The Eaorl (The Casere Book 2) by Michael O'Neill Page A

cautious about taking to the field against my fyrd again, and it is best for me that we have caution in our enemy’s mind.’
    Devnet smiled thinly. ‘True, I would like to have a lot more disciplined wiga at my disposal if we were to meet again – and perhaps some better Folctoga.’ He changed the subject, pointed to the room. ‘You have mastery over his room, Thane. What do you intend to exercise your power?’
    Conn smiled back. Devnet was no fool. ‘True power is exercised with subtlety, Aebeling, true control is felt, but not seen.’
    He nodded ruefully, ‘That would explain your ransom demands. They are surprisingly reasonable, perhaps excessively so. It will hardly weaken Gatina and certainly not destroy it, so I begin to see subtlety at play. It is surprising that you would take just a single Thane demesne when you could have more – albeit you have asked for one with a harbor. The most surprising is that you have requested a single bedda from any Eaorl’s family. I don’t understand what you hope to gain?’
    Conn sat down beside him. ‘I already have enough land to grow and raise whatever I need – but there is money to be made buying and selling goods – and to get goods around, you need harbors – and good harbors. Have you seen my ships?’
    ‘The ones with the golden sun? Unfortunately yes – I understand the Rakians had some issues with them.’
    ‘I think they know better now. Anyway, the ships need much bigger docks than you have in Gatina – so I will have to build my own. As for the bedda – the demesne will require an heir.’
    Devnet paused to consider the information. He finally nodded. ‘I guess I understand – but it is still very perplexing.’
    ‘Perhaps – but there are never winners, only losers in wars, Aebeling; it is just that one side loses less than the other – and to be made to suffer more than necessary only creates future problems. Fear, restraint and caution are my aims; if I have created that, I will have done well. My other aim now is to help rebuild Gatina. There is no profit for me in making it too poor to buy my goods. When you get home, I hope we both work to achieve that.’
    ‘Perhaps, Thane, perhaps.’
    After Conn had returned to his table, the young Earl of Moha, Cenlinda, came and greeted him again. She had with her another girl who she introduced as the Eaorl of Ridlah; they were both barely wearing anything. Her name was Godlyn. She bowed respectfully and thanked him profusely for his assistance.
    ‘You are very young to be an Eaorl, Godlyn. Did your father fight against the Gatinans?’
    She nodded. ‘Also my mother – she was the Eaorl – they tried to prevent the Gatinans crossing the river that makes our border but were simply outnumbered – and of course when the Rakians attacked from behind, they all died.’
    ‘How did you survive?’
    ‘My mother put me on a ship – the Captain is a friend of yours – Eggar. He managed to save many women and children on the last day.’
    Godlyn continued. ‘There is another matter that I have come to speak to you about – I understand that Cenlinda has offered herself as bedda and her demesne as dowry. I know that you declined – but if I am more to your liking...’ she waved her hands down her body – which was equally delectable if smaller and lithe in comparison, ‘then I would be happy to make the same offer for your consideration.’
    ‘I thank you Godlyn; it is most generous of you, but I have an alternative suggestion.’ Conn detailed his plan and they left to consider it – promising to speak to him tomorrow,
    Halla had been watching silently, with interest. She watched the two young girls leave. She mocked him; ‘I would like to tell everyone to be wary of my master because he is cunning and devious, but alas I cannot as I am theow. Were you not tempted to try Godlyn before you rejected her – after all you did “try” Cenlinda?’
    ‘It was only the once – and she wanted to