Noelle covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Fresh blood covered the floor. The valuables—silver goblets, platters, and expensive carpets were undisturbed. If not robbery, what was the motive?
“My lady,” a masculine voice sounded.
She threw up her hands and whipped around, searching. She froze after she spotted someone sitting on a chair in the far corner. The darkness might conceal his face, but she knew that buttery-smooth voice.
“Where is Aud’s family?” She squinted to see.
Bravely, Noelle walked toward him. Lord have mercy on anyone if they harmed Aud’s family. And if this man had, Noelle assumed she would die soon, too.
“Safely quartered,” he answered to her relief. “Blindfolded and bound together like slaves.”
“And the master?” her voice warbled as she visualized the worst for the old Viking—falling prey to this villain.
“Don’t concern yourself with Aud Magnusson. Thor’s hammer couldn’t kill that bastard.” A malevolent chuckle followed.
She considered making a mad dash for the back door. But by the time she looked up again, he was on his feet and headed her way.
“I let you sleep, didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Sveinn Ovesen emerged from the shadows.
She squealed and retreated three steps. “Why . . . have . . . you . . . done this?”
“I’ve killed no one of consequence. Aud and his family are alive. Bodyguards are worth but a few pennies. The law provides generously for a dead man’s family and my father will pay the necessary weregild if one is demanded.”
“You place so little value on a man’s life?” She felt her innards twist inside out.
“If any man stands between me and what I want, he will die.”
“Is weregild similar to an indulgence? You pay for absolution?”
“Your acumen is already legendary in the Trondelag. And I think I am the man to put your wit to better use.”
Mere feet away from her now, Noelle knew what would come next. She spun and ran across the room. She reached for the door latch. But Sveinn’s enormous paw slapped her hand away from the lock. Noelle braced herself against the door and let her forehead rest on the textured panel.
“What a tangled web Randvior weaves with you.” He kept his hand on the door.
Noelle raised her gaze. She needed to draw a line in the sand before this man forced her to do something she’d regret for the rest of her life.
She stared him down, wishing her eyes were daggers. “How dare you attack this household and murder two innocent men. Did you think I’d be impressed?”
Sveinn’s dark laughter made her sick. He cuffed her cheek. “I will not tolerate backtalk. I’m not a spineless fool. Your former master indulged you too much.”
She rubbed her cheek, then lowered her gaze and blinked.
Three men, dressed in armor and carrying weapons, entered the hall. Dressed for battle. She knew she better cooperate to safeguard Aud’s family.
“Ready the horses.”
The guards bowed and departed.
Sveinn moved closer. “I’ve come here to make you a legitimate offer, to present my bride price and take you to Ireland where we’ll be married in the Church. A ship will meet us within a week.”
Noelle’s mouth dropped open, flabbergasted by his suggestion.
“I think I’d rather die.” She backed away. “I am already promised to Randvior.”
“Only after I made my intentions known. Jarl Randvior made no public announcement of your engagement until after he caught us in the bathhouse together.”
“But, but . . .” Tongue-tied, Noelle hunched as if she’d been whipped mercilessly. “I don’t want to marry you!”
“The jarl’s hesitation is my advantage. The law will surely recognize my claim over his. By the time the Thing convenes in spring, we will have shared a bed for months and no man will be able to challenge me. Especially if my child is growing inside you.” He touched her stomach.
“My father would never approve.”
What had she done to deserve this punishment? Yes, she encouraged the oaf for half a minute with a smile. Nothing more.
“If protecting the purity of your bloodline is your concern, fear not, my pedigree is more impressive than Randvior’s. My mother is a Conant, born of Irish and Scot nobility.”
She inhaled swiftly, head swimming. “Randvior is still my legal guardian.”
“Aye.” He reached inside his cloak and produced a coin bag, tossed it carelessly on a nearby side table. “And I would never consider taking another man’s property without compensation. There’s enough gold in that purse for the jarl to procure two brides. I believe Lauga was in the middle of negotiations for one before you arrived. She will be pleased to find her only son free to marry again.”
Now he latched onto her, running his fingernails suggestively up her arm. Her eyes widened and she pushed him away. She couldn’t think clearly with him breathing down her neck.
“Time is short,” he warned. “If you try to escape again I will be forced to tie you up and it will be an uncomfortable ride splayed across my saddle. Come now,” he spoke gently. “Gather your belongings and dress as warmly as possible. We have many miles to ride.”
“We can’t leave Aud’s family.”
“Don’t worry. If his daughters work the bindings hard enough for a few hours they’ll be free.”
“What about Randvior?”
“Proper arrangements have been made. I’ve been planning this for weeks, Noelle, and only needed the right opportunity to act.”
“How did you know I was here?”
He grinned and pushed her toward the bedchamber. “Spies are everywhere.”
Chapter 16
Confrontation
Missing Randvior was more painful than being stabbed in the eye. Noelle cursed herself for mistakenly planting the seeds of lust in another man’s heart! She prayed desperately to see her bloodthirsty Viking come crashing through the doors to rescue her.
As if he read her mind, Sveinn tugged at her chin. “He will never find us.”
