He weighed the piece of charred wood in his hand before tossing it into the water. The small plop echoed around the inlet and several gulls rose up into the air, screaming at being disturbed. ‘Possibly.’
‘You sound cautious. I’m sure it was just a story that Oswald told.’ She impatiently tucked her hair behind her ear. ‘I know what it is like to want your life to be more exciting. I used to tell stories, too. I wanted to believe they were true. But I stopped and Oswald will have to do the same.’
His dark gaze seemed to pierce her soul. ‘You said the lock had been forced. Why would Oswald or his father force the lock? What could they hope to gain?’
‘I don’t know, but I can’t imagine Northmen doing that. They would be likely to break the door down and then burn the mill for good measure.’ She forced a laugh. ‘Everyone knows that about Northmen. No manners whatsoever!’
Valdar remained solemn. ‘You have a low opinion of the men from the North.’
‘When have they ever shown that they are civilised?’ She crossed her arms. ‘You have to admit, Valdar, breaking a lock is what an outlaw would do, not a raider.’
‘Are all Northmen raiders? All of them? What if they are not? What if some are like you or me? People trying to lead good lives.’
‘I wonder if Oswald forced the door to make his story about missing grain more plausible.’ Alwynn concentrated on the waves in the harbour rather than trying to fathom Valdar’s mood. Sometimes it was easier to change the subject. After Lindisfarne, everyone knew how Northmen behaved. There was no point arguing about it. ‘Oswy seemed ashamed that you offered to guard the mill.’
‘I would have been happy to keep watch.’
‘He saw that as an affront to his manhood.’ A bubble of laughter rose within her as she thought about how Oswy had reacted like a wet cockerel, spluttering and stuttering at the mere mention of Valdar standing guard.
Her eye caught Valdar’s and a laugh burst from him. ‘I never thought a man could strut as well as a cockerel, but Oswy certainly can.’
‘I know precisely what you mean.’ His fingers reached for hers and curled about them. And the awkwardness vanished as if it had never been.
She curled her fingers tighter and thought how wonderful it was to be with someone who understood.
‘If I was going to build a hall, this is where I would build it,’ he said, pointing to the headland overlooking the cove as they made one last circuit of the bay.
‘It has been a long time since I have been out here,’ Alwynn admitted. ‘I used to love it as a child. My father would bring me here sometimes if we had been visiting farms. His parents had a hall near here, but he had wanted something grander and more imposing.’ She stopped and tilted her head to one side. ‘Why would you build a hall here?’
‘Ease of access to the sea. It gives a commanding view. It is important to see who might be coming calling.’ He put his arm about her waist. ‘But what do I know? My hall is far away from here. And not close to the sea.’
‘Where is it?’
‘On a wide river, one of the best rivers in all of Raumerike. It stands in a sheltered glade. On summer mornings, when I was a boy, I used to stand outside and watch the eagles circle overhead. I loved watching those eagles.’
‘This is the first time you have really spoken of your home.’
‘Where I grew up,’ he corrected. ‘Sometimes it feels a very long time ago and very far away.’
She put her arms about his waist, pleased that she had decided to go with him. It was even better that it had been a wild goose chase, but she had enjoyed being alone with him. She raised herself up on her toes and brushed his lips.
‘I will bear your advice in mind if I ever decide to move the hall,’ she said against his mouth. ‘Which of my tenant builders would you recommend to design this new hall?’
He tightened his arms about her waist. His kiss had a promise of something more.
‘Your current hall’s location is far from the best. It would be hard to defend.’
‘Other than the Northmen, who would attack us? We have no riches.’
‘I still worry.’
Her heart soared at the words. He felt something for her. He had not said it in words, but if he worried about her... Her heart started dreaming futures that it had no business to.
‘We should return.’
He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. The gentleness of his touch made her knees wobble. ‘Not yet.’
‘Why?’
He tightened his grip on her and pulled her against his arousal, leaving her in no doubt of what he wanted. She tilted her pelvis slightly so they were closer. His reaction was instant.
Alwynn inwardly smiled. She had power over this man. Her failures were in the past and had everything to do with her late husband. Out here, with Valdar’s arms about her, she knew she had truly begun to believe she was a desirable woman. And some day she might have children. Right here, and now, she believed that good things might still come to her.
‘I want to finish what we started in the garden,’ he said in a husky rasp. ‘Do you have any objection? Out here, there will be no one to interrupt or prevent us. No missing sheep to locate and no weaving to untangle.’
Instantly a heated spring coursed through her veins. Over the past few days, every time things started to become interesting, something had happened. ‘You are jealous.’
His cheeks reddened slightly. ‘Of anything that takes you away from me, yes, I am.’
‘Why do you think I so readily agreed to your suggestion to come with you?’
He pretended to consider her statement. ‘You were eager to find the Northmen?’
‘It had to be a tall tale.’ She smoothed his dark blond hair from his face. ‘However, I am flattered that you were willing to fight for me.’
‘I would always fight for you.’
Alwynn caught his face between her hands. The intensity of his look made her knees weak. She wished she knew more about what drove this warrior of hers, but it was better to keep it in the here and now. Not to wonder about the past or dream about tomorrow. ‘It is comforting to know that. But I sincerely hope you never have to fight.’
