Ragnar the Murderer (18 page)

She laughed and they stole away into the wet, wild wood together.

*  *  *

Ragnar re-emerged onto the open ground where everyone waited impatiently, soaking wet and grumbling.

“
My son!” exclaimed the Jarl, rushing to him. “What happened? Where’s Yngvild?”

“
They escaped. I’m sorry to tell you that she loves that silver haired demon and she’s run off with him. So in a way they’ve exiled themselves. Does that satisfy you?”

Thorvald paused, looking away into the distance.

“
I- I- think so. I couldn’t forgive her and who knows what peril they’ll face in the wilderness? They are both dead to me. Thank you for trying.”

He embraced Ragnar, who shook his head to clear at least some of the water off it.

“
My honour was also satisfied.”

“
Good. You deserve it.”

Arnbjorn came up to discuss legal details and Bjarni took Ragnar aside.

“
What really happened?”

“
I’ll tell you later. I’m soaked, I need to get dry.”

“
Yes. But you are free now! And remember, Aelfwyn is also free.” He nudged him.

“
I hadn’t forgotten. But I need a bath before I see her again.”

“
You really do. You look like you’ve been attacked by a very wet and muddy animal. You’ll have to get a new tunic made.”

“
At least I left Kjartan in a worse state than me.”

“
Well done.” Bjarni clapped him on the shoulder. “Hopefully we’ve seen the last of him.”

*  *  *

The next morning, after Ragnar felt presentable enough to see Aelfwyn, he went with Bjarni and Saehild to Byrnstanham.

Maegla and Osfrith were first to meet them.

“
We hear you are cleared of the murder of Eadbald,” said Maegla, clasping hands with Ragnar.

Unsure what to say, Ragnar just nodded.

It was hard for the trio to make their way through the well wishers and former comrades from the fight with the Norwegian Vikingr. The young Anglisc men were full of brotherly affection but Bjarni slowly led them towards the hut of Aldulf.

“
She will be so pleased to see you,” whispered Saehild to Ragnar, squeezing his arm.

“
I hope so.”

“
Mother? Father?” Saehild peeked through the hut door. Cwenburg sat weaving nearby and looked over guardedly.

“
It is nice to see you, daughter.” She embraced her cautiously. “Come in.”

The trio went in, the Danes ducking their heads in the doorway.

“
Where’s my sister?”

“
At the well. Now you are not here to help, her work takes her longer than before. Would you like some beer, or mead?”

They sat down outside in the sunny weather. The Danes were not wearing their official Huskarl uniforms and they revelled in the freedom, stretching their legs out on the grass.

“
Mother, Bjarni and I need to discuss something with you. We are both unhappy with the situation and want to make amends.”

“
Well, it will take some time,” began Cwenburg.

Meanwhile, Bjarni whispered something in the ear of Ragnar, whose face brightened. Bjarni moved forward to Cwenburg.

“
I must apologise for being so secretive with my marriage to your daughter,” he said.

“
It’s true, you were.”

“
But he knew you wouldn’t approve,” interrupted Saehild. “He was only trying to-“ she carried on.

Bjarni indicated to Ragnar to leave so he quietly stood up and stole away.

*  *  *

At the well, Aelfwyn pulled up the heavy pails, giving a great sigh. No Dane to help her now. There had been rumours of dramatic goings on at Hallfridby, but she didn’t care what the other Danes did if Ragnar had to be exiled. How unfair. Her sister settling happily down with a Dane while she had to remain without a lover, or even a marriage. She could have divorced Eadbald after a few months and run off with Ragnar, away from this stupid place. But there was no point thinking that as it would never happen.

Sighing again, she turned to make her way back home, so heavy hearted she could hardly lift the pails. A movement along the path caught her eye. A tall figure striding along, dark red hair in a plat falling over his shoulder. Could it be? No, her eyes must be playing tricks.

The figure came closer and she stepped towards it. Was she dreaming? He wore a light brown over tunic and dark trousers so not a Huskarl but…

She began to run and so did he. They reached each other at last and he swung her up into his arms, kissing her lips, her cheeks, her nose, and her eyes in his enthusiasm. She laughed in delight, crying at the same time. Then, calming down, they kissed passionately, sinking down onto the stony ground and leaning against the old, muddy wall.

“
But I thought you were exiled,” she said at last, heart pounding, lips bruised, trembling.

“
They found out my innocence.” He was in a similar state. “Bjarni and Steinar worked together to save me.” He quickly outlined what had happened.

“
And now I’m free,” he finished. He kissed her again on the lips, folding his arms and legs round her as she sat on his lap, getting as much of her as he could.

“
Oh, I want you,” she whispered when they took a breath. “I don’t care if you think I’m a whore, I have to say it.”

“
I don’t think you’re a whore. I want you too, so badly. Bjarni said we could go to his hut. If you like?”

She nodded and they hurried off to Hallfridby.

*  *  *

When they reached the village, the Huskarlr guards smiled and patted Ragnar’s shoulder as he went through the gate, hand in hand with Aelfwyn.

They were surrounded by villagers when they got inside, however. Young girls fluttered their eyelashes at him, young men patted him on the back.

“
I’m so happy you were cleared!”

“
You’re a hero!”

“
I’ll be your woman!”

“
Great to see you back where you should be!”

