"Bind them securely," Baetan ordered. "Tomorrow, we will hand them over to the Norsemen. A prince of Fidach and his bride are fitting gifts to cement an alliance. Then we will smash the mongrel army of Alba and Fidach and make our conquest complete." He stepped forward and slapped Melcorka full in the mouth. "They may blind you and use you a slave, or make blood-eagles of you both."
"You have turned against your own people." Melcorka felt the blood dribble from the corner of her mouth.
"The Islesmen are my people." Baetan slapped her again. "Make sure this one is secure and keep her away from her sword." He slapped her a third time. "It is my sword now."
"You don"t deserve the sword of Calgacus." Melcorka tried to swallow away the blood that gathered in her mouth.
Baetan laughed. "It i
