Idunna met his gaze. “Prayed I was not too late. Vaskr did his best.”
“Do not fret. You both did your best. I regret sending you alone. That was unwise. What if you had drowned? Or some animal had gotten you? Why does all my sense seem to flee when I am around you?” He rubbed his hand over her back.
The tiniest smile curled her mouth. “Poor Eoghann.”
Tears stung his eyes. Poor indeed, for he would be lost without her. “Shh.”
She curled against him and squeezed her eyelids closed. “Missed you.”
“And I missed you. More than you can know.” How close had he come to losing her?
“Something else.” Idunna's eyebrows pressed together. “An aunt. In Dawerk. Your mother's sister.”
“Truly?”
She nodded. “She wants to see you.” Idunna's eyelids closed. Her breathing evened out and she relaxed, though she still shook.
“Let her sleep. She needs much rest,” Hild advised. “I will continue to look after Ealasaid. In a while, you can wake Idunna and get some warm food in her.”
He nodded. Tight as he held her, it was a miracle she could breathe, but he was too frightened to let her go.
Chapter Seventeen
“Hella will come today. He will surely arrive today.” Ealasaid shivered as she clutched a woolen blanket around her shoulders.
Snow swirled into the hut on bitter wind.
Idunna grasped the door, then pushed it shut. “You'll catch your death and I don't have the strength for another ride to Dawerk, Ealasaid.” The ends of her fingers still tingled as she flexed them. By some miracle, she'd escaped the damage of freezing her digits, but they were tender and sensitive.
Long pieces of hair escaped Ealasaid's braid. Her face, pale and drawn, bore dark shadows and seemed far too thin. Only yesterday, after nearly a sennight, she'd climbed from her bed. “I feel better, Idunna. But I miss him. What is taking so long?”
Idunna worried too. A sennight in Suibhne hadn't reconciled her feelings with the place. Even as Eoghann helped the villagers raise bigger, stronger, warmer huts, the transformation made little difference. His fears that someone might be after them lingered in her mind.
Hella's absence troubled her in particular. What if he'd been wounded or fallen ill?
She forced a smile. “He is coming. The weather may be causing his delay. Come now. Let's re-braid your hair. It must be a nuisance falling into your face that way.” She steered Ealasaid toward the bed. “Your fever is gone. That's good news.”
“If Hella is dead, Birgir and I will have nothing.” Ealasaid's eyes slid shut. “I don't think I can bear that.”
“You have Freysteinn. Eoghann and I will be there for you. We are little comfort against such a loss, but we love you.” She wished she could see the future, tell Ealasaid that Hella truly was on his way. “It isn't good to think of Hella's demise. When he arrives, you will forget this sadness.”
“I know.” Ealasaid sighed. “Any day now. You're right. The weather isn't favorable for traveling. We were fortunate it was so kind to us.”
Hardly kind, but they had arrived much quicker. “His party is larger as well. We were able to move swiftly thanks to small numbers.”
Ealasaid said nothing as Idunna removed the tie from the braid, then smoothed the hair straight.
They sat in silence for a time as Idunna wove strands together again. It was a clumsy effort, but she managed.
“I wish to see Fulla.” Ealasaid twisted to face Idunna. “Please bring her.”
“As you wish. It will do you some good to see her. And Birgir.”
“Not him. Not yet. I fear he may sense my sadness.” Tears formed in Ealasaid's eyes. “I don't wish to trouble him.”
“He would be glad to see you out of bed, even if your heart is heavy. Are you sure?”
“Let's wait a bit. I know my brother is keeping him occupied with the work of rebuilding.” She caught Idunna's hand. “I told him what Blanid said. He still has no interest in becoming the chief of this settlement.”
“I am not surprised, my lady.” Idunna lowered her gaze. “Eoghann was deeply upset by Diarmaid's obsession with destroying other villages to raise Suibhne. I think his time among the Ironfist's people soured him for leadership.”
