by Susan Wright
The Thule made camp among the thick patches of ground cover, while I once again tried to wander near Lexander. But Amaruq kept a wary eye on me. I was afraid that if I angered Amaruq, he might abandon our quest. He still doubted my motives, fearing he was leading his kin into some fearsome trap.
I was not surprised when Amaruq motioned for me to follow him over a slight rise into a protected cleft of the hills. He had his furs under one arm, ready to settle in for the night. At the top, I turned to see Lexander among the other men. He seemed alarmed, but I nodded and motioned to him that I was safe.
Sheltered by the rocky hillsides, Amaruq spread his furs on a mat of thick moss. It looked like it would be comfortable.
“Does your master allow you to share my furs?” Amaruq asked quietly.
I was instantly on guard. He believed I had been ordered to seduce him in order to gain the assistance of the Thule. Silveta had suspected the same.
“I do as I will,” I declared. “Lexander has freed me.”
Amaruq considered me, the crease deepening between his eyes. “Was your freedom a reward for accomplishing your task?”
I smiled. “No. Lexander has not given me an order since he sent me away from Vidaris. He cannot bear to enslave another while he endures it himself. I can see how it makes him heartsick. He wants only to free Qamaniq and the other slaves.”
“Does Lexander have a stake in Markland?” Amaruq demanded. “Will he marry Silveta? Or gain lands himself?”
That startled me. “No! The house of Vidaris was exiled from Markland by Silveta’s husband. Lexander cannot show his face there. He assists Silveta only because I wish it. He would fain keep me from returning to that dangerous place, but I gave Silveta my pledge.”
Amaruq slowly nodded. Several of the floating olfs were curious about our conversation, hovering intently. They reflected the absolute truth of my words to him.
“Do you wish to share his furs tonight?” Amaruq asked.
“Yes,” I readily admitted, “but Nerriviq will not allow it.”
“I would sleep with Keelat this night if she were here.”
Since Amaruq was Thule, I had to consider that a proposition. “You know I would be delighted to please you, Amaruq.”
He smiled slightly, sitting down on the furs. He gestured, and I sat down next to him. “I’ve noticed that you avoid speaking of your master. Do you not share intimacy with him as well?”
“Yes, whenever we can.” I thought of the knaar and how we rutted in plain sight of the oarsmen and Silveta.
“I want to hear about that,” Amaruq said. “When did you first know you loved him?”
“I’m not sure. It happened so gradually,” I hedged.
Amaruq looked hard at me, waiting. I realized he would never be satisfied until he understood my connection to Lexander. He would accept no less. If I didn’t meet this crucial test, he could abandon us here, while Nerriviq would take Lexander to Vidaris to fight for Qamaniq.
I drew a deep breath. How could I explain how tenderly Lexander had cared for me after Birgir beat me? Or how he had saved me from the fate of my slave-mates? “I can’t say exactly when I began to love him. But something special happened between us last winter, before the new slaves arrived. He was taking me to his bed regularly, spending time with me alone during the day, and talking to me about things he read in his scrolls.”
“Was he treating you differently than the other slaves?” Amaruq asked.
I had to admit, “Not really. It was actually the first season he began treating me the same as the others. Before then, he had mostly ignored me, setting for me impossible tasks that I tried to fulfill.”
Amaruq furrowed his brow in confusion. “And this made you love him?”
“It called out my submissive tendencies. I didn’t truly love him until we began sharing tenderness.” I glanced down at my hands, thinking about those nights of passion during the cold season. “We used to stay in his room long into the morning sometimes, hiding away from everyone else. I know now that he was unhappy with his life as a slave master. But I didn’t understand it then. He had everything any man could desire. But his consort was evil, and it must have sorely tried him in ways I never saw.”
“When he hid away with you, was he satisfied?”
