The wounded were taken away to be tended, while the dead were piled aside to be burned on funeral pyres by Odin’s command and their custom. It was Odin’s law that fallen warriors be cremated with their belongings. The ashes were either cast into the sea or buried in the earth. The possessions of the dead warrior were destroyed with his earthly shell so that enormous smoke would be made. The higher the smoke ascended into the heaven, the higher his spirit could travel skyward toward Valhalla, Odin’s great Hall of the Dead, their heaven. Alysa hated to imagine the stench of burning bodies, yet dead men could not battle and slay her people and other innocent victims.
When she needed to rest, Alysa returned to the dais. She had seen Eirik at one of the rings and Ulf at another, but neither man had approached her to speak. Rolf had followed her from his ring.
His hazel gaze roamed her appreciatively. “You are even more beautiful today than yesterday, my queen, if such is possible. It will be my turn to battle for you tomorrow. Will you stand at my ring?”
Alysa considered his request and any consequences of it. Perhaps it would lessen Eirik’s boldness if he saw her watching Rolf closely. Too, she needed to beguile the stalwart blond giant and to prevent his discovery of her intrigue with his rival. She smiled and said, “Yea, Rolf, I will witness your battle for me. If…” she hesitated seductively, “you promise not to allow me to distract you from victory. I would not wish Loki to use me as a weapon to defeat Odin.”
Rolf displayed satisfaction with her response. “Do you wish something to eat or drink, my enchanting queen?”
Alysa sent him a warm smile of gratitude. “I am fine, Rolf, and you are most kind. Soon, the fights will end for tonight and I must sleep. It was a long and tiring journey back to my people. I have not fully recovered from its demands.”
“I eagerly await the night when you will sleep at my side, Alysa,” he murmured in a husky voice which exposed his desire for her.
Alysa glanced around to make certain no one was within hearing distance. She lowered her voice to a near whisper as she teased, “You should not speak so openly of such feelings, Rolf. We do not wish others to think we become too close before the outcome of the quest. Your rivals might then suspect I give you the answers to the riddles so you can win my hand as you seek to win my heart.”
“Would that your heart is as easy to win as a battle, my queen. Only victory in the quest would please me as much as winning you as my wife. As my love,” he added.
Alysa sensed a threatening stare on her and, without revealing her perception, sought it from beneath lowered lashes. She located Enid spying on them from the corner of a nearby house. The coldness emanating from Rolf’s slave crossed the span between them and alarmed her, as it could endanger her success here. Few things were more perilous than a love-blinded female who saw another as her rival.
Alysa tried to end the meeting quickly. “I will think on your feelings for me, Rolf, but the choice of mates is not mine. It is Odin’s, and we must obey his command. We must beware of the eyes of others upon us. We cannot allow ourselves to create doubts and dissension. All must know you won fairly, if you do so.”
“I did not think of causing trouble with my actions and words. You are wise and right, queen of my life and heart. I will try to avoid you until we are alone on the quest, then I must reveal my heart. You captured it the first moment I saw you standing upon the altar. I will prove to you and Odin I am best for the last champion.”
I will be honored to become your wife and to follow you as king, if that is Odin’s will for us. Leave me now, so others will not cause us trouble in the days to come,” she urged softly.
“Yea, I must go. Else I will forget all and seize you this night. There is no sweetness greater than your lips or any thrill greater than being in your arms. I will await such pleasures impatiently.”
“Go quickly before our eyes expose us, Rolf,” she entreated.
The Viking warrior engulfed her with his ravenous gaze, then walked away. Alysa glanced toward the house where Enid had been lurking, but the woman was gone. She glanced toward the rings, to find Eirik’s piercing stare on her. As if guilty of some wrong, she nervously licked her lips and broke their locked gazes.
She was relieved when Eirik did not join her. She did not know what to say to him. Each time her eyes touched on him, she wanted him more urgently than the last time. Fierce cravings had been born within her and they were growing rapidly by the hour. She had to master her personal feelings as they were dulling her wits.
