Blind Allegiance (21 page)

So much had happened over the last few days that nights of little sleep had finally started to catch up with her. Noelle yawned; she could barely keep her eyes open. “Would you mind if I retired?”

Nessa smiled and showed her to a room. Once she was settled inside, Noelle washed her face and hands and changed into a long-sleeved chemise. She crawled under the pile of furs. For the first time in weeks, she felt completely comfortable and welcome in someone’s house. The soothing sounds of Aud’s family conversing quietly at the table lulled her to sleep.

Violent nightmares, the kind Noelle had suffered from as a child, dominated her sleep. Blood and screams from faceless women and children ricocheted inside her head. She shivered, hated when her dreams took on a life all their own. She woke up drenched in sweat. The recurrent nightmares she had as a child were so severe she’d began walking in her sleep. Once, she nearly hurled herself from the second floor balcony and soon found herself locked in a chamber at night for the next six months.

She stood and put on her robe and slippers. She languished in the heat and parted the curtains to let cooler air into her room. As she stepped out, she gasped.

Her bodyguard lay motionless in a pool of blood, throat slit ear-to-ear. She raised her eyes, looked down at the body again, and fought to keep her composure.
Noelle stepped over him. Nothing could be done, so she prayed for his soul and moved to the main room. No one, only the flicker of flames in the double hearths. She explored the shadows, staying as quiet as possible, and discovered another body near the table. Aud’s guard this time.

Noelle covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Fresh blood covered the floor. The valuables—silver goblets, platters, and expensive carpets were undisturbed. If not robbery, what was the motive?

“My lady,” a masculine voice sounded.

She threw up her hands and whipped around, searching. She froze after she spotted someone sitting on a chair in the far corner. The darkness might conceal his face, but she knew that buttery-smooth voice.

“Where is Aud’s family?” She squinted to see.

Bravely, Noelle walked toward him. Lord have mercy on anyone if they harmed Aud’s family. And if this man had, Noelle assumed she would die soon, too.

“Safely quartered,” he answered to her relief. “Blindfolded and bound together like slaves.”

“And the master?” her voice warbled as she visualized the worst for the old Viking—falling prey to this villain.

“Don’t concern yourself with Aud Magnusson. Thor’s hammer couldn’t kill that bastard.” A malevolent chuckle followed.

She considered making a mad dash for the back door. But by the time she looked up again, he was on his feet and headed her way.

“I let you sleep, didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Sveinn Ovesen emerged from the shadows.

She squealed and retreated three steps. “Why . . . have . . . you . . . done this?”

“I’ve killed no one of consequence. Aud and his family are alive. Bodyguards are worth but a few pennies. The law provides generously for a dead man’s family and my father will pay the necessary
weregild
if one is demanded.”

“You place so little value on a man’s life?” She felt her innards twist inside out.

“If any man stands between me and what I want, he will die.”

“Is
weregild
similar to an indulgence? You pay for absolution?”

“Your acumen is already legendary in the Trondelag. And I think I am the man to put your wit to better use.”

Mere feet away from her now, Noelle knew what would come next. She spun and ran across the room. She reached for the door latch. But Sveinn’s enormous paw slapped her hand away from the lock. Noelle braced herself against the door and let her forehead rest on the textured panel.

“What a tangled web Randvior weaves with you.” He kept his hand on the door.

Noelle raised her gaze. She needed to draw a line in the sand before this man forced her to do something she’d regret for the rest of her life.

She stared him down, wishing her eyes were daggers. “How dare you attack this household and murder two innocent men. Did you think I’d be impressed?”

Sveinn’s dark laughter made her sick. He cuffed her cheek. “I will not tolerate backtalk. I’m not a spineless fool. Your former master indulged you too much.”

She rubbed her cheek, then lowered her gaze and blinked.

Three men, dressed in armor and carrying weapons, entered the hall. Dressed for battle. She knew she better cooperate to safeguard Aud’s family.

“Ready the horses.”

The guards bowed and departed.

Sveinn moved closer. “I’ve come here to make you a legitimate offer, to present my bride price and take you to Ireland where we’ll be married in the Church. A ship will meet us within a week.”

Noelle’s mouth dropped open, flabbergasted by his suggestion.

