“I needed to remain here to reveal Eirik’s treachery to you, and to exercise with my sword. It has been too long from my grasp.”
“Find the girl and take her back to her village,” she commanded.
“You wish me to release Eirik’s slave? He will be furious.”
“Not release her, safely escort her home. I do not care if your rival is filled with wrath. I am the queen and must be obeyed. This will shame him for his disobedience. Soon, Eirik will be no more, but I want him punished for such treachery behind my back!”
Rolf left to carry out Alysa’s order. He related it to the captive in charge of the lovely woman. When the blond warrior told the female herself that the queen had commanded her release and that he was taking her home, she smiled with joy and relief, causing her beauty to increase. Rolf eyed the captive with burning loins and wicked plans.
Alysa, concealed nearby, studied the earthy beauty and pain knifed her heart. Dejected, she returned to her dwelling to be alone.
She raged against cruel fate for doing this evil thing to them. It was not fair. In a few hours, everything would have been righted again! Now her husband had sinned against her and their love. There was no excuse. Even if Eirik mistrusted her and was angered against her, he should not have turned to another woman for solace.
Tears filled Alysa’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. How could she forgive Gavin or ignore this weakness? How could she ever forget that woman’s face, knowing her love had lain with her all night? How could he do such a cruel thing as kidnap and ravish an innocent woman? Had he done it to hurt and punish her for his mistaken beliefs? If only she had followed her heart last night and broken Gavin’s spell.
In a wooded area, Rolf flung the lovely slave to the ground and pinned her there. Amidst her futile struggles and curses, he ripped her garments from her body and eagerly ravished her. The slender woman stood no chance of thwarting the strong giant of a foe.
When he was sated, Rolf stared at the bewildering sight upon his manhood and between the girl’s legs. He demanded, “How can this be when you were abed with Eirik all night?”
The young woman glared at the blond Viking and shouted, “Because he did not ravish me, Spawn of the Devil! He did not steal me for himself. He captured me to serve your queen. May the gods curse you forever, Droppings of a Cur!” she screamed at Rolf, clawing at him and spitting into his face.
Riled past thinking, Rolf yanked the dagger from his belt and stabbed the brave woman several times. He stood over her lifeless body and wiped the spittle from his face. “Curse you, wench! If you had not offended me, you would have lived and returned home.”
Rolf concealed the body, washed himself in a nearby stream, mounted, and rode for camp.
When Trosdan reached Alysa’s dwelling, she asked frantically, “Where have you been, Wise One? A terrible thing has happened.”
“I have been at the stone temple praying and making sacrifices to our gods. What troubles you? Why do you weep?”
“Gavin has betrayed me and our love with another woman,” she related painfully, then told him the plaguing tale.
“Rolf lies,” Trosdan declared confidently. He placed his arm around her shoulder. “He is innocent, my princess.”
She refuted, “I saw her myself. He kept her with him all night.”
Trosdan argued gently, “Nay, it cannot be. I forbade him to touch another woman while he was enchanted.”
Alysa accused angrily, “The spell was not-strong enough, for I have witnessed his dark deed myself. I ordered her from camp. I could not bear to look at her, or slay her for tempting my husband. I should have gone to him last night and prevented this evil from coming between us.”
The Druid protested, “Prince Gavin would not do such a thing.”
Alysa reminded him, “He is not Prince Gavin. He is Eirik, a Viking warrior. Your spell has made him too much like them.”
“Nay, the spell is too strong. He could not take another woman to his bed. It is impossible. There is another prevention: Eirik loves and desires you. He would not risk destroying your feelings.”
“Not even if Eirik no longer loves me or trusts me? Not even if he thinks I favor Rolf, and secretly aid his rival? Not even to punish me or to prove I have not hurt him with my lies and deceits?”
Trosdan shook his head. “That, too, is impossible, Alysa. Calm yourself and think. You are wrong. If you had not sent the girl home, we could have questioned her and proven his innocence. Why do you not speak with Eirik about her? But be certain not to drop any careless hints about his identity and our ruse,” he cautioned.
“Eirik is away with Ulf, raiding for feast supplies. What if Ulf harms him? What if I never learn the truth?”
“Ulf will not harm Eirik, for I enspelled him not to do so.”