Fortunately, the signal was given to end the contest for tonight. Trosdan escorted her back to Eirik’s house and she collapsed on his bed.
“I saw you with Eirik today and with Rolf tonight. Tell me of your visits with them,” the old man entreated.
Alysa complied, then added, “It seems as if we have been here a long time, Wise One. It is strange, but sometimes I forget we are in the midst of foes and have a vital task here, or that we have another life elsewhere. Yet other times, I am aware of nothing else but those things. There are matters of Eirik and Enid to cause us problems. I must find clever ways to deal with them.”
Trosdan then offered advice and some suggestions which delighted Alysa.
Ten
Just before noon, Enid arrived to bring food and drink to Alysa and Trosdan. The captive did not speak to either person today; she went about her task sullenly, then departed.
The contests began at midday and continued until shortly before dusk when everyone halted for two hours to rest and eat. Alysa was conscious of the fact that Eirik and Rolf intentionally kept their distances from her today, no doubt because of her clever warnings to them. But Ulf had asserted before her that soon she would belong to him. He had made the words sound more like a threat than a vow of desire. Alysa could not help but despise and fear the malevolent man.
It was during the evening period when both Ulf and Rolf fought their first contests. The flaming-haired Ulf wore his battle helmet and worked himself into a war-rage before attacking his opponent. Alysa watched the man and was glad Eirik would not have to fight him, if Trosdan’s foresights were accurate, and she prayed they were.
In less than twenty minutes, Ulf had slain the other warrior; he had wounded the man so savagely, he could not ask for mercy, and Ulf offered none. Perhaps, Alysa thought, that was to reveal his power and determination to his future opponents as means of frightening them into making mistakes or into a hasty surrender.
Rolf’s battle was different. Alysa stood at the front of the crowd at his ring and watched the action intently. As with Ulf, Rolf won his contest quickly and easily, for he was strong and cunning. But he did not slay the injured man. He glanced at Alysa and bowed. “Our queen has asked us to spare the lives of her warriors so they can battle our foes after the quest. This is a contest amongst friends, not a war with enemies. For her warrior and our friend, I show mercy. Go tend yourself, Sigurd, and thank our queen for your life.”
The wounded man was taken from the ring for the next event to begin. When Rolf looked at Alysa, she smiled and falsely nodded her gratitude. He returned the smile before leaving the area to refresh and clean himself. Alysa “slowly made her way to each ring until she reached the one where Eirik was standing across from her.
Without making herself obvious, she looked through the tangle of opposing bodies. The image of her husband kept his attention on the fight between them, or so Alysa thought.
Eirik pretended to focus on the two men hacking at each other’s swords with nothing but victory and survival on their minds. He had been furtively watching their ruler since this contest began yesterday. As it would determine her future mate, he wondered why she was not more excited or intrigued by what was taking place. Even though she observed the battles, it was as if her mind was far away, as if she did not care who won, or if anyone did… Or maybe the old man had told her who would win, and the name displeased her.
Eirik recalled how she had behaved with Rolf last night.
His fury still burned brightly within him. Although he had not overheard their words, their moods had been apparent to his keen eyes. The Briton princess had flirted subtly with his rival, and that did not sit well. Did she, he mused angrily, have a preference for Rolf? Would she dare help his rival win her hand? Perhaps she did not care who won her as long as she was a powerful queen! Nay, he told himself. He had noticed the scornful look in her eyes as she had watched Ulf fight, one which had come and gone quickly and cunningly.
As Alysa turned her head to speak with the man beside her, Eirik studied her. Her brown hair was hanging free today. How he longed to run his fingers through its silky strands and to inhale its sweet fragrance. The dark-blue tunic over her white kirtle matched her deep-blue eyes, eyes which seemed to sear his soul each time they met his gaze. Her skin was incredibly soft like newborn fur and he ached to touch it, to caress her from head to foot. Beneath that enticing flesh, her body was lean and hard, its tone that of a well-honed warrior’s. She moved like water flowing peacefully in a rock-free gill, the gentle sway of her hips capturing every man’s eye. Her laughter was more pleasing to his ears than the song of any bird. And her voice, her voice caused his body to tingle and enflame whenever he heard her speak. The tightening in his groin warned him to change his thoughts and to shift his gaze from the bewitching creature.
