Pagan Siege (Tribes of Britain Book 5) by Sam Taw (10 best novels of all time TXT) 📕

Despite all those options, I had an inkling that Cryda would refuse to leave. She was loyal to the tribe in the fiercest way. Could I really leave her and the babe to die alone? I’d had my long life and was grateful for every summer and spring but I was also tired. Perhaps this would be the season to end all seasons and I would seek my place next to my ancestors at last.

I lifted my hand and cupped Ren’s cheek. “You’re a good man, but it won’t do any good to flee.”

“Nonsense. We can pack and prepare everything in advance and, if the fight goes sour, we’ll walk out of the compound and ride across the border. I’ll come with you. I know loads of places where the Head Hunters have never been. They won’t find you. I’m pretty sure Kewri would come too, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

It wasn’t. I was also sure he’d be willing to accompany us. It was an attractive proposition but I knew that Cryda would not survive without her luxury and comforts. For her to make a new life for herself, she had to be with her kin. “If you want to help me, you dear man, please make sure that Cryda and Delen get to the Cantii. That is my fervent wish.”

His eyes narrowed. He understood what I meant to do. I would provide the distraction needed for him to get the young ones away. He nodded his head just once. We had an agreement. I turned to leave.

“Stay. We don’t have many nights left to us.” He looked so vulnerable, so pale. My resolve left me before I could get to the door. He skirted around me and lifted the wooden panel across the opening. What harm could it possibly do? We both deserved a little warmth and succour before the end.

The next day, I heard Kewri rushing about outside the hut. His footsteps were easy to distinguish from others. They pounded the dry earth like no other. When his great fists rattled the door panel, Ren jumped from a deep sleep and grabbed his sword.

“Ho there, Ren. Have you seen Fur Benyn? She didn’t come home last night.” Kewri gushed in a panic.

“I’m in here, Kewri. There’s nothing to worry about.” I yelled, throwing my tunic over my head and crouching in search of my pattens. When Ren moved the panel Kewri averted his gaze, although I was perfectly respectable by then. “Um, er, if it’s all the same to you, Fur Benyn, please don’t disappear like that. I’ve been searching the woods since dawn thinking you’d been half-eaten by a wolf pack.”

I had to stifle a cackle. The poor giant was more affected by the slow and painful death of our enemy Brea than I thought. I wondered how many other young ones were haunted by the sight of a woman being torn to pieces by those ravenous beasts. I recalled that he was quite looking forward to the spectacle at the time.

Ren grappled my hand as I slipped past him. “Will I see you later?” I gave him a mischievous wink and traipsed across the island back to my house. Despite my determination to remain in camp should the worst come to pass, I needed to know that Cryda and Delen would have all they needed to make it to the Cantii. While Ren went off to train with Tallack in the woods, I packed a few tonics and pastes that I thought might come in handy for her journey. I stacked all the little bundles by the door with the intention of giving them to Ren just before they left.

By midday, the smell of smoke was strong in my nostrils. The wind had changed again and was shifting the heath fires in a southerly direction. Treeve walked about camp banging a blade against a shield and shouting the latest orders from our Chief. The warriors, elders and family of the Chieftain were called to a meeting outside Endelyn’s hut. It made sense to use her place as the temporary central point while the Long Hut was crammed with homesteaders and their screaming children.

I cleared away the mess from an ointment I’d been preparing and rinsed my hands in the stream. When I got to the priestess’s hut, most of the warriors were already crowding around. Some of the elders parted ways to let me sneak to the front, mainly because they could still see over my head.

Tallack and Endelyn stood in front of the carved icons, with Senara leaning against the doorway behind them. It was an odd scene, seeing one of my kin joining forces with someone of the Priest Sect. When his father tried the same, it proved to be nothing but a constant thorn in his side. I hoped that it would be different for my nephew.

“Come closer, this is a joyous day and one we will all remember.” Tallack began. Everyone shuffled forwards around him. “It is with enormous pleasure that I introduce you to my bride. Endelyn has agreed to bind with me at midsummer.” His grin was so broad, dimples appeared in his cheeks. He was genuinely pleased with his choice. While the Sea Warriors cheered and stamped their feet in support of his selection, the Head Hunters glared and frowned at one another. I kept my eye on Treeve’s reaction. He was standing on the opposite side of the group to me. His face was utterly neutral, making it hard for me to gauge his thoughts. Tallack held Endelyn’s hand and pulled her towards the crowd. She fluttered her eye lashes and acted all coy, but the display failed to stir the warriors. The elders, mesmerised by her performance, kept the stomping and cheering going for much longer than was required.

“Thank you, thank you all.” She effused. “You have all welcomed me into