Ulfric. My friend, Bjorn, killed him for implicating his daughter in his escape. It must have been true or how would he know her name? He definitely said Freya had asked him to take her with him. I mean - what a stupid thing to say to a full-blood Norseman!”
“How am I going to explain this to his father? And don’t forget Giselle. She and Richard were so close and she’ll be devastated.”
“He died a warrior’s death, Ulfric,” Thorvald offered in their defence.
“You mean the blood-eagle? That’s not an honourable death to a Norman.”
“You had nothing to do with it, my brother. Forget him, he brought you nothing but trouble and don’t forget Juliana, she would have been giving birth to your child in Bertone if he hadn’t dragged her halfway across the country.”
“I know. Part of me is glad he’s dead, but I don’t know how I’m going to tell his father.”
“Don’t tell him anything.”
“I can’t leave him with false hope that one day his son will return.”
“No, I suppose not.” Thorvald gave up trying to make excuses.
“I’m going to get Juliana, the woman and boy. I’ll bring them here under your care, Ragn. I understand you have promised to find work for the woman in this house?”
“Yes, it’s the least I can do for her. She has looked after my niece like a mother, she will be honoured among my household. The boy will continue working for Hjarter, it will be a useful occupation for him. Take one of my servants and a wagon for their belongings.”
Ulfric left the other men and instructed a servant to hitch up a wagon and horse to collect Juliana and Kristen. He had visited her every day for a week now but had not stayed with her overnight as the room was too small for all of them. Ragn had taken pity on Ma and she was more than happy to work for him and live in his house. At least she and her son would be fed and clothed.
Juliana was waiting with Kristen in her arms when Ulfric appeared at the door. He dropped a kiss on his baby’s head and then turned his attention to his wife who had dressed in the clean clothes sent to her by Ragn. Her hair shone and her eyes were bright. Her smile took away Ulfric’s breath and he thought he had never seen her look more beautiful, motherhood certainly became her.
“What are you looking at? Is there something wrong with my dress?” Juliana asked, inspecting her gown.
“I’m just thinking that I’m the luckiest man in the kingdom to have such a beautiful wife. Come wife and kiss your husband. Tomorrow we leave for Bertone.”
Juliana grinned her pleasure and handed Kristen to her father. “Really, Ulfric? We can go home?”
“Yes, and the sooner we get there the better. I’ve had enough of chasing you around the country.”
“Yes, but you caught me in the end, didn’t you?” she said mischievously.
Ulfric was suddenly serious. “Juliana, I have something to tell you.”
Her smile left her lips and concern clouded her eyes. “What is it, Ulfric, my love?”
“It’s de Gant,” he said shortly. “He’s dead!”
Juliana swayed as the shock hit home and Ulfric reached out to steady her. The news was not unwelcome, in fact she was relieved to hear that he would not be causing any more trouble for her, but somehow it seemed so final.
“How? When? Who?” was all she could say.
“A few days ago. He apparently angered one of Ragn’s friends who’s still not averse to disposing of Normans, especially those he suspected of dallying with his daughter.”
“Poor Giselle, she loved her brother.”
“I know, but my problem is how I’m going to break the news to his father.”
“Well, the sooner we get home the sooner we can sort everything out.”
Loading the cart did not take very long and Ma did not even look back as they left, but Juliana did.
“Never look back, my lady. Always look forward to the future,” Ma patted Juliana’s hand.
“You are a wise woman, Ma. I am indebted to you.”
“You have healed my heart, Juliana. I can now remember my daughter with pride instead of pain so no, you owe me nothing. I am indebted to you.”
***
The journey back to the coast was simple thanks to Ragn offering to go with them as far as the Humber. They took horses and carts which would return with Ragn and a few of his servants before they headed back to York. Juliana was