The Viking's Defiant Bride

by Joanna Fulford

  She listened with close attention while Elgiva summarised what she had heard.

  ‘I must get a message to Aylwin, warn him.’

  ‘You cannot risk venturing out there.’

  ‘Not personally, but it should still be possible to get a message through.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘Through Leofwine. Can you let him know what is afoot and bid him find Brekka if he can? I know the rebels move their camp often.’ She paused. ‘It is the last thing I can do for Aylwin. Let us pray that he heeds the warning.’

  ‘Let us hope so. Let us hope also that Wulfrum never finds out that his plan has been betrayed.’

  ‘This is not done to betray Wulfrum, but to prevent more blood from being shed.’

  ‘He would not see it that way.’

  ‘I know it,’ replied Elgiva, ‘but I cannot just let Aylwin and the others be slaughtered.’

  After Osgifu departed for the village, Elgiva paced the floor in an agony of suspense and inner turmoil. It seemed to her then that every turn of events mired her deeper in deception. She needed something to do to take her mind off it all and keep her away from their visitors. It was politic to keep her distance until the men should have gone. As always there was spinning to do, enough to last until the evening meal when she would have the safety of numbers about her.

  She occupied herself thus until the late afternoon. Then, feeling the need of fresh air, Elgiva went out, heading away from the bower and the hall towards the paddock. The day was fine and warm and scented with flowers and cut grass. Glossy horses grazed beyond the fence, cropping the lush turf. However, being preoccupied, she devoted little attention to them. Had the message reached the rebel group? It was all she could do and little enough. Recalling their last meeting, Elgiva sighed. Aylwin’s words still stung. What made it worse was that much of what he had said had the ring of truth. She would not undo her marriage to Wulfrum, would not be Aylwin’s bride instead. He was a good and respected man, but she knew that she had never felt for him what she felt for Wulfrum. Aylwin’s look did not send a pleasurable shiver along her spine, nor did his touch burn. His kiss would never set her heart aflame. She could never return the feeling he had for her. She wondered why it should be that one man could inspire passion and another not, no matter how worthy. Wulfrum was her lord and there could be no other.

  Elgiva walked slowly from the paddock towards the orchard and sat down in a pool of dappled shade. It was pleasant out of doors and for the time she began to relax, to let the sweet air and the sunshine soothe her. She did not hear the man’s approach, for the turf silenced his steps, and was not aware of his presence until his shadow fell across her face.

  ‘Aylwin!’ For a moment she was numb with shock. ‘Are you insane?’

  ‘I had to see you again, Elgiva.’

  ‘In heaven’s name, why?’ She looked round, scanning the place with anxious eyes. ‘If you are found here…’

  ‘I had to thank you.’

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For the warning and the information…’he paused, searching for the words ‘…and to say how much I regret what occurred at our last meeting. I can see now that the words were harsh. You don’t know how often I have wished them unsaid.’

  Elgiva shook her head. ‘Let’s not quarrel about the past.’

  ‘You are generous.’ He gave her a wry smile. ‘And brave too. You took a risk to send that message.’

  ‘All the more reason for you to heed it and take your men away from here before it is too late.’ The amber eyes were earnest as they met and held his gaze. ‘Ravenswood is of strategic importance to the Vikings. They will not suffer a Saxon challenge.’

  ‘There are many kinds of challenge, Elgiva. I am not so foolish as to think we could meet them in open battle yet. They are too numerous, but more men will join us. Our intelligence improves apace. We are in communication with other rebel groups. In the meantime, we shall use what means we have to harry the foe and then melt back into the forest.’

  ‘Give it up, I beg you. It can only end in more deaths.’

  ‘I told you, Elgiva, I will not give up what is mine.’ He bent a meaningful look upon her. ‘But I was wrong to doubt you. Come away with me now. The forest has many secret places. The Viking will never find you.’

  ‘Wulfrum would find me,’ she replied. ‘I am his wife.’

  ‘You were mine before you were his.’ His hand closed round her wrist. ‘I know you fear his wrath and rightly so, but I will never let him harm you.’

  ‘His wrath would not fall on me alone, Aylwin, but on others too.’

