“Lord, most things are in place on Sceapig for my herd. I need a few days there to organise my father for him to take over,” his thoughts tumbled out in a torrent of words, “and rectify the structures… oh, and to present my bride to my parents.”
The thegn laughed, but his face grew serious.
“First, you bereave me of a guard; now, you wish to deprive me of his replacement!”
Noticing the twinkle in the thegn’s eye that betrayed his grave countenance and disclosed his true sentiments, Deormund gave a swift reply.
“Thegn, if you do not concede me time on Sceapig, you will have no deer to chase. It is weaning time, there’s work to be done.”
“Let’s be clear on this, Deormund. I will grant you three days, no more. You and your wife have duties to fulfil here in Faversham and perform them, yo
