Pride of a Viking

by Sky Purington

  Kodran’s eyes lingered on hers for a moment before he ran his hand along the wood and connected with Eluf in a whole new way. His eyes went to Erica as he realized what needed to happen. The answer didn’t lay in him but someone else.

  He shook his head and frowned at Hel. “Would Erica not be killing part of herself if she does this?”

  “She would,” Hel conceded. “But it is the only way she can take back control.”

  “What do you mean?” Erica said. “Because that almost sounds like if I kill her, she still exists somewhere.”

  “Yes,” Hel agreed with a dark smile. “But you would be in control of her now. Never the other way around. And would that not benefit all?”

  “It would,” Erica agreed and took the cane from Kodran.

  When she started to head for Maeva, he stopped her and frowned, his eyes narrowed on Hel. “Will doing this affect Erica adversely? Will it...take anything from her?”

  “Nothing that has not already been taken.” Hel met his eyes. “If you truly separated that which she no longer needs from her, then all should go well. But if you did not, if the other Maeva still has something she needed, then it is hard to predict the outcome.”

  Kodran frowned. “That does not sound promising.”

  “It might not sound promising.” Erica’s eyes locked with his. “But I trust you...and I trust Eluf.” She shook her head. “I don’t think he screwed around when he created my doppelgänger. In fact, I know he didn’t. He loved Maeva too much. He wouldn’t have taken any chances.”

  Kodran inhaled deeply and searched inside himself for assurance. Yet as their eyes held, he realized the truth. What he felt. He loved Erica just as much as Eluf had once loved Maeva. And that, the strength of what he felt, left no room for doubt. She was right. He would not have taken any chances when it came to what he had done for her. When it came to her safety and sanity.

  He nodded at the staff. “It’s all yours, Erica.”

  She didn’t hesitate but spun and drove the staff right between Maeva’s eyes and into her brain. When the dragon roared fire in rage and tried to lunge at Erica, he pulled her into his arms and out of harm’s way. It didn’t matter though because Maeva did not last long. Instead, she sputtered and bared her teeth before her eyes met Erica’s one last time then slowly slid shut.

  “Oh, hell,” Erica whispered and started to tremble. Concerned, Kodran followed her thoughts. She wasn’t in trouble but seemed to be thinking clearer, faster. “Her heart’s slowing...” She pulled away from him. “Slowing more...”

  He felt what she did. The last thud...

  Then perfect clarity.

  The second Erica leaped forward and yanked the staff out of Maeva, white light blinded them, and a harsh wind whipped all around. But it didn’t stop him from getting to Erica and pulling her against him. The pressure dropped, light faded away, and a few moments later they were back where they had started.

  At Mt. Galdhøpiggen’s peak with Uncle Kjar, Aunt Aella, his cousins and of course, Grant Hamilton. They were exactly where they had stood before, and as their chants came to an end, everything returned to normal.

  “Son of a...” Erica whispered. “Are we back? Really back?”

  Grant smiled and nodded as he eyed the twisted cane. “You are, lass. ‘Tis good to see you in one piece. My apologies for the suffocating magic at the beginning but I had to keep you moving along and mayhap prepare you for what was to come.”

  “No worries,” she murmured, clearly still trying to acclimate herself.

  “So how was your journey, Nephew?” Uncle Kjar embraced Kodran and clapped him on the back. “Did you discover new things?”

  “I think you know I did.” His eyes went between his aunt and uncle. “And now that I know, we all know, yes?”

  “Yes.” A small smile curled Aunt Aella’s lips. “And knowledge is most certainly power.”

  Erica handed the staff to Kodran. “I believe this is yours.”

  His eyes shot to Aunt Aella who had held the cane before they traveled back in time.

  She shook her head and shrugged. “It vanished when you did.”

  “It also helped us travel back in time to begin with, did it not?” He shook his head. “How is that even possible?”

  Näv smiled and embraced him before she pulled back with pride in her eyes. “I’m surprised you have to ask considering how powerful the seer was who made it.”

  “He was something,” Astrid started.

  “To be sure,” Freyja finished.

