Magnus struggled to control his emotions. He must not panic, but keep his wits about him. Rather than thinking too much about the future, he must focus on the present and remain aware of what was going on around him. That thought reminded him of Asgar. Without his support during the storm and afterwards, things might have turned out very differently. It was time he talked to Asgar and let him know he appreciated what he had done.
When the sail was raised and they were underway, Magnus sought out the big warrior. He led Asgar to the side of the deck where the sound of the waves and the wind would cover their conversation.
“I wanted to thank you for your aid the past two days,” Magnus began. “I haven’t forgotten that you provided the axe I used to kill Croa. And you’ve stood up for me—and for the women—several times.” He paused, wondering if Asgar would let him know what he expected for his support, or if he would have to ask him outright.
“Speaking of the women, I assume they’re feeling better,” said Asgar, “Now that they’re on deck and and the storm is over.”
“Aye,” Magnus responded. “Except for the one that Croa injured. She still seems to be ailing.”
Asgar nodded. “But the little one with dark hair is well?”
“Aye.”
This was his answer, Magnus thought. Asgar had supported him and defended Ailinn because he hoped to win favor with one of Ailinn’s companions.
The realization eased some of Magnus’s tension but not all of it. He understood Asgar’s motivations. But what about Ailinn’s?
Chapter 11
Ailinn sat in the tent and picked at a loose thread on the sleeve of her kirtle. All she could think about was the treasure. The more time that passed before she could retrieve it, the more likely someone else would discover it.
When she shifted and sighed, Brina frowned at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“The means of our regaining our freedom lies in the hold. But if I don’t retrieve it soon, it may be too late.”
“What are you talking about?” Brina asked. “What is this ‘means of our regaining our freedom’?”
Ailinn drew near to Brina and lowered her voice. “There’s a box of valuable metalwork down in the hold. Only Thorvald knows it’s there, and I’ve already moved it from his hiding place. As soon as I can, I’m going down to retrieve it.”
Ullach, who had been listening, let out a gasp. “You expect to steal some Norseman’s treasure and get away with it?”
“I can do it,” Ailinn answered firmly.
“But what will happen when Thorvald discovers it’s missing?” Brina asked.
“Most of the other cargo was thrown overboard, so he’ll think this box was discarded as well.”
“Shouldn’t you tell Magnus about this?” Ullach asked. “He might be able to claim the treasure now that he’s taken over the ship.”
“If he learns about it, he’ll want it all for himself.”
“Magnus saved our lives, and he’ll be able to defend the treasure and keep it, whereas you will not,” Brina pointed out.
Ailinn knew Brina’s words were reasonable, but she had no intention of giving in to them. “I need that treasure. With it, I’ll be able to hire a warband when we get back to Ireland.”
Gormlaith, who had been lying down, sat up. “Hire a warband? What use do you have for a warband?”
Ailinn raised her chin. “I intend to reclaim my family’s lands.”
None of the women said anything for a time. Brina finally broke the silence, her voice gentle and patient, as if talking to a child. “I know I’ve made much of your heritage as a Donovan, but I never thought my words would inspire you to such a foolish plan. No one expects you to avenge your family. As a woman, ‘tis unthinkable for you to even consider it.”
“Why not?” Ailinn demanded. “I pushed Croa overboard and freed us from him. Why shouldn’t I pursue the beasts who killed my family?”
Ullach spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “Killing is a sin.”
Ailinn gave a harsh laugh. “Men do it all the time. Do you think all of them are going to hell? If so, then the place must already be so crowded as to scarce have room for another soul. Except for monks, no man considers it a sin to kill his enemies.”
The three women continued to stare at Ailinn, clearly shocked by her words. Ailinn set her jaw. She could feel no regrets over what she’d done. Croa had intended to kill both her and Magnus. Having prevailed against him, why shouldn’t she attempt to do away with the other men responsible for killing her family?
Brina shook her head. “You must forget this mad notion, lady. To pursue it will only endanger you. You should be pleased to be free of Croa, and even more delighted that your rescuer is a fine, handsome warrior who will treat you well and mayhap even wed you.”
