Chapter 8
Risk
“Goddamnit, pick up the sword.” Erling was a soulless, raving lunatic.
Kara shot him a scornful look. Her arms were simply too weak to lift the heavy weapon after hours of ceaseless exercises. Sweat rolled down her face, half blinding her. “Water,” she croaked.
“Fight!” The man could not be dissuaded.
Struggling to lift the weapon above her head, her arms trembled uncontrollably. She finally managed to raise it a few inches, but her legs gave out. She sank to her knees, dropping the sword. Someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind. Weak as a newborn lamb, she turned to see who it was. The youngest member of Erling’s band of thieves offered her a cup.
“Take it.” He shoved it into her hands.
She rewarded the boy with a smile, took a tiny sip, then doubled over and vomited.
“Pathetic and weak.” Erling strutted over, then grabbed a handful of her hair. He snapped her head back.
At first, she saw his features clearly, but the harder she tried to focus, the more blurry her vision became.
“Over before it began,” he said coldly, loosening his grip. “Yield, girl. Admit a woman cannot outmaneuver or overpower a man.”
She groaned. His face was so bloody tense—twisted and cruel. It would be a cold day in Hel before she surrendered to this pig. “Curse your existence.” With what little strength she had left, Kara wrenched free, then staggered to her feet. “What is the purpose of all this?”
“I’ve told you, to break you.”
Of what? Nothing this man said or did made any sense. His claims were baseless—his motivation unclear. She’d never met him before. “My father will pay whatever ransom you ask,” she panted, her ribs so sore she couldn’t move. “What possible use could you have for me?”
“You surprise me.” He stepped closer. “The woman I watched sparring in the woods excited me. Gave me hope that I might find a worthy partner. But after hearing your mindless questions, I wonder if you’re worth keeping. Think, Kara. What would any man want with you?”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “Marriage?”
He laughed.
Odin help me. She managed to sit on her knees and gaze up at him. “You want me for your bed, but not as your wife?” She flung her head back. “And you expect me to go along with this? Not to fight for my honor?”
“I want you to fight me until you don’t have an ounce of strength left inside that tiny body.”
Tired and hungry, she decided to refrain from further argument. No matter what he said or did right now, she wouldn’t understand his motive. In the end, her fear and confusion no longer mattered, she collapsed at his feet.
Kara woke up on a dirt floor, inside a crumbling cabin. She studied her shabby surroundings; there were holes as big as fists in the walls and the thatched roof sagged in the middle. Furniture was sparse and the only source of light came through two small windows near the door. She sat up. Her arms and legs felt as heavy as boulders—and her arse ached. She called for Amelia, but the maid didn’t come. Who dared to remove her braies, leather shirt, then dress her in a clean gown?
Her skin burned when she voiced her own answer. Erling Solheim? The only bastard in camp brazen enough to touch her. He’d made it a point to let her know he intended her for his mistress. Cooperating with this jackal was out of the question. She stood, walked to the door, then opened it. She’d get more information, even if she had to resort to violence herself.
A dozen cabins and trees surrounded her. Kara heard the echo of merrymaking. Somewhere beyond the shelters, men were eating and drinking. She followed the smell of smoke, walking silently. They were seated at the fire eating. And waiting for me. Before she made her presence known, she scolded herself for ever leaving home—for endangering Amelia. All the training in the world hadn’t prepared her for the man who’d kidnapped and humiliated her. Erling outweighed her by eight stones or more. He pushed her so hard her body finally gave out. However, he hadn’t broken her spirit. She’d resist until she drew her last breath. Something emerged from the shadows.
“Enjoying the fresh air?”
His voice made her cringe. “I’ve enjoyed nothing since you brought me here.”
“Then I’ve succeeded.”
“At what?”
“Don’t be in such a hurry to learn all my secrets, Kara. In time you’ll understand.” He stared at her, then caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Your color has improved since you fainted. You slept a long time.”
She hadn’t fainted, she’d collapsed from near starvation and exhaustion. “How long?”
“Nearly two days.”
The thought of being at his complete mercy for that long nearly undid her. Had he violated her while she slept? “I don’t believe you.”
“I will never lie to you.”
She looked around frantically, searching for an escape. Where would she go? There were no distinguishing landmarks, only an endless sea of trees.
He must have sensed her fear. “Submit yourself to me without question and you’ll remain unharmed. I reward obedience. And if you think anyone will take liberties with you, rest assured, my men are forbidden to touch you. Understand?”
She found little consolation in those words.
“There’s a stream beyond the last cabin where you can bathe.” He pointed. “Food and water. Clean clothes and a fire to keep you warm at night. You may walk freely amongst us, but if you try to escape, I’ll find you. What happens afterward won’t be pleasant.”
She’d already been a victim of his abuse—he didn’t need to keep reminding her what he was capable of. “For a brief moment, I thought you were going to act civilized.”
Erling leaned in and whispered, “There’s no justice in the forest—no kindness—no real law.”
“Where’s Amelia?”
