“I am glad you did not remain with him, else we would not have met. But what of your wandering spirit after we are wed?”
“Since I have met you, it troubles me no more. I am ready and eager to settle down with you as my wife in our home, with our children. Do you wish to know more about me?” he inquired. “Ask any question and I will answer it.”
Alysa considered his query and realized that, if he was Gavin, he had been prepared well. Therefore, his answers would provide no clues to his identity and enchantment. “When we are together for all time, we can speak more on our pasts.”
“The day will come, m’love, when we know each other as well as we know ourselves. Think of the many talks we will have, the many nights and days we will share. I can imagine no better fate.”
“You will not become bored and restless with such a dull life? You would not desert me to seek excitement?” she teased.
“How could any man become such with you at his side? If we desire adventure, we will seek it together, as you are a better warrior than most men. Now that I have found you, Alysa, I would never risk losing you or making you unhappy.”
She grinned and jested, “I will remind you of such words when you grow weary of me and our mundane homelife.”
“That day will never dawn, m’love.” He inhaled deeply. “I must leave you for now. I will sneak to you after dark.”
Alysa watched him rejoin the men before entering the villa. She went to the sunken pool and filled it from a neighboring well. She scrubbed her body and prepared herself for her love’s stealthy arrival.
Alysa was awakened to tantalizing caresses and kisses. Her heavy lids fluttered and opened. She smiled into Eirik’s grinning face and whispered, “I fell asleep awaiting you. What kept you so long?”
“I waited until the men were imprisoned by sleep or ale. I almost left you slumbering, m’love. You looked so tired and comfortable. Am I forgiven for awakening you?” he asked in a husky tone.
“Forgiven if you join me quickly.”
Hurriedly Eirik stripped and lay down beside her. Alysa rolled half atop him and covered his neck and chest with fiery kisses. Her fingertips grazed softly over his tawny flesh, savoring and admiring the rolling landscape of his muscular body. He closed his eyes and let her continue her seductive journey. Her lips trailed down his right arm, to nibble and kiss his fingers. Then they traveled upward again, across his chest which was rising and falling rapidly with heightened excitation, to journey down his left arm and tease his hand with her adoring mouth.
Alysa covered his lips with hers and tantalized him with her taste and skills. Her hand drifted down his sleek side. His torso rose and fell slightly where muscles were enlarged and honed with power and use. He was a magnificent creature, a splendid creation by the gods and his own labors.
She kissed his eyes and imagined gazing into their dark-green depths. Her lips passed over his finely chiseled cheekbones and jawline, brushed over his shapely nose. Again, they sealed with his full and sensual lips. Yea, her dreamy mind told her, it was the noble face of a handsome prince; it was a face which she knew well.
Through the broken roof, moonlight flowed over his frame and lovingly caressed it, just as her hands were doing. The provocative glow caused his flesh to appear a deeper shade of bronze, but that was only a trick of the lighting. Yet his darkened hair had no sunny streaks to capture the silvery light and reflect it. She pressed her lips to the scar on his face and helplessly wished it away, but it did not vanish. She kissed the area over his heart and ordered the royal crest of Cumbria to reappear there, but it did not.
Her hand boldly ventured lower, stimulating the skin along his hips and thighs. Her hand carefully wrapped around his straining manhood. Slowly and sensuously and appraisingly she massaged it. Again she told herself this familiar body was Gavin Crisdean’s.
Alysa desperately wanted to recover Gavin’s memory. They were locked into this mission now, so it was too late for him to halt it or to refuse to continue it. She straddled his hips and slipped his manhood within her body, hoping this action would refresh similar times from the past. She made love to him wildly and freely.
Eirik gripped her waist with his hands and matched her pace. His undulating hips gave them both immense pleasure. His hands left her waist to cover her breasts. Gently, he kneaded them, causing them to grow taut with arousal.
They moved together until blissful sensation claimed them. Alysa bent forward and fused their mouths. Eirik rolled them over and continued driving into her welcoming body until all spasms ceased. It was an experience of enormous rapture and satisfaction.
