A Flame Put Out (22 page)

Chapter 22

Einarr said nothing. He walked away from Selia to join the crowd surrounding Geirr. Of course they had saved Geirr. His safe passage to Dubhlinn would guarantee them a fine reward. But why had Einarr saved Selia? Why would he risk his own life to save a thrall?

Ingrid clutched Geirr to her breast as she shouted at him. “What did you think you were doing?” she demanded. “You nearly died!”

“I’m sorry,” Geirr moaned, twisting his head around toward Selia. He was talking to her, not to Ingrid.

Faolan knelt beside Selia, careful not to touch her. “Are you all right?” he asked. The word
Mamai
remained unspoken but was nevertheless more real than anything he had said on this journey.

Selia lowered her gaze and nodded at him. It was dangerous for Faolan to show too much concern for her. It would raise suspicion to worry about the welfare of a thrall after his brother had nearly drowned. Selia turned away from him, hoping he would understand.

“You can’t swim, Hakon,” Faolan continued with anger in his voice. “That was very foolish.”

“On the contrary—that was very brave, young Fasti,” a familiar voice assured. Gunnar stood over them. “Everyone should hope to have a thrall so loyal. I have half a mind to buy him from you and keep him on the ship.”

Faolan rose and studied Gunnar. Selia watched him bite back the quick retort that surely leapt to mind, although his face grew flushed with emotion. “You will have to speak to my mother about that. Hakon has been with our family since before I was born. She is attached to him.”

“As you and your brother both are,” Gunnar said. “Although your sister doesn’t seem to care as much.”

“Edda is ill,” Faolan replied.

“Yes, she is. Poor child. And your mother said the girl misses her father terribly. Was his death recent? What did he die of, exactly? I don’t remember what Inga told me.”

Faolan narrowed his eyes up at Gunnar. “He cut himself while hunting. The wound festered.”

“Ah, yes. It’s coming back to me now. That is what your mother said.”

Selia rolled onto her side and began to cough. Anything to distract Gunnar from this conversation with Faolan. Her phony cough turned into a real spasm as she gasped for air.

“Inga,” Gunnar called out. “Your thrall is ill. Should I carry him into the tent with your daughter?”

Ingrid scowled. “No,” she replied. “Leave him there. He is a stupid boy.”

Gunnar smiled down at Faolan. “So. It would seem your mother is not as attached to the boy as you thought. Maybe she will sell him to me after all.”

One of Gunnar’s men strode over and interrupted the conversation, thankfully. “Land, Hersir. Do we stop now or sail until nightfall?”

Gunnar considered this for a moment. “We shall stop now, I think. I would like some privacy to speak with Inga Elfradsdottir.”

They pulled the longship into a leafy cove, and carried supplies onto the beach for the night. Although the air was still warm, Selia shivered as her wet, salty clothing dried against her skin. If only she could wrap herself in a blanket and rest for a bit.

As the shadows lengthened and the sun burnished everything it touched, Selia stopped to gaze at the beauty of her surroundings for a moment, breathing it in. The forest looked and smelled familiar, the trees and the earth calling to her of home.

She pushed aside her exhaustion. They were on land. But was it Ireland? Based on the conversations of the men, they should be near Ireland if not in it already. The question remained if they were on the mainland proper or one of the small outlying islands.

She must get to Ingrid somehow and ask her to find out. Because if they were indeed in Ireland, they must break with Gunnar and his men tonight and make the rest of the journey on foot.

From the way Einarr had scrutinized Selia, he might very well have guessed who she was. And Gunnar clearly suspected something was amiss. It had been a terrible mistake to come aboard his ship. It would be a miracle if they didn’t all end up dead.

Selia broke the rules again and met Ingrid’s gaze directly as she collected the satchel and the blanket they used as a tent. With her stare she willed Ingrid to understand she needed to meet with her privately. Ingrid brushed past her, knocking into her so hard Selia nearly fell.

“Come with me, children,” Ingrid called. “We will find a stream to wash up. Bring the water flask, Hakon.”

