“Yeah, his kill shot comes in from the side. He gets the most incredible swing.”
“Thanks,” Erin grunted and just as they were about to start, another nugget of information came to the front of her mind. She parked it for later use.
Wilhelm started gently at first, trying to gauge her true level, and quickly realised she was a lot stronger than she looked. Actually it was the Talmar that absorbed most of the energy from his blows, she felt very little. He might have great power, but she had incredible speed and agility from her many years of fencing. It soon became clear that if he wanted to keep his dignity, he would have to really fight against her.
Thanks to Magnus, Erin kept watch for Wilhelm’s so-called killer shot. She saw it just in time and shouted “Haldarin”. Time seemed to move in slow motion, giving her the opportunity to drop below the level of his sword and back up again. By the time Wilhelm focussed, her sword was at his throat.
A great cheer went up from those watching. Magnus came over grinning. “I did warn you that she doesn’t fight fair.”
Wilhelm was still staring at Erin in complete disbelief. He had done almost everything he could yet she had still beaten him, a young girl who had no real experience. He admitted defeat with as much grace as he could muster.
“After humiliating me in front of my men, the very least you can do is join my family and me for dinner tonight.”
“It would be a pleasure.” Erin was happy to see Gudrun again.
Magnus took her back to her rooms. “Those manoeuvres you pulled, were they another spur of the moment thought?”
“Sort of. I recalled reading about them just before we started fighting and thought they might be useful.” She glanced up at Magnus. “You’re not looking as impressed as I hoped you would be.”
“I’m just concerned, Erin. A priestess doesn’t usually inherit her skills until she is of age. For some reason, yours have all come early.”
“Tell me about it. I’m worried what I will get on my birthday, other than many fine gifts from you.”
“Guess we’ll face that when the day comes.” He kissed the top of her head affectionately. “Try and stay out of trouble for the rest of the evening. And that includes vaporising Wilhelm.”
“Not so fast.” Erin fixed Magnus with a look. “Where are you headed off to in such a rush?”
“There’s something I need to take care of.”
“And would that something happen to have golden hair and blue eyes?”
Magnus gave half a smile. “Perhaps.”
“Why so coy? It’s not like you.”
“I’m just being discreet.”
“Why? Does the lady have a husband?” Erin teased.
“No.” Magnus turned and disappeared down the corridor.
Erin stared after his departing figure a little bemused. She had never seen Magnus clam up about a woman before. He must really like her. Perhaps this was Ingrid, the one he was formerly engaged to. But did she not have a husband? She would have to make was discreet enquiries.
CHAPTER 20
Sasha was in total awe of Vasmaar castle, she had never seen anything quite like it. It was built entirely out of stone and lit by flaming torches. But the interior was positively lavish. Stunning paintings and statues filled the entrance hall and hallways.
Her eyes were everywhere as Heinrekh showed her into a beautiful living room. A huge roaring fire dominated one end. She stood warming her hands as she stared out the massive windows onto the courtyard.
“I need to instruct the servants to make a room up for you,” Heinrekh turned to leave.
“In the tower?” Sasha teased.
Heinrekh laughed. “Luckily the tower is already occupied. You will have to make do with a room in the main house.”
A marble sculpture held her attention. It looked a bit like Venus, but she figured it must be a Norse Goddess. She ran her hands over it, it was so cool and smooth to the touch. It was absolutely breath-taking.
“The figure pleases you?”
She jumped slightly, she had not heard Heinrekh come back in. “Yes, it is lovely. Who does it depict?”
“Freya.”
She nodded. Of course, the Norse goddess of love.
“I hope you will find my home pleasing.”
“It is delightful, so full of many beautiful things.”
He held out his hand. “Come, let me show you to your room.”
Sasha followed him up the huge staircase and down a narrow stone hallway. He threw open a large set of wooden doors and ushered her inside. The room had an amazing vaulted ceiling, a raised bed, sitting area and the walls were lined with rich fabrics. A fire had also been lit. Heinrekh opened another set of doors.
“There is a bathing room through here.”
She held back an appreciative sigh. The bath was raised and looked more like a small swimming pool than tub. A fire too was roaring in here.
“I hope these rooms are adequate?” he asked.
“They’ll do,” she responded.
“Good. I will leave you alone for a short while. When you are ready, please join me downstairs for dinner.”
“Am I at liberty to walk around freely?”
He looked a little shocked at her question. “Of course, my dear. You are not a prisoner, but a guest. My home is yours to enjoy.”
No sooner had he left than a gaggle of servants materialised with hot wine, a selection of clothes and all manner of toiletries. She noticed they all stared at her strangely, as though they’d never seen a foreigner before. Perhaps they hadn’t. One spoke in faltering English.
