Lord of the Seas

by Sabrina Jarema

  “And she still does.” He embraced her, then rose and put wood in the fireplace. As he started a blaze, he said, “I’m going to ride toward Henfrith’s farm and take a look for myself.”

  When the fire burned well, he knelt before her. “I’ll come back and take you to the keep. You can’t stay here by yourself. This may cause a rift between the Northmen and us and you’ll be too vulnerable.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t live there, Wulf. Mildburg would never tolerate it.”

  “I don’t care what my mother wants. I’ll find a place for you. One of the smaller houses in the village where the people like Elfwynn. There are many of them. You’ll be welcome with them. Stay warm. I won’t be long.”

  He mounted his horse and cantered to the river road. A week had passed. He might not find anything, but he had to try. The warriors had probably dispatched the guards, but many times, they took women for wives or concubines. Or slaves. They didn’t often kill them. A woman as beautiful as his sister was worth more alive. So why didn’t they try to ransom her? If Rorik had slain her in revenge, he’d have left her body where it would be found. Where it would leave a message. Why simply dump it in the river where it would float out to sea? He’d never sent any word gloating about it either.

  A flash of color in the dirt at the side of the road caught his eye. He slid off the horse and knelt to examine it. Elfwynn’s shawl. His breath caught. He’d know it anywhere. Shaking it out, he studied the forest around him. If men had looked for her, as Wigberht claimed, they would have seen this and picked it up. It was too obvious.

  The bushes at the south side of the forest were broken and bent, as though a horse had crashed through them. He grabbed his horse’s reins, mounted, and followed the damaged underbrush into the woods.

  It led him to the river and the remains of a camp. There had been a large force here. Trash, cold fire sites, and discarded food that animals had disturbed were scattered everywhere. Faint marks from five beached longships scarred the shoreline.

  Five ships? Rorik had had only four including the one that had been burned. He must have found reinforcements, but still not enough to attack outright. Taking one of the earl’s daughters may have been the only way Rorik had to get revenge. For now.

  He needed more information. Riding along the river, he kept an eye out for a body. Each time he saw something in the water, his heart stopped. The objects were only tree limbs and other debris, and that raised his hopes. With the way the currents ran, a body should wash up. A man thought he saw one, but wasn’t certain. Wulf needed solid proof of her death before he gave up.

  As he neared the camp of the Danes, several Northmen stepped in front of his horse, blocking his way. He kept his hand from his sword hilt, but he didn’t back down. He spoke in the Norse he’d learned over the years from his contacts. “I’m Wulfric, son of Edward. I come to speak with Brandr. He will know me.”

  One of the men moved forward and Wulf tensed. “Come with us.”

  He remained on his horse, following them to the campsite. Men rose, eyeing him as he passed them. He made no sudden moves, but met their scrutiny. He’d been there before and could show no weakness.

  A large, dark-haired man came out from one of the tents and put his hands on his hips. “Wulfric. You do not cling to life today?”

  He laughed as he dismounted, affecting more ease than he felt. “What kind of life would it be if I stayed home, safe from the likes of you?”

  The man roared with laughter. “That is true. Better to die in glory. And if you are not careful and keep riding into our camps like this, you’ll know more glory than you planned on.”

  “Ah, but if we fought, Brandr, we’d finally see which is real, Odin or God.”

  “Very true. But let us not find out today.”

  “That suits me well.”

  “Come and share some ale with me. I don’t imagine you came here just to see my pretty face.”

  “It’s a bit too hairy for my taste.”

  “I should hope so.” Chuckling, they walked inside the tent.

  Brandr poured ale into two soapstone cups and handed him one as they sat. “Skoal.”

  “Skoal.” They drank.

  He almost toyed with his cup, but it wouldn’t do to reveal any hesitancy. “I need information about a Northman. He goes by the name Rorik of Vargfjell.”

