Branded Book 1: Skald

Chapter 1

Though my guards secured the area and Crum stood nearby, bow at the ready, Roi and I glanced over our shoulders as we created memorials. I clenched my jaw and wiped sweat away from my eyes. Fear of the raiders returning to finish their attack made it hard to keep my hand steady as I worked.

Four in total: a husband, two teenaged boys, and a young daughter. Making headstones was the least I could do for the poor woman they’d left behind.

I stood with my arm around the widow as my men lowered her family into the ground. Family farms should be a source of happiness, not used as a graveyard. We wept together as dirt flowed over them, sealing their bodies in the soil. The acrid smell of burnt wood mixed with the stench of dead livestock engraved itself in my memory the same way my finger dug into the stone, writing the family’s names in the cool, dark, Hornblende burial markers.

“Do you have family to go to?” I asked her.

Her head bobbed once.

“My guards will travel with you to keep you safe.”

She pulled me to her, hugging me tightly.

Four farms sacked. Twenty-eight graves in two weeks. This can’t continue. I need the Thanes to return the warriors they ordered back to the capital.

Snapping fingers interrupted my thoughts.

*     *     *

I was back in my study, safe inside the gray stone walls and sitting at the table across from my mother.

“Fitzeirick, focus. This is important,” she said, snapping her fingers once more.

I forced my concerns over Satra out of my thoughts and faked interest in the menu for my wedding feast. Every time I expressed my satisfaction, my mother found some little detail she insisted on changing. This time I tapped my foot and crossed my arms when she suggested switching the preserved pears for spiced, minced apples.

“Mother, it’s food. Everyone will be happy to have a free meal.”

She glared at me across the table and the candle in the alcove nearest her flared to life. “You’re the son of Eirick, it’s vital to make the right impression on your guests, especially the royals. They can’t think the man governing Croy’s newest skati is an uncultured commoner.”

I’m only his son because he took you as a mistress.

“I doubt a single member of the Council of Thanes will travel this far east. You and I both know Jarl Eirickson won’t bother to attend,” I argued. “Since Father died, they couldn’t care less about us. They’ll send their least favorite hird, or even a squire, to represent them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tell the backstabbing schemers to stay awhile and spy on me.”

“Nonsense. Your father made you a skald for a reason. Ruling over this territory is a stepping-stone to greater things. They have to come. Neither the councilmen nor your half-brother would ignore their traditional duties. Now, back to the topic at hand…I have a compromise.”

I could almost taste the sugar in her voice. “What did you have in mind?

“We’ll leave the menu as it is and move forward. The first dance.”

“I don’t dance.”

My mother glanced toward the ceiling, then leaned forward and locked eyes with me. “You must dance with Aesa. You can’t dishonor tradition and I won’t allow you to insult her.”

I shook my head. “I move with the grace of a lame draft horse. Aesa’s the beautiful, graceful half of this couple. All eyes will be on her when she takes the floor. I might as well be invisible.”

“If everyone’s watching her, your clumsiness won’t matter,” she countered, smiling. “This is not open for debate. We have a month, more than enough time to teach you, and you will put an honest effort into the lessons. If I must, I’ll have Roi escort you.”

I tapped my fingers on the table, then pointed at her. “I do not dance.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but jumped at the unexpected knock on the door. “I thought you set aside today to finish planning your wedding,” she said, inking the quill.

I did, but I can’t ignore my duties. Of course, I didn’t dare say that to her.

“We will finish today. I don’t know what your hurry is. There’s no reason to rush. Aesa and I are both young and healthy. I’ll make sure you have grandchildren to dote over. As a matter of fact, I plan to spend a lot of time working on that during our honeymoon.”

The fire in her eyes told me I’d crossed a line.

“Roi knows to not disturb us unless absolutely necessary,” I explained and turned to the door. “Come in.”

Mother sighed.

My mentor stepped into the room. The creases in his forehead made a staircase to his bald scalp. That expression never brings good news.

