Thegn Sibert chose not to meet Deormund at once; instead, he spoke privately with his Dorset warrior—a man who had gained his trust. “Bring his sword to me and organise the rest.”
The veteran hurried to do his master’s bidding, explaining the situation to the confused deer herder. “You are to leave your weapon for the thegn to inspect. Unbuckle it!”
Despite his bafflement, Deormund obeyed and, since his head was bowed over his belt, he barely noticed the warrior indicate a servant to fetch a staff from a stave rack.
“Here, take this staff. A man should not wander the streets unarmed.”
Deormund exchanged the sword for the wooden pole—a poor affair, he thought, but, unused to the ways of the mainland folk, he did not dwell on the matter.
“Come back at midday. Thegn Sibert will receive y
