скачать книгу бесплатно
‘How did you know Leif would be here last night?’
‘I didn’t know for sure; I guessed, based on information received.’
‘From whom?’
‘You’ve been kept under close watch since your arrival, and my men are vigilant. They do not tolerate traitors either.’ His hand closed round her arm and he drew her with him out of a side door, marching her across the open area of ground beyond. In front of them was an ancient oak tree. As the distance narrowed and Astrid saw the figure hanging from one of the lower branches the bile rose in her throat.
Her uncle had no trouble reading her expression. ‘I see you recognise the traitor.’
‘Ari was no traitor. He was guilty only of doing what I asked him.’
‘And by his actions he betrayed me,’ replied Einar. ‘He has paid the price.’
She looked away, sick to her stomach, understanding now just how naïve she had been, and knowing the guilt of it would never leave her. In that instant she also understood the meaning of hatred.
‘The only reason he was given a relatively quick death,’ he continued, ‘was that he helped deliver Leif Egilsson into my hands.’
Astrid looked up quickly. ‘What have you done with him?’
Вы ознакомились с фрагментом книги.
Для бесплатного чтения открыта только часть текста.
Приобретайте полный текст книги у нашего партнера:
