Sent as the Viking's Bride

by Michelle Styles

  ‘You do have fanciful notions.’ He placed a kiss on her forehead. ‘But I will leave my sword here and you can bring it if it comes to a trial by combat.’

  ‘I am counting on you returning in time.’

  He pressed the stone man into her hand. ‘Keep this safe until I return. You will have more need of it than I.’

  Her fingers closed around it. She knew without his having to say the words that he cared for her. He was giving her the good-luck charm he’d always carried into battle. ‘I will treasure it. But you make your own luck. You will come back to me.’

  Chapter Fifteen

  ‘How long do you think it will take?’ Ragn asked Maurr who appeared less than happy at being left behind to guard her. She had kept Trana and Maurr in ignorance about her gut instinct.

  Maurr shrugged his shoulders. ‘Hard to say, but you will be fine here.’

  Ragn smiled back. ‘It is good that you stayed.’

  ‘What is Jura like?’ Trana asked, putting the pot of pottage on the hearth. ‘You two are neighbours. And I have never travelled. Some day I want to see the world.’

  Ragn and Maurr started talking about the island and its possibilities, which served as a distraction from worrying about what trap Vargr intended to set.

  A knock on the door interrupted Maurr’s long-winded explanation of how he intended to build a magnificent hall.

  ‘So soon?’ Ragn’s stomach knotted.

  Maurr motioned for Trana to answer the door. Ragn breathed easier when she saw it was one of Maurr’s men. The man twisted his cap. ‘You need to come to the boat, Maurr. There is some damage to the hull. Ice, I think.’

  Maurr pursed his lips. ‘It can wait. My duty is here, guarding you.’

  ‘No, it can’t,’ Ragn said. Her gut tightened. Everything seemed to be going wrong today. ‘If we need to leave quickly, we need a seaworthy ship. Go. We will be safe here until Gunnar returns. Who would attack this house during waking hours?’

  ‘I gave Gunnar my word.’

  Ragn put her hand on her hip. ‘Trana and I will be fine. You don’t have to stay long, just to put your mind at rest. And you are looking after us. We may need the ship. Today. Who knows what sort of mood the King might be in? What lies Vargr might have told the King?’

  Maurr nodded. ‘I bow to the determined woman. I will leave one of my men outside the door until I return.’

  He left with his men and the house went quiet. Ragn leant forward and put the poker in the fire to heat up. ‘Just in case.’

  Trana’s brow puckered. ‘In case what?’

  ‘In case Vargr decides to make his move while Gunnar is at court. In case Maurr has been lured away by a false rumour to leave the way clear for Vargr. He will have had the harbour watched, Trana.’

  Trana’s eyes gleamed. ‘I thought you gave in too easily to the men’s scheme.’

  ‘Vargr is a wily snake. He needs to be caught. Gunnar agreed to my scheme.’ Ragn gave a little laugh. ‘Possibly because he didn’t believe it would happen, but he agreed to it.’

  Trana tilted her head to one side. ‘You have changed, Ragn, more than I thought when you arrived.’

  ‘In a good way, I hope.’

  ‘I wouldn’t want to be the one to cross you.’

  ‘I shall take that as a compliment.’

  * * *

  Gunnar concentrated on the enormous hall looming in front of him. Ragn would be safe with Trana and Maurr for the short time he’d be at court. Vargr would not go after her while he was at the King’s hall as Ragn had predicted last night. It would be later when he returned from court. Vargr would not take the risk of moving openly against her until he knew how the King was going to react.

  The main hall thronged with courtiers and ambassadors from many countries. Several wore the heavily embroidered tunics and cloaks of the Byzantine court and there was even one from the caliphates in North Africa. It was clear King Harald’s prestige had grown greatly in recent years. Gunnar gave his token of safe passage to the guard before he pushed his way forward, hoping that his old friend had not changed too much.

  ‘Look who is standing next to the Queen—Vargr Simmison,’ Eylir said.

  ‘Are you sure it is him?’ Gunnar asked. A sharp-nosed man whose cloak and tunic rivalled the King’s for their magnificence stood just behind the Queen, whispering in her ear.

