Ingrid groaned and stared at Eir, who gave her an ingenuous smile, looking like herself again. “What more do I need to learn to bind the spell? How will you determine when I’m ready?”
“There will be a need for you to release all your current human desires and attachments in order to do what must be done for all the realms. You will then meet with the Norn, Skuld, at the Well of Urd, and she will show you the final step needed in order to connect with the life-force in the water.”
“We should go there now. Let me finish this so everyone will be safe.”
“Right now, you are still unable to detach yourself for the good of all, and that makes you vulnerable. It’s why you are susceptible to Jarrick’s influence and need to stay here until you can overcome these sentiments.”
“How do I do that? I don’t think I can let go of my worries for those I care for most.”
“That’s when you will be truly ready, not before.”
Ingrid stared into space. How could she set aside her feelings for everyone she loved? The only reason she accepted her fate was because she worried for the safety of her family and friends. Nothing was more important than those she cared about. That was too great a sacrifice, and she’d have to find a way to compromise.
“Maybe if I can go back and see that everyone is safe, then I will be able to move forward,” Ingrid said.
“It’s best that you continue to strengthen your skills here, away from where Jarrick can reach you. It’s the optimal place to clear your mind of your concerns.”
“Skills like the ability to make portals? Will I be able to travel between realms on my own soon?”
Eir gave a huff that somehow still sounded ladylike and graceful. “That skill differs greatly from just moving short distances within the same realm, and it is dangerous. One small misstep, and you slip between the worlds, where it is impossible to return.” She narrowed her eyes as she spoke and made Ingrid swallow hard and want to shrink into the nearest wall.
“I understand.” No, I don’t, but that’s okay.
“We need to work on your ability to block your thoughts better. Come.” Eir held out her hand to Ingrid.
Seconds later, Ingrid stood alone inside the doorway of Bremen’s council room.
24
Jorg and Bremen were bent over some papers on the large table, arguing with each other. Several other men were in the room also talking with agitated voices while apparently making battle plans. Gavin noticed Ingrid first, tipping his chin to her.
A wave of nausea rolled through Ingrid at the abrupt change of location. I guess I won’t be learning how to move between realms myself then.
Jorg snapped his attention to the door and stood tall, staring at Ingrid. His chest heaved in and out, but he said nothing.
“It’s nice to see you’re well,” Ingrid said, suddenly concerned. She worried her arrival was not welcome, considering the last time he saw her she’d almost killed him. It was made worse by the silence that descended.
“Ingrid! Thank God you’re back,” Bremen said, relieved.
Jorg moved around Gavin and walked with slow steps, his stare locked on her as if she might not be real. When he stood in front of her, blocking the rest of the room from her view, she saw the silver lining his eyes and flung herself against his chest.
I’m so sorry I left, but I almost killed you, and I needed to train so it would never happen again.
Strong arms held her like iron even as Jorg’s body trembled. Voices filled the room again, and Ingrid tried to pull away but couldn’t budge herself free.
“Not yet.” His voice was ragged as he whispered.
Relief washed over her, and she relaxed inside the protective hold. Jorg’s muscles tensed more than before so that Ingrid could barely breathe.
“I need to finish here, but do not think you are leaving this room without me.” Jorg leaned his face back, relaxing his hold the smallest bit. “I might have been . . . forceful, in some of my plans to find you.” He cocked a brow at her and tipped his head at the front of the room.
Ingrid grinned and soaked in his presence. He was healthy and making plans to find her. The wound in her heart created the moment she’d hurt him knitted together and sealed closed. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Jorg huffed but released his hold on her long enough to slip her hand inside his and take her with him to the front. Bremen stood with Gavin and several of his other top men.
“Mother will not stand for being locked in this room with posted guards, no matter how safe it makes you feel. We can make sure she stays away from the walls, but other than that, she won’t listen. Besides, we need every man outside, not babysitting a door,” Bremen said.
