Her Heart's Desire (17 page)

“Water.” Idunna offered a small cup. “You need to rest a moment, Erland.”

“But he is alive? Hella is well?” Ealasaid took the boy's hand. “Alive, and coming to fetch us when the weather breaks?”

“When I left Ofan, my queen. Alive, though troubled.” Erland accepted the water. He met Idunna's gaze. “My arm?”

“It should heal. We will have to see how well you recover in the coming days.” Idunna smoothed hair back from the young man's brow. “Your father will be proud of you for arriving in time to warn us.”

Erland shook his head. “We should go. Now. Should have gone last evening. Without me, if you had to.”

“How many come to destroy us?” Eoghann wrapped his hand around his sword pommel. “We have weapons. We can stand a while.”

“Albrikt Redtalon. Some cousin of Ofbradh's. He's so called because he carves out his enemy's hearts. Three dozen men follow him, although he has many supporters in Ofan. They claim to march in the name of Amlaíb Cuarán. It is said they carry his blessing to destroy the supplanter king.” Erland laid his head back against his cushioning and closed his eyes. “He wishes to murder Ealasaid and Birgir, then cut down Hella for Ofbradh's death.”

Eoghann swore. He met Idunna's worried gaze. The hounds that had chased her might have belonged to one of Redtalon's men. “Redtalon is following you?”

Erland nodded. “He left enough trouble for Hella in Ofan.”

“Three dozen men.” Eoghann scratched his chin. “That is barely a challenge.”

Erland grabbed Eoghann's elbow. “Do not take Redtalon lightly, Eoghann. His cousin died on Nefr's blade, although he was already nearly dead from poisoning. He wants blood. Everyone here is in danger.”

“I cannot run.” Eoghann gritted his teeth. “You've ridden into a settlement. There are families here. Redtalon will slaughter them in my wake. I owe these people more than bad deaths.”

“Why? Who are they to you?”

“They were my mother and father's people. The survivors and descendants of those who witnessed the massacre of Suibhne when Ealasaid and I were children. To them, I am the leader. If I say we stand and fight, that's what we do.”

“How many?” Erland released Eoghann's arm. “How well do they fight?”

“Not enough and not well.” Admitting it aloud made his stomach twist. “But they will do. They must.”

“You would have them killed to save your pride?” Erland gasped as he tried to sit up. “You're a fool.”

“Not for my pride.” Eoghann growled. “It's better than running. We have nowhere to go. No shelter, no allies. I must keep my family safe. That means standing when others would run. Redtalon is fierce, but I have no reason to fear him. I still have the things that mean the most to me. A reason to live.”

Erland shook his head. “They are on my trail. You have no time to prepare. All signs point to your warren here. They wait, they plan, and they will attack when you least expect. You're doomed if you don't take horses and ride away this moment.”

“I cannot.” Eoghann met Idunna's gaze.

She hugged herself. Her eyes were large, darting between him and Erland. “Eoghann...”

“We do not run. Cowards run. I am no coward. A traitor, a kin killer, a dirty Saxon, perhaps.
But no coward.
”

“A dead man.” Erland pushed the words through his clenched teeth. “You yielded at the battle of Freysteinn. You were knocked cold at Ofan. You are no warrior chief.”

“Hella will recover Ofan. I will secure Suibhne. These people need a leader, be it a Norse king or a reluctant warrior. Rest, Erland. Your mission is complete.” He turned away from Erik's stubborn son.

“My mission is incomplete until the queen and her son are away from here. Until Redtalon is dead.” Erland raised his head again. “You hear me, Ealasaid? Hella orders you to leave.”

The queen stood straight. “He knows better. I never flee in fear. If Hella is coming here, then I will be here to await him. With my brother.”

“Gods. My father insisted on coming, but I told him I could carry the message. That I would see you safely to another place. He would have dragged you from here if need be.” Erland pressed his hand to his face. “Why must you be so stubborn?”

“It's in our blood,” Ealasaid answered. “You rest now. Eoghann and I shall take care of arming the villagers. Redtalon may threaten us, but he will never take our spirits.”

“I'm more concerned about your lives.” Erland closed his eyes. “When Hella finds out about this...”

“I will soothe him again as I have before.” Ealasaid pushed Eoghann toward the door. “Make weapons repairs. Do what you must. Everyone who doesn't wish to run must be armed.”

