The time could have been halved if Edgar had been here with his raft, but he had gone to Combe, where he was helping the monks build town defenses. These days Edgar seized on any excuse to travel, so that he could continue his search for Ragna. He never gave up.

Blod landed on the far side and announced the fare. The soldiers ignored her demand and crowded onto the boat, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five. They had little sense of how many the vessel could hold safely, and Aldred saw Blod argue fiercely with several before they reluctantly got off to wait for the next shuttle. When she had fifteen aboard she poled away.

As they reached the near bank, Dreng shouted: “Where’s the money?”

“They say they haven’t got any money,” Blod replied.

The soldiers disembarked, shoving Blod aside.

Dreng said: “You shouldn’t have let them board if they wouldn’t pay.”

Blod looked at Dreng with contempt. “You go across and see if you do any better.”

One of the soldiers was listening to the interchange. He was an older man armed with a good sword, so he was probably some kind of captain. He said to Dreng: “The king doesn’t pay tolls. You’d better ferry the men across. Otherwise we’ll probably burn this entire village.”

Aldred said: “There will be no need for violence. I’m Aldred, prior of the monastery.”

“I’m Cenric, one of the quartermasters.”

“How many men in your army, Cenric?”

“About two thousand.”

“This one slave girl will not be able to ferry them all across. It’s going to take a day or two. Why don’t you operate the boat yourselves?”

Dreng said: “What business is this of yours, Aldred? It’s not your boat!”

Aldred said: “Be quiet, Dreng.”

“Who do you think you are?”

Cenric said to Dreng: “Shut up, you stupid oaf, or I’ll cut out your tongue and stuff it down your gullet.”

Dreng opened his mouth to reply, then seemed to realize that Cenric was not making an empty threat, but meant exactly what he said. Dreng changed his mind and quickly closed his mouth.

Cenric said: “You’re right, prior, it’s the only way. We’ll make a rule: last man aboard poles the boat back then across again. I’ll stand here for an hour and make sure they do it.”

Dreng looked over his shoulder and saw some of the soldiers entering the tavern. In a frightened voice he said: “Well, they’ll have to pay for their ale.”

“Then you’d better go and serve them,” said Cenric. “We’ll try to make sure the men don’t expect free drinks.” Sarcastically he added: “As you’ve been so helpful about the ferry.”

Dreng hurried inside.

Cenric spoke to Blod. “One more trip, slave girl, then the men will take over from you.”

Blod stepped into the boat and poled off.

Centric said to Aldred: “We’ll want to buy any stores you monks have of food and drink.”

“I’ll see what we can spare.”

Cenric shook his head. “We’re going to buy them whether you can spare them or not, Father Prior.” His tone was without malice but brooked no opposition. “The army doesn’t take no for an answer.”