She watched the clouds gather overhead as she contemplated all the wicked gossip she’d heard over the years. No longer just rumors. Lovemaking exceeded anything she’d ever presumed to know. She suddenly thought about her family and friends. Would they notice her transformation? What if her sire . . .?
Please, Allfather, spare me my father’s suspicion and wrath.
Jarl McNally altered her life course. Apparently she was no longer in total control of her mind and heart. But she shouldn’t fool herself into believing he loved her, either. She didn’t really know if she loved him. Things had moved so fast. The circumstances they’d met under cast plenty of doubt on their relationship. Trust and loyalty meant everything to him. Damn her father for using her to humiliate Aaron. If there was any hope of success between them, she must leave her seeds of doubt behind. She walked further down the beach, intrigued by the lush surroundings. Trees and wildflowers in bloom. A few feet ahead, a doe darted into the woods. Most assuredly a positive sign from the gods. One she intended to follow.
Aaron opened his eyes. Blasted sunlight. He blinked rapidly, then swallowed. Realization seeped into his brain as swiftly as blood. Merciful gods. He’d violated every code of honor, guilty of surrendering to lust and pride. When he realized Kara was missing, he scanned the clearing. Where had she gone?
The lass didn’t listen. How many times had he warned her to stay close? He scrambled to his feet, scooping his tartan off the ground. Half dressed, he started for the lake. “Kara!” No answer. “Kara Dalgaard.”
Several minutes later, she appeared between two birch trees and waved. He couldn’t believe what he saw. Goddamnit. Traipsing around like a wilding without a stitch of clothing on? Desire and worry pierced his heart. He couldn’t possibly approve. Females wore clothes for a bloody reason. He strode toward her. The joy in her eyes softened his heart. “Why are you naked?”
“I followed a doe into the woods.” She smiled.
Droplets of water glistened between her breasts. Her hair was wet, so were the curls between her legs. He licked his lips as if eyeing a feast. “Put something on. Please.”
“Why? Aren’t we alone?”
What could he possibly say? “I cannot guarantee it.”
She studied his face, then nodded.
They walked back to the spot where they’d slept and she picked her gown up off the ground. She gave it a good shake before putting it on. Good girl. Her spontaneity made her more appealing—more desirable—more dangerous. And if he was being completely honest, he’d tell her he wanted to spend a month with her in the woods naked. But Erling Solheim could be anywhere. And as long as breath remained in Aaron’s body, that swine would never touch her again. Until she could be reunited with her father, he knew he needed to take her somewhere safe. One place came to mind—the Trondelag.
The investigation in Alesund could wait.
When she joined him, he couldn’t resist the urge to wrap his arms around her. So eager and irresistibly soft. She nuzzled her face into his chest. “I thought you’d sleep longer.”
“Why didn’t you awaken me?”
“I didn’t have the heart to disturb you.” Her hands trailed up his back. “Don’t worry so much, I didn’t wander too far.”
“Kara,” he said in a low tone. If he didn’t guard himself, that beautiful face could talk him into anything. “The woods might be infested with marauders. What if Erling’s men are looking for you?”
“I’ll risk it if I can take another walk in the woods naked.” She grinned.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I swear, once we’ve captured all the bastards who kidnapped you, we’ll return to this very spot and I’ll let you walk naked until your beautiful legs give out.”
“Be careful what you swear.”
He lifted her by the waist, swinging her around. “I keep every promise I make.”
She gnawed on her lower lip as he set her on her feet. “I cannot contest your claim,” she teased. “You promised me a taste of paradise last night.”
Heat suffused his body. “Do you want me to pledge the same again?”
“Now?”
He nodded. “Now.”
Without waiting for her to answer, he peeled her dress off and let it fall to the ground.
Two days later, Aaron hired a boat from Alesund to the Trondelag. Much to Kara’s surprise, late on the first night, the ship’s navigator greeted her. She immediately guessed who’d arranged the meeting. Aaron knew how much she admired the stars. With a cloudless sky, she had a clear view of the heavens.
“What do you see, girl?” the helmsman asked.
“Odin’s universe.”
He chuckled. “A poetic sort. What else do you see?” His toothless smile didn’t escape her attention.
She pointed, naming the planets and constellations she recognized. Ulf’s Keptr, the mouth of the wolf, Kvennavagn, the woman’s chariot, and Asar Bardag, the Asar battlefield. She knew there was more to learn.
“I admire your familiarity of the skies,” he praised. “See the tail of Bifrost?” He directed her. “Imagine the merging of fire and ice, the birth of creation, the ancient wars where the gods clashed and slaughtered each other, the division of light and darkness, land and water, Jotunheim and Midgard.”
Aaron joined them. “Don’t fill her head with nonsense.”
“Nay.” The helmsman grinned. “I only wish to foster a higher level of appreciation in the girl. She’s a true stargazer.”
