“I fear there is not enough warriors between us to defeat Brynjar,” Royden said, not pleased to admit it. “We would have no choice but to depend on Wolf to protect us.”
“You believe Penn speaks the truth when he says that Wolf has a far greater number of warriors here than anyone realizes?” Parlan asked.
“It would be foolish not to believe him,” Royden said. “Endless warriors can be brought in through Learmonth land without anyone knowing it until it’s too late.”
“Which must have been what happened the last time,” Arran said. “At least we know that Brynjar doesn’t approach from that area since it’s obvious that Wolf controls it.”
“I would think when the King learns of Brynjar’s arrival, he will not be pleased, though he did nothing to stop Wolf from claiming land in this area,” Royden said, the thought having always disturbed him.
“Unless he was aware of it and didn’t object,” Arran said. “He had been in talks with the King of Norway disputing claims on various isles. Could he have surrendered part of this area in return for something?”
Parlan shook his head. “I doubt that. Monarchs don’t surrender land easily, though they may grant it in exchange for help.”
The possibilities disturbed Arran and he was quick to voice his concern. “We need to learn more.”
Purity listened as they went back and forth, keeping silent. She had little knowledge to offer, though she knew something was brewing and had been for a while now. However, she’d been told it was better she didn’t know the why and way of it, and she had trusted it was for the best. But had it been? It was the reason she had spoken up when Parlan had told her to wait in the Great Hall while the men talked. She didn’t want to remain ignorant of what went on. It hadn’t helped the last time. She had been left completely unprepared and she wouldn’t let that happen again.
A snippet of the conversation caught her attention, drawing her out of her musings.
“This is true, Da? You were no way involved with our release?” Arran asked. “When I learned you were alive, I thought you were the one who paid dearly for Royden and me to be released, though I did wonder how it could be possible when we’d been left with nothing.”
“I thought the same myself that it was Da who got us freed,” Royden said.
“I wish it had been me,” Parlan said. “It broke my heart when I learned your freedom could be bought and I had no coin, nothing of value to barter for your freedom.”
“Then who did?” Arran questioned.
“My thought as well,” Royden said. “And I suspect you worry as I do that someday someone may demand something from us in exchange for the price that was paid.”
Another worry. Will it never stop? Purity wondered.
Arran sat alone in the Great Hall after it had emptied for the night, thinking of brutal ways he could kill Brynjar. He had sent his wife to bed, telling her he’d join her shortly. That was hours ago. How did he go to her at all when such vicious thoughts ruled his mind?
Arran sensed someone entering the room and, catching a shadow out of the corner of his eye, knew it was his brother.
“Something keeps you from your bed?” Royden asked when he reached the table, swinging his legs over the bench to join Arran.
“I could ask the same of you.”
Royden filled a tankard from the jug on the table. “I’ve already been to my bed and pleased my wife. Something tells me my brother has yet to do the same. Brynjar still haunts you?”
“Tell me. How do you not want revenge on Wolf for what he has done to our family, our clan—to you?” Arran asked with a nod to his stump.
“Who said I didn’t want revenge against him? I wouldn’t mind cutting off one of his limbs, but then he didn’t cut off my hand. I lost it in battle, defending my home and the ones I love.”
“Wolf brought that battle down on us,” Arran argued.
“He did and what of the battles we fought and lives we took before we were captured? And what of the ones yet to come with various kings making demands on us? It seems the way of life. Endless battles. Endless death. Senselessness.” Royden shook his head. “Still, though, I’ve thought like you, and rightfully so, that vengeance would serve me well. How, though, do I kill my wife’s brother?”
“He didn’t consider that when he had our clan attacked,” Arran continued to argue. “And by then he knew Oria was his sister and was to wed you. Yet he had our clan attacked anyway. He owes his sister for his wrongdoing.”
“And I owe him for helping me to save my wife’s life. He didn’t hesitate to come to her aid and without it, I would have lost her. Also, if it wasn’t for Wolf ordering yours and the other men’s rescue from Brynjar, you would have died,” Royden said before Arran could continue to argue. “Wolf is a warrior and fights like one, not so Brynjar. He is pure evil. So whatever you choose to do, know I will fight by your side, brother.”