“I pleased him again and again,” I said slowly. “I thought he was satisfied, but now, I think not. I remember one time we had slept very late, but it was unearthly quiet on the estate. I could see a fresh layer of snow coating the hills. He was sitting there, gazing outside. I went to him to put my arms around him from behind. I had learned he liked me taking liberties like that when we were alone.”
I looked down at my hands again, remembering how I had caressed his neck and shoulders. “Unbeknownst to Lexander, I could see his face in the mirror propped by the washbasin. It had been angled slightly, just catching his reflection. You have to understand that my master’s expression is always so controlled, as if he observes from a great distance. But as I touched him, kissing him lightly, thinking that he was everything in the world to me . . . his face seemed to crumple. He didn’t move under my hands, but it was as if his inua peered out, revealing his misery and confusion in the tear that fell. Then I could tell he felt an immense relief at my touch. He grasped my hand, and without turning, kissed it.” My throat caught. “He needed me, and I comforted him by being near. But he never knew that I saw it. When he finally did turn to me, he was back to his usual self.”
“Did you bed him then?”
I nodded, feeling thoroughly exposed, feeling as if I had violated Lexander’s trust by telling Amaruq. “We made love without words. It was the first time we truly came together as equals rather than master and slave.”
Amaruq’s hand stroked my cheek, his eyes seeing it all. Even my fear that I had betrayed Lexander by telling him.
I thought of nothing but Lexander, yet when Amaruq touched me, my body responded. Amaruq was my savior, bringing his family and friends to fight our battle and free my homeland. He had brought Lexander back to me. How could I not feel strongly for him?
Amaruq’s fingers gently questioned my desire for him. I briefly closed my eyes, savoring the sensation. His touch transported me into that heady submissive state that was so enthralling. There was nothing I could do to fight it. Indeed, it was one of the most pure physical sensations I’d ever felt.
Amaruq was very dominant that night, as if responding instinctively to my need. I had only been a freewoman for a day, but I wanted to be taken by a virile man and claimed as his own. He clutched my hair in one hand, holding me still as he stared into my eyes.
At first I tried to stifle my sounds of excitement, hoping the others couldn’t hear. Then I lost myself in the sensation. Undoubtedly the olfs relayed everything that we did to the rest of the Thule. I wished Lexander could know how good it felt so he would not worry about me. Then that thought was gone with all the others, and only pleasure remained.
Our rutting was fast and hard, most unlike Amaruq. He entered me in one long thrust, then could hardly contain himself to the finish. He seemed surprised himself at his powerful response, but was pleased nonetheless.
Afterwards I relaxed back into the fur nest he had made, breathless and heated. Contented. I sent out my farewell to the ice sprites, giving them praise for their assistance and promising to return to them someday.
I hardly spoke to Silveta before we climbed back into the boats. I expected her to disapprove of my rutting with Amaruq, but she merely smiled at me and reached out to touch my arm. Oddly enough, I think she was grateful. But my passion with Amaruq had less to do with obtaining his help for our quest and more to do with my own desires.
On the other hand, in order to gain Amaruq’s trust I had revealed something about Lexander that even he wasn’t aware I knew. I felt uneasy, certain that I had betrayed Lexander.
Lexander was truly upset. He must have sensed my guilt and my desire to confess. I had never seen him show his fee
lings so openly. It was as if he couldn’t control himself. In every glance, every frown, I saw his anger.
We didn’t have a chance to speak all day as the boats entered the Klaro Strait. The clamoring of the Markland olfs grew more triumphant as we sailed southward. I concentrated on the sea spirits, asking for their help to make our small boats pass swiftly without being seen. The spirits responded to my pleas by sending a strong current to carry us rapidly down the Markland coast. I wasn’t certain when we passed by Jarnby, but I could feel the presence of my mam somewhere nearby. I refrained from trying to reach her through the sea spirits, knowing that she would only feel my turmoil if I did.