“He once longed to rule empires. I wish Diarmaid had not intimidated him so. I wish many things had turned out differently.” Ealasaid shook her head. “But I am glad he found happiness with you. I worried, you know. Your decision to marry him was done quickly. We knew little of him. He is not the boy I remember, but he is a decent man.”
Idunna bit her lip.
“What is it?” Ealasaid squeezed her hand.
“I love him. When I said I would marry him to save him, I longed for one thing. I had no children and no prospect of getting them without a husband. So I selfishly offered to become his bride. But even if I remain childless, I am happy because I have a fine man to care for me.”
Ealasaid's face lit up with a smile. “Truly?”
“Aye. How unlikely, but nevertheless, he owns my heart, that Saxon brother of yours.”
“We will train him into a proper Norseman yet.” The worry left Ealasaid's face. “He must be pleased to know such a good woman loves him.”
Idunna avoided Ealasaid's gaze. “I haven't told him.”
“Why ever not?”
“There are many reasons. First the assassin sent from Ofan. Then he volunteered to go with Hella. We fled and now he's busy rebuilding. Sickness and word of family in Dawerk. There isn't much time. I will find a way one day. When everything has calmed a bit.”
“My illness has kept you from his bed.” Ealasaid's mouth turned down. “There is no perfect time. Tell him right away. Life is too fleeting to ignore something so powerful.”
If he didn't feel the same way? She would make a fool of herself. But even if he didn't love her in return, he would know he was not alone in this world. “I will tell him soon.”
“Good. Now, bring Fulla, please. I've missed her.”
“Of course.” If she could pry the baby from Hild's arms. Fulla had claimed so many hearts, even in this cold, odd place.
She left Ealasaid. Across the way, two new buildings, bigger than the sorry huts, rose against the skyline. Under Eoghann's guidance, the men worked quickly to raise the new lodging. He'd drawn the plans for them, instructed them on the trees to cut and strip. He'd helped them mix clay to seal the cracks between the wood. Through it all, she'd watched, pleased that he seemed more comfortable working instead of worrying.
Leofric darted into her path. He nearly tripped as he tried to avoid slamming into her. Instead of an apology, he glared. “Get out of the way, woman.”
“I suppose you have important business. Why else would you risk knocking over casual passersby? You're insufferable, boy.”
“At least no Norse blood tarnishes my veins.” He sneered. “I long for the day you leave and take the Kentigerns with you.”
“Be gone. Return to whatever task you sought to achieve before we met.” She resisted the urge to slap him. Insufferable child.
“You will rue the day you arrived in Suibhne,” he vowed. “Very soon.”
“Idle threats. How clever.” She rounded him, eager to get away.
“Nothing idle about it, Norsewoman. The day is coming. Darkness follows you, just as Blanid says. It will find you, one way or another.”
She gritted her teeth. The boy attempted to frighten her, but she had to maintain control of that emotion. He was a rude, unkempt child. His father and mother were better people, although they'd allowed him to become a little monster. She almost pitied them for having to claim such a mean spirited child.
“Idunna.”
She turned at her name, surprised, but happy at Eoghann's appearance. “I imagined you working on the lodges.”
“I was until a chisel broke. When I was a boy, we had a great forge. I wondered if it still stood, or if time and raiders destroyed it. I
t's intact and will be usable with some care. Would you like to see it?” He offered his hand.
Her mission could wait a few moments. “I would, but we'll have to hurry. Ealasaid is feeling better and wishes to see Fulla.”
“Then hurry we will. Let's not displease the queen.” He took her hand. His palm met hers, rough and warm. “Will Ealasaid be up from her bed soon?”
“I think so. She is weak yet, and yearns for Hella, but she is not easily defeated. Having something to do, whether it's caring for Fulla and Birgir or helping the women will give her purpose.”
“Have you found purpose here?” His gaze, blue as the cold sea, searched her face.
“Tending Ealasaid, I suppose. I would like to do more. Once she is better, we can both be of more use. Though I hope we will be on our way again soon.”
“You dislike this place so much?” He cocked an eyebrow. “What troubles you?”
“Not the place. I'm sure it is a fine place. Or it once was. I pity the people who stayed after the fire destroyed their village. I hope they recover. It's...it's the situation that delivered us here. I wish things could be the way they were. Peaceful.”