  “You were something,” Vigdis said softly, eying him over as she sauntered his way. Or at least she would have been if Erica didn’t cut her off, narrow her eyes and release a low growl of warning.

  “You might want to watch how you look at my mate, seer,” Erica said, her voice mildly threatening. Kodran was so aroused by her reaction he almost carried her off right then and there to find some privacy.

  Meanwhile, Vigdis’ brows shot up in surprise as she eyed Erica.

  “Och, I have the best timing,” Adlin declared as he materialized. “Have we a wee cat-fight then?” When they looked at him with narrowed eyes, he kept grinning and cocked his head. “No, no, not cats. Dragonish seer fight then?”

  Grant sniggered and shook his head at Adlin who now appeared to be around ten winters or so. “Did you enjoy the journey, old friend?”

  “Verra much.” He winked at Kodran and Erica. “’Twas a good time watching these two come together.”

  Vigdis looked at Kodran. “Did you then?” She gave him another one of those sultry looks. “Did you come together with Erica?”

  Tait had always had an eye on this seer, and while Kodran could admit she was attractive, he just didn’t understand the draw.

  “We did come together, Vigdis,” he confirmed.

  “Well, how else could it be considering you have returned to us?” Vigdis offered a nod of approval then sauntered away.

  Kodran reeled Erica a little closer and frowned at his kin. “So it’s clear all of you had some idea of what was happening from the moment Cybil first traveled back in time.” He shook his head. “Why not tell us sooner?”

  “Och, did you not listen to me when I spoke of the journey itself being so important?” Adlin piped up.

  “There is much to discuss,” Aunt Aella said. “But first, let us return to the Fortress so you can reunite with your kin. They have been worried about you both.”

  “How long were we gone?”

  “Only a fortnight or so,” Grant said.

  Erica frowned. “And no Hallstein yet?” She looked at Kodran, worried. “That doesn’t sound right.” Her eyes whipped back to Grant. “What’s Kage thinking?”

  “Come.” Grant gestured to the center of the cave. “Let’s get you back so you can ask him yourself.”

  Kodran eyed the shields as they joined him. “They aren’t Eluf’s anymore.”

  “Nay, his did what they needed to.” Grant’s eyes went between Kodran and Erica, pleased. “They helped bring him back together with his one true love.”

  Erica didn’t say anything as she glanced at Kodran, but he knew she wanted to. That she was eager to spend time alone with him so they could discuss everything that had happened.

  “We will,” he murmured into her mind and squeezed her hand. “Soon.”

  Their eyes held as Grant murmured and everything swirled around them. Half a breath later, they were standing in the heart of his village.

  “You’ll want to find your kin right away,” Grant said softly, smiling. “They have a surprise for you.”

  Kodran didn’t need his kin to tell him because he suddenly heard the changed heart rate of his former King.

  He grinned at Erica. “Naðr Véurr is awake.”

  Many villagers greeted him along the way, smiling and clapping him on the back before Tait intercepted. “Brother! It’s good to have you back. Have you heard the good news yet?” He embraced Kodran, grinning, before he shook his head, gla
nced at Erica and nodded hello.

  “Hey, Tait.” She smiled before her eyes returned to Kodran. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go see...well, you know who.”

  “You don’t think?” he started to say but trailed off when she nodded and said, “What, that the moment Eluf called on Bjark to help them it untethered him?” She cocked the corner of her mouth. “And when it did, your former Viking King woke up?”

  Kodran didn’t fully believe it until he and Erica entered Naðr’s lodge. Everyone was there. His kin. Erica’s. But that’s not who he focused on. No, his eyes went straight to the man sitting up against the headboard. He might be gaunt, but he was alive.

  “Uncle.” He grinned. “You are awake.”

  “I am,” Naðr confirmed, smiling. “And by the looks of me, that has not happened in some time.” His brows perked and a knowing light entered his eyes. “And based on my memories of another life, I would say I have you to thank for my return, Nephew.” His eyes went to Erica’s and lingered. “And you.”

  Kodran felt how strange this moment was for Erica. What it was like to see her grandfather in another life in a different form. To have seen him die such a brutal death then be alive again here. So when she slowly headed in Naðr’s direction, he didn’t stop her.