“What if Ulf’s spell is no stronger than Gavin’s about women?”
Sadness filled Trosdan’s eyes. “Why do you doubt me now? Has all not gone as we planned? Why lose faith the last day?”
Alysa retorted, “We did not plan for my husband to bed another woman, but he has done so. Is this my payment for doing my duty?”
“Nay, my cherished princess. They will return soon and you will see for yourself.”
Trosdan left to see if the band was back, but it was not. He returned to the dwelling. “I must prepare the herbs for tomorrow.”
“And I must go for a walk. I need fresh air and exercise.” Alysa left the old Druid sitting and working at the table.
As she strolled around the settlement, she realized that all of this would be destroyed within two days. Their Viking foes would be dead. The threat to Britain, to herself, to the children whom she carried, would be vanquished. She touched her abdomen and raged at fate’s cruelty again. Perhaps by now another woman carried her love’s—Alysa’s turmoil was interrupted by the returning band.
She could not face her traitorous love right now. She was too distraught, too infuriated, too filled with anguish. She turned and headed for her dwelling. She had seen Eirik, and he had seen her.
He caught up with Alysa and asked, “What is wrong, m’love? Why did you look at me that way? I have the sword, so do not worry about the stolen amulet. I will defeat them and win you. Trust me.”
Alysa glared into his entreating eyes. “Trust you?” she scoffed. “Why should I trust you when you do not trust me? If you loved me, you would not seek to hurt me as you have done. Leave me be,” she commanded and walked away from the befuddled man.
Eirik wondered what she had meant by her icy words and why she was so cold to him, today of all days. If anyone should have reason to doubt another, he did! Yet he did not. He had tried to doubt her, but could not deny her love and commitment to him. He had concluded, if any mischief was afoot, it was not Alysa’s.
The supplies were unpacked for use in the celebratory feast. As Eirik was leaving the storehouse, the Logris captive told him of the queen’s anger toward him and of her order to release Eirik’s slave.
Enlightenment flooded him immediately. Then he smiled in pleasure and relief. He went to Alysa’s dwelling and knocked on the door.
“Who is there?” Alysa asked without opening it.
“It is Eirik. I must speak with you. Now,” he added sternly.
“There is nothing to say. I am occupied,” she responded.
Eirik vowed, “I shall remain here until you see me.”
Trosdan coaxed, “Speak with him outside. You must not let him enter, for my work is upon the table. Go, before he seizes the eyes and curiosities of others. Let him prove he is innocent.”
“Bar the door, Wise One. I shall not be long.” Alysa opened the door and stepped into the fresh air. “What do you want, Eirik?”
“To spank you, for one thing,” he teased. When Alysa looked at him as if he were crazy, he chuckled. “The slave was a gift for you, a servant to take Enid’s place. Lorne was to train her to obey, but he says you have commanded her release and Rolf has returned her to her
village. I could not bring her to you last night or this morning because she was too defiant and disrespectful. Is that why you are angry with me, because you thought I took her for myself? I did not.”
“Last night, you did not…” Alysa halted, and blushed.
Eirik chuckled and shook his head. “Nay, for I only desire you, Alysa, and love only you. I have not taken another woman since leaving Hengist’s hall. Forever it will be only you next to me.”
Alysa did not know why she felt so strange, even shy and nervous, with her own husband. She could not recall ever blushing before; and they were not strangers. She felt as if suddenly she was again the virgin whom this mysterious adventurer had met and wooed long ago.
“Does my boldness in words and feelings embarrass or frighten you? How can that be when we have…” He went silent as he watched a radiant smile cross her face and fill her eyes. “You believe me.”
Their gazes fused. “Yea, my love, I believe you. Are you angry because I doubted you?” she inquired.
“If you did not love me, the slave would not have upset you.”
“It was what Rolf said that distressed me, most.” She related her visit from the blond Viking. “He was mistaken, and he misled me.”
“As he misled me about you,” Eirik replied. He watched the astonishment seize her face as he revealed what Rolf had told him.
“Nay, I did not give him the amulet. I did not know it was there. He seeks to make us enemies. Do you think he suspects us?”
