Valknut

CHAPTER|38 Past, Present, Future

“So tell us how it came to be that Caelis looks nothing like a Norse?” Kieran asked when the four men had settled in his study. 

Klaufi shrugged. “Our father had a favorite Caledonian thrall that bore him a male heir. Illegitimate one perhaps, but a male heir nonetheless. A family’s legacy is barely guaranteed if only one male heir is borne. My father desperately wanted two and our mother bore only girls after my birth.” 

“Well that is fortunate for us!” 

Klaufi nodded. “My father didn’t know it at the time. He had hoped Caelis would inherit more from his strong family line. But it so happened that he didn’t. My father was the first to find good use for Caelis’ appearance. As it were, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. And scouting and spying is Caelis’” 

Kieran addressed Caelis directly this time. “'n' ye have done this several times before? Are ye sure ye will be comfortable helping us in this manner? Ye do risk yer life if ye get caught and that’s a price I’m not sure I’m willing to pay.” 

Caelis nodded grimly. “I understand the risks that come with the responsibility being handed to me. This would not be my first escapade at the Pictish Court. I have been there numerous times before. But we do owe ye this. Ye have helped our clan by allowing us new lives and new opportunities in yer land. Our loyalty lies with ye and we will do what we must to help repay the debt we owe ye.” 

“Ye owe me no debt. If we begin counting who saved whose life and how many times, I’m certain all will be square by now.” Kieran replied. 

Caelis looked at Kieran with complete sincerity as he spoke, “Then let me do this as my contribution to ye and my new family.” 

All four men were silently contemplating the risks this adventure would come with. 

Kiera was the first to speak. “I will not have ye do this alone. Sir Brian's son will accompany ye. And a small army of 20 men will dress as villagers and live right outside the castle till ye feel it is time for ye to return. I will not hear arguments otherwise. I will not run the risk of losing another family member to the Pictish blackguards.” 

“Ta for yer concern and yer generosity. I won’t let ye down.” Caelis replied. 

“So Olaf. When do ye and Catriona plan to announce wedding dates? I believe ye have courted her enough. Now isn’t it time to finish the formalities? The summer harvest will finish soon enough and I wouldn’t want to dig into our winter reserves to cover the expense of our feasting for the occasion.” 

“About that... I believe I have changed my mind ...” Olaf said looking very serious indeed. 

“Ye what??” The others exclaimed in unison. 

Olaf grinned and spoke, “Just jesting with ye. Two weeks perhaps? Would that be sufficient time to prepare for the wedding?” 

Kieran and Klaufi exchanged a look. “Ye know more about the ceremonies and the accompanying traditions. What say ye? Two weeks be enough? I will of course share in any expense. Catriona is my sister as well.” 

 Klaufi nodded, Kieran agreed. “Two weeks it is then.” 

“Perfect then. I have a bride-to-be to find and announce the final date. I shall see ye all at the bruðkaup.” Olaf said as he stood up to exit the study. 

“Th' bruo.... What??” Kieran choked out. 

Klaufi quickly stepped in, “Th' bruðkaup.... Bride-price if ye will... it’s the first of several negotiations preceding the wedding. I’ll explain the traditions and ceremonies that we follow as and when we come to them. 

Kiera groaned mockingly, “How much is she going to cost me? At this rate, she's going to shoo me out of house and land!”

 All four men roared with laughter at Kieran’s mock anguish before parting ways.