The exclamations of joy and physical affection were overwhelming, and slowed the couple’s progress towards the hut.

Aelfwyn felt like a spectator. How could she compete with all this attention? Girls throwing themselves at him like that? Tall, beautiful Danes, healthy and strong who could bear him unlimited children? She cowered against the onslaught, feeling sick.

But Ragnar had other ideas.

“
Thank you. But I will not be taking any of you as my woman. This is my woman.” He lifted Aelfwyn’s hand and held it tight. “She will be my wife soon. Now, please. Let us pass.”

The Danes stepped aside reluctantly, allowing them finally to make their way to the hut.

“
Gods, I thought they were going to tear me apart.” He pushed a small strongbox against the front door. “There, that’ll keep my admirers out,” he chuckled, not noticing the mess all around the room.

Aelfwyn sat glumly by the fire with her knees up, arms curled round them, so he sat next to her.

“
You’re welcome to take one of the Danes as your woman,” she muttered. “They’d be better for you than me.”

“
What? It’s you I want, not them. I don’t care what people say. Your parents will have to accept us, as will the Jarl.”

She looked up, beginning to smile again.

“
It’s just been so dreadful missing you, I’m so tired and weary. Sorry.”

“
You do want to marry me don’t you?”

“
Yes! Of course I do!” She uncurled and put her arms round him.

“
Good. You worried me for a minute. But if you’re tired, you know the best place to be.” He jerked his head towards the bed.

She chuckled and stood up, pulling him by the hand towards it. They sat down and kissed again, taking their time over it, their tongues exploring every corner of each other’s mouths. She revelled in the delight of tasting him again, after so long full of worry and fear for him. His hair came undone and fell into her face, tickling her gratifyingly.

A sudden rap on the door made them jump.

“
Ignore it.” He pulled her into the bed, covering her with the woven blanket. The knock came again and they giggled, trying to keep quiet. The dark hut must seem empty from outside, so the visitor wouldn’t know they were there. Then footsteps stamped away and they relaxed.

Aelfwyn lifted his over tunic and under tunic slowly, admiring the reddish blond hair which grew up from somewhere below his belt, up his stomach muscles to his chest. She unhurriedly kissed the pathway of the hair from its lowest point up to his neck, making him tremble with pleasure. He quickly wriggled out of his tunics, almost getting tangled up but managing to free himself with her shaky handed help.

She’d been dreaming about what she’d do to him if they met again, she knew now there was nothing wrong with loving a man like that. Life was too short to waste opportunities or worry about virginity. She knew he would marry her. That certainty in her heart would not be ignored.

Lying on top of him, she kissed his lips and he wrapped his arms round her, stroking her back. He wanted to touch her skin after so long without her, but struggled with her dress, as brooches pinned it at the shoulder.

His cock pushed at her thigh with a life of its own, seeking to get inside her. He gasped, unable to stop himself arching his back and pushing at her, overcome with desire.

She groaned, rolling to the side and pulling him on top, feeling his need for her. He shuffled his trousers down and she lifted her skirts, not caring if they got torn or stained. She spread her legs apart, longing for him to fill the quivering wet place between them. he had to, he must, or she would explode!

He pushed himself inside her and thrust deeply as she opened her legs wider, his hardness fitting her perfectly. They moved together in harmony, she full and satisfied with his firm length, her warm wetness squeezing him as much as he could want.

The bed shuddered but held fast as they continued, pressing against each other, skin hot and moist, as he rubbed against every intimate part of her, trembling to the climax together, wetness pulsing out.

He rolled off her, heart pounding and lay there a little out of breath, feeling like an animal, all instinct and no thought. She pushed her skirts down over herself, also breathing hard, feeling a little cold now his hot body had moved off her.

“
Mm,” she said, wriggling with satisfaction.

“
Gods,” he said.

They exchanged grins and blushes.

“
I think I need to mend this bed after that,” he said. “But it can wait.”

“
I’m too hot in this dress.” She sat up and dragged it off, throwing it carelessly to the floor. Now naked, she snuggled up to him, her nipples poking at his chest, the curly hair below brushing his thigh temptingly. He groaned.

“
Ohh, you make me want to do it again. Give me a minute, woman.”

“
After you’re rested then. I used to be a virtuous maiden before I met you.” She pretended to sigh regretfully.

“
You still are a virtuous maiden, you will be whatever you do.”

“
And you’re the great warrior who overcomes me with desire. No, who fills me with desire. Fills me with his weapon of love.” She giggled and so did he. He flung his arms round her.

“
Let’s never be parted again. Ever. We’ll live together even if they won’t let us get married. Other people can just go and behead themselves.”

“
Yes. We’ll do that.”

They snuggled down, pulling the covers over them. The bed creaked ominously, making them giggle even more.

“
I think I’ve rested enough now,” he said, turning to kiss her.

Sixtiene

“
We’ve told your parents about what really happened to Eadbald,” said Bjarni to Aelfwyn when she and Ragnar returned to her parents’ house.

“
I’m sorry to have misjudged you.” Aldulf held his hand out to the auburn haired Dane, who took it. “You must understand we only want the best for our daughter.”

“
I too. When I get my sword back from the Jarl, I intend to marry her. If you, as her father, accept.”

Aldulf paused for a long time and everyone else watched the Angliscman and the Dane with bated breath.