TWENTY-FOUR
Portia watched the Albans pack their things onto their horses and head for Portnahaven, casting frightened looks around them as they went.
"Where are they going?" she asked.
"Some say to fight the Normans back in Alba, while others say they're being sent to fight the Wolf." Grieve shrugged and rubbed at a stubborn spot on his armour. "The lot of them pray that they might be sent home, for they've found a cold welcome here."
"I hope they're being sent to the Wolf, and he kills the lot of them," Portia said.
Tales of the Viken prince had reached her even here, for with Mason gone, her men shared meals and news with the Albans. News they were only too happy to bring back to her.
"They are fighting men, no different from us, truly," Dermot piped up. "And I wouldn't wish t
