* * *
For several seven days Ragnar left the hut during the day to work, hunt and fish with his men. He found several tunics on the ship for Starr. After dark he and Starr frolicked beneath the waterfall and made love. He told her of how trade had developed between her people and his. Though his men suspected he had a companion they asked no questions. Even Dagmar kept silent. Hope blossomed in Ragnar’s thoughts.
He entered the hut. Starr turned a fowl on a spit over the fire. She smiled and rose to kiss him. Then she carried the bird to the small table. “Come and eat.”
He stood behind her and cupped her breasts. “I hunger for more than our meal.”
“You must eat to maintain your strength.”
Her nipples thrust against his palms. He ran his lips over her nape. “Will you feed my other hunger?”
“You know I will.”
He removed his clothes and watched while she took off her tunic. When she turned toward the bed, he caught her hand. He walked to the bench and pushed it closer to the wall. After filling a beaker with ale he cut some bread. “Come here.” He pulled her onto his thighs facing him. He bit into the bread and held the large slice so she could eat.
She turned and pulled a leg from the fowl and offered it to him. He chewed on one side while she nibbled on the other. His gaze moved from her face to focus on her breasts. As the nipples peaked he grinned. He dipped his fingers in the ale and rubbed them over her breasts. When he offered her his fingers she sucked and he ran his tongue over her nipples and then drew one into his mouth.
His penis swelled and throbbed. He placed one hand on her buttocks and urged her to slide forward.
“Ragnar.” The breathy sound of her voice further heated him.
He grasped her hips. “Guide me.” When she closed her hand around his spear he growled. She inched toward him. “Take me.”
She encased him and wrapped her legs around him. She ran her hands over his chest. “I love you.”
He tilted her toward him. “I’ll never let you go.”
“And I will never leave you.”
He planted his feet on the floor and began to rock. As he slipped his hand between them she slid forward and back. He stroked and stimulated. Her body tensed.
“Ah. Ah. Ah.” Her cries filled him. When her inner muscles spasmed his seed spurted.
“I love you.” He pressed her closer. No matter what happened, he would never let her go.
* * *
Several days later when Ragnar left to be with his men, Starr curled on the bed. For the past seven day she’d needed more sleep than usual. The leaves had begun to take on their bright autumn colors. How long had she been here? She hadn’t counted the days. Perhaps Ragnar knew.
The creak of the door woke her. Ragnar strode toward the bed. A frown made his expression seem glum.
She pushed into a sitting position. “What’s wrong?”
“Kendel was here. He’s arranged for me to meet with your father. I fear my half-brother suspects you’re with me.”
“How?”
Ragnar frowned. “Perhaps one of the men mentioned I’ve remained in the hut and hinted to him that I have a woman.”
“I’ll go to my father with you. I’ll tell him we must wed.”
He sat beside her. “There’s more. Kendel will wed your sister and be named your father’s successor.”
“Wina will be pleased. She desires him.” Starr sighed. “How can my father set aside his own son? Wulf will be a good leader. Why can’t my father see Ralf’s blood is on Kendel’s hands?”
“Are you sure he’s responsible?”
“I have no proof but I know. Kendel flatters my father. He acts humble but I can see beneath his surface face. He envied my brother but Ralf couldn’t see Kendel evil nature.”
Ragnar took her hand in his. “He will be punished. When I’m sure you’re with child we’ll say our vows before my men. I’ll give you the token and we’ll face your father.”
She looked up. “My moon time hasn’t arrived. Nearly two seven days has passed. I’m sure I carry your son.”
He lifted her and swung her around. “Then this night I will claim you.” He set her on her feet. “I’ll proclaim this as a night for feasting and celebrating our coming son.”
* * *
Dressed in a new tunic Ragnar had brought from the ship, Starr held his hand as they crossed the stream. He led her to the huge fire on the beach. The sounds of laughter reached her.