“I don’t care if she likes it or not. She’s the queen and needs to keep away from the battle at all costs. If we can’t make her stay in here, we need to find another location to move her—completely away and out of danger,” Jorg said.
“The queen is my top priority,” Bremen said between his teeth, “not yours. My decision is final, and I will not discuss it further. Gavin, divide the archers into groups to fortify the wall in every direction. Martin, make sure the extra arrows, spears, and axes are on schedule from the smithy, then have them distributed properly to all the men.” Both men nodded and hurried from the room. “The rest of you, make sure everyone is gathered in the courtyard in an hour.”
Ingrid stood close to Jorg as all the other men left the room. After they’d gone, Bremen turned to face Jorg. “These are my men, and you will not challenge me in front of them again. If you have something to discuss, do it privately or not at all.”
“Galwain is the queen of your people and your mother, I understand that. But, she is my mother also, whether or not you like it, and I will do what I need to do to keep her safe.”
Ingrid looked between the two men, both with tense shoulders and tight jaws. The idea of being brothers would take time for them to work through.
“It’s good you’ve returned and look well, Ingrid,” Bremen said with a genuine, yet forced curve to his lips. “I sincerely hope it helps ease some tension.” After a swift glance at Jorg, Bremen strode away from the table. Stopping at the doorway, he turned back to Ingrid. “Also, please don’t wait too long to find Selby. She has worried over your disappearance as well. I believe you will find her in the kitchen.” The corner of his mouth twitched into a grin before he left the room.
“What was that about?” she asked.
“I don’t care.” Jorg rubbed his hand over his face. “Ingrid, stop doing this to me. When I woke the morning after the accident and you weren’t there . . . I couldn’t look for you. It took two more days before I was strong enough to comb the woods. The druht has gathered throughout the forest preparing for an attack, and I thought they had you.”
He sat down in the nearest chair with a sigh, resting his forearms on his knees. “I came back only yesterday to check if you’d returned here. Then I found out Galwain has been training with Selby to join the fighting. Why do women have to be so stubborn?”
“I’m guessing that’s not a real question,” Ingrid said as she moved herself between his knees. Jorg smirked at her and wrapped one hand around her waist to steady her as she perched on his leg. “I am very sorry. I stayed with you through most of the night, but I was restless to learn how to control my powers, so I didn’t hurt you again. I wandered to the meadow, then Eir showed up and took me with her to Asgard.”
She felt his body tremble. “I couldn’t hear you anymore, and it was like a void inside my mind.”
Confusion muddled her thoughts as she tried to figure the time left until the deadline. The days with Eir blurred together with those since they’d left the village.
“It makes sense that we couldn’t communicate across realms. Does it cause you pain?” she asked.
“It did this time. It was like a head ache that doesn’t go away, ebbing and flowing constantly. Living that way, if something happened to you . . . I coul
dn’t bear it.”
Ingrid sank her fingers into his hair and tucked it behind his ear. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She wanted to tell him he’d never have to live like that. She hated to think that when she left to bind the spell, he would be in pain yet again.
No, she could not make any promises for the future.
Now that she knew Jorg was better, if she could be sure that the village was safe, too, it would free her mind to go back to Asgard and bind the spell. It must be the reason Eir sent her back. She’d have to hope that Jorg would accept her absence and that would help ease the pain in his mind. Before she could explain her thoughts to him, a harried-looking Gavin swept into the room. Jorg stood and held Ingrid against his back.
Really? Ingrid clamped down on her frustration, giving him some leeway because of his heightened state of emotions. Instead, she just listened to Gavin from her hidden position.
“Bremen would appreciate it if Ingrid could come to the kitchen. He believes that since she’s back, her presence will help to calm the situation in there.”
Jorg let his arm drop from where he braced Ingrid, and she slid to his side with only one quick glare at him. “Yes, we will come at once.” She turned to Jorg. “Won’t we?” He rolled his eyes and gestured for her to follow Gavin out of the room.
