Donnegan was the royal swordsmith and a master at his craft.He’d been one of the first in the islands to forge iron, and because many of Nidhogg’s allies carried fae blood, Donnegan’s weapons had proven invaluable in battle against the Kraken horde.
“I’ll come with you.I need a new shield and I can let the smith know what I require.”
Chapter Twelve
They’dstuckherina tiny cell with no windows, and she could hear the waves crashing on the shore far below.Brunhild barely had room to stretch out her legs, and if she extended her arms, her fingertips touched the walls on either side.
When she’d asked one of her captors for water, he’d sneered and told her she should be grateful her hands were no longer bound.
She was counting the stones that made up the wall when the heavy door clanked open to reveal one of the ogres who’d captured her wielding a club.A slender woman garbed in white stood beside him, holding a bowl.
The woman knelt on the stone floor, heedless of the dirt.“My name is Lysandra, and I’ve brought you sustenance.”
Brunhild took the bowl.“My thanks.”The stew looked greasy but wholesome, and a dark hunk of bread was submerged in it.She swiped up some of the broth with it and took a bite.
“My apologies if ‘tis not to your liking.The midday table was cleared long ago and this is the dregs of what remained.”
“I’ve eaten far worse on raids,” Brunhild assured her.
“Enough, Concubine,” the man said as he grabbed Lysandra’s shoulder and hauled her upright.“You’ve done your duty.”
Lysandra brushed off her skirts and glared at him.“I need to stay until she’s finished so I can return the bowl to the kitchens.”
“You can stay.I’ll return for you and the bowl in a quarter hour,” he groused and stumbled away, slamming the door behind him.
Once he’d turned the lock and his footsteps were no longer echoing down the hallway, Lysandra bent near.
“I’m here to help you escape,” she whispered.
“Is there a plan?”Brunhild whispered back.
Lysandra shrugged.“I’m sure one is brewing.I’m in the employ of your husband’s spymaster and I received word that I needed to ensure the tunnel leading from the sea caves to here was unguarded.”
“How will you manage that?If you get me a sword or an ax, I can make my own escape.”
“I’ve heard of your battle skill, but it won’t be enough.There are too many of them and the fortress is nearly impenetrable.You need my help.”
“Fine, I’ll wait.”Waiting wasn’t something Brunhild liked to do.She was a woman of impulse, not strategy.
The following evening, Lysandra was accompanied by the same guard.He didn’t quibble about leaving them alone this time when Lysandra handed her a hunk of bread and a flask of water.
When Brunhild bit into the bread, it was stale and hard enough to break her teeth.Her next bite was more savage, and she doggedly chewed it because she knew she’d need all her resources.
The other woman gave her an apologetic expression when she grimaced.“ ‘Twas all I could manage, because they’re holding a feast tomorrow for some visiting dignitary Nidhogg wants to woo into an alliance.The larder is nearly empty.”
Brunhild swallowed the chunk of bread lodged in her throat and took a hearty swig of the water.“Who’s the dignitary?”
Lysandra shrugged.“I’ve yet to find out.All I know for certain is that it’s one of the kingdoms to the north.”
“I know all of them because of my father’s dealings.Whoever it is, I’ve likely made their acquaintance.”
“The king has been crowing all morning about receiving them.”
“Impressing them is important to him?”
“Yea.And he and his retinue will certainly want more than food for comfort.”
Brun’s gaze sharpened.“And you’ll be called upon to serve them?”