Rorik’s musicians had even joined in on one of her pieces. She hadn’t been too certain, but they’d followed her lead with their flutes, drums, and a strange stringed instrument. To her surprise, it had worked. This song, the one she’d played for Rorik, was her last. She set the harp where it had always been.
From somewhere in the back, a man yelled, “Rorik, you better keep her. If you don’t, I’ll pay her ransom myself.”
Another man said, “You and your sons and their sons’ sons. It would take that long to make enough money.”
A warrior she recognized in the front said, “If she leaves, who’ll play the harp? No one has since—” A woman sitting next to him smacked him and he fell silent.
Everyone looked at Rorik as he stood. If he wanted to, he could keep her here. He smiled. “My word is my bond. All of you know that. I have made a promise, and so it will be. She leaves with us tomorrow.”
Groans echoed through the hall, but it was good-natured. She held up her hand.
“Thank for your good wishes. I have already said my farewells to most of you. And the rest I’ll see tomorrow before I leave.” To her shock, tears welled up. Rather than embarrass herself in front of them, she inclined her head and left.
She hurried down the road, but a strong hand caught her arm. She reached for her knife, but Rorik grabbed her hand.
“You haven’t killed me thus far. It’s a bit late to try now.”
She relaxed and he let go of her. “I didn’t know it was you. You might have said something.”
“If I had known Kaia had done so well teaching you, I would have.” He looked down at her, his face grim. “You know, you could stay here. You have the entire village wrapped around your finger. I could use another weaver of your skill. I saw what you were working on and I’ve never seen the like. There are several grades of quality in the cloth at the markets and the length you have on the loom would fetch the highest prices.”
“That’s for Oslafa in thanks for making me dresses.” She smoothed her skirt, but her heart pounded. He wouldn’t take it for himself, would he?
“I know it’s hers. But if you stayed, you could make more, teach my weavers how you do it.”
“I already have. They’ve watched me design the pattern.”
“And, no doubt, you know even more. I’d give you your own house, even your own loom if you want. You’d be held in very high esteem here.”
It was tempting. To be someone accepted, welcomed. The people here had become friends. But there was someone who needed her. Her mother. Every day she was away, Rohesia might be fading even more. She couldn’t tell him of her. He’d wonder how she’d get home from Hedeby. Then she’d have to tell him of her silver and gold, and that was a secret she’d kept from everyone there.
“I thank you for your offer, but I can’t. I hope to return to Northumbria one day.”
He speared his hand through his hair. “I can’t understand why you’d want to go back to a father who doesn’t want you. What did you have there?”
The pain of his words struck her hard and she jabbed a finger in his chest. “No matter what my life was like, it was my life. At least until you came along. Who are you to judge whether it was good or bad? I may not have had servants anticipating my every whim and lovers lying at my feet every night like you do, but I was happy. Who were you to take me from it against my will?”
“You offered. Don’t forget that.”
“So you wouldn’t destroy it all. What choice did I have? I may not be there, but at least everything I love still is.”
“Then that’s all, isn’t it? I’ll see you home. But, I forgot, it’s not your home.” He looked at her, his jaw hard. Then he pivoted and headed up the road. She caught up to him and they walked to the house, silence stretching between them.
When they arrived, he opened the door for her. “We leave after the morning meal. I’ll send someone for your things then.”
She nodded and went past him into the house. She lifted her hand to the door to shut it. Before she realized his was there, she placed hers on top of it. She moved her hand, but he took hold of it and held it. Breathing hard, she looked up at him.
If she stayed, she’d see him each day, his smile, his confidence. Perhaps she might even taste his kiss. And risk falling in love with him. In spite of how angry he made her at times, it would be so easy, as so many other women had learned. And she would never be one of the many. It would kill her, the way her mother’s unrequited love for her father had leeched the life from her.