“I think I’d rather die.” She backed away. “I am already promised to Randvior.”

“Only after I made
my
intentions known. Jarl
Randvior made no public announcement of your engagement until after he caught us in the bathhouse together.”

“But, but . . .” Tongue-tied, Noelle hunched as if she’d been whipped mercilessly. “I don’t want to marry you!”

“The
jarl’s
hesitation is my advantage. The law will surely recognize my claim over his. By the time the Thing convenes in spring, we will have shared a bed for months and no man will be able to challenge me. Especially if my child is growing inside you.” He touched her stomach.

“My father would never approve.”

What had she done to deserve this punishment? Yes, she encouraged the oaf for half a minute with a smile. Nothing more.

“If protecting the purity of your bloodline is your concern, fear not, my pedigree is more impressive than Randvior’s. My mother is a Conant, born of Irish and Scot nobility.”

She inhaled swiftly, head swimming. “Randvior is still my legal guardian.”

“Aye.” He reached inside his cloak and produced a coin bag, tossed it carelessly on a nearby side table. “And I would never consider taking another man’s property without compensation. There’s enough gold in that purse for the
jarl
to procure two brides. I believe Lauga was in the middle of negotiations for one before you arrived. She will be pleased to find her only son free to marry again.”

Now he latched onto her, running his fingernails suggestively up her arm. Her eyes widened and she pushed him away. She couldn’t think clearly with him breathing down her neck.

“Time is short,” he warned. “If you try to escape again I will be forced to tie you up and it will be an uncomfortable ride splayed across my saddle. Come now,” he spoke gently. “Gather your belongings and dress as warmly as possible. We have many miles to ride.”

“We can’t leave Aud’s family.”

“Don’t worry. If his daughters work the bindings hard enough for a few hours they’ll be free.”

“What about Randvior?”

“Proper arrangements have been made. I’ve been planning this for weeks, Noelle, and only needed the right opportunity to act.”

“How did you know I was here?”

He grinned and pushed her toward the bedchamber. “Spies are everywhere.”

Chapter 16

Confrontation

Missing Randvior was more painful than being stabbed in the eye. Noelle cursed herself for mistakenly planting the seeds of lust in another man’s heart! She prayed desperately to see her bloodthirsty Viking come crashing through the doors to rescue her.

As if he read her mind, Sveinn tugged at her chin. “He will never find us.”

She didn’t challenge him, only followed his instructions perfectly because she didn’t want Aud’s family to suffer anymore. She dressed in three layers of clothing and packed her satchel. Before Sveinn collected her, she put on the gold bangle Randvior gave her, fearing it might be the only memento she’d ever have from him.

The curtains parted and Sveinn stared in at her. “You followed my instructions well.” He stepped inside. “Before we leave . . .” He tipped her chin. “. . . we will finish what we started weeks ago.”

Aud and Nessa and their beautiful daughters filled her head and she parted her lips willingly. Whatever she needed to do to keep them alive . . . his tongue slid into her mouth.

Blood pounded violently in Randvior’s head. Aud had just delivered the bad news. With his countenance on fire, he opened his mouth and screamed.

Men scrambled in every direction.

Randvior stormed across the great hall and grabbed his sacred axe from the wall above his throne. Reserved only for war, he considered this a fight for his life. He couldn’t breathe without her, much less be expected to live. He turned to his men and prepared them as if an invading force waited at his gate. Not only had he grossly underestimated Sveinn, he had failed to protect his beloved, again.

Prudence and admiration for Fald Ovesen had prevented him from killing his son before.
Never again.
The next time Randvior set eyes on him, Sveinn Ovesen would die.

Randvior shut his eyes and took a deep breath. “How long has Noelle been gone?”

“Nearly a day.” Aud tightened his weapon belt and checked his knives.

Randvior knew his loyal captain burned with hatred, too. He deserved avengement nearly as much as he did. The security of his home had been breached. Curse Odin for forcing him into this situation. Dangling a beautiful woman in front of him, then snatching her away in the middle of the night. If this was meant to test his faith, it did little to advance the god’s cause in his eyes.

Donning full armor, Randvior spoke to his men. “Sveinn Ovesen attacked our brother’s home and kidnapped my woman. Who will ride beside me and help deliver Odin’s justice?”

