Surrender To The Viking (9 page)

He smiled. ‘Welcome back, my lady.’

The grey eyes met hers and warmed. For no good reason her pulse quickened. It didn’t help that he seemed in no hurry to put her down either. She could feel the links of his mail through her gown, the metal hard and unyielding, like the powerful muscles beneath. He smelled of steel and leather and musk, a combination that was suddenly both dangerous and exciting.

With an effort she found her voice. ‘I’m glad to be back, my lord. I think the gods must be on your side.’

He grinned. ‘I think they were today.’

‘They’re valuable allies.’

‘Indeed they are. I’ll do my best to keep their regard.’

As Geirr and Eystein clambered aboard, the ship moved slowly away from the cove. Finn set Lara on her feet and placing a hand under her elbow, led her astern. Now that the immediate danger was over reaction began to set in and she shuddered.

He glanced down at her. ‘Are you all right?’

She nodded. ‘It’s just the release of tension, that’s all.’

‘I knew better than to suggest you were afraid.’

‘I was afraid, Finn. I don’t mean to cast doubt on you or your men or on my brother either, but the numbers were so unevenly balanced that I dreaded what might happen.’

‘And yet had I been slain you would be free.’

‘Free to do what?’ she replied. ‘My father would find me another husband soon enough. Besides, I would not purchase such a temporary freedom with men’s lives.’

‘Not even with mine?’

‘Of course not.’

He regarded her steadily, his expression unreadable. ‘Incidentally, I thank you for your offer to fight today.’

‘I meant it.’

‘I know you did.’

The quiet tone was entirely free from mockery like the eyes studying her now. Taken aback she lowered her gaze, aware of him to her fingertips.

‘With hindsight I suppose it must have seemed foolish.’

‘It was many things but not foolish.’

‘And yet you would never allow it, would you?’

‘It’s my responsibility to keep you from harm. Steingrim doesn’t know you’re here and I’m not about to enlighten him. You’d make too tempting a target.’

‘Oh.’ That aspect of the matter hadn’t occurred to her but now that he’d said it she conceded he did have a point.

‘Your courage was never in doubt.’

Uncertain how to respond she remained silent. Did he mean it or was he just letting her down gently? Probably the latter, she decided. All the same, he could have been scathing. She’d met plenty of men who would have been; most of her former suitors for a start.
He’s not like the others.
Suddenly those words had never seemed truer.

Chapter Ten

F
or the next three days they made steady progress down the coast keeping close watch for Steingrim’s ships. Once when they put in to shore for the night they found evidence of the enemy’s former campsite in heaps of grey ash from their fires. Finn was content to let the mercenaries stay well ahead until the remainder of his reinforcements arrived. It was a growing concern that they hadn’t.

‘Where in Frigg’s name are they?’ demanded Unnr. ‘Surely they should be here by now.’

‘Perhaps they aren’t coming,’ said Sturla.

‘They’ll be here,’ replied Ketill. ‘Ottar gave his word, didn’t he?’

‘Well, I wish they’d get a move on. This isn’t a ruddy trading expedition.’

Murmured agreement greeted this from those nearby.

Finn interjected. ‘Ketill’s right. They’ll be here.’

The words sounded more assured than he felt. He didn’t think Ottar would let them down; something unforeseen must have happened to delay the other ship. Now he just had to hope it wasn’t a serious problem. They needed those extra swords.

The men lapsed into silence but he knew the doubt was taking root in their minds. It was one thing to face an enemy when there was a good chance of winning, and quite another to face a battle when there was every chance of annihilation. It was not unknown for crews to mutiny over such things. Finn had a strong bond with his men but he was reluctant to test it so far. Like all Viking warriors his companions were brave but they weren’t stupid. And like all Viking warriors they were essentially opportunists who seized the advantage when they saw it and walked away when they didn’t. Had he dwelt on that long enough it might well have brought him out in a cold sweat.

* * *

Presently the conversation turned to different things but he knew it wouldn’t be forgotten. He glanced at the open water beyond, letting his gaze return the way they had come but there was no sign of a ship. He sighed. If the worst happened he was going to need an alternative plan, a very good plan if he hoped to sell it to his men.

‘I’m sure it will be all right.’

He turned swiftly to see Lara at his shoulder. ‘You heard the conversation I take it.’

‘Yes, I heard. The uncertainty is understandable but I’m sure it’s unfounded.’

‘You say that very confidently.’

‘The bond between my father and his brother is strong. My uncle won’t let the side down. There’s nothing he likes more than a battle, which means there must be a good reason for his absence.’

In spite of himself Finn smiled. ‘He sounds like a real character.’

‘He is.’

‘Does he resemble your father?’

‘Not really, apart from the red hair of course. I should explain that Uncle Njall is roughly the size of a barn door and strong enough to tear the head off an aurochs.’

‘Well, let’s hope he gets here soon. He sounds like the sort of man I need. Dare I hope that his crew takes after him?’

She laughed. ‘He’s one of a kind but he leads some tough men.’