  Brandr’s eyes widened. “What of him? He sailed with Ragnar Lothbrok toward York earlier this summer. They put in here for a day or so, then went on.”

  “He returned a bit over a week ago. He and my father had a falling out the first time he was here and this time he took my half sister. I just returned to find out about it.” He leaned forward. “I need to know if you’ve heard anything. One of our people thought he saw a woman’s body in the river.”

  Brandr stroked his beard. “Come to think of it, I did see him sailing to the west not long ago, then back toward the sea. But I saw no women except shieldmaidens on his ships. I will tell you this, though. If Rorik of Vargfjell took her, she’s in no danger from him.”

  “Why is this?” Hope flared in him.

  “Rorik’s love for women is well-known. As well-known as he is. He’s the richest and most powerful of the Norse. He rules a huge village, and most of the farmland in the Trøndelag area is his. His fleet of ships is vast, his men are the best warriors, and he commands respect in all of the known world. Almost every woman who sets eyes on him falls in love with him. And he loves them back. He’s notorious for it. He will never harm a woman and if any of his men had done so, it would be his body you’d find in the river. I can’t see him even taking a woman. It’s not like him. Either there’s a mistake, or something extraordinary happened to cause it. But one thing I can guarantee you is if Rorik did so, he’ll see she’s not harmed.”

  His heart could beat again. Perhaps. “Is there any way to get a message to him?”

  “Who knows where he is? Could be any place from here to the sea that has no tides, to his home. If he’s gone to Vargfjell, he’s across the North Sea by now.” He took a drink of ale. “I can keep an eye out for one of his ships to pass by and signal them to come in if they do, but that’s all.”

  “It’s more than I had when I rode in here.” If only there were some way to go to Rorik’s lands to find Elfwynn. But his people didn’t have the ships to do that. They could mount a naval defense and sail shorter distances. However, a journey that far was impossible.

  He eyed Brandr. “Do you ever sail to this Vargfjell?”

  “I’m a Dane, not Norse. Still, I have gone there to trade since it’s so lucrative, but not often. It’s very far to the north. Just to get from here to Kaupang in the south of their land takes about four days and it’s another five or so to Vargfjell. Depending on the winds and the currents, of course, and whether I stop for the nights. If I do decide to go, I’ll send word. Who knows, we might make you one of us yet.”

  Wulf returned his grin, but his pulse was racing. There was hope. Hope that Elfwynn was still alive, and hope that he could find her. Hope might be the one thing that would keep Rohesia alive until Elfwynn returned.

  This entire incident reeked of something very wrong. Someone had given the order to burn the Northman’s ship while they were negotiating with him. Then Elfwynn disappeared and a number of their men had died under suspicious circumstances since the battle with Rorik. He might have to hold off looking for Elfwynn for the time being, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t continue to search for answers.

  If one day that meant sailing to the ends of the world, and even Vargfjell itself, he would do it. He’d told Elfwynn if anything ever happened to her, he’d give his life to bring her back. And so, he would. His hand tightened on the cup as cold knifed through him. She’d said she’d sell her soul to stop him and to save their people.

  What if she had?

  Chapter Four

  Trøndheimsfjorden, Trøndelag

  Western Norway

  Elfwynn peered
over the edge of the boat as they turned toward the coastline. Rorik had mentioned something about sickness in the sea. So far, nothing had flown out of the waters to make her ill, though the food on the ship might.

  For the past nine days, they’d eaten little but dried fish and vegetables they’d made into a stew and eaten with dry, hard bread. To be fair, some of the men caught fish and cooked them over a tiny grill for her. They had nuts, as well as apples and other fruits preserved in honey, so it wasn’t all bad. But she would have killed for a slice of rare beef, or even soft, fresh bread. And clean, pure water. The water in the barrels was stale, and though it was fortunate they hadn’t had any storms on their journeys, Kaia had said the rain would have given them a chance to replenish their supply. At least they’d brought plenty of ale, which was safer to drink than the water. By the time they landed, however, she’d never want to see it again.

