by Susan Wright
“That was Birgir’s claim!” Jens protested.
Silveta tilted her head. “Would the magnates agree to a chieftain and wife who are both of Viinland?”
“You’ve risked your lives for Markland,” Lexander countered. “How could they protest?”
“You’ve saved us all from Birgir Barfoot, Silveta,” Torgils agreed. “None would gainsay you now. The man you marry will become chieftain.”
Twenty-four
We left Silveta with Jens and Torgils, newly sworn as her bondsman. Lexander and I returned to the waterfront, where the Skraeling were regrouping. On the way through Tillfallvik, I realized I must confess all to Lexander.
“I am sorry I betrayed you,” I admitted. At his confused expression, I explained, “I told Amaruq of some ... intimate moments between us, so that he would understand and trust me. I spoke of things I’ve not even confessed to you.”
He looked at me sharply. “Is that what made you suffer, Marja?”
“By rights, I shouldn’t have done it.”
“Never fear.” He stopped me and put both hands on my shoulders so he could look into my eyes. “I want you so much that I long to own you, but I must let you go. You have no responsibility to me, Marja.”
“But I shared our intimacy with another.”
“I understand the need that drove you to it. I also see that there is something that binds you to Amaruq and these Thule. You’ve finally found your own people. I know you could live out the rest of your life among them.”
I thought of how the olfs were happily acknowledged every day by the Thule. It was true that I felt comfortable in the icy north, more so than on the fens. “I will always love Helluland and its folk,” I agreed. “But there is more to see in this world, and I shan’t ever tire of crossing the next wave or climbing the next ridge. That is who I am.”
The relief that eased through him was palpable. “I thought you had found what you were searching for.”
“Yes, I found a way to help my homeland. Just as you now seek to help those you enslaved and left under Helanas’ care.”
Lexander’s eyes narrowed. “I should have released them before I left, but I could not see it as I do now.” He glanced down at the manacle on his wrist, then lifted the end of the hanging chain.
There was a rawness in his voice, an emotion that was no longer hidden. Lexander was proud, a godling in his own right. I couldn’t imagine what he had endured as a slave. But I thought he was wise to choose to help others when he was so vulnerable himself. Surely that way led to healing.
With his arm around me, we went to find the Skraelings. They refused to stay inside the estate and were wary of the Noromenn who were still in the throes of bloodlust. All I had to do was look for the olfs, many of whom had followed the Thule down to the shore near the river. Their umiaks were beached upright, ready to be pushed into the water at a moment’s notice, revealing their distrust of the Noromenn. Two of the boats were out in the bay, netting fresh fish. The Thule seemed as subdued as the olfs by the bloody battle.
We didn’t spend long in their camp. Amaruq and a few of the Thule leaders returned to the estate with us. Amaruq had suffered a wound on his arm, but he was striding along as if he were unhurt. Lexander stayed back to keep from interfering in Amaruq’s consultation with me. It was a gesture of respect that I appreciated.
One of Silveta’s first orders was to sacrifice the finest bull in Tillfallvik, spilling its blood into the fire to honor all of the gods who had supported her quest. It also provided much-needed food for those who had fought for her. We saw the bonfire from the Skraeling camp, as the smoke and sparks flew into the heavens. Provisions were lacking, but somehow the overjoyed servants on the estate were pulling together a feast fit for midsummer as the bull roasted on an outdoor spit.
The guards at the broken gate addressed me by name, though I didn’t recall meeting them. It seemed as if all of the townsfolk and mercenaries knew who I was. We were ushered into the fire hall without a single challenge.
Silveta was seated in the lynx-fur chair on the dais. The place looked very different with the fouled straw swept out and fresh grass hastily spread over the bloodstains. The doors were open, letting in the last of the sun’s rays. Silveta had changed from her Skraeling furs into a lovely silk dress. The pale blue overdress echoed her eyes, while the yellow skirt couldn’t rival her rich golden hair. She was even more regal and dignified than when she had been Ejegod’s wife.