  ‘I have only met him a few times but I’d recognise his distinctive tunic and cloak anywhere,’ Eylir replied. ‘You can see why your wife has very little chance of justice. In fact, it might be better if you give up now and return to Jura. Let him try to attack you there. You have men, you can fight.’

  Gunnar firmed his jaw. Vargr clearly had influence, but that did not mean the cause was lost. Viken still had laws and any man could get justice.

  He walked up to the throne where his old comrade sat with a bored look on his face as various petitions were put to him. ‘Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects.’

  ‘Gunnar Olafson as I live and breathe. You have ventured to the north,’ the King said, rising from his throne with a wide smile. ‘It has been far too long. Have you come in search of a bride? You swore it would be the only reason you’d return to the land of your forefathers.’

  ‘Far too long.’ The tension in Gunnar’s shoulders eased. The King remembered him. ‘I am grateful you remember me and my vow.’

  ‘Remember? I owe you a life debt. You helped rescue me from Constantinople.’ The King related the story and Gunnar listened in respectful silence while the murmurs from the crowd grew. The ambassador from the caliphate gave him a quizzical look.

  Vargr remained standing beside the throne. Ragn’s prediction would not come true. Vargr had no idea that she had returned to Kaupang.

  ‘What can I do for you?’ the King asked, finishing the story. ‘You are here for more than to remember past times.’

  ‘My wife...’

  ‘Good, you are married.’ The King smiled fondly at his Queen, who was currently whispering behind her hand to Vargr. ‘I have come late to the institution of marriage, but I can recommend the state. You always used to swear that you needed to fulfil your vow to your mother. Is your wife here? Perhaps my wife can use her in her retinue if you intend to remain in the north.’

  Gunnar kept his face impassive. ‘I have come to you because two men attacked my lands on Jura. I seek justice.’

  The Queen leaned over and whispered in the King’s ear. He gave an indulgent smile and patted her hand.

  Gunnar frowned. The interview was not going as he had planned. It was as if he had been expected. He glanced to where Ragn’s brother-in-law stood. A knowing smile crossed his features. Gunnar gritted his teeth.

  ‘Is there a problem, Your Majesty?’ the Queen enquired. ‘I thought it was why you had jaarls in the Western Isles.’

  ‘What can I do about your dispute?’ The King waved a languid hand. ‘It is a matter for Kolbeinn or, failing him, Ketil. Speak to them. What good is having jaarls if one cannot depend on them to administer justice?’

  The court obediently laughed.

  Gunnar exchanged glances with Eylir. Eylir had been right—Harald had greatly altered from the warlord he once knew intimately. Politics had consumed him. ‘Because they came from Viken. Someone from your court sent them and I ask you, because of the life debt you owe me, to give me the King’s justice. Put Vargr Simmison on trial. Put him on trial today.’

  * * *

  ‘Sit down, Ragn,’ Trana said from where she sat carding wool. ‘You are wearing a groove in the floor. It takes time to petition the King. Maurr will return once he has finished inspecting his ship. You are worrying over nothing.’

  Ragn wrapped her arms about her waist. She wanted to go and hide. Despite Maurr’s easy words, it appeared the problem with the boat was taking longer than anticipated. Was thi
s how Gunnar felt before he went into battle? ‘I have a bad feeling about this. I should have gone. Gunnar will lose his temper and...perhaps we should go to court.’

  ‘You would only be in the way. Trust Gunnar to put it in the right way. Your man can speak without riling people.’

  ‘I trust Gunnar, but I don’t trust Vargr. He is a master at twisting things. Gunnar dislikes court manners and runes still confuse him even though we are working on it.’

  ‘Your man is in the right. The King cannot risk alienating his jaarls in the west over such a matter. All will be well. No one knows you are here.’ Trana patted the bench beside her. ‘Come, sit. I am glad to have this time alone with you. I want your advice—how can I convince Eylir not to go west in the spring?’

  Ragn studied Trana’s form. Her belly swelled slightly and there was a glow to her skin. ‘You are expecting. You should have told me last night.’

