The Viking Hero's Wife (3 page)

Edda nodded slowly, weeping wordlessly against Valgard’s
chest. She scarcely noticed when Thialfi and the tiny, wizened priest who went
by no name entered the house.

“It is with a heavy heart that I do this,” the priest said
solemnly. “But if all is as Thialfi says, I will perform this ceremony in honor
of your great deeds, Valgard.”

Edda squeezed her eyes shut as the priest declared her and
her beloved severed for all time, and re-wed her to Thialfi. Her shoulders
shook as Thialfi gently held her limp hand during the vows.

When it was done, Edda dropped to her knees beside Valgard.
His breath came shallow and his skin was pale as milk. “I will wait for you in
the afterlife, my love,” he breathed, his voice a mere whisper. “Be safe. Be
loved. Be happy without me, knowing we will meet again.” Valgard closed his
eyes for the final time, content in the knowledge that his love was safe.

Dashing the tears from her eyes, Edda crossed his arms over
his chest and covered the dreadful wound that had slain him. “Thialfi,” Edda
said, her voice grim. “Husband.”

“Yes,” he said, moving to her side.

“I am sorry you must wed me, for I do not know that I can
love another, no matter what I said to Valgard. And yet, I must ask you a
favor.”

“Name it, and I shall do all in my power to see it through,”
Thialfi promised.

“I would know the truth of Jonakr’s allegiance,” Edda said,
steel-eyed with resolve. “And if he is responsible for the death of Valgard
Thorson, I would see him brought to justice.”

“My wife, I swear in Odin’s name that together, we will see Valgard’s
killer stricken tenfold with the pain he has suffered,” Thialfi swore. “But
this I also swear: I will not force you, and I will not push you, but when we
have mourned Valgard, I will do my best to win your heart.”

“Witnessed,” the priest said gravely, head bowed. “And best
of luck to you both.”

As Edda and Thialfi stood next to each other, close, but not
touching, Edda made a secret promise to herself, too. Whichever direction her
new marriage to Thialfi took, Edda would not consider him her husband until
Valgard’s death was avenged and his soul could truly rest. Then, and only then,
would she consider herself free to love again.

####

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The Viking Hero’s Wife
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