The Handfasting by Glynnis Campbell

Author:Glynnis Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Glynnis Campbell
Published: 2015-12-08T05:00:00+00:00

Noёl knew his men were restless, eager to be home. And now that the handfasting had been sealed, there was no reason to remain in Scotland. If they left on the morrow, there might even be some of the holiday left to enjoy.

He smiled at the thought of sharing his new bride with his family. He couldn’t wait to show Cathalin the beautiful Christmas crèches. He wanted her to see the jongleurs performing caroles in the hall. And on his birthday, he wanted to drink warm mulled wine with her beside the fire.

Still, he didn’t wish to appear rude to her clan. One day, all of this would be his, and he hadn’t even given it a decent inspection. So as much as he’d prefer to lie in bed with his delectable wife all day, he decided he should do the proper thing and make a tour of the land.

Now, as they slogged through the snowy field toward the forest, Noёl had to admit he was surprised by just how extensive the holding was. It appeared the king had been quite generous. They’d been hiking for some time.

“How much farther is it?” he asked.

“Not far. Just through those trees, in the clearin’.”

Her cheeks were rosy with the cold. Her breath made fog on the air. And her gray eyes shone with excitement. It almost seemed a pity to tear her away from the land she loved so much.

“There,” she breathed when they finally reached a small clearing in the wood where stray beams of sunlight seemed to cast glittering gems in the snow.

The well wasn’t much of a well anymore. It was a ruin. A winding stream ran into what was left of the stone walls and trickled down the other side. Ferns grew up around the moss-covered rock. Snow-laden pines crowded near, their tops bent inward as if to shield the well from intruders. If Noёl didn’t know better, he’d say it was a magical place.

As they drew near, he saw a curious stone disk sitting askew atop the well. It looked like a dislodged lid.

“There’s an inscription on top,” she told him. “See the Viking runes?”

“What does it say?”

“’Tis a blessin’. For a quiet journey, joyful days, and strong deeds for Odin.”

“Odin?”

“The Viking god.” She ran her fingers across the carved runes. “And here it says, ‘May your love stay true to your noble heart’.”

He nodded. “That sounds like a good blessin’.” He drew his dagger. “Do ye think we should try it? Shall we cut locks of our hair and—”

“Oh, nae!” she blurted out. “I don’t think so.”

Her response set him on his heels. Yesterday he expected her to have some qualms about staying true to a man she’d never met. But they were properly married now.

And they’d made love.

Twice.

“Nae?”

“’Tis just…I guess…” she said, stumbling over the words, “I guess I don’t much…believe in wishes.”

“Hmm.” She wasn’t being completely forthcoming with him. But he supposed it didn’t matter. Wish or no wish, he intended to stay true to his noble heart.

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