“I had to save him,” Ravenshield whispered, “I know how hard you fought to keep him here.”
Shannon’s heart fluttered. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Ravenshield had risked his life in order to rescue a child because of her.
“Braelin’s a good lad,” she said.
“And a hard worker,” he wheezed, “He had settled in with Dirk’s family shortly after we arrived.”
Gerta gave him some water to drink then leaned over and asked, “Gunnar, Dirk’s longhouse has been destroyed. What happened? Did the fire pit burn out of control?”
“I don’t know,” he wheezed.
Shannon suddenly remembered her vision of flames surrounding Ravenshield. Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “Someone had set the fire.”
Gerta shot her a strange look and asked, “How do ye know?”
Shannon swallowed nervously. “I just have a gut feelin’, that’s all.”
Ravenshield turned to face her, studying every move she made. She refused to look him in the eye. Her hands trembled slightly as she swayed back and forth. Shannon knew something, he thought, watching her bite her lower lip. It was written all over her face. He could see it in her eyes. Whatever secret she was hiding, it was eating away at her, consuming her slowly.
“Shannon,” he said, trying to clear his throat.
“Yes?”
“Do you need to tell me something?”
“No,” she answered quietly and turned away.
Ravenshield stared her down, knowing she was not telling the truth. Shannon had not acted this way before. If she knew who had set the fire, then why not tell him? It just did not make sense. Perhaps she had been threatened and was too scared to say anything. The truth was going to surface soon or later, he thought, scratching his chin. One way or the other, he would find out.
Chapter 16
Several days had gone by since the fire, and Shannon decided to steal some time away from the longhouse. After tending to Ravenshield’s injuries and praying for him night after night, she needed to clear her head. She had been under a great deal of stress, and a leisurely walk down the beach would help ease her mind.
Shannon breathed in the crisp air and exhaled as sand gritted between her toes. Watching the sun’s rays pierce through the thick clouds gave her some comfort even though visions of the fire still lingered in her mind. She watched light splash over the waves making the sea shimmer like gold. Breakers crashing against the shoreline chased the terrible images away.
She closed her eyes and savored the peaceful moment. Life was getting back to normal. Wait, she thought. Did she know what normal was anymore? Her life had changed so much since leaving Bennetraige, and living among Vikings was not as horrible as she had thought. There was a lot to be thankful for in spite of it all. She even made a few friends and had accepted her role in Ravenshield’s household.
Ravenshield.
Shannon looked toward the horizon and sighed. Gunnar Ravenshield was every bit the man she could ever want. With his rugged good looks and bold presence, she could not resist him. Not only was he strong and protective, but also gentle and loving. Gunnar cared for her. She could sense it. His feelings were apparent every time they made love. His tender kisses, his gentle caress. He did not have to say a word for her to know how he felt. He showed her.
And Shannon could not deny how she felt about him either. Her feelings had won the battle that raged within. There was no use in fighting it any longer. There was no turning back. He had won the ultimate prize—her heart. She had fallen in love with him.
As she stood on the shore watching seagulls skim over the water, a cloud of doubt hovered over her. Who was she trying to fool? Love could not hold them together when everything else was coming undone. Ravenshield’s customs clashed with hers, and too many strange things were happening around them that seemed to divide them. The world that they lived in was tearing them apart. No matter how hard she wanted to believe they could be together, reality resurfaced and festered like an infection until her dreams withered away into nothing.
A tear trickled down her cheek as sorrow filled her heart. The truth was too difficult to face, yet too strong to ignore. There were too many obstacles, too many problems that stood in the way. The love she had for him could not weather the storm that brewed around them. She knew that.
After the fire, she sensed that he had become suspicious of her. He could not hide the doubt in his eyes. It was so obvious that Gerta questioned her about it.
“What was that all about, lass?” Gerta had asked.
“I don’ know,” Shannon had answered, “Gunnar hasnae been himself lately.”
