by Bobbi Smith
Brage was smiling as he lifted his gaze once more to the horizon. It felt good to be at sea again. The future held promise.
Lady Dynna’s mood was unsettled as she paced in her bedchamber. Since the death of her husband, Sir Warren, some six months before in a tragic hunting accident, the circumstances of which still haunted her to this day, she’d elected to take her meals in her room. She had pleaded the need for solitude during her mourning as her reason to want to eat alone, and her wishes had been respected by her husband’s family. As of yesterday, however, that had all changed.
Dynna cast a quick glance in the large bronze mirror mounted on the wall and took the time to study her own reflection. A mane of raven hair framed her face. She was a trifle wan, but the paleness was to be expected, since she’d confined herself to her chamber most of the time since Warren’s untimely passing. Dark brows arched delicately over wide gray eyes that stared back at her with a haunted, desperate expression. Her mouth was set and unsmiling, and that troubled her, for there had been a time when she’d loved to laugh and had enjoyed life. But no more. There was little to be happy about now, especially since she’d received the summons yesterday from her father-in-law, Lord Alfrick.
The memory of Lord Alfrick’s command that she marry Sir Edmund, her dead husband’s younger brother, left her shuddering in revulsion. She fought down the reaction, struggling for control over her runaway emotions. Lord Alfrick might insist she marry Sir Edmund, but the marriage hadn’t taken place yet. There was still time. She could cling to a slim hope that somehow she would find a way to escape that dreaded fate . . .
Dynna was as ready as she would ever be to go belowstairs and dine with the family. She was determined to hold herself aloof, regally distant. She didn’t want anyone to suspect that she was frantic to flee the terrible destiny that the powerful men in her life had declared would be hers.
Knowing she could delay no longer, Lady Dynna left her bedchamber and headed for the stone staircase that led to the Great Hall. She had just reached the top of the steps when she came face-to-face with Sir Edmund on his way up. It took a major effort on her part not to panic.
Dynna knew many women in the tower thought that Edmund was extraordinarily handsome, with his fair hair and dark eyes, but Dynna was not fooled by his good looks. She had seen into his soul and knew the blackness of his heart. Where Warren had been kind and gentle, Edmund took pleasure in causing others pain. Where Warren had put others’ needs before his own, Edmund satisfied his own desires and gave not a passing thought to anyone other than himself. He was a self-serving man of little character and even less faith. Dynna hated to admit that he frightened her, but there was little doubt he did.
As Edmund stopped before her, he gave her a slow, confident smile that spoke of victory and ultimate possession.
“Good evening, my lady,” he said, his voice heavy with implied intimacy, his gaze hungry upon her.
“I’m not ‘your’ anything,” Dynna said as haughtily as she could, drawing upon her anger to use as a defense against her fear of him. His salacious look suggested that he knew what she looked like without her clothing, and the thought unnerved her.
“Ah, but you soon will be mine,” he said softly as he took a step nearer and reached up to touch her cheek. “Father has stated his wishes in the matter, so it is decided. It will not be long before I take you for my wife.”
“I am still in mourning for your brother.”
“My brother is gone, my sweet, but I am here.”
“Does it not test your loyalty and honor to speak of your brother so? Does not his death leave an ache in your heart?”
Despite her protestations and her talk of Warren, Edmund was certain that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. No woman had ever refused him. “You have been alone long enough. You need a real man to warm your blood and erase forever the memories of one now dead.”
Dynna felt color rise to her face at his bold words. She took a step backward, distancing herself from him. “It is not proper that you should say such things to me.”
Sir Edmund’s smile broadened. “Be careful, my dear Dynna. I am not a man to be easily put off.”
He had wanted her since the first time he saw her, two years before when she arrived in their kingdom to marry Warren. He’d been more than patient in waiting to claim her for his own, but the time of waiting was almost over. By his father’s decree, she would be his—along with her bounteous dowry.
