by Mary Morgan
Run!
Yet before she could take one more step to flee, Ketil wrenched her back by her braid. Sharp pain extended from her head down her neck. He leaned near her face as she trembled—his breath hot and foul against her cheek.
“Do you think to flee, woman? My men would surely halt your escape.” He touched the tip of his blade against her neck.
Without giving her time to respond, he dragged her across the rugged floor of the cave and back toward the shimmering flame. She stumbled in an effort to maintain her balance. This time he brought her nearer the flame. Grabbing her bound hands, he inched them closer to the light. Strangely, Elspeth felt no heat. However, her body began to weaken.
“What is hap…happening?” she stammered, trying to pull back. “Stop!”
“Silence!” Ketil ordered, his fingers digging into her outstretched arm. “Soon you will do my bidding.”
Beads of sweat broke along her brow, and Elspeth fought a wave of dizziness. She squeezed her eyes shut. Her breathing became labored as if someone was squeezing her body in two. Was death coming for her? A part of her yearned to surrender to the glowing light—to allow the burden of what was happening to cease. But her mind fixed on one.
“Magnar!” She screamed, his name echoing all around her.
I am here, Elspeth. Do not give in.
She shook her head in refusal, and slowly opened her eyes. On a choked sob, her gaze met his from across the cave. “Magnar!”
Even with the threat of her husband standing inside the cave, Ketil refused to move her away from the flame.
“Come to watch your wife surrender and give me the stone?” Ketil’s voice grated harshly against her ears.
“Are you not curious as to where your men are?” asked Magnar, taking another step inside.
Elspeth clenched her jaw so tightly, she feared it would snap. Fighting another wave of dizziness, she kept her focus on the man she loved. His eyes were cold black shards, but she knew the love within. She did not fear the wolf. Man and beast had come for her.
“Nae doubt by you and your men. And if you take another step, I will end her life with my blade before you can save her.”
“Wrong! You have offended the tribe who watches over the flame of Odin.”
Ketil shrugged. “Then they feared doing harm to me.”
Magnar leveled his axe at Ketil. “You are a fool! Either you remove your hands from my wife, or I shall cut them off. ’Tis your choice, Seer!”
“You are nothing, wolf,” the man taunted. “When I have claimed the stone, your head is the first to be severed. I will shove it on a pike and roam Scotland to show what a weak leader they had. Forcing your men to become my thralls is next. Their first duty is to bring me the head of your king. The reign of the lion is done, along with Odin’s.”
Her husband snarled. “You dare to oppose both—king and God? With what? A blue stone? You do not understand the power and wrath of All Father.”
While keeping her arm secured near the flame, Ketil shouted, “Enough! You chose the wrong God, wolf.”
Tears burned Elspeth’s eyes, and drawing any air into her lungs became difficult. Her resolve to not give in was ebbing quickly. Her mind tried to fathom a solution in the dark recess of the blackness beckoning to her.
And there it shone—pulsing with hope. It had been there all along—waiting for her to understand.
“I am ready, Ketil.” Elspeth ignored her husband’s cry of protest. “Allow me to remove the pendant.”
He pressed the blade firmly against her throat. “If you lie, I’ll slit your throat,” he avowed, his spittle marring her cheek.
Upon my death, I ken my husband will take yours. Yet he shall have the power of the stone.
“Aye,” she whispered.
Magnar’s roar of displeasure surrounded her. “Nae, beloved!”
Ketil loosened his grip but remained by her side.
Her hands shook as her fingers grasped the pendant. Time slowed and the air grew thick. She loved them both—Magnar and the wolf. While she slowly removed the pendant, her thoughts were for only one. The stone grew heavy in her palms. The words caught in her throat, and she felt the sting of more hot tears brimming within her eyes.
Death or life—this was her decision.
Holding the stone in front of her, she found the strength to utter the words swift and true. “From my body to yours. From my blood to yours. I surrender the stone of Odin to the man who holds my heart and love.”
