rubbing her hands anxiously over a brazier in the corner. ‘We should have sought out more men for your escort. There must have been others loyal to you.’

‘We had no time.’

‘Maybe. But now we’re completely at the mercy of these people.’

‘Not if he is here.’ It was the first she had mentioned Erlan for two days. But he had always been there, a shadow in her mind. ‘If the Aurvandil serves Osvald, then we can at least expect some favour, even if our plea is not satisfied.’

‘You know the chance of this is small, Lady.’

‘It was your message that brought us here after all,’ she snapped, irritated by her servant’s pessimism. ‘Look, if he is not then we have no choice. We must trust in ourselves. And in the old alliance.’