The Viking Maiden Box Set

by Kelly N. Jane

  His lingering scent of fresh grass and woodsy pine made her heart race in a way that the surrounding forest never had. A rush of heat flashed through her body as she walked back to her tent and found Selby still inside. Her shield and mallet were propped against the side of the tent, cleaned.

  She apologized to Selby, then told her about the conversation in the woods.

  Jorg’s statement, she kept to herself, however.

  “You know it’s because we all love you, right? We want you safe.”

  Ingrid made a sound between a grunt and a chuckle. “Hagen’s right that I don't notice danger; everyone has always kept me safe. But I need to learn to protect myself. That’s why I wanted to be here.”

  “You’ll learn. Don’t give up. We’ll figure this out together.”

  “Yeah.” A commotion of excited voices and the rattle of trenchers outside the tent, penetrated through the walls. “Sounds like it’s time for the evening meal. I don’t think I can get myself killed helping with that.”

  Pushing off the ground, she groaned. Her stiff shoulder muscles shouted in protest.

  One more day, and she would be on her way home. Back to where it was safe and boring. Where she belonged.

  After the meal, groups of men sat around the fire talking and laughing, while Ingrid and Selby collected trenchers and put away the skause. As punishment for coming on the trip uninvited, the young girls were made into servants at mealtime. Klaus told them it was initiation, and the girls acted like it bothered them, but in reality, they had fun listening to the bits and pieces of gossip they heard as they moved among the groups.

  That night, however, Ingrid kept dropping things, or forgetting what she was doing. Her mind jumped from one issue to the next: the strange woman in the street, the girl she’d fought, the look on that girl’s face.

  More than anything else, her brother’s perfect and handsome friend made her mind swirl. She snuck glances at him, and each time she did, his eyes met hers.

  Why is he always looking at me? Why do I always look to see if he is?

  It was dark by the time she sat by the fire to warm up before bed. The flames sputtered, flicking sparks into the air to dance like a hundred happy sprites. The smoke bending in the breeze filled the air with smells of pine and ash.

  Selby plopped down next to her. “Great choice of where to sit. Not close enough for it to seem as if you are trying to be next to him, but in direct line of sight so you can stare at him without it being obvious. You are learning well, my apprentice.”

  Ingrid smiled and looked into her lap. “Stop. This is where there was enough room for both me and you.”

  “Uh-huh. Just accept it—it makes life more enjoyable. Take me, for example. I know that at some point, probably soon, Hagen is going to ask my sister to be his wife. While a part of me gags a little, another part of me says, ‘hey, might as well enjoy the view while it’s available.’” She nudged Ingrid and continued, “You are getting your looks returned. For that, my friend, I envy you.”

  “You're impossible.”

  Ingrid dared another glance, and grinned at her knees when she saw the smile returned across the flames.

  “What do you think it is? We’ve known each other a long time. Why now? Part of me doesn’t feel ready for this, but the other part wonders what took so long.” She glanced at Selby, and they giggled quietly together.

  “Well, I don’t know. Maybe it’s being out here, away from home. The adventure of it all. It’s brought out your wild side.” Selby laughed and gave Ingrid a slap on the knee.

  Ingrid let the words settle in her mind. What if that’s all this is? He’s just caught up in the excitement of the trip. I’m being ridiculous, now is not the time to think of these things. We’ll see what happens when we get home and then I’ll deal with it.

  Selby kept on talking, and Ingrid let the thoughts of Jorg and his intentions toward her bounce around in her brain. More questions came to mind each time she gazed through the yellow and orange glow.

  In an attempt to clear her head, she looked up at the plethora of stars overhead, letting herself become overwhelmed with how small her life was in relation to the heavens. When she brought her gaze back down, she caught a glimpse of someone standing by a tent near the tree line.

  It was the woman from the street.

