Page 73 of Shared By the Vikings

“Tali,” she said, securing the net.

“Ja?”

“Will you...”

“What?” He paused what he was doing.

“Will you, and Erik, and Gunnvar come with me to see my father?”

He paused, then, “If it is what you want.”

“It is.”

“Then we will.” He nodded in the direction of the boat. “Let us get to sea first, before we discuss it with Jarl Erik.”

“You think he won’t?”

“No, he will have to be kept calm if your father still has intentions of you marrying that bear of a man.”

She shuddered. “If that is the case, I will run away forever.”

“You did that once.”

“Perhaps I did.” She gestured around. “And look where it got me.”

“It got you where the gods planned for you to be.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “With us.”

* * *

As shadows stretchedover the dunes, Ingrid lit a fire.

The sail was attached to the fixed mast and the men were finishing up the waterproofing. She could tell by the upbeat tones of their voices they were pleased with how the restoration had gone.

Humming, she gutted the fish and set them on sticks to cook over the flames. She added some cattail to roast, then sat and brushed the sand from her hands.

“Time for mead,” Erik said, stomping over and looking pleased with himself.

“To celebrate?” she asked.

“Ja, the boat is good. We will be safe in her.”

“I hope so.” She passed him a tankard from the box at her side.

“Do not fret.” He rested his palm on her head. “I have looked after you at sea once, have I not?”

“Ja.”

He poured mead and drank deeply. When he’d drained his mug he sighed and ran his hand over his beard. “It will be pleasing to return with treasure.”

“I want to come on the raid morrow.”

“No.” His voice was sharp.

“I want to.” She stood. “I know the swords we have are too heavy for a maiden but you cannot deny I can fire an arrow.”

“You can. I do not deny that.”

At that moment the bells chimed, ringing through the air like a foreign heartbeat.

---