“Ravenshield watches ye with a wary eye. Ye better set things straight before it goes on much longer.”
Shannon would never forget the look on his face after the fire. His eyes had filled with suspicion. An eerie quiet had separated them. There was no way to cover that up, she said to herself. Ravenshield had lost faith in her.
It did not matter now, she thought, running her fingers through her hair as a gentle breeze blew by. Deep down, she suspected that Kiera had something to do with the fire, but she was too afraid to tell anyone. If she would tell, then Kiera would want revenge. And Shannon wanted no part of that.
She heaved a sigh and looked down. Gunnar would probably think it was nothing but a jealous quarrel. He was too stubborn for his own good. Why should she bother trying?
Shannon watched waves roll in from the deep and tried to quell the grief that filled her. Why did life have to be so cruel? There was no way to win no matter how hard she fought. Stress slowly crushed her, smothered her last glimmer of hope. Shannon knew what had to be done but wasn’t sure if she had the strength to carry through.
Nothing was going to change—not even a miracle could erase the uncertainty swirling in Ravenshield’s mind. Shannon swallowed the lump that had formed in the back of her throat and shuddered. This was the hardest thing that she had to face. She had no other choice, but to leave. It would only make matters worse if she stayed. There was no other way around it. She would have to learn to love Gunnar from a distance—that was her only choice. But how? Could she leave the man she loved?
“Dear God,” she prayed, “Give me the strength.”
“And why does your god need to grant such a request?” Ravenshield asked, walking up behind her.
“Gunnar,” she said nervously, “I didnae hear ye.”
“You were somewhere else,” he sucked in a deep breath and continued, “Lost in your thoughts.”
It was more like drowning, she said to herself. “I cannae deny that.”
Ravenshield studied her closely—the tear stains on her face, the sadness in her eyes—something was not right. Ever since the fire, she had become withdrawn and reclusive. She was pulling away from him.
“Shannon,” he whispered, wiping a tear from her cheek.
“Yes?”
“Are you alright?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Something is bothering you.”
“No, it isnae,” she lied, averting his gaze.
“Then why have you been crying?”
“No, I wasnae. I-I had somethin’ in my eye.”
“Shannon,” he said, turning her head with his thumb, “I’ve been with you long enough to know when you are upset.”
She sighed, “It’s nothin’ to be concerned about.”
“Please, tell me. I only want to help you. Whatever it is, you should not bear this burden alone. I am here.”
Shannon watched a few strands of his hair twist in the wind as his broad chest flexed with each breath. Her heart softened. Her willpower faltered. She wanted him to be the one that she could confide in—to lean on when something troubled her. It would be easy to tell him. Tell him everything that weighed on her heart, but she just could not risk it.
“Some things are better left alone,” she sighed.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
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Suddenly, a shrill cry echoed from above, sending a cascade of gooseflesh down Shannon’s spine. She looked to the sky and saw Andor circling overhead. The falcon darted in and out of the murky clouds, calling for his master.
Ravenshield stretched out his arm and whistled. The bird shot out of the sky like an arrow soaring through the mists, slicing through the air. It dove straight for them. Within seconds, a flurry of feathers burst in front of his eyes before the falcon lit on his gauntlet, digging each talon into the thick leather.
“I see that ye have command over beasts as well,” Shannon grinned, noticing a pouch tied to the falcon’s leg.
“Andor has been a loyal friend to me for many seasons,” Ravenshield explained while unlacing the tie, “He can track prey for days and still find his way home.”
“Andor doesnae stop until he gets what he wants.”
Ravenshield looked at Shannon and grinned devilishly. “He is just like his master.”
“I see.” Shannon swallowed hard as Ravenshield tucked the pouch inside his belt.
He gazed into the sky and felt the sun’s rays warm his skin. “It is a beautiful day, is it not?”
“It is.”
“Let us get away for awhile. I know a place where we can be alone.”
“Alone?”