‘That’s encouraging.’ It really was, although that wasn’t the reason why his breath suddenly caught in his throat. Laughter suited her, he decided. It suited her very much.

‘My uncle fought a bear once. He’d gone out hunting and it attacked him. He still has the scars to prove it.’

‘I’ll wager he has. Did he kill the beast in the end?’

‘Yes, but it nearly killed him as well. It chewed his ear off and its claws tore his arm and ripped his shoulder to the bone. Fortunately his men had the sense to wash out the wounds with mead before they sewed him up. Apparently it took six of them to hold him down.’

‘I can well imagine.’

‘My father says he’s never heard swearing like it. Even their berserker friends were impressed.’

Finn chuckled. ‘I don’t suppose your father repeated that part of the story.’

‘Unfortunately not, although we importuned him most strongly.’

‘We?’

‘Asa and Alrik and I.’

‘Ah.’

‘Anyway, Uncle Njall survived. He kept the bear’s skin too, as a bed cover.’

‘Practical as well as brave, then?’

‘He earned his trophy.’

‘Yes, he did.’

She sighed. ‘I wish I’d been there to see it but it happened many years before I was born.’

‘Has anyone ever told you that you have a bloodthirsty turn of mind?’

She threw him a sideways glance. ‘It may have been mentioned once or twice.’

Finn laughed, enjoying her. The look in her eye was beguiling as well as mischievous and it seemed to him that her lips had never looked as kissable as they did just then. He resisted the temptation, unwilling to destroy the present mood.

‘Was it your uncle who inspired you to learn sword craft?’ he asked.

Her expression grew sober again. ‘No, that was after Asa left.’

Finn hesitated. This was uncertain territory and he didn’t want to alienate her, especially when she had been so communicative before.

‘Forgive me, I didn’t mean to pry but I should like to understand.’

To his relief Lara seemed more surprised than offended. For a second or two she was silent but he made no attempt to fill the gap. He would not force her confidence.

‘It was a symbolic gesture for the most part,’ she replied, ‘because it didn’t do anything for Asa—she died anyway. All the same it made me feel less helpless.’

‘How did she die?’

‘In childbed. Her husband got a child on her soon after the marriage but it was a difficult birth. She died in fear and pain among strangers.’

‘You loved her very much, didn’t you?’

‘Yes, I loved her.’ The blue-green eyes burned. ‘And if I could I would take a sword and slay the man responsible for killing her.’

‘By that you mean her husband?’

‘He.’

‘Unfortunately it is not uncommon for women to die in childbed. Her husband could not have prevented it.’

‘Childbed was the last element of the tragedy. She died a little every day she was with him.’

They lapsed into silence. He could feel the anger flowing out of her. Not just anger either but also sorrow and loss. He understood it. Had he too not felt all of those things? Only the circumstances were different. He wondered then if Bótey had died a little with each day of his absence. If he’d been there, if he’d been the kind of husband she’d needed the whole sorry mess could have been avoided. Whatever happened he didn’t want to repeat the mistake.

‘It doesn’t have to be like that,’ he said.

‘True. I know of people who are happily married.’

The next question formed in his mind but he knew better than to ask it. To do so would put Lara between the cliff and the maelstrom. Besides, he already knew the answer. All he could hope for was that time might change it.

‘I should like—

He broke off as the look-out hailed the camp. ‘Ship approaching!’

Immediately the men leaped to their feet and ran to the water’s edge. Finn’s heartbeat quickened. The vessel was some distance away so it was impossible to make out the details but there was a better than even chance it was the one they were waiting for.

As the distance shortened they could make out the clean lines and dragon prow of a warship, her oars dipping and rising in unison. She was travelling fast. Lara looked at Alrik who had appeared beside them.

‘Is it our uncle?’

‘I damned well hope so,’ he replied.

Finn silently echoed the sentiment. Once he had the reinforcements he could implement the next part of the plan. Without them...

An expectant hush descended, every man there straining to identify the rapidly approaching vessel. As her crew had sighted the two moored ships she altered course slightly, making straight for them. As they came closer Alrik beamed.

‘It’s the
Sea Snake
!’

A cheer greeted the words. Finn let out a long breath, mentally thanking the gods. It really did look as though they might be on his side after all. The
Sea Snake
’s crew stopped rowing and the big ship glided in and slowed.

‘Can you see Uncle Njall?’ asked Lara.

Alrik shook his head. ‘That’s Guthrum in the prow.’

‘Guthrum?’ asked Finn.

‘A cousin,’ replied Lara. ‘My uncle’s third son and the one most like him in looks.’

Finn didn’t care about her cousin’s numerical ranking or his physical appearance; all that mattered was his arrival. Guthrum cupped his hands and called across to them.

‘Hail the camp!’

‘Hail yourself!’ replied Alrik. ‘What the blazes kept you?’

‘Long story.’

Guthrum swung himself over the side and, flanked by a dozen of his crewmen, waded ashore. He engulfed Alrik in a hearty hug and then seized Lara by the waist, lifting her up to bestow a resounding kiss.

