“The open sea is a dangerous place. He needed to stay with his men in case of trouble.”
“But the weather was clear.”
“There’s more to worry about than the weather. Giant fish can rise out of the water. Marauders sail the oceans, like those who plundered Ekrem’s boat. Sometimes, even when it seems calm, there are large waves that come out of nowhere. None of these things are common, but they do happen, and Ulrick is the one who sees us through them.”
“Thank goodness I didn’t know about all that when we left,” she muttered, feeling a shudder ripple down her spine. “I’m glad you told me. I was beginning to think he’d grown tired of me.”
“Ailith,” he said, lowering his voice, “Ulrick will never grow tired of you, and look, here he comes now.”
Turning around, she saw her warrior striding across the deck toward them.
“It’s time for me to leave,” Magnus continued, “but I’ll be seeing you very soon.”
“Thank you for everything,” she said softly.
“Thank you, Ailith,” he said, touching her arm, then walked away as Ulrick approached.
“Are you ready to see your new home?” Ulrick asked, placing his arm around her waist. “We’ll get there on Frey.”
“Why is everyone staring up here?” she murmured, feeling hundreds of eyes on her.
“They’re just curious. It’s not often the boat arrives with a woman on deck, and now that they know you belong to me they’re even more curious. It’s time to go. We’ll be followed by Varig and some others, but once we’re at my home they’ll be leaving.”
“Then we’ll be alone?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes, Ailith, we’ll be alone.”
* * *
Ailith was so caught up by the rocky peaks towering above them, and the bushes and trees she’d never seen before, the journey to Ulrick’s settlement took no time at all. Before reaching his home on top of a small hill, they passed many houses, all of which were much larger than any in her village, and as Magnus had said, they were separated by plots of land.
But approaching Ulrick’s home, she dropped her jaw.
It was bigger than any of the others, and more than twice the size of the small huts in her village.
Varig and several other men had followed them carrying her trunk and other bags. As Ulrick helped her off Frey, they placed everything near the door, then said their farewells and hurried away.
But Varig lingered.
“Is there anything else you need before I go, Ulrick?”
“When you’ve finished with Frey deliver a message to my advisors,” Ulrick ordered. “Tell them I want them here at sunset.”
“Should I come back with them?”
“Yes, and bring your cousin Leif with you. You’ll be standing outside.”
Varig nodded, a slight frown creasing his brow, but didn’t comment. As he led Frey toward a small shed, Ulrick took Ailith’s hand, pushed open his door and led her inside.
“It’s so big,” she whispered, moving her eyes around the huge space.
The little huts in her village had a partition separating an area for sleeping, but Ulrick’s house had no walls, making it appear even larger than it had from the outside.
“Take a look around while I bring everything in,” he said. “This is your home now.”
A long narrow table with bench seats sat in front of a fireplace with a spit, and a cabinet with shelves holding various bowls, blades, and tools leaned against the wall nearby. There were also several large wooden boxes with lids, which she assumed held food and pots. Walking to one end, she found a raised bed similar to Ekrem’s, and Ulrick’s clothes were draped over a bar running along the wall.
A vision of how it should look suddenly swept through her head, just as it had with the cabin. Smiling, she turned and walked back through the home to the other end. She found a smaller table with six chairs, and a sideboard holding several bottles and glasses. The house was sparse, but she knew she could make it inviting and cozy.
“What do you think?” he asked, striding up and taking her into his arms. “I hope you’ll be happy here.”
“As long as I’m with you I’d be happy anywhere,” she said softly.
Suddenly scooping her up and marching to his bed, he tossed her down and quickly stripped.
“I’ve been craving you,” he growled, hastily removing her dress and lying on top of her. “Now I will take you in my bed and make it ours.”
* * *
The spontaneous attack had surprised him.
He had things to do, the most important of which was taking Ailith into the center of town, officially introducing her, and delivering the unfortunate news about Gander’s demise.
But after watching her fingers play between her legs, and rubbing himself to a mighty climax, he’d been too busy on deck to spend any time with her. Finally alone and in his home, his dire need would not be denied. Hungrily devouring her breasts, he thrust his fingers into her womanhood.
“Please, Master,” she begged, “please, will you slide inside me?”
Her urgent plea stoked his raging erection. Pushing up her knees and looping his arms behind them, he pitched forward with slow, strong strokes, knowing with every thrust his member brushed against the mysterious spot deep inside her channel. The coupling would have to be quick, but later, when the sky was dark, he would take his time to devour her body.
As he quickened his pace, her moans grew louder and her breathing became ragged. Continuing to pump, he lowered his lips on hers in a crushing kiss, darting his tongue in and out of her mouth. Finally pulling away, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head.
“Wrap your legs around me and keep them there,” he growled, leaning over her. “I’m not going to stop until you’re screaming through your orgasm.”
As her heels hit his back, he closed his eyes and began plunging in and out of her channel, making sure his wiry chest hairs grazed against her nipples.
Power and control raged through his being.
He’d found the woman he’d dreamed of.
She was in his bed.
Her glorious body belonged to him.
