‘If you will excuse me I must go and fetch some more mead.’
‘What a pity.’
‘Yes, but I’m sure you’ll get over it.’
Finn watched her departure with mixed feelings. Although her assessment of his character was decidedly unflattering he had enjoyed the repartee that went with it. In spite of his best efforts that day he hadn’t been able to dismiss her from his mind altogether. Once or twice he’d even found himself looking around in the hope of seeing her. Annoyed with himself he’d made a more determined attempt to focus on the business in hand. He had a battle to fight. Now was not the time for distraction of any sort, least of all for a troublesome little vixen like Lara.
Even in the hall tonight she had done her best to avoid him, leaving others to fill his cup. It should have been a matter of complete indifference to him, but it wasn’t. Even while he tried to focus on the conversation his gaze obliquely followed her progress around the room. Knowing that she would not come to him he’d had to resort to outright provocation just to be sure of getting her attention. It had worked, although he didn’t get the response he’d been expecting. He never knew which way she would jump. With her he had to be continually on his toes, ready for anything, but it was the element of unpredictability that he found so stimulating. In the short time he’d known her he’d experienced a wide range of emotions but boredom wasn’t one of them. She represented an entirely different kind of challenge and one that would be met. Just let him deal with Steingrim and then they would see.
Chapter Seven
Next day, just after dawn, the men began loading provisions and war gear on to the waiting ships. Although Lara watched the preparations from a distance, she felt the familiar thrill of excitement that the sea dragons always inspired. They were beautiful and deadly, their long clean lines built for speed enabling them to bear down on their prey with the ruthless power of swooping hawks. Their shallow draughts made them ideal for exploring inland waterways as well, something her brother had taken advantage of many times.
‘I’ll bid you farewell, Daughter.’ Her father’s voice jerked her out of her reverie. She’d been so engrossed in the ships that she hadn’t even noticed his approach.
‘My lord?’
He clasped her shoulders and bestowed a kiss on her cheek. ‘I wish you a safe journey and contentment in your new life.’
‘Thank you but—’
‘Be a good wife and obey your husband in all things.’ He squeezed her shoulders and then stepped back. ‘I expect your brother will bring me word in due course.’ He glanced around and spied Alrik on the jetty. ‘That reminds me, I need a word with him before he leaves.’
She looked after him in bemusement. Before she had time to ponder too deeply Finn appeared at her shoulder.
‘Are your things aboard yet?’
‘No, why?’
‘The ship will be leaving very soon. I’ll have someone fetch your box.’
‘To what end?’
‘I should have thought that was obvious.’
‘Not to me.’
He surveyed her steadily. ‘Surely you didn’t think I would leave you behind?’
Lara blinked. It was exactly what she had thought. It had never occurred to her that he might have other plans.
‘But you’re going to meet Steingrim.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.’
Something in his smile caused her breathing to quicken. ‘I’ll be safer here and indeed I am content to remain.’
‘But I am not. Indeed, the idea displeases me greatly.’
‘I am flattered that you should so desire my company but in truth I have no wish to impede your plans, my lord.’
‘You won’t impede my plans. You’re very much a part of them.’
‘I should prefer to stay here.’
‘And I should prefer you to go.’
This was getting trickier by the minute. He seemed impervious to even the strongest of hints. She was going to have to be blunt. ‘I don’t wish to go.’
‘That is unfortunate.’
‘What would I do on such an expedition?’
‘Whatever I command of you.’
It was blatant provocation again but knowing that didn’t diminish her annoyance. Her gaze smouldered.
‘Not likely.’
‘I think you’ll find it otherwise. Incidentally, the penalties for disobedience are harsh on board a ship.’
‘I’m not going on board your ship.’
‘A wife’s place is at her husband’s side. Where is your box?’
‘It’s in the bower where it’s staying.’
Finn called to one of the passing crewmen. ‘Sturla, go to the bower and fetch the lady’s things. One of the women will show you.’
‘Right away, my lord.’
Lara glared at Sturla. ‘Don’t you dare touch my things, you oaf.’
The man ignored her as though she hadn’t spoken and strode off for the steading. Furious, she rounded on Finn.
‘You can’t do this.’
‘I just did.’
‘And I just told you I wasn’t going.’
He raised an eyebrow and then slowly advanced. Reading his intention, Lara turned to run but he caught her in two strides. There followed a few heated seconds of loud protest and futile struggle and then she was tossed over his shoulder and carried bodily to the waiting ship. As they reached the jetty they passed her father. Having observed the spectacle for a moment he nodded to Finn.
‘Good man. Start as you mean to go on.’
Lara heard the words with impotent and speechless wrath. Moments later she was aboard the ship. Once there she was deposited in the stern and, despite a furious resistance, was pinned to the deck with a knee in her back and then bound hand and foot. Finn surveyed her steadily.
‘I’ll untie you again when we’re underway.’