Gunnar overheard them and walked over. He met Ingrid’s gaze and his voice was soft. “I would like to speak with you tonight, Inga.”

Ingrid smiled at him. “Of course. Let me get the children washed and I’ll be back directly.”

Selia hefted the satchel over her shoulder and followed Ingrid and the children into the woods. They walked for a while, and Selia turned around a few times to be sure they weren’t being followed. Finally convinced no one was watching, she grabbed Geirr by the arm and spun him around.

He met Selia’s gaze, then she tugged him close in a fierce embrace. “I’m sorry,
Mamai
.” Geirr’s voice broke with emotion.

Faolan hung back for a moment, watching them, and Selia pulled him in as well. She held her children, feeling their heartbeats pounding in their young chests, and drew back to look at them again. With a start Selia realized Geirr had grown since she had hugged him last. He was nearly eye to eye with her now. She kissed them both, then turned to Ingrid.

“We need to change our plans, and quickly. Einarr may have discovered who I am. And Gunnar knows something as well. If we’ve reached Ireland, then we must leave tonight and walk the rest of the way to Dubhlinn. They won’t follow us on foot.”

Ingrid made a face at her. “I don’t want to walk the rest of the way. It’s too far for Eydis. Gunnar won’t hurt us.”

Selia gripped her arm. “Did you not see how he treated Brudd? A man wed to Gunnar’s own sister? Of course he will hurt us!”

“Gunnar wants me for his mistress, Selia,” Ingrid hissed. “He asked me last night. Gunnar said he would keep me in a fine house in Dubhlinn, and once his wife dies he will marry me. She is from a wealthy family so he is unwilling to divorce her.”

Selia gaped, speechless. “What?” she finally sputtered. “Are you considering this?”

“Of course not.” Ingrid waved a dismissive hand. “I came here to find Ainnileas. But does it hurt to let Gunnar think I’m considering it? It will keep us safe, after all.”

“Have you gone mad? Gunnar Klaufason is a wicked pirate. Nothing good can come of this.”

“I told him I was an honest woman and will be no man’s mistress. Gunnar’s wife is doing poorly. I told him when she dies he can ask my father for my hand.”

“So you’re encouraging his affections with a lie?”

“No. I’m buying us some time.”

“And what does Gunnar want to talk to you about tonight, do you suppose? His plan to slit his wife’s throat so he can have you honestly?”

“I have no idea what he wants to talk to me about. But I do know I’m tired of having to follow after you to fix your mistakes. If Einarr has guessed who you are, why do you think that is? How much attention did you draw to yourself by jumping into the water after Geirr? A thrall who clearly can’t swim? How do you suggest I explain that?”

“Would you have me watch my son drown? You weren’t even paying attention and you’re supposed to be his mother!”

“You should have let one of the men go in after him. We wouldn’t be faced with this dilemma right now if you had.”

Faolan took Selia’s hand. “Let’s go now, Mother,” he urged. “We don’t have to go back. Let’s leave and be done with these men.”

Selia turned to him and caressed his small face. “We must wait until nightfall. As soon as they’re asleep we will slip away. They won’t realize we’re gone until morning, and they won’t want to waste time following us on foot. But we need to make sure we’re in Ireland first, or we’ll be stranded here.”

Ingrid flung out both hands angrily. “Who said you were in charge, Selia? You’re the one with the slave collar on.”

Selia confronted her stepdaughter. “I don’t care what you do, Ingrid. Stay with Gunnar One-Eye and keep his bed warm if you like. But my boys are leaving with me tonight. I’m not sure how you’ll explain to Gunnar that two of your children disappeared with your thrall, but I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

Ingrid’s nostrils flared. “I hate you, Selia Niallsdottir.”

“And I you.”

“I have no interest in Gunnar—I only want Ainnileas.”

“Then find out if we’re in Ireland. We’ll leave tonight and you’ll be with Ainnileas soon,” Selia said through gritted teeth.

Ingrid snorted but kept her mouth shut. She pushed past Selia and turned back toward the camp, pulling Eydis by the hand behind her.