The spirits did tell me of other boats on the waters, filled with men who carried shields and long spears. Some were Birgir’s warriors coming back to stand by his side to hold Tillfallvik and proclaim him chieftain. Others held local magnates and their bondi. And there were others I sensed farther to the south. I wondered if Birgir had indeed brought his war to Viinland after we had disappeared.
With the generous aid of the sea spirits, we reached southern Markland that night. The Thule used the light of the olfs to find a series of rocky islands off the coast not far from the mouth of Tillfallvik Bay. The shores were covered with tall black-and-white seabirds. My mam said they were part seal and part bird so they could swim through the water like it was air. The sea god of the tides, Alanerk, was said to have created them as the epitome of his realm. Since the birds were a symbol of joy, I took the sound of their harsh barking calls as good luck.
The Thule beached in a deserted cove protected between several islands from sight of both the ocean and the shoreline of Markland. The Thule did not try to build fires with the sparse foliage. These barren knobs were deserted except for us and Alanerk’s creatures. I enjoyed seeing the craggy hills rising around us after the endless flat vistas of Helluland and the ocean.
Silveta stayed near my side, as usual. “I know these islands. Tillfallvik is just west of here. Why are we stopping now?”
The Thule were subdued, preparing mentally for the coming battle. “They’re planning to attack tomorrow.”
Silveta’s expression was wry. “They’ve already made their plans? Without consulting me?”
Disregarding Nerriviq’s attempt to stop her, Silveta marched past him and his men to confront Lexander. “Tell me, what are they planning to do?”
Nerriviq glowered at Silveta, shouting at her though she couldn’t understand. “You’ll not conspire to free this man! My granddaughter must be returned to our clan.”
I assured him, “Silveta wants only to know how you intend to attack Tillfallvik. She may have insight that can help you.”
Amaruq joined us, clearly seeing a need to mediate. “We will rest here for a short while, then sail to Tillfallvik before dawn. We’ll attack the estate at first light.”
I translated for Silveta, as Lexander added, “They’ll need you and Marja to make contact with the townsfolk while I’m taking them to the estate. You must tell everyone that the Thule are fighting on your side.”
Silveta nodded eagerly. “Let me and Marja go tonight. I can rally the loyal bondi and get information about Birgir’s strength and position within the estate.”
When I passed along her request, Amaruq did not like it. He shook his head curtly. “No one must be forewarned.”
I explained to Silveta, “He thinks you might set a trap for his men. He doesn’t completely trust us.”
“Then how are we to get help for them in time?” she asked despairingly. “They don’t know what they’ll face.”
Lexander spoke again, this time in Skraeling to appease Nerriviq. “That is the way of battle. We will adjust our strategy to what we find. You should concentrate on how to keep the townsfolk from attacking the Skraeling. If that happens, these men are ready to withdraw with all haste. We will be abandoned.”
I nodded slowly, considering that terrible possibility. When I explained it to Silveta, she suggested, “We could make several banners with Ejegod’s signet, the great horned bull, and mount them on long poles. The Skraelings could carry them.”
“That might slow down the Noromenn, at least,” Lexander agreed.
I explained to Amaruq. “Silveta’s totem will protect you if you carry its image.”
None of the Skraeling had any affiliation with the spirit of the bull, but they understood the need to appease the spirits in the place where they sought victory. Leather was quickly gathered and cut to Silveta’s specifications under the flickering light of a few torches.
Nerriviq was appeased by Silveta’s offer of protection. He stayed nearby watching, but he didn’t interfere anymore. Lexander spoke to us only about constructing the banners. But his resentment was clear.
That worried Silveta. “Do you think we’ll fail?” she finally asked him. “Tell me if I have brought all these good men into certain death.”
I knew she was remembering Perus and her other bondsmen. Silveta was headstrong and stubborn, but blessed with an admirably acute conscience.
“No, your plan is sound,” Lexander assured her. “This is a stronger warband than I had hoped for. As long as the townsfolk help us, we have a chance of success.”
“Then why do you look so . . . so bleak?”