“Yes,” he said, “We can get there on horseback.”
Ravenshield took her by the hand and quietly strolled up the dunes toward the stables. There had to be a way to find out what vexed her, and a peaceful afternoon away from Dublin could lead him to the answer. Be patient, he said silently, rounding the bend. He hoped to finally get to the bottom of things.
“Wait here,” he said, opening the door, “I’ll get Goti. You will love him.”
Shannon smiled broadly as Gunnar entered the stable. Within minutes, he reappeared with a cream-colored shire horse. His eyes were as black as soot, his nose a dark grey.
She reached out and scrubbed him under his chin. “He’s beautiful.”
“I knew you would like him,” he smiled, “Come, let us ride.”
Ravenshield slid his hands around her waist and lifted her on the horse. He mounted behind her and reached around to grab a handful of the horse’s mane. With a nudge of his heels, he prodded Goti onward, guiding the shire toward the forest. “Where are we goin’?” Shannon asked.
He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “It is a surprise.”
Butterflies fluttered in her belly as he teased her earlobe. There was no way she could defend against his gentle seduction. She closed her eyes as he pushed against her backside rhythmically, matching the pulse of the horse’s stride.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, holding her tightly.
“I’ve missed ye too,” she whispered, “How much farther?”
He grazed his lips across the nape of her neck and murmured, “We are almost there.”
Shannon leaned against his body as birds sang a song that lulled her into sweet surrender. A gentle breeze caressed her face. She closed her eyes and savored the moment—no worries, no danger. As they traveled another hour, she relaxed and soaked in her surroundings. The sweet smell of wildflowers teased her nostrils. Golden rays of sunshine warmed her skin. It was pure paradise.
Ravenshield pulled on the horse’s mane, stopping him in his tracks. “We are here.”
Shannon opened her eyes to find a steep hill looming in front of her. Gazing up from below, she could see remnants of a fort crowning the mound. “What is this place?”
“Come,” he smiled, sliding off Goti’s back, “Let us climb to the top.”
Shannon grinned as he helped her off. She slid her palm in his and followed him toward the trail. Step by step, they weaved their way around trees and shrubs. The scent of pine floated in the air. A constant hum from insects enveloped them as they plodded up the hill.
“Look at the clouds,” she said, watching a tower of white form in the eastern sky.
“It will storm tonight,” Gunnar predicted, trudging up the path.
Shannon inhaled. “I can smell it in the air. It’ll rain before dusk.”
“There was no dew on the grass this morning. It will rain after nightfall.”
“No. Yer eyes are weak. It’ll rain before that.”
“My sight is as sharp as a hawk’s,” he smiled, gripping her hand tightly.
“Or are ye blind as a mole?” she giggled.
Ravenshield threw his head back and laughed. She never ceased to amaze him with her wit and keen mind. Shannon had bewitched him, and his feelings had grown each day. Prophecy or no prophecy, she was his perfect match. He wanted her to leave the past behind and start anew.
“Come.” Ravenshield covered her eyes with his hands.
“What are ye doing?” She rested her palms on top of his.
“It is a surprise,” he said, guiding her way.
“Gunnar,” she started, “I cannae see.”
He leaned over and whispered, “Trust me.”
Shannon smiled and held on to his arms. She put her faith in him, knowing he was there to watch over her. Protect her.
“Ye leave me no choice.” She grinned.
Ravenshield guided her to the edge and dropped his hands. “Welcome to Wicklow Mountains.”
Shannon looked out into the rolling hills and smiled. The wilderness seemed to go on forever. She stood in awe, watching a flock of birds fly across the valley. “It’s lovely.”
“Look over there,” Ravenshield said, pointing to the western hills, “That is Glendalough and over there is the Valley of Two Lakes.”
“I’ve never seen such beauty,” she said.
“Could you live here?” he asked.
“What?” Shannon turned to him, stunned. “Live here? But what about...”