He started to speak, but she put two fingers over his mouth. ‘Hush. I’ll hear no more about it. We are at peace.’
His hands undid her cloak and it fell to the ground. She reached and rapidly took off his tunic. His skin was warm in the late-afternoon sun.
She playfully gave him a gentle shove. ‘I want you on the ground.’
He lifted a brow. ‘My lady is very insistent.’
‘Time for me to see if I can play you like you play me.’
The dimple at the corner of his mouth increased. ‘I would be honoured.’
She ran her mouth along his body. She took care to caress each dent and scar. It was the body of a warrior and there was not an ounce of fat on him.
At his chest, she allowed her tongue to play on his nipples. He groaned and his body bucked upwards.
She quickly undid his trousers and his erection sprang free. She took him in her hand and held his steely silkiness.
Another time, she would have marvelled at her boldness, but with Valdar, she simply wanted to taste. She bent her head and ran her tongue round and round his tip. A sense of power filled her. She was doing this to him.
He groaned as his arousal grew. ‘Please.’
The whispered word echoed about the grove.
She lifted her head and saw his passion-lidded eyes. ‘Please what? You don’t want me to stop, do you?’
He shook his head, his body thrashing about on the ground. The giant warrior brought to the edge of madness by her.
‘Please, I need you. Ride me. Ride me hard.’
She quickly manoeuvred her body so she was astride him. The tip of him touched her inner core. She slowly impaled herself on him, spreading her thighs so he fitted comfortably in her, and then she began to ride him. Her gown spilled over the both o
f them.
His hands reached and teased her breasts over the cloth. The roughness of the linen rasped against her tightly furled nipples, sending fresh waves of pleasure throughout her. As each wave crested, another began, taking her along and increasing her sensation.
When she thought she could stand it no more, he teetered over the edge, drawing her into his shuddering climax.
She lay against his chest spent, listening to the sound of his heart thudding.
His arms came about her and held her tight.
‘I never thought that was possible,’ she confessed, drawing circles on his bare chest. Her entire body ached with a sweet languor.
He gave a playful tap on her rear end. ‘What, making love out in the open?’
‘Being this happy and content.’ Sure of her appeal, she stretched upwards like a cat. ‘I want to slow down time.’
He loosened his arms and she felt him withdraw slightly from her. ‘That is something that neither of us can do.’
She rapidly stood. ‘I...I didn’t mean— I wasn’t asking you to stay. I just want this to continue. The here and now. Autumn can wait.’
He reached for his tunic. Something made him go completely still.
‘Is everything all right?’ she asked, pleased she had not revealed her growing love for him. There would be time enough to think about that when he had gone.
‘Nothing.’ Valdar placed a rock in the leather pouch which he tied to his belt.
‘It doesn’t look like nothing to me.’
‘A stone. A memento of today, in a way. I hope you don’t consider me a fool.’
Her heart filled and she blinked away sudden tears. ‘Oh.’
‘Shall we go back? The sun is starting to go down. They will be lighting the torches soon.’
Valdar kept his voice steady as though he was speaking to one of his horses. Inside he felt sick.
It wasn’t just any stone, but the sunstone he had given the boy before he had jumped from the ship. It bothered him that the lad’s name escaped him. Girmir and his company had definitely been here. The big question was where were they now? He hoped the boy lived, but the presence of the stone and its placement made him think. Without a navigator who could read the sunstone, no wonder they hadn’t returned to Raumerike.
He doubted that he’d find a body. Girmir and his henchmen would not be inclined to leave such clues.
One more injustice to avenge.
He thought he’d done enough to save the lad’s life. And now this unwelcome discovery.
He had to find them before they found him and before they wrecked this land. Or harmed Alwynn.
Valdar stared out at the still waters. Once he had dealt with Girmir, he would have done as the gods and his honour demanded. He wouldn’t have to return home. He could live out his life here with Alwynn. His heart thudded. It amazed him how much he wanted to stay. His past had faded into insignificance. What mattered was keeping Alwynn safe.
This was why the Norns had spared him. He hadn’t understood that until this very instant. Not just revenge, or to go back to his old miserable existence, but a chance at a new life with Alwynn and her people. They needed him in a way that his people back in Raumerike didn’t. And he refused to allow Girmir to destroy this newfound hope.
‘You look very fierce.’ Alwynn linked her arm with his. ‘There is nothing here to be concerned about. Perhaps you are right, it would be a good place to build a hall.’
The simple touch did much to soothe his soul. He wanted to dream dreams of great halls and worthy sons. He wanted to take her in his arms and whisper words of love. ‘It is where I would build mine.’
Her eyes shone and for a single heartbeat, she was a vision of extreme loveliness. He wondered that he had ever considered he might be able to leave her. If he did, he might as well tear out his heart and bury it.
‘Won’t your family miss you?’
‘My family?’
‘The people who are waiting for you. The healer...’
‘She has her own husband, a child and another on the way. No one will miss me. Not for more than a few weeks.’
‘I’ll miss you when you go.’
