BooksBarbecue
Back A Night of Flames Save as PDF
Chapters (76)
  1. Cover
  2. Praise forMATTHEW HARFFY
  3. BY MATTHEW HARFFY
  4. Title Page
  5. Copyright
  6. Dedication
  7. Maps
  8. Epigraph
  9. Contents
  10. Place Names
  11. One
  12. Two
  13. Three
  14. Four
  15. Five
  16. Six
  17. Seven
  18. Eight
  19. Nine
  20. Ten
  21. Eleven
  22. Twelve
  23. Thirteen
  24. Fourteen
  25. Fifteen
  26. Sixteen
  27. Seventeen
  28. Eighteen
  29. Nineteen
  30. Twenty
  31. Twenty-One
  32. Twenty-Two
  33. Twenty-Three
  34. Twenty-Four
  35. Twenty-Five
  36. Twenty-Six
  37. Twenty-Seven
  38. Twenty-Eight
  39. Twenty-Nine
  40. Thirty
  41. Thirty-One
  42. Thirty-Two
  43. Thirty-Three
  44. Thirty-Four
  45. Thirty-Five
  46. Thirty-Six
  47. Thirty-Seven
  48. Thirty-Eight
  49. Thirty-Nine
  50. Forty
  51. Forty-One
  52. Forty-Two
  53. Forty-Three
  54. Forty-Four
  55. Forty-Five
  56. Forty-Six
  57. Forty-Seven
  58. Forty-Eight
  59. Forty-Nine
  60. Fifty
  61. Fifty-One
  62. Fifty-Two
  63. Fifty-Three
  64. Fifty-Four
  65. Fifty-Five
  66. Fifty-Six
  67. Fifty-Seven
  68. Fifty-Eight
  69. Fifty-Nine
  70. Sixty
  71. Sixty-One
  72. Sixty-Two
  73. Author’s Note
  74. Acknowledgements
  75. About the Author
  76. An Invitation from the Publisher

As we made our way stealthily along the shore towards the wharfs where Leofstan and I had bathed that afternoon, my joy at finding Aelfwyn began to subside. I was still exultant that she lived, but now that I had a sword at my hip once again, and we were free of the stinking hut, my mind turned to Leofstan, and thoughts of vengeance. Scomric had caused so much pain and suffering, had slain so many innocents. I could not bear the thought of fleeing into the night, leaving the madman behind to continue his reign of fire and death.

It seemed Runolf, now that his precious daughter was no longer his enemy, had similar thoughts. For he touched Hereward’s shoulder, halting our progress.

“Stick to the original plan,” he whispered. “Scatter the boats and keep just enough for us. Stay quiet for as long as you can and wait for me as long as you are able. I will join you at the wharf, if I can.”

He turned to head into the settlement. Hereward pulled him back.

“We came here together,” he said. “Let us end this as we started.”

Gwawrddur too stepped in close. His teeth flashed in the darkness. He thrived on danger and seemed more relaxed than any of us.

“I too would wet the steel of my sword.”

Runolf shook his great mane of hair.

“No. I need to know that you will take Revna safely from this place.”

“Do that yourself, axeman,” said Gwawrddur.

“I will, if I live. But I cannot leave behind the man who put out my wife’s eyes and…” His voice trailed away. “That Frank whoreson defiled my daughter,” Runolf hissed, his voice sounding like a blade drawn across a whetstone. “I will kill him, if the gods smile on me.”

“We need Ljósberari’s head,” said Gersine. “My father is awaiting our return. Without that head, God knows what King Hjorleif will do.”

“I will bring back Ljósberari’s head too, then,” Runolf said. “If I do not return, promise me you will keep Revna safe.”

I looked to where Eadmaer walked close to Aelfwyn. I understood now. He was besotted with his brother’s widow. He had risked everything to rescue her. He would die rather than allow further harm to come to her.

But I had watched Scomric drink Leofstan’s blood and like Runolf, I could not run without seeking revenge.

“I will go with you,” I said. Anticipating Runolf’s objections, I added, “I can speak the tongue of the Norse. With God’s grace, if we are questioned, in the dark we can pass for Ljósberari’s people and get close to our enemies. You stand more chance of success with me.”

“No, Hunlaf,” he said. “Take care of Aelfwyn. This is my fight.”

My anger sprang to life, white-hot and searing.