Aaron embraced her from behind, kissing her cheek. “I’d never doubt your dedication—but what would your father say if he knew his only daughter was pursuing a masculine trade.”
“Why should he protest?” she asked. “All the more reason for my future husband to appreciate me.” She turned. “My body will supply the pleasure and children my husband requires, but imagine what it would be like to share a deeper connection.”
“Clever wench.” Aaron smiled.
She clutched her breast. “Did you think my comments were directed at you, Jarl McNally?”
“Unless you were soliciting a match with the helmsman?” he whispered.
She shook her head. The navigator must be nearly as old as her father. “I haven’t selected a husband yet.”
“No?” Aaron pinched her arse. “Teasing me?”
“Never.” He tweaked again, this time eliciting a squeal. She rubbed her left cheek. “You’ll leave marks if you keep doing that.”
His strong arms encircled her waist. “Only my eyes will see.”
The mischievous look on his face made her giggle. She couldn’t regret travelling with him alone. “You’re distracting me, milord. The stars—remember?”
Aaron cleared his throat and stared heavenward. “Who am I to stand in the way? What more can the helmsman teach you tonight?”
“How Odin breathed life into the world.”
“I know,” Aaron shared. “But shall I tell you another story first?”
“How your White Christ forged the universe?”
“Aye.”
She nodded.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. Light and dark, space between the waters, sky, ground, fish of the sea, animals of the earth. Then he molded mankind in his image, placing Adam and Eve in a garden paradise.”
“And Odin?” Already familiar with the story, she wanted to hear her lover speak.
“Odin, Vili, and Ve formed the first man and woman from two rotting tree trunks they found on a barren beach. Odin’s brothers filled the trunks with golden sand and then Allfather breathed the spirit of life into them. From these first humans, the sons and daughters of the earth were born. Odin hoped those men would join his great army one day.”
Why did Aaron say Allfather so reverently? No Ch
ristian she’d ever met was so intimate with the gods. Although she hadn’t questioned him by the lake, the colorful tattoos that covered his torso were pagan. All of them. Secrets. Deep ones. Her father’s greatest objection to him was his religion. “There are great parallels between our faiths.”
“Do you know what you’re saying, girl?” the navigator interjected. “Don’t venerate the White Christ,” he warned looking about. “Norsemen would sooner slit their own throats.”
“Come.” Aaron took her hand. “We appreciate your time, my friend. The lass is tired and doesn’t know what she’s saying. Her curiosity rivals any child’s. And her father has kept her under guard for so long, the outside world overwhelms her sensibilities sometimes.”
The helmsman flashed a sharp look at Aaron, but then his features softened when he gazed at her again. “I’ve taken no offense, but other men might. Guard your tongue, girl.”
Kara nodded, then she and Aaron walked to the opposite end of the vessel. He sat on a pile of blankets and pulled her onto his lap.
“Is he angry?” she asked.
“No,” he said. “Remember, most men know little about the outside world. History is recorded through the eyes of the people who live it, then altered by the men who retell it.”
She’d never considered that before. No wonder fear and misunderstanding existed. The longer she thought about his explanation, the more sense it made. “Aye.”
“You read and write,” he said. “Who taught you?”
“My brothers.”
“You are very fortunate, lass. I’m shocked your father approved.”
“After my mother passed, he had little use for a daughter.”
“When did she die?”
“I was only five,” she murmured. She’d never discussed her mother with anyone. Her father rarely reminisced and her brothers were hopelessly tight-lipped. “I miss her. She loved me more than anything.” Her eyes burned with tears.
He squeezed her hand. “Who would think otherwise?”
Kara lowered her head. “She killed herself.” Her voice wavered. People considered it unlucky to discuss the dead, much less someone who took their own life.
“This brings no shame upon you,” he said evenly. “Did your father conduct an investigation, ever discover why?”
She nodded. “She suffered from bouts of violence. Father says the light in her eyes faded the day after my birth. He never blamed me, but I feel responsible.”
Aaron gave her a gentle shake. “Women are plagued by any number of infirmities after giving birth. Spaewives claim loss of blood is at fault, others cannot explain it. Whatever the circumstances, she died years after you were born. There’s no connection. Be at peace, Kara.”
Again, she marvelled at his wisdom, his ability to explain something that had haunted her forever. “There’s more,” Kara started. She rocked slightly, avoiding eye contact. “My third brother died shortly after my mother.”
“And you shoulder this tragedy, too?”
“He kept me from drowning.”
Aaron hugged her close. “You’re blameless.”
His observation did little to relieve her misery. “Blood guilt never goes away.”
“If I can help you forget your pain, Kara Dalgaard, I will.”
With that, she snuggled against his chest. She’d forgotten many things where Aaron was concerned—including her responsibilities to her family. Her father would never approve of a match between them. And Aaron possessed too much honor to consider keeping her without his approval. There must be a way. They needed time alone to discover their true feelings.
Freya, please aid me.