“Aye,” Ullach agreed. “Whatever you do, don’t tell Magnus about your plan. It sounds so...bloodthirsty.” She shuddered.
“MacTighe had my family struck down before my eyes, yet you call me bloodthirsty because I want to see him dead!” Ailinn glared at Ullach. “If I were a man, there would be no question I should do this. But because I’m a woman, I’m supposed to be meek and forgiving. But I can’t forgive, and I will not forget!”
As the rage and bitterness washed through her, Ailinn could endure no more. Scrambling out of the tent, she strode to the side of the ship and stared out at the sea. Her hands were clenched into fists and her body trembled. For so long, she’d felt like a trapped, doomed animal. But now that she’d been set free, she realized she’d rather die than be that powerless ever again. The angry, restless thoughts spun in her head as she gazed out at the endless blue gray waves.
After a time, she moved away from the side of the ship, but halted when she saw Magnus. He was near the mast, working with other men to adjust the rigging on the sail. He’d taken off his tunic, and his bare chest was streaked with sweat, his face flushed with color. Ailinn couldn’t take her eyes from him. She’d seen men half-clothed before, but the sight had never caused this sort of response. As she recalled what it had felt like to sit on Magnus’s lap and have his brawny arms around her, pressing her against the hard expanse of his chest, her body came alive with a throbbing, hungry ache.
She fought the feeling, telling herself that she couldn’t let her desire for Magnus interfere with her plans. Instead of lusting after Magnus, she should take this opportunity while he was occupied to go down in the hold.
She turned to make her way around the mast, halting as she caught a glimpse of a ship on the horizon. She watched it for a moment, wondering if she should alert Magnus.
The next moment one of the crew shouted that there was a ship on the starboard side.
* * *
Magnus stopped what he was doing and followed the rest of the crew to the side of the vessel. A ship! Orm might be alive!
“Only one,” Lodur mused. “I wonder where the second ship is. Perhaps they lost track of each other in the storm.”
Magnus scanned the far horizon, searching in vain for the second vessel. When none appeared, he felt a stab of worry. What if Orm was on the other ship and it had gone down in the storm?
“Are you certain it’s one of Croa’s?” Asgar asked.
“Aye,” Lodur responded. “I recognize the design on the prow.”
Magnus was impressed. He had good vision, but not as hawklike as Lodur’s.
The men quickly returned to the mast and adjusted the sail so they were tacking in the direction of the other vessel. As the ship drew nearer, Magnus realized Lodur was right. It did appear to be one of the other vessels they’d set out with. But he still couldn’t tell if it was the ship Orm was on. Magnus’s stomach clenched with anxiety as they approached the lone vessel.
“Ahoy, there!” Bragi called out when they were within shouting distance. “It appears you survived the storm. What about the other ship, the Serpent?”
“She went down,” the other man shouted back. “Where’s Croa?”<
br />
Magnus answered this time. “Dead!” he shouted. “He fell overboard during the storm. I’m Magnus Gunnarson and I’m now the captain of this ship.”
They were near enough that Magnus could see the surprise on the faces of the crew on the other ship. As he perused the men gathered there, one with dark red hair caught his attention. “Orm!” he cried.
Orm saw him and waved, a wide grin on his face. Magnus grinned back.
The man who’d first hailed them shouted, “Where’s Thorvald? Is he dead as well?”
Thorvald moved to stand beside Magnus. “I’m alive.”
There was more conversation on the other ship. Their spokesman called out, “Magnus Gunnarson, by what right do you claim Croa’s ship?”
Magnus felt the familiar tension wrench through his body. “I told you Croa fell overboard,” he shouted back. “He fell because I fatally wounded him. If I had not, the Dragonsbreath would now be at the bottom of the sea. We were taking on water and in danger of foundering, but Croa did nothing. Instead, he hid away in the tent, cowering like a whipped slave.”
