In a voice which was almost musical, the old man responded, “Alysa is like my own child. I would never endanger her or misguide her. She is the Last Viking Queen. She will obey her destiny, no matter her fears or desires; have no doubt of this, Eirik. It is cruel and wicked of you to tempt her to disobey the gods. To turn her aside from her destiny would bring down havoc on all.”
“Do you see and know all things, Wizard?” Eirik asked, ignoring Trosdan’s subtle warning.
Trosdan’s pervasive gaze remained locked with Eirik’s. “The sacred Runes and chalice reveal much to me, but not all things. Beware of your craving for her and the trouble it could cause. She is young and knows little of men’s powerful desires. Her heart is good and she does not know what terrible things fierce men will do to sate their hungers. She does not recognize the fires she ignites in them or the destructions which they can do when burning out of control. You cannot hide your lust for her and all that goes with the quest, but you must control it, before others and if you are alone. To inspire others to doubt her will endanger her, and will endanger you, Eirik. If you do not wish her harmed or mistrusted, be strong and remain distant.”
Eirik questioned a matter which haunted him. “What of her husband? Will he not come searching for her? Will he not try to rescue her and carry her home?”
Slyly the old man answered, “Nay, Prince Gavin will remain where he is. He does not possess the power or wits to seek her.”
“How could he not love and desire a beautiful and unique woman such as our queen?”
“Do all women love and desire you? Or any one man? Nay, as not all men can love and desire her. It is sad, but Prince Gavin cannot and will not come for her.”
“Did she not love him when she wed him?”
“Her grandfather, King Bardwyn, commanded the marriage, and she obeyed. I was present and carried out the royal order. It was before the Sacred Runes revealed her true destiny to me, else I would have prevented the wedding and brought her here.”
The warrior reasoned, “If she is loyal to her king and people, why did she leave her land and husband to obey your strange words?”
“Because she knew I spoke the truth, and she knew what had to be done. The gods speak to her in dreams, but she does not realize how strong her powers are. Often they frighten and confuse her, but she obeys them, as it should be. There is no need to worry; her Celtic marriage is not real or binding in the Viking world, and she views herself a Viking. I caution you, Eirik, do not intrude. If it is the gods’ will for you to win her and the quest, you will do so. If not, you must not trouble her with your perilous pursuit.”
Eirik ventured, “You fear me, do you not, old Wizard?”
“Nay, I only fear what your desires can do. If you but realized the perils you can create with them, you would shudder in terror and not go near her again until after the quest.”
“Tell me who will win the quest, and perhaps I will obey you.”
“Whatever my answer, you would not. You are a passionate and restless man, Eirik, one who recklessly pursues his dreams no matter the price. It is her safety and destiny which concern me, and I will do all to protect them. If your heart is good and wise, you will heed my words. If not, I will be forced to prevent your doing evil to her.”
“You threaten me, old wizard?” Eirik asked with a grin.
Without fear or hesitation, Trosdan informed him, “Nay, my foolish warrior, I make you a promise. If she has stolen your heart as well as your eye, you will desire her safety more than her body.”
“I will think on your words. But if I obey them, it is for her safety, not because of your threat.” Eirik walked away.
The matches continued from midday until dusk, completing the first round and leaving sixty-four men—thirty-two pairs—in each ring. Before the group separated for the evening to rest, lots were drawn for the next set of fights which would begin tomorrow. With low numbers, both Eirik and Ulf would face competitors early.
Alysa was astonished when Ulf approached her and handed her a gift: a jeweled belt which had undoubtedly been stolen from a wealthy, highborn lady during a vicious raid. She wanted to refuse it, but could not humiliate him before others. She smiled and thanked him.
“Wear it the day we wed,” he stated almost like a command.
She could not stop her retort. “If such does not happen, Ulf, I will return it so you can give it to the head wife you already possess.”
