Stop, Shannon thought as she opened the door. Who was she trying to fool? It was time to face the truth instead of believing in dreams. To stay there would only cause more problems. Why would she even consider staying in Dublin anyway? Ravenshield’s band of Vikings invaded her village, leaving nothing behind but a pile of rubble. What had been done was unforgivable.
Still, she saw a side of him that most did not know about. Though he was a fierce warrior, Ravenshield had shown her a compassionate side that few had rarely seen. Some would consider it loving. Late at night when they were alone, he took his time and satisfied her every need. He had a gentle touch and was never overbearing or forceful. Though he had seen many battles, she could see his eyes soften whenever he looked at her. It was difficult to admit, but she felt safe in his arms.
Shannon shut the door to the bathhouse and lit more torches. Things were just too frustrating to deal with, she thought. Bennetraige had been destroyed, and most of her clan had fallen. In spite of it all, she was drawn to the man who had orchestrated the raid.
This was too confusing to deal with. She placed her dress on the bench near the pool and sighed. Each time Ravenshield made love to her, she felt guilty for enjoying it. No matter how badly she wanted to hold back, she could not deny him.
Stop worrying, she said to herself while pouring a generous amount of oils in the water. She bent down and whiffed the vapors, indulging her senses in the sweet aroma. While peeling off her dress, she remembered their first encounter inside the bathhouse and how he ravished her body. His kisses had scorched her skin with a desire that consumed her. Every nerve in her body had ignited in flames.
A yearning filled her stomach as she stood naked by the pool. A thin fog wrapped around her body as she waded into the water. The soft scent of heather and roses floated in the air. This was pure bliss, she thought, submerging herself. After resurfacing, she ran her fingers through her hair and leaned against the side. The oils saturated her pores, softening her skin.
She closed her eyes, wishing that Ravenshield was there. He was a man that consumed her thoughts. She was possessed by his touch. There would be times when she would ache for him so badly that it drove her mad. And this was one of those moments that sent her over the edge.
Shannon exhaled and ran her hand down her neck, massaging her shoulder. Thoughts of Gunnar raced through her mind as her hand slid down farther, skimming across the taut nipples that jutted from underneath the water. She longed for him, wanting him to take control of her body as he had so many times before. Something stirred deep within as her fingers glided down the center of her belly.
“Gunnar,” she whispered, parting the soft peaks that hid the bloom of her passion. “I wish you were here with me.”
Shannon imagined his fingers rubbing the sensitive knot that gave her pleasure. Gunnar made her feel warm inside, and she wanted to experience it now. She pulsed her hips back and forth slowly grinding against her palm, stroking harder.
“Yes,” she moaned, thrusting faster. Pressure mounted as ripples splashed against her breasts. If only he were here to lick the droplets from her skin. And to kiss her. There. She imagined his lips sucking on her intimate flesh, burying his tongue deeply inside her core. Heat started to rise, a slick film saturated her from the inside out.
“Gunnar,” she moaned breathlessly as a wave of tremors cascaded over her body. She bucked wildly against her palm, losing all control. The spasms went on as another wave of them rocked her body. Minutes later they subsided, leaving her exhausted and satisfied. She leaned against the side of the basin and drifted off...
The fog began to shimmer and sparkle, gradually taking shape though it was difficult to see. Little by little, the contour became clearer—a jawline, a nose. It was Ravenshield’s face. His eyes filled with desire as a slight grin crossed his lips. A halo of light surrounded his naked body. He had come for her, and she was more than willing to go. She felt safe and calm, completely protected. There was no reason to run and hide. He would defend her.
“Step out of the clouds,” she said, reaching for him.
Suddenly, the halo burst into flames. Ravenshield howled as his face twisted and contorted. His form slowly melted into something else—something threatening.
Dark eyes burrowed deeply into her soul. A set of teeth glowed through the fire. Her blood ran cold as a sinister laugh pierced the air. She could see him clearly. There was no question about it.