‘Then I’ll swim back, you bastard.’
‘Try it and you’ll be tied up for the rest of the journey. That’s after I’ve tanned your backside, of course.’
She glared at him. ‘Only you would be low enough to think of such a thing.’
‘Low enough to do it and enjoy it as well.’
Just then she had no doubts about his sincerity on either count. The ramifications sent a flush of heat the length of her body. As a result she bit back the insults she wanted to hurl at his head and remained silent.
Finn had no trouble reading her expression. ‘I think we understand one another.’ He straightened, looking down at her. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get this ship underway.’
With that he left her. A short time later the man Sturla returned carrying her chest. As soon as he came aboard she heard the shouted commands and saw the lines cast off. Slowly the ship began to move away from shore. As it did she was aware of covert glances coming her way from the crew. Fuming, Lara fought the rope but it had been most expertly tied. Her bonds yielded not a whit. In the end she gave it up, realising that she was going to have to stay there until it pleased Finn to release her. It was but a small demonstration of his power but it gave rise to more sombre reflections. Soon now they would be in his territory, a wild and potentially dangerous place cut off from everything that was familiar. In that place his authority was absolute.
* * *
It was another hour before Finn came near her again. By then the ship was under sail in open water, the coast a dark smudge on the horizon. Even had she felt so inclined, Lara knew it would be impossible to swim back to shore. In fact she wasn’t so inclined. The fury that had consumed her earlier had died down to a resentful glow and then gradually burned itself out. Resentment was futile. Besides, Finn would most likely enjoy it. She sighed and shifted a little as the edge of a strake dug into her shoulder
. All she wanted now was to be able to stretch her cramped limbs. Involuntarily her gaze returned to the tall figure in the bow, taking in every lean hard line of him. Imagination suggested a physical manifestation of the fearsome creature depicted in the carved prow, fierce, predatory and dangerous. He looked completely at home in this environment, master of the world he inhabited. Technically he was her master too.
Her breath caught in her throat as he turned and made his way unhurriedly along the deck, pausing to exchange a word or two with his men on the way. None of them paid her the slightest heed. It wasn’t unusual for a woman to travel on a ship and, though they might not have expected it to be a sea dragon, it was the only choice available. As to the method of her arrival on board... Not only would they not question his orders they clearly didn’t question his actions either. In their view a disobedient wife could take what came to her. They probably thought he’d been lenient. When she thought of what he might have done she realised that, in many ways, he had been. In all their dealings so far he had never physically hurt her. Would that change now? Once away from her father’s jurisdiction Finn would have no need to practise restraint. He could do what he liked. It wasn’t a comforting thought.
As he drew closer she tried to read his expression but it gave nothing away. Had he come to free her or to gloat? Whatever happened she wasn’t going to beg. He stopped a few feet away, surveying her keenly.
‘If I untie you are you going to do anything stupid?’
She shook her head.
‘Do I have your word on that?’
‘Yes.’
He bent down and began to loosen the rope round her ankles. His fingers were strong and sure, making short work of the knots. When her legs were free she altered her position and he turned his attention to the rest. He was very close now, near enough for her to feel his body heat and to catch the smell of wool and smoke from his tunic. Beneath it was the subtle and disturbing scent of the man.
As the bonds came free she breathed a sigh of relief and flexed her cramped wrists. He hadn’t bound them tightly enough to cut off the circulation but it was good to have freedom of movement again. More than anything she wanted to stretch her legs. However, when she tried to stand the combination of rolling deck and stiffened limbs caused her to stagger. A firm hand caught her arm and steadied her.
‘You’ll get your sea legs in a little while.’
She nodded, every particle of her being aware of the man beside her. In self-defence she looked away towards the distant coast.
‘Will we put in to shore tonight or stay on the ship?’
‘We’ll go ashore. It gets cold on the water at night.’
‘You must be used to that.’
‘We are but we still prefer to sit around a fire when we can.’
She shot him a sideways glance. ‘Is this a suggestion of softness? I don’t believe it.’
‘Even the hardest of men like their creature comforts from time to time.’
‘Even the likes of Steingrim?’
‘Of course.’
‘Popular report says he’s made of stone.’
‘He’d like people to think so, but he’s still a man for all that and therefore no more immune to the attractions of comfort than anyone else.’
‘A fire, hot food and a cup of mead would suffice to soften him?’
‘They would help,’ he replied, ‘but you’d need to add a soft dry bed to the list—and a woman to warm it.’
The conversation was heading into deep water. It was time to steer it back again. ‘Have you met the man before?’
‘Our paths have crossed once or twice.’
‘But you did not fight him.’
‘I had no reason to then.’
Now he did have a reason and one that could not be disputed. The coming conflict had to happen but the thought filled her with foreboding. Finn must have read it in her face because he drew her gently round to face him.
‘Are you afraid, Lara?’
She would have liked to deny it but she had promised to be honest with him. ‘A little.’
