by Jianne Carlo
“You cried like a babe and pleaded with Odin, the Christian God, and many Eastern deities.” Magnus added another log to the low fire.
“And what of you? You tore apart two crofter’s huts with your bare hands in the dead of winter.” Jarvik scanned the quiet Great Hall and found it empty save for two boys clearing ashes from the dead fire.
“We were all better than Magnus.” Torsten signaled for more ale. “Aye. Are you able to eat or drink anything yet?”
Jarvik eyed his brothers. “Nay. Mayhap, after I have seen the babe.”
Spring had finally declared victory over winter and fruitful the seasons had been. In late fall, Ainslin had gifted Torsten with a son, Leiknir. Bettina delivered a girl of her own image in early winter, who they named Dalla. Not days after the New Year began, Catriona had presented Ruard with their second son, Grani. During a fierce and furious blizzard, Deidra had birthed twins, a boy and a girl, Olvir and Maria.
And not minutes earlier, Elaina had safely delivered a son who they decided to name Peyton, after her father.
Soft footsteps drew Jarvik’s attention. He glanced to the doorway, and when he saw Ainslin, shot to his feet.
“Elaina and Peyton are ready. He is easily the largest newborn I have ever seen.” Ainslin had acted the midwife for Elaina when Magnus refused to allow Deidra and the twins to travel.
The largest newborn. He had to grab the chair to remain standing and doubted if his feet still worked. Jarvik swallowed. “All is well?”
“Aye. Go to them. I must tend to our babe.”
“I thank you for your help. I know not what we would have done without you. No midwife serves this region.” Jarvik nodded to everyone and left the chamber.
He climbed the stairs slowly. Their corner of the land remained peaceful and prosperous even though war raged almost everywhere else. Few men trusted others, and more oft than not, brother murdered brother. But he, Magnus, Ruard, Njal, and Torsten trusted and relied on each other. And now he understood the reason.
Their wives and children.
Honor and family were the worth of a warrior.
Naught else.
~ End ~
~ About the Author ~
Jianne’s an Iron Chef America and Law and Order addict who loves to cook, eat, read, and write. She wishes a body could burn a ton of calories being sedentary and eating. Don’t you? If only…
Married for 34 years to an amazing man who still manages to sneak up on her every single day, she’s also the proud mama of three fantastic sons, all of whom are now of legal age. Now if only they’d stop changing majors in college…
Alpha males, strong heroines, exotic locations, and cultural differences are her forte.
She’s travelling the world and time through her books. From Manacled, which is set in modern day Monaco, to D is for Desire (set in Trinidad at Carnival time), to The Bear and The Bride, set in Norway circa 1029 A.D.
Jianne’s writing career began in 2008, and since then she’s been lucky enough to have fourteen books published. Nothing makes Jianne’s day more than an email from someone who’s read one of her books. Jianne loves to hear what tickles your fancy. So far, she’s received emails from almost every continent on the planet. Almost…
Find out more about Jianne Carlo here:
Web Site: www.jiannecarlo.com
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Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004D8XOLM
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2508742.Jianne_Carlo