Return of the Viking Warrior

by Michelle Styles

  It was important that Rurik learn he needed to grow before he could use a sword. This morning he’d discovered his son standing with a sword and spouting nonsense to various kitchen boys. He had no idea where Rurik had found the sword, but Rurik needed to learn that such weapons were not toys and must be treated with the proper respect.

  ‘Reach like this, Rurik, not like you were doing before. You will lose your sword before the battle truly begins.’ Ash showed Rurik how to properly lunge with the sword for the tenth time. ‘You wanted to use a sword for today’s practice. Let’s see what you can do.’

  The boy’s face narrowed with concentration as he copied each of the easy moves that Ash showed him. His entire being glowed.

  Kara did not move from where she sat, but watched very move. Every time he glanced over, her face appeared more set. Beautiful, but judgemental and cold. His heart plummeted. Surely she had to see what he was doing—making sure his son knew how to respect a sword. He knew in his heart that it was the correct thing to do. He would beg her forgiveness if it came to it.

  ‘When will I be able to fight for real?’ Rurik asked, wiping sweat from his happy face. ‘Warriors need to fight other warriors. It is what they do. With proper swords. Hacking each other until the blood comes and I get scars.’

  ‘Who told you that?’ Ash enquired mildly, guessing the answer.

  ‘Virvir. He said that I couldn’t be a true warrior unless I fought. Scars are the sign of a true warrior.’

  ‘And when did he tell you this?’

  Rurik tucked his head. ‘Last night. We arranged it. I wanted to show him what I’d learnt. He called it babyish.’

  It didn’t surprise Ash that Rurik had found a way to see his friend. He hoped that within a few weeks, once Rurik began to properly train, he would see Virvir for the braggart and bully that he was. But he had to go slow. ‘Is Virvir a warrior?’

  Rurik considered it. ‘No, but he knows a lot of special things. He listens when people think he isn’t there. What I’m doing is baby stuff. Real warriors use swords.’

  ‘And how did Virvir get in?’

  ‘Through the kitchens. And he told me where to find my grandfather’s weapons. It is very easy to take the sword.’

  Ash knelt down beside his son, glad of the intelligence. He would ensure the weapons were moved immediately. If Virvir knew, others would.

  ‘The next time he tells you something, you come to me and ask if it is true, before taking a weapon.’ He put his hand on Rurik’s shoulder. ‘I have fought in more battles than he has and no longer have to listen to rumours.’

  Rurik blinked. ‘You are not angry that I saw him? Mor will be. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, Virvir said. It was to be our secret and now I’ve told.’

  Ash glanced over his shoulder towards where Kara sat, face thunderous. Her two dogs lay at her feet. The autumn sunlight highlighted her golden hair and kissed her skin. He felt the now-familiar tug of attraction towards her. How could one woman be so attractive and maddening at the same time? What more could he do to show he was worthy of a place in her bed? Each time he got closer, she seemed to slip out of his grasp. He needed the final key to unlock her passion, but he was fresh out of ideas. It had to be something simple.

  He glanced down at Rurik. ‘If you know you might make your mother unhappy, why do you do it?’

  ‘Otherwise I’d never get to do anything. I’m not a baby. I want to do things and Virvir knows everything.’

  ‘There is more to being a warrior than thirsting after glory or recounting stories. A warrior uses his head as well as his strength. Lift that sword and no complaining. I promised I’d make you into a warrior, but you have to trust me.’

  Rurik nodded and lifted the sword again. His small arms trembled with the exertion and he dropped the sword almost immediately. ‘I...I...’

  ‘Again, Rurik,’ Ash said.

  The session would be shorter than usual so that Rurik wasn’t completely exhausted, but it would have to be carefully done as the last thing he wanted to imply was that Rurik was too weak. Rurik bristled when anyone suggested that he was sickly or somehow not up to the task. His son was a fighter, which Ash thanked the gods for, but that fight had to be channelled correctly. He had seen far too many men make mistakes in anger.

  ‘Rurik is tired,’ Kara called out from where she sat when Rurik failed to lift the sword for the third time. ‘Ash, he must come inside and have a rest.’

