The Gathering Storm (Crown of Stars 5)

“Inter them at Queen’s Grave,” said Conrad. “Think of what a welcome their heresy will receive there.”

Sabella didn’t turn her head to acknowledge the duke’s words. She looked, if anything, dumbfounded at the events which had landed Baldwin in her lap.

“Perhaps you’d better haul him up to your chambers and just have done with it,” Conrad finished with a snort of laughter.

“Nay, Cousin, that would be your style, not mine,” Sabella replied. “I like to savor a well-spiced dish, not bolt it down like a dog. It’s a good thing that Judith is dead, or we might come to blows over this handsome morsel.”

“You’re not listening to me!” cried Tallia. “I said I wanted them killed.”

“Go along, Tallia, back to your prayers,” replied her mother. “You must rest and keep up your strength.”

“But—”

“Daughter, there’s no escape from Queen’s Grave, so you needn’t fear for your honor or whatever it is you’re babbling about. For God’s sake, Conrad, take her away.”

“Come, Tallia,” Conrad said firmly, but it was his big hand closing on her frail wrist that forced her to move. He dragged her away without a backward glance, chatting amiably with his daughter as they left the hall.

Ivar felt dizzy, and beside him Sigfrid moaned, Hathumod sobbed softly, Ermanrich trembled, and Gerulf and Dedi stood rigid, awaiting events, glancing at every entrance as if seeking escape. Baldwin did not look at any of them. He was already alone, kneeling before Lady Sabella.

“Captain, remove the prisoners. Detail an escort to take that woman and those three youths to Queen’s Grave. Conrad may do as he wishes with the Lions.”

Gerulf laid a hand on Dedi’s arm as if to reassure him, or restrain him, but the younger Lion did not respond. He seemed too stunned.

“As you wish, Your Highness,” responded Captain Ulric with toneless obedience.

“I’ll see you’re rewarded for bringing Lord Baldwin to my attention, Captain,” Sabella added.

“You are most gracious, Your Highness.” Ulric gestured toward his prisoners. “Move on. Move!”

What could Ivar do? There knelt Baldwin, turning at last to stare after him with tears in his eyes. All this time Ivar had believed that because Baldwin was so damned handsome he couldn’t truly care for anything but his own pretty face. There was no doubt now of Baldwin’s feelings. Baldwin had sacrificed himself to save Ivar and the others.

Would I have done the same, risk everything, throw all caution to the winds, for Baldwin? Or would I have treated him as Liath treated me?

Shame made him flush. Baldwin winced, seeing Ivar betrayed by his fair complexion.

“Go on, man,” said Erkanwulf. “There’s nothing you can do.”

Prodded by a spear, Ivar staggered forward as Baldwin turned away, shoulders heaving with a sob. No choice but to abandon him. Just as he had been abandoned by Liath at Quedlinhame.

XIII

AFTER DARKNESS

1

SISTER Hilaria used flint, iron, and a scrap of dried mushroom to light a lamp. As the fire caught, she wiped away tears. “I am not accustomed to the smell any longer,” she said apologetically. Holding up the lamp, she indicated that Hanna should roll the stone back into place. “Then none can follow you.”

The stone that blocked the path was so precisely balanced that it ground easily into place and Hanna turned, dusting off her hands, to regard her new companion. The nun was still blinking because of the wavering flame.

“I know these paths so well that I no longer use light. We conserve our meager oil in this way. Still, it will go more quickly for you if we have light. Follow closely.”

The floor ran smoothly under her feet, although she kept one hand tracing the wall as she walked behind Hilaria, trying not to bump into her. The nun gave off a strong scent like overripe yeast, not entirely displeasing. The lamplight chased shadows around them, but it did little to dispel the gloom. Tunnels branched away on either side, some ascending and some descending. Passing one opening, Hanna caught a distinct whiff of rotten eggs. As she stopped, recoiling from the strong smell, a will-o’-the-wisp shifted in the nether darkness, a flash of pale lightness like the glimmer of eyes.

“Sister!” She grabbed hold of the nun’s arm. “I saw something down that tunnel.”

The nun’s smile was mysterious but untroubled. “We are not alone.”

She hurried on. Hanna followed despite creeping shivers. Blackness closed in behind them. It was better not to look behind, in case something was sneaking up on her, but she looked anyway. She saw nothing but swallowing darkness.