Jocelyn was admiring the kill alongside her father, her hands on her hips just as his were. Mâvis turned and strolled over to pull the meat off the fire and kick some dirt over it, then he carved off a few strips to cool for his daughter and proceeded to pack the rest.
They sat and ate a quick meal before continuing on their journey. For the first time since it began Ben was actually joined by Mavis as he walked. Ben could not tell if he was just bored and craving conversation, or if he was sincere in wanting to learn more about his companion.
He seemed to keep and ever present eye on the woods around them as they walked, and as he spoke Ben could feel those icy blue eyes watching his cues and mannerism's. Especially when the discussion turned to the topic of Ormr. “May I ask you something, sir?” His master answered with little more than a grunt. “Why did Ormr kill his father?”
The question halted Mavis, on the spot. He stood axe level and breathing ever so calm, just assessing if the question was innocent or provocative. Surely there had to be some supporters of King Nathan left on the island, someone willing to spill the gossip on the late king. Why would the human ask something like that? “Why do you care?”
Ben appeared to chew on his inner lip for a second, “it’s just that from everything I have heard about him, he seemed like a good man, a good warrior…even a good father. What would bring a son to do something so cold?”
Mavis grumbled and appeared at first to dismiss the inquiry as he continued his path. “Nathan was well loved, and a great warrior. He raised us together and taught us to fight. Ormr’s mother hated us, and thought we would corrupt the prince. It was he who was corrupted. A few years ago we set out on a reeshoobie. We journeyed across the Canadian passages and along the way Ormr was a lot more trouble than he was worth. He was to be wed, and before he could I stole his wife. I was not the only one to betray him. The others did too. They raced the passages for months, and Ormr beat them home. When he got back it was the first thing he did. Challenged his father…” Mavis stopped walking his thoughts weighing heavily on his shoulders.
The beast seemed almost impenetrable up until now. The late king was a weak spot for him. “To ask anyone I was am the greatest warrior to live, yet I am nothing compared to him. I fought and killed a sea god for Ormr. Nathan was a god and Ormr killed him…for my betrayal to him.”
The curiosity now got the best of Ben, “How did you end up working for Freyr?”
There was a twinkle in Mavis eye. “His village is close to the shore. I was taking my revenge on the traitors who watched Nathan die. Nearly a year and I was close to finishing, when you crashed this island. I meant to take you and my family to the mountains when you messed it all up.”
Now it was Ben who stopped short. At first he was not sure he heard Mavis correctly, “Me? Why would you take me to the mountains?”
Mavis sucked on his fanged tooth, “You were never property of the palace, human. The title you signed was to serve me. Why do you think it was in your tongue?”
“I wasn’t allowed to read it, sir. What difference did it make what tongue it was in? You were going to betray him all along? I’m shocked. Why?. And why me? I thought you hated me?”
It was like a switch how quickly Mavis could go from friendly to annoyed, “Move it, human.” He watched Ben pace ahead on the muddy trail. As soon as the pace was decent he answered. “I did hate you, I find humans to be disgusting, wasteful creatures. Your contraptions litter my world and your people have left mine no place to go. If it were not for my wife I would have killed you the day we met.”
“And yet you tricked Freyr into signing me over to you, why?”
“You are funny, human…You took up for your wife without hesitation, and if anyone is to kill you, it will be me.”
Ben could not believe his ears, “Are you saying you like me?”
“I am saying perhaps you live through the day.”
Chapter 21
Late into the evening they made it to King William’s village where they were greeted by dozens of guards as they approached.
One of the guards pushed past all the others and shoved Mâvis directly on the chest. He was nearly as large as Mâvis was, “We do not need the likes of you unannounced.”
Mâvis grunted and shoved back, “Like you have not had me tracked for the past day. Do you honestly play me for a fool Reagan?”