“Keep Birgir here. I will post men around the village to watch for Redtalon. We must not be surprised by their arrival.”

“Eoghann.” Idunna twisted her treasure necklace around her fingers. “Be careful.”

She loved him. It shined in her eyes despite the worry on her face. Home, whether Suibhne or Solstad, was where Idunna was.

“You have my word.” He left the hut.

Birgir, huddled near the wall, rose when he saw Eoghann. “Can I—”

“Your ma needs you now. She taught you to use a knife, aye?”

“Yes.” Birgir nodded. “Bad men are coming.”

“They are. Take this. Keep it close. If someone tries to hurt you, you stab him first.” He removed a dagger from his belt. “Hard as you can.”

The boy accepted the weapon. “I will.”

“Good lad.” He clapped his hand against Birgir's shoulder. “Protect your ma and your aunt. Little Fulla. She needs you.”

Birgir nodded again. “Da will be here soon, won't he? With his men.”

The lie formed on Eoghann's lips before he thought about it. “I'm certain of it. Now I must go arm the others. We will have to fight.”

“Be careful, Uncle Eoghann. For ma and Aunt Idunna. They love you.”

Despite the cold air, warmth built in Eoghann's chest. “I know. I shall do my best by them.”

Chapter Nineteen

Foul smoke from the direction of the Scot village blew at dusk. Fire brightened the clouds hovering over the trees.

“The whole village,” Aethelred whispered. “Ye suppose they've murdered the lot?”

“Butchered.” Eoghann's stomach turned. The aunt he hadn't known...and many others. “I don't know how. There were many men who looked strong enough to fight.” But revenge created a powerful motivator. His own brother proved that.

“You can defeat him, this
vikingr
mongrel, aye?” Aethelred's knuckles tightened on the handle of the axe he carried. “Leave his corpse for the crows.”

“I'll present his head to my king.” He inhaled the putrid scent of smoke that came from wood and burning flesh. “Is there a place to hide the women and children?”

“Under the hearth of Suibhne Hall. There's space for many people.”

“Take your wife and children there. Have them notify the others. I don't wish for unnecessary bloodshed.”

Redtalon must have slaughtered the women and children of Dawerk. He wouldn't risk dragging slaves along on his vengeance mission. Bitter gall burned Eoghann's chest.

“We're all going tae die, aren't we?” Aethelred's mustache twitched. “The time tae run has long passed.”

Eoghann pressed his lips together. What could he say to soothe the other man? Lies? For what? If Hella were here, he would know the right words.

Aethelred departed.

Eoghann closed his eyes. A raspy, excited voice came to him through the cold.

We will bathe in the blood of our enemies. Pick our teeth with the
vikingrs
bones. I will take the scalp of Hella Ingvasson and make it a decoration for my horse's mane. When we reclaim Suibhne, we will build new foundations on the blood of the invaders.

Diarmaid had lived long enough to do none of those things. His head had cleaved in two with the force of the axe in Eoghann's hand.

“I'm tired of war. Tired of pledging to die for a noble cause. I will win, return home with my wife, and live in peace.” His words barely crested the howl of wind carrying the scents of death.

* * * *

Idunna packed herbs, food, and spare blankets inside a basket. Her hands shook as she gathered the meager belongs they'd been able to bring from Solstad. Silent tears left trails down her cheeks as she hoped Maigread had found a safe place to hide.

“I should be out there, fighting beside him. Suibhne is my heritage too. I am a Norse queen, not a pet to be shoved aside.” Ealasaid raged as she paced the hut. “I know swords. Eoghann himself taught me.”

“He wishes you to remain concealed, m'lady. Do not distract him when death rides this way. Do as he wishes.” Hild hugged Fulla to her breast. “Think of the wee ones.”

“I'm not afraid.” Birgir, pale faced, showed the gleaming blade of his knife. “I could stab them. Ma taught me.”

“You're the heir tae Solstad and other cities. Your da needs you alive, Birgir.” Hild offered her hand. “He and your uncle fight for your life. That means you must protect it.”

“We will do as Eoghann commands.” Idunna propped the basket against her hip. “Our world will crumble if the king arrives to find his beloved family slain.”

Ealasaid frowned as though she wanted to argue. “I wish there was another way.”

“We all do. Birgir, help your ma assist Erland. The time has come to leave this hut.” Idunna pushed open the door.