“I am Warren’s wife.” Dynna held herself rigidly as she spoke with disdain. Yet even as she said the words, her heart was beating a frantic rhythm. Edmund had power over her, and they both knew it. Now that he was his father’s only son, Lord Alfrick would give him whatever he wanted.
“You are Warren’s widow,” Edmund ground out, his eyes narrowing as he bristled at her censure. “You are a woman without protection.” She had no right to rebuke him. She was, after all, only a female, mere chattel to be bargained at a man’s pleasure. “My brother is dead and buried. As of this moment, your mourning is done.”
The color that moments before had stained her cheeks faded before his cold dictate. Dynna felt intimidated and helpless, yet she knew she must not show fear or betray weakness. She met his regard with a look as steely as his own.
Sir Edmund saw the glint of defiance in her eye and the aristocratic way she held herself. He found himself excited by the challenge she presented. His gaze never left hers as he reached out and caressed her upper arm. “Once we are wed, my Dynna, I am going to explore the depths of your pride. I will take great pleasure in bringing you under my domination.”
“I will never surrender to you.”
“Ah, but you will. Make no mistake. Now, come, let me escort you downstairs. My father awaits your fair presence.”
It was all Dynna could do not to flinch away from his touch as she muttered her resentful thanks.
She wanted to tell him that she would gladly die before surrendering to him, but she held her tongue. Without a husband’s protection, she was a pawn in a game played by powerful men. Her wishes did not matter to Lord Alfrick or Sir Edmund. She only wanted to return to her parents’ home and live out the rest of her life in peace and solitude. Lord Alfrick, however, wanted her dowry, and a fine one it was, too—consisting of the rent from some of her father’s tenant farms! He would never allow those monies to slip away. He would keep her and her dowry under his control by marrying her to Edmund.
Sir Edmund linked her arm through his and drew her close to his side as he started down the stairs. She felt small and very feminine to him, and it filled him with an incredible sense of power to finally be able to touch her so. When they reached a small landing, he maneuvered her into the shadows.
“Edmund, what are you . . .?”
Dynna got no further in her questioning. He boldly cut off her protest with a hot kiss. He pressed himself fervidly against her.
Dynna was stunned, but only for a moment. She reacted with outrage at his violation of her and struck him with all her might. His grunt of pain pleased her, but only for a moment. He did not end the embrace, but tightened his grip on her even more and deepened the kiss. With all the force she could muster, Dynna pushed against his shoulders to dislodge him.
“You villain! How dare you touch me?!”
Sir Edmund saw the fire of anger in her eyes and thought she had never looked more beautiful. He smiled knowingly. “I would dare much with you, Dynna.”
Frightened by his naked lust Dynna tried to move away, to escape his vile nearness, but he grabbed her arm to stop her. His fingers dug into her soft flesh and he merely laughed as he pulled her back to him.
“We will descend together.”
Gritting her teeth, Dynna managed a tight nod of agreement.
The Great Hall was noisy and crowded with men. Extra forces had arrived from two neighboring kingdoms to bolster the tower’s defenses in case of a possible Viking attack, and they were now gathered to partake of the evening
meal. Seated at the trestle tables, the men consumed much ale and mead with their meals. Their conversations were loud and boisterous as they bragged about their readiness to face the dreaded Norsemen.
Sir Edmund escorted Dynna to her seat beside Lord Alfrick at the raised table at the front of the room. She took her place and while she managed to smile politely at everyone, she felt like a bird caught in a snare.
“I am glad you have chosen to join us, Dynna,” Lord Alfrick welcomed her. “We have missed your lovely presence at our table.”
“I am afraid that until now, you would not have found me suitable company, my lord. The loss of my beloved Warren has sorely grieved me.”
Lord Alfrick’s eyes darkened with pain at the thought of his dead oldest son. “I, too, miss Warren, but we must continue our lives. He would want that.”
“Yes, my lord.” Dynna gave the proper outward appearance of acquiescence and respect, but she did not feel it in her heart. She knew Lord Alfrick was a cold, calculating man who cared only about her dowry. He certainly cared nothing for her happiness. If he did, he would have realized that she was not ready to remarry, and that even if she chose to marry again, she would certainly not choose Edmund.