  Kaia had wanted to stop at a place called Haardvik for new provisions. But when she’d yelled to Rorik about it, he’d shouted back that they were sailing straight on. The shieldmaiden hadn’t been happy about it.

  At least they’d get to Hedeby sooner and she could buy a new dress and shoes. She’d long since given up on the latter. The water in the boat had ruined them and she’d taken to keeping her skirt tucked up in her belt to try to keep the hem dry. It was hopeless. She’d almost cut it off at her knees. But she still had to wear it when she disembarked. It would be unseemly to walk through the town that way.

  She got up from the chest she’d been sitting on and went to the front. Hanging on to the dragonhead ornament, she looked at the coastline they approached. Mountains rose in the distance while islands guarded the land. Throughout the journey, she’d been able to tell by the sun’s rising and setting that they were headed northward. Now they turned to the east.

  The ship just ahead of them on the left was the largest of them all. Rorik stood at the right rear, holding the rudder. His black hair whipped in the wind and his confident bearing spoke of absolute mastery of the sea. Each day, they’d guided their ships close together to report to him. Even across the expanse of water, his gaze had burned into her. She’d met it with a pride she didn’t feel.

  These were a strong people. They respected strength, even in women. At home, she’d held her own against those who disliked her for her birth. Even Mildburg, whom everyone feared, hadn’t cowed her. If she could stand up to her father’s wife, she could stand up to anyone. She had to be as assertive and forceful as the shieldmaidens were.

  At least she wouldn’t be around the Northman for long. Just until they went to the church and he got his gold. Then she’d be rid of him forever.

  He glanced back, as though he’d felt her eyes on him. She looked away toward the land, then brought her gaze back to him. She’d give him no reason to think she feared him. Even though she did. He watched her for a moment longer and she lifted her chin. His teeth flashed in a grin before he faced front again.

  They passed several islands, then wound their way through turns within the great fjord. Green hills rose around them. The narrower waterway widened into a vast open channel. The longships sailed straight across, heading for the land jutting out into the expanse.

  As they drew closer, Elfwynn studied their destination. A massive building rose on a hill. It was made of wood, with gables and staves, and was far larger than any building at home. Smaller structures surrounded it. She hadn’t expected such sophistication among people she’d always considered barbarians.

  At least ten longships were docked or beached at the shoreline. Of course, if this was a major trading center, that would make sense. But shouldn’t there be more crowds and movement? People were gathering at the docks as they glided in. They were happy, calling out greetings. Why would that happen in a market center? Rorik was very well known and so perhaps that was their way here.

  She wouldn’t know. On the voyage, Kaia had urged her to learn their language. Everyone on the ship had offered to teach her. It helped pass the time. She’d complied, for she couldn’t know how long she’d stay at Hedeby before she returned home. Their words were close enough to her own that she comprehended many of them. But that didn’t mean she understood their customs.

  When the men on the ships disembarked, women hugged them. Two women walked away, crying while others consoled them. It was difficult to believe this was the way between people who didn’t know each other.

  Something wasn’t right. She caught Kaia’s arm before she stepped off the ship onto the dock. “Where are we? This isn’t a marketplace.”

  The shieldmaiden paused. “Rorik will speak with you about it. He’s coming now.”

  Elfwynn looked down the dock. He walked toward them, stopping every few steps as people spoke with him. Kaia disembarked and said something to him. He nodded and came to her. She ignored the hand he held out to her, and climbed onto the dock unaided. The ground swayed under her and she almost fell.

  With a chuckle, he caught her arm, and steadied her. “You have to find your land legs again.”

  Was this the illness he had spoken of? She had no choice but to grip his arm as the land moved. While they stood there, people came up to speak to him. A blonde woman threw herself at him, breaking his hold on Elfwynn. She grabbed one of the dock posts.

