The Irish Sea, 910 AD
The Irish Sea, 910 ADReflecting on his successful raid on Dinerth, Erik was perplexed by several issues. Could it be that this Alun ap Drystan had been ousted by Cadfael and had he fled with his strongbox? Did Alun exist? He knew how to find out: carefully picking his way towards the bound prisoners, allowing for the pitching vessel, he selected a pretty girl to interrogate.
Meanwhile, Niviene, the girl he had chosen, relived her worst nightmare. Bound by Vikings and destined to a slave market, she imagined that these Norsemen had killed her saviour and comforter, Lord Cadfael. Who would save her this time? Now, the ice-eyed Viking chieftain squatted in front of her and wished to talk. What did he want?
“Do you know of an Alun ap Drystan, child?”
She nodded, and h
