Read Darkest before Dawn (The Kingdom of Mercia Book 2) for Free Online Page B

her.
    “Horses!” he shouted.
    Alchflaed whipped around, her own gaze shifting across
the patchwork of arable land that stretched around the base of Bebbanburg. There,
to the south, she saw a dark patch moving slowly toward them. Dust boiled up
around the army as it moved, making it appear like a great beast coming to
devour them all.
    She froze, her breathing momentarily stilling.
    The Mercians… they’ve come for us.
    Yet, as she watched, the army drew closer, and standards
bearing the familiar red and black of Northumbria became visible. The horsemen
held the standards high, a clear sign of victory.
    Alchflaed exhaled, lightheaded with relief. Grinning, she
turned to the guards.
    “My father returns! Mercia has been defeated!”
    Alchflaed picked up her skirts with her left hand, still clutching
her basket of walnuts with her right, and sprinted through the gates. She
crossed the outer enclosure, and ran along the wide dirt road that led to the high
gate. To the right of the way, was another road that led north along the length
of the ‘Dragon’s Back’ – so named, for the rock on which Bebbanburg perched
resembled a sleeping lizard.
    Low-slung wattle and daub structures with thatched roofs
spread out across the wide expanse; the dwellings of ceorls – free men – who
resided here. A large byre – which housed Bebbanburg’s livestock – an ironmonger,
armorer, and a goldsmith all lined the way to the inner palisade. The clang of
iron and its metallic stench, mingled with the bleating of goats and the odor
of animals.
    The spiked wooden ramparts of the inner palisade rose
before Alchflaed, and the Great Tower cast a long shadow despite the dull day. She
sprinted through the high gate, past the gawking guards, shouting as she ran.
     “The king returns!”
    Beyond the gate, she streaked across the stable yard
toward a wide, grassy area, dotted with apple and plum trees. Ahead, she
glimpsed the red, pitted stone of her father’s hall. Alchflaed bolted across
the grass and up the steps leading into the tower. She flung aside the door –
only to collide with someone who was in the process of exiting the hall.
    Walnuts flew in all directions. Alchflaed pitched forward
and fell onto the rushes. Hands stinging, she sat up to find herself
face-to-face with her steopm ō dor.
    “Senseless wench!” Eanflaed snarled, her round face
reddening. “Watch where you’re going!”
    For once, Alchflaed chose to ignore her stepmother’s sharp
tongue.
    “Father returns!”
    The anger on the queen’s face dissolved and her lips
parted. Alchflaed saw joy flare in her eyes, before they brimmed with tears.
    “They won?” she asked, her voice quavering.
    “The army carries its standards high,” Alchflaed replied,
grinning.
    Eanflaed whirled away from Alchflaed, her trying
stepdaughter forgotten, and hurried back across the rushes toward the high
seat. Her shrill voice carried across the hall.
    “Northumbria has defeated Mercia. Bring me my children.
They must greet their victorious father!”
    Alchflaed crossed the rush-strewn floor, avoiding servants,
children and dogs as she went. The hall was in chaos, and Eanflaed’s piercing
commands were beginning to put her nerves on edge. A young male slave, who was
not moving quickly enough for the queen’s liking had just received a
tongue-lashing.
    “Lack-wit! Don’t just stand there gawking. Clear the
floor! Move the tables – quickly. Now!”
    Alchflaed quickened her stride, wishing she was still
outside and free of her stepmother’s panic and scolding. Eanflaed worshipped
her husband, and strove to please him in all things. When Oswiu was present,
the queen was simpering and sweet; however, she became controlling and critical
in his absence.
    Alchflaed had just stepped up onto the high seat when
hunting horns echoed across the hall. They were shortly followed by the raucous
cheering of men.
    Her skin prickled.
    They’re here.
    She took her seat next to her sister by