Bewitching, yea, that was Alysa Malvern. All men here desired her. But only one man could possess her. Whatever it took, it had to be him or …. Or what? he wondered. He could never forget this woman. She had become like a fierce hunger which had to be fed. He could not let her go to another!
Alysa quivered as she felt Eirik’s potent stare on her, and she feared locking gazes with him. She feared that everyone would see the uncontrollable desire for him written there. It had been weeks since Gavin had left her arms, and her body traitorously craved this man who was so like her lost love. She loved and desired every inch of Prince Gavin Crisdean, and she missed his nearness terribly.
The fight ended most timely, as Alysa could not gaze across at Eirik another moment without bursting into tears from her anguish and tension. Hurriedly she left that ring and returned to her dwelling.
She tossed and turned for two hours. She could not get Eirik and Gavin off her mind. Each time she dozed, their images overlapped to tantalize her with one irresistible man, then separated to battle each other as vicious foes, tormenting her into wakefulness. She tried to think of other things, but it did not help her restless spirit. She fretted over something going wrong with her ruse. Even if the contest and treasure hunt went according to plan, what if the attack failed? What if the Cumbrians and Cambrians did not join her people? Could the Damnonians crush this mighty force alone? She did not think so.
As for seeking help from the king of Logris, that was impossible. Vortigern was the reason Vikings and Jutes were here. He hired them, used them, and tolerated them for his own evil and selfish purposes.
As for the peasants and noblemen of Logris, Alysa did not know where to locate villages and castles in this foreign land, and she could hardly ask for directions. Time, distance, and risks made approaching either group unwise, at least for now. She would not know whom to trust, and why should they trust a female ruler of another kingdom?
Stonehenge was situated on flat, open land which prevented a stealthy departure even under cover of darkness. And, given that she could get out of camp unseen, she would have to search for villages, awaken peasants, convince them to take sides with her against their king and terrorists, and return before dawn and discovery! She was brave and smart, and determined to have victory, but she would not act impulsively or rashly. Yet she needed some backup strategy.
There were so many areas where unanticipated problems could arise. What if one of the messenger birds was captured and devoured by a hawk? What if Enid started to bother her? She could not allow the woman’s intrusion, nor did she want to order the captive’s punishment or death. What if Rolf became too romantically inclined and aggressive? What if he and Eirik exposed an open rivalry for her? What if Eirik really was Gavin and he was unmasked? What if Ulf tried to challenge her rank or motives? The redhead was a mean, unpredictable man and must be watched at all times.
“You cannot sleep?” Trosdan asked from the corner pallet where he slept each night.
“My mind and body are too restless tonight, Wise One. I am sorry I have disturbed you. Do you have a sleeping potion with you?”
Trosdan prepared the liquid and handed it to her. Hastily and gratefully Alysa downed it, frowning at its bitter taste. “What did Gavin give me that night?” she inquired. “I tasted nothing in the wine, and I did not suspect such a foul deed from him.”
The old man replied, “There are plants without noticeable taste which bring on deep sleep, but they grow far away. While we are on the quest to the North, I will gather some in case we have need of them at the end.”
“Please do not use that word, Wise One. It has a frightening tone of finality and defeat.”
The Druid explained gently, “We do not believe as the Norsemen do, my princess. Death does not end our lives on earth. Our spirits will transmigrate into another form, that of another human or an animal. The soul is immortal, indestructible. Only fire and water can prevail over it, if the right conditions are met.”
“But I wish to live as Alysa with Gavin at my side. Do you think perhaps one of the Vikings we slew took control of my love’s body?”
“Nay. When I was with him, I did not feel warning tremors of such a dark deed. I cannot tell if Eirik is Good or Evil. Beware of him and yourself, my princess,” he cautioned out of necessity. He had to keep her strong, and true to her destiny. Soon, the threat to her would be destroyed and all could be made right again.
