“Leave it to a man to think about the treasure before the life it may have cost him.”
“The best treasure of all is right here,” Dagmar said, scooping her up. “Let’s go home!” Dagmar led the return, carrying Aila the entire way. When everyone was once again inside the fenced wall, Dagmar grabbed Aila again and kissed her soundly, to the resounding elation of their people.
THE END
Highlander's Love
Chapter One: At Odds
“I won’t be your mistress,” Aila Forsberg said, loud enough to have Dagmar Stalson muttering.
“Who said anything about being my mistress, woman?” Running a hand over his thick brown beard, Dagmar sighed. Fresh off a battle for their village and he was already in another fight. This time the enemy was a friend as well, and a woman to boot. Dagmar was beginning to think he was a glutton for punishment. “All I’m saying is that it’d be easier to build our relationship if we stay in the same tent.”
“And what would our people think? Their two candidates to rule sharing a tent without being properly married.”
“Do you think there’s a man or woman out there who hasn’t been bedded before their nuptials took place, Aila? Tell me you’re not that naïve.”
“Don’t talk to me as if I’m daft, you imbecilic baboon!” Dagmar found himself fending off Aila’s well-planted fists as he laughed. Catching her wrists, Dagmar pressed her up against the support pole, a mixture of anger and arousal pumping through his veins.
“I’ll talk to you however I like, Aila. That’s the nature of our relationship, such as it is.” Releasing her, he asked, “Don’t you ever wonder what sort of example you’re setting for the young girls who look up to you?”
“I’m teaching them to be strong, independent, and confident in themselves.”
“And what about when they get married? Are they supposed to be submissive and docile, fragile even so that their husbands provide willingly for them? Or would you rather they be independent so that they need to provide for themselves and their children?”
“I want them to never have to worry. Whether they have husbands or not, they should be able to provide for themselves, to contribute.”
“Did it ever occur to you that men don’t want their women to be self-sufficient? That they just might want a woman who does what she’s told, when she’s told?”
“Did it ever occur to you that I’ll never be that sort of woman?”
“It’s something I’ve noticed, yes,” Dagmar said, choosing his words carefully, even as he grinned. “I suppose it’s too much to ask of our ruler, if it be you, to be docile and demure. I’m sure we’ll all appreciate a strong female leader such as yourself.”
“Mock me now, Dagmar, but I guarantee you that when women are left without their husbands, due to battle, you’ll find yourself leading a group of highly skilled, independent women.”
“So I should lead?” Dagmar chuckled.
“By my side,” Aila said, coming toward him.
“Oh darling, life will never be boring as long as you’re with me.”
Later than he’d planned, Dagmar went in search of Breslin and Bregnan Bulcher. Fraternal twins who were as easily laid back as they were high strung, they were Dagmar’s best friends and the two he always turned to for just about everything.
“The mangy cat dragged that thing in again,” Breslin said, elbowing his brother. Dagmar watched Bregnan turn around and was astonished when a young woman stood up. She was beautiful, with warmly tanned skin and jet black hair. Her dark eyes held intelligence and kindness.
“I’m thinking of shooting the mangy cat if he doesn’t stop dragging you around,” Bregnan laughed.
“Just as long as you don’t shoot me,” Dagmar smiled. “You two going to introduce me or leave me to do it myself?”
Bregnan stepped forward. “Dagmar, this is my soon-to-be-wife, Aideen. Aideen, this is my closest, non-related friend. Even if he is slightly daft.”
“Daft my ass!” Dagmar laughed. “It’s a pleasure Aideen. These two give you trouble, you let me know.”
“And your beloved, where is she?” Dagmar asked Breslin.
“She’s sleeping, as they just arrived this morning.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? We would have welcomed them.”
“We didn’t want to disturb you, seeing as Aila was there.”
“You two know she’ll kill me if people start talking about us.”
“We figure she’ll kill you regardless. Not to mention talking about it gets it out in the open. If you two can’t tell each other how you feel, we’ll tell you, for you.”