‘It’s good to see you both! Lara, you’re even prettier than I remembered.’ He returned her to earth and looked around, his gaze meeting Finn’s. Lara hurriedly introduced them.

Finn smiled. ‘I’m glad to see you, Guthrum. You and your men are most welcome.’ He thought he’d never said truer words in his life.

Guthrum smiled in return. ‘Good to be here, my lord.’

‘We’d almost given you up for lost,’ said Alrik.

‘We only got Uncle Ottar’s message three days ago when we got back from Sogn,’ replied Guthrum.

‘What were you doing there?’

‘Business trip.’

Alrik eyed him speculatively. ‘Lucrative?’

His cousin grinned. ‘Not bad. Anyway, when we returned we found out what was toward. Then it was a case of loading up with fresh provisions and turning the ship around and heading straight out again.’

‘Well, better late than never. Where’s Uncle Njall?’

‘Fell off a ladder and broke his leg while he was mending a roof last month. You should have heard him swear.’

‘I can imagine,’ said Alrik.

‘As it is, he won’t be going anywhere for a while.’

‘Pity. Still it’s good to see you, Cousin.’

‘That it is,’ said Finn. ‘Will you and your men join us in a cup of ale?’

Guthrum nodded. ‘Gladly. Then you can tell us all the details about this venture.’

When the ale was poured and the men had sat down around the fire, Finn obliged. They listened intently, grim-faced.

‘Steingrim’s reputation for treachery is well known,’ said Guthrum when at length the tale was told. ‘It’ll be a pleasure to settle accounts with the swine.’

Growls of approval greeted this from the listening men.

‘We shall,’ said Finn.

‘Do we know where he is?’

‘About half a day in front of us, or a little more. He sailed right past us in the fog.’

Guthrum grinned. ‘Excellent. Now we have the element of surprise.’

‘Quite so.’

‘What’s the plan then, my lord?’

* * *

Lara sat a little apart, listening quietly while the men talked. She could not but feel relief at her cousin’s arrival and guessed that Finn and Alrik must be feeling the same. They had not spoken of their concern but she had seen it in their faces. She had also sensed the underlying tension in Finn. This wasn’t just some petty raid he was planning; it was a matter of life and death. Steingrim wouldn’t give up. He had to be confronted and killed or they would spend the rest their lives looking over their shoulders. That wasn’t the kind of future she wanted. Thus far she hadn’t considered the future in any detail; the advent of marriage had been so traumatic that she had been lost in a black fog of anger and resentment, existing only from day to day. Now she found herself thinking ahead to a time beyond Steingrim when she and Finn would settle properly into married life. Although she couldn’t view it with unbounded joy, the idea wasn’t as unwelcome as it had once been. Without her even being aware of it the dark gloom had lifted and she no longer felt its suffocating, oppressive weight. Nor was she inclined to rail any more against what could not be altered. Finn was not as Asa’s husband had been. That much was apparent.
It doesn’t have to be like that.
I should like...
What? A well-run hall, perhaps? Domestic harmony? She sighed. It didn’t seem such a bad idea. They didn’t love each other but they might learn to rub along together. It had to be better than continual strife.

She wondered what his first wife had been like, apart from unfaithful. Had she been very beautiful? Had he loved her or was theirs another marriage of convenience? The latter seemed most likely. If she’d loved him she couldn’t have been unfaithful. He wasn’t brutal or coarse so was it rather that she’d found him lacking as a lover? Lara didn’t have to ponder that very long: the recollection of his kiss created doubt enough. Her experience was limited but if the mere idea of sharing his bed had caused a hot flush what would the reality be like?

The question caused a whole raft of disturbing thoughts. For the first time she admitted the inevitability of physical union with Finn. They were husband and wife. Eventually he would want sons to continue his line. That he had not already enforced his marital rights was astounding even if he did have other things on his mind.
When you decide you want to become a real woman let me know.
Lara bit her lip. Not only did he not think of her as a real woman he didn’t even find her desirable. Now that resentment had cooled she was forced to admit that Finn would have had his pick of women in the past. He hadn’t picked her, though. It didn’t even bother him when their marriage wasn’t consummated. A couple of days ago that situation had seemed quite satisfactory; now what she felt was more like mortification.

Her private musing was interrupted by Guthrum’s arrival. ‘Well, my little cousin, you are a married woman now I hear.’

‘Oh, yes. That’s right.’

‘You finally took the plunge, eh? Word is you were mighty hard to please.’

‘Is that right?’

‘I know some of your rejected suitors, remember.’

‘Ah.’

‘Well, why should you not take your time? It’s a pretty woman’s prerogative after all.’ He lowered his large frame on to a rock beside her. ‘And you’ve made a fine choice.’

Although choice had never entered into the arrangement it seemed politic not to mention it. Nor did she wish to go into the details. Guthrum could keep his illusions. ‘I’m glad you think so.’