A mocking grin captured Ulf’s face and contorted it into an ugly mask. As he chuckled, the long red lock of hair atop his head shook wildly and his beady eyes ravished her. His flaming beard needed a trim, and his breath was foul. He was a bullish man in appearance and manner, and Alysa could not imagine lying with this repulsive male.
Rolf came to where they were standing and argued in a merry tone, “Nay, Ulf, she will become my wife. Forget her.”
“We will see, Rolf,” Ulf replied, cocky and undaunted.
The blond Viking asked, “Will you join me to eat, my queen? Enid has prepared a special meal. I gathered supplies this morning while you were defeating Thorkel a second time. Many told me of your skills when I returned. You will make a fine queen, and a cherished wife.”
Ulf began to laugh so hard that he choked. He coughed and cleared his throat before speaking. “Do not woo my future wife, Rolf, or I will be tempted to think you will do so again after we are wed.”
Alysa tried to control her quavering voice as she chided, “Wooing is not the same as winning, Ulf. Nor will it cause me to be unfaithful to my husband, or myself, or our gods. Do not insult me with unfair suspicions. I vow, only my husband will touch me and claim me.”
Alysa looked at the grinning Rolf. “I am weary tonight, but I will join you another day. Until morning,” she said, and left.
When Alysa was inside her dwelling, she tossed Ulf’s present on the bed. She would never wear a gift taken from a helpless victim, a female who was no doubt ravished and enslaved or killed! She was angry. She was restless. She was tense. She paced the longhouse of stones with its turf roof. The narrow slits for ventilation could be sealed inside and outside to shut out cold and rain or for privacy. In the winter, the space between the inner and outer shutters was filled with turf for added warmth. Tonight, only the inner shutters were closed. She envisioned herself there with Er—Gavin.
Alysa walked to the opening in the dark kitchen. She unsealed it and stared at the unobstructed scene beyond the settlement: Stonehenge, which was outlined against a sky that went from black, to violet, to blue, to sweeps of more violet, to mingled hues of pink and gold and deep purple near the earth. The dark site looked eerie against the colorful backdrop of the last remains of the day. She wondered what had taken place there in ancient days, and what would take place there after the quest.
Eirik entered her line of vision as he headed toward the Druid temple of towering stones. As if sensing her stare, he halted and turned. Locating her at the window of the house which he had won in a bet only weeks ago, he met her gaze.
Alysa tried to move from the window, but could not. She found herself suspended there by the power of his allure, as he did hers not far away. Her body seemed weightless and serene. Her mind drifted dreamily. She did not look away, could not look away.
Eirik watched her, noting her response to him. His mind was in a quandary. He wanted to go to her, but knew he should not. She was bewitching, and he lacked the strength to resist her pull. He wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to caress her. It seemed forever before the quest would be finished and he could do so. Trosdan’s warnings thundered across his mind, and he dared not endanger her. If only she would help him obey the wizard…
She was seductive. Compelling. How could he battle the invincible force which was drawing them together? It appeared the same for her, and that conclusion thrilled him. Yet it worried him, as it meant he would receive no help from her with his emotional struggle. If she but once summoned him …
Eirik’s friends Aidan
and Saeric shouted to him and broke the spell between him and Alysa. He turned and answered their call. He glanced toward the window, but she was gone and a feeling of emptiness plagued him. His head ached strangely and he was tense. He felt bewildered and flustered. He felt as if he were smothering in a trap. To relax the tautness in his chest, he inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. He headed to join his friends in a game of toss-the-stones.
The Viking Queen was aroused the next morning by the noises which filled her ears and the stench which attacked her nose. She sneaked a look outside and saw billowing smoke heading skyward: the funeral pyre had been lit. The offensive odor of burning flesh stung her nostrils. She was glad it was being carried out beyond the settlement, but the mild breeze was wafting in this direction. She did not know how many foes had been slain or had died from wounds, but the pile was large. As was their custom, the men’s possessions were burned with them to create more smoke to carry their spirits heavenward and to supply them with riches when they arrived in Valhalla.
