Lord of the Runes (27 page)

Her suspicions had been right. Sitting down on the floor, she stared at the bag in her hand. Her stomach heaved and she fought down the nausea.

It was Estrid all along. Had she hated her that much? Why? And now she was gone, but where?

She had to tell Magnus. But when she stood, he was there, in the doorway.

“Birgitta told me. Estrid is gone then?”

“Yes.” She held up the bag. A strange calm descended on her, as though someone else spoke. “It has dried Death Cap in it. I had a feeling the other night about her, but it was just a question in my mind and I didn't mention it to you. There was no proof. Until now.”

He cursed under his breath. “Leif suspected her, also. But I couldn't see it, and because of that, you were in danger. When Eirik read my runes, he told me that my lack of action would harm someone I loved, and so it has. She may have even tampered with your skates when you fell into the pond. If I'd taken action against her to begin with, you never would have been poisoned.”

He appeared so stricken, she spoke in a gentle voice. “All of that is in the past, Magnus. We need to worry about the present. Where would she have gone? And with whom?”

He looked at her and they spoke together. “Hjellmar.”

Magnus rubbed the bridge of his nose. “They've been seen together for weeks now. He's something of a malcontent, but he's been a good fighter. I never thought he would betray me like this. I'll send a man to check and see if he's on the homestead where he lives, but I'm certain he won't be there.”

“If she's gone, then it's her choice,” Asa said. “She hasn't been happy here since her mother left.”

“It may not be that simple. After I spoke with Eirik about your betrothal, Leif said he saw her by my door. He didn't think anything of it at the time. She's always drifted around here, listening. He had no way of knowing we were speaking of anything so important.” Magnus grimaced. “Eirik hit me with his request to marry you like a shield blow to the head almost as soon as we walked into the room. I was stunned, though I couldn't let him see it. I was trying to think of ways to dissuade him, but he kept at me in the same way he fights, pounding away at my defenses without letting up. Every time I thought I struck a blow, he countered it. All I could think of was that I was losing you.”

She embraced him. “You could never lose me, Magnus. We'll see each other often enough, I think.”

He smoothed back her hair. “Then you've decided to go through with it? He came to me the next morning and said he was going to give you the choice and that your decision wouldn't affect our alliance. But he berated me about how I handled the situation with Hakon six years ago. Called me an idiot. He said I never should have forbidden you to speak of it, but by the gods, Asa, I was so young when I became jarl. It happened only a year after that. I didn't know. As time went on, we never mentioned it and I thought things were all right with you. I never dreamed of what was happening inside you. The pain and fear and anger you still carried. I'm so sorry.”

“We were all very young and we only had each other. Talking about it the other night helped.” She firmed her resolve. “What else did you talk about with Eirik that she might have overheard?”

He thought for a moment. “Hakon. I didn't tell Eirik any details about what happened with you, but I did mention the basics. We realized Hakon took over Eirik's village and we discussed—” He released her and drove his fist into his hand. “We discussed our plans to attack him before he has a chance to leave Haardvik and come here. Estrid knows that now. She always wanted him. Now she knows where he is and what our plans are. She'll go to him and tell him we're coming, so she can win him back.”

She put her hand on his arm. “We're aware of what they're doing, but they don't know that. They'll only know we're coming at some point. Eirik may have ways of getting to his village so they won't see us. We'll have to use stealth to approach them.”

“I should send men after Estrid and Hjellmar, but we don't know when they left or what route they took. Now that the snows are melting in the lower lands, there are several ways they could go. I'll send trackers just in case, but I have to keep my warriors here. We need all the men we can bring with us when we leave. Eirik doesn't know about this, but he's aware the time is short. He won't linger in Trøn-delag. We'll keep watch on the fjord a few days early in the event he gets here sooner than we thought. If we stay in the lower farmstead there, we can be there when he arrives. We won't beat Estrid and Hjellmar to Haardvik, but we can be close enough behind them that Hakon won't have much time to prepare.”

He took her in his arms again. “I wish I could persuade you not to come this time. Now that Estrid is gone, you would be safe here. The fighting will be vicious, unlike anything you've seen so far. Eirik said these are hardened men, not like many of the outcasts we came against here. I fear for you.”