“Magnus!” she screamed.
A thunderous boom exploded in her ears. Flames shattered like ice. She could hear the sound of her heart pounding fiercely, feel it hammer against each rib. Terror gripped her.
Light streamed in from outside, breaking the murky haze. She heard the sound of footsteps running toward the door. This is real, Shannon thought as a cold chill streaked down her spine. She was not alone.
“Oh my God.” She saw a figure dart out of the door. “Someone was watchin’ me.”
Chapter 12
Gunnar strolled up the gravel path and watched the hills melt into the sunset. Tonight was the night of King Olaf’s feast. He had brought home plenty of riches from his raid, and it was time to welcome him home. Of course, there was another reason to celebrate. The king would name a new jarl in Dublin—and that jarl was Gunnar Ravenshield.
He had worked hard to earn this status, and nothing was going to ruin tonight. After the ceremony, he planned to celebrate in his own special way—in bed with Shannon. He could not wait to see her to see her in the gown. A lady must be properly dressed to attend the feast and he could not wait to peel it off of her later on. Yes, he thought, the evening would be perfect. Flawless.
Ravenshield unlatched the door and walked in. He removed his cloak and hung it on the hook next to the window. When he turned around, he saw Shannon fastening a leather strap she had woven in her braids.
“Good evening, sweeting,” he whispered, “You look beautiful. The dress brings out the color of your eyes.”
He rested his hand on her cheek and kissed her lips softly, drinking in the faint scent that shimmered from her skin. She smelled like a bed of flowers. His manhood hardened wanting to take her right then and there.
“Thank you,” she said nervously.
“What is the matter, Shannon?” he asked, looking into her eyes.
“We must talk.” She swallowed hard and wrung her hands.
“Tell me what is wrong?”
“I will go with you tonight on the condition that you set me free.”
Ravenshield was stunned. “Where did this come from?”
“I-I need to leave.”
“No.”
“I cannae stay.”
“You’re place is with me. I thought I had made that clear when we arrived in Dublin.”
“Ye don’ understand,” she said, pacing the floor.
“Shannon,” he whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder, “How can I when you won’t tell me what has vexed you?”
“Someone was watchin’ me today,” she whispered, looking out of the window.
“There were plenty of merchants in the bazaar. I was there and made sure that no one bothered you or Gerta.”
“No.” She shook her head. Tears welled in her eyes. “It was after that. “Someone was watchin’ me while I bathed.”
“Was it Kiera?”
“Yes. I mean, no.”
“Magnus?”
“I-I’m not sure.”
“Calm down,” he said, “and tell me what you saw.”
Shannon couldn’t tell him everything, especially of her horrible vision. He would think it was part of the prophecy, and she wanted nothing to do with that. Uneasiness churned in her stomach. Fear seized her heart. Something terrible was going to happen. She could feel it. Not only was she in danger, but Gunnar was too. After taking a deep breath, she whispered, “I’m frightened.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Shannon,” he reassured, “I will protect you.”
“Nothin�
�� can protect against destiny.” Her voice shook as she remembered the Woodland Witch’s chant. Death and destruction will follow ‘til she’s bound. Beware, Ravenshield, lest you’re buried in the ground.
“For God’s sake, Gunnar. Listen to reason. Both of us are in danger. Ye have to let me go!”
“I will not do it.”
She pulled away. “I cannae handle this anymore! Ye must set me free.”
“Get the notion of leaving out of your head.”
“Terrible things will happen if I stay here,” she said prophetically, “Let me go, Gunnar. Let me go before it’s too late.”
“No!” he shouted, “Get hold of yourself, Shannon. Come. It’s time to go to the feast.”
“That’s all ye can think about, isn’t it,” she spat, balling up her fists, “It’s whatever pleases ye. Doesnae it matter that ye ripped me from my homeland? Or am I just one more of yer slaves?”
“Watch your tongue,” he warned.
“Why?” she asked, “Does the truth hurt?”