When they arrived in the kitchen, it was in chaos. A dusting of flour coated everything. Pots and pans littered the worktable and floor, something slick and shiny was splattered in patches. Apples, carrots, and other vegetables lay scattered around, and in the middle of the fray sat Lazuli on the table. Her arms were crossed over her chest and a huge pout weighed down her face.
Selby was in a heated debate with the cook, both of them covered in flour and other remnants, including a few broken eggs. Bremen was between the women and looked to have taken a couple of hits from flying debris as well. Taking ginger steps on the slippery floor, Ingrid made her way across the room.
“Can I help with anything?” Ingrid asked.
Selby whirled around at the sound of her voice and rushed over to embrace her in a crushing hug. “It’s about time you made it back here.” She pulled away and looked into Ingrid’s face, now smeared with egg from Selby’s hair. “You went to Asgard, didn’t you?”
Ingrid nodded while wiping her face with the edge of her sleeve. “Is this part of a welcome home celebration for me?”
The cook turned with an incredulous expression aimed at Ingrid. “Celebration? You think I’d ever in my right mind let a wee devil like that into me kitchen for any reason? No, that’s the answer. I’m glad you’re back, Miss, but I want that beastie out of me space.” The cook spoke with animated gestures and a red face as she pointed to an angry Lazuli sitting on top of the center worktable. The poor woman looked ready to collapse.
“I remember how you kept such a tidy kitchen and I understand this is—” Ingrid looked around at the messy room “—unsettling. Where is Plintze?” she asked Selby.
“Right here.”
Ingrid peeked around Bremen and saw Plintze sitting on an upturned crate resting his head in his hands as they leaned on his knees. Ingrid had to bite her lip to keep from laughing in pity at his dejected countenance.
“Glad you’re back safe,” he said.
Taking hold of the flustered woman’s trembling hands, Ingrid squeezed them and let a bit of calming energy seep through her fingers. “I give you my word that I will personally make sure that this kitchen is back to your standards before the day is through. Will you allow someone to escort you to your room, so you can rest?”
“Rest? In the middle of the day like I’m some fine lady? There’s too much work to be done and none but me to do it, especially now.”
Ingrid thought for a second and used a different persuasion, squeezing the hands she still held. The cook swayed on her feet a little and Bremen threw his arms around her before she fell.
“Ach, I don’t know what come over me,” the lively woman said as she fought to keep her focus.
“I think you have overworked yourself, Vevina, and with good reason. Please allow one of the others to help you to your rooms as Ingrid suggested,” Bremen said. Another woman who assisted in the kitchens stepped closer to the pair.
“Aye, all right. But I’ll not leave before that winged devil does.”
Ingrid released the cook and turned to face the sprite. “Lazuli, is this about a certain pie that Selby promised to make you?”
“Yes. I was trying to make it myself since the friend—who is no longer my friend—never made me one like she said she would. And no one understands that!” She yelled straight up to the ceiling as she continued to sit on the table with her back to Ingrid.
“If you will go outside with Plintze and find something fun to do for a while, I will make sure that Selby cleans up this mess after she makes you a pie. When she’s all finished, she can deliver it to you in the courtyard. Will that be acceptable?” Selby snorted behind Ingrid, who swatted at her without taking her eyes off Lazuli.
“Thank you! I knew you were the nicer one. Come on, Plintze, let’s go chase those snooty butterflies,” she said as she fluttered her wings in the air and headed for the door. She blew a raspberry with her tongue at Selby before disappearing outside.
“Plintze, please try to keep her outside,” Ingrid begged.
“Humph. As if I could keep her from doing anything.” Shaking his head, he hobbled off through the door to follow his troublemaking friend.
“Thank you, miss.” A heavy sigh escaped from the cook, and she sagged against Bremen.
“If you will lead the way—” Bremen nodded to the woman standing by “—I’d like to accompany you both to Vevina’s room to ensure her safety,” Bremen said.
