Forsaken Norse Wind

by Ciara Lake

  “You act as if you believe the ring’s truly yours.” Breanna shook her head. “You’re the mad one. The ring came back to me, because it’s mine. I didn’t take it back from you, it came back to me. It’s magical.”

  “You’re insane,” he shouted. “Just like your crazed mother.” Storming after her, he nearly fell over his feet. His stumbling only made him angrier.

  “Go back in the house, Hugh. You’re hungover again.”

  “Shut up, woman. Give it here or I’ll make you pay.” He held his hand out. “I’m sick of your lies, you crazy bitch.” He tried to grab her, but she moved out of his reach. “I’ll give you one more chance.” He grabbed for her again. “Or I’ll beat you to a pulp. This time you’ll not get up so fast.”

  His big body moved fast toward her. She turned to run, sidestepping him. Yet he caught her coat in his right hand. It ripped more, and Breanna pulled out of it, leaving him holding the torn coat.

  “Damn you, girl. You think you’re smart?” He tossed it to the ground. “Damn you, you bitch.”

  “You can have the coat. You tore it. It’s worthless now. Just one more thing you’ve taken or ruined.”

  He reached for her long hair. “I’m gonna pull your hair out of your scalp. I hope Angus likes you bald.” He snarled, coming after her. Anger fueled him, pushing his fat body to move faster. Hugh snatched her dress. It ripped loudly, and Breanna screamed.

  “Hold,” a deep voice called to them. “You dare to touch the woman again, and you’ll die where you stand.”

  Hugh froze, still holding on to her, looking around for the source of the warning.

  “Hold,” the man said again.

  They both turned in the direction of the deep, threatening voice. It had moved closer. Finally, Hugh let go of her dress, releasing her. Looking stunned, he stepped back. “Who the hell are you?” Hugh demanded.

  Breanna gaped at the strange, gigantic man. He was dressed in black boots to his knees, and a dark brown tunic with dark trousers. A woven belt with a bejeweled dagger hung at his waist. He stood taller than the front doorway of their house. His shoulders matched his size, large, impressive. He dwarfed both of them. The man strode toward them, the dagger at his waist sparkling like her ring. It was ruby red. The man stopped a few feet from Hugh, towering over him, with his feet braced apart. He appeared ready to battle.

  Breanna inhaled, her heart racing with the mixture of emotions swamping her. “You’re the man I dreamed of.”

  His cool blue eyes met hers.

  “Yes, you’re the very same. You were on a snowy mountain.”

  “Shut up, crazy bitch,” Hugh hollered, interrupting her dreamlike experience. “Get the hell off my land,” he yelled at the stranger. “This is private property, you’re trespassing.”

  The tall man ignored Hugh’s order. “The ring’s mine. I made it. I’ve given it to the girl.” He stepped closer to Breanna. “Who’s this man to you?” He looked at Breanna then to Hugh. His eyes were intense. This time, unlike in her dream, he wore his hair pulled back with a leather tie. It was the color of flax as she recalled. He had small braids at his temples that hung down next to his face.

  “He’s my mother’s husband.” She watched Hugh shrink back toward the house. His expression, his body language appeared unsure.

  “Do you wish him to live?”

  Hugh’s eyes widened. Breanna did not answer. She looked at Hugh’s cowering figure. Her tongue stilled with uncertainty. Sweat beaded on Hugh’s brow.

  “Get off, you… This is my land.” Hugh backed away. Fear etched his expression, fright and indecision in his voice. Foolishly, it seemed Hugh was determined to insist the strange man leave his land.

  “Speak now.” The stranger cocked his head in her direction. “Tell me, shall I end him for touching you? You hold his fate. Has he hurt you before or has my ring caused this issue between you?” He regarded Hugh as he waited for her to answer. “Men have such greed, it drives them mad.”

  “No.” Hugh shook his head. “I’ve not touched the bitch before.” Hugh edged his way toward the house. His beady eyes were huge. He looked like he wanted to sprint to the door, but fear stopped him.

  “The ring hasn’t caused him to be cruel.” She glared at Hugh. “His nature’s cruel. He’s beaten me black and blue before I found the ring. Just yesterday, he beat me. If the ring hadn’t found me, I’d still be hurting from what he did to me. The ring healed me.”