  Rurik shook his head. ‘I’m not the baby Mor thinks I am.’

  ‘Rurik needs to lift the sword first,’ Ash called back. ‘Go on, lift the sword over your head. Show your mother you can do it.’

  Rurik redoubled his efforts, planted his feet firmly and lifted the sword. For a heartbeat, it hung in the air as Rurik staggered.

  ‘You did it, Rurik,’ Ash called out immediately and Rurik released the sword with a huge sigh. ‘The session is over for today. I have other things to do this morning. I have to train, as well. And a good warrior listens to his commander. Think of your mother as your commander. Respect her.’

  ‘Is it done?’ Kara called out, coming over to where they stood.

  ‘Why don’t you sit here and watch my men train for a treat?’ Ash said before Kara had a chance to drag him off. ‘You can see that real warriors do use wooden swords.’

  Rurik’s eyes shone. ‘Can I, Mor? Please!’

  Kara nodded that he could, but her face was like thunder. Ash gritted his teeth. She had agreed that he could train Rurik, but she was very quick to give Rurik permission to quit. He had to learn that just because a thing was hard, it didn’t mean he should give up. Ash had been in control of the situation.

  ‘Please, Kara. It is your choice now that Rurik’s training has finished for today.’

  Ash looked down at the perfect sculpted brows. Every time he saw her, it amazed him that he had been blind to her promise seven years ago. Or maybe he hadn’t wanted to see. She instantly straightened her apron dress. She wore the brooches he had given her as a morning gift after they had married. He remembered how her eyes had sparkled and shone and how he always wanted to have her look at him like that—like he was worth something. He wanted to throttle his younger self for hurting her.

  Whatever happened with his uncle, he vowed that Kara and Rurik would be kept safe.

  ‘He can stay,’ she said with a sigh. ‘When he looks that eager, how can I deny him anything?’

  Ash bent down and looked his son squarely in the eyes. ‘Your mother allows things when asked. Go on. Talk to Saxi. See if you can pick up any tips from that old warrior. He never tires of talking about the battles he has fought.’

  He ruffled Rurik’s hair and then pushed him towards his men. Rurik ran off and started chatting with various warriors, including Saxi. Ash gave a satisfied nod. Saxi would give him sound advice combined with an embellished story or two. Virvir and his bloodthirsty tales would soon be a thing of the past. And he could concentrate on Kara.

  ‘Will he be safe with them? You said they were desperate men.’

  ‘Men become much less desperate with a good meal in their bellies and a solid roof over their head.’

  ‘They are no farmers. They are warriors. There is a difference.’

  Ash tilted his head to one side, trying to assess her mood. ‘Warriors have their place.’

  ‘But I want someone who understands the land.’

  ‘Like you do.’

  Her mouth became a disapproving line. ‘I only learnt because I had to.’

  ‘It will do him good to observe warriors in action and to talk to them. He can pick up a number of tips.’ Ash paused and knew he had to tell her about Rurik’s confidences. ‘He saw Virvir last night. He was the cause of the earlier trouble. I thought you should know.’

  ‘Virvir!’ Her face cr
umpled. ‘Why does Rurik keep defying me? I wish I’d never taken the boy in. He has been nothing but trouble.’

  ‘Boys will be boys. Let me handle this, Kara.’ Silently he willed her to compromise. ‘See how excited he is. My men will keep him from harm. He will learn that the best warriors respect women.’

  ‘Sell-swords?’

  ‘Men who know how to use weapons properly, rather than bullies who will simply encourage bad behaviour,’ Ash corrected.

  Kara bit her lip, turning it the colour of autumn rosehips. ‘Very well. I suppose I should go and see about the sewing. There is more to getting ready for winter than watching warriors train, despite what my women seem to believe. By the time your men depart, I suspect more than one woman will have a full belly.’

  ‘Stay. Stay and watch me train,’ he asked softly, willing her to agree. He used to find excuses to send her away, but now he wanted her there. He wanted to show off for her. She had to be softening a little. ‘Like you used to.’

