The curtain across the doorway lifted, and Ulrika stood there with a grim expression.
“Is it time?” Ealasaid rose. The sooner they left Freysteinn, the quicker they could reach safety.
“Many are prepared to leave, but there’s something else, my lady. Frú Skuld has gone into labor.”
Now? It was no good to protest the timing. Babies didn’t wait. But how could they expect Njord’s wife to travel while delivering a child? “Did you tell Hella?”
“One of the thralls came for a midwife and to inform Njord. The men are currently swearing and stamping their feet as they try to decide what to do. The king insists she must come with us.” Ulrika’s face soured. “Forgive me, but your husband has his moments of foolishness.”
“I’ll speak with him. I don’t know what good it will do. Once he’s made up his mind, he won’t turn back.” A thorn of envy pierced Ealasaid. A pinch of sorrow tempered it. This wasn’t a good time to bring a new baby into the world. Yet, she would give anything to hold another child of her own. It would be wrong to let jealousy rule her heart. She’d visit Skuld after she convinced Hella the woman needed to remain at Hilmir.
Njord and Hella sat at the high table with a few other men, deep in conversation. Thralls scurried around the hall readying the few remaining necessities for the trip to Solstad.
Ealasaid wound her way through the bodies and touched Hella’s arm. “M’lord, we must talk about Frú Skuld. She can’t accompany us on this trip.”
The look he gave her was pure disbelief. “She must. If she remains here, she could very well perish. There’s no place in battle for a newborn. She’s a Norsewoman, she will weather a trip to safety.”
“I’m sure she’s quite hearty, but you have no idea how taxing childbirth is. She could perish on the road. It’s far too cold for a woman in her condition to travel. There would be no warmth. What of the baby? It would freeze.”
“Diarmaid’s men will be here by tomorrow or the next day. If they set fire to the buildings, there will be no shelter for Skuld or the babe. Solstad will remain unharmed.” He spoke slowly.
“I’m telling you the trip could kill her, whether the baby is born or not. We can’t stop beside the road and deliver a child in the dirt.” Her face flamed. Peasants probably did it all the time, but highborn Norse ladies? Skuld deserved privacy and the comfort of a place she called home.
“No.” Hella’s mouth flattened in a straight line. Even without armor, he made the fearsome image of a warrior. “Skuld goes. You go. Everyone who is not essential to the battle goes. Tell Skuld’s thralls to ready her for the road.”
“You’ll kill her.” Ealasaid stepped closer to him. “It would be better to allow her to have the baby, then leave. There are fewer chances of mishaps. If Diarmaid is as far away as everyone says, there will be time for Skuld to manage a safe distance from Freysteinn.”
A muscle jumped in Hella’s jaw. “The woman is a distraction. We’ll worry about her and not about the advancing enemy.”
“I doubt it, your grace. I’ve seen you become focused, and your attention seldom wavers when your mind is on the object of your desire. You’ll slay Diarmaid and send his borrowed army running back to Ironfist.”
“My wife is a soothsayer.” Hella’s shoulders slumped in a defeated posture. “Very well. Frú Skuld remains until the child is born.”
“Thank you, Hella.” Ealasaid dipped her head. “You’ve made the right decision. Please excuse me while I visit with her before we depart. Everything is ready.”
He nodded and turned back to his men.
Njord rose from the table. “You have my thanks, your grace. You’re bold to challenge your husband, but it may have saved the lives of my wife and child.”
“You’re welcome. I have pity for your wife, and the fear she must be facing. It’s difficult enough to have a child when there’s not a war on.” She patted his arm. “I hope you’ll soon have another reason to win the battle.”
Ealasaid left the hall for the room Skuld shared with her husband. She rapped on the wooden doorframe before she entered.
Skuld sat on the edge of her bed, doubled over her stomach. Her face pale and breath ragged. “What do you want?” she hissed through clenched teeth.
“You can remain here until your child makes an entrance. Hella wanted to send you with the rest of us, but I told him it would be unwise.”