  The stranger moved fast, grabbing Hugh by the neck. “You hurt the girl?”

  Hugh profusely shook his head. “No, she lies. I’m good to the girl.”

  The man lifted Hugh up high off the ground. His huge body dangled like a doll. Gagging, he choked, and his arms flailed as if to save himself.

  “Be still.” Ice-cold eyes burned into Hugh. His efforts did not stop the man from holding him firm. “Be still, fat man. You pain me unnecessarily.” He shook Hugh again, then looked over at Breanna. “Tell me, what shall I do with this man? I’ll do as you instruct. His fate is in your hands. What will it be?” He looked between them. “He deserves to be ended as he has harmed something precious to me. Is it your wish to end him?” He smiled at her. His smile cool, pitiless.

  “No.” She shook her head. “I can’t suggest you kill him.”

  “But he’s a coward who preys upon the weak. He’ll continue to hurt those weaker than himself. I can smell him for what he is.”

  Breanna pointed to Hugh’s face. “You can put him down, he’s turning blue. Despite him being a brute, I don’t want you to kill him. I’d rather not have his blood on my hands.”

  The stranger complied, setting Hugh down hard. Hugh stumbled, nearly falling on his bottom. The man grabbed him again, preventing him from falling to the ground.

  “As you wish, my lady.” He still held onto the front of Hugh’s shirt.

  “I didn’t harm the ring and she ain’t no lady,” Hugh spit out between coughs. “Who the hell are you anyway?” He reached around the hand holding his shirt. He rubbed his neck, and then coughed again. His voice sounded rougher.

  “I’m not speaking of the ring, foolish human.” He shook Hugh. The man spoke with an edge in his voice. Hugh trembled, yet remained defiant. “I speak of the girl.” He nodded toward Breanna, pulling Hugh closer. “You’ve hurt the woman. She’s the precious one. I can see she is a lady. The ring’s hers and hers alone. I crafted it especially to find her. You seek to take what’s not yours, but mine. You seek to harm the woman who is also mine.” His cool blue eyes darkened to black. “I won’t allow you to.” The black spread, filling both eyes entirely.

  Breanna inhaled sharply then backed away.

  Hugh started choking, coughing. Clearly, he was shocked and feared for his life. “You’re the devil,” Hugh exclaimed.

  “Nay, I’m Axel Venrick. But perhaps I am someone you should fear as much.” He bent closer to Hugh. “I can send you to the devil, but the girl has requested me not to.” He looked directly at Breanna while still holding Hugh by his collar.

  Hugh’s complexion returned to normal from bluish, although he was extremely pale. Breanna tensed, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly this dream man did not seem so dreamy.

  “Fear not, precious one. You’re safe now.” Axel’s voice changed to be more soothing. “I’ll never harm you. But this human’s days should end. He is a plight upon this earth.” He turned to stare at Hugh. Axel’s face contorted becoming less human. “Shall I show you what I truly am? The sight of what I can be can put fear into the strongest, most fearless warriors.” He pulled Hugh closer, looking directly into his eyes. “You are not a fearless warrior.”

  “No, you can’t kill him,” Breanna interrupted, shaking her head. “Please.” Her tone was pleading. “Send him away.” She waved her hand. “Make him leave here.”

  Hugh looked at her as if to beseech her, yet he said nothing.

  “He’s driven my mother mad. He’s cruel, a lazy drunk. He drinks brew all day long.
But I can’t condone killing him.” Breanna shivered. “It would be better if he were made to leave, for good.”

  Axel’s blackened eyes focused on her. “You’re a tender one. ’Tis sweet of you. I have no compassion for his kind.” His face softened as he watched her.

  Breanna shivered again, this time from apprehension.

  “You’re cold?” Axel lifted his hand, waving it in her direction.

  Enveloped in warmth, a thick fur coat covered her. Soft against her face, it was silky black fur, long to the ground. Hugh inhaled sharply, his eyes looked crazed with alarm.

  “You’re a warlock?” He screeched. “Satan’s servant.”