“Shut it, Bulcher,” Dagmar scoffed. “When your woman wakes, bring them both to the food tent. Dragna will have lunch ready by then and we can welcome them properly.”
“Aye,” Breslin smiled. “We will.”
“See that you do.”
With that Dagmar turned, ready to see Dragna about her lunch menu.
***
Aila made her daily trip through the tents and small homes of her people. She played with the Halburt twins, marveling at how they’d grown over the last year. Now they were toddling around and learning the language faster than any she’d seen before. Perhaps because they always had someone to talk to. She caught a glimpse of Dagmar heading toward the food tent and ran to catch up to him.
“Hey,” she said, puffing as she caught her breath. “We need to do another hunt. While it was brilliant to bring back cows for Breslin and Bregnan, we need meat to feed our people.”
“Alright,” Dagmar said, a courtesy nod of his head saying he’d heard her. “I can’t take Breslin and Bregnan right now, though.”
“Why not?” Aila questioned.
“Because their beloveds just got in this morning and by the looks of things, didn’t sleep much on the trip over.”
“I imagine not. The North Sea has been wicked lately, especially with winter coming in so strong. Not to mention the Winter Solstice is nearly upon us.”
“Speaking of, I need to know what Dragna has planned for meals. I need to make sure she has everything she needs to feed everyone our traditional feast.”
“I’ll talk to Dragna if you get a hunting party together,” Aila offered.
“Deal,” Dagmar smiled. “I want you on the hunting party.”
“We can’t both leave our people, Dagmar.” She could tell he hated the logic in her rejection. She could see the heated arousal that seemed to always be there now when he looked at her. It stirred her blood. Giving in to the need she rose on her toes. “But I promise to give you a nice kiss goodbye before you leave and another when you return.”
“See that you do, woman!” Dagmar growled. Aila let him plunder her lips now, letting his flavor warm all the cold places. Pulling back, she smiled.
“Go get ready. I’ll have a report from Dragna before you leave.” Aila watched him head toward Svenbreck and realized, maybe for the first time, that Dagmar would make a good ruler. He might not rule the way she did, but he would make a good one if the people chose him over her.
“Dragna?”
“In here, dear,” Dragna called, coming up from the in-ground cellar Dagmar had dug six months before. The small dirt stairs led deep into the ground where it was cold all year round. With a thick cowhide cover, it kept their roots and vegetables fresh until they needed to use them. “What can I do for you?”
“Dagmar and I need a report on anything we may be lacking in food for the Solstice feast,” Aila informed the old cook. “I also think there may be some weddings coming up so there’s that to consider as well. Dagmar mentioned that both Breslin and Bregnan Bulcher received their beloveds early this morning. They’re currently sleeping, but I imagine when they wake they may feel famished.”
“I’ll make sure we welcome them in our way come lunchtime. As for the report on what we need for the feast, we definitely need ginger if Dagmar can find any. Sage, and rosemary as well. Jasmine, lavender, and anything that
smells good or looks pretty. With you two bickering so much lately, we’re behind on our decorating.”
“Tell me about it. How about holly? Do we have enough?”
“We always have enough holly. Dagmar could pick up some mistletoe though. It’s good for pain, sleeping issues, and kissing.”
“You never cease to surprise me, Dragna,” Aila laughed.
“I’m old, honey. I’m not dead.”
“No, and neither is Dagmar,” Aila pointed out.
“True,” Dragna said, laughing. It sounded more like a cackle now, but it still pleased Aila to hear it. She knew intimately how much she’d miss it when Dragna passed on.
***
“Dagmar!” Aila called. Dagmar turned toward the sound and braced himself as Aila all but flew into his arms. “I got the list from Dragna.”
“You could have just handed it to me, you know.”