Later, she whispered, “There is a small pool nearby if you wish to bathe in it before leaving.”
Eirik lifted her and carried her to the pool. Before washing himself, he bathed her.
Alysa teased, “If you do not halt this stirring play, we will need to join our bodies again.”
“Yea, you cause my body to burn as no woman ever has.” He kissed her and caressed her, his hands moving up and down her flesh.
She gently pushed him away and warned, “You must go, Eirik.”
Reluctantly he left the pool, dried himself, and put on his garments. He knelt to kiss her again and to murmur, “I love you, Alysa.”
“Hurry, before I refuse to let you go tonight,” she jested.
He grinned, then sneaked from the villa.
Alysa left the pool to dry off and dress. She stretched out on the pallet and closed her eyes. “Soon, my beloved, you will remember.”
At midmorning, two of Ulf’s men raced toward them. When they halted, the men shouted, “We have been attacked! We need help! Come quickly or all will be slain!”
The group rode swiftly behind the two men for over an hour, northward. Finally, Eirik ordered them to stop and questioned, “Where is this attack? What were you doing in this area?”
Leikn rubbed the healing leg which Eirik had injured, knowing he would limp forever because of that wound behind his knee. “Only a few more miles. We were pursued by a great force of brigands and had to flee this way. Before we were entrapped, Sigurd and I escaped to seek help. We are lucky you were in our path. We must go quickly.”
Eirik suspected they were being cleverly waylaid. But if they were not, they had to go to the aid of the other band. He let the two men guide them for another few miles, then halted again. “Either you are lost, Leikn, or you trick us,” he accused.
Leikn grinned, aware this band had lost too much time to thwart Ulf’s victory. “The wizard and queen said the champions were to use their wits and daring to obtain victory, and Ulf has done so. His trick has worked. You will reach the coast too late to find the second prize. By the rules, no one was harmed and the victory is fair.”
Eirik’s narrowed eyes seemed to blaze with green fire. He had been made to look the fool before his love and the others. He should have suspected guile, had suspected guile, but had allowed his love-dulled wits to be swayed. “We ride to the coast!” he shouted angrily.
When they reached the shoreline, they galloped southward. They swept past a small coastal village where peasants stared at them in dread and surprise. The sky and sea were a dark blue; the land was brown and barren. As feared, they sighted men camped beyond them: Ulf’s triumphant band, and Rolf’s sullen one.
As they dismounted, Ulf grinned broadly, tauntingly. “You are too late, Eirik. The treasure is mine,” he remarked smugly. He pointed to the figurehead which was being cleaned by several of his men.
The curved wooden prow was mostly brown and appeared very sturdy. Oddly, it looked old, yet new. The “neck” was carved to appear like hundreds of overlapping scales. The dragon’s nostrils were large and flared, and Alysa could imagine smoke and flames coming from them as ancient legends spoke of fire-snorting dragons. Its eyes were wide and glaring, as if trying to mesmerize or terrify its intended prey. Its gaping mouth exposed long teeth and a snaking tongue. Atop its head were raised bumps from which short horns
protruded. It was a fierce and intimidating sight, the kind which had struck horror into the hearts of numberless victims. But what held her attention was the large eye in the middle of the beast’s forehead—a blue eye with a penetrating gaze, as if it could pierce flesh and soul, the all-seeing eye of Njord which Trosdan had spoken of in camp.
“Is it not beautiful, my queen?” Ulf hinted at her left side.
Alysa eyed it again and replied, “It has great power and rugged beauty, Ulf. I am awed by it.”
Ulf boasted of how he had located it and revealed its hiding place. He motioned to a moody Eirik. “We both have prizes, but Rolf has none,” he taunted the tall blond warrior.
Rolf bristled noticeably. “The quest is not over, Ulf. There are three more to be found.”
“I will seize them all,” the redhead bragged confidently. “This one will be guarded closely so it cannot be stolen or tricked from me.”
“As you tricked us today?” Eirik sneered angrily.
Ulf laughed mockingly. “It was done fairly, and it worked.”