He bowed. “Modir Sar’sa, I apologize for interrupting. Fitzeirick, the messenger returned with a sealed letter. He said you aren’t going to like it.”

How could they refuse my request for aid again?

I took the parchment, glanced over it, and read the official decision aloud. “As before, this is a regional dispute and not a concern of the Council of Thanes. Request denied.”

My jaw clenched tight as my fist closed, wadding the message. I glared at it, wishing to be a firesyth, just once, so I could burn the Thane’s refusal as it fell to the floor. Instead, I stomped on it and prepared to ground it into dust. “Fitzeirick,” my mother barked.

“What?” I snapped back.

“Calm yourself. The floor’s shaking.”

It took a moment before I noticed the floor was trembling. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself. “Can you blame me? The Thanes call these raids a regional dispute? The Satra nation sends soldiers into Croy, and the council doesn’t consider it a deliberate act of war? What is wrong with —”

“Let me through! I must see the skald!”

Commotion in the hallway cut off my rant. A shiver ran down my back as Roi stepped out. He returned with a guard following him.

The guard coughed. “Beg pardon Skald Fitzeirick. Another raid from the south. A young man collapsed near the southern post. He’s in bad shape, but managed to tell us about the raid on his family’s farm yesterday evening. Men wearing blue and red, just like the last survivor described. He's the only one that got away. We sent for a herbalist, but it may be too late.”

I looked at my mother and watched the color leave her face as I felt my cheeks grow warm. “The wedding plans can wait,” I stated flatly. “I need to see to my people. Roi, get your sword and meet me at the stable.”

Roi grabbed my shoulder. “Bad idea.”

“Why?”

“Could be a trap. Why’d the raids stop after leaving one witness? Before the widow, nothing was left alive — not even crops went untouched. Now they let another escape. We have to consider the possibility Satran soldiers are lying in wait. If Satra captures or kills you, what happens to your skati? Too risky.”

“I’ll bring the guards from the southern post,” I replied.

“And leave it unmanned?” Roi asked.

I threw up my hands. “I have to do something.”

“I have a suggestion,” Mother offered. “Go to the capital. Plead your case before the Council of Thanes in person.”

“I should do something for the victims.”

“If I may?” the guard said.

I nodded.

“I’ll get three or four men to escort a couple of herbalists to the farm. If we find more survivors, we’ll see to them. If not, we’ll give them a proper burial.”

I clenched my jaw for a second. “Hurry and take a stonesyth with a steady hand. The victims deserve proper headstones.”

The guard hurried out, almost tripping himself.

I turned back to my mother. “You’re right, I have to make the demand to the council myself. The raiders are slaughtering my people. I’ll be back in five days, six at the most. Work with Aesa on the wedding plans. She’ll be the centerpiece of the ceremony, after all. You two plan everything while I make sure I have a skati to be skald of. Roi, find Crum. Get the necessary supplies and meet me at the stable.

He nodded and hurried from the room, closing the door behind him.

Gathering the documents spread across the table, she looked at me and smiled. “I’m proud of you. Travel swift and safe.”

Looking at the floor, I shook my head. “I’m not ready for this.”

Mother cleared her throat. “Your father believed in you.”

My head snapped up. I stared at her for a moment, slack-jawed. “How can you say he believed in me? Father left me on my own after making me a skald. He didn’t even provide an advisor.”

She pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear, “He wanted you to be your own man. To govern without someone influencing your decisions. He thought it would make you a better leader and prepare you to sit on the Council of Thanes one day. I suspect Eirickson’s hand in the trouble you’re having.”

I stepped back from her. “If he’s behind this, what hope do I have? The Jarl can overrule the council.”

She shook her head. “Why are you asking questions you already know the answer to? Don’t be stone headed. Get the council on your side. Even as Jarl, I doubt Eirickson is bold enough to go against a unanimous decision in your favor.”

“Assuming you’re right, how do I secure their support?”