Trosdan looked into his ruler’s serene face and smiled lovingly. He tucked her in as a small child, as his cherished child. Returning to his pallet, he surrendered to dreamless slumber.
The morning and afternoon schedules were the same as yesterday’s. When Alysa returned to her borrowed dwelling to eat and rest before the evening’s games began, she found a large wooden tub in the kitchen area. Immediately she realized it was not the one she had used at Rolf’s. She knelt to retrieve the wildflowers inside it.
Enid entered with Alysa’s food and drink. She saw the queen standing in the eldhus and staring dreamily at the flowers in her grasp. “They are from Lord Eirik,” she quickly clarified.
Alysa turned and smiled genially, masking her surprise and pleasure. “It is good that I will not have to trouble you each day with this added chore. You have been kind and helpful, Enid. I know I have been an extra burden for you each day, but I am grateful for all you have done. Rolf asked if I needed a captive to serve me, but I thought you would rather remain in his dwelling and serve me from there. I hope you do not mind, but there is little room here for another person. If you wish to make yourself a place in the eldhus, I will ask Rolf.”
The female realized the queen was giving her that choice and was astonished. “Do you wish me to leave Lord Rolf’s?” she asked, skepticism creeping into her eyes and voice.
“Nay if you are satisfied there. I am sure it is difficult being a captive, but you are strong and you manage your fate well. Surely it is easier for you to serve Lord Rolf and to tend me from his dwelling.” Alysa took a small brooch from her bundle and handed it to the woman. “Take this as payment for your kind services, Enid.”
Enid clutched the jeweled brooch and gaped at it, then slowly lifted her curious brown gaze to Alysa’s entreating blue one. “Lord Rolf commanded me to serve you. There is no need to pay me.”
Alysa saw how much the woman wanted to keep the jewel. She smiled and pushed away Enid’s outstretched hand. “It would please me if you kept it. Think of it as a reward for your many kindnesses. If Lord Rolf questions it, I will explain. I have told him how good you are to me and to him. You are a valuable treasure, Enid.”
Enid did not know what to say. She
slipped the gift into her pocket, bowed, and left. She was thrilled to remain with her lover, but she could not ascertain the queen’s motive for allowing it. If the ruler was jealous of their closeness and desired Rolf for her own, Alysa would have ordered her to move from Rolf’s dwelling. Perhaps the queen desired Eirik more than Rolf. Happiness surged through the captive and she was tempted to let Rolf know Alysa did not favor him. But Enid knew that was foolish, as it would no doubt challenge Rolf to pursue Alysa feverishly.
Within minutes of Enid’s departure, Eirik arrived, and knocked at the doorway. “There is something I need from inside, my queen. Do you mind if I fetch it?” he inquired politely.
Alysa stepped aside and motioned for him to enter. She watched him go to a large chest and retrieve a cuirass, a tough leather garment which covered the chest and back to prevent any minor cuts from slashing blades. “You fight later, do you not?” she asked to start a conversation.
He halted his departure to reply, “Yea, my queen.”
Alysa realized he was distant today, as he turned again to leave. She touched his arm and stayed him once more. “I wish to thank you for the tub, Eirik, and for the flowers. I had need of both.”
“Of both?” he queried, eyeing her strangely.
She met his gaze as she explained. “I am far from home and living with strangers. My responsibilities here are great, and often they frighten me. I do not know why the gods chose this perilous destiny for me, and its importance intimidates me.” She strolled a few feet away and presented him with her profile. “There are times when I know all will go well for us. Then there are times when I doubt myself and the task before us. There are moments when I feel weak and scared like a child. But there are moments when I feel strong and proud like a queen. The differences are so great between ruling a peaceful land and leading the conquest of many lands. Sometimes it is so confusing for me. Duty to one’s fate can be difficult and demanding. The flowers and your kindness brightened my spirit and calmed my fears.”
The Last Viking Queen Page 15
