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raise the alarm. They will believe we have attacked and are among them. We will set fires and sound warnings, everything to strengthen appearance of attack. In the confusion, the rest of you will charge not for the Franks but for the riverbank and follow it back to the ships, then slip away. Come dawn the enemy will pursue, but they will be on foot. I suggest a barricade thrown together along the riverbank will hinder their advance long enough to allow a peaceful withdrawal home."
    He sat back, staring at Hrolf who rubbed his chin in consideration. Mord and any other detractors waited for Hrolf's reaction. Even Einar, usually his staunchest ally in Hrolf's circle, only offered him a quiet pat on the back. Ulfrik had just suggested defeat to the greatest jarl ever to challenge the Franks. He did not care. Hrolf had lost plenty of battles before this one, and to remain on the hill come dawn was not only another path to defeat, but one fraught with death. He preferred escape and trying again some other day.
    "That could work," Hrolf said, still staring into the fire as if mulling the plan. The wisps of gray in his beard and the shadow-filled lines around his cheeks lent him a fearsome and kingly demeanor. His jeweled hand sparkled as he continued to rub his chin. "If this plan succeeded, you and your men risk being caught or separated from us. I would not risk a man as valuable as you."
    The compliment made Ulfrik's chest warm, and he strained not to watch Mord frown in response. He merely inclined his head. "I have experience in this. I once had to hide among the Franks in order to free your son who was allowed to fall into their hands."
    He smiled at Mord, who had been responsible for the grievous error that resulted in the Franks taking Hrolf's son, Vilhjalmer, as a hostage. While that had been more than six years ago, it was still a bleeding wound for Mord. Given his former friend's attitude, Ulfrik could not resist the jab. Mord's face reddened and he decided to study the starless night sky.
    "That is true," Hrolf said. "And you've shown a remarkable knack for escaping their grasp. I trust you will do everything to keep up with us, but if you are delayed, I will leave men to cover your escape and a ship to speed you home. I like your plan."
    Ulfrik clapped his hands together. "It will work, and we will all be telling this tale to our children's children one day. I will select the men for the task. My sons will be with me, as will Finn. I need only a handful of other crafty men to make this a success. I will need help organizing the rest of the force to retreat in time with our ruse."
    "Leave that to me. You worry about getting the Franks to believe we've attacked." For the first time in days Hrolf smiled. He stood and all the others followed. Einar assisted Ulfrik to his feet, the bones in his knees cracking. As each man left the campfire, Einar held onto to Ulfrik's arm.
    "You can't run as fast as you used to. Will you be able to escape in time? Do you need me with you?"
    "I learned this morning that if a Frankish army is chasing me, I run just fine. No, you have your own men to worry for. Gunnar will lead my men home, while Hakon will attend me. Just ensure Gunnar does not do anything foolish, and keep him focused on escape. You know his temper. He's his mother's son, only a thousand times more fiery."
    Einar laughed and clapped Ulfrik's back before they parted. Now Ulfrik turned to Finn, who paced at the outskirts of Hrolf's campfire.
    "I can tell you the plan now. You'll love it. It will probably get us both killed."

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Between the top of the hill and the Frankish camp, total darkness ruled. Ulfrik set each foot down with all the care of laying a sleeping baby to bed. Whatever light thrown by both Frank and Northman camps was scattered by the thin woods covering the area. Each snapping twig or tumbling rock sounded like a crash to him. Yet no sentry