“Safe and working with the women.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. Amelia’s safe-keeping depended on her willingness to cooperate. Suddenly, the thought of being married to Marteinn seemed palatable. He’d never hurt her. She missed her father and brothers and home. She’d been free for less than a week and look where she’d ended up. All her father’s blustering had proven to be correct. Men were truly beasts at heart.
“Join me. You need food to keep up your strength. We’ve a long day ahead of us.” He gripped her elbow and steered her toward the bonfire.
Kara stared heavenward. Where was the man she truly wanted?
Please, Odin. Send Aaron McNally to rescue me.
Kara gazed above. How long had it been since she studied the stars? Weeks? Seated between Erling and another man, this had become a daily ritual. Her place at the fire never changed. She often imagined ways to escape. Only, there was nowhere to go in this endless maze of trees. Erling had the perfect hideout. Wild animals lurked nearby. She heard wolves howling every night. And Erling’s guards followed her everywhere, although at a distance.
She shared a small cabin with Amelia now—the only comfort she had. After going to bed each night, she dreamed of her family. She missed her sire’s weatherworn face, Gunter’s ceaseless laughter, and Geilir and Marteinn’s teasing. By now, she hoped her father was out searching for her, but with each passing day, her faith wavered. She couldn’t imagine how furious her sire must have been when he’d returned home and found her gone. What she’d give to find out—to feel the sting of a switch on her backside for disobeying him.
Erik the Bald wouldn’t disown his only daughter. He’d exhaust every resource to recover her, maybe even petition the king. Offer a reward. Her captor hadn’t revealed his plans. What he did share terrified her. He intended to keep her and repeatedly described what he’d do if she left. She’d witnessed Erling’s barbarism first-hand. Just yest
erday, he slit a man’s throat for taking an extra cup of wine without permission.
Trying to clear that gruesome memory from her head, she turned to Erling. “I wish to speak with my father.”
He answered without hesitation. “As you wish, we’ll ride to Lagenheim tomorrow.”
Sarcastic bastard. Within a few weeks, this man had successfully groomed her into a submissive fool. She gaped at him, disgusted.
“Did you hear her?” he addressed his men. They laughed. “In good conscience, I cannot deny a lady’s request. Tomorrow, if Kara can defeat me in battle, I’ll grant her every desire.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why tease me? I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”
“I expect nothing less from you,” he said overly polite. “And out of courtesy, I offer you a fair way home.”
“Fair? The only thing you intend to do is provide entertainment for your pack of rabid dogs.” Emotions collided inside her; she wanted to shatter into a thousand pieces.
“I cannot deny it.”
What a manipulative, cunning beast. If she needed something, wanted anything, he made her earn it with sweat and blood. The only legitimate authority in this forest was Erling Solheim. “I despise you.”
“Then I’ve won. Imagine how exciting it will be once I bed you.” He gestured rudely with his hands, shoving his finger through the O he made with his other.
Kara knew what he was mimicking. She gripped her cup so tightly her knuckles turned white. She didn’t have the stomach to stay here and discuss it any further. “I’m overly tired.”
“If you get up, I’ll take you here.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Is that a challenge?” He licked his bottom lip.
Offended, Kara leapt to her feet. The bastard was drunk on more than just wine tonight.
“On second thought . . .” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “You should retire before I follow through on my threat.” He grabbed her arm and laughed. “Bolt your door.”
The thin scrap of wood that served as a barrier on her cabin provided no protection. A silk-slippered foot could kick it down.
Chapter 9
After
Three weeks after Aaron made conditional peace with his cousin, he sailed south to recruit more men. He landed in Floro, purchased twenty horses and supplies, then travelled inland with his escort. Late spring in Norway rivaled Scotland if the weather held. The endless number of lakes and rivers made it difficult to work when he’d rather fish and hunt.
Tyr pledged twenty warriors to the king’s cause, shielding the families who lived closest to his steading from the draft. Three of those men were now permanent members of Aaron’s personal guard. Rumors of outlaws living in the forest, close to Erik the Bald’s home, drew Aaron back to Lagenheim. However, he questioned what really made him go. He couldn’t forget Kara. In a few days, he’d see her again, kiss her, hold her in his arms, and declare his intentions. The visit with Tyr convinced him it was time to start his own family.
While camped two days outside Lagenheim, during the eventide meal, four threadbare riders showed up. Aaron watched while his captain, Tayte Olavson, greeted and disarmed them before they were permitted at the fire. When the boys were offered plates of salt fish, boiled cabbage, and cups of wine, they devoured their food. Aaron suspected something was wrong.
“Where are your families?” he inquired.
“Dead,” the eldest droned. “Our parents perished in a fire weeks ago. These are my brothers.” He pointed to them. “Dane is a bastard.”
Aaron stifled a sad laugh as he looked the fourth boy over. He had exceptional features, tall with long arms and legs. He’d make an excellent archer. “Can you swing an axe properly—hit a target?”
“Aye,” Dane answered.
He addressed the eldest brother again. “What are your names?”
“I’m Buri. This is Dusten and Ivar.”
“Where did you ride from, Buri?”