She gazed up at him. At the concern in his eyes, she gave him a smile she didn't quite feel. “And don't you think I fear for all of you as well? Although I know now it wasn't my fault that Hakon tried to rape me, he did try. That's what started it all. Because of what happened with me, he was outcast and it drove him to attack Eirik's village. Eirik's father died because of it. This is more my fight than anyone else's, and even if I don't deal Hakon his death blow, by the gods, I swear I will be there to see it struck.”

 

“I
thought you said you were Rorik's cousin. Are you certain you parted on good terms?” Leif peered over the bow of the vessel toward the shore of the fjord.

Eirik chuckled. “I'm certain. He just doesn't recognize this ship and won't be expecting me. With all his wealth, he's a bit on the cautious side.”

Warriors lined the shore below the sprawling village, all armed. Many had arrows pointed at the two ships as they drew closer to the docks. They'd formed a shield wall and stood ready to fight.

Eirik had breathed a sigh of relief when they'd rounded the curve of the fjord and had seen all of Rorik's ships still there. Some of the vessels were already in the water. But several were still on the beach, though with all the activity near them, it was clear they were ready to be launched.

Magnus had sent another ship with them for protection and they both slowed near the docks. Eirik climbed up on the bow.

He cupped his free hand beside his mouth. “Rorik, is this how you greet one of your mother's family?”

A powerful-looking man with waist-length black hair stepped forward in front of the line of warriors. His deep voice carried well over the water. “I have only two cousins on that side, and one of them is too smart to come here in a strange ship. Since it can't be Silvi, it must be you, Eirik. What in the name of the gods are you doing?”

He laughed. “Can we dock, Rorik? Or do I have to fight my way in?”

Rorik gave a command to his men and they relaxed, sheathing their swords and lowering their bows. Leif's men rowed closer to the docks, then drew their oars in and let the ships glide the rest of the way. Men threw them lines and they tied the vessels to the pilings.

Eirik leaped off the boat as Rorik strode up to him, grabbing him in a back-pounding embrace. “Why are you here? I always come get you at the start of raiding season.” His eyes narrowed. “It's not your father, is it? Did he die over the winter?”

“He's dead, yes, but not from the wasting disease. I have much to tell you. Outcasts raided and took Haardvik two days after I arrived home. They slew my father during the battle. I escaped, but the outcasts don't know I survived. I need your help to retake Haardvik.”

Rorik didn't hesitate. “You have it.” Then he regarded Leif, who had stood aside as they spoke.

“This is Leif Sigrundson,” Eirik said as Leif joined them. “I overwintered at his village in the
fjells
. His brother is jarl there. They'll help us, but I have much to tell you of it.”

Rorik offered his hand to Leif. They grasped wrists. “Then you're my ally, as well,” Rorik said. “Come up to the longhouse with all your men. You can wash and I'll order a feast. We can talk then.”

* * *

Rorik's longhouse was large and opulent, its wooden walls carved in interlaced patterns, its floors of fine woods. His wealth was displayed for all to see, and the feast that he'd ordered at a moment's notice would have beggared most men. The wines were imported from the farthest lands, the spices rare and costly, and the meat seasoned with skill. Musicians accompanied their meal and the people filled the hall with laughter. Rorik lived well.

Eirik sat back from the table. He'd eaten his fill, as had Leif and all his men. Between bites, he'd managed to tell Rorik all that had happened since they'd last parted.

“I see the need for haste.” Rorik motioned a servant to fill his cup. Again. “I'm almost finished provisioning my ships for their voyages. I'll order it done by the day after tomorrow and we'll set sail then. We'll need extra food and supplies, though. The men who took over your village likely will have eaten and drunk everything during the winter. They wouldn't be concerned with surviving until the spring crops come in. Your people will need food to last them until they recover.”

“Magnus said the outcasts would kill everyone in Haardvik to hide their tracks.” Eirik held his hand over his cup as a servant tried to refill it a third time. He needed a relatively clear head. Rorik, however, never seemed affected by wine.

