Page 26 of Claimed By the Viking

“Is there such a rush?” Viggo loathed his obvious despair. “You know… my eyes fail me.”

“Overcome the impediment.” His jarl was curt. “We’ve no time for such indulgences.”

Indulgences?Did Eldberg presume he’dchosento lose his sight?

“Straighten up! We’re returning to Skálavík, and I need every man fit and capable. Consider that an order.”

Viggo slumped forward. There was no point in arguing when his jarl was in such a mood. Eldberg was accustomed to getting his own way, regardless of others’ wishes.

‘Twas strange though, that he placed importance on these women. Eldberg was skilled enough with words to make some arrangement for their departure, yet he’d used the word ‘escape.’

It made not a bit of sense.

“Is something amiss?” Viggo grasped Eldberg’s sleeve. “Tell me, I beg you. Why such secrecy?”

“The details are of no consequence.” Brushing away Viggo’s hand, he rose.

“Pull yourself together and ensure the wench who houses you is ready to help us. I’ll bring word when the time comes.” Eldberg was irritatingly upbeat, clearly pleased with himself.

“Until then.” He called behind him, leaving Viggo alone once more.

Eldberg was a callous bastard. He needed him at the oars, nothing more. Even without his sight, it was a task Viggo might perform. As to afterward, he’d no doubt of what would happen. There would be no place for him in Skálavík. He’d be an outcast, forsaken and reviled. None would care what became of him.

Cold dread crept through his veins.

He was no one unless he could see. A worthless cur!

He’d known it before, but the sting hadn’t seemed so cruel until Eldberg had underpinned the point.

He should have told his jarl to go without him, should have stood up to him. Instead, he’d let Eldberg walk away without so much as a word of protest.

Damn.Viggo dug his fingers into his temples, almost taking pleasure in the resulting stab of pain.Damn Eldberg, and damn me!

As to luring a woman with duplicity, it was not Viggo’s style. Regardless of his jarl’s orders, he didn’t want to lie to Signy.

Not that it matters.Not if I’ve departed this world before Eldberg leaves.

Nothing matters.

A scuffing of sand roused him to raise his head.

“Signy?” His heart lifted.

“Tis I, Rutger.” The other’s voice was all but a whisper as he crouched beside. “I shouldn’t have come, but I heard of your ailment. I’m sorry, Viggo.”

“Yes, well…” Rutger was a good sort, but Viggo couldn’t suppress a pang of disappointment that ‘twas another of the men.

Where was Signy?

“For myself, I got off lightly. Three fingers broken—but on the left, thank Odin! ‘Tis not so bad now.” Rutger sounded remarkably cheerful. “I’ve had my right for anything that matters. Grethe, my woman, has no complaints. One workingfinger is all I need to whet her appetite!” He gave a barking laugh at his own bawdy joke.

“Is your wench as amenable?” Rutger gave him a nudge. “Your staff’s getting some action while you heal?”

Viggo squeezed his eyes shut. He liked Rutger and knew he spoke only in jest, but after Eldberg’s visit, he grew weary of hearing the woman he longed for referred to in such crude terms. “I’m well looked after.”

“I’m… glad.” Rutger gave an awkward cough. “I… Perhaps I should leave you to rest.”

“Do that!” Rutger might mean no harm, but Viggo was tired of what passed for his humor.

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