“If my lady requires anything, please call.” She kept her eyes downcast and turned to leave.
“Does Heinrekh have many guests?” Sasha was more curious than anything else.
“No, my lady. Never.”
“Thank you,” she smiled at the servants, feeling a little inadequate at not speaking their language. Had she known she was going to be the houseguest of a Norse ruler, she might have brushed up on her language skills a bit. But she kind of liked being called ‘my lady’.
She poured herself a glass of hot wine and stared out the window. The light was fading fast, it was almost night. Any minute now she thought she’d wake from this bizarre dream. How the hell could she have crossed over to this ancient world? And more importantly, what on earth was Angus mixed up in? She had a fair idea it was linked with that strange map she had seen. Well, whatever it was, she had a feeling she would find out sooner rather than later. At least she had a very alluring host. She was almost looking forward to interrogating him over dinner.
She glanced over at the clothes the servants had brought. There was certainly an interesting array. She knew a lot about ancient dress so had a pretty good idea of what went where. But these dresses were of exceptional quality. She ran her hand over the rich fabrics. The colours too were right up her street.
She finished her goblet of wine. Time to wash and meet her host for dinner. She wondered what they ate here, was it as depicted in Viking films, all meats? She’d not have long to wait to find out.
Erin tried to locate Birdie but she was not in her quarters. She’d not seen her aunt since the banquet the previous night. She asked a couple of guards if they knew where she saw, but they were none the wiser. Perhaps she was with the Viking Professor she’d taken such a shine to.
There were a few things she wanted to discuss and it almost seemed like Birdie was trying to avoid her. She was really confused and needed to talk, to try and decipher what was expected of her. She was supposed to become High Priestess of Lokmuir, so why the stay in Lokranor? What was here that would entice her to take the position on the other side of the Gate. And what was it people weren’t telling her?
She gave up her search and headed back to her rooms to clean and change for dinner. A private dinner with the King and Queen, she shivered at the thought. Gudrun was lovely, but Olav was a little on the scary side. Actually he was terrifying.
&n
bsp; As she ran a brush through her hair, she thought would she would be doing back in Muirhead. She’d be curled up on the sofa watching X-Factor with Jacques slobbering at her feet, a bowl of popcorn at the ready. She might even be round at McBrides. Actually no, Sasha had a date with Tobias.
“Sasha,” she squeaked. She felt awful, she had missed their ride without even a call. Instinctively she reached for her phone then stopped. Probably not much of a signal here! She felt even worse, standing her up and not being able to apologise. She hoped Tobias would divert her attention.
CHAPTER 21
Heinrekh felt curiously anxious as he waited for Sasha to appear. He needed to find out more about the young woman who had wandered quite by accident through the gateway and into his world. How much did she know about her brother’s betrayal? What did she know of Lokranor? He had looked deep into those soft grey eyes and all he could see was confusion and bewilderment. But having seen him with her brother, there was no way he could let her leave just in case she did not support her brother’s choice.
What put him most on edge was the likeness she bore to Brigid. He had not thought about her in many years, that was a memory he had buried in the deepest, darkest recess of his heart. If he believed in rebirth, then he would have said Brigid had found her way back to him.
The faint sound of footsteps made him turn. He caught his breath as Sasha descended the stairs. Dressed in a deep purple velvet dress, that gently wrapped itself around her curves, he could not take his eyes off her.
“I’m not late, am I?” Sasha asked.
“Not at all, my dear.” Heinrekh took her hand and led her to the dining room. “How is your mind coping with the knowledge of our two Realms?” He pulled out a chair for her.
“I’m still not sure whether this is real or a dream,” Sasha admitted honestly. “But I approve of the fashions here, so it can’t be all bad.”
Heinrekh poured her a glass of wine. “I’m not sure what you drink in the first Realm, but hopefully you will enjoy this wine.”
Sasha took a sip and gave an appreciative nod. “It’s good. Now, tell me how come you speak such good English?”
“Our two Realms have had contact since the rift, so English is a language any high ranking official can speak.”
“Are you going to tell me how my brother is tied up with all of this? I know he is linked to the Circle?”
Heinrekh sat down opposite her and remained silent whilst platters of food where laid in front of them. “Your brother’s interests in Lokranor are closely linked with mine.” He held a platter of cooked game before her. “Now let us eat and talk about other things.”
Sasha took a small helping of meat. “Tell me more about the history of this Realm. How long ago did the rift happen?”
“Millennia ago, long before records were kept of land boundaries.
“How did it happen?”