“Enough!” He took a step closer and growled, “You are staying here with me, and that is final.”
“Ye do have a black heart.” She gnashed her teeth.
“I do not understand, Shannon.” He leaned in closer. “I shower you with gifts and treat you better than anyone else living in my household, yet you act this way.”
“Ye must let me go,” she said, gritting her teeth.
“Perhaps I should give you to another,” he threatened, “Maybe someone else can tame you.”
“You wouldnae dare!” she exclaimed.
“Do not tempt me,” he said, glaring at her. “I have had enough of this, Shannon. You will accompany me to the feast this evening and behave yourself. If you utter as much as a cross word to me or anyone else, I will put you on the slave ship tomorrow. Naked.”
Shannon’s mouth went dry. Her face paled. A cold chill ran down her spine. She had crossed the line this time and, from the look on his face, Ravenshield would have no reservations in selling her to another. Couldn’t he see? Of course, he didn’t. She could not tell him about her visions. That would only fuel his belief in the Norse gods. She was stuck, slowly sinking in a bog filled with terror and no one could help her.
“Silence becomes you, my lady,” he said and extended his hand. “It’s time to go.”
Shannon breezed by him, ignoring him. There was no dealing with this anymore, she thought. He was too stubborn to realize the danger they both were in. All she could do was pray that the evening would pass quickly.
Chapter 13
“Gunnar!” A voice rang out in the crowd. “It’s about time you showed up.”
“Erik.” Gunnar smiled and grabbed the warrior’s arm. “It’s good to see you again. You are looking well, old man.”
Erik threw his head back and laughed. “And so are you.”
“I’m glad you have returned home from a-Viking,” he said, patting his friend on the back.
“Our last raid was very fruitful. We brought back many treasures,” Erik added, “I see that you have a treasure of your own. Where did you get such a beauty? How much did you pay for her?”
Gunnar cleared his throat and replied, “I found her on the southern coast of Ireland.”
“Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to find one for myself,” he said, “What do you call her?”
Shannon spouted, “My name is Shannon, and I’m no slave.”
Gunnar squeezed her arm slightly, warning her to watch her tongue.
“I see she’s a fiery one!” Erik laughed and gulped his mead. “You have your hands full, Ravenshield.”
As soon as Erik staggered into the crowd, Gunnar leaned over and whispered, “Consider this your last warning, Shannon. I will not tolerate any more outbursts.”
Shannon stood there staring at him. Her mouth had gotten her in trouble again. But did he expect her to stand there and listen to that? It was humiliating. Revolting. Though she should have bitten her tongue instead of speaking her mind, Shannon couldn’t help but defend herself. Watch out, she thought. Gunnar Ravenshield was a man of his word. She had to be careful. He could sell her, and that was too terrifying to think about.
He shuffled Shannon over to the end of the feasting table and sat down beside her. She looked down at the empty plate and sighed. It would be difficult to sup among those who considered her a slave. They were no better than she. Just because they defeated her village did not make them superior.
Shannon glanced around as people gathered around. The entire village came out to celebrate—men, women, children—there were too many to count. All of them were dressed in their finest. As she scanned the crowd, an older Viking with a long white beard caught her eye. He took his place at the head table and whispered something to one of the guards that was standing next to him.
He was their king, Shannon thought, admiring the rubies and emeralds decorated his crown. His cloak was made of animal fur. Each of his fingers was adorned by silver rings. She looked closer and noticed that a scar ran down the left side of his face. It had to be a wound from one of the raids.
Suddenly, a stout woman shuffled over to him and sat down. Her crown was decorated similar to his, and she wore a matching brooch.
“I see you have noticed King Olaf the White. That is his wife, Aud.” Ravenshield leaned over and whispered in Shannon’s ear. “They are the most powerful people in the land.”
“I see,” Shannon said dryly.