At the fire, the men raised a cheer for Ragnar. Some joking comments were made. He drew Starr to his side. “You know of my father’s command. Starr is the oldest daughter of the theng. She carries my son or daughter. Before you and by Odin she is my wife.” He lifted the smaller of the medallions, placed the chain around her neck and pulled her into his arms.
His mouth found hers. His tongue caressed her lips and plunged into her mouth. Starr’s arms encircled his neck. She pressed against him. Moments later he sighed and released her.
Dagmar sauntered toward them. She scowled. “You dare take what belongs to another.”
“Who is she?” Starr asked.
“Kendel’s woman. My father’s gift to him.”
“How can he wed Wina if he has a woman?”
“He only beds Dagmar.”
Dagmar stepped in front of them. “She can’t have you.” She tried to claw Starr’s face but he grasped and twisted her arm. “Why did you give her what was to be mine?”
Ragnar shook her. “Go to your hut.”
“No. She can’t have you. This time you’re mine.”
“Not now or ever.” He gestured to several men. “Take her. Bar the door of her hut. She’ll remain there until Kendel claims her. On the morrow I go to the ship for the bride price.”
“What if Kendel won’t listen?” one of the men asked.
“Send him to me.”
As the men dragged Dagmar away she fought and screamed.
Starr grasped Ragnar’s arm. “What if my father refuses to accept out marriage? If he has named Kendel as his successor he won’t back down. My father is a stubborn man.”
Ragnar kissed her forehead. “Would he have my men attack his people? Any day more ships will arrive.”
* * *
The celebration lasted until morning. Ragnar and Starr returned to the hut, made love and slept. When they woke, he pulled her close. “Let this be right this time. No betrayals. No loss.”
“What do you mean?”
She stroked his chest. “The dreams I had the day I hit my head.” She shuddered. “All but once I died.”
“Not this time.” Hi kissed her until she felt dizzy.
A pounding at the door brought Ragnar to his feet. “What do you want?”
“Dagmar’s gone. Escaped because boards at the rear of her house were rotten.”
“She knows little of the land,” Ragnar said. “When she’s hungry she’ll return.” He turned to Starr. “I must go to the ship.”
“Take me with you.”
He pulled on clothes. “I must row a small boat on the sea. I won’t risk you and my child.”
After he left, Starr washed in a basin and dressed. Soon she and Ragnar would go to the homestead and face her father. She stood in the doorway of the hut and watched a small boat leave the dragon ship.
“Starr.”
She turned. Kendel strode toward her. She backed away but he grabbed her. “You will come with me. Your father expects me to wed Wina but I have no taste for her. I’ll tell him you were kept a prisoner and I rescued you. Once we drive these invaders from out shore you will be my wife.”
“Do I look like a prisoner? I am Ragnar’s wife.” She showed him the medallion. “Last night he gave this to me before his men and his god.” She tucked the gold piece beneath her tunic. “Help me!” she screamed. He put his hand over her mouth and hoisted her to his shoulder. She beat his back with her feet. Moments later he tossed her over his horse.
Dagmar ran to
ward them. “Good. Kendel will teach you how to obey. Ragnar is mine.” She reached for the chain about Starr’s neck. Starr clamped her teeth on Dagmar’s arm. The other woman screamed.
“You can’t have what’s mine,” Starr said. “Ragnar will come for me.”
“And he will die,” Kendel shouted. He mounted and prodded the steed into a gallop. The rough movement of the horse hurt Starr’s abdomen. She feared not for herself but for the child.
Before long they reached the cluster of houses. Kendel dismounted. “Chatwin,” he called. “I rescued Starr from the invaders who held her captive.”
Starr slid to the ground. “He lies.”
Chatwin stepped from behind the hedge. “What men?”
“The invaders.” Kendel grasped Starr’s braid.
“Call the men. We’ll march against them.”
Starr rant to her father and grasped his arm. “Kendel lies. The leader of the dragon men and I were wed in the sight of his men and his god. He comes to bring the bride price. Kendel stole me from him. He is the one who holds me prisoner.”