“We'll be there before that,” Rorik said. “The snows may be melting on the coast, but not as much inland yet. Individuals may travel in the mountains, but to move so large a force of men would be difficult. And if what you say is accurate, they'll have to wait until the passes clear enough in the
fjells
. They won't want to be caught out in the open on the way there. Being permanent outcasts, none of them would have designated safe places. Anyone may kill them at any time, and any place. They'll stay where they are for now.

“But we don't have time to waste. It will take at least four days to get to the Sognefjord if the winds are favorable. And with so large a fleet, we'll have to swing out into the sea to avoid the islands. I'll leave most of my ships waiting at the inlet while we take just a few into the fjord. It's a good thing you brought Leif with you to guide us. There are many inlets there and the fjord splits and narrows farther in. It would be easy to become lost.”

Leif grinned. “That's why I came. That, and Eirik has told me of your shieldmaidens who fight alongside you. Did he tell you my sister is one? I have a certain, oh, interest in them. I've always wondered what it would be like to be with one.”

Rorik shook his head. “Be careful what you wish for. The gods just may grant it. They sit at that table in the corner.” He motioned with his gold cup.

Six women sat together, along with several men. Each of the female warriors was beautiful. They wore clothing similar to what Asa wore when she fought, thigh-length, belted tunics, and leggings. Their arms were bare except for gold arm rings. The seaxes they wore were hilted with gold and silver and gemstones, yet looked serviceable. One of them, a woman with hair as long and black as Rorik's, cast a glance over her shoulder at them. She focused on Leif and narrowed her slanted eyes. He grinned at her. Her gaze slid over the length of his body, before she looked away.

“Who's the woman with the black hair?” Leif glanced at Rorik. “She looks like you.”

“She's my sister. I wouldn't tread there if I were you, or—”

“I know.” Leif chuckled. “You'd have to kill me.”

“No, she would.”

Leif raised an eyebrow. “Doesn't she like men?”

“Oh, she likes them just fine. But she won't be with anyone who isn't more skilled than she is.” He frowned. “And no one is. If you want to try, best start practicing now.”

“Perhaps I won't need to.” He looked at Eirik. “Stop staring.” He jabbed Eirik hard in the ribs with his elbow. “You're a betrothed man.”

“You're the one who's staring.” Eirik shot him a glare. “I was just thinking how like them Asa is.”

“Of course you were.” Leif took another drink of his ale.

“I've fought with them for the past three years. There's nothing I haven't seen.”

Rorik's eyes widened. “What's this about your being betrothed?”

“To my sister,” Leif said. “The shieldmaiden.”

“You left out some details about your stay in Thorsfjell, Eirik.”

“I was getting to it.” His ribs ached where Leif had slammed his elbow into them. He could have a bit of revenge, himself, for that.

He leaned forward. “Rorik, is she ready for me?”

Rorik frowned. “I don't know who—Oh.” He grinned as Eirik tilted his head at Leif and gave him a meaningful look. “Oh, yes, she's been ready and waiting for you for some weeks. I know you meant her for your father, but now, she's all yours.”

“Is she as beautiful as I've imagined?” Eirik tried not to smile as Leif turned on the bench to face him, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Only if you've imagined a sleek beauty bending to your will.” His voice was low and sensual, with a timbre that brought women all over the known world to their knees. “The scent of her will fill you as you enter her and she'll rock you to sleep at night as you lie in her embrace. She's all curves and dreams and will always be ready for you. As you guide her where you want to take her, she'll respond to the slightest touch of your hand. She's tied up and waiting for your command.”

“By the gods.” Leif shot to his feet. “I should kill you now, Eirik, if you think to do such things with Asa. You're not even married yet and already you cannot keep from other women. You insult her.”

He fought a grin. “Rorik, I'd like to see her now. Such a beauty cannot be kept waiting. Leif, feel free to join us if you want.”

“Join you?” He glared at them both as he followed them outside. “I'm going only to see to the poor woman's well-being. Just when I thought I knew a man. Wait, where are we going?”