With a slight smile, he turned her hand and placed a kiss on the palm. Then he closed her fingers over it as though to keep it there always. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After he left, she shut the door. She opened her hand, looking at the place where his lips had been. One of the many. Her pride would never allow her to accept that.
Besides, to remain here would be to leave her mother to her fate, as her father had left her to this fate. At least she could take with her the memories of these good people, the cool beauty of the land, and a tiny, gentle kiss given in the night.
She closed her hand.
Chapter Eight
Off the village of Haardvik
Hardangerfjorden, Norway
As Rorik guided his ship toward the shore, Eirik, Asa, and Lifa waited for him on the cliff above. He didn’t see Magnus or Silvi, so they must have returned to Thorsfjell. It was a good thing, then, he’d sent one of his smallest ships there. The two vessels had traveled together from Vargsfjell until they’d reached the Sognefjorden. Then the other ship had peeled off for the one day journey to the end of the fjord where Thorsfjell was. There, his men would ask for Magnus’s help in the coming battle.
Rorik lifted his hand in greeting as they drew closer. He’d ask Eirik for aid. His cousin might not have all his ships and men for the time being, but he had the largest, most impressive longship in the north, The Wind of Njord. When it pulled into the Trøndheimsfjor-den, word would spread, eventually reaching Halfdan himself. That word would be a powerful message.
His ship slid up onto the beach, next to the massive warship. Elfwynn stood in the bow. She’d kept to herself most of the voyage, doing needlework and watching the land pass them by as they’d sailed down the coast. She’d given the pieces she’d worked on to his men to give to their wives and lovers. Or to women they wanted to become their wives and lovers. They’d gone out of their way to make her comfortable, rigging a tent for her, filling it with furs and blankets.
On the way to Vargfjell, he hadn’t stopped here, even though they could have used the fresh provisions for the remainder of the trip. Lifa would have had his head for what he’d done to Elfwynn. He couldn’t face her then. But now, he was returning her to her church. His aunt would still have something to say about it, but wouldn’t try to interfere. After all, he was doing what Elfwynn had agreed to, and her god was getting her back.
He walked forward through the sea chests, ropes, and oars until he reached her. “I’ll help you off. It’s only knee deep here, but it’s a ways down.”
She peered over the side. “How do you know how deep it is?”
“The keels are a standard depth. We know if the ships are beached, we can jump off the bows safely and not be over our heads in water while an enemy is coming.”
“You mean, while you’re raiding?” She gave him a wry smile.
He chuckled. “Something like that.”
She looked up the cliff as Eirik walked down the narrow path to meet them. “Are these your relatives you told me about?”
“Yes, this is Haardvik. We’ll be here only a day or so while I speak to my cousin Eirik about the situation with the southern jarls. He’s the jarl here and is married to Leif’s sister, Asa. She’s the woman on the cliff with the red hair. Asa’s a shieldmaiden, like Kaia. Let’s get you on the beach.” He picked her up without warning so she couldn’t try to escape, then swung his legs over the side and jumped off. She gave a yelp and
wrapped her arms around his neck while he waded to shore. He set her on the beach as Eirik strode up to them.
They clasped wrists. “Rorik, welcome. We saw your ship on the fjord and I ordered food and drink prepared.” Eirik gave Elfwynn a questioning look.
“My thanks, Eirik. I’m having trouble with jarls to the south of me, but it may be bigger than that. I need your help.”
“You have it.”
Rorik nodded his thanks. “This is Elfwynn of Northumbria. I’m taking her to Hedeby and wanted to stop here first to speak to you.”
She smiled. “I’ve heard much of Haardvik. It’s good to be here.” She was getting very proficient with Norse.
“My mother and wife are above, no doubt bursting to find out who you are. Come, have something to eat and drink, and we’ll take your things to your rooms.”
“We must leave tomorrow, so we won’t unload much.” They started up the steep path. He walked behind Elfwynn to steady her if necessary. “I have to get to Hedeby and back as soon as possible.”