  The corners of Trana’s mouth twitched. ‘I think so. I haven’t confessed to Eylir, but I am fairly sure. I told you that it was complicated. My monthly flow is regular and there’s been nothing since October...since you left.’

  ‘It is his?’

  ‘After you left, we were together for one night.’ Trana dipped her head. ‘But he has refused to touch me since my father hired him to guard me. I fear I am losing him, Ragn. He swears once my father or my uncle returns, he will go west and seek his fortune.’

  ‘What was the advice you gave me, only last night? If you love him, fight for him. Go with him. It is what I’d do with Gunnar.’

  ‘Gunnar married you. Eylir will not consider such a thing until his business is complete. I am certain it means he wants to acquire a fortune. My father spoke of betrothal to someone else...’

  Ragn squeezed Trana’s hand. ‘I begin to think everyone is truly blind. Have you given him a chance to ask you? Or have you simply let him think that you are willing to go along with your father’s wishes?’

  A distinct rattling like something being knocked over made Ragn stiffen.

  ‘Trana...’ she lowered her voice and reached for Gunnar’s sword ‘...someone is out there. It is not Maurr or his men. They would give the correct signal.’

  Trana’s face went white. ‘You hear things. It will be one of the cats knocking over the milk pail.’

  ‘Nevertheless, you had better be prepared to run.’

  The door crashed open, allowing a swirl of snow to enter.

  * * *

  ‘You remain standing there, Gunnar Olafson, ignoring the protocol of this court,’ the Queen said, rising. Her beautiful face became haughty. ‘Is there something else you require? My husband has kindly heard your petition against the Jaarl Vargr, but you must first seek your over-Jaarl. For too long my husband’s former companions have sought unjustified favours. It causes disharmony and factions within the court. Why do you dishonour your King?’

  Gunnar clenched his fists and tried to hold on to his temper. Harald had to be made to understand the trouble he was causing before he was dismissed for ever. ‘With all respect, my lady, it is the King who needs to answer me.’

  ‘Some people will not listen to well-meant advice.’ She leant over and whispered to the King again.

  ‘Did you seek Lord Ketil’s advice?’ Harald asked. ‘Or did you come here because you knew Ketil the White would not favour your suit?’

  ‘Kolbeinn sent me to you because of these.’ Gunnar held out the brooches which the men who had attacked his farm had been carrying. ‘I suspect you know which jaarl they belong to. I suspect you also know that he has no authority to make such raids in the Western Isles. Stop delegating and behave like the leader I know you can be. Grant me the trial of Vargr Simmison.’

  The King took the brooches with a frown. ‘Where are the men?’

  ‘Kolbeinn has dealt with them as is his right when any attack his felag.’

  ‘Then the matter has finished. There is nothing more for me to do. It surprises me that you risked a journey across the sea for such a little thing.’ Gunnar detected a note of impatience in the King’s voice.

  ‘I wish to get your word that any who might encourage such acts are going against your specific order. You and I parted in peace. Or were your words spoken on the wind? Should I fear more men in the night to take what belongs to me?’

  The King weighed the badges in his hand. ‘And you ask this on the life debt I owe you? Why?’

  ‘Only you can stop Vargr abusing your name,’ Gunnar said. ‘If this continues, you face a revolt and I don’t want that for you, old friend.’

  ‘For something as minor as this?’ The Queen arched a brow. ‘It is a matter between jaarls, surely.’

  ‘It would be, my lady, but I want to ensure those under my protection live. If needs be, I want to challenge this man to trial by combat.’

  ‘Why would Vargr be interested in a remote farm on the Western Isles? A witch woman has advised him never to travel overseas again.’ The Queen gave a little tinkling laugh.

  ‘It is my right as the husband of Ragnhild Thorendottar, the widow of Hamthur who was unlawfully slain. The man in question confessed to the murder when he attacked her and left her for dead. He has unlawfully claimed her lands.’

  A shocked hush rippled around the court. The Queen suddenly developed an interest in her gown. Gunnar kept his face still. Things were starting to move his way. Giving his good-luck charm to Ragn had been the correct thing to do. He made his own luck.