  Axel grinned. “No, I’m a troll.”

  Hugh silenced at Axel’s remark.

  “What’s this?” Breanna ran her hands over the coat. “This is amazing.”

  “You were chilled. I seek to make you comfortable.” Axel looked at her. His eyes were still eerily, completely black. “Does it not make you more comfortable?”

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  Axel tossed Hugh from him as if garbage to be discarded. Hugh landed ten feet away, bouncing on his bottom then sliding. He cried out as the hard ground tore at him. Faster than she imagined possible, Hugh got to his feet. Axel turned his attention to Hugh again.

  “Be gone from this place or I shall remove you.” Axel pointed toward the woods. It seemed to make Hugh foolishly angry again.

  “I’m not leaving here.” Hugh headed for the house, his hands fisted at his side. “This is my home. I’ll get the law to deal with you. You’re a trespasser, a thief, a warlock. They’ll hang you along with the girl too for being Satan’s whore. You can’t bully me from my own home. I won’t be afraid.”

  “But you are.” Axel looked him in the eyes. “You are afraid. I told you I would remove you.” Axel waved his hand, and Hugh disappeared.

  “Where did you send him?” Breanna panicked, she stepped in the direction where Hugh had stood. “Where did he disappear to?”

  “Away.” Axel moved closer to her. “Away from here.”

  “Where?”

  “Does it distress you?” He cocked his head to the side.

  “I just want to make sure you didn’t kill him.”

  “I see.” Axel nodded. “You wanted him gone from here forever. For sure he will be.”

  Breanna cringed then shook her head. “Please, not like this.” She wanted to cry.

  “Very well, I don’t wish to distress you, precious one.”

  Hugh reappeared, shaking and covered with snow. His lips were purple. He shivered uncontrollably as he hugged himself.

  “Where did you send him?”

  “Far from here.” Axel grinned. “To a very cold place. I forget how tender some humans are toward even their enemies. Perhaps you’re so tender toward him because he’s your mother’s husband?”

  Hugh looked at them then ran in the direction of the village.

  “Do not cross my bridge, human,” Axel called after Hugh. He did not raise his voice.

  Hugh continued to sprint, fleeing toward town.

  “Stop.” Axel vanished to appear directly in front of Hugh.

  Hugh yelled, jumping back. His body shook more. He was coming completely undone.

  “You aren’t to cross my bridge, human. I cannot allow you to.”

  Hugh looked as if horror seized his gut. Axel’s shape shifted, becoming bigger. His hair darkened to black, free, long to his waist. Hugh jumped back, wetting his entire pant front and back, it flowed down his leg to the ground, creating a puddle. His pants discolored and a more foul smell polluted the air. Axel raised his hand, pointing at Hugh. His fingers also changed, growing longer, skinnier. His nails became like black claws.

  “The bridge belongs to me now. I’ve claimed it. Enemies cannot cross my bridge without payment.” Axel sneered. “You’ve nothing to offer me for payment. Or at least nothing I would want.” Axel shrugged. “There’s nothing I would accept from you.” His teeth were jagged, sharp, no longer pearly white.

  “You’re Satan,” Hugh squealed. “Leave me, let me pass,” he begged. “I’ll go. Dear God, save me.” Hugh staggered with his hand over his heart.

  “No, I told you I’m Axel Venrick.” Axel shook his head. “I’m an ancient troll of great power, a servant to Loki, and a great Viking warrior. What’s your name?”

  As if compelled, Hugh answered. “Hugh Simms.”

  “Hugh Simms, you aren’t worth saving. I don’t believe your God will save you. Your Christian God protects good men, not men such as you.” Axel’s face contorted further until he was completely hideous. “Hugh Simms, you’re at my mercy. This bridge now belongs to me. You cannot pass.” Axel pointed his long finger in the other direction. “Find another way or suffer the price of defying me.”

  Breanna stood stunned as she watched what transpired.

  Axel looked at her. “See what I am now.” He opened his arms wide. “Fear not, my precious one, I may look fierce, but you’re safe. But see me as I can be, as there won’t be secrets between us.” He paused, watching her. “I’ve come for you. My ring has found you.”

  “For me?” she squeaked.