Chapter 13
Commitment
The longship arrived a day early in the Trondelag. Aaron stared admiringly at the improvements on Tyr’s dock. Room enough for three or four vessels to anchor at once. The only cargo being offloaded today was Kara. He slung their bags over his shoulder, then climbed overboard. The old navigator helped her disembark. Ever since the night they’d discussed her family, she’d been less willing to open up to him.
Taking her by the hand, he guided her down the wood gangway. At the end of the pier, boys were setting their hooks to fish. He stopped. Memories of doing the same in Scotland made him smile, especially the sight of dough balls and wire hooks in their hands.
“How’s the fishing?” he asked.
“I’ve had better days,” a boy answered.
Fish eggs made the best bait. “Have you tried using roe?” Aaron asked.
“Ran out an hour ago.”
Aaron chuckled as he looked over his shoulder at Kara. For the moment, she seemed satisfied to watch. “Like fresh fish?” he asked her.
She responded with a terse laugh. “Of course.”
“Maybe we can fish this evening.” Perhaps if she did something constructive with her hands, it might improve her mood.
Whatever she felt, he couldn’t slight her. The loss of a parent had proven nearly impossible for him to live with. He gave her an appraising look. She possessed the perfect balance of beauty and wit, making it incredibly difficult to resist her. And more than ever, he wanted to kiss her pain and doubts away.
“Where are we staying, milord?” she asked.
“The main house is over that hill.” He pointed, then started walking.
She trailed behind as he trudged slowly up a hill. Once they reached the peak, Kara openly admired the view below. The land was fertile and green. Aaron noted that the oat and barley fields had been expanded threefold. Sheep and cattle were grazing. “I’ve always loved this place.” The smell of fresh earth and wildflowers hit him.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Aye.” It pleased him to see her relax. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I’ve seen few places that rival it. Where are we?”
Up to this point, he’d left out as many details as possible. Only because he suspected she’d refuse to come if he told her where they were going. “Steingard,” he answered. “See the white rocks that dot the landscape? It’s named after them.”
“Whose land is this?”
“Jarl Tyr Sigurdsson.”
“And we’ll be welcomed?”
He sincerely hoped she’d understand the necessity of seeing her safe. “The jarl is my kinsman.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why didn’t you tell me before we left camp?”
“I knew you’d be uncomfortable—”
“I am,” she agreed. “Why should I visit your family when I have one of my own I wish to see again?”
He was suddenly sure of one thing—he’d be unwelcome in her bed tonight. “You’re not easily persuaded to do anything you don’t wish to do.”
She regarded him coolly. It would be wise not to challenge her. Although he spoke the truth, she didn’t like surprises.
“Visiting your kinsmen will make me miss my family more. I need time to think—away from you.” She started down the hill.
“Where are you going, lass?” he called after her.
“To find Jarl Sigurdsson.”
Kara followed the narrow footpath that eventually led to a stone archway, which opened into a wide courtyard. There were no women about, only warriors sparring or drinking and lounging like spoiled princes. Without asking, she entered, only to be questioned.
“Who are you?”
She suddenly felt clumsy in her peasant gown as she gaped at the huge conscript who blocked her way. If only she had worn leather and carried her sword. “Kara Dalgaard.”
“Where did you come from?”
“The dock. I’ve just arrived—”—”
“Bond or freewoman?” he asked, looking at her dress.
“Freewoman.” She wiped her
brow with the back of her hand. Damn the hot sun.
“Go inside.”
Quietly, she crossed the threshold of the great hall. Accustomed to luxury, she still admired the comfort that surrounded her. The flagstones were polished and the tapestries on the walls were exquisite—lovelier than any she’d ever seen. Battle scenes were illustrated in silver and gold thread—Valkyries tending the dying and women weeping for their husbands and sons. At the far end of the chamber, a man who greatly resembled Aaron, sat on a carved chair. Although his hair was fairer, those eyes were unmistakable, as menacing and aware as Jarl McNally’s. She shivered.
Tacked on an overhang above the imposing man’s head was the most intricately woven of arras. Swirling gray mist opened to blue skies. High golden gates surrounded an opulent hall. She recognized Valhalla with dozens of faceless warriors. Allfather stood at the head of a table. If only her fingers were capable of producing such finery. She explored further. A musician strummed his harp in the corner and people were shuffling in and out of the hall. A smile lit the stranger’s face as she approached the dais.
“Daughter of Odin,” he greeted, “what brings you to my hall?”
She took a deep, shaky breath. Still irritated with Aaron, she didn’t think before she spoke. “Your deceptive cousin.”
He bellowed with laughter, then scratched his bearded chin. “I warmly welcome anyone who shares a common opinion of my kinsman. And where is Aaron?”
Hmmm. Without revealing her lover’s identity, Tyr knew exactly who she meant. Jarl McNally was even disreputable amongst his own family? “He’s—”
“Here.”
Kara winced at the sound of Aaron’s voice.
Blind Redemption (Viking Romance) (Blind Series) Page 12