by Joanna Davis
"Sweet Odin!"
She shuddered beneath him as he brought her to completion. He grinned down at her smugly while she tossed and turned on the bed, making those sweet womanly cries he had come to treasure.
He grunted as his shaft twitched inside her, letting loose a heavy stream of his seed. With each mating, his hunger for her only seemed to grow. He had many things he wanted to try with his new woman- and try again!
With a groan he lifted himself from her, pulling his cock from her still quivering sheath. What a woman she was! And she was his!
He kissed her and pulled her against him. He would have her again soon. But not before he rested a spell. Rutting took the life from a man! But it was worth it.
By Odin, it was!
Grayson's lids grew heavy, sending him to a blissful slumber in moments.
He awoke with a start, sensing that something was amiss. The room was dark, the afternoon sun having set long ago. He must have slept through the evening meal. He frowned, seeing that Kendra was not in the room.
He rose and dressed, deciding not to bellow for her to attend him. He knew it offended her tender sensibilities. That made him think of her other tender parts… he decided to have her again before eating. Food could wait, the rising shaft in his hose could not.
When he went downstairs he found several drunk Vikings but no Kendra. He checked the hot springs and the chamber that the Innkeeper and his wife had taken.
No one had seen the Healer.
A cold feeling was settling in the pit of his stomach.
He ran outside to the stables and saw that her donkey was gone.
She'd run from him. The woman had actually defied him. And after all the pleasure he had given her!
She belonged to him by Odin!
Rage and despair filled his chest causing him to shout in anger.
"Kennndddrrrrraaaa!"
Seven
Kendra was grinning as she rode down the road in darkness. She'd done it! She'd outwitted the big oaf.
The big, oversexed oaf.
She patted her donkey Marshmallow's neck affectionately, giving her a good scratch behind the ear.
"Nearly free my friend."
She adjusted her seat on the donkey's back. She'd had to leave behind her cart for expediency. No matter, she had all that she needed close at hand thanks to her generous friend Willa. Everything but a place to spend the night! She had meant to find lodging before dark but there had been nothing for miles. Up ahead she could smell smoke and see a large cluster of bon fires.
That meant only one thing.
A festival.
Most likely it was a harvest celebration. The farther you got from the coast, the more the people clung to the old ways. Then again, there was a comfort and familiarity about the old ways. She certainly took no issue with it. Besides, it was the answer to all of her prayers.
A feeling of relief swept through her. It was the perfect place to ply her trade and hide in plain sight. She pressed her thighs to the donkey's flanks and hastened down the road. She could admit now that she was still nervous, certain that Grayson was at her heels. Marshmallow was a loyal friend, but she was not fast.
Normally, Kendra had no reason to go fast. But today, she made haste. The donkey looked at her askance but did her best to trot down the road at double speed.
The first tent they passed was for the leeches. It was still open at this hour, the flaps held open as a man wailed inside. A pot bellied man leant over the man, plying a leg injury with what looked like dung.
Kendra wrinkled her nose. The male healers that had come into fashion of late were the bane of her existence. They used poor practices, were unclean and for good reasons, seemed to be threatened by women healers such as she.
Wisely, she decided to steer clear as she slipped off Marshmallow's back and eased into the crowd, winding her way as far as she could get. There was a large communal fire every fifty feet or so. She found one that seemed to have more families than drunkards and hunkered down.
It was around dawn when she realized her mistake.
The women and children she'd taken refuge with were not families.
They were slaves.
She woke to find a dagger pointed at her chest and a filthy looking man leering at her from above.
"What do you think you are doing?"
He reached for her chest but she swatted him away.
"I am protected by my status as Healer. Cease this at once."
He frowned at her stupidly. Please Jesu let the man be bright enough to understand her words.
"Does my red cloak not look familiar?"
He was still frowning. Then he grinned suddenly.
"Then I will take your cloak."
She almost moaned in frustration. He was indeed stupid. Just not stupid enough.
"I am much recognized in these parts. It would be unwise."
He seemed to waffled for a moment before nodding.
"Tis a shame. I'd like to get my hands on those nice round tits of yours."
She stiffened but said nothing, simply scooting away from the knife.
"Very well healer, then you can look after one of my women. She's in birth and struggling."
She wanted nothing more than to be gone from this place. But she nodded curtly. If the woman needed her help, she was honor bound to help her.
He led the way to a small tent farther from the fire. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. When they did, she gasped, nearly choking on the fetid air in the room. A woman lay there, her belly close to bursting. Her face was covered in a thin sheen of sweat and her eyes were unfocused. She was only half conscious, if that.
"She's good stock. I'd hate to loose her."
Kendra glanced at the man in disgust.
"How long has she been like this?"
"Two days. Maybe more. I don't have time for this."
Kendra could have kicked the man. He obviously had no concern for this woman, other than her monetary value. He made her sick. But the woman needed her help so she straightened her back and turned to him.