She smiled. “This is your first appearance before the council in some time, you must make the right impression. Dress like a proper Croian Skald.” She paused and shook her finger at me. “And wear the family sword, not your hammer.”

“I prefer my hammer when I have to fight.”

The rest of the candles around the room burst into flame as she fixed me with a hard stare. For a heartbeat, they were brighter than the sunlight streaming through the windows.

She pursed her lips. “Fitzeirick, think. You’re going to negotiate, not fight. If you go in looking for a fight, Eirickson will use that to turn the council against you. The sword represents your authority, Eirick’s support. Make the right impression on the council and secure your skati. Keep your people safe.”

She’s right, as usual. I looked away from her for a moment, turned back, and nodded.

She grunted and strode out of the room, her short, brown hair bouncing with every step.

I considered what she said and packed my skaldic stole and the ornate sword. Looking at my hammer, I hesitated for a moment before packing it too. Just in case.

Making my way to the stable, I spared a moment to hope my mother calmed down before she got to Aesa’s house. An argument between firesyths could end with burning buildings.

Quickly tacking my horse, I walked it out of the stable and squinted against the bright, midday sun. Crum stood on the other of his horse, his shaggy, brown hair more disheveled than usual.

“Good to see you, my friend,” I called out.

He snorted and walked around his horse. His crumpled clothes looked slept in and I couldn’t miss a chance to tease him. “I think you missed a belt loop or two.”

He stomped over to me, putting us eye to eye. His bloodshot eyes confirmed my suspicion. “I want you to know I planned to sleep in today.” He pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “Instead, this oaf rousted me. He told me about the letter and the attack. You know I hate the capital.”

I heard Roi snicker.

“Sleeping in? It’s nearly midday. More like sleeping it off, I’d guess. If you prefer, I’ll send you to assist my mother and Aesa while they plan the wedding and festivities.”

He shook his head and shivered. “No way I’m getting between those two. Aesa’s the right woman for you, but she scares me and Sar’sa doesn’t care for me at all.”

Roi snorted and I didn’t try to hide my smile.

“Aesa scares you because she’s one of the few women around here immune to your advances, but you’re wrong about my mother. She likes you well enough, but not your cavalier attitude toward growing up.”

He rolled his eyes at me.

“And why do you hate the capital? You’ll find plenty of young ladies you haven’t charmed yet. Who knows? Maybe this trip will reward you with a fiancée of your own.”

Crum sputtered as he walked back to his horse.

I worried Roi might pass out from choking back actual laughter.

After buckling my pack behind the saddle, I pulled a little strength from the ground to help me get mounted and shifted around until the saddle felt comfortable. I need to ride more often.

“Can we please get this trip underway?” Crum asked, settling into his saddle. “Where are we going to sleep tonight?”

Roi caught his breath and mounted his horse. “As long as we keep a good pace, we’ll cross the river before needing to find someone to put us up for the night.”

“Should I send a messenger ahead?” I asked.

Roi shook his head. “No messenger would arrive ahead of us.”

“Lead the way,” I said, and we spurred our horses into a comfortable trot.

He led us west through the small market square not far from my hall. Most of the merchants were busy, but a few noticed me and waved or bobbed their heads.

I smiled and waved back.

The guards at the western post snapped to attention as we passed.

We stuck to the well-worn path used by farmers and woodsmen to deliver their goods to the market in town. Smaller trails snaked away toward houses, farms, and shops. Except for a few farmers working their fields, we were the only people around. I breathed slowly and let some tension leave my shoulders.

“How will Eirickson react to your request to address the Thanes?” Crum asked.

I stared at him for a moment. Mother has a point; he needs to grow up and pay attention. “All Croian Skalds have the right to speak before the council and make requests. I expect him to allow me to present the facts. The Satran army is invading our country through my Skati.”

Roi shook his head. “With all due respect, I don’t think that’s what he’s asking.”

“I know,” I grumbled.

“How about this,” Crum started, “when did you last speak with the Jarl?”