  She motioned for Ingrid to follow her into the trees, and a tightness seized Ingrid’s chest. She nodded her acceptance anyway. The woman turned and disappeared into the dark, and Ingrid clasped her hand over the amber bead hanging from her brooches. It was glowing the same as it had the last time the woman was near.

  Interrupting Selby’s continued one-sided conversation, Ingrid said vaguely, “I’ve got to go take care of some business. I’ll be right back.”

  “Do you want me to go with you? It’s pretty dark out there.”

  “No, I’m fine. I’ll hurry.” She gave Selby a smile and squeezed her arm as she stood to leave.

  She looked over at Jorg, and this time, she held his gaze when he met her eyes. With a tip of her chin, she pointed toward the trees. He raised his eyebrows in confusion, but excused himself from the group.

  Ingrid waited at the edge of the tree line for Jorg to show up. When he did, her breath jumped into her throat and froze in place. So much for dealing with all of her feelings about him later.

  He acted as if he was going to walk by, but stopped and turned right in front of her. They stared at each other for a minute without saying anything. Ingrid was so overwhelmed by his presence, she couldn’t form words. Her heart raced like a squirrel scampering up and down a tree, and her hands started to sweat—an impressive feat since they were ice cold.

  Jorg took a step closer to her, his face neutral and unreadable. “Some might think it’s a bit inappropriate to meet like this.” A hint of a grin tugged at his lips.

  Ingrid felt the heat rise from her toes to her face in an instant. She let out a nervous chuckle. “I made you a promise, and I’m trying to keep it.”

  “Promise? How’s that?”

  “You asked that if I ever saw the woman from the street again, I wouldn’t go to her without telling you. Well, she’s waiting for me in the trees.”

  Jorg’s face instantly turned solemn and wary. He moved in front of Ingrid, and surveyed the tree line. Ingrid had to force herself not to reach up and touch his strong back as it crowded in front of her.

  “I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to meet her now.”

  Jorg turned and stared down into her face. “No, you’re not.”

  She furrowed her brows and glared at him for a second. “Yes. I am. I only told you to keep my word. You’re welcome to wait here if you want.”

  More emotions than she could process swirled through his eyes. He cupped her face in his hand. “Please, don’t go out there alone.”

  She lost all coherent thought. Swallowing hard, she felt her heart gain speed.

  “I have to go. I don’t think she means me harm.” Somehow she managed to squeak out the words, barely above a whisper.

  Keeping his hand on her face, Jorg glanced at the ground then back into her eyes, hesitating at her glowing necklace. “We have already established that you want to see the good in others, whether it’s there or not. Your judgment in this can’t be trusted.”

  “That’s not for you to decide. I didn’t say I thought she was good, I said I don’t think she means me harm. You can wait here for me or not.”

  Jorg smirked. “You’ve got a feisty side.” Cold like a winter wind blew over Ingrid when his hand dropped away.

  “I guess so.” She raised her eyebrows and jutted out her chin with a tight smile.

  “I don’t agree with this, but I’ll be right here. I have excellent vision and hearing, so call to me if you feel the least bit threatened.”

  She nodded and knew the feelings in her heart had nothing to do with her stowaway adventure. “I will.”

  Stepping around him, she walked into the
trees, not looking back in case she lost her nerve.

  The forest reached an intolerable point of darkness. Ingrid was questioning her resolve and considering turning back until the woman stepped out from behind a tree. There was a glow around her that made her easy to see.

  Unease washed over Ingrid.

  “Hello, Ingrid. I’ve been waiting a long time to talk with you again.”

  “Again? Who are you?”

  “I’m an old friend of your family. We first met when you were only five years old. I am the one who gave you that bead.” She pointed to the glowing amber bead in the center of Ingrid’s necklace.

  “Why haven’t I seen you before today? I know you were the woman in the street. Why didn’t you come up to me?”

