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‘Yes,’ he said shortly, his ar her in place ‘I was there I escaped with my life, but it was one of the few times in my life I can say that I looked death in the eye My best friend died because of rebel treachery They broke the truce They came with concealed weapons’

‘Did you have your axe that day?’

‘No, I used my sword I normally use a sword An axe takes no skill’

‘You ielding an axe the first time I met you!’

‘The axe I used to break down the door belonged to Hrearek’ He ran his hands through his hair ‘Where is this leading, Edith?’

Edith’s heart habert and treachery That failed to surprise her She trusted Brand’s version ‘You swear this? You will give your sacred oath on this?’

‘Ask any of my men An axe lacks the refinement of a broadsword’ Brand put his hand on her shoulder ‘Edith, I know your husband died that day Had I knohat he did to you, his death would not have been so swift I can’t even say that it waswent crazy when the rebels broke the truce Sven was the first to fall He’d been prepared to accept the terms of surrender when concealed swords were pulled out His death was avenged Sven Odd was hugely admired We had been closer than brothers’

‘I’lad you didn’t know,’ she whispered and concentrated on the place where his tunic gaped open ‘It s easier somehow What happened, happened because of war rather than soe’

His fingers raised her chin ‘You must believe me, Edith I did not break the truce I would never break a truce No true warrior would Without his bond and code, a warrior becomes little better than a wild beast’

Edith nodded It bothered her that she wanted to believe him If he was near, all doubts vanished under her desire for hi in the past, but I believe you I know ard for the niceties’

‘What brought this about?’

‘A rumour Godwin’s mother heard It upset her dreadfully’

‘What did you say to her?’

‘That I would ask you I could hardly do more than that She will accept my assurance’