“Then we’ll grab some food and meet right now. Leif isn’t with you?”
“He remained behind at Vargfjell. I sent a ship to Magnus to ask for his aid. Leif could have gone home with them, but he said if there was going to be a war, he didn’t want to risk missing the fun.”
“That sounds like Leif.” Eirik chuckled.
When they reached the top of the cliff, Lifa and Asa were waiting for them.
“Rorik.” His dark-haired aunt embraced him. All his anxieties melted away as her sweet scent came to him. She’d been his green, sheltered valley when all else had been bleak, frozen storms in his mind. If only he could have that all the time. But he only found it here.
Except those few moments at Vargfjell, when that same peace had enfolded him. When he’d been with Elfwynn. Soon she’d be gone and it would never come again.
He stepped back. “Lifa, Asa, this is Elfwynn. Since I’ll be leaving her in your tender care, I’m certain she’ll tell you why she’s with me. But I’m remedying that now.” They were going to throw him in the longhearth for this anyhow. Might as well own up to it.
Lifa raised her brows and Asa narrowed her eyes at him. Already, they were plotting his demise if they didn’t like what they heard from Elfwynn. And they wouldn’t.
He looked at Elfwynn. “Do you mind going with them? They’ll see to making you comfortable. I have to confer with my cousin.”
Her eyes glittered as though she was about to make some retort. But then she smiled. “Of course, Rorik. I’m certain I’ll be fine.”
He gave her a lingering look. She didn’t need to offer him one of her verbal stabbings. She’d have plenty of time to seek her revenge when she spoke with the two women. His stomach dipped as he went into the longhouse with Eirik. Perhaps he could leave her here, sail away, and never return. What had he been thinking, coming here first? He should have waited until his return trip, when she wasn’t with him.
He ignored the emptiness that thought gave him. Eirik needed to know about the jarls as soon as possible so he could gather his men and make the voyage to Vargfjell. By the time Rorik got back from Hedeby, everyone should be there, or well on their way.
They settled in Eirik’s meeting room with their plates of food, cups, and a pitcher of beer. He told him about Thorir and their alliance, and about the situation with the southern jarls.
“I know Halfdan has a presence in Sogn,” Eirik said. “I can practically hear him breathing as he passes us while heading up the coast. Do you think he’s after your lands?”
“I think, right now, he’s afraid of this alliance between Thorir and me. That we’ll block the routes to the north and all the walrus ivory, hides, and furs there. He might be trying to bring us down or divide us.”
“Then why wouldn’t he have Herlaugsson of Lade do it? They’re powerful, like you.”
“My family has been on good terms with them for generations. We have a long history together. Even when my father fell and they could have taken everything, they didn’t.”
“That’s because my father held Vargfjell for you, until you came of age.”
Shadows of that time moved over him, but he shook them off. “Still, they could have tried for it, but didn’t. I think Halfdan knows better than to try to divide us.”
“So he bought himself two dogs who want to impress him by doing his bidding.”
“Yes.”
“You might make an enemy of the king.”
“Only if he wants to admit what he’s doing. I don’t think he will. That’s why he’s not coming at us himself. It would make all the smaller kings throughout our land restless and wary. He doesn’t want that.”
“No, he wouldn’t.” He sat back. “I don’t know how much help I can be. I have the Wind, of course, but I gave my three other ships to Magnus as Silvi’s dowry, and I’m still building replacements. The warriors to crew them went with them until he attracts more of his own.”
“And they’ll be there, just through Magnus instead of you. I’m certain Halfdan will send men to one of the smaller fjords along the coast and they’ll travel overland to the south of me. We’ll attack before that. We’ll use the Wind as our flagship since it’s the largest. You need a lot of men to sail her, so they’ll add to the numbers.” He took a sip of his beer.
“True. Of course, I’ll come. And I’m certain Asa won’t want to miss a good fight, either.”
