by Desconhecido
Cedric chuckled then added. “Don’t wait for her body to heal before getting some sport in. Doesn’t have to be much and nothing that would hurt her or be too objectionable.” His hand circled an imaginary object and pumped it a few times. The others snickered. “She needs to know what her new life is and better to get it started now while you can use her sister as leverage. Wait too long and she’s likely to fight you tooth and nail, literally!”
Fridgeir nodded again. “That makes sense.” Though neither side liked to admit it, his people and hers had much in common. Including a boldness about bed sports most others seemed to find offensive. And women enjoyed an equal status not found elsewhere. Women like the redhead made difficult slaves but excellent mates, once they adjusted to life in the north.
“And it lets her know you don’t mean to hurt her. It’s important she learns you don’t want to give her pain but pleasure,” Eirik added sagely.
Cedric nodded. “Women of the Wild Isles are used to being pleased in bed. While they frown on unmarried women getting pregnant, they still believe young folks should get some fun before starting a family. They have a well-deserved reputation for enjoying a wide variety of bed sports. Fridgeir, unlike a lot of women even in the north, they tend to truly enjoy mouth sports but I warn you, she’ll expect you to give as much as you get. And while she’s healing, that might give you a place to start.”
Fridgeir frowned slightly. “Hmm, not had a lot experience with that. Any suggestions? Your mother came from there, didn't she?”
Cedric grinned. “Yes, and trust me, they’re the only people I know that are as open as we are. I’ll give you some tips later but if you really want some expertise, try asking your mentor, the shieldmaid. She’s got way more experience!" The small group laughed. As Oden’s handmaids, shieldmaidens belonged to him and no man could sport with them. But that didn’t stop them from enjoying a healthy sex life!
Cedric continued, “The strength that won’t let her give in may just save her. What she’s been through would have already destroyed most women. Try to help her find that strength but if she hasn’t accepted her place with you when she does, she may never be able to accept a slave’s life. Only other thing I have to say is, you’ve finally met your match, my friend. Should be entertaining for the rest of us at any rate.” Their laughter held nothing but good-natured fun.
* * * *
He returned to her and offered her the flask. “Here, drink this. Arinbjorn’s making some willow bark tea for you. Should help with the pain.”
“What do you care!” she snapped but took the flask.
He shrugged but couldn’t resist a tease. “Just don’t want you screaming too much later.” Let her think the worst. It’ll mean more if she figures it out on her own.
A careful sniff almost choked her with the fumes. She took a swig and coughed. Watching her contorted face, he decided it burned all the way down. She set the flask down with shaking hands and glared at it like a snake.
Fridgeir crouched down in front of her and cocked his head speculatively. “How about we come to an agreement, wild one? You behave, do as you’re told, tell Eirik what he wants to know, and your sister stays with us.”
She snorted. “Oh, and staying with demon-spawned Northmen is soo much better than being sold as a sex slave!” She eyed him and sneered. “Somehow I don’t think getting spitted alive and sacrificed to your bloodthirsty gods is such an improvement!”
Fridgeir snickered. “Wild one, we don’t sacrifice children—or even women—to our gods. She’d be kept safe as long as you keep to your part. Which includes keeping me satisfied.” His heated gaze ran down her body.
“You promise my sister won’t be harmed? You won’t sell her to slavers or, or bed her yourself?” she asked quietly, turning her head to look at the girl. A quiet sob came from the young girl. She sat curled in a tight ball, her eyes peering over her arms wrapped around her knees.
Fridgeir grinned wickedly. “Might depend on how cooperative you are. Young virgins sell for a lot in parts of the midlands and a redhead her age would be worth a small fortune near the inner sea. I’m already out some gold for keeping you as part of my take. You’d have to make it worthwhile not only to me but to Eirik. He’ll want honest answers to his questions.”
“How do I know you’ll keep your word once you have what you want?” she demanded suspiciously. “How am I supposed to know what’s cooperative enough?”