  “You have special gifts, Ingrid. You are just realizing them. More and more things will happen that will open your eyes to the abilities you hold inside. Embrace them. Not everyone will be happy about what you can do, and you need to be careful who you trust. A beautiful sword cuts as deep as a plain one, do not be deceived. The time is coming, soon, when you will need to help those you love and you must be ready. I will guide you. You must train and learn how to control your powers. Others will try to deceive you and change your path—guard yourself.” She smiled and looked toward camp.

  “I don’t understand. What abilities? What is coming?”

  “Your questions will be answered in time. For now, keep your eyes and your heart open, and what you need will come to you.”

  She reached out and gently rubbed her finger on Ingrid’s cheek. An overwhelming sensation of warmth mixed with a torrent of emotions. Then the woman turned and started to walk away.

  “Wait, I don’t know how to find you. How will you guide me?”

  The woman smiled at Ingrid, and, touching her shoulder, looked directly into her eyes.

  Wait. How did she get in front of me so fast?

  “When the time is right, you will learn how to find me. Know that I’m close and waiting. Now go back to the others. He worries about you. We will meet again.” She nodded over Ingrid’s shoulder, making her look back.

  No one was there.

  When she turned back, neither was the woman.

  Alone in the dark, Ingrid suddenly felt cold and scared. Turning back toward the sounds of camp, she hurried as fast as she could, stumbling occasionally but not falling. Just before she reached the tree line, she saw Jorg pacing back and forth where he’d waited for her. She made no attempt at being quiet, and he ran to meet her where she emerged from the darkness.

  “Are you alright? Did you see her?” He was touching her hair and her arms, inspecting her for injuries. A giggle bubbled up through her at his efforts and she had to swallow it to keep her composure. His intentions were of genuine concern, but she could feel the heat of his hands on her, and enjoyed it.

  He stopped and met her eyes, inhaling deeply, then smiled. His dimple burrowed into his cheek, and Ingrid’s insides turned to mush.

  “I guess you’re alright, then,” he said, but didn’t move his hands from her arms.

  “I’m fine. She was confusing more than anything.” Ingrid smiled at him and didn’t look away.

  For a few seconds that felt like hours, they didn’t move.

  “We should get back.” Before he let her go, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  A streak of fire surged through Ingrid.

  Jorg dropped his hands and walked back to the campfire. She stood alone for a moment, unable to move her feet.

  Gathering her wits, Ingrid forced herself to return to her tent and to reality.

  9

  The next day, the camp bustled with activity. The shields procured and the meetings over, it was time to pack up and begin the journey home. It would take longer from this direction, as they needed to bypass the falls. Tighter packing was also needed, to make room for the extra food and supplies they had traded for or purchased. Three of the men were still unable to make the journey home because of the broken bones they had suffered during the fight in front of the king’s gates on their first day—despite the healing they’d received.

  Three of the king’s men had volunteered to take their place and fulfill their duties.

  With everyone and all the supplies finally loaded, the boats shoved off from the docks in the misty, early chill of the next morning.

  It was hard going, rowing against the river every day. Even though it was slow and lazy in appearance, the current rippled under the surface like a giant rug being pulled out from under a table. Ingrid had positioned herself at the point of the bow, as she had on the first trip, so she could watch the horizon. She’d hoped her newfound courage would help her avoid her seasickness, but it did not. Her stomach didn’t care what kind of skill she had with a shield or mallet; it refused to enjoy the gentle waves.

  The men needed all the help on the oars they could get, so Jorg sat facing her as he rowed in unison with the others. Using him as a distraction from the rolling motion of the boat, she let her mind wander. Most girls in the village are engaged or married by my age. Why don’t I feel ready for that?

  She snapped out of her reverie when she noticed a knowing grin accompanied by the turn-a-stomach-to-porridge dimple directed at her. Finding the horizon line, she willed her stomach to a halt.

  That’s just what I need to do: throw up all over with Jorg looking at me.

  “I saw that,” Selby whispered.

  “Saw what?”

