He turned on his heel and strode from the Great Hall, the laughter of Freka and the star-kings ringing mockingly in his ears.
IV
Kieron awoke in darkness. Of the fire on the hearth, only embers remained and the stone rooms were silent but for the sound of sleeping men. The single Valkyr sentry was at his elbow, whispering him into wakefulness. Kieron threw back the fur coverlets and swung his feet over the edge of the low couch.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nevitta, sir."
"Nevitta! Here?" Kieron sprang to his feet, fully awake now. "Is there a woman with him?"
"A slave-girl, sir. They wait in the outer chamber."
Kieron reached for his harness and weapons, threading his way through his sleeping men. In the dimly lit antechamber, Nevitta stood near the muffled figure of Alys. Kieron went immediately to the girl, and she threw back her hood, baring her golden head to the torchlight. Her eyes were bright with the pleasure of seeing Kieron again, but there was anger in them, too. The lord of Valkyr knew at once that she had not succeeded with Toran.
"What happened, Nevitta?"