Weylin decided there was nothing he could do except wait here for the summons from Alysa. Perhaps Gavin would appear and enlighten him on this mystery. No matter, for as soon as Alysa’s final message arrived, he would send for the combined forces. They would unite here until they sneaked to the Viking camp in three days. On the fourth day, they would attack, at the wizard’s fiery signal. All he could do now was wait, and pray to the gods that nothing went wrong.
Wednesday morning, Ulf returned to camp with his band. The bodies of Leikn and Sigurd were discovered. Ulf shouted in feigned rage, “Who did this evil thing while I was gone?”
“Many have died strangely, Ulf,” Einar remarked. The attiba listed the odd deaths: “Rolf’s slave, Aidan, Saeric, the male captive, Sweyn, and now Leikn and Sigurd. It makes no sense. We have sent their souls to Odin in Valhalla. He will punish the guilty one.”
Ulf glared at Trosdan. “Why do our best friends die? If this quest is sacred, who takes the lives of our companions?”
“There is much evil here,” the wizard replied. “Loki does not wish us to succeed with this quest and victory. We must defeat him. We must not quarrel amongst ourselves. Odin will triumph.”
“But how will we triumph when so many of us are dying? Soon we will not have enough warriors to conquer this isle,” Ulf reasoned. “Since your arrival, wizard, we have lost over a hundred men.”
Keeping her eyes on the redhead, Alysa asserted, “Yea, Ulf, but the strongest have survived, and most were slain by friends during the contests. When we are ready to begin our conquest, we will use many tricks which will not endanger more lives. As Princess Alysa, I can worm my way into castles of kings and noblemen pretending I have come to visit. At night, I can unlock the gates for my forces to attack while they are sleeping and vulnerable. We can sneak into villages after dark and do the same. Few lives will be at risk with such cunning. I can lure their bands of knights and warriors into traps by pretending I am being chased by brigands. Trosdan and Einar can use their powers and skills to weaken them. We will ride from area to area, and they will not know where we will strike next. They cannot defend against such seemingly aimless tactics. We will break their spirits. We will terrorize them with our prowess and might. They will cower before us. We will slay the men and soldiers, but keep the women and children alive to serve us. When we leave one area for another, there will be no force left behind to recover it.”
Rolf declared, “It is a clever plan, my queen!”
“But will it work? Can you fool them?” Ulf inquired skeptically.
“You have witnessed my prowess and powers, and know I can lead my people into battle. With my warriors behind me, I have no fear of these Celts. Why do you question your queen and this strategy?”
The redhead replied boldly, “I am wary because so many strange things are happening. This quest is demanding a high price from us.”
“Did you think such a vital quest would be easy or without dangers? Did you think no person or evil power would try to halt us? What prize or rank truly has value if won without skills and cunning?”
“She is right,” Eirik stated, pride and amazement filling him. While trying to conceal his love and desire for Alysa, he insisted, “If any leader can travel a path to victory with us, it is our warrior queen. We must not allow Loki’s mischief to sway us.”
As Eirik was speaking, Trosdan saw the white bird take flight from the open window of his dwelling. It pleased the Druid that the bird had regained enough strength to carry the last message to Weylin. His light-blue eyes scanned the heavens. Having studied the stars and skies for many years, he knew the signs which warned of a violent storm about to break, the kind which gave no prior warning.
Ulf scoffed, “It is not Loki’s mischief which worries me. There is another evil one amongst us.” Ulf had gotten rid of Eirik and Rolf’s strongest supporters. Now he needed to rid the queen of hers! Then, once Eirik and Rolf were slain, no one would challenge him for any reason. The kingship would be his, and Alysa would be under his control!
Trosdan shouted above the grumblings to be heard. “Gather at Stonehenge and the gods will unmask any evil one amongst us!”
Alysa walked to the stone temple with Rolf and Einar. She told him how sorry she was about Sweyn’s death. She felt Eirik’s potent gaze upon them, but she did not look his way.