  ‘Ragnhild Thorendottar lives?’ the King asked sharply. ‘I understood she had perished in a tragic fire. Can you produce her?’

  ‘Ah, now I see, someone is claiming to be Ragnhild Thorendottar.’ The Queen curled her lip. ‘Do you think you can lay claim to those lands?’

  ‘My wife is at her cousin’s. I will fetch her and you can hear from her mouth what she and her sister have undergone. I assume you will recognise her.’

  The King turned towards where Vargr had stood. ‘Vargr...where is Vargr the Fleet-Footed? When did he leave?’

  ‘Late last night, he told me he feared a plot against his life and has not been here,’ the Queen said, her pretty face frowning. ‘I was to stall the impostor as best as I could. One of his men wore his cloak, but he has gone now.’

  The back of Gunnar’s neck crept. Vargr knew where Ragn was. Vargr had had the port watched. Vargr had been one step ahead of them the entire time.

  He had thought to protect Ragn by keeping her hidden, but Vargr had outplayed him. He should never have left her alone with just Maurr for protection. He should have brought her with him. ‘I need to go.’

  ‘The King has not dismissed you, Gunnar Olafson,’ the Queen warned.

  ‘I wait for no man’s permission to save my wife’s life.’

  * * *

  Ragn had little time to react as Vargr and five of his henchmen barged in. She grabbed an eating knife, stuck it in her belt and reached for Gunnar’s sword with the other hand.

  ‘Vargr! Get out! You have no right to be here!’ Ragn pointed towards the door with the sword. ‘Even in this country, you are not allowed simply to enter a private dwelling without invitation.’

  ‘Ragnhild, my sweet sister-in-law, how very pleasant to see you again. And in such good health as well.’ Vargr made an elaborate bow. ‘The reports of your death appear to have been false. But reports of your return were correct. It is why I had the port watched. Every step you and that so-called warrior of a husband have taken has been noted.’

  ‘Whatever you want, I refuse to comply with it.’ Ragn said between gritted teeth. Taking on six men was an impossibility. Her only hope was that Gunnar had noticed Vargr’s absence from court and was on his way back. ‘Last time I ran. This time I stand my ground. You are nothing but a swaggering bully, Vargr, whose scheme is about to collapse about his ears. Now get out!’

  ‘Are you the owner o
f this dwelling?’

  ‘You have no right to be here,’ Trana said, bustling forward. Her entire being bristled. Ragn put out a warning hand. ‘Leave now! Or I will...’

  ‘Who are you going to alert?’ Vargr’s sneer increased. ‘The King? He and I are like one on this. Ragnhild is a traitor. She attacked one of his emissaries. Her lands and her new husband’s lands will be forfeit. The Queen understood my disquiet and agreed that one of my men should stand in for me today.’

  Ragn’s mouth went dry. Gunnar had blundered into a trap. If she had gone to court, she would have seen the impostor immediately. Instead she had stayed here. Vargr had anticipated what they were going to do, but then Vargr had always been good at tafl and thinking ahead. ‘You had best have proof of my guilt! There will be a trial, Vargr.’

  Her brother-in-law gave Trana a hard stare. ‘If you are sensible, Trana Ragnardottar, you remain alive and unhurt. Otherwise you will suffer the same fate as your cousin. I take it that you were responsible for spiriting her away despite your denials. You thought I would not find out. It is good that others are more honest than you.’

  ‘You mean the sea captain,’ Ragn said. A cold fury descended.

  ‘It is amazing how sailors talk when they have golden brooches to offload.’ Vargr nodded towards Trana. ‘I’d forgotten how pretty your cousin is. It would a pity if her looks were spoilt.’

  Trana gave a small cry and wilted. Ragn gritted her teeth. Vargr had to have made a mistake.

  ‘Allow me to handle this,’ she said in an undertone. ‘Stay here. Wait for Gunnar and Eylir. Whatever happened at court, Gunnar will find a way to return. That baby you carry is important. I will survive until they find me. Courage.’