She didn’t challenge him, only followed his instructions perfectly because she didn’t want Aud’s family to suffer anymore. She dressed in three layers of clothing and packed her satchel. Before Sveinn collected her, she put on the gold bangle Randvior gave her, fearing it might be the only memento she’d ever have from him.
The curtains parted and Sveinn stared in at her. “You followed my instructions well.” He stepped inside. “Before we leave . . .” He tipped her chin. “. . . we will finish what we started weeks ago.”
Aud and Nessa and their beautiful daughters filled her head and she parted her lips willingly. Whatever she needed to do to keep them alive . . . his tongue slid into her mouth.
Blood pounded violently in Randvior’s head. Aud had just delivered the bad news. With his countenance on fire, he opened his mouth and screamed.
Men scrambled in every direction.
Randvior stormed across the great hall and grabbed his sacred axe from the wall above his throne. Reserved only for war, he considered this a fight for his life. He couldn’t breathe without her, much less be expected to live. He turned to his men and prepared them as if an invading force waited at his gate. Not only had he grossly underestimated Sveinn, he had failed to protect his beloved, again.
Prudence and admiration for Fald Ovesen had prevented him from killing his son before. Never again. The next time Randvior set eyes on him, Sveinn Ovesen would die.
Randvior shut his eyes and took a deep breath. “How long has Noelle been gone?”
“Nearly a day.” Aud tightened his weapon belt and checked his knives.
Randvior knew his loyal captain burned with hatred, too. He deserv
ed avengement nearly as much as he did. The security of his home had been breached. Curse Odin for forcing him into this situation. Dangling a beautiful woman in front of him, then snatching her away in the middle of the night. If this was meant to test his faith, it did little to advance the god’s cause in his eyes.
Donning full armor, Randvior spoke to his men. “Sveinn Ovesen attacked our brother’s home and kidnapped my woman. Who will ride beside me and help deliver Odin’s justice?”
Every man in the hall volunteered.
The jarl swelled with pride. “We shall take him alive if we can.” Adrenaline pumped through his body. Randvior slammed his fist against the metal armor covering his chest. “And then, I’ll pulverize his skull with my bare hands.”
He divided the guards into five groups. Three teams would search north, east, and south. The fourth would stake out Sveinn’s home. And Randvior’s team, which included Aud, would ride west, toward the sea.
After three days, weariness showing on his face, Randvior searched a broad area while his men made camp. Regrettably, his nemesis had covered his tracks well. He scrutinized everything between the ground and starry heavens above and still found nothing.
He burned for Noelle as badly as a drunk craves a bottle.
Two more bitter nights passed, and finally, Randvior got lucky. He sighted a fire somewhere in the distance. No one lived this far west. Riding ahead, he climbed steadily up a snow-covered hill. His stallion punched through the snow with as much ragged determination as he rode. A rare, blue full moon provided plenty of light as he crossed a shallow tributary and discovered fresh tracks on the other side. He dismounted. A shoulder overlooking the sea blocked his way west; the only direction left to go was up.
Randvior trudged another two miles before he came across a dilapidated cabin. An abandoned woodcutter’s shed, judging by the rusty tools and snow covered woodpiles. He circled the structure three times—relying on his hearing. He couldn’t see inside, the narrow windows were blacked out. His men arrived minutes later and Randvior directed his gaze heavenward.
“Grant us good fortune, great Odin.”
Upon Randvior’s signal, Aud’s heavily clad foot punched through the plank door.
Seven men were huddled around a metal brazier, sleeping comfortably with no weapons at the ready. Randvior spit curses at them as they scrambled to their feet, groping the floor for their swords.
“Your master left juveniles to guard his gate.” Randvior taunted.
“And your negligence cost you a woman.” The swarthiest of Sveinn’s guards wore a wolfish grin.
A torrent of rage rained down on Randvior. He lunged with his axe hefted over his head. The man who spoke so freely edged away. His words lost to silence. The jarl brought the blunt edge of his weapon down on the man’s skull. With his axe bloodied and Odin’s fury on his face, he turned his rage on the remaining men. They surrendered immediately.
Aud pounded his sword against his shield. “Kill them.”
Randvior lowered his weapon, eyeing Sveinn’s guards.
He should demonstrate mercy. “Pledge loyalty and I will spare your miserable lives.”
Aud’s face twisted. Randvior stifled his complaint with a wave of his hand before his captain had a chance to voice his dissent. “They will serve as slaves.”
Sveinn’s men fell to their knees and pledged as Randvior had commanded. This decision was final. As his rage leveled for the moment, Randvior studied the interior of the cottage.
Another room straight ahead.
He reached the door in two strides and pounded on it. “Sveinn Ovesen, come out and face me as a man!”
No answer came.
Without pause, Randvior shouldered his way through the door, quite unprepared for what he found. Noelle stripped naked with her hands anchored to a wood beam above her head and tightly gagged. Her eyes flashed warning as she jerked her head left. Randvior understood and lifted his weapon in time to deflect a blow from Sveinn’s broadsword. Randvior grunted and turned to see where his opponent stood.