The heavily scarred, dark-haired guard let out a huge belly laugh. “Come, William is already getting dressed.” A few of the guards followed Mâvis and Ben into the great hall. A fire was going in the center of the room, with a hole in the roof just above it letting out the smoke. Ben immediately peeled off his gear and made his way over to warm his hands.
Reagan tapped Mâvis on the shoulder and laughed as he pointed at the man hunched in front of the fire, “Your human is cold. Come sit and eat there is food on the way.”
Mâvis chuckled and gestured to a chair at the table. “Come, human, we must sit. It is polite to feed guests after a journey. You have to pay your respects and eat what you are given.”
He replied, “You won’t find me turning down a meal. Especially when I’m not sure where the next will come from.” Ben sat and a mug of ale was placed in front of him. It was warm and he found himself taking a long hard draw of it.
Mâvis took a seat on the opposite side of the table to keep his eye on the patrons of the room as well as the door. A few of the guards that had greeted them as they arrived sat at the table and within a few minutes King William and Olivia were in the room. Olivia waltzed right over to Ben and drew him off the chair for a hug. “It is so good to see you alive and well.”
William took his seat and Olivia rounded the table to join him, “I echo my wife’s thoughts, Ben. Last I heard you were food for the wolves and last I heard of you, Mâvis, you had been captured by Ormr.” He folded his hands over each other threading his clawed fingers together as he repeatedly sized up the two of them. “Now it would never surprise me to see Mâvis sitting here after such news but you, Ben, you are human. My men saw you shot down. Now unless half my guard conspires against me or unless they are crazed you should by all means be dead. Please tell me how is it that you are sitting at my table?”
“I was rescued by another human, then sold to Ormr.” Ben replied.
William reached for the ale that was put in front of him, “You were rescued by the spirit trader? That does make sense, he will do anything for a profit.” He grunted into his mug “Now tell me how is it that you arrive here with the likes of Mâvis?”
The question was directed at Ben who shot a glance towards Mâvis. Mâvis’s attention was solely on his sleepy daughter who was picking at a plate of food that was offered to her. He was deliberately dismissing the conversation.
Seeing that Mâvis was not going to offer any assistance with the questioning, Ben turned back to King William. “We are on the same mission. Both our wives have been sold and we seek to rescue them.”
Large plates of food were placed before the rest of the folks at the table. Ben focused on his in relief that there was something to distract him from the uncomfortable conversation. “Well, would you look at that? This food looks marvelous, thank you for your generosity.”
Olivia toasted him with her mug, “No, Ben, it is you we must thank, this is nothing.”
William chewed through his first bite and put his fork down as if he was deep in thought, “I am sorry, what my wife means to call you is Doctor Abbott. After all you have earned that distinction have you not? Doctor Benjamin Abbott.” He picked up his fork again and worked a knife through his meat.
The conversation was definitely going down the road to awkward now and Ben found himself choosing his words carefully. “I suppose that in a formal setting this would be my proper address, but seeing how we are nowhere near such a formal setting Ben is more than appreciated.”
Not in the least bit amused with that answer, William sat up and reached for his mug, “Tell me, Ben, how does on
e become a doctor?”
Ben could now feel Mâvis’s eyes on him waiting to see where this conversation was drifting. He found himself now treading a fine line between insulting his captor and insulting his host, “You are correct, sir, in that it took my entire life to earn this accreditation. In fact, I have spent years making sure that my name is regarded closely with the work I have done. You are quite observant in noticing this as being a source of pride for me.” Ben finished a swig off the mug in his hand and took a few more bites of his food. He was starting to admit to himself that finishing the plate would be near impossible for him at this point.
William was now displaying a smug grin before leaning in to gain Ben’s eye contact, as he lowered his voice, “Good. Now that we have that established, you shall have your name back so long as you are in my court. You will not be without dignity in my presence and the term human is a degradation even to actual humans, is it not?” The comment was said to Ben but it was clearly meant for Mâvis’s ears.
