Page 102 of Shared By the Vikings

Tali nodded and tipped the barrel on its side between the crossbeams. They covered it over, making the arrangement over the top appear to be naught but a pile of rubbish and rags.

“It is only for one night,” Tali said. “No one will take any interest in this old boat. It’s done us proud getting us home, but it’s hardly a fine Viking creation, likely be for the pyre after the journey to Ravndal.”

“Are you looking forward to seeing my home?” Ingrid asked.

“Ja.” He took her hand.

She tipped her head and studied him. “There’s something you’re not saying, Tali.”

“I would be a fool to think it’s going to be easy to persuade the king you are to be with us, rather than the man he intended for you.”

She squeezed his fingers. “That might be the case, but between us we have to. I can’t bear the thought of us not being together. All of us.”

“Do not fear, we will be. It will just be easier with the king’s blessing. I have no desire to fight him and his army, but that doesn’t mean I won’t.” He drew her knuckles to his lips. “You should never doubt that the Viking men you have chosen to be yours are incredibly determined, and we always get what we want.” He reached for her ass and tugged her near. “And we want you, for always.”

“Hey, both of you,” Erik called. “Row now.”

Tali grinned at her, a wonderfully wicked grin that made her stomach roll with excitement. She adored him, and how he made her feel. She was looking forward to this journey ending and figuring things out with her father so they could all be together without distraction.

* * *

Soon they were rowinginto Khatsar, the settlement where Erik, Tali, and Gunnvar had grown up. The sail was full of mountain air and the loch as flat and shiny as a new shield. The green hills surrounding them were reflected in its shimmering surface, as was the perfect azure sky.

Ingrid breathed deep, filling her lungs with her new life and the scent of her old. This was a beautiful land in the summer, rich and fertile, the people able and brave. Not like the men at the monastery, who were foolish and weak. They didn’t deserve such treasures or such good land if they had no idea how to protect them.

As they approached the pier a small crowd gathered—men, women, and children—who called out when they spotted their own.

Tali waved, Gunnvar let out a whistle, and Erik grunted and rowed harder.

“It is nice to see friendly foe,” Raud said.

“You mean it won’t be this friendly in Ravndal,” Ingrid said, plaiting her hair into strips over her ears and then securing it at the base of her neck. She knew she didn’t look like the princess she was, but she’d done her best by straightening her clothes, adding a necklace from the loot, and rubbing some dark kohl around her eyes.

“That’s exactly what I mean.”

“It will be settled.” She rested her hand on his shoulder.

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

“You are not returning my corpse, Raud, for that alone my father’s anger will be turned down by several notches.”

“That is true.”

They drew up alongside the peer. An excited babble rose, lots of questions about their adventures and the unusual boat were banded about.

As soon as ropes secured the boat, Erik jumped out. He quickly turned, reached into the boat, and took Ingrid’s hand. He helped her onto the pier.

She stood stock still, enjoying the fact the floor wasn’t moving beneath her.

A tall man, dark beard licked with gray, hugged Erik. “It is good to see you.”

“And you.”

It was clear Erik was fond of this man. Beside him stood a woman, also with gray in her dark hair.

Erik was quick to give her his attention, drawing her into a hug. “Mother, how are you?”

“Better for seeing you, my son.” She clung to him, her fingers spread wide and her face nestled at his chest.

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