Fridgeir faced her straight on. “If you know anything about us, you know we hold our honor worth more than life itself. You keep your part, I’ll be sure to let you know when you’ve strayed, and she’ll be kept truly safe, unharmed and that includes not forcing her to any one’s bed.” His voice carried the conviction of his words.
* * * *
She’d always heard they held to their word. But she’d be betting her life and her sister’s on it.
“And just to be clear, my part is letting you and your friends amuse yourselves with my body and answer a bunch of questions.” She felt cold inside but wasn’t like she had a lot of options. He’d take what he wanted regardless.
“Not quite. You’re my personal slave. I won’t be sharing you with others. And I expect more than you just laying there like a dead fish. And when Eirik asks, you answer. As a slave, you'll be expected to do as you’re told.”
She let out a shaky breath, knowing what he wanted and knowing it would hurt even if he didn’t mean it to. She was already bruised and bloodied from the attention of the raiders, but she’d take it, for her sister. Then again, maybe seducing him could work in her favor, give her the opportunity for them both to escape.
“Just tell me what you want. I won’t fight you—I can please you.” She stroked herself suggestively. The short rope that held her ruined some of the effect but the man raised a brow in anticipation anyway. “Just keep my sister safe.” She didn’t have to fake the sincerity behind the request.
Another soft sob came from the girl. Fridgeir glanced over to see the glint of tears in the girl’s eyes. The child turned her back to him and buried her head on her arms. Soft sobs came from her huddled form.
“You’d please me, let me bed you, right now?” he clarified with some amazement.
He expected me to haggle more? Why? What does he care if I hurt? “Yes.” She laid down and lifted her hands over her head and out of his way. “I promise I won’t even nip you.” She closed her eyes and braced herself as best she could. Her heart pounded with fear and loathing.
“Why would you offer yourself, knowing how much it will hurt?” His soft words sounded full of confusion. He stroked softly down her neck and over one breast.
“She’s all that’s left of our family.” Her voice held the tears she refused to shed. “It’s too late for me, but she could still have a life, a good life.” His gentle touch threatened to break through the wall she hid behind.
He spoke gently. “It’s not too late for you, wild one. I’m Fridgeir. What’s your name?” He touched her check tenderly.
“Eireann, and my sister is Saibh. Can’t you just get it over with? I’d like some sleep.” She dug for the anger that chased away the fear and hopelessness his gentle touch roused.
Fridgeir laughed softly. “What makes you think I like it fast?”
She snorted bitterly. “Don’t all men? Never mind what a woman might want.”
“Ah! Your new husband wasn’t satisfying you?” he quipped lightly.
“Former husband! Especially if I ever get a hold of that spineless son of a diseased goat! Rip his undersized balls off and stuff them down his lying throat! And his father’s too!”
“I get the impression he promised to take care of your sister?.
She couldn’t help but stare at him in confusion. What’s with all the chatting? “His father promised I could take my sister with us and he’d raise her as his own, keep her safe. Dog-humping lying man-whore! Should have known he’d sell her off, calling it a marriage, no doubt! I’d gladly
take your whole company for a chance at them,” she hissed angrily, and rolled to her side to talk to him better.
Fridgeir laughed. “Wild one, you’re amazing. But I won’t be sharing you with anyone and unfortunately, Eirik has agreed to accept the ransom for the merchant and his son. A matter of honor now. Otherwise it’d make good sport to watch!” He chuckled softly. “And I promise, no one will force her to a marriage of any kind!” He smiled slightly and helped her to sit up again. “At least not as long as you keep your word.”
He walked off. She watched his retreating back in great confusion. He’d just gotten her to agree to have sex with him and then left. What the hell?
* * * *
He joined his friends near the fire ring with a big smile. “She agreed to behave in return for keeping her sister safe. And to tell you whatever you want to know.”
Eirik smiled and clasped Fridgeir’s shoulder. “Good! That should make things a bit easier for you.” He handed him a bucket of wash water.
Fridgeir chuckled. “To bad it’s so late—wouldn’t mind washing the rest of her!” He paused in thought. “Do they wash regularly on the Wild Isles?”
