Battleaxe by Sara Douglass Page A

not only pleasing to the eye but would bring rich lands to her marriage. Borneheld had not had to think overly hard about the offer.
    “The honour is all mine,” Borneheld replied after some considerable thought. Gautier grinned behind his master’s back. That was the most courtly phrase he had heard pass Borneheld’s lips in a number of years. Borneheld was always more comfortable cursing his soldiers than passing pleasant conversation with well-bred women.
    “Ahem.” Isend stepped forward. “I know how busy the Duke of Ichtar is, Faraday, so perhaps we can proceed with the ceremony. The Earl of Burdel and Lieutenant Gautier are here to act as witnesses.”
    Faraday’s smile trembled a little, but she managed to keep her eyes level as Borneheld grasped her hand more firmly and began to speak the ancient ritual words of betrothal.
    “I, Borneheld, son of Searlas, Duke of Ichtar, do plight thee, Faraday, daughter of Isend of Skarabost, my troth in marriage. Before Artor and these people here assembled I do promise to take thee as my wife and to give thee an honoured place by my side. And to this I do freely consent.”
    Everyone waited expectantly. Faraday swallowed and wet her lips before repeating the vows. She hesitated a moment before finishing. “And to this I do freely consent.”
    Borneheld grinned a little lopsidedly, put his free hand into his pocket and withdrew a large ring of twisted dark gold mounted with a massive round ruby, fumbling slightly as he slid it onto the heart finger of Faraday’s left hand. It fit perfectly. Faraday’s eyes widened; the ruby was one of the largest stones she had ever seen.
    “Oh, it’s beautiful!” her mother whispered to one side.
    Borneheld smiled happily and, placing his large strong hands on Faraday’s shoulders, he leaned down and kissed her. Faraday tried not to tense under Borneheld’s hands as his kiss lingered. He smelled of horses, leather and sweat and Faraday found his size and closeness intimidating. She trembled slightly as Borneheld finally leaned back, wishing she could respond to this man as spontaneously as she had been attracted to his brother.
    Borneheld took her hesitancy as a compliment. “I can hardly wait until our marriage, my dear,” he whispered. He dropped his hands from her shoulders, but did not seem to know what to say or do next.
    Faraday forced a smile, likewise searching for some light remark. She supposed she would develop an easier rapport with Borneheld in the future, but for now she simply hoped that someone would do something that would bring this awkward occasion to an end.
    Earl Burdel finally stepped up behind Borneheld and clapped him jovially on the shoulder. “I shall watch her like a hawk, Borneheld, and let no harm come to her. I’m sure that when you return from Gorkenfort you will want the marriage ceremony as soon as possible.”
    Faraday looked across at her father in confusion. Burdel? Surely she would remain with her parents until the marriage?
    “My dear,” Isend smiled at her confusion. “With the problems inthe north both your affianced husband,” he paused to bestow a wide grin on Borneheld, “and I believe that it might be too dangerous for you to return to Skarabost, and the court is no place for a young girl.”
    Oh no, Faraday thought in despair, please let me stay with you a while longer.
    “So, I’ve decided to send you and your mother to stay with Burdel’s family in Arcen. He will join you in a few short weeks once his business here is concluded. A sensible solution. But to get you there safely and in the quickest possible time, my dear, you will have to leave early in the morning.”
    Faraday looked even more confused.
    “The Axe-Wielders ride for Smyrton through Arcness and I have managed to persuade the BattleAxe to let you and your mother ride with them. Three and a half thousand Axe-Wielders should provide a safe enough escort. The Lady of Tare will also be joining you for part of the