The Viking's Hold (First 11 chapters)

Chapter 3: Treachery

 The manservant struggled to maneuver the heavy wagon, pulled by two reluctant oxen and packed high with logs. The ground in the fort’s yard was slippery, and the wheels got caught in the mud. One of the animals lost balance and balked, slamming the load against the old roman stonewall. The wain[i] swerved and jerked sideways with a loud crack.

“What have you done Lazzi[ii]? Get this thing out of the way now!”

The servant bowed low to the angry guard striding towards him.

“I am so sorry Frilingui[iii]; the wheel is broken. I must free the animals and bring them to the stables for the night. The repairs will have to wait until tomorrow, there isn’t enough daylight left.”

“You twit! Well, what are you waiting for, get to work!”

The guard returned to his station, grumbling. The servant freed the oxen and stepped back to admire his handiwork. The wagon was ideally positioned, sheltering the back gate from the sentinel’s sight.

He had erected a wall of empty barrels on the opposite side over the previous days, and now someone could easily get out without being seen. It was the original purpose of the discreet doorway cut in the thick wall, just above the river: provide an easy escape. The servant smirked. They forgot that a door could be used both ways…

He came back after nightfall, wrapped in a large, hooded cloak, hiding a lantern and a bag under it. He crouched behind a barrel, waiting.

Soon, alarm screams erupted from the main building: “Fire, fire! Help!”

Servants ran towards the house, carrying buckets of water. He looked up and saw the guards on the ramparts staring at the scene. He chuckled. His sister had moved right on time.

Cautiously, he opened the door and leaned out, searching over the raging water for a spot on his right. He pulled out the lantern and held it at arm's length, swung it twice, and covered it. An owl hooted in response. They were in place, waiting in the dark. Perfect.

Opening the bag, he grabbed a coil of rope with a heavy stone attached to one end. He fastened the other extremity to the wagon, swirled the rock in front of him, and threw it towards the men below. A pull on the rope confirmed his success.

He stepped back and crouched again, surveying the area. The guards were distracted by the drama in the kitchen. In the house, a woman wailed loudly. That was some diversion!

One by one, heavily armed silhouettes appeared and joined him in hiding. The tallest one knelt at his side and whispered: “Where are the guards?”

The servant pointed at the sentinels and the garrison’s quarters.