The wizard gathered supplies from his dwelling and led the Vikings to the stone temple. He ordered a fire to be built before the altar and he climbed upon the stone. He looked skyward and prayed, “Oh, Great Odin, there is doubt amongst your people. Send your message to us.” He cast powder into the fire and colorful flames burst forth. “Hear me, Great Thor, send down your thunderbolts to slay any foe here. Winds of the gods, blow away all doubts and evil.” Trosdan cast more powder into the air, and the wind changed.
As Trosdan continued to pray and to use his magic, the wind grew stronger and the sky grew darker. An ominous aura filled the area. The superstitious Vikings looked about in wonder and fear.
Large black clouds swept across the sky, seeming to hover over Stonehenge. Brilliant lightning zigzagged above the towering stones. The wind wailed like a crying woman. Trosdan continued his clever ruse. With mesmeric voice and gaze, he had an hypnotic effect over the crowd. More glittering powder was flung into the air, and the storm’s violent core moved closer and increased in strength. Roaring thunder boomed loudly and fiercely. Lightning slashed like a radiant sword which was cutting open the heaven.
Eirik watched Alysa as she reverently observed the wizard. The wind blew her unbound hair across her lovely face, nearly obscuring it from his view. She made no attempt to push the dark-brown curls aside. Her thin garments whipped in the strong air. She appeared caught up in the wonder of this moment, aware only of the wizard.
Trosdan lifted his arms in supplication as he pretended to earnestly and humbly entreat the Viking gods to answer his pleas. “Hear me, Great Odin, Great Thor. Prove to these warriors that I am your servant and do your will. If there is evil amongst us, destroy it with your powers.”
Almost immediately a silvery bolt of lightning shot from heaven to earth, striking down one man: Einar. The crowd shrieked in panic and fell back, their eyes wide with astonishment and fear. The Viking attiba’s body jerked about on the ground, then ceased its spastic movements. His chest was charred by fire, and smoke rose from the burned flesh and black robe. No man approached the body.
Trosdan stared at the lifeless form of Einar. The timing of the storm and the false wizard’s death were perfect. He mentally thanked his true gods for aiding his ruse in this startling manner. “Hear me, Norsemen, the gods have spoken. The evil amongst us has been destroyed by Thor’s thunderbolt, for Einar was a false wizard. But there is more. Odin has placed his thoughts in my head. Our god knows Ulf has been misled, but he has chosen to give him another chance to prove himself worthy of life and forgiveness. Odin says to you, Ulf, go and question your true attiba no more. Obey your queen, or you will become Thor’s next victim.”
The winds howled around the stone temple. The thunder and lightning increased. Rain began to fall.
Ulf shouted to be heard over the combined noises of nature. “What of Rolf? Einar was his friend and helper. Why is he spared?”
Rolf’s head jerked in Ulf’s direction. He was about to protest his innocence, but Trosdan replied loudly and clearly, “Rolf was not aware of Einar’s deceit and wickedness. He cannot be blamed for them.” The blond warrior grinned tauntingly at his rival.
Ulf inquired, “You are saying Einar is responsible for all evil which has taken place here?”
Trosdan shook his head. “Odin has not yet revealed that truth to me. He ordered Thor to destroy Einar for his false claims and deeds. When the time comes, Odin will judge Rolf, Eirik, and you in the final battle ring. Only the man who deserves to become king and Alysa’s husband will survive that last test.”
“Let the final contests begin tonight,” Ulf urged.
&
nbsp; “Nay, Odin has instructed us to rest for another day. His storm will keep us inside tonight and tomorrow. The following day, the sun will shine brightly for the final matches. Go to your dwellings, for the storm will become more powerful as Odin conquers his rage.”
Within moments of that warning, the storm’s fury broke over them. Rain poured from the blackened sky and doused the fire at the altar. Lightning flashed dangerously. Thunder roared with a deafening volume. Powerful winds yanked at garments and hair. The crowd, except for Eirik, quickly rushed back to camp and sought protection in their dwellings.