“What am I supposed to do once the enemy arrives?” Some of the ferocity died from Skuld’s voice. Worry replaced the pain on her face.
“As soon as it’s safe for you to travel, you can leave. They aren’t expecting Diarmaid until tomorrow or the day after. Even a place on the road is better than here.”
Skuld splayed her hands over her stomach. “I can stay and fight if someone will take the baby. I’m no cowering fool. If my children are well-tended, I’m not afraid to pick up a weapon.” She pointed at a short sword in a scabbard hung over the bed post. “It’s mine, and I don’t take lightly to men who cross me or threaten my family.”
Ealasaid struggled for words. Shieldmaidens weren’t uncommon, but she’d never thought of Skuld as one. “Perhaps we should think of getting your little one into the world before you pick up your weapon, Frú Skuld.” It should have come as no surprise Skuld would say such a thing. The woman wasn’t the type who simpered and cried when the situation wasn’t going her way.
On the other side of the bed, the midwife’s skin turned a pasty shade of white. “My lady, this is not a good idea. We should leave immediately. Diarmaid’s army is bearing down, and he will have no mercy for you or your baby.”
“Let him come, I have no mercy for him.” Sweat beaded on Skuld’s forehead, and her mouth pinched as she fought another wave of pain.
“I refuse to stay.” The midwife’s voice shook. “I do not wish to die.”
Skuld’s face reddened. “Take yourself down to the courtyard and leave with the rest. See if you can make yourself useful among them. If I hear you’ve done nothing helpful, I’ll have Njord cut you down. But I won’t have a coward in this room with me.” She glowered at the two young thralls cowering in the corner. “Do either of you wish to go?”
Neither spoke, possibly too afraid she’d kill them right there.
Slowly, one raised her hand. “My lady, we’ve never helped deliver a baby before.”
Skuld hung her head. “I would make you stay, but then I’d have to suffer your whining. Go, I won’t have useless thralls making things worse. I cannot console you while I bring a child into the world.”
The three women abandoned Skuld without another word.
She sighed. “I never liked those thralls. It comes as no surprise they would leave without hesitation. Given the choice, I would too. I hate this place. I didn’t wish to raise children in Northumbria where the threat of Saxon and Briton invaders loom like spider webs. Their pagan beliefs chaff my Christian upbringing. I wish to return to Birka, but Njord will not hear of leaving Freysteinn and it seems as though I will die in this foreign country.”
Ealasaid settled on the edge of the bed. “Don’t fear death. The men will do their best to protect us. I promise you’ll be on the road to Solstad before our enemy ever sets foot near Freysteinn.”
“Don’t make me any promises save one, Ealasaid.” Skuld lifted her gaze. “I need you to make certain this baby arrives in Solstad. By your own hand or someone you trust. I’ve prayed for a daughter and I hope any listening deities heard my words. I don’t believe I’ll be leaving Freysteinn.”
“You mustn’t say such things.” Ealasaid took Skuld’s hand. “Be strong and don’t fear. Hella, his brothers, and Njord will keep Diarmaid from our doors.”
Skuld’s grip on her hand tightened. She wheezed out a deep breath. “Have you delivered many babes, my queen?”
“None other than my own and my thrall Ulrika helped when Birgir came into the world.” She tried not to wince as Skuld crushed her hand. “I should see if there’s one brave w
oman left in Freysteinn.”
“One other. There are two right here.” Skuld clenched her teeth.
Surprised, Ealasaid squeezed Skuld’s hand. “The end must be near for you to throw a compliment my way.”
“I must be out of my head.” Skuld grinned though her face whitened. “Don’t think it means I like you, my queen.”
“I won’t be long. Think of the darling child you’ll soon hold and you’ll forget I left.”
“Silly words to coddle new mothers. You forget I’ve born children before this one.” Freysteinn’s lady rocked forward and cradled her stomach. A guttural moan left her throat.
Torn, Ealasaid hesitated. Skuld waved her away with one hand as she breathed through her teeth.