Shannon looked on, watching King Olaf rise from his seat. With two sharp claps, a flurry of servants emerged from the king’s longhouse carrying trays of fish, meat, cheese, and bread. She never saw so much food in her life. Her stomach growled. Given different circumstances, she would have dug in and ate her fill, but not this time. How could she eat among those who considered her beneath them? She glanced over to Ravenshield, watching him help plate.
“Shannon,” he said, taking a bite of crusty bread, “Eat. There’s no use in starving yourself.”
She shot him a dirty look and heaped a spoonful of vegetables on her plate. His arrogance grated on her last nerve though part of her knew that he was right. Depriving herself wouldn’t solve a thing. Wielding her fork like a weapon, she stabbed a potato and popped it in her mouth.
Shannon continued to eat while listening to the chatter around her. Some of them talked about the voyage home, riches, and sailing the seas. Others spoke of adventures in lands that she had not heard of. It was frustrating when they prattled on in their Nordic language. Although there were crowds of people around her, she felt alone.
Hopefully, it would be over soon, Shannon thought as she picked at her food. Tonight was meant to be enjoyed, to celebrate a homecoming, but it was turning out to be the worse night of her life. It was dreadful. Ravenshield was angry with her, and there was nothing she could do about it. He was too wrapped up in his own affairs to realize how much she hurt inside. Who wouldn’t defend themselves after being called a slave? She sighed and looked away toward the head table listening to the Vikings chatter.
King Olaf stood in front of the masses and held out his hands. “Attention, great warriors.”
The buzz of the crowd gradually faded as the king raised his goblet.
“What’s he doin’?” Shannon asked quietly.
“Listen,” Ravenshield whispered, “The king is going to make an announcement.”
“Greetings fellow warriors of Dublin,” he said, “It is good to be home.”
“Huzzah!” the crowd rallied.
“Tonight is a celebration, a time to make merry. We are warriors bred to conquer, and we have done so without knowing defeat. Our people have grown strong in numbers, spanning across faraway lands. We have mastered the sea. Nothing can stop us! We are Viking!”
“Huzzah!” the crowd roared as warriors beat their shields with swords.
King Olaf cleared his throat and walked toward the people. “There is one among us that has achieved more than most in Dublin. Hi
s skill on the battlefield is most superior. He is a great seafarer and can navigate through many treacherous waters. His bravery knows no bounds. I was proud to welcome him into our clan many years ago, and now I am honored to appoint him as Jarl. Gunnar Ravenshield, come forward.”
Gunnar rose from his seat and walked down the center aisle. He had waited a long time for this, and now his dream was about to come true. His years of service had finally paid off. Life was going to change for the better, Ravenshield thought as he slowly climbed the steps to the king’s table.
“Kneel before me,” King Olaf commanded.
“As you wish, my lord,” Ravenshield said, dropping to one knee.
The king drew his sword and lowered the flat end of the blade on Gunnar’s right shoulder, then the left. “Ravenshield, as king of Dublin, I hereby grant you the title of jarl among the Vikings. Your loyalty has proven you worthy of this title. May you live long and die well.”
“Huzzah!” the crowd cheered on, “Huzzah!”
Shannon looked on as Queen Aud presented him with a dagger bearing the mark of a jarl. Though she had been forced to come, she couldn’t help but swell with pride, knowing that he had been awarded such a great honor.
“There you are, Shannon,” a voice growled from behind her.
A cold shiver ran down Shannon’s back as Magnus slithered next to her. Her worst nightmare was about to come true. Nerves rippled her stomach. Fear lodged in her throat. His eyes trailed down the length of her body, feasting on much more than just food. Nausea swept over her as she watched his lips curl.
“What do you want?” she asked nervously.
“Just to enjoy your company, my lady,” he said, sitting down beside her, “That’s all.”
“I’m sure Gunnar will be coming back soon,” she added.
“I’m counting on it,” he said, leaning toward her, “I have had an eye on you.”
Shannon’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him. His black eyes bore a hole straight through her. Sitting this close to Magnus made her sick. “What do you mean by that?”
Conquered Shores Page 9