‘Do you doubt my ability to protect you?’
‘No.’ Her gaze met his. ‘My doubt is not about your courage or prowess in battle but rather the evil nature of the man you must meet. I think him capable of the foulest trickery.’
‘So do I and I will be ready for it.’ He smiled faintly. ‘All the same I appreciate your concern, and your good opinion of my skills.’
‘Don’t mock, Finn. I was being serious.’
‘So was I,’ he replied.
* * *
They put into a small cove that evening. Nevertheless, Finn organised a small contingent of four to remain on board. Lara eyed him quizzically.
‘You fear an attack?’
‘No, though I won’t rule it out entirely,’ he replied. ‘Even so, there’s always a guard on the ship. Then if she slips her mooring and drifts, or if any other problem arises, there’s someone at hand to deal with it.’
‘I see.’
They stood by the side watching as the rest of the crew vaulted over the side into the surf and waded ashore. Lara eyed the water dubiously. It was thigh deep on the men which meant it would likely reach her waist. While she would have no hesitation about getting wet feet the thought of a soaking had less appeal. It would ruin her gown and she’d have to sit around in wet things all evening. On the other hand she wasn’t about to complain to Finn. After her earlier experience she wouldn’t put it past him to throw her in if she annoyed him again.
‘Are you ready?’ he asked.
She took a deep breath and nodded, hoping that she looked more enthusiastic than she felt. ‘Yes, of course.’
‘I’ll go first. It’s quite a long way down.’
He lowered himself over the side and then looked up at her. ‘All right.’
Gingerly she sat down and swung her legs over the side. Finn reached up and caught her by the waist. Resting her hands on his shoulders she took a deep breath, bracing herself for the cold water. He lifted her clear of the side and for a moment she had a sensation of gossamer lightness; the next she was settled in his arms.
‘Put your arms around my neck and hold on.’
Meekly she obeyed him. His lips quirked slightly, then he headed towards the shore. All thought of cold water was forgotten now; everything vanished except the hard-muscled body holding her close. The nape of his neck was warm beneath his hair, the curve a natural resting place for her hands. Now that she was so close she realised that his hair wasn’t just a dark shade of blonde: it was gold and bronze shot through with sun. It brushed her skin, the touch light and sensual inviting other, more dangerous, thoughts like how it would feel to run her fingers through it. The possibility sent a curl of heat into her belly.
Happily for her peace of mind they reached the strand a few moments later and he set her down above the waterline. For the space of a few heartbeats they surveyed each other in silence. Then she recovered the use of her voice.
‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome.’
His arm was still resting lightly on her waist. It should have felt intrusive but somehow it didn’t, any more than his nearness now. The feeling it engendered was quite different; different and disquieting. Every instinct advised retreat. She moistened her lips.
‘I...I’ll go and help collect some wood for a fire.’
‘Good idea.’
He released his hold then and she walked away letting out the breath she had been holding and trying to ignore the fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach. It was a ridiculous overreaction to a simple act of kindness. And it had been kind, she reflected, quite unexpectedly so. The man was nothing if not unpredictable. It was impossible to guess what he might do next. For a moment she’d suspec
ted that he might demand recompense for carrying her ashore but once again she was wide of the mark. That should have come as a relief but for some reason relief wasn’t her dominant emotion just then. Rather than explore that any further she turned her attention to finding some wood.
* * *
A short time later the other ship arrived in the cove and they were joined by Alrik and his men. When the fires had been lit and provisions broken out the company settled down for the evening, the men talking quietly among themselves. Gradually the light faded and the first stars pricked out. Lara finished her portion of bread and meat and then sat awhile looking out to sea, her eyes following the silvery trail of light across the water beneath the waxing moon. The air smelled of salt and wood smoke and pine from the trees that fringed the bay, reassuring and familiar scents that enhanced the present sense of well-being.
Presently Alrik strolled over and settled himself beside her. For a moment or two he surveyed her in silence then he too turned his gaze seawards.
‘Are you all right?’
Lara nodded. ‘Yes, I thank you.’
‘That’s good. After what happened earlier I feared you might not be.’
‘There is no reason to be concerned.’
‘He did not hurt you, Lara?’
‘No, he did not.’
‘I’m glad to hear it. The thought has been much on my mind.’
The words produced a twinge of guilt. ‘I’m sorry if you were worried. I did not intend it so.’ She sighed. ‘What happened was my own fault. I should not have lost my temper. It was foolish.’
‘Well, on that we are agreed.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson.’
‘Indeed I hope so. Jarl Finn is your husband now and your place is at his side. There is no point in stubborn rebellion. If you try to fight him you’ll lose.’
She made no reply but kept her gaze on the moon-tracked sea. However unpalatable they might be she knew the words for truth.
‘Is he really such bad choice of husband, Lara?’
She turned her head to look at him. ‘You forget. I did not have a choice.’
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