Daughters Of The Storm by Kim Wilkins

rushing towards him.
    He stood and took her in his embrace. She seemed very pale and thin, her normally tidy hair working its way loose of its plaits. ‘Mother,’ he murmured against her hair, ‘are you well?’
    â€˜No, no. I’m not.’ She stood back and looked at him, and her eyes were moist. ‘I’m so glad you’re finally here.’
    Wylm looked over her head at the guard. ‘Go on. Leave us be.’
    He looked uncertain.
    Gudrun turned. ‘Leave us,’ she said. ‘Neither of us are under arrest, are we? Or is unhappiness a crime in Blicstowe?’
    The guard inclined his head slightly to the side, then said, ‘I will leave you be, my lady. Remain in the town.’
    â€˜I would not leave my husband’s side,’ Gudrun said. ‘Don’t offend me.’
    Wylm waited for him to move off then said, ‘They marched me here like a prisoner.’
    â€˜It is Bluebell,’ Gudrun said. ‘She has gone mad with sorrow.’
    â€˜Bluebell is always mad. She needs no excuse.’ Wylm took her upper arms in his hands gently. ‘Mother, why did you send for me and not her? Who gave you such bad advice?’
    â€˜I took no advice. I wanted you near me, before she came.’ She glanced away, not meeting his eyes. ‘Now she thinks I meant her harm. Æthlric says I will come to love her, but she is a monster. How is a monster to rule a kingdom as important as Ælmesse? Æthlric deserves an heir who people will love, not fear.’
    â€˜She commands a mighty army.’
    â€˜And I am to be impressed? She has done nothing good for me. She has done nothing good for you, either. She sent you away from me, to a remote outpost, probably hoping you’d meet your death.’
    Wylm considered telling his mother Bluebell had saved him from death at the hands of the bandit. But he decided not to. Everyone else sang her praises, why should he? ‘Was she cruel to you, Mother?’ he said.
    â€˜She only threatened me at swordpoint! She sent Osred away. She has me under watch in my husband’s bower by that one-eyed monster who calls me “the Twit from Tweoning”.’ She dropped her voice low. ‘I hate myself for being so afraid of her, Wylm. I am soon to be widowed for the second time; I want to be at my husband’s side, to count his breaths. I should be thinking of him, but instead my thoughts are always on her. What will she do to me next? What will she do to me when Æthlric dies? I’ve nowhere to go ...’ She descended into sobs and Wylm pressed her close, shushing against her hair in the same fashion she had comforted him in his childhood. He led her to the long bench to sit and let her cry a while.
    â€˜Where is Bluebell now?’ Wylm asked, when her sobs eased.
    â€˜I don’t know. She hasn’t been near her father since she first arrived. She mustn’t love him. Perhaps she thinks her otherbusiness is more important.’ Gudrun snuffled against her sleeve, and gazed up at the sky. ‘Why have I lost two husbands, Wylm? Am I careless or unlucky?’
    Some childish part in him took offence. ‘You still have me, so perhaps you are neither.’
    A shadow fell over them, and Wylm glanced up to see the guard was back.
    â€˜What is it?’ Wylm asked.
    â€˜Queen Gudrun may return to the king’s bower, but you are to accompany me now to lodgings above the alehouse.’
    â€˜On whose orders? Bluebell’s?’
    â€˜Dunstan’s.’
    â€˜Am I under arrest?’
    â€˜No, but we ... ah ...’ He looked sheepish. ‘Nobody can find Bluebell and we can’t let you go free until we’ve spoken to her.’
    â€˜You won’t treat my son like a prisoner!’ Gudrun shrieked, shaking her pale fists. ‘I am your queen.’
    â€˜He’s not a prisoner, my lady. But Bluebell was very clear she wanted to speak with Wylm and