Inside the hall, a few men remained, but all the women were gone, including the thralls. Ealasaid lifted the hem of her skirt and ran for the courtyard. Perhaps a woman experienced in childbirth might stay to help the jarl’s wife.
The oxcarts moved slowly out of town and several women lingered near their husbands or the men promised to them.
Hella appeared out of a group and gripped her arm. “They’re leaving, and you are supposed to lead them.”
“I cannot. The thralls and midwife who were supposed to help Skuld left because they were afraid. She needs someone with her.” She pressed her hands to his chest. “I can help her by being there, but I need another set of hands.”
“You’re not staying.” His eyes flashed. “We agreed on your duties in Solstad.”
“Entrust them to Erland. Need I remind you, Skuld is Njord’s wife, and he wants his child born healthy. He has enough to worry about without fearing one or both of them might die tonight. He’s loyal to you, and we should repay him by caring for his family.”
A petite woman with dark hair coiled in braids beneath her hood approached them. “Your grace, I overheard your request for helping with Frú Skuld’s labor. I would offer my services.”
Ealasaid nodded. “You see? Help has already arrived. I can’t leave...” She gestured at the young woman.
“Idunna Fundinsdottir.” She inclined her head at Hella.
“I can’t leave Idunna alone with Skuld. The frú’s spirits are low, and she’s already spoken of what might happen if she perishes here. We must reassure her and the best way to do it is—”
Hella lifted his hand and stopped her. “Very well. But my word is law. If the babe has not presented itself by first light tomorrow, the three of you must be in a cart and on the way to Solstad. No protesting, no excuses, it will be done.”
“The four of us will be, m’lord,” Ealasaid said. “Thank you for understanding.”
“I have my doubts Frú Skuld would show similar sympathy to you, but I pray to all the gods and my ancestors we never find ourselves in such dire circumstances again.” Hella waved to Erland, then turned back to Ealasaid. “Find me as soon as her labor advances. You’re correct in guessing Njord worries. Perhaps news of a future lord or lady will motivate the men further.”
“Yes, m’lord. Idunna, let’s get to Skuld’s side. She’s in need whether she agrees or not.” Ealasaid turned to leave, but Hella caught her arm again.
“This is no game, wife. You seem eager enough to accept my bargain now, but I will put all of you in a cart myself at dawn if there’s no sign of a baby. I won’t have any of you caught here when Diarmaid comes. It’s for your own protection. The man marching on us would like nothing better than to see the people I love suffer.”
Right now, it was important to do what was best for Skuld even if it meant lingering near the danger. “Of course, m’lord. They’ll never realize we were here behind the others.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” He pulled her closer and lowered his head. “Do you have a weapon? A knife will do.”
“Skuld has a sword.”
He took a long, slender dagger from his belt. “Take this. I feel confident you know what to do with it.”
“I’ve seen a few pigs gutted in my time, m’lord.” She wrapped her hand around the smooth, unadorned hilt. “I can use it if the need arises.”
“I’ll pray you won’t have to. Take care. I can’t speak for Diarmaid, but if I had a sister and caught her with the enemy, I’d probably end her life over it.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “It’s a hard world, and I wouldn’t expect any less from men who rule. He won’t catch us, m’lord. I promise you.”
Erland approached. “Your grace?”
Hella met the young man's gaze. “Erland, you must lead the women and children to Solstad.”
Erland's mouth dropped open. “What? Why? The queen—”
“She has another duty to attend. Ealasaid, give us a moment.”
She nodded, then stepped away, training her eyes on the chaos of the courtyard. The noise of humans and animals buzzed in her ears. Somewhere out there, Ulrika sat with Birgir. They waited for her. Erland would have to tell them she wasn't going.
Her heart ached at the thought of letting her son leave without a goodbye, but she needed to stay close.
Hella came to her side as Erland strode off. “He’s angry with me because it means he won’t see the battlefield. I told him it’s his duty. He’s angrier with you, but he’ll be relieved to see you when you arrive. I've told him to keep a watch on the horizon for a messenger from me. If one doesn’t come, he’s to move everyone north regardless of whether the harvest is finished. When you leave in the morning, remember that if we do not return soon, take what you can from Solstad and go. Keep moving because Diarmaid won’t stop.”