Every man in the hall volunteered.

The
jarl
swelled with pride. “We shall take him alive if we can.” Adrenaline pumped through his body. Randvior slammed his fist against the metal armor covering his chest. “And then, I’ll pulverize his skull with my bare hands.”

He divided the guards into five groups. Three teams would search north, east, and south. The fourth would stake out Sveinn’s home. And Randvior’s team, which included Aud, would ride west, toward the sea.

After three days, weariness showing on his face, Randvior searched a broad area while his men made camp. Regrettably, his nemesis had covered his tracks well. He scrutinized everything between the ground and starry heavens above and still found nothing.

He burned for Noelle as badly as a drunk craves a bottle.

Two more bitter nights passed, and finally, Randvior got lucky. He sighted a fire somewhere in the distance. No one lived this far west. Riding ahead, he climbed steadily up a snow-covered hill. His stallion punched through the snow with as much ragged determination as he rode. A rare, blue full moon provided plenty of light as he crossed a shallow tributary and discovered fresh tracks on the other side. He dismounted. A shoulder overlooking the sea blocked his way west; the only direction left to go was up.

Randvior trudged another two miles before he came across a dilapidated cabin. An abandoned woodcutter’s shed, judging by the rusty tools and snow covered woodpiles. He circled the structure three times—relying on his hearing. He couldn’t see inside, the narrow windows were blacked out. His men arrived minutes later and Randvior directed his gaze heavenward.

“Grant us good fortune, great Odin.”

Upon Randvior’s signal, Aud’s heavily clad foot punched through the plank door.

Seven men were huddled around a metal brazier, sleeping comfortably with no weapons at the ready. Randvior spit curses at them as they scrambled to their feet, groping the floor for their swords.

“Your master left juveniles to guard his gate.” Randvior taunted.

“And your negligence cost you a woman.” The swarthiest of Sveinn’s guards wore a wolfish grin.

A torrent of rage rained down on Randvior. He lunged with his axe hefted over his head. The man who spoke so freely edged away. His words lost to silence. The
jarl
brought the blunt edge of his weapon down on the man’s skull. With his axe bloodied and Odin’s fury on his face, he turned his rage on the remaining men. They surrendered immediately.

Aud pounded his sword against his shield. “Kill them.”

Randvior lowered his weapon, eyeing Sveinn’s guards.

He should demonstrate mercy. “Pledge loyalty and I will spare your miserable lives.”

Aud’s face twisted. Randvior stifled his complaint with a wave of his hand before his captain had a chance to voice his dissent. “They will serve as slaves.”

Sveinn’s men fell to their knees and pledged as Randvior had commanded. This decision was final. As his rage leveled for the moment, Randvior studied the interior of the cottage.

Another room straight ahead.

He reached the door in two strides and pounded on it. “Sveinn Ovesen, come out and face me as a man!”

No answer came.

Without pause, Randvior shouldered his way through the door, quite unprepared for what he found. Noelle stripped naked with her hands anchored to a wood beam above her head and tightly gagged. Her eyes flashed warning as she jerked her head left. Randvior understood and lifted his weapon in time to deflect a blow from Sveinn’s broadsword. Randvior grunted and turned to see where his opponent stood.

The kidnapper struck again.

Visions of Sveinn’s filthy hands probing Noelle fueled Randvior’s violence. He moved mechanically. Their weapons met midair and scraped together so hard sparks flew. Randvior twisted around and punched him in the gut. Sveinn hurtled backward, recovered his footing, then charged, whirling his weapon over his head.

Noelle’s muted cries echoed loudly in Randvior’s ears—she needed help, and he slashed his way through Sveinn, landing a damaging blow to his chest and shoulder.

“Kill me,” Sveinn provoked, “and you’ll never know the truth. Did I bed her or leave her untouched for our wedding night?”

On the other side of the door, Randvior could hear his men yelling. His chest heaved for air and he responded by pulling a dagger from his boot. With his axe in one hand and his knife in the other, they both ran and collided with the force of two rams. Sveinn punched the dagger loose and grazed Randvior’s left hand with his own short knife. A loud
thwack
sounded and Randvior jumped aside, his axe head deeply embedded in Sveinn’s ribs. The younger man staggered dazedly, falling over furniture in his path.