“Have they not been?”
“I'm afraid. For us, for Hella and his men. For the people here.” She shivered as she recalled Leofric's words. “Aethelred's son is troublesome.”
“I agree.” A scowl darkened Eoghann's face. “The boy has no respect for us. He refused to help build the new lodges.”
“He's made threats.” She relayed what Leofric had said to her.
Eoghann's frown deepened. “I will have a word with his father about it. He cannot continue this way. Something must be done.”
“What? You can hardly cast him out. He would die alone out there.”
His shoulder's slumped. “That I cannot answer. Perhaps Aethelred will have his own ideas.” He led her to a stone heap. A large anvil lay near it. “There's a smelter too. With these things, the people of Suibhne can craft plow blades, weapons, tools. Nearly anything they need to survive.” The fingers of his free hand twitched as though he ached to start a fire in the pit of the forge and go to work.
“Will you continue to help them?”
“As much as I can until Hella arrives.”
“If he doesn't?” She gave her fears a voice. “What if the worst has happened?”
Eoghann pressed his finger over her lips. “Do not say such things. Hella is coming.”
She turned her head, freeing her mouth. “But if he doesn't?”
“I have no answers.”
“Would we remain here? That's all I'm asking. Birgir is the heir. Someone must take him back to Solstad. But who will make sure he's not betrayed? You are his uncle. It would fall to you to protect him.”
Eoghann dropped her hand, then folded his arms. “I know. It's not a thing I wish to think on. Pray your king returns and this madness ends.”
“I don't mean to upset you.” She placed her hand on his forearm. “Please forgive me.”
“These are unsettling times.” He pulled her into his arms. “You are forgiven. But do not give up on Hella. If only for Ealasaid and Birgir's sakes. They need him more than they need me.”
“I need you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Is there any sign of a babe?”
He didn't understand her meaning. “None that have me convinced of anything.” She sighed. “Eoghann. I need you. For more than a sire to my children. My heart—”
Across the village, a horse bolted into the clearing.
Eoghann pushed Idunna behind him. His sword rang as he pulled it from the sheath.
A rider leaned low over the horse's neck. The animal snorted and trotted in a circled as the rider pulled the reins.
Dark red painted the horse's side.
“Erland!” Idunna gasped as the young man toppled off the horse, into the snow.
The horse staggered to a stop with its head low and sides heaving.
Eoghann grabbed at her to keep her from rushing to Erland's side, but his fingers only caught the edge of her cloak. She darted out of his reach. He stayed a step behind her.
Alarmed shouting from around the village hurt Idunna's ears, but she raced for Erland.
He struggled to sit up. A short knife flashed in his hand. “Eoghann,” he croaked.
“Shh, we're here.” Idunna dropped to knees beside him. “Where are you injured?”
His wild gaze fell on Eoghann. “They're coming. Hella sent me...had to warn you. One of them heard...Suibhne. Protect the queen and the boy.” He dropped the knife to clutch Eoghann's arm. “You have to hide.”
Erland's face went paler than the snow as his eyes rolled back.
“Is he gone?” Eoghann's rough voice cracked.
She held her hand beneath Erland's nose. “No. He's breathing. We need to get him inside so I can tend him.”
A deep gash on his upper right arm bled freely. He'd run into trouble not long ago judging from the state he was in.
“Our hut.” Eoghann gestured for Aethelred. Together they carried the wounded man inside.
Idunna followed. “You must tell Ealasaid. She'll be beside herself with worry for Hella, but you must do as he wished and keep them safe.”
“I need more information. Close his wounds, bring him back to his senses. I have to know who is coming. Their numbers? How can I keep my sister safe if I don't know the enemy?” Frustration replaced Eoghann's worry. “He must live, Idunna.”
“I know, I know.” She used a knife to cut slits in Erland's tunic before she pulled it away. Minor scrapes and nicks marred his flesh, but the wicked gash seemed to be the worst of it. “I will do my best.”