As they were served and began to eat Dynna managed to make some small conversation. After a while, the talk turned to the Viking warrior known as the Black Hawk, who was rumored to be about to attack. Dynna wondered how word of the impending attack had reached Lord Alfrick.
“We are more than prepared for him,” Edmund told his father with full confidence. He had been training with the men for several weeks and knew their battle-worthiness.
“What about you, Sir Thomas? You have seen more raids than my son. What do you think?” Lord Alfrick asked his friend who was seated at the table with them. “Is Edmund right? Will we defeat the Black Hawk?”
Edmund grew furious that his father didn’t trust his own assessment of their situation. Still, he betrayed none of his anger as he listened to the older man’s opinion.
Sir Thomas thought quietly for a moment, his expression serious, then concurred with Edmund’s assessment. “Yes, my lord. I believe we will defeat the raider should he dare to attack. We are ready for him.”
Lord Alfrick nodded, then stood and spoke to all in the Great Hall, “The Black Hawk has been a threat to us and our neighbors long enough. It’s time to rid the world of the heathen raider from the north who would loot my land and take my subjects hostage. If he attacks, we shall slay him!”
Led by Sir Edmund, the men roared their approval.
Dynna only half listened to their heated, bloodthirsty talk. She had heard all the terrible tales of the Vikings, of how they plundered and pillaged, kidnapped and killed. She could not help but wonder if a fate at their hands would be any worse than being forced to wed Edmund. At that thought, her mood grew even more grim. Neither choice offered her a chance for a happy life.
Glancing over at Edmund, seeing his eagerness for battle mirrored in his dark eyes, she vowed that she would never marry him. Where once this tower had been a loving home to her, now it had become a virtual prison. Somehow, some way, she would escape! She would return to the safe haven of her parents’ home.
When the meal was finished and Edmund moved off to talk to the men, Dynna managed a stealthy escape. Her steps were unhurried as she left the hall so she would not draw attention to herself; though, the instant she was far enough up the stairs to be out of sight, she quickened her pace. She didn’t stop until she was safely locked inside her bedchamber.
Alone at last, Dynna waited for the feeling of comfort and security that usually surrounded her there, but there was no respite from her tortured thoughts. The longer she waited, replaying in her mind all that had transpired that night, the more she feared she would never again know a moment’s peace as long as she remained in the tower.
A soft knock at the door caused her to jump nervously; was Edmund coming after her?
“Yes? Who is it?” she asked.
“It is I, my lady, Matilda. I thought you might be needing help preparing for bed.”
Dynna relaxed at the sound of her trusted companion’s voice, and quickly opened the door to admit her. Matilda had been but thirteen when she became her servant, and Dynna only five. When, years later, Dynna had come to this kingdom to marry Sir Warren, Matilda had traveled with her. Since Warren’s demise, the slender, red-haired Matilda had proven her only true friend and her fierce protector. Dynna was desperate to confide in her.
“My lady! What is it? What is wrong?” Matilda saw how pale Dynna appeared and how haunted her expression was.
Dynna locked the door behind her, then dragged Matilda away from the portal for fear that someone passing by might overhear what she was about to say. “Sir Edmund escorted me down to the hall and . . .”
“And what?”
“And he insists that he is going to marry me . . . soon.” She emphasized the last word.
“No. You cannot even think of marrying him.” Matilda was horrified.
“He is the last man I would ever marry!” Dynna said with great emotion. “How can he think I would be ready to wed again so soon after Warren’s death? It has been less than a year.” Tears welled up in her eyes and she dashed them away. This was no time for weakness.
“I am afraid for you. Sir Edmund doesn’t care about his brother’s death or your mourning period. He has had his eye on your dowry all along, but that is not all he wants,” Matilda pointed out bluntly.
