Ensnared (Knights of Brethren #3)(33)

Chapter

13





Gunnar


I awoke to a sharp prod in my side. I pried open an eye to see afternoon sunshine slanting through the open shutters of my chamber.

From the angle of the light, I guessed I’d slept five or six hours after returning from my visit to Eggum in the slums. Before falling into bed, I’d made sure to start rumors regarding my revelry so that Bernhard would believe I was as wild as always. I didn’t want him suspecting I’d been investigating the chalice and now knew his true purpose for sending men into the forest to kill the jotunn.

In fact, the more I’d thought about Bernhard’s scheme, the more I’d realized I had to pretend I knew nothing about it. Otherwise, Bernhard would devise obstacles to keep me from getting the chalice before he did.

Thus, in addition to rumors about my night of carousing, I’d decided to spread the word that I’d had no luck finding the chalice in Romsdal and was traveling to a new location. I intended to make a show of leaving on the morrow, ride out a distance, but circle around and enter the forest under the cover of darkness.

I also had to send a secret missive to Torvald, alerting him to my suspicion and plan. Even with my special training and skills as a Brethren, I didn’t know what I’d face. If anything happened to me, I needed Torvald to know about the jotunn and the chalice. Then he could muster assistance and complete the mission.

Part of me considered journeying to Vordinberg, consulting with the king and his advisors, and amassing an army to storm the forest. But if Bernhard learned of such a plan, he’d round up his knights, squires, and bondservants and launch his own attack first, causing even more deaths.

For now, I’d venture in a short way by myself. If nothing else, I’d scout the forest and decipher exactly how dangerous the conditions were. If the threats were insurmountable, I’d retreat and wait to consult with Torvald before proceeding with the search.

I shifted under my covers to get more comfortable, but another poke against my ribs drew me up in bed, my fingers gripping my knife handle.

At the sight of Nanna at my bedside, I relaxed and blew out a breath. “Nanna, what are you doing—”

“Shhh.” She glanced toward the closed door, and something in her eyes warned me she didn’t want anyone to know she was in my room.

This had to do with Mikaela. Whenever Nanna sought me out this way, it always had to do with Mikaela. Usually Nanna warning me to stay away.

“I vow it. I haven’t seen her all day,” I whispered even though no one else was in my chamber. A servant had already come and gone. The garments I’d left beside my bed were picked up, the rushes fresh, and the chamber pot clean. A freshly-laundered set of clothing awaited me on the chest at the end of the bed.

“You need to make her see reason. Please.” Nanna’s voice wobbled with a desperation I didn’t understand but that needled me, nonetheless.

“You asked me not to seek her out again.”

“But you’re the only one who can stop her.”

“Stop her from what?”

Nanna peered around the room again. She’d always been extra cautious about Mikaela. But now that I was older—and wiser—I could appreciate how much Nanna had done to care for and shield her granddaughter over the years.

I reached for Nanna’s hand only to find that she was trembling. Another needle pricked me. Something was amiss.

“What’s happened, Nanna?”

Her fingers grasped mine tightly. “Frans accepted the earl’s challenge to kill the jotunn. He went into the forest this morn.”

I shook my head. What was Frans thinking? He was no match for the jotunn. He’d end up dead just like everyone else who’d gone in. “What a fool. Why would he do such a thing?”

“Frans saw you and Mikaela together yesterday, and Mikaela thinks he lost the will to live. She blames herself.”

A fist seemed to slam into my chest, knocking the air from my lungs. If anyone was to blame for yesterday’s moment of passion in the shed, I was. I’d sought Mikaela out. I’d initiated the kiss. I’d lost self-control. Not her.

Either way, Frans shouldn’t have offered himself up. He had to know he’d cause Mikaela heartache.

I released Nanna’s hand and tossed aside my covers. I didn’t care that I was indecent in my breeches. I needed to make this situation right. I grabbed my tunic from the top of the stack of garments on the chest and jerked it over my head.

“I believe she intends to go into the forest and call him back.”

“Only over my dead body.” I grabbed my leggings and stockings. There was no way in heaven or earth I’d allow Mikaela to rush off into Hardanger Forest after Frans. I’d tie her up and lock her away before she had the chance.

Nanna nodded but couldn’t hide the tears that filled her eyes. “You know how stubborn she is.”

“And you know I’m more stubborn.”

“That’s why I came. I need you to convince her not to go.”

And so the conversation had come full circle. I was the only one who had the power to stop her. Even then, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to. But I had to try.

“I’ll be taking the girls to visit their mother.” Nanna wiped at the wetness on her cheeks. “While I’m away, you must go to her.”