Her moans suddenly became euphoric cries, and as she squirmed beneath him, he exploded inside her. Groaning loudly and reveling in the convulsions shuddering through his body, he continued to pummel her pussy until he was utterly drained. Releasing her wrists as her legs slipped away, he rolled off her body and onto his back.
“We can only rest a moment,” he panted. “The clan will be waiting for us.”
“Oh, no,” she whimpered, curling against him. “I was already tired from the journey, but after that I don’t think I can move. Do I have to be there? Can you go without me?”
Closing his eyes and waiting for his heart to settle, he decided it might be better to wait until she was rested before showing her off. There was also the meeting with his three advisors later in the day. For that she’d need her strength.
“Nap and recover. I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but no one will bother you. If anyone knocks just ignore them. They’ll go away when you don’t answer.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I think I’ll be fast asleep before you even leave.”
* * *
With the constant motion and unfamiliar sounds, sleeping on the ship hadn’t been easy. Curling deep under the bedcovers to block out the light, she gratefully drifted away.
A crimson ring gleamed on her finger.
A little girl with flowers in her hair danced around Ulrick, melting his heart as he beamed down at her.
Snow.
More snow than she could ever imagine...
A vague noise snapped her awake.
Not wanting to lose the wonderful visions, she stayed buried under the covers hoping to fall back asleep.
“Hello?”
Danger.
Holding her breath, she stayed completely still.
“There’s no one here.”
A different voice.
“Which container again?”
“Idiot. He said the brown one. Hurry up. The girl could come back.”
Barely breathing, she stayed motionless until she heard the door slam shut. But she stayed under the covers and prayed for Ulrick’s quick return. When she finally heard the door open and close, and he called her name, she hastily pulled the covers back and sat up.
“Thank goodness you’re home,” she exclaimed, as he strode toward her. “There were two men here.”
He’d been smiling, but his expression turned dark.
“Speak slowly, and tell me exactly what happened,” he said gravely, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I was asleep, I heard a noise, then one of them called out. I knew I shouldn’t answer and had to stay absolutely still. They started talking, and they put something in the brown container. What is that?”
“It contains my favorite ale. I drink it during the council meetings. Gander failed. I should have realized there’d be a second attempt,” he muttered angrily. “Leaving you alone was a foolish mistake. I’m sorry, Ailith.”
“Don’t be sorry, not for a minute,” she exclaimed, grabbing his arm. “If I hadn’t been here you wouldn’t have known. Ulrick, this is a gift from the gods.”
“Whether it was or it wasn’t, I hate that you were in danger.” He took a breath. “So... I’m to be poisoned by my ale,” he said thoughtfully. “That’s powerful information, but what can I do with it?”
“Maybe we can figure that out together over something to eat,” she suggested. “I’m starving.”
“We could,” he muttered, “but I already have an idea. Tell me what you think about this.”
As he outlined his plan, she broke into a wide smile.
“You’re so clever, Ulrick! See? I told you my being here was a gift from the gods.”
“Ailith, you being in my life is a gift from the gods.”
* * *
Over a delicious stew heated to bubbling in a small pot over the fire, they worked out the details of his plan. Finishing their meal, Ulrick unpacked the bags, and searched out a place for Ailith to store her new clothes, while she made the preparations for the meeting.
The table with the chairs was covered with the red and silver cloth.
In the center sat an ornate silver goblet, one of several items she’d found in the bottom of the trunk.
The drink containers surrounded it, including the brown one.
Lanterns glowed softly.
The fire crackled.
Ekrem had given Ailith a fine comb to remove all the knots and tangles from her long locks. Finding a golden gown with matching strands of ribbon, she braided the ribbon into her hair. As she finished and glided past Ulrick, he let out a long, admiring sigh. She bore little resemblance to the ragamuffin he’d captured.
“You’re a princess,” he declared, taking her hand and spinning her around.
“I feel like one.”
“Wait there!”
Hurrying to a small leather pouch, he returned in an instant and held out his closed fist.
“Ailith, you won our wager. The weather stayed clear for our journey home. I have your gift.”
Opening his palm, he revealed a ring with a scarlet stone.
“Oh, my goodness.”
She was gazing at the ring she’d seen in her dream.
“You look like a princess because you are one,” he proclaimed, slipping it on her finger. “We will make our marriage official in the coming days, but you are already my wife.”
“Ulrick... I do love you.”
“As I love you,” he murmured, grabbing her around the waist. “You were born to be mine. You always were. You always will be.”
A loud knock broke the moment.
“That will be Varig and Leif,” he grunted. “The advisors won’t be far behind.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Posted outside the door, Varig and his cousin were instructed to keep it slightly open and listen so they could burst in if needed. When the advisors arrived, Varig knocked, then ushered them in.
“Audun, Frode, Ivor, this is Ailith,” Ulrick declared as they entered. “As you heard at the gathering, she will soon be my wife.”
He could see their surprise and admiration. They’d been expecting a plain village girl, not a curvaceous, flaxen-haired beauty dressed in the clothes of a noble.
“Please, take a seat,” he continued. “I have an urgent matter to discuss.”