  Her sisters said nothing, but he knew they now understood.

  Everyone did.

  “It is good to have you back, Cousin,” Heidrek said into Kodran’s mind.

  “It is,” Bjorn agreed.

  “You were gone long enough,” his sisters Kadlin and Runa said at the same time then frowned at each other.

  “But you are back,” Matthew said. “And I am glad...and grateful for all you did for us.”

  “It was but me in another life,” Kodran said. “Nothing more.”

  Svala looked at the bed then at him. “My father waking is the least of what you accomplished on our behalf, Cousin.”

  Kodran said nothing but focused on Naðr. He was still trying to work through all that had happened. Because many could argue that Eluf had been at the root of all their problems, to begin with.

  “Or some might say,” Kage growled into his mind. “That Hallstein or Bard was at the fucking root of everything and all you tried to do was love and protect my sister.”

  When Kodran glanced at Kage in surprise, Erica’s brother offered him a grim but thankful nod.

  “How are you feeling?” Erica said softly as she stopped beside Naðr’s bed and eyed him over before she shook her head and frowned. “I’m sorry.” She held out her hand. “I’m Erica. Nice to meet you, Naðr Véurr.”

  “I know who you are.” He took her hand and held it. Emotion churned in his gaze as his voice dropped an octave. “I remember you, Maeva.” His eyes flickered to Lauren then back. “I remember my granddaughters in another life.” His eyes went to Erica’s siblings. “I remember my kin. Each and every one of you.”

  Erica nodded as her eyes welled and she whispered, “If that’s the case then I’m so sorry...” She shook her head. “So damn sorry I lied to you about Eluf and me.”

  “That is not for you to be sorry about,” Naðr said. “I would have done the same for Megan. Again and again.”

  When a heavy frown settled on Naðr’s face, Kodran’s eyes shot to Heidrek. His cousin shook his head. “He only just awoke a short time before you arrived.” Sadness flickered in his eyes. “He has not asked after Aunt Megan yet.”

  Erica tensed but stayed by Naðr’s side, ready it seemed to take on all responsibility for Megan if need be. So Kodran joined her and took her hand. He was about to explain, but Grant spoke first.

  “Megan is where you wanted her to be, my friend,” Grant said softly, his eyes unwavering as they stayed with Naðr’s. “She has been in the twenty-first century for a year now battling her cancer.”

  “A year,” Naðr murmured and clenched his jaw. “That is a long time. Too long, yes?”

  “Not with what she was facing,” Grant said. Though he tried to say strong, the emotion in his eyes was undeniable as he told Naðr what no one else was ready to admit. “We thought at first the treatment was working but...” His eyes stayed with Naðr’s as he hesitated then continued. “I am sorry, old friend. Despite modern medicine’s best effort, Megan’s cancer has spread. I am afraid her days are limited.”

  There was nothing but raw pain in Naðr’s eyes as they stayed with Grant’s. “Then why is she not here? Why is she not back with me if there is no hope in the future?”

  Before Grant could reply, Erica cut him off. “Because I sold the house in Winter Harbor to her. It’s my fault.”

  Naðr’s eyes went to hers. “How does that make Megan staying your fault?”

  “Because,” Erica said, “somebody other than me and my sisters needed to own that house. That property.” She sighed and shook her head. “The ash out front was becoming too powerful. While that was good for Kage and Viv, it was close to becoming too much of a conduit to the past.” Her eyes stayed with Naðr’s. “Had my sisters and I stayed attached to the house, Hallstein would’ve quickly found a way to all of you from the inside out. He would have used the tree.”

  “Yet selling it to Megan kept that from happening?” Naðr asked.

  “Yes,” came a soft voice. “Or so Erica thought.”

  Mema Angie.

  “Eydis,” Erica whispered.

  Angie offered a warm smile. “Once upon a time.” She shook her head as she looked from Kage and Cybil to Erica. “Now I’m just Mema Angie to some and Ma to others.”

  Kodran shook his head. “But how...”