“I hope you do not get into real trouble, for we will not answer your summons for help again,” Eirik warned.
“We must ride for camp so the next quest can be undertaken.”
“Nay,” Alysa said. “It is late and all are weary. We camp here.”
Ulf argued, “If we ride tonight and tomorrow, we can reach camp quickly. Stay here if you wish, my queen, but we head for home.”
Alysa was vexed. “The quest cannot begin until all return to camp, Ulf, so you waste your time and energy with such reckless haste.”
The redhead grumbled, but knew he could not change their minds.
Alysa was amazed by Trosdan’s preparations and cunning. She looked around and inquired, “Where is Trosdan? Was he not with you?”
Rolf revealed, “He was tired and ill, my queen, so I encouraged him to return to camp so he would not slow us. He is very old and weak.”
Distress was exposed in her gaze. She was tempted to follow Ulf’s suggestion so she could check on the elderly Druid. After her words against such haste, it would look selfish. “Did someone go with him to tend him and protect him?.”
“Nay,” Rolf responded. “We were not far from camp and he said he could make it back alone.”
Alysa sighed worriedly. “He has many burdens upon his back. The journey here was long and hard on him. Perhaps I will ask him to remain in camp instead of going along with a champion each time.”
“That will be good, my queen,” Ulf remarked, “as he slows us.”
Alysa did not retort, though she wanted to do so. “Make camp and rest so we can ride at dawn.”
Rolf and Eirik both asked if she needed anything.
“Only food and sleep,” she replied honestly.
As she gazed across the blue water, she wondered what her ancestor’s land was like. She asked Rolf if his land was far away.
“Yea, Alysa, many days by ship from here. I have missed you.”
Without looking at him, she cautioned, “Be on guard, Rolf, for Eirik appears jealous when he sees us together. We must do nothing to arouse his suspicion against us. Do not worry about the prizes and quest; you know our plans. But tell no one, not even your best friends.”
“I will obey, queen of my heart and life, but it is hard.”
“Leave me before someone wonders why we speak too long.”
Just as Rolf departed, Eirik approached her. “Point toward your land and pretend you are telling me about it,” she instructed him. As Eirik complied, she related her conversation with Rolf. “We must be more careful than ever, my love,” she cautioned.
Eirik warned, “It is unwise to tempt Rolf. He will be dangerous.”
Alysa pushed windblown hair from her face as she whispered, “It is the only way to control him, my love. Trust me,” she urged.
“I trust you because you have proven your love to me.”
She hinted, “In the days to come, Eirik, I might be forced to act strangely. Be patient and do not doubt my love and my promise.”
“Act strangely?” he echoed. “I do not understand.”
“For our protection, I must dupe Ulf and Rolf with devious words and deeds. Before our people, I must act as if the only things which matter to me are the sacred quest and my impending marriage. If I appeared to weaken toward you and my destiny…”
Eirik inhaled the sea air. “I understand. Do not worry.”
They left the shore to join the others to eat and slumber.
Far away, many unexpected and startling things were taking place in Damnonia, in the Viking settlement, and at the site of quest number three.
Two days later, the rapidly traveling bands reached camp after dusk. Trosdan was among those who left their dwellings to greet them.
Alysa embraced the old Druid. “How do you fare, Wise One? I have been so worried about you.”
The wizard smiled and nodded. “It was nothing more than something foul I ate. I have rested, taken a healing draught, and recovered fully. Tell me of the quest.”
Ulf did so before Alysa could answer.
During the redhead’s boasting, Trosdan glanced at Rolf and Eirik, who were both silent and moody, and watching Alysa with desire. He accurately surmised that more than losing the second prize to Ulf had them sad and worried. He furtively eyed Alysa, and fretted. It had been foolish to instruct her to romance the three champions. It was unnecessary, as her beauty and rank would enchant them sufficiently. She should have remained aloof and regal, tempting, but out of reach and peril. Now, Eirik and Rolf were too bewitched by her actions to think clearly, and Ulf was provoked to winning her unfairly. It was a hazardous situation. But soon her head would clear of its confusion and she would think of nothing except victory and survival.