The crew of the Seawolf again conferred among themselves. As several men raised their voices, Magnus grew wary. The men on the Seawolf hadn’t observed Croa’s cowardly behavior. It would be easy for them to see Magnus as a greedy usurper who’d killed Croa for no other reason than to seize control of the ship.
The Seawolf’s spokesman called out, “Thorvald, what say you? Do you accept this man’s authority? He killed your uncle. Do you believe the killing was justified?
Thorvald looked around at the other men before answering. Finally, he shouted, “Nay. I think this man...” he pointed to Magnus, “...he killed my uncle without cause. He killed him not to save the ship, but the woman.”
“Woman? What woman?” the man shouted.
“One of the slaves Croa intended to sell in York,” Thorvald shouted back. “Croa was going to throw her overboard because he thought she’d cursed us by calling down the storm.”
Magnus grimaced. Thorvald was a canny one, waiting until now to oppose him. He moved nearer to the side of the ship, so he was only a stone’s throw away from the men in the other vessel. “It’s true I didn’t want Croa to throw the woman overboard,” he called out. “But that doesn’t change the fact that my actions likely saved us. Without Croa’s interference, we were able to get rid of much of the cargo and bail out the hold to keep the ship afloat.”
“But who’s to say that once Croa was rid of the woman, he wouldn’t have regained his senses and behaved as a proper captain?” Thorvald argued. He had a strong voice, despite his quiet demeanor. “It was the woman he feared. He believed she’d cursed us. Once she was gone, he would have taken action to save his ship. What sensible man cares if a slave dies—no matter how comely she might be?”
Magnus clenched his jaw. He must do something to impress these men and earn their respect. Glaring at Thorvald, he said, “It’s time for you to back up your words with action. If you would challenge my right to the Dragonsbreath, then get a weapon and fight for her.”
Magnus saw a flash of fear in Thorvald’s eyes. He held Magnus’s gaze for a heartbeat, then glanced at the men in the other ship, as if waiting for them to intervene. Instead, the Seawolf’s spokesman called out, “Aye. That’s the way the dispute should be settled, with all of us watching to see it’s a fair fight.”
Magnus broke away from the group of men and went to his sea chest and retrieved his sword. His heart was beating like a drum and fiery energy poured through his veins. After all the talking and arguing, it felt good to be settling things in combat, with everyone around to observe the outcome. It would be clean and definite, with none of the sly manipulation Thorvald seemed to prefer.
Magnus ran his hand along the sleek oiled surface of his sword. It was a plain weapon, with only a few swirling designs cut into the wooden hilt and an unadorned blade.
On the way back, he saw Ailinn watching him. He met her gaze and offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile. She didn’t smile back but watched him with an intensity that made him catch his breath. In the soft morning light, she looked incredibly beautiful, like a rainbow glimmering in the seaspray when the sunlight shone at the perfect angle.
Her rare, elusive loveliness had haunted his thoughts for nearly a sennight. Now, at last, he had a chance to win the right to possess her. The thought honed his determination to an even sharper edge.
Thorvald was waiting for him at the other end of the ship. His sword looked shiny and new, as if it hadn’t seen much use. But that didn’t mean anything, Magnus reminded himself. A man who was kin to a wealthy trader like Croa might have several swords.
There was only small space for them to maneuver in. Magnus couldn’t decide whether fighting in such a cramped area would aid or hinder him. He was much bigger than Thorvald, but he hoped he was at least as quick. Raising his sword, he started toward his opponent.
Ailinn watched Magnus and his opponent face off, her whole body rigid with dread. She could hardly bear to watch. What if Magnus were killed? He was her hero who’d rescued her from the horrible Croa. If he were to die—dear heaven, how would she go on?
She could hear the men around her talking in low voices about the contest. “Thorvald will never best him. He’s not half the man Magnus is.”
“Size isn’t everything,” a second man interjected.
“I wasn’t talking about size,” the first man said. “Thorvald’s a coward. Otherwise he would have challenged Magnus right after he killed Croa.”
“Maybe Thorvald thought it was more important to get the ship through the storm.”