“Good, you’re finally returned,” Silveta said when she saw us enter with the Skraelings. “These are the letters for your Thule, granting them land on the northern coast. I’ve included a map with each one showing where they can place their settlements. Please make sure they don’t try to settle on my people’s estates. If there are any problems, they’re to bring them directly to me and I will send my bondsmen to assist them.”
Lexander distributed the packets among the Thule while I explained everything to them.
Amaruq stepped up on the dais, even though that made some of the Noromenn nervous. “You’ve honored your word, sun-haired lady,” he acknowledged. “We will be pleased to make your home our own.”
I translated for Silveta. To her credit, she didn’t flinch as some of the other Noromenn did at the thought of Skraelings living cheek to cheek with them again. “I welcome you,” she declared. “And I’m sure the olfs do as well.”
I knew the Thule would help cleanse the land through their rapport with the spirits. Silveta’s acknowledgment of both them and the olfs made the otherworldly creatures leap about in ecstasy. The Thule would get the winter settlements they deserved, while the olfs finally had a ruler who respected them.
The Thule did not choose to stay for the feast. Word had rapidly spread through Tillfallvik that these Skraeling were being honored for their part in ousting Birgir. But I noticed that no one ventured near them. They would return to their camp, intending to leave at first light.
I didn’t know if I would ever see Amaruq again, but much like the olfs it was not the Skraeling way to think about the future. Now was the only important thing. “You have my everlasting gratitude, Amaruq,” I declared.
Lexander was silent in the face of the connection I felt with the elder Thule. Surely he understood that he would feel the same resonance with a fellow godling. These people knew me like no other except my mam. I did feel at home with them, though I could not stay in Helluland.
Amaruq saw my sadness at saying good-bye, yet he was serene in the knowledge that it was my path. “Go with the spirits, Marja.”
“I am blessed to have your friendship,” I murmured to him.
In a rare gesture of open affection, Amaruq leaned in to kiss my forehead. If neither of us loved another, we could have been happy together roaming Helluland. Amaruq was wise enough to appreciate my differences.
With my eyes still wet from unshed tears, I watched them leave. Silveta was not so moved, though surely she appreciated all the Thule had done for her. “Perhaps I can let them stay in their settlements for longer than two generations,” she mused. “Without them, I could not have returned home, and Jens would not have come to help me.”
“The Thule are ever honorable allies,” I said quietly.
Silveta shrugged as if that was something to consider another time. “Go get ready for the feast, Marja! You’re both to have the place of honor beside me. I’ve ordered you a bath in my old closet. I’ve taken the solar for my own.”
I must admit the thought of a good wash was appealing. I had little prejudice about dirt, but living in Vidaris had taught me the luxury of bathing. I stepped up onto the dais so no one else could hear. “What about the rest of Lexander’s chains? We must strike them off.”
Lexander joined us. “That can wait until morning. And it’s best if you don’t honor me this night, Silveta. Word may reach Helanas before we do.”
“So you’ll pose as Marja’s slave?” Silveta asked with a smile. “I like that idea.”
Silveta met my eyes, reaching out her hands to me. “I plan on saying this more fully tonight, to proclaim to everyone that you were beyond faithful, always giving more than the gods could ask. I . . . and Markland, are more grateful than you will ever know. You’ll always have a place here with me and in my heart, Marja.”
“I am glad I am welcome in my homeland again. And that you are safe,” I assured Silveta.
Lexander agreed. “You’ve found a worthy man in Jens to help you rule. That is more than I had hoped for.”
Silveta lifted her chin slightly. “Oh, I think I could have done well enough alone. But I am fortunate to have Jens at my side.”
I felt such a relief that I could not express. I treasured Silveta, but she required much from those around her. Now my pledge was finally fulfilled and redeemed. It was the most significant service I had ever done. Jens could take care of her from now on.