Eirik stood in the downpour and gazed at Einar’s body. He wondered if the wizard had truly called down the wrath of Odin, or had he only used powerful skills to make it seem so? There was something about the old man which troubled him, so he did not fully trust him, if at all. Eirik did not like the powerful influence and control which Trosdan had over his love. And he did not believe Einar was the evil one in camp. Why would the gods, if they had done so, deceive them? How had Rolf found the last prize so quickly and easily? Who had killed his friends, Sweyn, and Ulf’s friends? Why? Perhaps what he wanted to know most of all was why the wizard and Briton princess had suddenly appeared and laid claims to high ranks. Why were they willing to turn against everyone in their land and in others? How could such a gentle creature speak so calmly of slaying so many Celts when she was one? Something strange and perilous was taking place.
Alysa was drenched. She closed the curtain and pulled on dry garments. She bound her hair in a thick cloth to blot it. When it no longer dripped, she brushed and braided the brown locks.
Trosdan also changed garments. Then he poured them both wine to take away their chill. He smiled when Alysa pushed aside the curtain and joined him. “All is safe again, my princess.”
“How did you control the weather?” she asked in awe.
Trosdan laughed softly. “I did not. I read its signs in the sky and used the storm to fool them. Yet the mighty Zeus did strike down Einar to aid us. I had planned to use tricks to frighten them, but it was unnecessary. We must rest until the final matches begin.”
“Do you think Ulf was frightened into obeying us and dropping his suspicions?” she inquired as she sipped the heady liquid.
“Nay. He only believes I have great powers and tricked everyone today. Yet it will make him fear to challenge me again. He is the one responsible for the deaths. He wishes to be rid of his rival’s support. He plotted to have me doubted and slain, but I halted him.”
“He wishes to kill you?” she questioned frantically.
“He desires to have no one left to protect you from his evil. Do not worry or fear. Nothing will happen to me or to your love.”
“Three more days, Wise One,” she hinted with relief. “I will be happy to return home and to seek no more daring adventures.”
Trosdan laughed again. “That cannot be, my princess, for another great adventure awaits you.”
Alysa did not look pleased. “Explain your words.”
“The adventure of raising children,” he teased. “Do you not realize that you carry the son and daughter of your love within you?”
Alysa’s hands flew to her barely rounded stomach. Her blue eyes were wide with astonishment. “How do you know such things when I do not? How can this magic be true?”
The Druid jested, “Bearing twins has nothing to do with magic, my princess, only with love. The Runes told me of your secret. Your husband will have more than his victories to make him happy and settled. Your son will sit upon the throne of Cumbria, your daughter on that of Damnonia. You and your love shall rule from your grandfather’s land.”
Alysa’s hands lovingly caressed her abdomen as she pondered Trosdan’s unexpected revelation. “I guess I know little of such matters, as I did not suspect it.”
“The Runes told me while I traveled with Eirik. I waited until you could have time alone before telling you. Rest while we await the contest and attack. During the battle, we must take great care to protect you and your unborn.”
“I have endangered them with this demanding ruse. I must be very careful until I return home.” Alysa was annoyed with her gods for keeping this secret from them, as she would never have attempted such a perilous task if… That was the answer to their silence!
As if reading her mind, Trosdan concurred, “Yea, that is why we were not told. I would not have brought you here with child, and you would not have agreed. The deed is nearly complete, and we are all safe. You must be easy with yourself during the contest and rituals. And you must not join in the battle.”
Alysa nodded agreement. “I will obey, Wise One, but you must use all your powers and skills to protect my love and his children.”
“No harm will befall any of you, my princess,” he vowed.
“In only two more days I can break the spell over my love and reveal all things to him. I pray you are right about his understanding and acceptance of what we have done.”