“If he was concerned about the storm, why didn’t he help haul up the cargo?” A third man spoke this time. “Nay, he was waiting to see whether anyone would support him. If Hakon on the other ship hadn’t goaded Thorvald into fighting Magnus, Thorvald would still be lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance.”
“I say Magnus will kill him easily,” the first man asserted. “Do any of you want to wager against him?”
When no responded, Ailinn felt a little better. These men obviously thought Magnus had the advantage.
Please let it be true, she thought silently. Please let Magnus defeat him, and quickly. Dread rose up inside her, shocking her with its intensity. This man was so important to her, not only because he represented her best chance of regaining her freedom and her birthright, but because she cared for him. Indeed, her feelings for him were as deep as anything she’d ever felt for her own family.
The realization shocked her. How could this be, that he’d become as precious to her as her own blood kin? When had she lost her heart to this foreign man? Was it when he threw the axe that wounded Croa? Or had it been when she slept cradled in his arms and felt safe for the first time since the attack on her home?
Ailinn set aside the turmoil of her thoughts and forced herself to watch the two men as they battled. Magnus did appear to be the stronger fighter. Despite his size, he moved with lightning quickness. He seemed to be everywhere, slashing out with his sword. It was all Thorvald could do to keep out of the way. If Magnus’s opponent hoped to have any chance at all, he would have to go on the offensive.
But Thorvald didn’t attack. Instead, he spent his energies dodging Magnus’s blows. He was getting winded, Ailinn felt certain. She wanted desperately for Magnus to finish this and be safe.
Kill him. Kill him now. The words rang in Magnus’s head, but he couldn’t seem to make his body heed them. He’d suspected Thorvald would be a poor fighter. Men who had the wealth and position to have other men defend them often let their own combat skills grow flabby and weak. Perhaps Thorvald had depended on his uncle’s size and threatening reputation and never developed his own fighting abilities.
Magnus had already mentally thanked his deceased father a dozen times for insisting he spend hours sparring with the old warrior Brodar. All the cuts and bruises and aching muscles he’d endured back then now seemed very
worthwhile. He wasn’t even breathing hard, while rivelets of sweat streaked down Thorvald’s flushed face.
Perhaps that’s why he was so reluctant to finish him off. It seemed unfair, even cruel to kill a man whose defenses were so ineffectual. But perhaps he didn’t have to kill him. Perhaps all he had to do was convince Thorvald to yield, here, in front of everyone.
With a sweep of his sword, Magnus knocked Thorvald’s weapon away, then held his blade to the other man’s throat. “Yield,” he said. “Yield now, or the next breath you take will be your last.”
Thorvald glared at him, and for a moment, Magnus saw a flare of defiant hatred in the other man’s blue-gray eyes. Then it was gone, as if a shutter had been closed. “I yield,” Thorvald said. “The ship is yours, as is all the remaining cargo.”
“What of the Seawolf?” Magnus demanded.
Thorvald glanced at the other vessel, then returned his gaze to Magnus. “Aye. I yield it as well.” Hearing his bitter tone, Magnus knew a vague unease. If he wanted things to be settled for certain, he should kill this man. But how could he? It would be like skewering a helpless coney.
Magnus held his sword to Thorvald’s throat a while longer, trying to impress upon him how easy it would be to end his life. Then he withdrew the weapon and looked around at those watching. “Is there anyone else who seeks to challenge me?”
He met the gaze of each man on the Dragonsbreath in turn. No one spoke. “From now on I’ll make the decisions,” Magnus said. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t listen to what any of you have to say. There are those among you who’ve had much experience in voyaging upon the sea. I’ll count on you to help me guide the Dragonsbreath safely to our destination.
“As for the Seawolf...” Magnus moved nearer to portside and faced the men on the other ship. “My authority extends to you as well,” he called out, letting his gaze sweep over them. “Unless any of you wish to board the Dragonsbreath and do battle with me.”
Several of the crew of the Seawolf exchanged words. Magnus tensed, anticipating a new challenge. Then Orm called out, “Look out, Magnus!”
Beyond the Sea Mist Page 14