“Shannon,” Gunnar began, “King Olaf has rewarded me handsomely for my loyalty. He has given me this land. As jarl, I plan to rebuild this fortress and start another settlement here in Wicklow.”
“What about Dublin?”
“My work there is done,” he explained, “It’s time to claim my own lands and build my name as ruler instead of servant.”
Servant. Shannon grimaced at the sound of the word. Kiera’s voice echoed relentlessly in her mind.
It’s a matter of time before he tires of you and comes back to me….
Shannon watched the clouds drift lazily across the sky. “Who will come with us?”
“My entire household, members of my crew that wish to settle...”
“Kiera?”
“Yes,” he said, “Kiera is part of my household.”
“I thought so.”
Ravenshield stepped in front of her and caressed her cheek gently. He knew those two did not get along, but there was nothing he could do about it. Jealousy was the root of the problem and he hoped that the two women could call a truce. He had to reassure Shannon that she was the only woman he desired.
“Shannon,” he said, looking into her eyes, “You have nothing to fear.”
“Ye don’ know what evil she holds in her heart.”
“She will not do anything to you.”
“How do ye know that?”
“She knows better.”
“I don’ trust her. She’s out to get anyone who stands in her way.”
“She has been a part of my household for many seasons. I admit that she can be stubborn, but Kiera knows better than to defy me.”
“Gunnar, I cannae live under the same roof as she.”
Jealousy had reared its ugly head again, Gunnar thought, holding her hand. What was it going to take to ease her mind? He gazed down at her, silently watching several wisps of her auburn hair tease her cheek. She was beautiful, bewitching. In his heart, he wanted to keep her satisfied no matter what the cost. His decision may result in sacrifice, but her happiness was worth it.
“If she displeases you, then I will sell her to another.”
Shannon stared straight into his eyes and listened to the wind
whisper familiar words that haunted her dreams. It is a matter of time before he tires of you... She cringed. Kiera had been Ravenshield’s lover for a long time, yet he was going to cast her aside without a second thought. Of course, she was elated that he would rid himself of her, but his demeanor left much to question. She turned to him and whispered,
“Could ye do the same to me?”
“What?” he asked.
“When ye grow tired of me, will ye sell me as well?”
Gunnar shot her a confused look. “Shannon, how could you say such a thing?”
“Ye fancied Kiera for a time before ye set yer sights on me. I cannae help but wonder if I’ll share her fate some day.”
“I could not do that to you,” he explained, “Shannon, we are destined to be together.”
“Stop, Gunnar. Our worlds are too different. It will be a matter of time before...”
“No,” he said sharply, “We belong together.”
“It’ll never last,” she said.
“It can, and it will. It is our destiny,” he said, clasping her hand, “Put those differences aside for a moment, and open your eyes. Shannon, look beyond the Viking and see the man standing before you.”
“I can see ye clearly,” she said, “No matter how hard we try, we’re star-crossed. Nothin’ good will come out of this, Gunnar. I know it.”
“How can you say that?” he asked.
“Don’ ye remember Ursa’s words?”
“I do.”
“There’s too much at stake.”
“Not when it comes to how I feel.”
“You must set your feelings aside.”
“No.”
“It’s for the best.”
“How do you know that?” he asked.
She looked down, knowing that it would not be wise to tell him about her visions. To do so would just fuel him. Shannon cleared her throat and whispered, “I just sense it.”
“Sense it?”
She nodded her head.
“Shannon,” he started, “You have nothing to fear. I have vowed to protect you.”
“Can you protect us from destiny?”
“I believe in what Freya said. We are bound to each other. Our destinies weave endlessly just like the Celtic knot of your clan.” Gunnar reached in his belt and pulled out the pouch that had been tied to Andor’s leg. He unlaced the straps and turned it upside down. With a tender shake, a sparkling necklace fell into his palm. It was her necklace—the one he had taken from her when she arrived in Dublin.
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