  ‘That is a price I am willing to pay.’

  ‘But I am not.’ She tried to disengage her hold, but his grip tightened. ‘You must understand that.’

  His gaze hardened. ‘Still you make excuses to remain with him.’

  ‘Aylwin, please! This is a futile argument. You must go before someone sees you here.’

  He let out a ragged breath and she saw some of the tension leave him. The grip on her wrist slackened a little.

  ‘I’m sorry, Elgiva. I did not come here to quarrel with you. I shall go—for now. But know this: one day soon I shall kill the Viking and free you.’

  ‘You cannot.’

  ‘Lord Halfdan has shown me the way, Elgiva.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Be ignorant of the knowledge until you can applaud the deed. Suffice it to say that Wulfrum must ride for York in the autumn. The waiting is almost over.’ Aylwin smiled and released his hold. ‘Meanwhile I must go.’

  ‘Stay. Will you not tell me what you intend?’

  He shook his head. ‘Farewell, Elgiva.’

  ‘Aylwin, wait!’

  But he was gone, running swiftly through the trees. Elgiva watched until he was out of sight, her heart thumping with fear and horror at his words. Automatically she massaged her wrist, feeling yet the imprint of those strong fingers. She was left in no doubt now that he had meant every word. He would not go. Anxiously her gaze scanned the quiet orchard, but she was alone. The nearest men were raking hay two fields away, too far to have seen or heard anything. She drew in a deep breath. Aylwin had taken a foolish risk to come here. His words had disturbed her much and she understood now how far she had underestimated the strength of his feeling for her. Ironically her warning had had the opposite effect from the one she had intended.

  She was so preoccupied in thought that she failed to see the man at the orchard’s edge until she was almost upon him. Then her heart missed a beat. Sweyn! He smiled at her, the cool grey eyes missing no detail of her appearance.

  ‘Well met, Elgiva. It seems married life agrees with you.’

  ‘As you say, Sweyn.’ She tried to step around him, but he blocked her path.

  ‘I have missed you, my lady.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘I can’t get you out of my mind.’

  ‘Try harder.’

  ‘You are still cold, Elgiva.’

  ‘I am not like to be different.’

  ‘Not toward me, perhaps,’ he agreed, ‘but what of the man you were with just now? He didn’t look much like Wulfrum to me.’

  Elgiva forced herself to meet that mocking gaze. ‘Hardly,’ she replied. ‘It was one of the serfs.’

  ‘Indeed?’

  ‘I do not think I need explain myself to you.’

  ‘But would your husband feel the same if he knew?’

  ‘Why don’t you ask him and find out?’ The words were uttered with far more confidence than she felt. ‘Though, of course, he might wonder then how it was that you sought out his wife for a private conversation.’

  He frowned and she saw the shot go home. ‘It is nothing to me if you lower yourself to converse with peasants.’

  ‘It was ever the custom to treat our people well,’ she replied. ‘You should try it some time.’

  She would have swept on, but he seized her arm, detaining her.

  ‘I would treat you we
ll, Elgiva, if you gave me the chance.’

  Incredulous, she could only stare at him. Then, recovering herself, ‘Let go of me, Sweyn. I am Wulfrum’s wife and he would not take kindly to having another man lay hands on me.’

  ‘Do you think I fear Wulfrum?’

  ‘No,’ she replied, ‘but I have seen enough bloodshed to last me a lifetime. Even the sight of yours has no appeal. Now let me go.’

  For an instant she saw something like admiration in his eyes. Then he loosed his hold. With intense relief Elgiva walked away, conscious of his gaze at every step.

  She returned to the chamber she shared with Wulfrum, and lay down on the bed, trying to order her scattered thoughts. The experience had left her feeling shaken and she needed to be calm when Wulfrum returned, lest he suspect something untoward. She had no wish to see Sweyn again before he left, and no wish to play the hostess to his companions, either. Somehow she must avoid the evening meal without arousing suspicion. Elgiva closed her eyes and tried to think.

  Some time later she awoke with a start to see Wulfrum looking down at her in concern.

  ‘Are you well, Elgiva?’

  She struggled up on to one elbow, feeling groggy and disorientated.