Lexander followed me out to the longhouse. I hesitated at the door to the closet, and he knew immediately what was wrong. I had been raped twice by Birgir in this room, but as I stepped inside holding my breath, the cozy space no longer held his shade. Olfs were playing in a great tub of water that steamed slightly, but they disappeared at the sight of Lexander. Candles had been distributed liberally on every surface, illuminating the mirror and one of Silveta’s dresses that had been carefully laid out on a chest. A gold cord was looped in several rich strands, dangling gold teardrops along its length.
I fingered the crimson silk. “Is this for me to wear? It is far too fine!”
“You will outshine everyone,” Lexander assured me. “While I hide my head under a cap.”
I turned to him. “There’s little chance Helanas would hear of your presence in Tillfallvik. Why did you tell Silveta that?”
“Word could spread and my superiors might hear of it. I would not bring danger on Silveta for the world. It’s bad enough that you are at risk.”
“ ’Tis nothing to me,” I swore. “I would endure far more to be with you, Lexander.”
“Can it be true, even knowing what I have done? Kinirniq is not the only one I’ve harmed.”
“Surely you cannot doubt me now? Must I go to the very ends of the earth to prove my love?”
Lexander was serious. “It’s not your love I doubt, but my own lack.”
“Lack? I know you’ve given up everything you were. Perhaps you don’t know what you will become. But I am content with my love.”
Lexander looked at me a long moment. One hand touched the metal collar around his neck; then he began to pull off his homespun clothes, baring his strong chest. When I sat down to untie my boots, he said, “Wait.”
There was something in his voice I had not heard in some time—a command. It sent a tingle of expectation through me.
He removed his boots and pants, leaving him naked. I had not seen his body thus since leaving the milky hot spring in Issland. Every proportion was perfect, his muscles well defined like a statue made of gold. It made me draw my breath in wonder.
“Don’t move,” he told me, coming to kneel down at my feet. His collar and the hanging chain gleamed in the light. He had never knelt to me before.
Lexander unlaced my boot and gently pulled it off. With sure hands, he undressed me from toe to head. I lifted my arms and moved as he requested, compliant under his touch.
When he stood again, I wanted to hug him close. I wanted him to take me as I was. But he warded me off with his eyes, amused at my eagerness. “When are you ever unready, Marja?”
“I’m always ready for you, my love.”
His face came very close to mine. It was almost unbearable, my need to touch him. But he backed away, and I managed to restrain myself.
He held out one hand to help me into the bath. I lowered myself gratefully into the warm water. It had been scented with rose oil.
Taking up the brush, Lexander stood behind me, combing out my hair. It reminded me of my first evening in Vidaris, when he had cleansed me so roughly. This time his hands were tender, teasing out every long strand, stroking my head and neck. “I’ll dress your hair myself,” he murmured. “You’ll rival Silveta this night, if I’m not mistaken.”
My eyes closed as he washed my hair. He had never taken such time, had never leaned over me so temptingly. In Vidaris he’d had to split his attention among the slaves, and we jealously watched if he lingered with his favorites. But this night was different. He was making love to me through every touch.
By the time he began to lather my neck and shoulders and down each arm, I could hardly contain myself. I wanted to feel his body against me. I grew more aroused from his hands on my breasts, pinching and pulling at my nipples. Then he made foamy circles down my waist to the cleft between my legs. His fingers sought to inflame me. I gasped and held on to the sides of the tub to keep from touching him. He had ordered me not to . . .
There was nothing I could do but writhe underwater at his mercy, as he deftly rubbed me to ecstasy.
“Please, please, please . . .” I begged.
His lips curled in a grin. “You want more?”
“You!” I exclaimed. “I want you now—”
He lifted me from the tub and put me right on the stone floor with a rush of water. I had a flash of Birgir leaning over me, taking me, but this was Lexander. Everything I loved and trusted was in his face. I opened myself to him, diving into him as he did to me. We entwined our arms and legs. He let out a growl as if he couldn’t restrain himself, taking me for his own. It had been too long in coming. My release was complete.
