The boy let out a low whistle. 'It's a long sword. Only the officers carry long swords. That one's got a gold sheath. He must be very important.'
'So it will be a good sword.'
'Aye.' The boy nodded. 'The officers with the gold come from rich families. Most of them are stupid ... that's what Adrina says.'
Alison felt a strange force take hold.
'I want it. And I'm going to get it.'
Her lips moved and she heard herself speak.
'But you're not trained, Sister.'
'I am trained.' She glared at the boy. 'The Sky Warrior trained me. He is a servant of the Holy Mother. It was She who brought us here to this realm.'
Weasel was surprised by the sudden transformation. He'd been told how strange forces could possess women. It hadn't meant much to him in the past but he was beginning to get a feel for it.
Alison stood up in the coracle to get a better view. The soldier was on his back and covered in blood. But his head was still attached to his body. She wondered if it was a trap. The coracle was valuable. It gave you a big advantage over anyone trapped on land. Her eyes scanned the scene, peering into every nook and cranny. Convinced that the soldier was alone, she stepped ashore.
The man wore a crimson cloak and his helmet bore a gigantic plume. Alison eyed him suspiciously. His armour and quilted tunic were covered in blood, but his complexion looked healthy. She held her paddle like a sword and advanced with slow, gliding steps.
The plumed man opened an eye ... just a fraction. She knew he was looking at her and sensed he was planning something. The muscles on his neck tensed and she prepared to deliver a deadly blow.
'Noble Lady.' He opened both eyes and attempted to rise.
Alison grabbed his sword. 'Unfasten your harness.'
'Noble Lady ...'
'Take it off.' She swept the sword through the air, getting the feel of it.
The plumed man looked terrified. 'Noble Lady. I friend.' He stammered then strayed into a language Alison could not understand.
Weasel came forward. 'He thinks you're a princess because of the cloak you're wearing. It's got Pius' emblem on it.'
'Yes. Please.' The plumed man propped himself up on an elbow. 'Take me to noble Pius. My family much rich.' He pulled a leather pouch from his tunic. Coins spilled onto the mud.
Alison was repulsed. 'I'm not a princess,' she hissed.
'Not princess?'