Ingrid, The Viking Maiden (Viking Maiden Series Book 1)

by Naomi Jane Kelly

  "Oh please, don't get all soft on us, we won't know it's really you," Selby snorted from the end of the bed.

  Hagen looked at her for a moment before a mischievous glint shone out of his eyes. "Thank you, Selby. I know it wasn't easy pulling me all the way home, having to spend all that time bickering with Jorg." He leaned a little forward and whispered, "And telling me all your secrets when he wouldn't talk to you anymore."

  Every shade from pink to bright red crossed over Selby's cheeks as she stood motionless, gaping at Hagen. Ingrid slapped him, "You're horrible." Walking over to Selby, she took her hand. "He's teasing you."

  "Am I?" He tilted his head and smirked.

  "Yes. Ignore it, I've been on the receiving end of that look too many times. It's easy to figure out you would talk the whole way home." Ingrid tried to stifle a giggle.

  Selby huffed. "I have a lot to say, that's true."

  "A lot of words flow out of your mouth. That's not the same as a lot to say," Jorg said as he walked into the room. "I don't know how you do it." He smiled at Ingrid. Everyone chuckled, including Selby.

  It felt good to have a moment of lightheartedness surrounded by those she loved. Ingrid closed her eyes and let it wrap around her like sunshine on a warm day.

  After more banter and teasing between Jorg and Selby over who pulled Hagen the most, or who dealt with the most annoyance from the other, the room settled into a companionable silence.

  Hagen interrupted it when he looked up at Helka, "Shall we tell them?"

  "I've been dying to say something." A smile lit up Helka's face as she stared at Hagen.

  Ingrid moved closer to Selby, and a rock settled in her stomach. They both knew it was coming, and she wanted to be happy for her brother, but her heart wrenched for her best friend. Selby stood tall, her face schooled into a pleasant smile. Ingrid saw Jorg glance up at the ceiling and shift on his feet.

  Helka looked over to all of them. "We are getting married in the fall," she said.

  "Congratulations," Ingrid said and gave hugs to both of them.

  Selby followed Ingrid and held her sister tight. Jorg leaned over and clasped Hagen's hand and she saw her brother flash his eyes toward her as he stared at Jorg. Turning away quickly, her knees wobbled, and she wanted to run from the room. Thankfully she heard Jorg whisper, "One thing at a time." Focusing her attention on Selby and ignoring the tremble in her hands, she was thankful that Jorg avoided looking in her direction.

  Minutes later, while Helka was excitedly talking about her plans for the wedding, blissfully unaware of her sister's discomfort, all of their parents walked into the room.

  "There's quite a party in here," Klaus said. He slapped the back of Selby's dad's shoulder and shook his hand. The two moms hugged and joined in with Helka to chatter over the happy news. Selby shifted toward the far wall using the crowded room as an excuse to distance herself.

  Ingrid followed and pulled her into a hug. "You should come with me," she whispered into Selby's ears.

  "Where?" Selby asked, but looked like she'd follow anywhere if it was out of that room.

  Glancing over her shoulder to make sure everyone was still preoccupied. She kept her voice low. "I have to find Eir. She needs to train me so I can get this intruder out of my head." Ingrid stiffened as she felt hands on her shoulders.

  "Are you ever going to listen to reason and stay put?" Jorg leaned down and spoke low next to her ear. Ingrid shuddered as his breath tickled her cheek and she shook her head.

  Selby bit her lip trying to keep from smiling, but didn't. "You knew she wouldn't. I guess we'll all have to go."

  "Go where?" Agnethe asked from across the room.

  Ingrid rolled her eyes at Selby. "You really need to work on your quiet voice." Stepping around Jorg, she faced her parents in the suddenly quiet room. "I need to find Eir, Mama," she said walking closer to her mother.

  "I know you do, and you should even though I will worry every second you are gone." Placing her hand on the side of Ingrid's cheek, her eyes roved over every part of Ingrid's face. "Although, you can change your mind, stay, and train as a shieldmaiden." Ingrid met her smile with a chuckle of her own.

  * * *

  Several days later after the morning meal had been cleared and life was returning to normal, Ingrid found Plintze sitting in her favorite corner, sipping a cup of tea.

  "I'm glad you've stayed. I was worried you would head back home once everything settled down," she said, plopping down next to him.

  "Thought about it, but didn't think it would hurt anything to stick around for a few days."