“What’s all this?” Ivor asked, gesturing at the table.
Ulrick had expected Ivor would be the first to speak. He was the most talkative of the three.
“You’ll find out in a moment, Ivor.”
Audun frowned, but didn’t comment. He always thought before commenting, then chose his words carefully. In stark contrast, Frode was flamboyant, but a master strategist. Over the years his input had been invaluable.
“You already know Gander was a traitor and mysteriously murdered,” Ulrick began. “I didn’t offer the details of his treachery when I spoke to the clan, but one of you already knows them. One of you is behind it all and wishes me dead.”
Studying the three alarmed faces staring at him, he had no idea which of them was faking.
“You must be mistaken,” Ivor exclaimed. “None of us wishes you dead.”
“I can assure you there is no mistake,” Ulrick said brusquely. “Gander was hired by a Moor named Ekrem to find a chest of gold coins stolen from his ship at sea. The task was supposed to have come to me, but one of you heard about this, and conspired with Gander to intercept Ekrem’s envoy and win the task so you could steal the gold for yourself. But that wasn’t enough. You also ordered Gander to recruit the Moor’s men to assassinate me. Fortunately, Ekrem’s men didn’t cooperate, but unfortunately Gander was killed for his treachery before I could learn which of you set this in motion.”
As he stopped speaking, an awkward silence settled in the room.
It was Audun who spoke first.
“Forgive me, Ulrick, but this story sounds farfetched.”
“Audun, the treasure was found, but not by Gander. It was Ailith who discovered its hiding place and revealed it to the Moor and me.”
As they turned to stare at her, she smiled and moved slowly toward the table.
“Ailith...” Audun muttered, frowning as he repeated her name. “It means warrior.”
“Yes, Audun, I am a warrior,” she replied, “but not with a sword and shield. I come from a tribe of women who fight for truth and justice. The Moor recognized my heritage, and included in my reward for finding his gold was the silver chalice you see on the table. It’s been lost for many years. Receiving it was a miracle.”
“Ulrick, is this some kind of game?” Frode asked with a grin. “Are you about to laugh at us for believing such nonsense?”
“This is no game,” Ulrick replied solemnly. “The goblet is called the Chalice of Truth. As a person holds it in their hand they’re asked a question. If they tell the truth and take a drink, nothing will happen to them. Even if the liquid is poisoned they won’t be harmed.”
“But if they lie, they will die,” Ailith interjected. “Only a woman from my line can do the asking. We don’t possess any magic. The chalice holds the power. We simply speak for it.”
“The traitor will be revealed before leaving this house, either by confession or death,” Ulrick exclaimed. “Who would like to drink first?”
“I’m not sure I believe any of this,” Audun said skeptically, “but I have nothing to fear. Ailith, pour my favorite berry juice. It’s in the silver container.”
Taking it from the table, Ailith splashed a small amount into the goblet and handed it to him.
“Audun, did you send Gander to intercept the Moor’s envoy?” she asked. “Do you want to see Ulrick dead? If you lie, you die.”
“I did not send Gander, and I wish Ulrick a long life,” he replied, then brought the go
blet to his lips and took a drink. “Delicious.”
“I want Ulrick to answer a question,” Ivor exclaimed hastily as Ailith took back the chalice. “Ask if his story is true.”
“I’m happy to participate,” Ulrick replied. “Ailith, my ale. It’s in the brown container.”
Lifting it up, she poured the rich brown beverage into the chalice and handed it to him.
“Master, did you travel across the seas to a cove and help a Moor recover his stolen chest of gold coins? Was Gander a traitor? If you lie, you die.”
“I did, and yes, he was,” Ulrick replied, then took a long drink. “Very good. You must have some, Ivor,” he insisted, quickly pouring more ale into the goblet and passing it to Ailith. “Hand it to him, Ailith.”
“I’m not in the mood for ale,” Ivor said hastily. “The berry juice. I want the berry juice.”
“But you never drink berry juice,” Audun remarked, frowning at him. “It makes you break out in itchy spots.”
“You’re right. I don’t want the berry juice either. I want the wine.”
“You’ll drink the ale already poured,” Ulrick commanded. “Ailith, pass him the chalice.”
“One moment, please, Master. I’ve just noticed a strange odor,” she murmured, lifting the chalice to her nose. “Master, this ale has been poisoned. If you had sipped before my question, you’d be lying on the floor in the throes of death.”
“That’s why you refused to drink it,” Frode exclaimed, pointing at Ivor. “It was you who conspired with Gander! How could you do such a thing? We’re blessed to serve a leader as strong and clever as Ulrick.”
“You bastard,” Ivor hissed, glaring at Frode, then snatching a knife from beneath his tunic, Ivor jumped from his chair and stepped toward Ailith.
“Stop!” Ailith shouted, holding up the chalice. “If this spills on your face you’ll suffer through a painful death. You know that. It’s your poison.”
He paused, then spun around and darted toward the door, but Varig and his cousin burst in the room and quickly overpowered him.
“Ivor! Why would you do such a thing?” Audun demanded, rising to his feet. “You have so much.”
Rough Warrior Page 19