  “You staring and him noticing. He likes you. I’m happy for you.”

  “It’s nothing. I can’t think about that kind of thing right now.”

  “I think you already are.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, if you don’t show some interest, he might start looking around. If he wanted to kiss me, I’d let him.”

  Ingrid’s heart paused, and her breath caught. “Mind your own business, and leave him alone.” She said it a little harsher and louder than she’d meant, and a couple of the men closest to them glanced their way.

  Selby lowered her gaze into her lap and gave a quiet giggle. “That’s what I thought. That made you jealous.”

  “It didn’t. Just stop talking about this.”

  Ingrid scooted to the edge of the platform, letting her feet dangle and ending the conversation. When they stopped to make camp for the evening, she was all too happy to jump ashore.

  Around midmorning of the third day on the river, they had to pull to shore and prepare to move the boats over land to avoid a strong section of rapids. Moving three large, heavy-laden dragon ships would take all-out effort. Everyone pitched in to help.

  Ingrid cleared brush and debris away from the base of trees, which several men then worked to topple. Once the trees were felled, Selby worked to remove their branches. Like an unlashed raft, logs lay next to each other, waiting for the boats to pass atop them. Ropes and huge amounts of grunting effort would roll the ships across the ground.

  It was more physical work than Ingrid had ever done.

  She would wake in the mornings and not remember crawling into bed the night before. Her stiff muscles ached and begged to continue lying against the soft furs, but she hauled herself up to work on time with the others. While she didn’t care for the strenuous tasks, she was happy to feel her muscles gaining strength through the exercise.

  “Why the smile, Ingrid? Is this work too easy for you?” Her father’s teasing voice startled her from her thoughts.

  “No, Papa, not even a little. I’ve never been so sore in my life,” she confided. “I was thinking about home.”

  “Did you enjoy yourself in the city?” he asked.

  “It was much different from what I thought it would be.”

  “Yes, I’m sure it was. I’m also sure you weren’t thinking to bring back such a large bruise on your jaw.” Ingrid winced, but her father continued. “Hagen explained to me what happened. I understand that you did well.”

  “He had to help me, though. It—I didn
’t realize . . . ”

  She struggled with how to explain how she felt, remembering the look on the girl’s face and her slack body as it hit the mud with a splat.

  “He was impressed with your fighting skills, but he told me he has concerns about your ability to detach yourself from compassion in the middle of a fight.”

  “For a long time, I've thought about the excitement of battle, and the stories that are told when a great warrior defeats an enemy. But I never knew the impact of the weapon jars your arm so much it feels as if it will break, or how the smell of blood fills the air. I never understood what it’s like to see another coming toward you in a rage.” She hesitated and her voice grew quiet. “Or how they look when they fall. It was terrifying, Papa. Not the thrill I expected.”

  Tired from all the hard labor, she didn’t have the strength to hide her true feelings. Not from her father, or from herself. Sadness, regret, disgust, shame; they swirled within her like an eddy in the river.

  Nodding his head in agreement, Klaus gently lifted her downcast face to meet his eyes. “I’m happy to hear that it was not a thrill to you. Battles demand injuring or killing others; it is serious business. My sweet Meyla, you do not have the heart to put your feelings aside. I won’t tell you that you cannot train with the maidens at home—that’s up to you. You have proven yourself capable of it, but now that you know the requirements, search yourself and see if you are ready. Make sure it is the right decision, before you go down a path you can’t return from.”

  The warmth in his voice and the gentleness in his eyes made her melt into his chest. Tears spilled onto her cheeks, and she didn’t stop them. He held her tight and let her be a child a little bit longer.

  When enough logs were laid out, the ships crept along, inch by inch, like snails. Once a log was cleared at the back of the path, it was carried to the front. Ingrid was too short to make a difference on the pulling ropes, and not strong enough to carry the logs, but Selby was helping. Ingrid kept out of the way and wandered along the edge of all the people, alone.