  Ingrid smiled while she rubbed her hand over the fur they sat on. "I need to leave and I would like it if you came with me."

  "Humph."

  "See, how could I go anywhere without such great advice and conversation?" Hesitating, she asked again, "Will you come with me? I need you."

  "You really think I've stayed here for the noise and smells? When do we leave?"

  "Today. I can't take anymore time sitting around and I can't risk Dúngarr coming back for me."

  "Good, it's about time."

  "I'll go tell the others and we'll get ready."

  "What others? That Elf I suppose, but who else?"

  Ingrid saw the way he narrowed his eyes, suspecting that he already prepared himself for the answer.

  "You will learn to love Selby. She's like you, grows on you like a fungus." Patting his arm she hurried away before he could say anything else.

  Jorg was standing near the center of the room talking with Klaus and Hagen, who was up walking around like nothing had ever happened. "I'm going to find Selby and then we're getting ready to leave. I can't wait any longer." All three men stared at her without saying a word. "Ok, then. I'll meet you back here within the hour." Walking off she heard her father's voice say something about being unsure who to worry for and smiled to herself as she headed toward the back wall where Selby stood near their two mothers.

  "Mama, I'm leaving today. It's time." Her words were strong, but lines creased her forehead as she waited for her mother's response.

  "I know it is. I've been thankful for the last few days, but I understand."

  Turning to face Selby's mother, she said, "I know there's a lot to do for Helka's wedding--"

  "Stop there," Selby's mother interrupted, "I wouldn't dare keep Selby from going with you. Just try to keep each other safe as much as possible."

  Throwing her arms around her mother, Selby hugged her tight. "Thanks, mother."

  "Both of you follow me. I have something for you," Agnethe said as she walked toward the bedrooms. Selby let go of her mother and kissed her cheek, then rushed off with Ingrid.

  A short while later, Ingrid stood with her mother's hands on her shoulders at arm's length while being appraised from head to toe.

  "Now you look ready to leave," her mother said as she pulled her in for one last tight hug. Ingrid inhaled the scent of wild flowers and linen while she held onto her mother. This was the woman she'd always thought of as soft and over-cautious, protected her too much, held her back, and loved her more than she ever knew. Her heart strained at its edges as she realized how fierce and brave her mother truly was. It was a feeling she'd need to remember as strongly as the embrace that held her.

  The two girls emerged from the back room to find Jorg and Plintze ready to go, talking with Klaus, Hagen, and several others while they waited. Jorg noticed Ingrid and stopped talking and stared at her. No longer wearing their maiden dresses, they were prepared for anything they might face. Dressed in black linen trousers, Ingrid wore a burgundy tunic belted at the waist, while Selby wore a deep blue. Though she didn't wear her hangerook apron anymore, Ingrid still secured her beads to her tunic since the amber one would help lead them to Eir. Dark leather gauntlets covered her hands and forearms. Kohl surrounded each girl's eyes and braids pulled their hair back from their faces into a ponytail.

  "I hope that's the reaction you wanted, because I don't thi
nk he's breathing," Selby whispered to Ingrid in her discreet way that made everyone around them snicker. Ingrid smiled and walked straight to Jorg, saying nothing.

  "That's a new look," he said.

  "Mm-hmm."

  "It suits you." He smiled despite trying to act casual.

  "Meyla, you look like your mother," Klaus said pushing Jorg aside to give his daughter a hug.

  "I asked for her help, so we could move easier wherever we needed to go."

  "I have something else you'll need," Klaus said and pulled Ingrid's shield out from behind a barrel. Handing it to her he pointed to the new paint it displayed. "I had Einar add runes for you; some for healing, some for protection, and some for persistence."

  "How is this possible? I thought it was lost with the boat." Ingrid held the shield in front of her as she scanned the runes and smiled.

  "We found it," Klaus hesitated and cleared his throat, "when we searched for you."

  Ingrid looked up at her father, her eyes beaming with love and a hint of pain for how he must have felt.

  "Thank you," she said and wrapped her free arm tight around his waist.

  "Be safe, Meyla. Whatever happens I know you're strong enough to handle it. I love you," her father said, with a catch in his voice that stung Ingrid's eyes.

  "I love you, too, Papa."

  Hagen shook hands with Jorg. "Good luck," he said nodding toward the girls and laughing.