With everything she had left in her body, Elspeth flung the pendant outward toward Magnar.
She watched in a haze as his powerful strides bridged the distance between them. Ketil’s scream resounded heavily in her ears, and he thrust her violently to the side. In a blur of shouting and chaos, the battle between men and Gods began in earnest. Elspeth barely heard her name being called as her head slammed into a hard surface.
A blinding tempest of dazzling colors surrounded her body, and Elspeth surrendered to the dark abyss of what was surely death’s welcome.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Magnar allowed the power to consume him. It grew—flooding his body and mind. The stone pulsed within his palm. Magic unlike he had ever encountered seeped into his skin and that of his wolf. The air was sweeter, the light brighter. He dared to look beyond the veil of mists, summoning more power beyond the stars. Everything faded—the cave, his men, the enemy, even Elspeth.
Displeased, his wolf howled in protest.
Magnar rubbed a shaky hand over his eyes and blinked several times to focus his vision. Control the power as you would the beast!
Even though he had severed the hand of the man who held a blade to his beloved, Ketil continued to remain standing. Blood gushed forth from the stump, drenching the man’s clothing and the ground.
“Do you think this is finished?” screamed Ketil. He lifted his mangled arm. “You have judged falsely the command I control. Your woman is dead, and I seek the protection of Loki!”
Magnar shook with fury. The tempest of strength swirled around him. Lifting his hand, golden flames sparked on the end of his fingertips. “Death will be your reward!” he bellowed. The ground around and beneath them shook with the power he held.
Before he had a chance to end the life of the monster, a blinding windstorm filled the cave. Magnar stumbled back and shielded his eyes. A great howling filled his ears. His wolf clawed and lunged against him in an effort to be freed. He gasped, trying to take in air.
And suddenly everything ceased.
Magnar blinked, noting nothing had changed within the flame.
He cast his gaze in all directions, searching for Ketil. The man had simply vanished.
“Nae!” he roared, furious at the man’s escape.
When he spied Elspeth slumped against a boulder and blood pooling around her head, he ran to her side. Dropping his axe and the pendant on the ground, Magnar knelt and cradled his beloved. Holding her pale, bruised, and lifeless body in his arms he surrendered to the pain ripping his heart into pieces. All the emotions he had steeled away for the battle burst forth. In one swift slice, his heart shattered, and he roared out his agony, allowing the grief to pour forth.
“Wake, my kærr!” He kissed her cold lips, trying to breathe life back into her. “You cannot leave me,” he pleaded, tears streaking down his face.
He rubbed the heel of his palm over her heart. “Feel my warmth. My heart beats for you and nae other. Hear the words within your heart and mind, Elspeth.”
“Move aside, MacAlpin,” ordered the man who approached to stand at his side.
Magnar battled the rage to cut out the man’s heart. How dare anyone who thought to touch his beloved. “Do not,” he warned in a voice raw with pain.
“I can save her.”
The man’s words slammed into Magnar, and he glanced sideways at one of the men from the tribe. He hesitated briefly and with a terse nod, he lowered Elspeth gently to the ground. Standing, he moved to one side,
refusing to distance himself from her.
Magnar watched as the man drew forth an oval gem from his pouch. Wanting to hurry this keeper of the cave, and knowing he couldn’t, he fisted his hand and waited.
Closing his eyes, the man chanted the ancient words of healing. Within the darkened corner, golden light reflected inside the gem. While he continued to speak, the man lowered the gem across Elspeth’s forehead, eyes, nose, lips, and then he placed it over her heart.
When Elspeth gasped, the torment within Magnar released on an exhale, and he slumped onto the ground. “Praise Odin,” he muttered.
The man returned the gem to his pouch. “Fetch me some water,” he ordered softly.
Magnar stood and rushed out of the cave, only to be surrounded by his men and those from the tribe. “I need water,” he demanded in a voice raw with emotion.