"I need clean water- hot and cold. Clothes and a small fire nearby."
He just grunted and disappeared without a word. Kendra rolled her eyes and began by tying the tent flaps back to let in some air. A moment later two small and dirty faces appeared in the opening. He'd obviously sent two slaves to attend her.
"Are you here to help me?"
The children nodded submissively.
"Build a fire about five feet out. One of you lead my donkey over here. Don't worry, she doesn't bite. Then we'll need water and clean bedding."
Kendra glanced at the pregnant woman. She'd been lying in her own filth for days. Kendra sighed and pulled her cloak off, rolling up her sleeves. Then she leaned over the insensible woman.
"My name is Kendra. I'm here to help you. What's your name?"
The woman blinked but said nothing.
"Carina."
She turned to see one of the children was back, holding a stack of semi clean cloths. They would have to do.
"Her name is Carina."
"I see. Thank you. And your name is?"
"Gerda."
The child stepped forward and Kendra realized that she was a mature woman. Just small and by the looks of it, close to starving.
"Thank you Gerda. What are the chances you can get me some clean water?"
They worked through the night, massaging Carina's belly until they induced labor. Before dawn a healthy baby girl was born. The mother seemed to fade away in front of them, never fully gaining consciousness.
The slaver entered the tent as the dawn was beginning to light the sky, looking around with a marked lack of interest. He spat on the ground in disgust and pulled the child from Gerda's arms. Kendra followed him out of the tent.
"Where are you taking it?"
"To the wolves. A child without a mother is a burden. It will be years before I can turn a profit on it."
Kendra felt a ch
ill clear to her bones. She would not allow this to happen!
"It is customary to offer a healer payment for her services."
The slaver looked at her slyly, already looking for a way out.
"Is that so? Even if the patient dies?"
She nodded solemnly.
"Yes. But we also accept goods in place of coin. For example, I would accept this child as payment."
He nodded eagerly.
"Fine fine. You take it. Be gone with you."
Kendra took the child and walked to her donkey. Marshmallow greeted her with a soft nudge to her side. Kendra took one last look at the two slaves who had spent the night with her tending Carina. She waved to them sadly, wishing she could help somehow.
She rode off, leaving the festival far behind.
**********
Grayson stood by the fire, holding the slave peddler high in the air.
"Did you touch her?"
"No! No! I let her take the child and she went on her way!"
"When was this?"
"A day ago- no- less!"
"If you touched her in any way I will kill you! And it will not be quick!"
He glanced around the sad faces of the slaves who huddled together fearfully. He frowned. He'd never seen this side of slavery. Vikings used their captives for labor or pleasure, but they were well tended to and clean. This was an affront to his senses!
The decision made, he went about snuffing out this wormy little man quickly. Grayson used his knife to slice open the man's gut. He dropped him and turned to the stunned looking slaves.
"Did any of you see which way she went?"
They looked at him fearfully. Dirty and half starved, they were a pitiful looking lot to be sure. One of them stood up, clearly braver than the rest.
"She was kind. We won't help you find her."
He rolled his eyes.
"I won't hurt her. She's my woman. She needs protection on the road."
The little slave seemed to think this over before nodding.
"Alright. She took the road that way."
He smiled at her and glanced at the sad looking group of women and children. Then he did something unexpected. He tossed them some coin.
"You're free now. Make your way from here, and quickly."
The young woman picked up the pouch and rewarded him with an incredulous smile. Behind him he heard his warriors groan. They were still grumbling about the lack of marauding they were doing as Grayson led them to the road.
"Come on then, we must find her before it gets too dark."
Eight
Kendra held the infant close against her chest as she continued down the road. The child let out a loud squeal.
"Hush now sweeting. Hmmmm… we must think of a name for you."
The baby quieted. She smelled so sweet that Kendra could not resist kissing her downy head over and over. A name… her mother's name had been Rowena after her fair hair. The child's hair appeared to be a bright copper color. Perhaps that would suit…
"Rowena… Weena… do you like that sweeting?"
Kendra had a skin full of goat’s milk but that wouldn't last more than a few days. She needed to find a place to take the child. Willa would tend to it, she knew. The woman had been unable to have children of her own. But for some reason, Kendra was loath to let the baby out of her sight.
Never mind that Grayson Hendrick and his men were back that way.
She felt a small tinge of regret when she thought of him, but she brushed it aside. Surely he'd given up by now. After all, she'd given him what he was after and then some.
He had certainly cured her of her curiosity. Strangely enough though, she missed his touch. And his warm body to sleep next to at night. Not that she'd ever admit that to a living soul.
A solitary farm was up ahead, barely visible in the fading light. As she got closer Kendra could see that it was abandoned. There was a large hole where the thatched roof had caved in. But the barn looked otherwise intact.
She guided Marshmallow inside and looked around. It was filthy but had a partial roof and looked clear of wild animals. She sighed and led the donkey to the far corner where there were a few partitions creating stalls where animals had been kept.