  Her cheeks coloured slightly, but she turned her head towards the dogs. ‘Why would I want to do that? I’ve no need of learning swordplay. I have no wish ever to be in a battle and there are a thousand things I need to do.’

  ‘Because I work harder when I know you are watching.’

  ‘Showing off.’ Her tongue flicked out and wet her lips, turning them a deeper red than the last of the summer cherries.

  ‘Demonstrating my skill.’

  ‘A warrior’s skill has no place in a peaceful farm. Why not demonstrate your skills with livestock or bringing in the grain?’

  Ash’s jaw tightened. Kara intended on fighting him for every morsel of respect and he knew he could not explain about his plan. If he did, she’d take Rurik away and any hope he had of gaining their regard would vanish. Some day he’d prove to her that she needed him and his unique skills.

  ‘They ensure a farm stays at peace. You have enough men to do the other tasks, but this estate is not very well defended.’ He paused, seeing her slightly shocked expression as she lifted her head from the dogs. ‘Are you going to deny it?’

  Kara tilted her chin in the air, looking the picture of a virtuous lady. It was all he could do to keep his hands at his sides, rather than grabbing and kissing her red lips. He had trouble remembering the last time he’d had to exercise this much self-control.

  ‘I watch only because I want to be able to answer Rurik’s questions tonight,’ she said with a tiny triumphant smile. ‘What sort of mother would I be if I failed to answer my son’s questions?’

  ‘I’m sure he is glad that you take an interest.’ He lowered his voice for her ears only. ‘I know I am.’

  ‘Please stop.’ Dipping her head, Kara made a show of brushing the dirt from her gown. ‘You overreach.’

  He caught her hand in mid-swipe, raising it to his lips. Her flesh quivered under the gentle pressure. ‘If I offended you, I’m sorry.’

  She withdrew her hand, but her eyes sparkled.

  ‘Your apology is accepted.’ She wrinkled her nose. Ash’s heart skipped a beat. The tiny gesture was so instantly familiar that he could not believe he had forgotten about it. He used to try and get her to wrinkle her nose for the sheer pleasure of watching her. ‘Who am I fooling? Yes, I do like to watch you fight. I always have. It can be very exciting to watch, but mainly it is for Rurik.’

  ‘I always used to try to fight better if I knew you were watching,’ he said with a rueful smile. ‘I always knew you were there, Kara, even when you hid in the bushes before we were engaged.’

  ‘I didn’t... That is... It was only the once and I was returning your falcon.’ Her eyes bulged. ‘You remember that!’

  ‘I had not thought about it for a long time,’ Ash admitted. ‘But it is in the back of my mind. It was one of the reasons why I gave your name when my father asked whom I wanted to marry. It felt right. And our marriage still feels right to me.’

  ‘You mean you had other more important things to think about.’ Her shoulders shook with barely suppressed indignation. ‘I understand. Just remember that my son isn’t something to be forgotten or ignored in the way I was. He isn’t to be humiliated either.’

  Ash struggled to control his fury. She had twisted his words. He had deliberately put such things from his mind. What was the point of remembering the good times when he was stuck in the horror of unending war? ‘I can remember my father yelling at me on this very training ground to be a man, to be a warrior and never to be weak like a woman. Know I will never humiliate Rurik in that way.’

  Something new gleamed in her eye. ‘I believe you.’

  ‘My son is my future. I want him to succeed rather than feel he will never measure up. I want him to feel that he can always return home.’

  ‘Good, I’m glad. Sometimes you seem more intent on showing off your skill than teaching.’ She held up her hand, stopping his protest. ‘Only an observation, Ash...from where I stand.’

  He winced. He supposed he deserved the rebuke for his earlier remark. ‘Your observations are always welcome.’

  ‘That is kind of you and unexpected.’

  ‘It is the truth.’ He reached out and caught her hand. ‘I will take good care of him, Kara, I promise. He is no less precious to me than you. I simply haven’t known him as long, but I like what I see. He is a boy that any man would be proud to call son. And I can never repay you for what you did to ensure his survival.’