Trosdan shivered as a curious and intimidating chill passed over him. He tried to clear his mind and concentrate so the warning could form there. He was deeply concerned over an unknown dark threat which nibbled at his body. Something was wrong somewhere…
The last messenger bird reached Weylin at Aquae Sulis. Gavin’s closest friend read it with delight. The short letter told Weylin of Gavin’s presence in the Viking camp, of their successes, of their plans. Weylin sent word along the messenger line for all forces to gather at his location. Friday they would sneak close to the battle area and camp nearby. Saturday, under the cover of darkness, they would encircle the Norse settlement—not Stonehenge, as previously planned—and attack the drunken warriors as they celebrated their alleged victory.
The signal to prepare would come from the stone temple. During the so-called “empowering ritual,” Trosdan would use special powder to create colorful flashes of fire and smoke to alert the joint forces. Afterward, they were to wait for several hours while the Vikings consumed large amounts of drugged ale and food. When their foes were, helpless, the joint forces would swoop down and destroy them.
Weylin smiled in contentment. Soon victory would be theirs. Gavin was there to lead them, to be with his wife. Lady Kordel was awaiting him back home. Everything was going well.
It was late and the storm’s violence had not ceased when the door opened and someone rushed inside, dripping wet. Alysa and Trosdan awakened instantly, realizing they had forgotten to bar the door, and seized weapons to defend themselves against this noctural intruder.
The peasant girl flung off her cape and shrieked, “Do not attack!”
Alysa questioned, “What are you doing out in this storm? Why have you risked another visit here? You will be slain if caught again.”
The petite female sighed heavily, exposing her turmoil. Her forehead was etched with anger lines and irritation filled her eyes. “I have come with bad news, Your Highness. I spoke too quickly and bravely last time. The villagers refuse to fight our king and his wicked warriors. They are frightened children, cowards! I have argued and pled your cause; I have shamed them. But they will not listen to me and my father. I am not afraid. I will side with you.”
This news did not come unexpectedly, but still it vexed Alysa. She was risking her life to defeat the Norsemen who had a stranglehold on this kingdom. The least its inhibitants could do was assist her! “How can they refuse to help halt the tyranny which oppresses them? Your king does nothing to protect your people from being robbed and slain or enthralled to barbarians. The women here are captured and abused, forced to serve evil masters. How can the men of Logris let such evil things continue?”
“They are weak and frightened, Your Highness, but I am not. They give many excuses for their lack of courage. They say the raids and captures have stopped. I told them it was because of your orders, because of your power here as their false queen. They say they have no weapons to match those of the Vikings or any battle skills. It is true our enemies are strong and many,
but there are more of us than them. My people fear they will call down the wraths of the Jutes and King Vortigern upon us if we rise up against them. But they have promised to keep your secret and will find a way to rescue you if your attack fails. Please do not think evil of me for their weaknesses.”
If nothing more, at least the peasants would try to save her life! Now she knew help from them was unobtainable. She had to gain some control of this overly zealous female. “Please return to your village and continue to work on your people. Perhaps your courage will inspire bravery in them. Try to be patient and understanding, and perhaps you can change their minds. Whatever happens, you must not approach this camp again, else you will endanger both of us. If I get into peril, I will escape and come to your village. Unless your people become willing to aid me, the best help you can offer is to remain at home and hold silent about me. That is what I need most. Can I depend on you and trust you to carry out my royal command?”
The girl smiled and nodded. “I will obey, Your Highness.” She pulled on her cape and left, considering herself the queen’s helper.
Alysa sighed wearily. “I hope she heeds my words or she could endanger us and our mission, Wise One.”
Twenty
The storm continued to rage all night and most of the following day. One of the remaining slaves brought Alysa and Trosdan their meals. They went over every aspect of their plans, making sure each knew exactly what to do and when. Alysa rested after Trosdan left to check on the healing men.
Alysa responded to the knocks on her door to find a wet Eirik standing there. She stepped backward and invited him inside out of the rain. When he closed the door, she cautioned, “You should not be here. Victory is too close to endanger it. You must go quickly.”
The Last Viking Queen Page 32