  ‘A headache, that is all.’

  Her pallor was genuine enough and Wulfrum frowned, sitting down on the edge of the bed to scrutinise her better. His hand felt her forehead for fever, but if anything it felt cooler than usual. He pushed her gently back and covered her with a pelt.

  ‘Stay here and rest,’ he said. ‘I will send Osgifu to you.’

  ‘There is no need. I am sure a little sleep will serve.’

  Wulfrum frowned, but did not press the point. ‘As you wish.’

  He bent over her and brushed her cheek with his lips, a caress that was both gentle and caring. Elgiva wanted to put her arms around his neck, wanted to feel his arms around her, but she was afraid that he would suspect something. Unhappily she watched him move to the door, saw him pause and look back with concern in his eyes. Then he smiled.

  ‘Rest, my lady.’

  With that he was gone. Elgiva felt tears pricking her eyelids and forced them back, feeling both relief that he had suspected nothing and guilt that she had lied to him, if only by omission. If Wulfrum ever found out about her meetings with Aylwin, his anger would know no bounds. As for Sweyn, she could only pray he would not attach any real significance to what he had seen. Aylwin had been garbed as a peasant and from a distance the disguise protected him well. Her story was credible. Elgiva sighed. She felt as though she were caught in a web of deceit. Yet what else could she do? To speak would betray Aylwin—not to speak betrayed Wulfrum. For that was how he would interpret her silence. Once she would not have cared, but now she knew his good opinion of her was important. More than that, he was important. He never spoke of his innermost feelings, but his behaviour towards her spoke of regard and warmth. She wanted to think that she had his heart as he had hers. It was the reason she had not wanted to see him fight Sweyn. Though she knew well his prowess in battle, what if, in defeating his enemy, he were to be fatally injured? Or what if, through some evil trick, Sweyn were to emerge the victor? The idea was chilling. She would rather be dead than fall into his clutches again. Better to remain silent and let the matter rest. Sweyn would be gone on the morrow.

  Elgiva unfastened her gown and slipped out of it, laying it aside over a chair. Then she bathed her face and hands and unfastened her hair to comb it out. The familiar rituals were soothing and some of her former mood began to lift. From the hall below she could hear the muted sounds of men’s voices, their laughter. Wulfrum would play the host well. In her mind’s eye she could see him there among his men and for the first time was thankful for their presence. The thought of Olaf Ironfist was a distinct comfort tonight. With him at his back Wulfrum would be safe from treachery. Elgiva smiled to herself and, finishing her grooming, slipped off her kirtle and returned to bed drawing the coverlet over her.

  She did not hear Wulfrum return or see him bend over her. Her face was peaceful, untroubled, and he noted with relief that some of the healthy colour had returned. Golden hair spilled across her shoulders, taking on a soft, resinous sheen in the lamplight. He lifted a stray tress and his fingers brushed her naked shoulder. His eyes followed it along the curve of her arm to her wrists. There they stopped. Wulfrum frowned, looking closer. His frown deepened as he looked at the dark bruises encircling its slenderness. Five prints left on her skin, the prints of a man’s fingers.

  He straightened, looking at the sleeping figure of his wife, tempted to rouse her now and demand to know how they came there. He controlled himself. It was late. There would be time enough to speak to her on the morrow. He undressed and blew out the lamp before climbing into bed beside her. Elgiva stirred in her sleep, but did not wake; for a long time he lay there in the darkness pondering what he had seen. Someone had left those marks on her, someone with a strong hand. Grim faced, he turned over the possibilities. His men wouldn’t touch her. He had seen their growing respect for her; besides, he trusted them. They would not lay hands on his woman. He thought of the Saxon serfs and knew it wasn’t one of them. Elgiva was their lady. In any case, it was more than their lives were worth and they knew it. Well, come what may, he would know the truth on the morrow.

  Elgiva woke with the light and stretched lazily, pushing her hair out of her eyes. She felt Wulfrum’s warmth beside her and smiled. She had not heard him come to bed. It wasn’t until she turned her head that she saw he too was awake, propped on one elbow and regarding her intently. His expression was grim and her heart beat just a little faster as she tried to remember what day it was. Had he wished to rise early to hunt? Should she have risen and brought food? She started up in concern.

