Viking Beast: Viking Warriors Series by de Maupassant Emmanuelle

Author:de Maupassant, Emmanuelle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Published: 2019-09-28T16:00:00+00:00

12

Elswyth

August 4th, 960AD

Thirka had been fortunate, Eldberg’s quick-thinking had saved her from greater injury. She’d heal, if her wounds were kept clean. There would be scarring, but she’d walk again. The burns on her hands were superficial, her palms already accustomed to working close to the fire’s heat.

Ragerta and I had worked quickly to prepare the unguent of honey, comfrey, and marigold, spreading it thickly, then wrapping it with strips of linen. We used the aloe where the burns seemed most severe—the back of Thirka’s knees and her lower thigh. To ease her discomfort, we mashed valerian root, steeping in hot water. This, she was to sip every waking hour. I’d find willow bark when there was more time, for that was the best remedy in subduing pain, and it was easy to chew. Perhaps the forest held witch hazel, too. Once Thirka began to heal, it would aid the process.

“You have my thanks.” Thoryn clasped us both by the hand as we reached the longhouse. “If I can repay you, then let me know the manner, and it shall be done.”

The night sky was already lightening, the fjord glittering beneath a low-clinging sun. The air was cool, thanks to a breeze blowing in from the sea, and all was hushed. The residents of Skálavík would sleep on another hour, although there was movement in the harbour. The fishermen were early to rise, pushing out beneath those violet-shadowed mountains.

We all needed sleep, but the early morning light was too beautiful to turn from, and I had no eagerness to join the one who awaited me. Ragerta and I stood, watching as Thoryn retreated.

“His mother died early in the spring. He’d been living alone,” said Ragerta sadly.

“He has no thrall?” I’d noticed a woman’s touch in the woven coverings for his bed and walls, but the cauldron had been empty, and his tunic looked to have gone many days without being washed.

Ragerta gave a small smile. “He sold her. Thirka says he’s promised not to have another woman in the house until she can join him.”

“Well, she’s under his roof, now.” I gave Ragerta a nudge. “Perhaps that’s where she’ll stay.”

“If the jarl permits it.” She yawned. “A strange night it was, and I’d say the gods had a hand in it. Many are the stories of lovers united after sore trials. Thirka’s accident may bring them together.”

Aye, if the Beast has a heart and will let her go, I thought. I’d seen little of it until now, but nor had I expected him to act as he had, risking himself for one so insignificant in his eyes.

The two sentries walking the perimeter of the longhouse had made their circuit and paused before us now.

“Best get to bed,” said one. “The mistress will be shaking you out of it afore the cock crows twice.”

“Unless you’d prefer to tarry with us?” The other gave a wink. “We’ll lie you down all right, but I can’t swear you’ll get any sleep.”

“An attractive offer, I’m sure.

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