“In a few hours it will not matter, for Rolf will be dead, as will Ulf. Tonight, we shall become man and wife, queen and king.”
Alysa’s body enflamed, causing her eyes and cheeks to glow. “Tonight,” she murmured dreamily. “Soon you will be mine again.”
Eirik did not catch the true meaning of her word “again.” He smiled and said, “I must go before our eyes expose us.”
“Tonight we shall begin a new life together. I love you, Eirik.”
“As I love you, Alysa. If I do not go quickly, I shall burst into flames and be consumed upon this spot. Until tonight, m’love.” Alysa turned and knocked on the door.
Within moments, Trosdan let her inside. Noting her happy expression, he chuckled and hinted, “So, he is innocent as I vowed?”
Alysa embraced the old man. “Yea, Wise One, he is innocent of all wrongs. Tonight we shall be together again.”
At the old Roman baths, the combined forces of Cambria, Damnonia, and Cumbria united and camped. Tomorrow, they would sneak to the Viking location and surround it. When Trosdan gave his fiery signal, they would prepare to attack.
Weylin revealed the news about Gavin, and all were pleased. With their king present to lead them, the Damnonians were no longer anxious about the absences of Princess Alysa and Prince Gavin. As for Weylin, he was hoping for a swift victory and return home, where Lady Kordel was awaiting him. He could hardly wait to share his good news with Gavin and Alysa.
King Bardwyn of Cambria and Damnonia sat at his campfire thinking about his granddaughter and wife. He would be happy and relieved to see Alysa. Within a few days, they would all be reunited and peace would rule their lands, thanks to his granddaughter.
King Briac sat at his campfire with Gavin’s friends. He was eager to see his son, to hear about this stirring tale, to have Gavin’s mysterious disappearance explained. His beloved wife Brenna was waiting for them at Malvern Castle with Queen Giselde. It would be good to spend time there getting to know the valiant woman his son had wed.
Everyone was confident about their imminent victory, as the plan was a clever one and nothing had gone wrong, so far.
Twenty-one
The Vikings gathered in the center of camp where a new battle ring had been marked upon the ground. Trosdan chanted reverently, deceitfully, as he sanctified the circle. The three questors were called inside the ring, where only one champion would depart after the competition. The instructions were given for the matches.
“You must battle your rival with all your might and wits. You can use any weapon, or many weapons. The only restriction is to remain inside the ring. If you step out, you must be slain by those nearby. If you are thrown out, you must reenter and continue your battle. But if you cast out your rival, you must finish the battle with one hand bound behind you. You are not the winner until your opponent is dead. After you draw lots, numbers one and two will battle. The winner will be given a short rest, then he must battle number three. When the final victor is chosen by Odin, Queen Alysa will wed him this night. Tomorrow at noon, we will meet at Stonehenge for the empowering ceremony of the sacred objects from the five quests. Then we will have a great feast. The following day, our conquest will begin. Place your prizes at the queen’s feet, then let Odin’s will be done.”
Ulf called to friends to lay his figurehead and stolen shield upon the ground near Alysa. Trosdan examined them and nodded. Rolf did the same with his helmet and stolen amulet, and Trosdan nodded acceptance again. Eirik placed the sword in his right hand before her. Trosdan checked it and nodded.
Alysa was glad her bewitched husband did not look at her, for surely love and apprehension were written in her eyes. He looked splendid in his dark-brown warrior’s apron. His chest was bare and his feet were clad in furry boots, held in place by encircling leather straps. His wrists were covered by bronze armlets. Around his waist was a wide leather belt which held two sheathed knives of varying sizes. In his left hand was a sharp sword which glittered in the sunlight.
Ulf was attired in a short tunic, but Rolf was clad much like Eirik. She noticed scratches on Rolf’s chest and arms, and sadly surmised the reason for them. She eyed the two Norsemen, knowing these evil foes would be dead soon.
Trosdan held out a leather pouch and the men reached inside to select their opponents. Each glanced at his stone but did not speak. The crowd was silent and alert. The wizard, clad in a black robe with sleeves which flowed over his hands, asked for Eirik’s stone.
The deft magician clasped his hands within the concealing sleeves and said as he cleverly switched stones, “These battles are to the death. We can have but one champion in camp. If the other rivals are allowed to live, they would seek ways to slay our new king to take his place.”