He refused to look at me. “I question your tactics.” At Silveta’s confusion, he added, “Did you have to thrust Marja into that man’s bed to seal your agreement with him?”
My eyes opened wide. Silveta protested. “If you think that was my doing, you’re daft, man! Marja arranged everything herself.”
Now he looked at me. “You’ve been so conflicted, I can tell, Marja. Do not deny it. This morning when you returned, I could see how tormented you were.”
“I’ve been worried about you,” I protested. “I know that slavery is wearing on you sorely.”
He shook his head. “There is more to it than that, Marja.”
I couldn’t confess my betrayal in front of Silveta, for that would unfairly expose him to her. “The Thule would never abuse me,” I insisted. “I truly desired Amaruq, or he could not have responded. I had to be completely honest with him to win his trust.”
Lexander was not convinced, sensing that I was withholding the truth. For once our wordless understanding was not enough.
Silveta turned her head aside irritably at being unjustly accused. “I left Marja in my bed last midsummer, full knowing what Birgir would do if he found her. For that, you can be angry at me, Lexander. But I’ve spoken my mind ever since for her to stand up for herself and stop using her body as common coin.”
“I would have died in Brianda if I hadn’t relied on my talents,” I pointed out.
Silveta ignored me, shaking her finger at Lexander. “It’s your fault in the first place for tossing her out of Vidaris to make her own way to me. What did you think she was going to do after all your training?”
“You cannot conceive how difficult that was,” Lexander retorted through gritted teeth. “The alternative was worse. If I had not prepared a plausible excuse, Helanas would have immediately pursued us with all vengeance.”
“I’m glad you sent me away,” I put in. “I would never have seen so much if you hadn’t.”
Silveta still glared at him. “You left us stuck with these Skraelings, Lexander, in that terrible, desolate place. We had to fend for ourselves. Marja did everything! She made an even better agreement than the one I had with Issland. If she had to bed their leader to do it, then that’s fine by me.”
“But you were upset about it,” I pointed out.
“I’m not anymore.” Finally Silveta looked at me. “If I regain my estate, it’s because of you. Who am I to question your methods? Talking to olfs—after all of this, I can respect that.” She smiled. “I actually like the idea that there are some little creatures who watch out for me. Apparently I need all the help I can get.”
The olfs were so happy to be acknowledged that they began spinning. I knew it woul
d give them strength for the morrow.
But Silveta wasn’t finished. “Marja, you’ve been more loyal to me than my own family. Whatever you need, I’ll not forget what you’ve done for me. You’ll never be a slave as long as you’re in Markland.”
I took Silveta’s hands, choked with emotion.
But Lexander declared, “Marja is already free. She can choose for herself. I would not presume to command her.”
He walked away, carrying the banners over to the Thule to be tied on the long poles. Silveta glanced after him, her tone sad. “He is upset about your intimacy with Amaruq. I would not have thought it of him. He of all people should not be possessive of you. But he truly loves you.”
Soon after, we laid out our furs directly on the granite for our short rest. I curled up next to Silveta but didn’t sleep. All I could think about was the impending battle. Any of these men could die. Lexander would be in danger. And I shuddered to think of our fate in Birgir’s hands if Silveta and I were captured. I did not want to return!
While I dreaded Tillfallvik, the olfs were quite cheerful simply because we had returned. They continued gathering from far and wide. Only their luminous light gave me the strength to wait for the signal to arise.
When it came, the men prepared for battle in full dark. I could see well enough by the light of the olfs, as could the Skraelings. Only Silveta stumbled and struggled, as always, unaware that she was the only blind one among us. I was sorry that Lexander made no effort to speak to me alone before we set off. I felt it boded ill for us.
As our boats silently slipped into the mouth of the bay, heading for Tillfallvik, I sensed something new through the water. The sea spirits were notoriously lax about events that happened on land, so I had received no clearer picture of the town except that there had been fighting.
