Page 9 of Merciful Salvation

Sufferance

Kara regarded thecrowd in astonishment, shocked to see her father reveling in Aaron’s humiliation. Until the moment she beheld Aaron’ shock and despair, she had enjoyed participating in the masquerade. But not for the same reasons her father did. After Geilir told her Aaron intended to recruit her, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to demonstrate her swordsmanship. She’d worked too hard at it. What higher compliment could be given to a woman? Her skills had fooled an experienced warrior.

With Aaron gone—guests resumed drinking and eating as if nothing had happened.

“Daughter.” Erik signaled for Kara to approach the high table. “Sit with me. You’ve earned an extra cup of wine.”

She chose to stand instead. Geilir patted her shoulder reassuringly.

“Perhaps the fool won’t return,” Gunter observed.

“Don’t underestimate Jarl McNally,” Erik assured them. “If he leaves here without filling his quota, it will only increase his disgrace.” The jarl regarded his youngest son. “I’m afraidyoumust go.”

Kara shook her head in disbelief. Although Gunter had broad shoulders and was stronger than a bull, little substance existed between his ears. At times, heactedintelligent, but everyone in Lagenheim knew the truth. Without her father or brother at his side, he’d get hurt or killed. Better to exclude him completely and sendsomeone else. But with Geilir seriously injured, who could take his place?

Kara leaned closer to her father. “Gunter isn’t the right man for this assignment.”

Erik kissed her cheek affectionately. “I know.”

“Who will you substitute?”

“Jarl McNally’s actions will help determine that. His holy book states pride proceeds a man’s fall. If he is modest, I’ll pledge Marteinn. If not...”

Her heart flipped. The gods were most generous tonight. What better way to rid herself of the man who couldn’t keep his feelings for her secret? “And if Jarl McNally fails to humble himself?”

“Gunter.”

“Or,” she started. “You could send me.”

Her father’s smile disappeared. “Elskede datter, vet riktig sted.”

She knew her place, stuck inside the keep while the men enjoyed all the freedom and adventure they craved. The harsh comment he’d made earlier about raising three sons would stay with her forever. He’d never criticized her before. As his only daughter, she’d be expected to provide an advantageous alliance through marriage. From an early age, Kara assumed she’d remain with her family since her mother had died. The discontentment in her father’s eyes suggested otherwise.

“Wish your brothers and our guests good night,” he said.

Aaron scooped up a handful of gravel and rocks, then threw it at the stone wall.Arrogant piece of shite.If he allowed his rage to consume his mind and heart, he’d march inside and kill the old bastard. Sometimes honor took precedence over everything. This premeditated charade hit him hard, slashed his pride. And knowing that lovely wench had a part in it made him angrier. He paced, cursing in Gaelic.

“The king wouldn’t fault you for dealing harshly with the man,” Varinn offered.

Agni agreed. “Draft both bloody sons.”

“And make the jarl a full adversary? As soon as we leave his lands, I’ll have a bounty on my head.”

Agni huffed. “Perhaps you should take your frustrations out on his daughter—explore herskillsfurther.”

Aaron glared at him. “Silence.” The thought had crossed his mind already, but he’d never admit it. “There’s only one way to proceed, we go back inside and act as if nothing happened.”

Varinn turned stiffly, staring at the building. “You expect me to overlook this humiliation?”

“Aye.” Norsemen abhorred disgrace. Aaron’s expectations countered everything these men believed in. “Take what time you need to collect yourselves, then join me in the hall.”

Aaron couldn’t believe his eyes when he entered the house. Kara was lingering on the stairs a few feet away. Should he confront her now? No one else was about. “Girl,” he called.

She glared at him, then fidgeted with a loose strand of hair. “I have a name.”

“Why should I show you any courtesy?” He stalked closer.

“Because you are a guest in my father’s house.”