“Elspeth?” asked Rorik coming to his aid and handing him a water skin.
His smile tight with strain, he replied, “She lives—now.”
A combined sigh of relief came forth from his men.
“And Ketil? Dead?” asked Bjorn.
Magnar shrugged, unsure on how to respond. His concern was now for his wife, and he hurried back inside the cave.
After handing the man the water skin, Magnar knelt near Elspeth. A tint of color had returned to her lips and cheeks. And when the first drop of water entered her mouth, his beloved opened her eyes.
His joy so great, Magnar bent and brushed a feather-like kiss on her lips and took her hand into his. “My kærr.”
“Husband,” she whispered, giving him a slight smile.
“The wound to her head must be cleansed. There are healing herbs and bandages where we dwell. You can bring her there,” offered the man.
Magnar looked at the man. “Thank you. Will you give me your name?”
Smiling, the man stood. “Odin favors you. You have honored him this day. My name is Olaf.”
“Do you ken what happened to the Seer?”
The man looked past him at the glowing flame. “Either Odin destroyed him, or Loki took pity and removed him from here.”
“If I ever encounter him again, death will be his justice by my hand,” vowed Magnar.
“I shall await you outside.” Giving him a slight bow, the man departed.
Magnar picked up the pendant and regarded his wife closely. “So…you love me, Elspeth MacAlpin?”
Her smile filled him like the warmth of the sun when she replied, “With all my heart, husband.”
His heart swelled at her declaration, and Magnar rewarded her with a larger smile of his own. “I love you as well, wife.”
****
“You can cease carrying me like a newborn bairn, husband,” protested Elspeth, squirming within his arms. “I can walk outside on my own.”
Magnar’s steps stilled, and he lowered her to the ground. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he asked, “Bairn? Are you trying to tell me something?”
“Surely you can see I am able to wander without help. Two days of tending to me was plenty, but not one week. Even Erik has been seeing to my every need.”
He placed a hand over her womb. “You mentioned a bairn!”
Her eyes widened, and a blush began to spread along her neck. She lowered her head against his chest and whispered, “Nae. I am not carrying our child.”
“Yet,” he added and cupped her chin. When her gaze met his, he kissed her tenderly.
Elspeth broke free from his embrace. “When can we leave?”
Confused by her tone, Magnar brushed a hand down the back of his neck. “I had hoped to show you where I spent time on Kirkjuvágr. Where I was born. Erik desires to visit the area as well.”
She twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “I would favor seeing the place you were born and spent time in. Is the home large enough for all or only for us?”
Now his thoughts grew troubled. “You wish to dwell with my men?”
Laughter bubbled forth from her, and she grasped his hand. “Nae!” Again, the stain of roses crept upward to her face. Standing on her toes, she bit his lower lip. “I miss you in my bed, Magnar.”
He let out the breath he had been holding. Grasping her firmly against him, his mouth covered hers hungrily. His kiss was urgent and demanding, while his hands skimmed down to her lush bottom. Elspeth’s moan filled him, and he rubbed his swollen cock against her, aching with a fierce need to take her.
When he heard two of his men approaching, Magnar broke free and drew back.
Elspeth licked her lips. “Now that is a kiss.”
“Have I not been giving you many kisses, wife?” he protested.
“Not the ones I crave.” Placing her hands on his chest, she added, “You have been treating me too tenderly. Do you fear I shall shatter into tiny shards? I am strong, Magnar.”
How could he confess the numbing helplessness he had felt when he thought she had died? He would have begged Odin himself to bring her back to life. Magnar rubbed the stone that was around his neck. He had the power to do almost anything, except summon the words to bring her back to life. If not for Olaf, and the truth his wife was a true shield-maiden, he feared all would be lost to him.
“Be ready to travel before the light of dawn graces the sky tomorrow. The men and Erik can accompany us. They can stay with Berulf while we’ll lodge at the former home of my parents. I ken your nephew will enjoy my friend’s company.”
