In Thrall to the Viking by M.E. Sháen

Author:M.E. Sháen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lemon Grove Life, LLC

17

And so it was that Halfdan found himself with six fully crewed ships not three days later.

I remained at the house with the children while he took Blythe to visit Jarl Thorsson.

I was outside weaving nets when they returned. I could see that the return trip left him giddy with anticipation.

“Take the horse, see that she’s fed and watered, rubbed down,” he told Blythe as he hopped off.

“As you say, master Halfdan.”

He snorted but continued to me. “She did it, vixen. I have the ships I sought. And you to thank for it.”

“Blythe did her part. You will find coin for her upon your return.”

“Yes, of course. I must prepare to depart. Frida and Bjorn will be safe here with you while I am gone.”

“You will not send them away this time?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“I will keep them safe.”

“You seem not pleased, vixen.”

“There was a man. Before.”

My plan was not to mention the man, but Halfdan saw into me too easily. I wrapped my hands around my elbows.

“What man?” Confused, he peered into my eyes.

“He walked beyond the house,” I gestured toward the back of the yard. “I sought to speak to him, but he would not lift his gaze to mine.”

“What did he look like, this man?”

“He wore a cloak, the hood lifted. I could not well see his face. His hair was white. I think he had only one eye.”

Despite the warmth of the day, I shivered.

“Perhaps the gods make themselves known to you. Perhaps Odin.”

“They are not my gods.”

“They are the gods of this land, vixen.”

“As you say then. You will leave me some weapon to protect us if need be?”

“You will have an axe.”

Satisfied that I could protect myself, I nodded and offered him a smile.

He required my help in preparing for the trip across the seas. There was food to gather and barrel, weapons to hone to deadly sharpness, and armor to mend.

I spent two days mending his leathers. He brought a chainmail shirt from town, having paid the blacksmith to make it.

Eowils came and went during that time. He rarely spoke to me as he preferred the company of his brother on those trips to the house.

We silently agreed that what he did to me before would no longer arise in conversation. Though I well remembered his treatment, I know it is unlikely he would try again.

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