“Oh no, I’ll not have ye waiting on me like that. I can make it on me own.” As she stood tall and tried to brush down her apron, she faltered again, needing Bremen to help her.
“I won’t hear of it. You can let me walk next to you, or I must carry you. Which shall it be?” Bremen asked with a mischievous tug to the corner of his mouth.
Vevina stared at him with wide eyes as one hand fluttered to her throat. “We’ll walk then.”
Bremen nodded and looked at the woman. “Lead the way, please.”
After they left, Ingrid scanned the kitchen and spoke to the rest of the servants pressed around the room. “This has been a trying situation for all of you. Will you please do me the favor of taking the rest of the day to relax as well, while I help Selby with this mess?”
They looked around at each other, unsure if it was acceptable to listen to her. “I don’t think we should, Miss. Vevina would want us to stay and help,” one older woman said while the others nodded in agreement.
“A time of rest after all of this is a fine idea,” Bremen said as he returned to the room. Every one of the staff immediately lowered their faces and mumbled quick words of thanks before hurrying away. “This is impressive,” Bremen said with a chuckle as he walked up to Selby and pulled a lettuce leaf from her hair, which made her groan and cover her face with her hands. “You made a big promise to clean this up and make a pie by the end of the day. Can I assume that you have dismissed the staff for a reason?” he asked Ingrid.
Jorg crossed the room to stand at Ingrid’s side and surveyed the damage. “I’m guessing you have a new skill to show off to us?”
“Oh, I hope she does. I’d love to find out what all that time in Asgard accomplished,” Jarrick said as he sauntered into the room.
25
Jorg spun around, and Bremen stepped next to him, placing themselves between Jarrick and the girls. “You are not welcome here,” Jorg said. There was no mistaking the tall elf sauntering into the room as Jarrick.
“Such chivalry you young men have. Does it really impress the girls? Ingrid can take care of herself, and the other one looks capable, too.” Jarrick angled himself to make eye contact with Selby. “Yes, quite capable,” he said with a leer.
Brem
en lunged, but Jorg caught him by the arm and wrestled with him to stay put. “That’s what he wants. He’s baiting you to get you out of the way,” Jorg hissed between his teeth as he held Bremen’s arms behind his back.
“All right! Let me go,” Bremen yelled and straightened out his tunic when Jorg released him. “Leave now or be removed,” he snarled to Jarrick.
“Not yet, little boy,” Jarrick flicked his fingers and Bremen flew across the room, slamming into the wall.
Selby screamed and hurried over to him. Bremen slipped in the lard still spilled across the floor as she helped him to right himself, but he was unharmed.
“Ingrid, I simply want to see what that crone taught you while you were in her care. And why, for that matter, is it acceptable for you to go with her and not me?” Jarrick said. His voice dripped with sarcasm, and anger rolled off him from across the room.
“Is that what bothers you most? That I accept her help but not yours?” Ingrid asked.
“You have more power than you think, and she will stifle you . . . hold you back from your true potential. She is trying to keep you from seeing the truth for her own selfish reasons.”
“And you aren’t? You want her with you in Alfheim for the benefit of others?” Jorg stood next Ingrid, and the tremors in his arms belied his calm exterior as he held himself in place. Whatever he may have wanted to do, he stayed at her side instead of pushing his way in front of her.
Bolstered by her training and Jorg’s belief in her, Ingrid raised her chin and stared Jarrick in the eye. No one would treat her as helpless any longer; she’d make sure of it.
“Yes. There is far more at stake here than that valkyrie will ever tell her. I doubt she even understands all of it as Frigg’s little puppet.” Jarrick sauntered nearer to Ingrid and Jorg stepped up to block his path. “You don’t want to make me hurt you—now move out of my way.”
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing,” Jorg said as they stood eye to eye.
Amber Magic (The Viking Maiden series Book 2) Page 20