Her entire face transformed to one of joy. She slipped her hand over his cock and squeezed. “I require your healing touch,” she whispered. Quickly releasing him, she sauntered away while humming a tune.
“Where are you going?” he asked, though he probably knew the answer.
She waved a hand over her head. “To gather flowers and speak with Erik. I heard he was going to catch some fish.”
Magnar let out a growl and turned from her appealing form. With his men not far, he had to quash his burning desire.
He did not have long to wait as Rorik and Gunnar came striding forth from the trees. “Should I ask what you have been doing?” He fisted his hands on his hips.
Grinning, Rorik looked at Gunnar. “And here I thought he would be fond of the good news.”
“The only good news you can offer is the head of Ketil,” grumbled Magnar, still frustrated by the man’s disappearance.
Rorik’s good humor vanished. “Sadly, nae. Be assured we will find him.”
“We have a ship to take us back to Scotland when you are ready,” announced Gunnar.
Magnar shifted his stance. “I decided to stay for a while. I wish to show Elspeth Kirkjuvágr and the surrounding area.”
“A wonderful idea!” declared Gunnar and smacked Rorik on the back.
The man grimaced. “I think I shall remain nearby.”
Magnar’s brow creased. “Fear you will encounter Ragna?”
Though the truth showed in Rorik’s eyes, he replied, “Nae, nae!”
“Good. You can stay with Berulf. There will be nae need for you to wander away,” ordered Magnar.
His friend gave him a scathing look and stormed off.
Gunnar scratched the side of his face. “Why does he hate her thus?”
Magnar chuckled softly. “He does not. Do not be fooled by the loathsome words he spews out about the woman.”
Gunnar tapped a finger against his chin in thought. “I think I shall go join Erik and Bjorn by the river.”
Smiling, Magnar stepped around his friend and walked away. There was something he needed to do before they departed. It had haunted him since the dreadful day in the caves. He had thought to speak with Elspeth but banished involving her in the decision. When he woke this morn, he understood it was time.
Even his wolf agreed.
Steadily making his way through the trees, he considered his decision one last time. A chance to accept what had been given to him. Magnar reached the clearing and descended onward to the caves. The tribe’s leader stood at the entrance. From what
the others within the tribe had shared with him during the past few days, each man would guard the entrance for one full day.
Magnar halted before him. “I have made a decision.”
Dagr pushed away from the rock wall. “What do you seek, MacAlpin?”
Letting out a sigh, Magnar removed the pendant from around his neck. He rubbed his thumb over the stone. “I have all the power I judge necessary to help my king. I have nae desire to become snared in a war between Gods. In truth, the power of the stone is far too tempting for men. It should remain with Odin.”
“Are you certain?”
“Aye. In the wrong hands, the pendant can destroy worlds.”
The man moved aside. “You are a warrior for Odin, son of Alpin. Toss the stone into the golden flame. There it shall be given back to Odin.”
As he started forward, Dagr tapped him on the arm with his spear. “You are correct. The power of the stone does not give life, yet it can destroy. You have made a wise decision this day.”
Giving the man a brief nod, Magnar stepped inside. For a moment, the horror of almost losing Elspeth slammed back into his thoughts. He let out a shaky breath and banished the images. Striding across the cold cavern, he halted before the towering flame.
Magnar knelt on one knee. “Once, you gave this gift to our people. But I judge this too much for men. I have tasted the power of the stone. In that moment, I felt I had become a God.” He shook his head solemnly. “You have granted me the wisdom and power of the wolf. ’Tis enough.”
He stood and regarded the stone one last time. “Into your hands, All Father, I give back what was bestowed to us.”
When he tossed the stone into the flame, Magnar watched in stunned silence as a great hand reached forth from the golden light, catching the blue stone within its grasp.
Retreating swiftly, he paused outside the entrance. Magnar placed a fist over his heart and faced Dagr. “Long life to you and those that guard the caves and the temple of Odin.”