The snow had stopped and only a few tracks cut through the fresh layer. For the moment, everything appeared peaceful. If not for the acrid smoke choking the air, it might have been any other evening.

“They will be here soon.” Idunna hugged the basket. Her heart wept for the Scots who must have died defending their land. The innocent so often suffered when angry men declared war.
We should have run. Before Redtalon saw reason to hurt the Scots.

Snow crunched under their feet as they crossed long evening shadows to the old hall.

Cyneburg guided Blanid along the path.

“Eoghann has decided to make a stand. To become the lord his father was and his grandfather before him.” Blanid turned her face toward Ealasaid.

How the old woman guessed it was them, Idunna couldn't imagine. “He is happy without a title.”

“He made the right choice, though it comes too late, as I warned.” Blanid's nostrils flared as she spoke to Idunna. “Had he claimed what was his in the beginning, the
vikingrs
would have stayed away.”

“They intend to kill Ealasaid and Birgir. Perhaps me and Eoghann too, for being related to Hella through marriage. Nothing will keep them away.”
Crazy old woman.

“Enough, Mother. Leave the poor woman alone. She has enough to worry about without you pestering her.” Hild passed them, a basket on her hip, Fulla tucked into her opposite arm. “This way.”

“Do you remember this room where we're going?” Idunna turned to Ealasaid. “Is it well hidden?”

Ealsaid shook her head. “I had no idea of it. I thought I knew all of Solstad's secrets. My sisters might have been safe the night of the raid had we known of it. Perhaps my father forgot it.”

“I pray it will keep you out of harm's way.”

“You're staying with us too.” Ealasaid grasped Idunna's arm. “I won't allow you to be out in the thick of things. It's too dangerous.”

“I have to help my husband. He doesn't have enough men protecting him.” Idunna licked her lips. “At Freysteinn. Those men were willing to die for Hella. These are poor farmers with no skill. They mean well, but they have no idea what Redtalon's men will be like. Ruthless. Bloodthirsty.”

“You will wield a sword against them?” Erland stared at Idunna.

She met his gaze. “Without hesitation.”

He grinned. “There are no braver women in the world than Norse women.”

Ealasaid glared. “Indeed?”

“Except you, my queen.”

“No matter. It's too dangerous, Idunna. What if they hurt you? What will become of my brother?” Her gaze dropped to Idunna's stomach. “What if he loses more than a wife?”

Idunna bit the inside of her cheek. A fortnight past the usual start of her courses. She'd said nothing to either Ealasaid nor Eoghann. It might mean the family she'd longed for, or it might mean she was so troubled her body cared nothing for routine. “I will not change my mind.”

Ealasaid glanced at the old stone building. “Why should I hide, then? Should I not help Eoghann too?”

“If you're going, Ealasaid, so am I.” Erland struggled to break his aunt's hold.

“You'd fall on your face before the enemy set foot in this village,” Idunna scolded. “You must protect Birgir and Fulla in the hiding place.”

“I can risk nothing happening to my son and my charge.” Ealasaid glanced toward Fulla and Hild. “I will remain with them.”

“A wise choice.” Eoghann would be displeased with Idunna's decision to fight, but he couldn't prevent it. She'd come from a line of stubborn women, many who stood by their husbands in dire times.

Hild set her basket down in front of a crumbling stone wall. She passed Fulla to Cola, then kneeled in the tall, brown weeds before the wall. They crumbled as she pushed them out of the way. A small door, stained by weather and time, stood out against the stone.

Hild pushed it. It scraped along the dirt as it opened. “It isn't comfortable or nice, but it is safe enough. The walls and ceiling are sound. We stand a chance of living if we remain inside.”

She pushed the basket in ahead of her, then took Fulla again as Cola crawled through the doorway. One by one, the women disappeared inside. Ealasaid, her son, nephew, and Idunna remained after the others went inside.

“Reconsider,” Ealasaid begged. “Eoghann won't like this.”

“He will understand. I told him, Ealasaid. And he loves me in return.” The greatest treasure was in his love. “I couldn't bear to lose him here. If Eoghann cannot defeat Redtalon, I do not wish to carry on. I will do my part to bring down those treacherous Norsemen.”

Ealasaid hugged her. “We will pray for your safe return.”

“Pray to every listening god. Even Eoghann's Christo. We need all the mercy the heavens can spare.”

Erland fumbled with the sword belt at his waist. “Birgir, help me.” Together the boys got him free of it. “Take this, Idunna. You need it more than I. Bloodseeker always bests his rivals.”

