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make a fine Viking bride.’
    â€˜Never in a thousand years!’
    The words were out before she could stop them and Elgiva felt her throat dry as both men turned their attention towards her. Wulfrum laughed and his arm closed about her, ignoring the resistance it encountered.
    â€˜A spirited piece,’ said Halfdan, ‘and impudent too. She must learn who her master is.’
    â€˜I will never acknowledge any Viking as my master!’
    â€˜Oh, I think you will—eventually.’ He smiled down at her.
    Elgiva’s stomach churned.
    â€˜She will learn,’ said Wulfrum.
    â€˜From you?’ Her tone was blatant disdain. ‘I think not.’
    â€˜Aye, from me.’ He took another look at the face turned up to his and all former reservations about marriage evaporated like mist in the sun as he made his decision. ‘For, by all the gods, I will have you to wife.’
    â€˜I will never agree to that.’
    â€˜You have no choice, my beauty. You belong to me now.’
    â€˜No!’
    â€˜Oh, yes. Unless you would prefer to go with Sweyn?’
    She swallowed hard, every fibre of her being wanting to spurn him, but when she looked upon the alternative, her heart was filled with loathing and contempt.
    â€˜Well?’
    â€˜I will not go with a coward and a child slayer!’
    Wulfrum looked from Elgiva to Sweyn. ‘The girl has chosen.’
    â€˜Then I wish you joy of her,’ replied the other. The cool tone was at variance with the expression in his eyes.
    It had no effect on Wulfrum. ‘I shall find joy enough, I have no doubt.’
    â€˜Then it is settled.’ Halfdan turned back to Wulfrum. ‘You have done good service under the black-raven banner. From henceforth this hall and these lands shall be yours. The slaves too, to do with as you will.’
    â€˜You are generous, lord.’
    â€˜Aye, to those who serve me well.’ He glanced at Elgiva. ‘As for the girl, take her—she is a worthy prize.’
    â€˜Indeed she is.’
    Elgiva glared at them. The Viking chief threw her a mocking smile.
    â€˜Your fate is clear, wench, and you had best submit.’ He turned to the assembled warriors. ‘Go down to the hall. Summon the others. I would speak to all.’
    The men turned and began to troop out of the chamber, one carrying the screaming Hilda under his arm.
    â€˜No!’ Elgiva fought the hold on her. ‘Take your filthy hands off her!’
    On the floor Osgifu began to stir. Wanting to go to her, Elgiva strove harder.
    â€˜Come,’ said Wulfrum.
    â€˜I will not. Let go of me, you pirate scum.’
    For answer she was thrown over a broad shoulder and, regardless of violent struggle and loud protest, was carried from the room. Only when they reached the hall did he set her down, but a strong arm about her waist prevented any chance of escape. Breathless and furious, Elgiva threw him a venomous glance and wished in vain for a sword to disembowel him with. Undismayed, Wulfrum grinned. Then his gaze moved on from her across the hall and she became aware that Halfdan was speaking.
    â€˜Tonight we shall feast in celebration of our victory. We shall rest here long enough to bury the dead and tend our wounded. Then we push on until all Northumbria is ours.’
    A rousing cheer tore from the throats of the assembled men. He held up his fist for silence.
    â€˜Before we leave we shall witness the joining of Earl Wulfrum and this fair Saxon maid in marriage. She will bear him fine sons who shall inherit this land after him. Let it be known that the Norsemen are here to stay.’
    Another cheer shook the rafters. Elgiva closed her eyes andtook a deep breath, trying to steady herself, determined to stifle the wail of terror rising in her throat. When she opened them again, it was to see Wulfrum watching her. Under that cool gaze her resolve stiffened.
    â€˜If I am to take a wife, I would have a name to lay to