“I also promised you a kiss, but if you’d rather—“
“Come here, woman.” Dagmar slipped an arm around her waist and took her mouth. Plunging her under that first time was always so much fun. Especially when everyone began to shout and whistle. Then her cheeks turned as red as holly berries and Dagmar knew she hated it. She was fine with his kiss, it was everyone’s attention she didn’t like. He took the list from her, studied it and then tucked it into his tunic. “We need to talk about building better, more secure homes when I get back.”
“Alright,” Aila said, feeling winded. She waved to him until he could no longer see her for the curve of the land. When he turned back in his saddle he saw the rainbow that stretched across the sky, obviously Aila’s doing. Normally they’d take the ship out, but with winter coming on strong, they couldn’t risk it. He’d gotten Svenbreck and Dufguss, an older man, to come with him, hoping he’d chosen well. He didn’t know the two men nearly as well as Breslin and Bregnan, but he’d had little choice in the matter as his two friends were tending to their women.
“Either one of you good at finding herbs and such?”
“I’ve got some skill in looking for things,” Dufguss replied. “I can get started while we’re traveling.”
“Good,” Dagmar said. “We’re going to hunt red deer, but if a stray cow or bear comes along, we take it. With winter coming in so strong I want to make sure we’re well and stocked for the months ahead. The less I have to leave the better.”
“So, you and Aila finally figuring things out?” Svenbreck asked. Dagmar could see the man’s jealousy and knew he’d probably feel the same in the same circumstance, had felt the same, where Aila was concerned.
“We’re working on it. She’s the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known, but having known her for nearly my entire life, I know how to handle her.”
“She’s quite a woman,” Sven replied.
“She’s the only woman,” Dagmar returned, a little taken aback at just how much he meant it. Would she accept him if he proposed? Did he really want her in his life enough to make it permanent?
The threesome rounded a corner that led to a massive clearing. Almost instantly they spotted red deer and slowed their mounts to leave them in the shelter of the trees. “That herd there is beautiful,” Dagmar said, motioning toward a herd that contained at least three large does and one huge buck. “If we can get three of the four, we’ll be good on red deer.”
The three men spaced out and each notched an arrow, their spears lying at their feet. “One, two, three,” Dagmar counted off and the men let their arrows fly. Dagmar sunk his into the buck’s front shoulder. The deer dropped immediately. Svenbreck had done the same with his doe and Dufguss easily finished his off with his spear. “Good job, gentlemen.”
Three hours later, Dufguss had found bundles of every herb Dragna had listed. He’d also obtained mint and marjoram as well, hoping Dragna could find uses for them. If not, he was sure their doctor, Ragnic, could.
“That’s excellent, Dufguss. Great job.”
“Not sure you want to worry about it, but there’s some bear tracks over near the ridge. We could use the meat and fur both.”
“Might as well,” Dagmar agreed. “If it doesn’t turn out, we’ll have to make do with the deer.”
“A nice bearskin blanket or some boots and pants would go a long way for our people.”
“Agreed,” Dagmar nodded. “If you see any ermine around, take them too. I need the furs and the meat never goes to waste.”
It took the three men nearly four hours to take down the large bear that roamed the woods. A final arrow to its neck did it in. Dagmar left Svenbreck and Dufguss to build the travois that would carry their cargo home, while he went in search of the elusive little ermine. It’d take at least five to make the present he had in mind for Aila, but any he caught today would be a good start. With the Winter Solstice less than a week away, Dagmar knew he’d have to hurry to get her gift done in time.
Returning to the men, Dagmar threw four ermine weasels on top of the collected carcasses and smiled up at his two new hunters. Given more time and Breslin and Bregnan, they could have come back with almost too much meat. “Let’s go home, boys.”
“Sounds good to me. I’m starving,” Svenbreck said, rubbing an itchy spot under his thick beard.
“We’re Vikings, we’re always starving.”
“Truer words were never spoken,” Dufguss laughed. “Think Dragna will be able to use all of this?”
“With the number of people we have? We’ll likely be back out here in less than a month,” Dagmar chuckled. “Our men can pack it away and our women don’t do a bad job, either.”