The kidnapper struck again.
Visions of Sveinn’s filthy hands probing Noelle fueled Randvior’s violence. He moved mechanically. Their weapons met midair and scraped together so hard sparks flew. Randvior twisted around and punched him in the gut. Sveinn hurtled backward, recovered his footing, then charged, whirling his weapon over his head.
Noelle’s muted cries echoed loudly in Randvior’s ears—she needed help, and he slashed his way through Sveinn, landing a damaging blow to his chest and shoulder.
“Kill me,” Sveinn provoked, “and you’ll never know the truth. Did I bed her or leave her untouched for our wedding night?”
On the other side of the door, Randvior could hear his men yelling. His chest heaved for air and he responded by pulling a dagger from his boot. With his axe in one hand and his knife in the other, they both ran and collided with the force of two rams. Sveinn punched the dagger loose and grazed Randvior’s left hand with his own short knife. A loud thwack sounded and Randvior jumped aside, his axe head deeply embedded in Sveinn’s ribs. The younger man staggered dazedly, falling over furniture in his path.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Randvior ran across the room to Noelle. He scolded her as he freed her hands and mouth. “How dare you leave my side?” Tears wet the corners of his eyes.
He was so tempted to make love to her right now. Instead, he spread his arms wide. She fell into them weeping and laughing at the same time.
“Tell me . . .” He pleaded as he enveloped her in his arms. The unfinished question was devoid of any vanity. Promise me he didn’t touch you . . . He needed to hear it from her lips.
Noelle didn’t hesitate—she shook her head slowly and said, “Only a kiss. He took my clothes and bound me because I tried to escape again.”
Randvior pulled her closer. His own brave Valkyrie, a tiny warrior the gods gifted him to love for eternity.
He still wanted to bash Sveinn’s brains in. A noise from near the entrance made him turn around and he found his men gathered in the doorway—some watching Sveinn and three transfixed by the naked beauty in his arms. “Get out!” he snarled as he released Noelle and walked to the door and kicked it shut.
“Get dressed, little one.” He turned his fury on Sveinn.
Although Randvior was not the type to torment an injured man he felt obligated to enlighten Sveinn before he died. Sveinn was braced against the far wall, his war axe still stuck in his body. Randvior ripped it free. Sveinn screamed in agonizing pain and fell face down on the floor.
“You’ll find no mercy here, Sveinn Ovesen. You’ve shamed your father’s name and assaulted the woman I love. Were you fool enough to think I’d bring such a delicate flower across the North Sea without establishing myself as her betrothed before we landed? I made love to her over and over again. As for you, your fate rests in the hands of my captain.”
Fully clothed, Noelle joined him and stared down at her kidnapper. She had no words, perhaps this time she agreed a man should die for his crimes.
Randvior took her bag and directed her to the door.
“Are you hurt?”
“My heart aches.” Big, tear-filled eyes stared up at him.
Enough of this place. He opened the door. “Aud! This bastard is yours to do with as you please.”
Randvior brushed past his men with Noelle in tow. Once outside, he gave her a brisk kiss and lifted her onto the saddle. He climbed up behind. They rode a short distance and faced the cabin. Aud came outside, leading Sveinn on a rope looped around his neck, his hands bound behind his back. Within seconds, the cabin turned into an inferno.
Randvior mouthed a prayer as he watched the flames rise higher. “To Odin, I am beholden. To Allfather, I am forever grateful. You have delivered mine enemies. Th
eir blood, evidence of your unwavering favor. I am your slave, even after my death, where I beg to sit at your table until the last glorious battle where we must all sacrifice our souls for the sake of Ragnarǫk.”
Chapter 17
Ashes to Ashes
Time had become a shadow while Randvior was separated from Noelle. Now it drove him, he took no chances riding in the open. Staying vigilant with every inch of ground he covered, he looked over his shoulder continuously. If Sveinn had been shrewd enough to coordinate Noelle’s kidnapping, nothing would have stopped him from planting guards along the roadway to ambush them.
He headed northeast, away from the coast.
Randvior was unhappy with himself. Deep down, he still wished he’d been the one to kill Sveinn. But things were changing, especially inside. He’d demonstrated mercy by sparing the lives of those guards. His father had always told him it’s easier to kill than not to. And told him once he grew to manhood he’d understand the usefulness of benevolence. All men make war, but few possess the necessary scruples to make peace. Randvior had done that . . . and now, for Noelle’s sake, he allowed those men to live. He remembered her words—why she believed they could never be together. His violence was an abomination in her god’s eyes. Though he secretly wondered if her Allfather wore breeches or a dress.
Pallid light streaked the sky, the weather overcast and cold. None of it could penetrate the luxurious heat wrapped in his arms. Noelle’s slight form curled close to his heart. He held on tightly, galloping faster and faster. They passed the eastern border of his father’s steading and rode through vales and woods before a large lake came into sight. Someone unfamiliar with the landscape might not see it. Beyond the southern shore rose a configuration of starkly white standing stones, almost camouflaged by snow. There they would be offered sanctuary.
Blind Allegiance (Viking Romance) (The Blind Series) Page 17