“I suppose if one was insulted by one’s own being this would be true, you will find I am not. But your sentiment is quite refreshing especially coming from one as educated as yourself.” Ben’s last statement drew a hearty smile from William this time.
“I am glad we have an understanding of one another, now to this business of finding your wife. I take it she was sold to Vidar?” William asked.
Ben finished chewing his food and then washed it down before clearing his throat to speak, “Is he a king? Because the women were sold to a king that’s all I know.”
“Yes Vidar is a king. A rather selfish and greedy king. His village has been in disrepair for years now. Like Ormr, he profits at the expense of his people.” William paused for a second to think, “Oh, you are here to seek passage to his island?” Ben nodded silently and William donned another smile, “Very well, it is granted…for you.”
Ben sat confused for a moment as he looked over to Mâvis for some sort of meaning into this. Mâvis crossed his arms over his chest as his eyes now penetrated Ben’s being to the core. Ben turned his attention nervously back to King William, “I’m sorry, sir, perhaps because it’s so late and I’m a bit overtired, but I didn’t get your meaning in that.”
The king was more than happy to answer but with a question, “Doctor, let me ask you are you here of your own freewill? Let me say before you answer that you are under my protection the entire time you are in my village. Do not let intimidation inhibit your answer.”
“I-I’m honestly not sure what you’re asking. However, if Vidar’s village is anything like Ormr’s then I can only imagine the danger the women must be in. I mean to rescue them both if possible.”
William took note of Mâvis’s demeanor before addressing Ben again, “The question is simple doctor, are you here as a servant or of your own freewill? Because I promise if you travel with him, it is not of your freewill. I am offering you your freedom and passage to rescue your wife. Should you need assistance in a challenge my guards are more than qualified. You will find there is little that can stand in their way. So what is it, doctor?”
“In all honesty I would not have even made it here without Mâvis. What if I serve him willingly?” Ben’s face was ghost white as he waited for his reply.
“Then the debt I owe you for my wife’s life is actually owed to your master. Which is why he has brought you here, to collect it.” William watched in astonishment as Ben’s eyes suddenly returned Mâvis’s steely gaze with all the fierce intensity the warrior was giving. If Ben was at all afraid of the legendary warrior he showed absolutely no sign of it. No one crossed Mâvis like that, not without an army to defend them.
Ben closed his eyes for a second to think. This was bait of some sort, for him or Mâvis or both, either way this would not end well. Judging by Mâvis’s demeanor, it would most likely end in his death. He would not bite, “Then it’s his debt to collect. I’ll save my wife on my own.” He stood and tossed his napkin in Mâvis’s plate before turning to Olivia, “Please excuse me, madam, I apologize for my manners.” With that, he stormed out the door.
King William immediately turned to Mâvis, “What will you take for him, name your price. You and your wife will need a cottage will you not?”
Mâvis leaned forward grinning, “He is not for sale and I will not be leaving him behind either. I expect him tied and in the boat tomorrow.” He took a hearty swig off his mug before standing to retrieve his daughter. “Now if you are through trying to steal my property I will be heading off to bed. Where do I turn in, good man?”
William stood to waive to a couple of guards at the door, “Would you have tried to kill him if he had denounced you?”
Mâvis didn’t even look back as he followed the guards down the hall with Jocelyn already asleep on his chest, “He would be dead at your table as we speak and you are a fool to think a single one of your guards could stop me.”
Chapter 22
“Nice to see you waited for me, human.” Mâvis delighted in using Ben’s nickname as he stepped into the boat and threw a few skins on the bottom. He placed Jocelyn on them with a bag of dried fruit. She immediately offered one of the apple slices to Ben’s gagged mouth.
These boats were significantly larger than Ormr’s, longer with more space to row. From what he heard the guards say, these boats were the only design that could navigate this water successfully. Again, the craftsmanship was just outstanding but this time being bound and gagged for the journey, they did not quite hold the appeal the first set did.