Kendel raised his hand. “If you are Ragnar’s wife why were you kept in that hut apart from the others?”
Starr flinched from his threatened blot. “Ragnar lives there. You’re his half brother. You’ve betrayed him again.” Starr looked at her father. “Kendel killed Ralf. He’s poisoned you against Wulf. He is evil.”
Kendel lowered his fist. “He’s told her lies until she believes.”
The older man cocked his head. “How did he know about Ralf?”
“Does it matter? Ralf was my friend. All who knew him knew how rash he was. You said I would wed Starr. I’m going to be thegn after you I must wed her, not Wina.””
No,” Starr screamed.
Wina stepped into the yard. “Father, you promised I would wed Kendel.” She faced Kendel. “I’ve loved you all my life. I didn’t tell anyone how you put grass in Wulf’s bed so he would have the breathing illness. Why do you want her?”
“So he will be named as thegn,” Starr said.
Wina pushed Starr away. “Why did you come back? You could have waited until Kendel and I were wed.”
“He forced me to come. I have no desire to be here with him."
“Liar,” Kendel said. “You screamed for me to save you.”
“Ragnar will come for me.”
Kendel laughed. “Not after he hears Dagmar’s take. Go and prepare for your wedding. I will be wed this day.”
Starr slumped to the ground. Hurry, Ragnar, she prayed.
* * *
Ragnar hoisted the small chest of gold and silver and stepped from the boat. Dagmar threw herself against him. “She’s gone. Kendel came and she begged him to take her home.”
“I don’t believe you.” Ragnar pushed her away.
“He said they would wed this day.”
“And how do you know this?”
“I went to him. I told him how you’d kept her a prisoner. He’ll kill you if you try to take her back.”
“Do you think I fear him? You’ve failed and will be a slave until you die.” He hailed his men. “You and you come with me. We go for my wife. Kendel has betrayed us and must die.”
One of the men took the chest. Another brought mounts. Ragnar fingered his knife. There was no time to go for axe or spear. He mounted. “Come. If anything happens to me, see to Kendel and protect my wife. She carries my child.” He urged the horse into a gallop. He had to reach Starr. She had no love for Kendel and would fight against marriage to him.
When he and his three followers reached the hedges surrounding the large house and several smaller ones, he saw Kendel, Starr and a group of people. “Kendel,” he shouted. “Why do you disobey our father’s orders?”
Kendel whirled. A knife appeared in his hand. “Obey a man I’ve seen but thrice. A man who despoiled my mother. She couldn’t live with her shame and cast herself into the sea. I will have all and you none.”
Starr ran to Ragnar. He caught her in his arms. “I knew you would come. Take me home.”
An older man approached. “Let my daughter be. She is promised to Kendel.”
“A man she risked death to avoid.” Ragnar laughed. “Starr is my wife. She carries my child. Before this lunar ends more ships and men till come. I wish peace. Do you want war?” In the periphery of his vision he saw Dagmar. Several more of his men followed.
The older man turned to Kendel. “You will wed Wina. A child belongs to the father.”
Kendel stepped toward Ragnar and Starr. “Then no man will have her.”
Ragnar pushed Starr behind him and faced his half-brother. “Only a coward attacks a woman.”
“Then face me if you dare.”
Ragnar drew his knife. He pushed Starr away. “Stay with my men. They will protect you.”
“Be safe.”
Kendel lunged. His knife slashed Ragnar’s chest. He laughed. “First blood.” Ragnar twisted away. Kendel grabbed him. “I will finish you.” Kendel’s knife flashed.
Ragnar gasped. Pain radiated from the gash in his belly. He dropped to the ground.
Kendel laughed. “I’ve won. Starr, come here.”
Through pain glazed vision Ragnar saw Dagmar. She plunged her knife into Kendel’s back. “Fool. You were to kill her.”
Starr’s face swam into view. “My lone, why must this happen every time.”