“There was a great sorcerer called Valkarin who cast a spell which went slightly array. To be truthful, his spell was fine, it was the interference of the Priestess of Lokranor which caused it to backfire and rip the land apart.”
“And has Vasmaar and Lokranor always been divided?”
“Since the rift, yes. One day I will rule this Realm entirely.”
“Are you directly related to the sorcerer Valkarin?”
“Yes, I am of his blood line.”
“Does that make you a sorcerer too?”
Heinrekh gave a small smile. “I am not without talent. And before you ask, I am not giving a demonstration. I don’t do parlour tricks.”
Sasha laughed. He loved how her soft voice echoed around the large room. “So what sort of magic can you do?”
“Sorcery is not magic, I don’t use a wand. I can control elements.”
“Can you compel people?”
“If I have to, but I prefer to use persuasion.”
“Did you persuade Angus to do whatever it is you need him to do?”
Heinrekh’s eyes bore into hers. “Angus is working with me of his own free will. But I do not wish to discuss his involvement with Vasmaar. It will only sour our dinner.”
“Have you any design on my Realm?” Sasha continued her interrogation.
“I’m just concentrating on this Realm for now.” He poured some more wine for her. It was a pleasure having such a curious guest, but it was time for him to ask some questions. “Now enough about me and this bleak land. Tell me more about yourself. What do you do to occupy your day?”
“I am about to start my final three years of study away from home. But until then, I spend most my days riding, shopping and doing what most normal eighteen year olds get up to.”
“What will you be studying?”
“Fine art.”
“My apologies if I seem ignorant, but what is fine art?” Heinrekh was curious.
“It is the study of exclusive paintings, sculptures and anything beautiful related to art.” Sasha glanced around the dining room. “You have plenty of examples here.”
“Then I hope I can hold your interest for a while.”
“I would love to study the sculptures and artefacts you have.”
“You are of course at liberty to examine whatever you want.” He fell silent for a moment. There was a question he so wanted to ask. “Do you know Erin McLomard?” He tried to sound as casual as he could.
“Yes, of course. She’s a good friend. Strangely enough, I was supposed to meet her today, but she never showed up.”
Heinrekh could see Sasha’s thought process at work. Something had obviously registered in her mind and she was trying to hide it.
“Something is bothering you?” Heinrekh pushed gently.
She looked at little upset initially, before feigning a smile. “Nothing. How long am I supposed to stay here?”
“Are you in a hurry to leave? Have I bored you already?” Heinrekh was a little affronted.
“Nothing of the sort. But I do have a friend who will be wondering where I am.” Sasha turned a little pink.
“A man?”
“Yes.” Her colour deepened under his scrutiny.
Heinrekh felt an uncharacteristic surge of jealousy. “Is this the same man who cancelled on you today?”
“Yes.”
He came around the table and sat next to her. “You should not put up with such behaviour, Sasha.” He reached up and twirled a red curl between his fingers. “You are a beautiful woman and men should be lining the streets for your favour.”
Sasha smiled shyly. “I love your turn of phrase, but sadly that is not the case. Besides, I like Tobias and he did have his reasons for cancelling.”
Heinrekh ran the back of his hand down the side of her face slowly as he stared deep into those stunning grey eyes. Her skin was so soft. “Can I not tempt you to become more attached to a Vasmaarian sorcerer instead?” he purred seductively.
“Tempting, but I barely know you.”
“Then let us get better acquainted,” he murmured, leaning in closer.
Sasha stood up and moved towards the door. “I’m not quite sure what is happening here.” She sounded very unsure of herself. “I am either your insurance that Angus will do whatever it is he promised or a romantic interest. I cannot be both.” She glanced back at Heinrekh. “Let me know which I am to be tomorrow.”
With that he watched her sweep from the room. He shook his head and downed the remainder of his wine. Why did he have a problem keeping his hands to himself when around her? Had she not left, he may well have carried her off to his quarters. She certainly had ignited the Viking fire in him. But putting pleasure aside, she had said something wonderful to his ears. She was a good friend of Erin’s. And that in itself has proved more useful than any other information he had been fed.
He retreated to his study. He had some work to do before contacting Erin. If things went his way, Erin would be riding into his courtyard tomorrow.
A servant came to take Erin to the Royal quarters that evening. Erin hoped Birdie would
be at the dinner otherwise she might have to send out a search party. And if her aunt had left her here, there would be hell to pay.
She still felt a little nervous about dining with the King and Queen. Ridiculous really considering she had been on their table the previous night. She had selected a dark green dress over a cream underdress and her hair was scraped back into an elegant plait. She hated being without her sword, but it was hardly considered good manners to turn up to a dinner fully armed.
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