Chapter 23

Selia watched the flames smolder hot and red in the darkness. Most of the men were asleep, as were Ingrid and the children. The fire needed a bit more wood or it would go out soon. None of the men had made a move to stir the coals or add more wood in quite some time. Were they all finally asleep, then? Was it safe to wake Ingrid and the children to try to slip away?

Ingrid had confirmed from Gunnar that they were indeed in Ireland. The ship would reach Dubhlinn by tomorrow night if favorable winds prevailed. What to do? Should they take their chances and remain with Gunnar, knowing they would be safe in Dubhlinn soon? If Einarr had deduced who Selia was, he certainly was not acting upon it. Maybe his look of recognition had been her imagination playing tricks on her.

But even so, wasn’t it safer to leave now and be free of these wicked men? Selia was torn. It was important to get to Ainnileas soon, and if they stayed with Gunnar they would be able to do so quickly. But extra time with Gunnar might be more trouble than it was worth. How far to walk, exactly? The distance would be hard on all of them, but especially on Eydis who had been ill for most of the journey. She was thin and pale and could barely be coaxed to eat. At least the child’s seasickness would subside if they didn’t get back on the ship.

Selia stared into the fire as her anxiety mounted. The night was so quiet she could hear her own heartbeat. Something felt wrong but she couldn’t put her finger on the reason. There was a peculiar energy in the air, a thickness that shimmered just outside her line of vision. She pivoted sharply, catching sight of it for a moment, then she blinked and the apparition disappeared.

Selia shivered. It was only the smoke from the fire, nothing more. She jumped as she heard the rustling of something moving in the bushes, and a second later felt the rush of wings as though a bird flew past her face. The breeze carried the cloyingly sweet smell of rotten flesh, and Selia clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from crying out.

No. Not here
. She had to get away from Gunnar and his men. They would kill her as a witch if they saw what was about to happen. Lurching to her feet she stumbled into the trees, forcing her body into an awkward run. It was so hard to move, so hard to make her legs work properly. The ground sucked at her feet to try to slow her down.

Her heart pounded in her chest and the drumbeat of her pulse moved higher, up to her head, the pain like a hammer as it thumped against her skull. The fluttering wings chased her and she fell as one hit her in the face. The birds circled her, cawing and pecking at her with their ugly, sharp beaks, and she swung her arms wildly at them as she stood up and ran again.

Her head hurt . . . it hurt so badly . . .

Where was her brother? She had to get away from the bad men, had to get away from the fire . . .

Selia blinked, long and slow, staring into nothingness. The quiet was absolute except for the soft sound of her own breath. She blinked again and the dark branches of the forest came into focus. Pulling the ragged edges of her mind together, stitch by stitch, as though she were mending a piece of torn clothing, she realized she’d suffered a spell. She had run into the woods to avoid Gunnar and his men seeing her.

But where was she? How was she going to find her way back again?

“That was the oddest thing I’ve ever seen,” a voice rumbled behind her. “And I’ve seen some very odd things in my time.”

Selia gasped and cowered against a tree. Who was there? What was she going to do now?

The man stepped closer.
Einarr Drengsson
. His eyes raked over her. “What exactly is wrong with you?” he asked. “Are you a witch?”

She almost answered him, then remembered she was supposed to be mute. Selia gestured toward the divot in her skull.

Einarr studied her. “You can stop pretending. I know you’re not dumb. And I know you’re not a thrall . . .
Selia
. Did you think I would forget you?”

With a shudder, she tried a change of tactics. “Please, Einarr,” she whispered. “Don’t tell Gunnar.”

“Give me a reason why I should not tell my Hersir you have deceived him.”

Selia blinked up at the man, her mind foggy after her spell. For the life of her she couldn’t think of a reason. She felt her eyes well up with tears. “Because he’ll kill us.”

“Who is the woman, that Inga? Alrik Ragnarson’s daughter, I would wager. Not his niece.”

“I have silver, Einarr. I’ll pay you.”

Einarr continued on as if she hadn’t spoken. “And that boy is yours, not Inga’s. You can’t swim but you jumped in after him anyway. Only a mother would have done such a thing. Is the other one yours as well? He has your coloring.”