Afterwards we lay together, satiated and unable to rise. My arms and legs intertwined with his. The stone floor felt like heaven and I didn’t ever want to let him go. I couldn’t imagine being without him for one moment.
As if reading my mind, he murmured, “I will be gone for only two days. Then my duty will be done and the slaves will be freed.”
I raised my head to look at him. “I will not let you return alone to Vidaris. You helped me in my quest, and now I must help you.”
“Marja . . .”
I would not let him protest. I sat up to make sure he understood my seriousness. “You enslaved me, Lexander. You gave me to Helanas to torture as she would.”
His face was pained. “Are you trying to hurt me, Marja? I atoned all I could for that, freeing you as you deserved.”
“If I am truly free, then you’ll not stop me from helping my slave-mates. Don’t they deserve the same freedom I have? Am I not the one who truly understands their need? You cannot deny me this, Lexander, not if I am free.”
Lexander struggled with this. “Marja, you may see things that you . . . would not like. I must put an end to Helanas’ inequity once and for all.”
I swallowed hard. “You intend to kill her.”
It wasn’t a question, but he replied, “Yes, I must. Or she will take her revenge on other innocents for my deeds. I cannot allow that to happen.”
“Then I will help you.” I knew I might lose my rapport with the olfs for good if I assisted him. But even if that terrible price must be paid, it was worth it to ensure Helanas would not hurt another slave. “Righting this wrong means everything to me, Lexander. Everything. I can’t face knowing that others could be tortured until they become like Kinirniq.”
The mention of that poor boy was enough to break Lexander’s resistance. “I cannot withstand you,” he confessed. “I would give you anything, Marja. Even if it cost me your love.”
I hugged him tightly, feeling his cool skin beneath my cheek. “Never! You could never lose my love.”
He wrapped his arms around me, and I felt his doubt and fear. I knew his face would never appear to be a mask to me again. I would always be able to see his inua and know his heart.
And in that moment, I knew that it mattered little that he had freed me. I would always belong to Lexander. We would overcome t
he evil in Vidaris; then we would roam the world together. No one—neither man nor god—would stop us.
Read on for a sneak peek at Marja’s continuing adventures in A Pound of Flesh Available from Roc
With my first step onto the ruddy sand of the beach, the evil spirits infesting Vidaris pressed in on me. Clinging wisps of foul air snaked along the ground. My instincts cried out for me to flee before they found a way to seep inside.
The native Thule who had brought me and Lexander back to Vidaris also sensed the demons. The dark-skinned warriors gathered close, silently supporting one another’s inua. They left everything in the round-bottomed umiaks except for their spears and bows. Even the two wounded men readied their weapons, making the warband a full score strong. They had come to free Qamaniq, the granddaughter of Nerriviq, who had been lured away by Lexander to become a pleasure slave.
There would be no rest—Lexander planned to attack Vidaris at once.
The sliver of moon cast barely enough light through the clouds to reveal the sheer red cliffs of Fjardemano island. On top of the cliff, there was something new; a rough wooden tower rose next to the gate in the palisade, overlooking the ocean. I urged the olfs to rise up the cliff face to illuminate the tower. There was no sentry in sight.
Lexander could see through the darkness even without the olfs’ light. “I hear one freeman on watch.” He tilted his head. “He’s snoring.”
I didn’t doubt Lexander’s uncanny ability, though the crashing of the waves nearly drowned out the howling of the wind through the forest trees above. “Helanas built it?” I asked.
His golden eyes shone much brighter than those of the Thule. “She intended to be forewarned of my return.”
I shivered at his tone. “What do you intend to do?”
“That is my concern.” Lexander turned away so I couldn’t see his face.
Nerriviq approached, his distrust for Lexander evident in his watchful eyes. “My granddaughter waits.”