“Under our laws, she must give her consent, too, Wulf Ironfist. If she does, I will be glad to accept a bride price for her,” Berikos answered, “although I should not. You will be doing me a favor by taking Cailin off my hands. My wife Ceara has been nagging me to find her a husband. What will you give me for her?”
The Saxon tossed his companion a coin. It flashed and glittered as it flew through the air. Berikos’s fist closed about it. His eyes widened. He bit the coin as hard as he could, his look one of surprise.
“Gold? This is a gold coin, Wulf Ironfist. One girl is hardly worth an entire gold coin,” Berikos said slowly. He wanted the Saxon’s gold, but his conscience would never leave him in peace if he weren’t honest. “Besides, the wench has not yet given her consent to the match.”
“She has given her consent,” the younger man told him. “It is a fair price, for it will ensure that you will not take my life when my use to you is over and done with, Berikos of the Dobunni.”
The old man chuckled. “You do not trust anyone, Wulf Ironfist, do you? Well, you are wise not to, for no one can be completely trusted in this world. Very well, I accept your terms, and the girl is now your wife. You may think it a poor bargain when she shows you the rough side of her tongue, but I will not take her back.” He spit in his right hand and held it out to the Saxon, who, spitting in his own right hand, clasped Berikos’s outstretched palm in a firm grip.
“Agreed, Berikos, but I will not regret the bargain, I assure you. Cailin will make me a good wife. Her mother taught her well the duties a woman has to her husband and house.”
“Aye,” the old man responded softly, “Kyna was a good girl.”
“Good morning, and was your night filled with many pleasures?” Brigit tittered, entering the hall. Her sky-blue tunic dress with its silver embroidery floated about her gracefully as she came, smiling falsely.
“Indeed, lady, my night was a very good one,” Wulf Ironfist answered.
“Wulf has agreed to aid us,” Berikos said, pleased. He explained to his young wife the land transaction involved. “And,” he concluded, “I have given him Cailin as a wife.”
“You have done what?” Brigit’s eyes widened with shock. This was not at all the way she planned it. She had intended only for the Saxon to roughly violate Cailin and break her spirit. She wanted the girl shamed, and hurt.
“Wulf asked me for Cailin’s hand,” Berikos repeated. “Her tainted blood does not bother him. My granddaughter has agreed.” He held up the coin, saying, “Wulf has given me this for the wench’s bride price. It is gold. Your father was content to accept a silver piece and a breeding pair of hunting dogs for you, Brigit.”
Brigit’s eyes glittered at the sight of the gold, and Wulf thought that Berikos would not have his granddaughter’s bride price for very long if Brigit had her way. The woman’s mouth was sullen, however, and she finally said, “Is there no food in this hall that we might break our fast? Cailin is derelict in her duties, or has her marriage gone to her head? A good wife should have the morning meal ready at a respectable hour. I hope Ceara returns soon.”
“Perhaps if you did not sleep half the morning away, Brigit,” Cailin said as she entered the hall, “you would find the meal ready. Berikos and my husband ate hours ago. If you go to the cook house, however, they may give you something if you tell them I said to do so.” She smiled brightly at the woman. “I must be about my duties. A runner arrived this morning from Carvilius’s hill fort. Ceara and Maeve are expected before sunset. We will eat as soon as they arrive. Do try to be on time, lady.” She turned to her grandfather. “Is the bargain made between my husband and you, Berikos?”
“It is,” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching just slightly. The girl was tough, and refused to be beaten. He’d give her that. “Speak more gently to my lady wife in future, mongrel,” he warned her. “She is deserving of respect.”
“Only if she earns it, Berikos,” Cailin shot back, and turning on her heel, left them.