“I know,” Lady Dynna agreed. “He wants to control everything and everyone. I have seen the way he looks at me.” She paused, shivering at the thought of his hands upon her. “I must go home to my mother and father,” she said. “It’s the only way. I’ll be safe from him there.”
“Will Lord Alfrick let you leave?” Matilda knew how greedy he was, and she doubted Lady Dynna would be able to leave the kingdom.
“No, and that’s why I need your help.”
“What can I do, my lady?”
“I must escape before I’m forced into this marriage. I must get back home. I must think of something clever . . .”
“You mean sneak out?” Matilda frowned.
“It is the only way. If I have to disguise myself to do it, I will.”
A light shone in Matilda’s dark eyes, and she smiled for the first time since coming into the room. “I could get some of the servants’ old clothing . . .” she offered.
Dynna felt a ray of hope as she met her friend’s gaze. “Will you come with me?”
“Of course, my lady! Heaven only knows what kind of danger you might encounter. You will need me to take care of you.”
Dynna gave her an impulsive hug. “How soon can you get the clothing?”
“I’ll find something for you to wear. When you are so dressed, no one will ever suspect it is you.”
“It must be soon, Matilda. From Sir Edmund’s actions, I do not think he will be put off much longer. He is determined to make me his wife.”
“We are not going to give him the chance, my lady.”
Dynna’s mood brightened at her servant’s supporting words. “We are going home, Matilda.”
The days at sea had passed quickly for Brage. He loved the freedom of being aboard his ship again. The openness and wildness of the untamed waters matched his restless soul. When the craft was racing across the sea and the wind was in his face, he felt as though he were soaring, like his namesake—the hawk.
Brage had been pleased that the winds had been with them. By his calculations, they would be sighting the coast that very day. Since dawn, he had been at the helm, keeping watch.
“So, today is the day,” Ulf stated as he came to stand beside his brother.
Brage nodded, his gaze trained on the horizon. “We should be dividing Lord Alfrick’s treasure by tomorrow night.”
It was then that Brage caught sight of the first faint outline of land in the distance. He called out to his men, and a cheer rose among them
. At last! They would be raiding soon!
Kristoffer, son of Anslak and his second wife, Tove, heard his older brother’s call and hurried to the fore to join him and Ulf. At nineteen, he was eager for adventure and ready to match Brage in laying claim to the riches of the world. One day, he was determined, he would be as renowned as the Black Hawk.
“Soon we will fight again.” Kristoffer’s expression was avid as he watched the coast come into clear view.
“The pup is feisty today,” Ulf said.
“I spent many a cold winter night waiting just for this.”
“Ah, Kris, you should have found yourself a willing wench and wanned up the night.” Brage chuckled.
“I can get a woman any night. The heat of a fight is much more exciting! I am more than ready for this battle.”
“By the mom, you will have your wish,” Brage stated. Brage turned his full attention to the coastline. He recognized their location and knew that the deserted landing site he wanted was farther to the south, close enough to Lord Alfrick’s tower to make it an easy march for the men, yet shielded enough from view to save them from being discovered. He directed the ships onward, and finally sighted the landmark he had been searching for.
Issuing orders tight and fast before they lost all daylight, Brage directed the ships closer to shore. With speed and expertise, the Vikings maneuvered their craft into a protected area where they wouldn’t be readily observed. The other two ships drew in close to them. They would wait out the night on board and go ashore at first light.
The days following her decision to flee the tower had passed at a snail’s pace for Dynna. There seemed to be no getting away from Edmund’s oppressive presence, except when he was gone from the tower, training for battle with his men. The rest of the time, no matter where she went, he was always nearby, watching her with a hungry, hooded gaze. His watchful, predatory manner unnerved her, but it also made her that much more determined in her effort to get away.
“I’ve got them!” Matilda declared excitedly as she rushed into Dynna’s room late in the afternoon three days after their initial conversation. She stopped long enough to secure the door behind her, then hurried to Dynna and handed her the parcel she carried. “Your disguise, my lady.”
