Viking Tribute

Chapter 35: Rekindling

Sorry about the formatting, guys. It's not me, it's Wattpad. It keeps suppressing it. I did it again in the pasted document and it vanished once saved. Basically, everytime you see a space missing between two sentences is the start of a new paragraph.

And now it's back on. Go figure...

I froze, too terrified to move. I had never witnessed anything like this. As the wave progressed I could make out large boulders, rolled down by the raging waters. Then there was a call, and my horse took flight.

I can't think of another way to describe it. It was a smooth gallop, albeit extremely fast. I could swear that there were moments where none of my mare's hooves touched the ground. Aware of the danger, she was climbing up the steep slope at unbelievable speed, following in the steps of Lord Einarr's stallion. I was barely conscious of the men behind us, my mind refusing to think of what was happening.

When Lord Einarr found that we were high enough for safety he stopped, waiting for our escort. By then the sound was deafening. I glanced back over my shoulder, daring not to look around. The warriors were joining us, all of them unarmed, but the last pony was missing. I later heard that he had lost his footing and tumbled back. The torrent had swallowed him before he could catch up.

Where there had been a fast little stream was now a wide river, carrying shrubs, branches and rocks in incredible amounts. Had we been caught in it, it would have crushed us in mere instants.I felt Lord Einarr's hands on my waist, lifting me and helping me to the ground. I grabbed his arm as my legs refused to support me. He held me to his side and I hid my face in the folds of his cloak, willing for the world to disappear. Everything on this island wanted me to die. I wanted to go back in time, when my main concern was not to tear my new dress on my way to the wall. Sobs wracked my body, the tension of the past weeks flowing down my cheeks.He let me cry for a while, saying nothing. When I seem to calm down he offered me fresh bread and nuts, and a swig of water.

"What was that, my Lord?" I managed between mouthfuls. Was this a frequent occurrence? He hadn't seemed surprised.

"We call it Jökulhaup, I feared there would be one with the snow melting fast. They are most dangerous when they reached a farm, not so much for travelers. We can hear them coming."

I wasn't so sure about it. Ours had been a lucky escape. What if the snow had made the rock slippery? We wouldn't have got out so easily."

We will remain at a safe distance for the rest of the trip. It won't be long, we should arrive before nightfall."

He spoke the truth. The sun was beginning to set when we reached our final destination. It was a modest farm, neither rich nor miserable. There were stables, coops and pens, large enough to shelter a decent number of animals. The house itself was fairly small, compared to Lord Einarr's dwelling, but well maintained.As we approached a man came out, supporting his weight on sticks. His right leg was solidly wrapped in linen, covered two stiff pieces of wood. A woman had her arm under his; the mistress of the house, judging by her kerchief. She was looking down, checking for obstacles that could threaten his balance. Her upper dress was nicely embroidered, held by two gold brooches linked by a glass bead chain. An enameled cross hung from a chain on her chest, which caught my interest. Fellow Christians were scarce in these lands.

They approached slowly, him hopping heavily on his good foot, his wife encouraging him. Lord Einarr jumped off his horse and we followed suit, leaving the animals under the care of the stable hands. We walked towards the farmer, shortening his path.

"Domarr, my dear friend, I don't understand you. You don't get a scratch in battle, and you break a leg tripping on your own feet!" Lord Einarr patted the man's shoulder lightly, his laugh bringing a grin on the wounded warrior's lips."

This is nothing. The healer pulled the bones back into place, I'll be running for the Althing. Welcome to my humble abode, my Lord!"

His wife stepped aside, allowing Lord Einarr to take her husband's elbow. Suddenly, she was facing me and I squealed. "Magge! Is it really you?" She was standing straight, and I notice the bulge at waist level. She wasn't as far as I was, but there was no doubt about her condition. "And you are with child! This is marvelous!"

She giggled, her cheeks coloring. "So are you, my Lady! We are both blessed!"

I glanced ahead and lowered my voice. "I am not your lady, Magge, you are above me. As you can see," I pointed at my hair, my white dress and collar still hidden by the cloak, "I am a slave."

"Not for long, my Lady," she insisted, "you will soon own this land. I know of the deal with your father."

"Do not speak thus, it might curse me. Some have already tried to get rid of my bearn."

"I'm certain Lord Einarr punished them harshly. He would protect you with his life, of that I am certain."

Somehow, I agreed with her on this point. He had risked his life for me before by plunging to my rescue. He would do it again. God, he had saved me so many times I was beginning to lose count."

Unfortunately we still don't know who did it. That's the reason I am here. Staying in Lord Einarr's house wasn't safe."

"That is terrible." She seemed upset and I felt guilty for it. She had been through enough, she didn't need any more worry.

"It is behind me. How are you Magge? Are you happy with your husband?"

"Oh, my Lady! Domarr is the most gentle, generous, loving husband one could ever dream! I pray Holy Mary every day to thank her for her blessings."

I smiled. Clearly, this was her favorite subject. While we progressed to her house at a snail's pace, she kept rambling about him, her paragon of male perfection. I half listened, mumbling approvingly now and then. She was glowing, and by the time we passed the door I was close to envy her.

I could say they were expecting us. A banquet was at the ready, and all we had to do was sit. Well, them, not me. I tried to lower myself to the floor, fighting my swollen legs and stomach. Lord Einarr stopped me, patting his thighs.

"Sit here, Sunngifu. You are too heavy with child to kneel."

I stood still, staring nervously at my feet. Not that I could see them. Kneeling was humiliating, yet it just emphasized my position as a thrall. Getting into his lap in front of Magge was a different thing. I didn't bother me any more in front of his household, but Magge was my kinswoman. Our people didn't display such familiarity in the presence of free women, and I had been her lady. It just felt wrong.

Lord Einarr frowned and gave me an imperious look. If I didn't comply, I would be in trouble. I was embarrassing him, defying him in public. And I couldn't muster the strength to move. I fidgeted, crossing and uncrossing my fingers.

"Sunngifu..." It was a clear warning. I bit my lip, tethering on the brink of tears.

Magge saved me. She moved closer to her husband and reclined against him. His arm wrapped around her shoulders and he kissed the top of her head. She smiled and stroked his hand, and then kissed his fingers. "I wish I could sit in Domarr's lap, but I have to wait until he's healed." She gave me an encouraging nod, and I returned it.

"I am sorry, my Lord, I was a bit confused. May I? I am concerned I might be too heavy?"

He laughed while I took place with infinite precautions and he whispered in my ear: "Do not imagine that you will get away with this so lightly."

"That's what you get for commenting on her size, my Lord. I have to weigh my words with my Magge these days, the barn is making her more sensitive," Domarr teased.

Magge gave a little tap on his wrist. "I am not!"

"You just witnessed it, my Lord..."

I couldn't but smile at their sweet banter. They were smitten with each other. As the dinner went I tried not to watch but couldn't. I felt sad. This was what love was. And what I might never have.