“They are still your cousins! They are your blood, Einarr. Your kin. Please don’t give us away.”

Einarr studied Selia for a moment. “What a shame you cut your hair. It was very beautiful.” He took her chin and forced her to look up at him, and his lips curled in a predatory smile. “But your face is the same. There is nothing you can do to hide that face.”

The look in Einarr’s eyes made the shorn hairs stand up on Selia’s neck. Something had changed drastically in his demeanor. She jerked back. “Don’t.”

He loomed closer. “Do you want to save your children?”

“I’ll pay you! Don’t do this—”

Einarr glanced over his shoulder. “Keep your voice down, little Selia. I want you all to myself tonight.”

What could she do? If she ran, Einarr would return to camp and tell Gunnar who they really were. Gunnar would do something terrible to the boys. But Selia couldn’t bring herself to simply allow Einarr his way with her.

She scrambled to her feet and gave him what she hoped was a fierce look. “Einarr Drengsson, I am married to your cousin. My children are your cousins. Your blood. You would not put them in danger. Stop this nonsense now. I will pay you very well when we reach Dubhlinn.”

Einarr laughed and made a move to grab her. Selia darted to the side and he missed. “You would rape me, then?” Selia demanded. “You would dishonor yourself by forcing a freeborn woman?”

“It’s not rape. It’s striking a bargain.”

“It is
rape
, Einarr. I am not willing. I will tell everyone you forced me. Stop this, now. Let me go and I will pay you well.”

A darkness came over Einarr’s features. “You’re wearing a slave collar. How am I to know you’re a freeborn woman?”

He reached for her again and this time Selia wasn’t fast enough to get away. His strong fingers gripped her arm, digging in painfully.

“Let go!” Selia screamed.

Einarr spun her around and clapped a hand over her mouth, then picked her up and headed deeper into the forest. “Stop making so much noise,” he hissed in her ear.

Selia struggled to break free. His hand was so large it covered both her mouth and her nose. She couldn’t breathe. Panicking, she tried to turn her head for air, but Einarr held her still.

She was suffocating. Selia’s desperate thrashing intensified as her vision began to dim. Einarr’s grip on her face tightened and one of his fingers got close enough to her teeth. Selia bit down savagely and Einarr’s warm blood filled her mouth.

Einarr shouted in rage and dropped her. She gulped a lungful of air, gasping, and didn’t see Einarr’s arm draw back until it was too late to duck. The impact of the blow knocked Selia off her feet and everything went black.

Selia came back to consciousness with Einarr’s massive body on top of her. He was huge, nearly as big as Alrik, and his heavy chest pressed into her face as he lifted her tunic roughly.

She was lying on jagged, rocky ground and something dug painfully into her back. But Selia could focus on nothing except the throbbing in her cheek and eye, made worse by the pressure of Einarr’s body against hers. The entire side of her face felt as if it were twice the normal size. She couldn’t see out of her left eye and the pain was excruciating. She whimpered and squirmed underneath him in an attempt to twist her head away.

“Shut up,” Einarr snapped. “Stupid bitch. I’ll teach you to bite me. I’m going to pass you around to the men after I’ve had my fill of you. Then we’ll see what Gunnar wants to do with your children.”

Selia felt him fumbling to untie his breeches. Something knocked against her bare thigh, something cold and sharp. His dagger? She moved her fingers slowly, inching closer until she felt it. Yes, his dagger, dangling from his belt. Einarr had been so eager to force himself on her he had neglected to take it off. Thinking her too timid or too weak to fight back, the fool had left his weapon within her grasp.

She ripped the dagger from its sheath and drove it deep into Einarr’s side, in the softness of his belly below his ribs, screaming in satisfaction as it sank up to the hilt. How dare he threaten her children?

Einarr made a noise of surprise and pain as he reared away from her and grappled for the dagger. Selia managed to get one foot up and she kicked toward his face as hard as she could, making contact with his throat.

He gurgled and collapsed on the ground.

Selia scrambled to her feet and ran, leaving Einarr to bleed out behind her.