She accepted the weight of the sword in its sheath. Nearly as long as her, it seemed impossible for her to wield. She would find a way. “I'm sure it will.” It was no small thing. Heavy, but well balanced, no doubt made by the best sword craftsman in Solstad, she was proud to use it. The maker had etched Tiwaz into the blade—a symbol to bring Tyr's favor to the weapon. The arrow-like rune glimmered in the dim light. “My thanks, Erland. I will use it in your name.”

“In through the door, Birgir.” Ealasaid nudged her son. “Help your cousin. Find us a comfortable spot.”

The boys left them alone.

“Do be safe. Come back with Eoghann in tow. He's committed his share of atrocities, but he is my blood. I love him.” Ealasaid clutched Idunna's hand. “You are the sister of my heart. I wish nothing but good and peace for you.”

“I'll bring him back. You have my word.” Or she would go down after spilling the blood of all the enemies she could reach. “Hella will come soon. He will lead us home and the peace we long for will go on until we're withered and incapable of lifting a sword.”

Ealasaid laughed, but tears dampened her cheeks. “We share the same dream.” She kissed Idunna's cheek, then took the basket. “I wish I were truly the forecaster the Bloody Raven thought me to be. I would look ahead and find a way to turn this battle in our favor.”

“No need. We want to live worse than they want us to die.” Idunna strapped the sword belt around her waist. It hung loose, the weapon clanked against her leg, but it didn't drag the ground as she'd feared it might. “Remember when you told me Eoghann wished to conquer worlds? He will conquer Redtalon this night. I have no doubt.”

She hitched the belt a little higher, then left Ealasaid by the wall. The god of war, Týr, hovered close on this night. He might favor his sons, the Norsemen, or he might look to the ragged band of Saxons under the threat and feel some pity.

Give me the strength to fight until my heart stops beating, Týr. Protect my husband, my family. Let us all live to see many more hundreds of dawns.

The thunder of hooves shattered the evening silence. War cries rose above that, loud, bold, fierce.

Idunna froze in her tracks.
They should not have arrived so quickly.
Unless they'd come through the woods as she had, along the river.

Albrikt Redtalon and dozens of Norsemen pounded through the settlement. Fiery arrows shot through the air. They struck huts, lighting the walls despite the wetness in the air.

Blood pounded between her ears. Answering war cries from the Saxons broke into her blank mind. The Saxons outnumbered the Norsemen, but their fighting skills left much to be desired. They slid across the fresh snow as they charged for the enemy. A horse cried out in fright and blood splattered on the ground as one of the Norsemen lopped the head off a Saxon.

Idunna covered her mouth to smother a cry.

One of the horses stumbled as its rider pushed it into the throng of Saxons. The rider flew through the air, then hit the ground with a crunch.

Steel rang against steel. Men shouted, cried, begged for mercy as the mounted riders swept through. They offered no chance for the Saxons to retreat.

Amid them, Eoghann stood out, his chainmail covering his blue tunic. He snatched the reins of a riderless horse, then swung into the saddle. Sword high and steady, he charged the animal toward another rider.

Trembling, Idunna drew Erland's Bloodseeker. It took both hands to hold it steady and the weight threatened to tire her quickly. But she couldn't stand by while capable of shedding some blood herself. Fear didn't own her. If a boy younger than her could carry the blade into battle, so could she.

With a sharp cry, she ran across the broken snow where a Saxon with a scythe clashed with an unhorsed Norseman. The Norseman knocked the scythe from the other man's hands and drew back for a deadly blow.

Idunna sent Bloodseeker through the Norseman's chest. Pushing the metal into the man required more strength than she'd anticipated. Drawing it out again was surprisingly difficult. Her stomach churned as blood sprayed her dress.

The Norseman toppled at her feet. Before she could feel relief or fear, another came at her. Her arms burned from holding up Bloodseeker, but she blocked a blow from the enemy sword. The force of the blow reverberated through the metal in her hands. His blade slid toward her and she backed away, nearly tripping over her skirt.

The man she'd helped plunged forward. His scythe bit into the Norseman's forearm. Over the crack of bone, the man screamed. Idunna pushed Bloodseeker into his guts. She glanced up. Everywhere blood stained the ground and it was impossible to tell defender from invader. Bile rose in the back of her throat. Was one of the fallen her husband?