  “But how what?” Angie said. “How am I a Celtic and Norse demi-god?” A wise look entered her eyes. “Gods are as lusty as dragons, humans, and seers. And like seers and dragons, many are not so prejudiced against those that are not their own.” She shrugged and offered a small smile. “Is it such a far-fetched idea that I might be a bit of a mutt?”

  When nobody said anything, Sam spoke up. “Well, I for one can see it.” She grinned and winked at Angie. “And I’d say mutt means pretty damn powerful in this case.”

  “But why is Cybil only Celtic?” Erica glanced at Kage. “Not sure what godliness you inherited, Bro.”

  “And there’s your answer,” Angie said. “Our offspring don’t always inherit all of our genes. Sometimes they only get bits and pieces. Cybil inherited my Celt godliness while Kage took the Norse.”

  Erica grinned at Kage. “So you’re a Norse demi-god, eh?”

  He grinned right back. “Sure am. And like you speculated before, it’s why I was able to deceive Hallstein for so long.”

  “Speaking of Hallstein,” Naðr said softly as his gaze swept over the room. “Why are all of you here, and nobody is with my wife?” His eyes grew steely. “Why is nobody protecting her?”

  When all grew silent again, Kodran felt their distress like a knife to the heart. They had done well to hide their pain up until now. Evidently sensing his former king was ready to hear something he would not like, Kjar stepped into the room. Though he was happy to see his longtime friend awake, he was clearly the bearer of bad news.

  “Megan might be fighting for her life, but it has not stopped her from continuing to protect her people and kin,” Kjar reported. “She has stopped Hallstein’s possible direct route into the heart of our village because she ceased any chance of us getting to her.” Kjar frowned. “She chopped down the ash tree.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  WHILE HE MIGHT have seemed perfectly calm one moment, Naðr Véurr had a trigger, and it was Megan. Erica flinched and stepped back at the wrath in his eyes followed by his bellow. “Everyone out except my immediate kin. It is time to heal me so that I can get to her.”

  When Kodran started to go with her, Erica shook her head and spoke within his mind. “No, you’re immediate kin. Stay and heal him.” Yet she was curious. “What does that mean, anyway? Is that sort of thing really possible?”

  “Yes,” he replied. “With en
ough of us using our magic, we can rebuild his muscle and help him regain the strength he’s lost.”

  “Very cool.” She kissed his cheek in passing. “Good luck then.”

  Yet as she walked away, she felt his eyes lingering on her. When she glanced back, they met hers.

  “Do you know which lodge is mine?” he said.

  The corner of her lip curled up as she read his mind. “I do now.”

  Her heart slammed in anticipation at the promise in his eyes as she followed her siblings outside. While the never-ending lust she and Kodran shared might be inappropriate given all that was happening, she knew it was something that would never go away. Not in a past life, this life, or any to come.

  So while she should have been admiring the tall soaring mountains, the authentic Viking buildings and the people passing by, she wasn’t. Instead, she locked on the large lodge at the far end. Kodran’s lodge. She wanted to go there and inhale, take in his scent then mark her territory when they had sex. Any woman’s scent that had been there before would be wiped clean. Overridden then non-existent. It was a strange, animalistic sensation but it felt right.

  “How are you doing, Erica?” Shannon asked. “Are you okay?”

  She started eying women as they passed. How many would she have to track down and tell to go to hell? To back off?

  “Shoot,” she muttered and stopped short. “Why did I just have those thoughts?”

  “What thoughts?” Lauren frowned. “As far as we could tell you were checking everything out.” She tilted her head in question. “Was there more?”

  “No,” she whispered and shook her head.

  “Yes, there was.” Cybil steered her into a large lodge near a super massive one. “Welcome to my place, Sis.” They walked into a room off the main chamber, and she gestured to a fire and chairs. “Sit so we can figure out what to do next.”

  Erica sank down into a chair, suddenly off kilter, out of sorts. Was Maeva in her head again?

  “Now there’s a good place to start,” Cybil said as she handed Erica a mug of ale and the rest of her siblings joined her around the fire. “First the off-kilter end of things then the Maeva-in-your-head part.”