“Tell me about it,” Dufguss laughed. “My Asgurda can take on any man when it comes to eating.”
“Dufguss,” Dagmar stumbled. “I want to apologize for any slight I may have—“
“Don’t worry yourself, son,” Dufguss chuckled. “My Asgurda is a woman grown and has been for a while now. Her decisions and their consequences are hers and she knows it.”
“Alright,” Dagmar said, shaking the older man’s hand. As night crept over the horizon, the three men returned to the village of Hail with their bounty, welcomed by all who cared for them.
“How in Thor’s name did you manage all that?” Aila asked, her pretty gray eyes astonished and shining with a hint of admiration and appreciation.”
“Thor would be my guess,” Dagmar laughed. “Truly the gods were on our side today. Dufguss and Svenbreck proved to be knowledgeable and resourceful hunters, and Dufguss found everything you put on your list, Dragna. He even found a couple extras.”
“I’d give Aislin a run for her money for that man,” Dragna cackled, leaning up to kiss Dufguss’ cheek.
“She’d probably let you have me, truth be told.” Everyone had a good time as the deer, bear and ermine were skinned, gutted, and processed.
“Aislin?” Dagmar called, catching Dufguss’ wife as she headed toward the food tent to help Dragna with the storage.
“It was a fortunate hunt you had tonight young Dagmar,” Aislin smiled.
“I couldn’t have done it without your man,” Dagmar complimented her. “I was wondering if you might have some free time to make something for Aila.”
“Oh?” Aislin said, quirking up one dark eyebrow.
“It’s a present, for the Solstice.”
“I guessed so.” Aislin smiled. “I’m not sure the ermine skins will be ready that quickly, especially with winter already clutching us tight in its grip. Thankfully I have some left over from last winter. Would they do?”
Dagmar thought about it and sighed. “If they’re white like her tunic they’ll work. You can have the new skins when they’re ready.”
“No need. Keep them and maybe I’ll be making a winter coat for a little one next winter.” Aislin winked at him and then stepped into the food tent, leaving him to ponder whether or not he wanted children. When it came to Aila, he knew she’d want babies. She was built for them. Even if they ruled separately, she’d eventually settle down to motherhood.
/>
Chapter Two: Building Plans
“You’ve been avoiding me,” Aila said, sneaking up on Dagmar.
“No,” Dagmar corrected with a grin. “I’ve been taking care of business.” Aila walked beside him, happy when his hand slipped into hers. She couldn’t help the small jolt of electricity that sparked between them. He brought out her powers as easily with his words as he did with his actions. It didn’t seem to matter whether he was ticking her off, or turning her on.
“I still can’t believe you got three deer and a bear. Not to mention those gorgeous ermine stoats.”
“Luck was on our side today. I couldn’t have asked for better men than I had with me today. Svenbreck and Dufguss proved to be avid hunters. Not to mention Dufguss is an expert at finding edible herbs and spices.”
“Dragna certainly felt full of the Solstice spirit.”
“She’ll be busy for the next several days storing all that meat.”
“Not to mention quartering those skins. I imagine our little ones will have some much-needed, new clothes soon.”
“Aislin’s already on it, from what I hear. She’s taken to teaching the young women how to sew and mend clothing.”
“It’s a good trade to learn.”
“It is.”
“Will you walk with me before supper?” Aila asked.
“No one’s eaten yet?”
“The village voted to wait until we were all together again. I’m thinking they’re glad they did, with the bounty you three brought in.”
“It’ll serve us well, that’s for certain.”
“You still wish to rule, yes?”
“Yes, although my intentions have changed some.”
“Oh?” Aila grinned.
“I’ve always wanted to protect our people, but I never really saw the need to provide. I always imagined I’d fight and probably die in some epic battle to save our land, our culture. Then this beautiful woman helped me to see that it’s so much more than just protection that we need. We need a leader who takes care of our people.”
Desired By The Cowboy (Love In Collin's Ranch 2) Page 31