  ‘Wulfrum, I…’

  A strong hand pushed her back on to the bed and held her there.

  ‘There is no matter pressing, Elgiva. Save one.’

  She looked at him in confusion. ‘What is it?’

  ‘These.’ He slid his hand down her arm to her wrist.

  Elgiva stared in dismay at the dark bruises there and the memory of their creator returned.

  ‘I…I must have hit my wrist yesterday, though I cannot say I recall doing it.’

  Wulfrum’s blue gaze burned. ‘You play me for a fool, Elgiva. Do you think I don’t know the difference between an ordinary bruise and those left by fingers? A man left those marks and I would know his name.’

  Elgiva swallowed and tied to rise, but his hand forbade it.

  ‘You are mistaken—’

  ‘Don’t lie to me, Elgiva.’ His voice was harsh now. ‘Who was it?’

  ‘Wulfrum, it is of no consequence.’

  ‘I will decide that.’

  ‘It was a foolish matter, not worth the mentioning.’

  Her reluctance to speak caused Wulfrum’s frown to deepen as another thought occurred to him.

  ‘Whom do you protect, Elgiva? A lover?’

  ‘What!’ Elgiva’s heart thumped unpleasantly hard. Did he really think she would be capable of it? Did he trust her so little after all? ‘You cannot seriously think so, for you have had me well guarded, my lord. Would I carry on an illicit affair for the amusement of your men? Were it so, you would know of it by now, I think.’

  Wulfrum saw the anger in her eyes and knew she spoke the truth. However, it still did not explain those marks and he was determined to discover their cause.

  ‘Then tell me truth, or, by all the gods, I will beat it out of you.’

  Elgiva pushed his hand away and struggled to her knees, eyes blazing.

  ‘I will not be cowed by a Viking bully! You are no better than Sweyn, for I see you learned your manners in the same sty!’

  ‘Sweyn! Was it he who did this?’

  ‘Aye. It seems he has not forgotten how you kept me from him.’

  Wulfrum’s brow darkened further. ‘Did he force himself on you?’

  ‘No, he only grabbed hold o
f me for a moment.’ It was a partial truth only, but Elgiva knew it could not be helped.

  ‘Why didn’t you tell me, Elgiva?’

  ‘Because I didn’t want you to fight him.’

  ‘Have you so little faith in my prowess as a swordsman?’

  ‘No, but Sweyn is treacherous, and I was afraid you would—’ Her voice quavered and she broke off, turning away. Wulfrum took her shoulders and turned her back.

  ‘Afraid I would what?’ he demanded.

  Tears started in her eyes. ‘That you would be hurt or killed, even.’

  ‘Not likely. Sweyn isn’t that good.’ He paused as the import of her words sank in. ‘Would it matter to you then if I had been?’

  ‘Of course it would.’

  ‘Why?’

  When she remained silent, he took her chin in his hand and tilted her face to his. ‘Look at me, Elgiva.’ Reluctantly, she met his gaze, but he persisted. ‘Why?’

  Elgiva felt herself blushing. Wulfrum grinned.

  ‘Come, my lady, I await your answer.’

  ‘Because you are my husband and I owe my loyalty to you.’

  ‘Don’t prevaricate.’

  She saw his grin widen and grew hotter. ‘Because if you were dead, I might fall into Sweyn’s clutches.’

  He chuckled. ‘He would get more than he bargained for, then. However, our guests left early, at first light. Sweyn is gone.’

  ‘Gone?’

  ‘Aye, but he will pay for his insults in good time. Meanwhile, you have nothing to fear from him.’

  The tone was mild and threw Elgiva off her guard. A powerful arm tipped her backwards and she found herself pinned beneath him.

  ‘Wulfrum?’

  ‘You still haven’t answered my question, Elgiva.’

  ‘I have. At least all the answer you’re going to get.’

  ‘Is that right?’

  ‘Wulfrum, let me go.’

  ‘No.’

  She tried to push him away, but her efforts left him unmoved, except perhaps to deepen his amusement. Then he took a kiss.

  ‘Answer the question.’

  ‘I will not.’