Page 87 of Viking Warriors: Vol. 1-3
It was a rare thing for Eldberg to laugh, but he felt it rise in him now. The cloth in which they’d wrapped Thirka had been the same red as Elswyth’s dress.
12
Elswyth
August 4th, 960AD
Thirka had been fortunate, Eldberg’s quick-thinking had saved her from greater injury. She’d heal, if her wounds were kept clean. There would be scarring, but she’d walk again. The burns on her hands were superficial, her palms already accustomed to working close to the fire’s heat.
Ragerta and I had worked quickly to prepare the unguent of honey, comfrey, and marigold, spreading it thickly, then wrapping it with strips of linen. We used the aloe where the burns seemed most severe—the back of Thirka’s knees and her lower thigh. To ease her discomfort, we mashed valerian root, steeping in hot water. This, she was to sip every waking hour. I’d find willow bark when there was more time, for that was the best remedy in subduing pain, and it was easy to chew. Perhaps the forest held witch hazel, too. Once Thirka began to heal, it would aid the process.
“You have my thanks.” Thoryn clasped us both by the hand as we reached the longhouse. “If I can repay you, then let me know the manner, and it shall be done.”
The night sky was already lightening, the fjord glittering beneath a low-clinging sun. The air was cool, thanks to a breeze blowing in from the sea, and all was hushed. The residents of Skálavík would sleep on another hour, although there was movement in the harbour. The fishermen were early to rise, pushing out beneath those violet-shadowed mountains.
We all needed sleep, but the early morning light was too beautiful to turn from, and I had no eagerness to join the one who awaited me. Ragerta and I stood, watching as Thoryn retreated.
“His mother died early in the spring. He’d been living alone,” said Ragerta sadly.
“He has no thrall?” I’d noticed a woman’s touch in the woven coverings for his bed and walls, but the cauldron had been empty, and his tunic looked to have gone many days without being washed.
Ragerta gave a small smile. “He sold her. Thirka says he’s promised not to have another woman in the house until she can join him.”
“Well, she’s under his roof, now.” I gave Ragerta a nudge. “Perhaps that’s where she’ll stay.”
“If the jarl permits it.” She yawned. “A strange night it was, and I’d say the gods had a hand in it. Many are the stories of lovers united after sore trials. Thirka’s accident may bring them together.”
Aye, if the Beast has a heart and will let her go,I thought. I’d seen little of it until now, but nor had I expected him to act as he had, risking himself for one so insignificant in his eyes.
The two sentries walking the perimeter of the longhouse had made their circuit and paused before us now.
“Best get to bed,” said one. “The mistress will be shaking you out of it afore the cock crows twice.”
“Unless you’d prefer to tarry with us?” The other gave a wink. “We’ll lie you down all right, but I can’t swear you’ll get any sleep.”
“An attractive offer, I’m sure.” Ragerta rolled her eyes. “But I’ll take my own finger over a poke from you. ’Twill be cleaner, at any rate!”
The guards laughed and gave Ragerta’s rump a friendly smack as we turned to go in.
Fleetingly, I wondered if I might have run in those moments we’d been alone. Ragerta wouldn’t have stopped me.
Don’t be ridiculous. You’d not have made it to the trees.
But my time will come.
Better to be patient.
Watch and learn, and discover the best way.
I’ll have only one chance.
Inside the hall, Kellick, the lad who chopped wood and ran other errands, had stacked the trenchers and cups to one side, but they’d not been washed. That job might fall to me, besides many others now that Thirka was unable to help. Sigrid was happy to work her loom, but I didn’t imagine she took the dirty work of the household.
Though I was weary, the prospect pleased me. The more I was needed for other tasks, the less time I might spend in Eldberg’s bed, and the more I’d learn about this place I’d come to.
I paused at the curtain. Was he awake? The bed creaked, and I heard a sigh and a grunting snore. Would he even know if I didn’t join him? I could sleep on a bench in the hall—like the other thralls. But, he would know when he woke, and it served me in no way to stir his anger.
Wearing my shift, I took my place beside him. He sighed again and turned, his arm coming over me, pulling me close.