Her heart lurched. “If there’s no messenger, it means...”
He nodded. “I’ve tried to be fair to you, Ealasaid. Tried to be a good husband. Forgive me if Freysteinn falls, because I promised you a place where you could be free with no man as your master. You still have your dowry, which will buy you land near Jórvík. It would be safe there if you hired a ship to carry you. At all costs, I want you to keep my son safe.”
Tears burned the backs of her eyes. It seemed everyone wanted to extract a promise from her today. “I will, Hella, you have my word, but you must swear you’ll do everything to return to him.”
“You have my word.” He pressed his lips to hers in a brief, but warm, kiss. He tipped her chin up. “We’ve had our troubles, our resentment, a mutual dislike of my father, but I’ve admired your spirit since you stabbed me. I am proud to call you my wife. I will gladly spend the rest of my days showing my devotion to you if destiny allows. You are everything I want in a wife, a queen, a mate. I love you, Ealasaid.”
She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face against the soft linen of his jerkin. Love. The past weeks had carried tumultuous emotion. “We will overcome this. It won’t be long before we’ve settled in together for the winter, snug in our bed. War will be a distant thing. Then we will spend long nights sharing our love, my king.”
“I will come straight to our room in Solstad as soon as the battle is done.” His voice held no conviction.
“I’ll wait eagerly for that moment,” she whispered. “I’ll find you when the baby is born.”
He dropped his hands to his sides. “I’ll pray to Freya that you’re soon on your way.”
She nodded. With Skuld’s previous experience, it was possible the child could come in a matter of hours. For Skuld’s sake, she hoped so, but she hesitated over leaving Hella. Their hours were short and uncertainty loomed like a cloud.
Chapter Fourteen
Ealasaid gritted her teeth as she passed through the doorway to Skuld’s room. Idunna nodded to her. The petite woman perched on a stool with her stitching. “All’s well here. Are most of the people gone?”
“It seems so. The courtyard is almost empty but for the warriors.” In a matter of hours, it would be quiet as death here.
Idunna tsked. “May the gods see them to Solstad safely. As I was saying, if it wasn’t for Ask, we would have starved that winter. So I pledged to become his
wife and when he said we were sailing to Northumbria, what more could I do but agree? He’s no lord, but we make do. I’m never sorry for marrying him.”
Skuld sighed when Idunna stopped talking. “I hope he returns soon to take you away. Birds in mating season make less noise than you.”
Skuld’s bickering irritated Ealasaid and made it difficult to think. She rubbed her temples as she paced the room. She missed her son already and feared for him despite the devotion Erland had shown Birgir. Please let me see him again. Whether she lived through tonight to greet him again remained unclear. Anything could happen on the road. Worse still, anything could happen on the battlefield. Leaving her men—both little and big made her stomach churn. Please don’t let my last look at Hella be at his funeral.
“Are you anxious, my queen?” Skuld’s face pinched. “Troubled about my fate?”
“Birgir’s and Hella’s. Even with the power of my position as queen, I can’t truly protect either of them.” She nibbled her ragged thumbnail which was already almost down the nailbed. “One is a seasoned warrior and the other a boy who might not live to see adulthood. If you’re so inclined, you might say a prayer for them.”
“You’ll see him soon. Birgir, I mean.” Skuld’s pained expression faded into something kinder. “I know you’ll get home.”
Skuld possessed more faith than Ealasaid did. “Thank you. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Get this prattling woman out of my room.” Skuld nodded at Idunna. “She hasn’t been quiet since she walked through the door.”
“Ask says I talk too much.” Idunna didn’t seem off-put by Skuld’s demeanor. “My lady demanded to know who I am. I told her.”
“In a long and uninspiring speech.” Skuld sat back against the headboard of her bed. “Bring my sewing basket, Ealasaid. I must do something to pass the time, and I cannot bear another of Idunna’s stories.”
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