The schedule was made for the next day and they disbanded.
Inside Rolf’s longhouse, Enid welcomed her lover home eagerly. She prepared him a cup of ale, laced with the love potion. As he drank it, she handed him the amulet Eirik had found on the first quest. She explained, “I saw him hide it where none would suspect—in the queen’s dwelling. After everyone left camp, I stole it for you, Lord Rolf, to make you happy and to lessen your anger against me.” Rolf stared at the sacred dagger in his hand. Now he possessed one prize and Ulf possessed one, and Eirik had none. Ecstasy flooded his body. “How did you do this clever thing?” he asked, impressed.
Enid smiled seductively. “I saw Eirik sneaking toward the queen’s house, so I concealed myself behind the curtain. He slipped inside while all were at the sacred temple and hid the amulet in his belongings. He knew she could say nothing if she discovered it there. How cunning of him to pull such a trick, to force her to aid his victory for her. You must tell no one you have this prize or Eirik will try to recover it. He will not know the dagger is missing until he goes to fetch it for the final ritual; then, it will be too late. He will believe the queen found it and gave it to you. I wish I could steal Ulf’s prow for you, but it is too large and heavy. I love you and will do anything for you.”
Rolf’s astonished gaze met Enid’s enticing one. “You love me? But you are my slave. How can this be so?”
“There is no man with more beauty and prowess than you, Lord Rolf. You have been kind and gentle. You have taken me with a passion which enflames my heart and body. I wish only to remain with you and to serve you in all ways.”
Watching Rolf, the enthralled woman feared she was being too bold. She had to help her love win the quest or he could be slain in the final battle for all prizes. “I am certain you will win Alysa and become High King, for you are the best man here or anywhere. I will keep my eyes and ears open to help you win your desires. Surely that is why the gods spared my life when Ulf slew the others.”
The potion was taking effect on Rolf. His loins burned for attention. His mind soared with joy and confidence. He felt that the gods were smiling upon him, and aiding him through this captive. Enid loved him and would obey his
every command. He should reward her.
Rolf’s wits were not so dulled that he did not realize how he could use this woman to his advantage. She had a weakness for him, one to exploit. He told her softly, “You have done well, my beautiful slave. I am lucky to own you. Do you wish me to reward your wits and courage by enflaming you again tonight?”
“Nothing would please me more, Lord Rolf. I love you.”
As Rolf undressed Enid, he stirred her passions by his words. “I shall give you the greatest pleasures of all tonight. Lie upon my bed and I will send your mind and body to paradise.”
Enid obeyed while Rolf yanked off his garments. She looked at his manhood and smiled. “Do you not wish me to pleasure you?”
“Later, after you are fully sated. Tonight, I will be the slave and you will be the master. Give me any command to please you.”
Enid was trembling with desire and anticipation. “Do whatever you desire with me,” she entreated hoarsely.
“As you command, Lady Enid,” he murmured, his hands and lips feverishly assailing her fiery body.
When Trosdan finally returned to Alysa’s dwelling, she asked, “Are you certain you are well?”
“I was never ill, Alysa. I only used that excuse to get away from the bands so I could gather the plants and herbs which we will need later. I did not tell you before you left camp because I wanted your reaction to be convincing. I am sorry I worried and frightened you.”
“It is so good you are not ill, Wise One. I would not know what to do if anything happened to you. All would be lost.”
As a precaution, Trosdan gave her the remaining clues and locations for the quest. He told her which tricks to use to “prove” Odin was supplying them to her in his stead. “Ulf halted me after I visited the injured. One of his spies told him I did not return to camp until this morning. I said I was too ill to travel and made camp until I was well enough to return. He said he does not trust me. I warned him of my rank, but it did not matter to him that attibas are to be honored and obeyed. He is dangerous, Alysa. Be wary of him and alert for his spies. It would be wise not to be so friendly with Eirik and Rolf.”
The Last Viking Queen Page 27
