Page 23 of Claimed By the Viking

“Children must learn, even when it’s painful, their way in the world.” Viggo’s reply sounded weary. “As for hurting each other, it’s inevitable, regardless of our intentions.”

Beneath her hand, Signy felt the beating of Viggo’s heart. “Someone hurt you?” It wasn’t really a question.

“I was seven when I entered the mines of Skálavík alongside my brothers. ‘Twas like a game, at first, in which we were given tasks to perform. I didn’t mind, even, how dark it was underground. We’d invent stories to make it seem more exciting—that we were helping the men dig for trolls’ treasure, dragging out our carts of rubble. After a time, we tired of it, naturally, telling our father that we were ready to go back to our farm. ’Twas only then he let us know that there was no homestead to return to. He’d lost it in gambling to Jarl Beornwold himself—the value of the farm and much more. Our servitude in the mines was to pay the debt.”

“Oh, Viggo!” Signy pressed herself closer, unsure of what to say in the face of such a story.

“It could have been much worse.” Viggo spoke in a measured tone. “The crew we joined was not unkindly, and my brothers and I were independent of spirit. Our mother having died not long after the bearing of me, my father had the raising of us, and we grew knowing how to make ourselves useful.”

“But to lose all you’d known! To be forced into such a life!” Signy fought back tears on his behalf.

“Children are adaptable. ‘Twas far later, when I was old enough to understand such things, that I developed a bitterness for what had befallen us and the actions of my father.”

“They’re waiting for you back in Skálavík? Your father and brothers?” Signy prompted.

The hand upon her hip tightened. “‘Tis just me now.”

Signy sensed his reticence in having her delve deeper in regard to his family, but she couldn’t resist pushing a little more, wanting to learn of his former life.

“How came you to be here? Upon the ship, I mean?”

Viggo let go a long breath. “Much time has passed. When Eldberg took the jarlship, he pardoned many debts, including that of my father. I was released from bonded thralldom and given a wage for my labors.”

“He’s a good man, this Eldberg?”

Viggo made a scoffing sound. “He’s canny enough to know how to bring men to his side, and he rewards loyalty. He thinks to claim mine by this gesture and the promise of something more.”

Signy kept silent, giving him space in which to speak. In all these days together, he’d never revealed so much, and she feared to interrupt him now.

“Eldberg gave me his oath that the old homestead would be returned to me. ‘Tis a ramshackle place now and the land much encroached upon. The price was my strength upon the oars, and my portion of whatever bounty was claimed upon this trip, as well as a quarter share of all produce from the farm, once I’ve…” He broke off suddenly.

“Viggo, what is it?” Signy asked anxiously.

“All is lost!” He pushed the heel of his hand to his eyes. “There shall be no farm. No return to Skálavík… at least, never for me, though I’ve little doubt our jarl is scheming already, thinking of what to take with him.”

“Wh-What do you mean?” There were but six of the strangers and at least one with serious injuries. They had no ship—merely the wreckage of a hull. Besides which, given time to adjust, why would they want to leave? Were they not well looked after?

She overlooked, of course, what awaited them back in Skálavík.

Viggo appeared to have no family, but that could not be true for the others. All must have someone beloved who looked for their return. They would have homes and responsibilities and a hundred other claims upon their allegiance. To think they’d be content to remain upon the island was a child’s notion!

Yet, she did not see how they might leave, however strong their desire.

A knot formed in her stomach. Whether ‘twas possible or not, the worst of it was knowing how badly Viggo wished to leave the island.

To leave me!

She squeezed her eyes shut.

Of course, he’d rather leave. His true home is elsewhere.

“‘Tis all for naught! For what place is there for one such as me? What purpose, even if I were to be granted passage!” Viggo’s voice was rough with emotion.

“I don’t understand.” Signy’s head had begun to ache. “If your jarl finds a way, why would he not take you? You’re his, as the others are.”

“Pftah!” Viggo gave a hollow laugh. “Useless as I am!”

“Do not speak so.” Signy thumped his chest. “You’re alive and strong, and I’m glad you’re here. Is not being with me purpose enough, at least for now?”

---