Alysa hoped that no one caught the contradictory error in the Druid’s words. If the empowering ritual was to make their new king invincible, no rival should be a threat to him. Thankfully, no Viking appeared to notice that oversight in the wizard’s speech and planning.
Trosdan glanced at the stone and called out, “Number three.”
Eirik was surprised, for he was certain he had read “1” on its surface. He risked a glance at Alysa, who smiled playfully. He wondered if she had convinced the wizard to help him win so she could have him over Ulf or Rolf. Surely the victor of the first battle would be fatigued and sore during the second one, as they had gone for weeks without fighting anyone or practicing. However, he had secretly exercised every day to keep in shape, to keep his body agile and limber.
Before the redhead had time to look at his stone again, Trosdan took it from Ulf’s sweaty grasp and slowly turned as he surreptitiously exchanged it with Eirik’s first one. If Eirik had chosen “3,” no switch would have been necessary. Trosdan had placed an extra “3” in a hidden pocket inside his abundant sleeve, with the plan to exchange Eirik’s “1” or “2” with it, then give his number to the rival who possessed the real “3.” The exchange had to be done quickly before the man with the same number questioned and challenged the drawing.
Trosdan glanced at the cunningly exchanged stone and called out, “Number one.” He retrieved the marked stone from Rolf’s hand and called out, “Number two.” Trosdan dropped the three stones into the bag, pulled the strings tightly, and hung it on his waist cord. “The first contest will be between Rolf and Ulf. The winner will fight Eirik for the queen’s hand and kingship. Gather your weapons and ready yourselves,” he told them, and left the ring to join Alysa, with the false stone sa
fely hidden in his sleeve pocket.
Ulf shouted, “My stone was marked with a three! You cheat! We shall draw again and another will handle the stones this time, wizard.”
The crowd reacted with astonishment to Ulf’s insulting charges. Jeers were heard, as were disgruntled murmurings.
“What manner of wickedness is this, Ulf?” Alysa demanded. “All witnessed the drawing and revealing of numbers. How could our attiba switch stones before so many eyes? You dishonor yourself.”
“I do not know how he did this trick, but he has done so!”
Alysa trembled in fear, but it was masked from all eyes except Eirik’s. He observed her closely and prayed their ruse would not be exposed, for surely it was done to aid him.
Trosdan glared at the redhead. “Have I not proven at the stone temple I am Odin’s servant and mouthpiece? See for yourself. There are only three stones in the bag. Your evil eyes deceived you, or Loki blinds you.” Trosdan shook the stones into his palm and waved them beneath the redhead’s nose and beneath the gazes of many other warriors. He held up his arms and ordered one of the bystanders to feel along his waist and hips. “I have no pockets in which to conceal a false stone.”
The man reluctantly examined the sides of the black robe and said, “He speaks the truth, Ulf; I find nothing.”
Alysa held out her hands, palms upward. “And he passed none to me, as there was no false stone, only your wickedness.”
Rolf taunted, “They say, 1, 2, 3, Ulf. Do you fear to battle me first? Do you seek for Eirik to tire me in the first match? It does not matter, for I shall win both battles and become champion.”
Ulf stared at the three stones. He was certain his had said “3.” No matter, he would slay both Rolf and Eirik! And when he was king, he would find a way to get rid of that guileful wizard!
As Ulf and Rolf gathered their weapons, Eirik glanced at Alysa again. Once more that sly smile was sent to him. He was certain now that the wizard had exchanged the stones. He was certain now that all he had to do was defeat Ulf and lay claim to his dreams. His gaze walked over her from dark-brown head to booted feet. Her long thick mane was unbound today and held in place with her golden crown. She was wearing a sea-blue gown which flowed over her body like sensuous water. The wrist-length sleeves were sheer, exposing her lovely arms, arms which would soon be wrapped around him. The neckline of her beautiful garment began just above her supple breasts, evincing a span of flesh which begged his lips to travel its downy-soft surface. He could not wait to get his hands around her slender waist, and to allow them to wander over her inviting skin. She was exquisite, a prize more valuable than all five treasures put together!
The Last Viking Queen Page 34