  Her hand curled around his. ‘My pleasure.’

  ‘What are you afraid of?’ he enquired softly, watching her mouth.

  Her eyes slid away from his and she withdrew her hand from his. The cool autumn air rushed to fill the space between them. The ease vanished faster than the morning mist. ‘I’ve tarried far too long.’

  ‘A pity. Maybe next time, you will stay.’

  ‘I will think about it.’ Silently Kara vowed to find another way to keep an eye on Rurik, something which didn’t involve Ash getting the wrong idea about her. Or was it precisely the right idea? a tiny voice questioned in the back of her head. Angrily she silenced it.

  Ash was going to leave when the winter snows melted. Seawater and the love of raiding ran in his veins. It was why he trained the warriors so hard. He would go. This time he would not be taking her heart with him. Except she knew her thoughts lied. Each time she encountered Ash, her heart opened a bit more. Kara stuffed her hand into her mouth as she hurried away from him. He was entirely too unreliable to love.

  * * *

  ‘I surrender!’ Saxi put up his shield. ‘You have proved your point.’

  Ash checked his next move and lowered his sword. Sweat dripped down his face. It felt good to be moving and fighting. ‘You are a bit slow today, Saxi.’

  ‘You work too hard, old friend. You will end up injuring your leg again.’

  Instinctively Ash leant down and rubbed the knot in his upper thigh. Now that he had stopped, the pain started. But it was easier to work hard, rather than to think about Kara and the way her dress moulded against her curves. ‘I know what I am doing.’

  Saxi pursed his lips as if he wished to say more. ‘You’re the man who pays the gold.’

  ‘You will consider staying after...?’ Ash tilted his head to one side. He was being pragmatic. Kara seemed further away from him than ever. It was only a matter of time before his uncle made his move and he’d have to fight for real. Whatever happened, he needed to know that someone he trusted would watch over his family.

  Saxi drew a line in the dirt. ‘You know how much of a life debt I owe you.’

  ‘And you like the look of the area?’ Ash lifted a brow. ‘Or the women?’

  ‘It amazes me that you waited this long before returning.’

  ‘I had my reasons,’ Ash said, looking over to the tuntreet. Tall and unyielding. ‘You never met my f
ather.’

  ‘And did those reasons include your wife?’ the other man asked softly.

  ‘None of your business.’

  ‘It is my business if you force us to work this hard so that you don’t dream about her. You still sleep outside, Ash. It is not good.’

  ‘You are getting soft. Too much ale and feasting. Too many women. I want you all in the best condition.’ Ash regarded the empty river. ‘My uncle will make his move soon. I want to be ready.’

  ‘You think your uncle will come after you?’

  ‘Our escape from Sand was too easy.’

  ‘Does your lady wife know it was an escape?’ Saxi asked. ‘She appears more concerned about getting the food stored than about taking precautions.’

  ‘She thought the speed of the journey had to do with my desire to see my son. I didn’t bother to enlighten her.’ Ash stretched. ‘I did want to see him, but I wanted to be in possession of Jaarlshiem when my uncle made his move.’

  ‘Tell her, my friend. Immediately. Women like to make preparations in case of war.’

  ‘I refuse to borrow trouble. It is possibly my instinct gone all wrong. When I was young, my uncle was ever a friend to me.’

  ‘When did you say our ship would arrive? I left my best shield on board.’

  Ash shaded his eyes from the glare of the sun and looked out along the wide river. ‘I had anticipated it today, but it could be longer. Helgi the Short won’t play me false. He owes me too many life debts and he knows I’d hunt him down.’

  ‘You can be ruthless when you want to be.’

  ‘I prefer single-minded. I refuse to worry until the middle of next week. There will be time enough to tell Kara then if the ship fails to appear.’

  He offered a small prayer up to the gods that he could uncover the key to her passion before then.

  The grizzled warrior shrugged. ‘My wife used to appreciate knowing about such things in advance. You are storing trouble. Trust her instead of looking at her like you want to eat her up.’

  ‘Kara will only panic and take Rurik away. They are safer here.’