  The woman wrapped her arms and legs around Rorik and kissed him. He laughed, returning the kiss. She moaned, then whispered in his ear. He nodded and she slid off, giving him a sultry look as she sauntered away.

  He watched her for a moment longer, then regarded Elfwynn. “Come with me. We must talk.”

  She didn’t move. “This isn’t Hedeby, is it?” The ground had stopped shifting as though it was trying to tip her over. She let go of the post.

  “That’s what I have to talk to you about.” He held out his hand. “We can speak more privately elsewhere.”

  “Just answer my question.” She crossed her arms. She was not going off with him alone. Not after having seen the kiss he’d given the blonde woman and not with the inviting looks others were giving him. It was clear he was popular with the women and was no doubt used to getting his way with them. He had a surprise coming if he thought the same about her.

  He drew closer. The trace of wind and salt spray, mixed with his scent wafted over her. “We will speak alone if I have to haul you over my shoulder and carry you there. My people would enjoy a laugh.”

  “Your people? Then I was right. You lied to me.”

  His eyes hardened. “I don’t lie. Are you coming willingly?”

  “Rather than have you touch me again, I’ll come.” She followed him through the crowd.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the docks over there.” He tilted his head. “We can speak without the interruptions.”

  “Most likely so you can throw me into the fjord and drown me.”

  He smiled. “It’s too shallow here, more’s the pity. Besides, if I had wanted to do that, I’d have ordered it while we were at sea, not when you could walk back to the shore.”

  “You escaped from me in a different boat, then.”

  “Are you such a threat to me that I need to escape?”

  “It depends on what you have to say.” They reached the other dock and she stopped herself from leaning against one of the posts. She had to remain strong. “This isn’t Hedeby.”

  “No. It’s Vargfjell. My village and lands. I rule here.”

  Her head swam with dread and she fought to regain her composure. She didn’t need the fear taking her over now. She clung to her resolve to meet him head on. Then he’d understand he couldn’t walk all over her. “Why doesn’t that surprise me? As I said, you lied. You were to bring me to the church in the land of the Danes.” She looked around. “What land is this?”

  “The land of the Norse. And I will bring you to Hedeby. Just not right now. To get there I must go through the Skagerrak and the Kattegat waterways. I don’t make that difficult voyage unless I have a full ship of goods to
sell and trade to make the risk worthwhile. Besides, I have urgent business here requiring my attention. I couldn’t take the time to sail so far off my course.”

  “But you had the time to go all the way back to Northumbria and kidnap me.”

  “Revenge does not wait. Your father betrayed our negotiations. He set all this in motion.”

  She straightened her spine, rising to her full height. “You were the one who threatened us, wanting money for nothing. I know how my father thinks. He never would have burned your ships. He wanted peace between your people and his.”

  “You say you know his mind, but you also thought he would pay the ransom for you.”

  At that, her bravado wilted. In spite of her determination to stand firm before him, tears welled up. No wonder he was so feared. He knew just where to strike. She turned away from him lest he see her despair, and looked out at the waters.

  “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry for hurting you. It was not my intent.” His voice was soft as he touched the back of her shoulder.

  She jerked away from him, his perfidy tightening her stomach. She didn’t need his apologies. “So when do you plan on sailing to Hedeby? Preferably before I’m old and gray?”

  “A few years before that.”

  She spun back to face him. “Years?”

  He shook his head. “Later this summer. I have to meet with a neighboring jarl first. We have much planning to do. Once our business is concluded and the situation is settled, I can take the time to go there.”

  “You have many other ships. On our journey, Kaia said you have twenty-three of them. Won’t any of them go there sooner?”

  “You’re my responsibility. I don’t trust anyone else to take you. Besides, my ships have other places to go.”

  “Other places to plunder, you mean.”

  “That, as well.” One side of his mouth curved up.

  “And to take slaves, I suppose.” She glared at him in disgust.