  “Yes, you’re mine. I mean you no harm.”

  “How can I know for sure?”

  Hugh took the opportunity to slink off a short distance.

  “You’re my mate. When you’re with me I’ll be as you’ve dreamed. I’m only as this when I’m trolling.” His voice sounded different too, gravelly. It sent shivers down her spine. He frightened her, yet she did not run. Breanna pulled the coat tighter about her.

  Axel turned his attention back to Hugh. “Now, Hugh Simms, I’ve not forgotten you. Leave this place in another direction, not over my bridge. If you step foot on my bridge, I’ll send you back to the place I sent you before.” Hugh turned then ran. “Do not return,” Axel called after him.

  Breanna watched Hugh run, his fat body moving quickly toward the woods. When she looked back at Axel, he again transformed into a handsome Viking.

  Unsure, she ran up the steps into the house and slammed the door shut. She removed the fur coat, placing in on the chair near the door as she watched out the window.

  Axel moved closer to the house. “Lass, don’t run from me. May I enter to speak with you?” He waited a few moments for her to answer. When she did not, he moved to the door and knocked. “Lass, tell me your name, so I may know what to call you.” His voice was light, nonthreatening. “Do you like the ring I made for you? I took great care to make it as lovely as you.”

  Breanna opened the door. “Stay where you are.” She stood inside the house.

  “As you wish.”

  “You made this ring?”

  “Yes, to find you. I have been lonely.” He smiled. “What rags are you dressed in? A lass like you should be dressed in fine things.” He looked her up and down. “Much better.”

  She looked down to see that a new dress covered her. “Dear goodness.” It was a royal blue velvet. She couldn’t resist touching it. “It’s soft, so beautiful.” Golden threads embroidered the sleeves as well as the hem. Pearl buttons were on the front. “I’m dressed as a queen.”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “You look beautiful. The gown matches your lovely eyes, they’re as jewels. I know the qualities found in jewels. Let me in, so we may get to know each other. I’m anxious to know you better.” He handed her a flower, which appeared magically in his hand, a single red rose. He made no move to enter as he waited for her response. “I’ll explain to you who I am to you and what will be between us. You need not fear me. I give you my word to do no harm.”

  “Can I trust your word?”

  “Yes, upon all I own, I swear you can trust me at my word.” He inclined his head. She pressed the rose to her face. “If you wish at any time, I’ll leave the house and step outside.” His face altered again, and he appeared even more gorgeous. His eyes sparkled like gems, full of warmth as well as sincerity. There was no trace
of the monster he’d appeared to be when confronting Hugh.

  “How can you be a troll? They don’t really exist.” She shook her head. “You’re too handsome. At least now you’re handsome. You’re like a warrior and very clever. That’s not a troll.”

  “So you’ve heard stories of trolls, and you believe these stories are true? Yet you think trolls are fiction?” He chuckled. “That’s not consistent logic.”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “I mean, no.” She shook her head, confused. “I don’t know. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s real.”

  “Well, there are trolls. I’m testament to that. I am a master craftsman, an artisan among the troll peoples. Axel Venrick at your service.” He bowed, then took her hand. She did not resist. He kissed the back of it, and heat rushed to her face. From where his lips touched her hand, a powerful sensation traveled through her, much like the ring’s effect.

  “Good day, Axel Venrick.” She curtsied, her heart pounding in her chest. She was not afraid. Instead, she felt enamored. “It’s been an experience meeting you.” She’d never been close to a handsome man. Not only was he handsome, he was powerful. She liked his power. She knew she should be fearful of him, but she yearned for the excitement he brought. Waves of reassurance seemed to vibrate from her ring, relaxing her, helping her trust him.

  “I’m not always as you just witnessed, it’s only when I allow myself to transform to frighten others or to serve whatever purpose I need. But most think trolls to be ugly and monstrous. It’s what they remember. Plus, I’m hardly dim-witted.” He grinned. “I like to think I’m rather clever. Those tales you’ve heard are only tales. All tales have bits of truth mixed with fiction. They’ve been made and spread by humans. Humans are often inaccurate.”

  “Trolls are mean,” she challenged. “Right?”