Free Hosker, G [Wolf Brethren 02] Saxon Revenge by Griff Hosker

gradually the sobs subsided.  I leaned forwards and the sweet smell of rosemary and rosewater filled my nostrils and I nuzzled her hair and then, gently kissed, first her ear and then, moving the hair away, the nape of her neck. It was as though I had stung her with a whip for she suddenly turned and grabbed me, kissing me hard on the lips. Later as she lay sleeping in my arms I wondered if I had hit upon the right strategy; say little and be gentle.
    The next day nothing was spoken of the upset I had caused and she was all smiles. I think the journey home was filling her mind and the thought that she knew she would have me alone and without war filling the horizon. As she and her slaves packed the wagons I went to say farewell to the king and Brother Osric. The Queen had a wry and knowing look upon her face.  “You are learning Lord Lann!”
    I suddenly turned.  How did she know?  The king smiled.  “Welcome to the brotherhood of husbands who are kept in the dark!
    “Buffoon!” was all she said and then she left the room.
    “She is right though Lann.  You need to enjoy the rest of the year for your words last night were wise.  When the other kings come at Yule then we will plan our final assault.  Until then you need to recover your strength.”
    “Aye your majesty but I also need to recruit more warriors.  The war in Elmet might not have been a long one but it was costly in terms of the valuable men I lost.”
    Brother Osric chortled, “I would not worry Lord Lann for word has spread and young men will be coming from all over just to learn from the Wolf Warrior. Your fame has, indeed, spread beyond our borders.  You cannot hide away any longer.”
    When I returned to the courtyard Maiwen and Aideen were saying their farewells and arranging to visit the other’s home.  That pleased me for it meant I would see Raibeart and it would be good to see him when we were not fighting for our lives.  We could even go hunting and that thought put a grin on my face.
    “Farewell brother I think I will try to make my home as strong as Castle Perilous.  Our wars in Elmet have shown me the dangers of complacency.”
    “I too will be improving my own defences.  I do not think that you can be too strong and our little brother has shown us the way.”
    Most of my warriors were with Garth and there were just ten men to accompany us. Some of those still rode in the wagon as they were recovering from their wounds but it was a joyous ride for me as I saw the land I ruled filled with growth and life.  There were gambolling lambs and young calves friskily bouncing around the fields. The farmers and workers we passed seemed to be happier and healthier than I remembered.  Perhaps I was comparing them to the fearful folk of Elmet.  Hogan and Aideen also seemed caught up in the joy and we sang and told tales all the way back to Castle Perilous.
    I felt strangely comforted when I saw the stout Roman gatehouse loom into view.  Its position above the river and its clear views down the valley made it a vital fort to hold in the defence of Rheged. Each time I saw it I thanked the gods for giving me such a domain. As I had expected, Garth had sentries posted to watch for our arrival and, as we crossed the bridge, the Wolf Banner fluttered from the gatehouse.  Brother Oswald which performed the same function for me as Brother Osric did for the king was there with the doughty Garth to greet us.
    “Welcome home my lord and hopefully you will stay a little longer this time.”
    “Hopefully Brother Oswald.”
    “The money has been given to the families of those who died my lord and I gave the rest to the Brother here.”
    “And a tidy sum it was.  Have you plans for any of it my lord?”
    I looked at Aideen.  “That depends upon my lady here.”
    Her face lightened and she smiled, “I can think of many improvements and we will make our house a home, at last.”
    We dismounted and crossed the drawbridge.  It was a solid affair