Enid came with Alysa’s food, and was cold to her rival again. Irritated, Enid remarked, “Lord Rolf was unhappy last night because you would not join him for his late meal. He desires you greatly.”
“Only because I am queen, Enid. What warrior would not wish to become High King? To do so, he must win the quest and wed me. It is not my command; it is Odin’s. No matter who the winner is, you will remain his slave; I promise.
Enid glared at Alysa before leaving without another word.
When Trosdan arrived to escort Alysa to the rings, she revealed Enid’s visit and decided to contend with the problem today. Trosdan agreed.
Alysa stretched out on the bed to await Trosdan, who was finishing his guileful chores with the wounded. She had been tempted to pretend to assist the wizard while secretly slaying her helpless foes by poisoning or smothering them. Yet it seemed too cold-blooded and barbaric to kill an injured man. Also, she had been tempted to lessen her enemies’ number by stealthily slaying as many as possible. But how could she safely dispose of their bodies? If men were found dead or missing, suspicions would arise and intrusive guards would be posted around camp, lookouts who could interfere with future ploys. She had to use caution, patience, and wisdom.
Suddenly she was exhausted and fell immediately asleep.
The matches began, and soon Eirik was battling another rival. Alysa was overjoyed when it ended within minutes with Eirik unscathed. His overly confident opponent had been no threat to him.
When the triumphant warrior left the ring, he also left camp for a tension-releasing ride and to avoid Alysa while he cleared his head. Never had he faced such a dilemma in his life, to want a prize so desperately but to be unable to go after it and seize it! He had no one special in his life, as all his family was dead. How good it would be to make a home and to have children with this enchanting goddess. If he did not win her, his emptiness would be even greater than it was now. What a strange and powerful emotion love was!
Ulf fought again, and slew another man. Rolf remained at his assigned ring to study his future combatants. And Einar’s eyes seemed to trail Alysa’s every move.
Alysa returned to her dwelling before the contest break for the men to eat and rest. She was thinking about Eirik as she strolled homeward. Sometimes he was so like Gavin; other times he was nothing like her husband. If only she could solve this mystery!
Alysa’s early entry surprised Enid in her daring mischief. The woman was about to release the birds which the queen seemed to love so dearly. Alysa commanded sternly, “Nay, Enid!”
The captive whirled and paled. “I—I was a-about to feed them.”
Calming herself, Alysa stated simply, “You lie. But I know the reason for your wicked deed. Be assured, I do not seek to steal Rolf from you. I know you love and desire him and wish to remain at his side.”
“He has not wanted me since you arrived,” the woman scoffed.
“I have found a way to prove to you I am not your enemy. If I help you with your love, will you keep our deed a secret?”
Enid locked the cage door and came forward. Her look was one of mingled mistrust and intrigue. “Explain your meaning.”
“First, you must promise to tell no one of our magic.”
“Magic?” she echoed, her interest snared.
“Yea, a love potion for Rolf,” Alysa clarified, and Enid smiled. “I will give you a vial of liquid which you can place in his food each time you desire to lie with him. It is powerful and must not be used too frequently. Once he has eaten the enchanted food, he will be unable to resist you for hours. You must be careful not to arouse his suspicions by using too much or too often. If I give you the love potion, will you forget your hatred of me and keep my gift a secret? If we were caught at such daring mischief, we would be tortured and slain.”
“Will it truly work?” Enid asked eagerly.
“Yea, but use it with care. Even if he wins the quest and must wed me, at least you will have him to yourself until that day. Even after we are wed, I will allow you to use it when you wish and sneak into his bed to sate your desires. I have been wed before and I cared not for bouts in bed beneath a man. I will be glad for you to do that chore for me. The potion is dazing, so he will not guess you take my place.” Alysa placed the vial from Trosdan in the slave’s open hand.
Enid hid the vial in her pocket, then smiled at Alysa. She was convinced of the queen’s words and was ecstatic over her good luck. “I will obey you, Queen Alysa. Ask anything of me.”
