The Iron Lance by Stephen R. Lawhead Page B

Carrach—did you really think I would not guess the reason? I have been the mother of sons for a fair few years; there is very little I do not ken of menfolk.”
    Murdo softened under her gentle reproof. He shrugged, and said, “Well, we have been shut up here all winter, after all. I know how eager you are to see your friend again.”
    Lady Niamh put her hand on her son’s shoulder. “Hear me, my soul,” she said, “Ragna is a splendid young woman, and nothing would make me happier than seeing you take her to wife. Your father feels the same, I know. We are both noble families, and there is a great deal to be said for binding our housestogether. I have good reason to believe Lord Brusi would welcome the match.”
    â€œMother,” he said, mystified, “why are you telling me this?”
    She smiled. “So that you will feel free to follow your heart in the matter.” She lifted her hand and lightly touched his cheek. “I have seen the way you look at her. Truly, a love match is a rare thing, my light. Your father and I have been fortunate, but many—nay most—are not so blessed.” She paused. “As it happens, I have also seen the way Ragna looks at you .”
    Murdo jerked his head back in disbelief.
    â€œOh, aye,” his mother assured him, “she likes you, Murdo. She surely does.”
    Unable to endure any more of this talk, Murdo turned away, seized the nearest basket, and strode from the room as quickly as his wilted dignity allowed. “You could do worse, dear son of mine,” Niamh called after him. “Just you ponder that!”

EIGHT
    The boat made landfall in the narrow cove below Cnoc Carrach on the western side of Hrolfsey. The house was built on the southeastern side of the cnoc, or hill, so that it might not be seen from the sea, but Murdo knew where it was, and his heart quickened at the thought that Ragna was so near. To his dismay, he found his hands trembled on the tiller as Peder and Hin readied the pole and anchor in preparation of coming alongside Lord Brusi’s timber quay.
    No one appeared to notice his excitement, however, and Murdo quickly busied himself with helping unload the boat. They were still about this chore when two servingmen and an ox-drawn cart appeared on the winding track leading down to the cove. “We saw your boat in the narrows,” the elder servant explained. “Lady Ragnhild sent us to help you.” Addressing Niamh, he said, “If it pleases you, my lady, you might go ahead to the house. It’s for us to see to your possessions.”
    Murdo’s mother thanked the servants, but declined, saying, “There is no hurry. We will stay and help you.” She then directed Murdo to assist the servingmen, while Peder and Hin secured the ship. Owing to the steepness of the cliff, the cart could not reach the quay and so all the chests and baskets had to be carried half-way up the hill to the waiting wagon. This simple task seemed to take forever, and the sun was already disappearing behind the shoulder of the hills by the time the cart wasloaded and the oxen prodded into motion.
    The visitors climbed the hill and walked the short distance to the house, and by the time they reached the yard, Murdo was almost faint with anticipation. His heart pounded in his chest and his vision swam; it was all he could do to keep from falling over at every step.
    Ah, but his expectation was not misplaced. For no sooner had the cart come to a halt than the door to the great house opened and Ragna emerged, bearing a golden cup on a wooden tray. She stepped lightly into the yard, her limp visible only in the slight tilt and jiggle of the tray she carried. To Murdo, however, she seemed not so much to walk, as to glide a little above the ground.
    Dressed in a simple white mantle edged with gleaming blue embroidery, and wearing a blue-embroidered girdle around her slender waist, she appeared taller than