At Eirik’s mention of his shieldmaiden wife, Rorik grimaced. She’d be talking to Elfwynn, finding out why she was with him. He should have worn his sword. Then he’d at least stand a chance when he next saw Asa.
“Either you don’t like the beer, or something else.”
“The beer’s fine, as always. It’s Elfwynn.”
“When you left here, you said you were going to ransom a daughter of the earl who burned your ship. I take it Elfwynn is the daughter and things didn’t go quite as you planned.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” Eirik would find out soon enough. Rorik wanted to tell his side of the story. While he still could.
Over another couple of cups of beer, he told him everything from the start. He hadn’t intended to tell him of the feelings Elfwynn gave him, but he had come here long ago when all in his life was darkness and rage. Haardvik was his haven. He’d always been able to talk to Eirik, both while they were young, and even later while they were raiding throughout the world together for three years. Fighting beside him had infused a deep trust in him. And Eirik wouldn’t judge him, any more than Lifa would. Asa, on the other hand . . .
He shouldn’t have left his sword on the ship.
Eirik was grinning at him when he’d finished. “You’ve put your foot in a big pile of it this time.”
“I spill my guts to you and that’s all you have to say?”
“I don’t have to say anything else. You’re troubled enough by what you’ve done. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be so conflicted about it.”
He clenched his fist on the table. “I did what I had to. Our reputation is everything we are. How could I maintain my power if men saw me as weak? They follow the strongest leader, the one who can pass along his wealth and prestige to them. If I get nothing from the loss of my ship, everyone will say I’m slipping, afraid to take revenge however I can get it. I rule the seas by fear and respect, Eirik. Not by how nice I am.”
“Leadership is a balance. If it weren’t, my father would have let you remain as you were when you came here—like your father. You could have ruled with terror and brutality as he did. My parents tempered that. They showed you the other side of leading and ruling, and look where it’s brought you. You have to walk both sides of the blade.”
“I’m giving her back to her own people, aren’t I? Yes, it’s for money. But at least she’ll be safe and I’ll have my ransom. We both win.”
“Or you both lose.”
“Even if I were to forego the ransom and take her to Northumbria, there’s her bast
ard of a father to contend with. He didn’t want her back. With everything my sisters and I went through, how can I return her to that? Who knows what atrocities she lived with? She’s safer with her church.”
“Why don’t you tell her how you feel?”
“First, she’d kill me with her derision. Second, what do I feel, Eirik? I’m attracted to her, but I’m attracted to many, many women. She’s a Christian. They expect monogamy, the gods forefend.” He rose and paced away from the table toward the far wall.
Eirik laughed. “So do we, if we know what’s good for us. Asa keeps her sword by the bed.”
Rorik turned back to him and leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. “She has no worries where you’re concerned. Even I can see it, as depressing as that is. We had some good times with a lot of women while we were raiding.”
“Yes, we did. But there comes a time when you find the one who’s different from all the rest. The one who changes everything. Then you know.”
“What if I don’t want to change anything? My women please me and I please them.”
“You spoke of how Elfwynn gives you peace, even though she fights with you. The other women bring you pleasure, yes. But they do nothing for you deep inside. If they did, Elfwynn wouldn’t intrigue you as she does, and you wouldn’t still be unsatisfied. Can you truly say you bring your women happiness? I’m certain you bring your bevy of women passion, but each one knows she’s one of many. How happy can they be? They say nothing to you, though, but do you blame them? If one of them mentioned it, you’d drop her because you don’t tolerate jealousy. That doesn’t stop them from feeling it. Just as they do little for your mind, you may be doing little for theirs.”
He stared at Eirik. He’d never looked at it that way. Every night was a feast, a celebration. His women laughed with him, preened, and acted as though they were enjoying themselves. Then he picked one, or more, and the enjoyment continued through the night. On the outside. What if, all this time, he’d been cruel to them without even realizing it?
Lord of the Seas Page 12