“At our father’s funeral.”

He gave a long whistle. “You didn’t attend Brunor Jani’s funeral?”

I looked at him. “I wasn’t invited.”

He nodded. “I’d heard only the Thanes attended the burial. Rumor has it Eirickson commanded her death. Some say he killed her himself.”

Who starts such ridiculous rumors? “Please don’t tell me you believe such nonsense. My half-brother and I may not see eye-to-eye, but it’s not right for people to talk about our Jarl like that. Eirickson’s got a cruel streak and a cold heart, but involvement in his own mother’s death would be a new low. Crum, in the future, I want to know about rumors like that.”

“Yes, my skald,” he said, in a mocking tone, bowing in his saddle.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. “Roi, remind me why I told you to get Crum? I’m having trouble remembering why he’s here.”

“I didn’t want to come in the first place,” Crum argued.

Roi shook his head for a moment. “I’m sure it had something to do with his ability to get out of bad situations almost as easy as he gets into them.”

“Ah, yes,” I responded. “You are the voice of reason, Roi. Thanks for reminding me of the many benefits of having Crum in my company. He serves a purpose other than entertainment.”

“Entertainment? Have you forgotten who all but saved your life when you fought Olver?” Crum asked.

“That would be Roi. Olver bested both of us.”

“Fine, but I kept you from getting hurt when you decided it’d be a good idea to break a wild horse.”

“Yes, you did. I fell on you when he bucked me off and then I had to carry you home with a broken leg,” I drawled.

“Only because you wouldn’t let me syth a brace.”

“We were in the middle of a field with no wood in sight.”

“Well…I guess you have a point, but who introduced you to your fiancée?” Crum demanded, his tone haughty and playful.

Roi barked out a laugh.

I grinned. “Thanks to one of your misguided attempts at romance.”

Roi joined in. “And what a memorable meeting it was. She ran into you, knocked you out. She thought she’d killed you. Poor girl was white as fresh cotton, scared she’d end up imprisoned or worse. You woke and it was love at first sight. Ah, good times! Crum, it might be a good idea to quit while you are behind and save some face for once.”

Crum snorted. “When you put it that way, why do you keep me around?”

“You and Roi will always have my back. The royal court is full of schemers and I know I can trust you two.”

Crum grinned. “I do my best to keep the women from distracting you. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.”

Roi groaned. “I’m sure Fitzeirick appreciates your hard work.”

“The job is its own reward,” he replied.

“At least I have Roi for a moral compass,” I commented.

“A quality of all great men,” Roi said.

“Great man,” Crum scoffed.

“Of course, great men are never appreciated until they are gone,” Roi replied.

As the friendly jabs continued, I suspected they were purposely trying to get my mind off the ugly business driving me to the capitol. Of course, Crum never takes anything too serious. That thought brought a smile to my face and I decided to let myself relax and try to enjoy the journey.

Our shadows grew long before I sent Crum ahead to find somewhere to rest. As he rode out of sight, Roi muttered, “I don’t want to ride in the dark hoping to find Crum when he comes back.”

“I agree. Let’s pick up our pace a little, if nothing else to shorten his ride back.”

We urged our horses to speed up and soon caught sight of Crum galloping toward us on a different horse.

“I found a farm not far from here. They made me take their horse so mine could rest. When the farmer heard you needed board, he insisted you spend the night in his bed. They’re preparing a feast for you. I tried to talk them out of it. They wouldn’t listen.”

I sighed. “That isn’t what I wanted. A warm, dry place to lay our heads after a modest meal would have been fine.”

“I tried to convince them,” Crum assured me. “I even insisted you’d slept in hay barns before, but that didn’t matter to them.”

Why must my title be such a burden? All I need is a simple meal and warm, safe place for the night. I shook my head and sighed heavily. “Fine, lead the way. What’s the farmer’s name? Maybe I can talk him into not giving up his own bed for the night.”

“Arnfred. But I don’t think you’re going to change his mind.”