Several warriors loaded the boats with supplies and goods to be traded with the village they were sailing to. As they each took their seats to row, Mâvis crouched down to remove Ben’s gag and prop him up against the railing, “This is a long trip, you might as well get comfortable.” With that, Mâvis took his seat to row.
Jocelyn, now seeing the gag was gone from Ben’s mouth, found the opportunity to again try stuffing his mouth with some apple slices. She giggled profoundly each time he spat one out. “Glad you find my predicament amusing, darling.”
As they rowed into the night, the temperatures plummeted and Ben found himself freezing from the dampness and the rough seas. He looked down at the girl that was huddled into a ball on his lap. He struggled in his ropes to free himself. It was so dark he could not see if her skin was the proper color. Suspecting her damp garments we drawing as much heat away from her body as his were it occurred to him that he needed to get her warm. “Mâvis, your daughter. She needs you.”
Mâvis rumbled back, “I have to row.”
“I’ll take your place, she is not well. She needs warmth right away.” He struggled again to show he was serious and Mâvis pulled in the oar and crossed the boat. He turned Ben on his side and cut the ties before picking up Jocelyn. “She is as wet as I am, she needs body heat right away.” Ben started pulling her arms out of her coat.
Mâvis brushed his hands off, “She will not warm up without clothing.”
“You need to hold her to your chest and cover her. Her lips are blue already and we don’t have time to waste. That’s a very bad sign. If you trust me on nothing else trust me on this, sir.” Ben covered the both of them with the furs and took Mâvis’s seat at the ores.
He proceeded with a few attempts to get his oar in the water at the amusement of all the warriors. The pace was too fast and the waves fought back throwing the oar back into his face a few times. Reagan pulled in his own oar and shoved Ben further into his seat to help him get the rhythm going. “Not as easy as it looks, is it, human? Have fun, you will finish Mâvis’s shift.”
The guard abandoned Ben to his task and returned to his seat. Hours passed with the grueling exercise taking its toll. When they finally reached the beach he was exhausted and his lungs burned from the workout. He found himself stumbling across the rocks to collapse on the sand. The men unloaded the boats and poked at him with their spears as they passed, “Get up, human, we have work to do.”
Mâvis had an
other idea in mind as he reached down and flipped him over, “Take her and start a fire. You may rest until the sun appears.” He shoved his bundled daughter into Ben’s chest and trotted off to help with the trade goods.
An hour later, the entire merchant party was gathered around a few beach fires drinking and laughing, mostly at Ben’s expense. He ignored them and chewed on his wolf jerky while staring into the flames.
Mâvis pulled Ben’s flask out of his satchel and tossed it to him. “You made it here did you not? Drink, morning will not be kind.” Ben picked up the flask and stuffed it into his jacket before returning his concentration to the flames. He could now feel Mâvis’s gaze turn icy and Ben steadied his breathing to avoid coming off as confrontational but it was too late. “Speak your mind, human.”
He returned the glance if only for a second, “There is nothing on my mind to speak of.”
Mâvis sat straight, “Your lies will not win favor, you wear your anger on your face. Do you honestly test me?”
Now Ben was looking directly back at him, “I am simply here to comply with your wishes, sir. Do you actually need something of me or may I rest as you said earlier?” They sat staring each other down for a moment when Ben dropped his gaze for a split second to Mâvis’s battle-axe. It wasn’t even something he felt himself consciously doing because his gaze had returned so quickly to the fire.
“You like my axe?” Mâvis’s comment got an eye roll, “Pick it up.”
Ben’s head whipped back around, “I will not!”
Mâvis snatched Ben by his jacket and hauled him to his feet, shoving the axe into his arms, “Let me see if you can even lift it.”
The axe was remarkably heavier than Ben had thought it to be, the double-bladed weapon was huge and well balanced. He immediately threw it back to the ground, “Quite heavy, I don’t think I’m up to task after the long trip here.”
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