The words rose again in his throat, but he choked them back down. The last thing he wanted to see was the hurt in her eyes when she discovered what he’d been connected with. But if he found Girmir and destroyed him, he could make it right. All this could be his, if he could keep his secret.
‘We should return. I would hate to think what new problem someone will want sorted. There is enough work to keep me busy to the new year.’
As he’d hoped, her face instantly became a wreath of smiles. ‘It is wonderful to have someone else to help. I hadn’t realised how overwhelmed I’ve been. I have been drowning in all that needed to be done.’
‘I am doing my best, my lady. I aim to please you.’
Her merry laugh rang out, startling some wood pigeons. He resolutely turned from the cove. He would protect her for the rest of his life. He had to.
* * *
Alwynn put her hands in the centre of her back and stretched. Picking the lavender made it ache.
Her dress clung to her back. The heat had increased over the past few days since she and Valdar had gone out to the cove and had discovered the truth—that Oswald had been lying to gain attention. There was a thunderstorm brewing and it couldn’t come quickly enough for her liking.
Ever since they had returned from the cove, Valdar had seemed distant and preoccupied. He had even allowed her to win at their nightly game of King’s table. Twice.
‘My lady!’ Gode came running up.
Alwynn brushed her hands off on her apron. ‘If you need more of any herb, it will have to wait.’
‘Urien has run away, my lady. I turned my back for an instant and she was gone.’
Alwynn’s heart thudded. ‘You promised to look after her.’
Gode’s withered cheeks reddened. ‘I may have dozed off a little. I think she put some valerian in my drink.’
‘Gode!’ Alwynn put her hands on her hips. ‘At least give me some credit. Urien knows nothing about herbs.’
She stared at the woman hard. Gode waved her hands in mock surrender.
‘All right, all right,’ she muttered. ‘I tend to fall asleep in the afternoon these days. But I thought Urien was quiet, like. I didn’t think she would go anywhere. That she understood why she needed to remain with me. She had taken to sitting in the garden, not doing much, just staring. I only nodded off for a brief instant and then when I went to fetch her, she had gone. Vanished, like.’
‘You think she has returned to her husband.’
‘That no-good blight on humanity?’ Gode narrowed her eyes, considering. ‘Yes, I do.’
‘Why would she do that? She was safe.’
‘I heard he’d taken up with another woman. He needs someone to fetch and carry for him. And the pig-keeper’s widow isn’t too picky about her men. Then there was this message he sent, something about him solving everything. I told her not to go and to trust in you.’
Alwynn pressed her lips together. Gode being Gode had no doubt imparted that information about the pig-keeper’s widow. Accidentally, perhaps. Or from a desire to convince Urien not to return to Cleofirth, but now it seemed it had had the opposite effect.
‘As bad as he is, Urien wants to keep him.’
‘Aye, I reckon so.’
‘We shall have to go and fetch her back. I won’t have my authority undermined.’
‘Do you want to go on your own?’
‘Cleofirth won’t harm me.’ Alwynn glanced over her shoulder. ‘Valdar is busy at the gristmill. It will be late before he is finished. He has been back late every day this week.’
Every day since they had made love on the bluff. Alwynn frowned and tried to push the thought away. She had thought then that they were closer than ever, but he seemed to be pulling away from her. She could feel the days slipping through her fingers but she didn’t dare bri
ng up the prospect of his staying. They had made a bargain.
‘Will Lady Merewynn go with you?’ Gode asked, giving a slight cough.
‘I can cope,’ Alwynn said. ‘Why the sudden concern? I was the one who rescued this estate! Me, on my own. I have faced tenants before and I will face them on my own again when...later this autumn.’
‘Yes, my lady. I thought you could use a little company.’ Gode placed a hand on Alwynn’s sleeve. ‘Lady Merri is capable of more than you think. And I, too, can be of assistance. Sometimes you do not need to go it alone. Sometimes you should accept help.’
Alwynn opened her mouth to refuse, but thought better of it. Gode was right. Going alone was not the answer. She wished Valdar could come, too, but there was no time to wait for him. If she needed him, she could always send for him. Merri had strong legs for running. ‘It will do Merri good to come with me and learn how to deal with tenants. She has been spending far too much time with that pony.’
Gode crossed her arms. ‘If you think you are getting rid of me that easily, my lady, you have another think coming. I was wrong to fall asleep. I mean to make amends. I am coming with you.’
‘At the first hint of any trouble, you are to return here. I will not risk losing you, Gode.’
The old lady’s eyes filled with tears. ‘We all have to go some time, my lady.’
‘Is there something you are not telling me, Gode?’
Gode adopted a guileless expression. ‘Have I ever kept a secret from you, my lady?’
Once she had found Urien, she would question Gode closer. Gode was hiding something from her, something important. ‘You had better not.’
* * *
Valdar crouched down on the top of the ridge, watching the inlet. Girmir and his crew would be back. He could feel it in his bones. The place was perfect for beaching a long boat. That Girmir had used it before gave him hope. Girmir was a creature of habit. He had sacrificed the lad here. He would return here. He had to hope that it happened before they attacked and destroyed any more property.
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