"Well my friend, this will have to do."
There was another stall next door where she laid her bags down. Then she made a thick pile of stale hay and spread a blanket on top for she and the baby.
Rowena.
The name was growing on her. It was fitting somehow, to give life to the name of her mother.
She looked around the barn, hoping to find a bucket for water or something to feed Mallow. But when she turned, the donkey was contentedly munching on the straw that had been left there. Tomorrow would be soon enough to find water and see about something to eat. Perhaps they could even stay here for a few days and rest... the ordeal with the slave master had taken a lot of energy from her.
She fed Rowena a few sips of goat’s milk and lay down beside her, pulling the child onto her belly. Her eyes closed softly and she fell into a light doze.
When she woke it was dark inside the barn. Dawn was just beginning to light up the sky, diffusing soft light. She could barely see her hand when she held it in front of her face. But she could hear the sounds the men were making outside.
A scuffling sound alerted her to the more immediate threat.
Someone was in the barn. Her heart was pounding. She knew that her luck had finally run out.
"Kendra?"
She stifled a relieved laugh. It was Grayson. How the man had tracked her down was beyond her. He was determined, she had to give him that.
The baby didn't appreciate the intrusion, no matter how benign, and let out a loud squeal.
"Hush now."
She kissed the baby again and wrapped the blanket around them both, tying the child to her chest. Then she eased quietly to her feet and into Marshmallow's stall.
"Where are you woman?"
She giggled breathily and slipped her hood over the head of her donkey. The light was growing now. It wouldn't help her escape, but it might provide some amusement. Grinning wickedly, Kendra snuck back into the other stall. Grayson must have seen her red cloak immediately because she heard his footsteps approach at a run.
"The sight of your red cloak inflames me…"
She stepped out of the stall to observe as Grayson slipped his arms around the donkey.
"What the?"
She laughed and he turned, scowling. But the relief on his face was plain to see. The way her heart leapt at the sight of him was another matter altogether.
Who would have thought it?
She had missed the oaf after all.
********
Grayson stared at his woman. His ornery, sneaky, trick playing woman. Then he let out a loud whoop and scooped her into his arms.
By Odin he was glad to see her!
"You are unharmed?"
"Aye I'm fine- ouch- Grayson you are crushing me!"
He set her on her feet and stared at her, gripping her shoulders.
"I am mightily displeased with you woman!"
But he was smiling. Odin help him, he could not stop smiling! She was alive and well! And he would not let her get away from him so easily again.
He saw her lips start to quiver as she attempted to repress a smile. The woman was laughing at him! He growled and yanked her against him for a kiss. A long, lingering, mating is imminent sort of kiss.
"Lift your skirts woman. I will have you now."
"Grayson-"
"Now!"
"Oh, very well!"
She sighed dramatically and turned to brace her arms against the wall. He pulled her skirts up, too impatient to wait. In an instant his hose were around his ankles and he was guiding his shaft to her plump nether lips. He groaned as he eased his shaft inside her.
He grasped her hips and started to pump himself into her honied sheath. He wanted to go slow, to savor the feel of silky walls gripping h
is shaft but he could not. He grunted as he slammed into her again and again.
Beneath him, she was starting to moan with equal fervor. He reached down and took hold of one breast, using his other hand to strum her jewel with the other. She bucked beneath him as she bore down on his cock, making him ride her faster.
He bellowed his pleasure as his seed erupted from his member, filling her womb with a week's worth of pent up essence. He leaned over her trembling body, tenderly kissing the back of her neck.
That's when he heard it. Something was in the next stall. He yanked his hose up and lifted his axe as he barged into the dark corner.
"Grayson no!"
"What is it?"
He frowned, staring down at the wiggling little bundle. Kendra giggled behind him.
"Tis a bairn, silly."
"Aye, I can see that. But whose?"
"It was one of the slave women who I tended to. It would not have survived so I took it with me. Rowena will live a long and fruitful life. With me."
He watched at she adjusted her skirts and lifted the baby into her arms.
"That is why you must stop following me Grayson. I have responsibilities beyond myself and my patients now."
He growled and stepped closer.
"I will not follow you because you will be safe and sound in my hut, tending to my bairns. How could I follow you that way?"
He lifted her up and carried her to the barn's entrance.
"Gather her things and yours- we head for the coast. By tonight we will be sailing for home!"
Nine
Kendra scowled at the calm sea. She was gagged and tied up by the edge of the boat. He'd kept her restrained since the third time she'd tried to escape. At this point, she was more angry about the principle of it than anything.
Rowena lay cooing beside her in a basket. Periodically one of the men would come and check on her, giving her some water or feeding some milk to the bairn.
Grayson had thought of everything. He'd even stolen a healthy young goat on their journey to the coast. She'd been afraid he would toss the child over the edge of the boat but he'd been surprisingly complacent about the waif.