Yggdrasil great tree of life,
nine realms of the universe,
echo to the gods to hear a mortal’s plea,
Odin, take up the body of thy warrior,
let him live forever in hallowed halls, Valhalla.
Much more was said which Ailsa could not fully translate. When he fell silent, it seemed to be the signal for the Norsemen to push the boat out into the water. The four huge Vikings standing on either side of the craft manoeuvred it into the current. Brandr took up the rear, clutching a flaming brazier which he held high. Ailsa craned her neck to see.
Thorolf and Garth worked side by side on the right of the vessel which the Vikings had constructed especially for their comrade’s funeral.
As the men guided it through the water, they began to chant.
The hair stood up on the back of Ailsa’s neck and a lump formed in her throat.
She would never forget the rich timbre of those powerful voices raised in song for their fallen comrade. They sang to honour their brave friend.
This was not grief, but joy, pride that Alarik had achieved the ultimate Viking dream of entering the halls of Valhalla as a hero. He was a warrior now raised to the highest levels that any Viking could hope to achieve.
Alarik would sup with the gods and live in the hallowed halls, immortal.
When the boat was deep enough to float and be taken by the swiftly moving current, the men waded backward, away from the craft, letting the water guide the vessel far out to sea.
Brandr threw the flaming torch into the stern, where it flared as it lit the oil-drenched tinder, shooting bright spires of firelight high into the darkness of the starlit night. Archers on shore let fly an arc of flaming arrows that landed true. The spectacle of Alarik’s funeral pyre as it sailed away, fiery tongues of flame leaping and dancing against the backdrop of inky sky, was one Ailsa would never forget.
That night symbolised, for her, the turning point in the Achnaryrie tribe’s fortunes.
Thorolf and Garth returned to where they stood, and together as a family, they followed the others back to the village where a night of feasting and celebration awaited them.
As they walked, a vision of the future filled Ailsa’s head.
Achnaryrie appeared as she had never seen it before, enlarged, a settlement of many houses. Children played, laughing and calling to one another as they ran between the dwellings. Men and women with smiles on their faces and meat on their bones moved about their daily tasks with a spring in their step.
The vision changed to her family gathered together around the hearth. Thorolf and Garth with hair turned grey. Ytha, aged, sat with a grandchild upon her knee, watching while she placed food upon a table, aided by daughters, nieces, and grandchildren.
Emerging from her trance, Ailsa glanced down to where someone held her hand. Ytha brought her back to the present. Sharing a look with her beloved sister, she knew at once they had shared the same vision.
They both knew for certain their futures were secure and their family blessed.
They forged ahead with the throng, moving toward the celebration for Alarik which would last well into the following day. Thorolf’s arm snaked securely about her waist, pulling her tight against his side. Contentment that ran bone-deep flooded her veins with warmth.
This was the happiest she had ever been. It seemed only polite to thank her husband’s Viking God, Thor, for giving her his Viking Wolf, Thorolf, to be her protector. Lifting her eyes to the darkness above, Ailsa silently gave her thanks to the Norse God of war.
Explore all the romances within the VIKING SURRENDER series.
Brandr - by Ashe Barker
Forced to wed a fierce Viking warlord to save her people, Eithne must surrender to her husband’s stern discipline, yet his tenderness takes her breath away. A man of his word, Brandr vows to protect her village from its enemies.
But what of Eithne? Who will protect her as she learns to care for this ferocious man who now leads her people and holds her heart in his mighty hands?
Ragnar - by Sky Purington
Intrigued by the symbol on his blade, Myrna chooses Ragnar for her husband. But how is she to love a man who lives in the past? Determined to remain faithful to his deceased wife, Ragnar both fights and craves Myrna, hungry for her healing touch. Will he give in and find sanctuary in her arms? Or will the shocking truth about his dagger end love before it begins?
Graeme - by Gianna Simone
Maimed and bitter, Graeme is forced to take a wife from the barbarians invading his shores. Resentful of her invading his solitary life, he vows to bend her to his will.
Rinda grudgingly weds a man she barely knows—who hates her nearly as much as she despises him. Yet, despite their shared animosity, the wounded warrior and shield-maiden share an unexpected passion that soon consumes them both.
Magnus - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Magnus is tortured by memories of his wife’s murder at the hands of savage berserkers, yet commanded to wed.
The valiant warrior finds unexpected passion in his new bride’s arms, but can Modwen’s love heal the wounds of his battle-scarred heart—or will another’s jealousy destroy them both?
Thorolf - by Vanessa Brooks
Ailsa, a woman scarred by the brutality of men, knowing peace only in the depths of the forest. Thorolf, a cunning warrior, as fierce as the wolves Ailsa adores. Enemies bound by marriage, their attraction is undeniable. But can her Viking husband tame Ailsa’s wounded heart?
Garth - by Sassa Daniels
A proud warrior, he hides a debilitating weakness. The village outcast, she’s plagued by terrifying visions. Their marriage seems cursed from the start. But, as they come to terms with their union, will they find the love they both need?
Jerrik - by Felicity Brandon
Brigid: The last thing I need is a husband, especially some Viking brute commanding my surrender.
Jerrik: Fight all you want, little Pict. You will yield to my desire...
Forced into a union she didn't seek, Brigid is terrified and aroused by Jerrik's masterful behaviour and carnal demands. But, when he saves her son from the ferocious ocean, Brigid realises he may be the hero she needs, as well as the man she craves.
Steinn - by Lily Harlem
Married to a barbaric beast, Gladys cannot believe her bad fortune. A rough and raw Norseman has taken to her home and her bed as if it’s his right. But never fear, she has plans to do away with him, to rid him from her life…for good.
Steinn is thankful to the gods for his good luck. His new bride Gladys is a sexy little wild cat with curves and an ass to die for. Admittedly she needs a little training, and a fair bit of discipline, but he’ll take her in hand if it’s the last thing he does. Won’t he?
Bjorn - by Jane Burrelli
A proud shield-maiden vowing never to be possessed by any man. A ruthless Viking warrior swearing to tame the bold beauty.
A battle of wills and consuming desire.
But who will conquer who?
Thorolf Page 9