“Then I shall tell Ealasaid.” Eoghann's brow furrowed.
“Is there anything I can do for ye, Lady Idunna?” Aethelred clutched his felt hat in his hands. “I do hate tae feel useless.”
“Bring me more water. Another bucket. If Blanid has it, yarrow and comfrey. Ealasaid's stores are nearly gone. Rosemary if she hasn't any comfrey.” She dipped water from the bucket near the fire into a bowl, then dipped a rag in it. Time to see how threatening the injury might be.
“I can do that. I'll return in a trice.”
She sponged away blood as the men left.
Erland never moved. He looked half starved and careworn. Crossing Northumbria in this weather after the siege at Ofan must have exhausted him.
When we will see peace again?
The wound ran to the bone. It was neat, not ragged. A sword had likely been the cause. If she could keep it from festering, he might live. If not...at best he'd lose his limb. At worst, he would die. And Erik would probably have her head for not saving his eldest son.
The door opened and snow swirled in ahead of Ealasaid.
“Has he spoken again?” Ealasaid's eyes were wide, her face full of fear.
“Nothing, my lady. I'm sorry.” Of course her sister-in-law longed for fresh news of her husband. Idunna's heart ached for the queen.
“Will he live?”
“I hope. If Eir sees fit.” The goddess of healing must grow tired of my prayers. “We will do all we can for him. You should be resting.”
“I need to be here in case—” A sob cut off Ealasaid's words.
The boy died? Or he woke with word of Hella? “It may be some time before he wakes.”
Ealasaid wiped away her tears. “Birgir will be heartbroken that such poor luck has fallen on his friend.”
“The two are close. When Erland is feeling better, Birgir can see him.”
Eoghann burst into the hut. His gaze hardened when he saw his sister. “I told you to remain in place.”
“I had to see him. The boy is my nephew. His father is my husband's closest friend.” Ealasaid lifted her chin. “Do not presume to issue orders to me.”
“Then remain here to help Idunna if she requires it. I will keep Birgir at my side. It seems necessary to—” Eoghann shuddered. “To take inventory of the available
weapons. We may be attacked any time. The villagers should be prepared and there's no one else to do it. If they need repairs to their weapons, I will do them. We must be ready.” He squared his shoulders. “I will do what I can to make sure we are protected and safe from intruders.”
Ealasaid blinked. “I thought you had no wish to make or repair weapons.”
“Sadly, sister, in times of need, the most sacred vows form cracks.” Darkness lingered in Eoghann's eyes. “Aethelred will stand guard outside. Come for me if Erland wakes. I need a word.”
* * * *
Working a forge in frigid open air wasn't ideal. Eoghann stuffed another stick of wood into the mouth. The heat warmed his fingers for a moment.
“It will nae take long. A crude shelter with three sides is better than none. It would keep the wind off the metal while you worked. We could have something up in a day.” Aethelred walked ten feet behind the forge, then marked the space with the toe of his boot. “That's more important than the lodges now. We have too many unprotected families here.”
Eoghann shook his head. “You defended yourselves by hiding and with a few rusted blades. It comes as a surprise so many of you survived this long.”
“We have bows. Plenty of arrows. Knives and hammers. Pitchforks, if nothing else. Forgive us for nae training as warriors while we struggled tae survive, m'lord.” Aethelred's tone was light. “It's the best we can do. My da, he died attempting tae defend yours. I had nae one tae teach me swordplay.”
“I mean no insult.” Eoghann took the notch-edged blade Aethelred had brought. “I can smooth the edges and make it sharper. You know how to use it. Properly, I mean?”
“A bit. Do nae cut meself on the pointy end.” Aethelred shrugged. “I'll send Leofric to round up as many more swords as he can find. We're nae cowards. Merely cautious when strangers come here. It's easier tae hide than fight when our numbers are so few.”
“There's truth in your logic.” Eoghann placed the sword blade into the fire. Heat the metal, make it malleable, recreate it. All for Hella and this fight the king had brought innocent people into. Ealasaid would be displeased if she knew the anger Eoghann harbored for her husband right now.
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