Ragnar felt her tears fall on his face. “The funeral boat. My father. Your child is mine. Do not mourn. Tears aren’t the way of my people.” He shuddered. When would this betrayal and hatred end?
* * *
Starr sat on the shore and watched the men complete Ragnar’s funeral boat. He’d lived long enough to say his vows to her father and the people. She pressed her fingers against the bridge of her nose to halt a rush of tears. She had to remain calm and protect Ragnar’s child.
As the men carried Ragnar’s body to the boat, she bit her lip. Tears threatened but she couldn’t seek that comfort until she was alone in the hut she’d shared with him. The men carried food, drink, clothing and weapons on board. She clenched the gold medallion, a match to the one she wore. She must give it to his father, though she wished she could keep it for the gold was all she had of him. A cock, a dog and a horse were killed and added to the things Ragnar would take to Valhalla.
“You will follow him.”
Starr turned. “I carry his child. He bade me live and present his son to his father.”
“So you say. I don’t believe you.” Dagmar reached for Starr.
Starr rose. “You sent Ragnar to his death. You told Kendel about me. You stabbed Ragnar in the back and fled.” When she saw the dagger in the other woman’s hand, Astrid backed away.
“A woman should be on the boat with Ragnar so his needs will be satisfied. You can serve as his slave in Valhalla.” Dagmar sliced the air with the knife.
Starr continued to back away. She tripped and fell. Frantically, she groped in the sand for a weapon and a piece of driftwood. She blocked the plunging dagger and scrambled to her feet. Dagmar struck again.
Starr felt a stinging sensation on her arm. She swung the wood and connected with Dagmar’s head. As her enemy collapsed, Star felt relief. In part, she had avenged Ragnar.
Several men strode across the sand. “Odin has spoken. She will serve Ragnar in the afterlife.” They lifted Dagmar.
“Is she dead?” Starr asked.
“Matters not. Come. Tide’s going out. First torch is yours. May your son be as valiant as you.”
They poured melted fat over the goods on the boat. One of the men handed Starr a torch. When the fire blazed, the boat was pushed into the water. As the flames engulfed the entire ship, a shrill scream sounded.
* * *
The echoes of a scream pulled Astrid from the past. Had the terror filled cry been hers or the woman thrust into the boat. She rubbed her temples with her fingers. Lorna Stinet. Astrid frowned. Why was she so sure the betrayer had been Lorna?<
br />
With a shudder, Astrid headed to the shower. Once dressed, she packed the letters and jewelry in a shoe box and carried them to the cr. She planned to have lunch with her father and talk about the dreams. Also, she wanted to ask him what he’d been searching for in the books.
When she reached the rehab center, she found her father had just finished a session in the pool. She waited in the hall while he dressed. When he opened the door, he grinned. The walker was gone. He held a cane.
“Well, look at you.”
“Feels good. Another week and then home. Maybe even on Friday.”
“I’m glad. Do you want to stay here or go to the garden?”
“Garden. Order lunch first.”
She smiled. His speech and gait were vastly improved. “What’s on the menu?”
“Cobb salad. Blue cheese dressing.”
“Stop there.”
“Figures.” He laughed and reached for the phone. As they left the room he touched the box she carried. “What’s in there?”
“I’ve a tale to tell.” She led him to a shaded table. “Last night, Duncan told me about his search. Did you know there’s a portrait in his foyer of a woman who looks like Grandma Logan must have when she was young?”
“Never been there.” He settled on a chair. “Makes sense. Those letters I wanted you to read were written by a relative of yours. A cousin to your great-great grandmother. This woman lived with the family until she died.”
Astrid cocked her head. “Interesting.”
“I think she was the woman written about in the journal Duncan has.”
Astrid nodded. “I believe you’re right.”
“So what’s bothering you?”
“Do you remember when I was a child and touched old things and then saw pictures of ancient lands?
“I do but not all of the antiques did this. Just ones from certain lands.”
“I don’t remember that.”
Past Betrayals, Past Loves Page 17