“Naustdal Valley—ten miles east. Driven out of another camp.”
“I know the place,” Aaron said. “Who cast you out?”
“I don’t know. We were never introduced, milord.”
Aaron flicked a measured gaze at Tayte. Outlaws. Perhaps the very ones who had attacked Kara and her brothers. He’d give a king’s ransom to meet up with them again. The poor lads were in rough shape, underfed and in need of warmer clothing. The kindest thing Aaron could do was provide opportunities for each one to make an honest living as a soldier.
“The gods blessed you today,” Aaron said. “This is King Olaf’s camp. I am recruiting young men like you for his army. You can thrive without scavenging and stealing food.”
His words piqued Dane’s interest the most. “I considered enlisting a year ago, sir.”
“Are you sincerely interested in serving your king?”
“All of us?” Buri queried.
Buri and Dusten appeared old enough. The youngest, Ivar, looked too frail to fight, but sturdy enough to work as a cook. “The offer is legitimate. If you prove loyal, the king has guaranteed great reward in the future.”
Dane whistled.
The brothers embraced, openly appreciative of their change in fortune. “Whatever you ask, milord, will be carried out,” Buri assured him.
Aaron believed him. “Tayte, give these men proper gear and sleeping quarters.”
“Aye.” The captain grinned, then escorted them to a nearby tent.
The Naustdal Valley was so desolate, it seemed unfit for anyone to live in. Aaron’s gaze swept the area. With Buri leading the way, Aaron hoped to find the camp where the boys had been just a couple nights ago.
“How much farther?” he asked the lad.
“Maybe a mile.”
Aaron rode alongside Tayte. “We’ll split up after we’ve gone halfway. Keep four men, the rest will follow me. We’ll infiltrate this camp and question the heartless bastard who turned a group of children away in the middle of the night. If any of the men I faced in Lagenheim are amongst them, I’ll know. If we’re not back within the hour, send for reinforcements.”
Ravens circled overhead as they plunged deeper into the woods. Why did Allfather send the brothers of his messengers, Hugin and Munin, to taunt him while he was on official business for the king? Or was this a good omen? He remembered the birds that landed on the stones during his conversion. Hardly superstitious, he still respected the sacred symbols of the gods. If a man listened, he would hear what messages the gods sent.
Half an hour later, Buri halted on the narrow trail. He dismounted, then tethered his horse to a nearby tree. “I believe this is the place, milord. I smell smoke.”
Aaron slid off his horse. “Aye. I do, too.” Whatever he found, he’d be prepared. He inspected his weapons; his axe and sword were sharp and clean. Then he strapped his shield across his back. “You eight will accompany me from here.” Trouble between Christians and pagans was enough to keep him busy for the next year. He’d flush every criminal from this place if it was the last thing he did.
They advanced soundlessly, the acrid smell of smoke guiding them deeper into the woods. Buri gestured ahead as Aaron slipped past the boy. The camp perimeter came into view. Stunned by the lack of defenses, he trudged across a small clearing, kicking trenchers of food on the ground aside.
“Attacked?” Tension racked his body. “Who abandons full plates of food so carelessly unless—”
Shouts revealed the location of the inhabitants. Aaron turned, holding his finger to his lips to silence his men. Next, they heard a chorus of cheers. The midday meal overlooked for sport? The gods couldn’t have been more generous. Striding toward the noise, Aaron took cover behind a thick tree trunk. The throng was so engrossed in watching a fight, they didn’t h
ear his approach.
He stared at the competitors in the ring. The slighter of the two looked oddly familiar and the crest on that blasted silver helmet she wore infuriated him so deeply his hands shook. Her opponent clipped her in the legs with the edge of his shield. She staggered backward. “Kara Dalgaard,” Aaron screamed, rushing in.
“Aaron?” She swung around.
Rage consumed him as he slammed into the back of the dark-haired bastard that hit her. His opponent groaned as he crashed to the ground, his head smacking a large rock. Aaron raised his axe, ready to deliver a death blow. He wanted to carve a path straight through this blackguard’s heart.
“Tis my fight.” Kara touched his arm from behind.
“Your fight?” Aaron repeated, unbelieving, his gaze fixed on his target. He sucked in a breath, trying to clear his mind. “Men aren’t permitted to fight women in the real world. I will kill him.”
“Please,” she pleaded. “I must win my freedom from Erling.”
Her freedom? How long had she been here? Hatred swelled inside him. He shook his head. Odin, grant me understanding. Shouts rang out. Aaron looked left, then right. His men had joined the fight. It mattered little. He couldn’t focus on anything but the man on the ground. “Get up.” Aaron kicked him in the ribs.
“What can I do?” Kara asked.
“I suspect this man is an enemy of the king. Step aside.” Erling didn’t move. Perhaps the blow to his head had killed him? “Are you alone?”
“No, Amelia is here.”
“Listen carefully,” he instructed. “Follow the footpath near the fire out of camp. My soldiers are posted nearby. “After I’m done, I’ll find your maid. Go. Now.”
Blind Redemption (Viking Romance) (Blind Series) Page 8