  As they made their way around the room saying goodbye to everyone, Plintze grew more and more agitated. Pacing near the doors he groaned and muttered to himself. Finally, Selby spoke out. "That's enough of admiring how great we look, let's get going. That dwarf is making himself crazy and we have a Norn to find."

  "Humph," Plintze muttered and pushed through the doors.

  Ingrid laced her fingers through Jorg's and they followed Selby outside. Undercutting Ingrid's happiness, the sticky mental intruder pressed against the inside of her temples. Don't worry Jarrick. I'll find you, too.

  Also by Naomi Jane Kelly

  Ingrid's Next Adventure

  Ingrid’s journey continues as she heads off to find Eir and learn exactly what powers—and how to use them—she has locked inside herself. Together with Jorg, Selby and Plintze, she encounters another force trying to prevent her from fulfilling her destiny: a group of separatist humans who want to dissolve ties to all the other realms and create a human-only earth, which includes the removal or eradication of all mystical beings. Battles will be fought and loyalties tested as they must also arrive in Alfheim before Jarrick’s deadline in order to protect the village from destruction.

  Keep up to date by signing up at NaomiJaneKelly.com for release dates, sneak peeks, and special offers. You can also keep up to date through Naomi Jane Kelly Author on Facebook and @naomijanebooks on Instagram and twitter. Reviews are essential in the ocean of books on the market today, I would be beyond thankful if you could take a moment and leave a review on amazon.com or goodreads.com

  Acknowledgments

  This book would not have come together without the help of so many others. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and privilege it has been to have the freedom to find within myself the strength to put my heart on a page.

  First, I’d like to thank my Grandma. I believe it is her creativity that has been passed down to me. Every birthday, Christmas, Easter, or random Tuesday, she had a poem for everyone. An entire notebook exists of the music and lyrics she wrote. Not until late in her life was she able to perform and enjoy the love she had for song. I hope that she enjoys this journey with me as she watches from Heaven.

  Craig, I could not have done any of this without you. I threw you a curve ball early in our lives together and you accepted who I’ve needed to be every day since. You have given me the time and space to not only find my passions, but to pursue them. I love you more and more every day. Sydney and Audrey, you are my heart, my biggest accomplishments. I’m so proud of you both and the dreams you have followed. You are the inspiration that spurs me forward every day. To my other two love-bugs, Libby and Bear, I also believe you give me the strength to get up every day and put another foot forward. I will tell your story one day, Bear, after all yours is the one that started all of this! To all of my family and friends, I appreciate your love and support more than you know. I am blessed to know that I can count on you to encourage me and believe in me; it means the world.

  Jennifer Roop, my editor, thank you so much for sweeping away all the dirt and helping me create a final professional product. You helped bring my work to a whole new level and I am forever grateful!

  To my Indie Author Mastermind group, you have been a lifeline. You were the push I needed to cross the finish line and make sure my business would succeed. Our coffee shop meetings are invaluable and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you.

  My book would not have come together without the tremendous help from my critique partners and beta readers. I have the best out there, and I mean that! Your input challenged me to bring out the best in myself and my book. Ashley, especially, thank you for your advice, putting up with all of my questions and my technology-challenged break downs!

  Alfred Obare, I cannot express my thanks enough for your talent and the beautiful cover art you created for me. I can’t wait to work together again many more times!

  I don’t know if I can express in words how grateful I am to you, my readers, for taking a chance on a new author and reading my story. My heart physically squeezes inside of my chest when I think of you and what you mean to me. I look forward to building a long, lasting future together.

  Finally, to my Lord, without whom I have nothing, but with You, I have everything!

  Pronunciation Guide

  Asgard — Ass-gord

  Midgard — Meed-gord

  Alfheim — Alf-hame

  Vanaheim — Von-ah-hame

  Svartalfheim — Sv-aht-alf-hame

  Jotunheim — Yoot-un-hame

  Muspelheim — Moose-pel-hame

  Niflheim — Neeth-la-hame

  Helheim — Hell-hame

  Aesir — Ass-eer

  Dúngarr — Dune-garr

  Hnossa — Nah-sa

  Jarrick — Jair-ick

  Jorg — Yor-g

  Jorvik — Yor-v-ick

  Norn — Nor-n

  Seidr — Say-thr

  Skause — scow-ss

  Valkyrie — Val-keer-ah

  Vanir — Von-eer

  Volva — Vole-vah