Eirik shrugged. “I don’t really know, but if she’s eating with us, she’ll get used to it.”
* * * *
“I have some fresh water to get you cleaned up before dinner. Hold your hands out and I’ll pour so you can rinse them.” She stared in confusion for a moment then twisted around to hold her hands behind the stone. He smiled and poured slowly while she rubbed the dirt off her hands as best she could while tied. Then he held the bucket so she could splash her face. He moved over to her sister and held the bucket for her hands. The girl hesitated but a nod from Eireann had her cleaning up just as eagerly.
Once more she found herself staring at his back as he walked away. What’s he up to now? Can this really be the same warrior who so gleefully gutted men earlier?
He returned with three bowls of stew, gave one to Saibh and offered her one. “Here—I expect you haven’t eaten in a while.” He sat by her to eat his share.
She felt stunned by his behavior and sat slack-jawed, staring at him for a few heartbeats. The raiders had fed her very little. Mostly they had just cruelly taunted her with it or shoved choking amounts in her mouth while they played with her body. Her stomach growled demandingly. Like with the water, she started slowly to avoid upsetting her too-empty stomach. Boiled grains thickened the greasy broth made by boiling dried meat. Unidentifiable lumps of vegetable-like things turned to mush in her mouth. The only seasoning she could taste came from the salt used to cure the meat. It tasted unbelievably good!
Arinbjorn arrived with the tea, his stew and a bag of wine under his arm.
“Here, drink this.” Fridgeir took the tea and steadied her shaky hands around it.
The gentle way he cupped her hands in his large strong ones surprised her. But the way he insisted she drink it made her think it had more than willow bark in it. The raiders had already dosed her with whore bane once, and she expected this northern demon to use it too. That would make sense of why he’s waiting—he wants me good and drugged first! But the tea tasted only of willow bark and honey to sweeten it. It confused her. Northmen didn’t have reputation for compassion! Why would he be nice? He could just take what he wants. I even promised to cooperate. What’s he waiting for?
Eirik, Leif, Cedric, Giermund and Njals joined them. At a nod from Eirik, Giermund stopped to let the girl loose. She flew over to her sister’s open arms. Eireann hugged her tight, whispering reassuring words in her ear. A small flame of hope flickered into life. Maybe they really would keep their word, keep Saibh safe.
* * * *
Fridgeir stretched out on his side and took of swig of true wine, not the watered stuff, before passing it to his shield partner. The rich flavor made him think the raiders must have stolen it, most likely from the same merchant tied to the pole.
Arinbjorn took a swig, passed it on, then lay back looking at the bright moon and stars in the night sky. “I wish Drifa were here. She loves to look at the stars!” He snickered. “There’s something about fresh air that always gets her hot!”
Fridgeir snickered. “Didn’t know she needed any help with that!”
Arinbjorn chuckled. “Not really, but it never hurts to mix it up a bit, keep things fresh.” He sighed, obviously with great longing for his wife. The others snickered.
Cedric reached for the wine. “Looks like a good haul! Got to wonder what that merchant traded to the Witch King to have such a large stash.”
“Slave, time to share what you know.” Eirik asked as he watched her closely. Fridgeir knew he wanted a better feel for how honest she was with them.
“He didn’t get it all at once. He stayed in Penrith and organized shipments, three altogether. He didn’t trust anyone so kept all his money with him. Had a large escort to return to the mainland but some of them worked for the raiders. Nearly half the newly hired guards turned on him. Arrogant swine!”
“What did he sell to the Witch King?” Cedric asked more than casually.
“Weapons, food, strong male slaves, cows and some sheep,” she replied with a shrug. “Oh, and some shipwrights. None of the ones I saw came willingly. By their look and speech, I’d guess they came from near the inner sea.”
Eirik’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve heard he’s massing an army. Guess he’s building a navy too. Maybe to invade the mainland. You know anything about that?”
She shook her head. “Not really. Just rumors. But it wouldn’t surprise me. Dog-humping man-thing’s about run out of islands to conquer! He’s taken over or destroyed most of the villages on the large isles. A few of the small ones with little to offer are still free of him. Demon-spawned man-whore, I pray the gods visit an eternity of having his guts ripped out and his balls shoved up his ass! Assuming he has any balls!” Her voice shook slightly with righteous anger.