They walked in single file along a narrow path down to the beach, Rorik leading the way. Leif lagged behind them, grumbling. It was all Eirik could do to keep from bursting into laughter. Rorik's shoulders shook once or twice as he, no doubt, tried to keep from breaking down as well.

They reached the docks, but Rorik continued on through a group of trees near the water's edge. When they cleared them, they came to another beach overlooking a small bay that hadn't been visible when they'd arrived. There, tied to a dock, a magnificent longship waited. It was massive, its lines graceful. With twenty oar ports on each side, it would need a crew of at least forty to fifty men for long voyages. It was under two man-lengths wide, allowing it to slice through the water like a sword blade.

Its mast rose higher than any other. A striped sail was tied up under the lowered long yard that rested on supports set into the deck in front of and behind the mast. The sail would be square, and was designed to lift up the ship so that it skimmed, light and swift, over the surface of the water. The front of its bow was carved with interlaced animals and vines, and rose up like a proud woman.

“It's everything I'd hoped it would be.” Eirik walked out onto the dock and jumped in. It was firm and true under his feet. Over a year ago, he'd commissioned Rorik's shipwrights to build it for his father. Now it was his. An unexpected pang hit him. Ivar never knew about it. Eirik had wanted to surprise and thank him for all he had done for him through the years. Rorik was to bring it to Haardvik this spring, but now Eirik would sail it there to avenge his father's death.

When he returned to the dock, Leif was frowning. “So this is what you were talking about? A ship?”

“Of course.” Eirik clapped him on the shoulder. “What else would I be speaking of? Honestly, Leif, you need to get your mind out of the cesspit.”

“My shipwright outdid himself.” Rorik gave Eirik a sour look. “He's never built anything like this for me. Now you'll have the best ship in the family. The only thing it lacks is the prow ornament. I have several, but I thought you should pick it out yourself. We can put it on tomorrow.”

“My thanks, but I brought my own.” He gazed at the ship, and a longing thrummed through him to see the wind in her sail and feel the sea wrap itself around her. “And if you think I have the better ship, just wait until you see the dragon that will guide her.”

* * *

“I thought you were exaggerating about Asa's carving skills last night when you told me of her. I see now you weren't.” Rorik stood with Eirik as the shipbuilders swarmed over it, making certain everything was perfect for the voyage south. They'd mounted the dragon's head that morning. Now the vessel was complete.

The carving fit as though it had been made for the ship. Perhaps it had been. The gods were influencing this time and nothing would surprise him any longer. The ship had vibrated with power when they'd attached the dragon, but why would that be? Was it the energy in the runes, or just that the ship meant so much to him? It would always remind him of his father, which was how it should be, but now it also symbolized his union with Asa. Her dragon guided the ship of his own design. But it still remained to be seen if she would stand beside him as he sailed it into the world. If she decided against him, he would buy the dragon from Magnus. It would never leave him.

“What have you named her?” Rorik's words snapped him back into reality.

“I'll call her
The Wind of Njord
.”

“In honor of the sea god. Very wise. It's a good name.” He stood watching his men make their final adjustments to the rigging. “You have the ship of a jarl now, and the title as well.”

“Not until I save Haardvik and Star Slayer. I told you that.”

Rorik waved his hand, as though sweeping aside his words. “A formality. You know you'll always have my backing, but you'll need to gather more men to you. It's not only to replace those you've lost to these outcasts, but to keep what you have and make your place in the world. Men will follow the jarl who gives them the most food, the best drink, and the greatest chance for riches. That's why I've been so successful. Keep that in mind and you can live like I do.”

Eirik smiled. “I'm not certain I'd survive that. For one thing, I've found the only woman I want. You're still looking.”

“Looking?” He snorted. “Why would I look for one when I have dozens of them? With so many to choose from, why choose among them at all? Besides, you're not even certain you have Asa.”

“I'll know when we come to the meeting place.”

“That's not acceptable.” He faced Eirik, his silver-blue eyes stern. “You've been raiding with me long enough to know you take what you want. You're being so noble, you'll end up losing her. For as long as you and I have traveled the world, she's the one woman you've truly wanted.”