“You serve me well, Enid. There is nothing more I need. I am glad you wish to do this chore for me. Rolf is handsome and kind, but I do not desire him as a man, only as a friend. Later I will have refreshments with him at his dwelling to prevent his suspicions when you use the potion on him tonight.”
The evening round of battles ended with Rolf at her side. She smiled genially and asked, “Do you have wine you can share with me?”
Pleasure danced in his greenish-brown eyes as he nodded. He led her to his dwelling and invited her inside. Enid served them wine and small meat pies. They talked for a short time as Rolf related many of his past adventures and conquests, with Enid hovering nearby to seize any scrap of emotional food which was dropped by Rolf.
Alysa stretched languidly. “I must go. You need your rest. You are to fight again tomorrow.”
Rolf escorted her to Eirik’s dwelling, then returned to finish the cup of wine he had left on his table.
Within minutes, his loins ached for release. He stripped and lay on his bed. Visions of Alysa stormed his mind, and fiery passions consumed his body. He called to Enid, and the naked girl joined him.
For hours, Rolf made love to the slave girl, who was filled with gratitude to Alysa and with love for her Viking master.
Rolf battled during the afternoon, after sleeping late. Still amongst the winners, he went to his dwelling to ward off his unusual fatigue. Enid served him tea to enliven him, tea mingled with a special herb which Alysa had given to her today to invigorate Rolf.
By dusk, the second set of matches was concluded, leaving thirty-two men to pair off for the next one. Lots were drawn once more before the evening meal and rest period.
Afterward, Eirik fought and won his third match. Again, he vanished from sight, convincing Alysa that he was indeed avoiding her. Yet his absence only increased her longing for him.
Rolf fought again, and won narrowly. Alysa summoned Enid and cautioned the girl to hold off using the magical liquid until the contest was over, else a malevolent rival like Ulf could slay him. The slave girl agreed, smiling dreamily after her passionate night.
Within four hours the next day, contest three was finished, leaving sixteen men to pair off in each ring. As was expected by Trosdan and Alysa, Ulf won another match, leaving another enemy dead.
During the rest period, which had come early because of the end of round three, the remaining rivals practiced anxiously and refreshed themselves with stimulating food and ale.
> One of the male slaves brought an armful of wood to Alysa’s dwelling for heating water and to ward off the chill of an occasionally cool night. Alysa had been observing all the captives closely and felt she could trust this one. Hatred gleamed in his eyes for his foes, and she knew he had been whipped many times for defiance and scorn. After glancing outside to find no eyes on her abode, she closed the door and barred it. She told the baffled slave, “You must hide here until darkness, then I will help you escape our pagan enemies.”
“What trick is this? I will be found and killed!” he argued with the queen of the men she was insulting and betraying.
“No one will search the queen’s privy for a runaway slave. Conceal yourself there until I summon you. I am here to defeat these barbarians who rape and plunder our lands, but I may need the help of your people.” Hurriedly, she revealed her ruse to the astonished blacksmith who had been captured to care for the Norsemen’s horses and arms. “Tell your people to make weapons and to practice with them. Carefully pass the word along to trusted men in other villages. If my forces fail to arrive or to defeat these vicious foes, the people of Logris must help me rid our isle of them. Soon, we will all be free and happy again. Expose me to no one, my trusted friend.”
The prisoner was amazed by her shocking words, brave deeds, and cunning plan. He was inspired by them and by her enormous courage. “It is an insane plan, Your Highnesss, insane enough to work. I will do my part to aid you, but convincing others to defy our king and his wicked hirelings is another matter.”
Alysa sent him a grateful smile for his honesty and courage. “Do your best, my friend; that is all I or our gods can ask of any man or woman. The moon will be high overhead before you can sneak away. The search for you will be over before that time. I must go now. Hide yourself and pray for victory.”
Alysa went for a ride on Calliope. The animal was happy to be with his mistress, racing across the open land. Ever so often, she would rein him to catch his breath. While he did so, she stroked his neck and talked to him.
The Last Viking Queen Page 17