“You mentioned an attack on your village?” Fridgeir prodded her gently.
The chain attached to her bound hands rattled as she shifted. Her voice sounded too carefully neutral. “He came two years ago. Took all the strong men for his army. Told them he’d leave us be if they joined him. He lied.” She stopped and took a long drink from the wine bag as it made its rounds. “A moon cycle later he returned. Rounded up all those he thought could be sold, mostly women and older children. Killed the rest.” Her voice got very soft and strained. “Sucked the life out of the youngest ones. Threw the old and sick into the well to drown.” She drew a breath before continuing, her voice once more too steady. “Some of us fought back, a few managed to escape.” She shrugged as if escaping from the Witch King was as easy as a stroll down the beach.
The silence from the group of men made her look up to study their faces.
Giermund nudged the man next to him. “Fridgeir better keep her trussed up tight!” He teased with a wink. “Any woman who could escape the Witch King…”
Fridgeir laughed. “And keep all sharp objects well out of reach! Hate to wake up with any parts missing.”
Eireann snickered slightly. “Who says I need something sharper than my teeth!” she shot back without thinking how it might be received.
The gathered men laughed while Fridgeir gently stroked the bite mark she’d left on his cheek. He smiled at her with some pride. My woman! And a true fighter fit for a Northman!
Eirik chuckled. “Good thing he likes that kind of play!”
“Warning, slave, you bite him too hard and he’ll think you’re in the mood for bed sports!” Arinbjorn couldn’t resist teasing. Fridgeir laughed and shrugged.
Eireann dropped her gaze. Is that why he wants me? Because I fight him? Mother of demons! Does he like hurting women during sex? How bad will he be? But then why bargain with me to behave? She sighed. It couldn’t get any worse than what she’d just been through. Despair’s icy fingers squeezed her throat almost shut. Will the pain ever end? Her sister’s small hand found hers and squeezed i
t reassuringly. Eireann smiled at her. Whatever it took, she’d keep her little sister safe.
Now that she’d eaten, other needs asserted themselves. She glanced toward the darkened woods. Not nearly enough chain for any sort of privacy even at night. She sighed and wondered if she dared ask for a longer leash.
Fridgeir rose without a word and unlocked the chain at the ring. “Come.” He reached a hand down and pulled her to her feet. He held her chain like a leash.
Fear squeezed her just-eaten meal into a solid ball, leaving her feeling a little sick. She shuffled after him as best she could with bound feet. At least her sister wouldn’t have to watch him riding her. They’d just entered the edge of the trees when a strangled cry came from behind her. She stopped and looked with alarm over her shoulder. The one he called Arinbjorn held her sister and followed them toward the woods! Anger flared and she tried to whirl and attack the man with her sister. Her tied feet tripped her up and she would have fallen if Fridgeir hadn’t caught her. On pure reflex she bit his arm as hard as she could while struggling to get free.
Fridgeir yelped. “Oden’s beard! He’s not going to hurt her. We’d just rather not have you relieving yourselves in camp.”
Arinbjorn half-carried the struggling young girl toward them. When he set her down, she broke loose and ran to Eireann. Fridgeir pointed toward a clump of brush. “You can go behind there. But I swear on Oden’s beard, if you try to escape, I’ll let the whole company have at both of you!”
She swallowed and nodded. Hand in hand the sisters went behind the brush. A tug on her chain told her he’d attached it to something solid. Behind her came the sounds of men watering the bushes and joking lightly. A soft sigh of relief flowed out with her held breath. The sisters set about taking care of their needs, not an easy task with bound hands. Privacy seemed such a treat after two days chained to the deck of the raider’s ship, and another on the pole. Well, almost private. She needed more than just a quick pee but hesitated in front of her sister. Saibh moved to the edge of the bushes and turned her back. Eireann smiled her thanks at her sister’s back and relaxed just a bit more.
