She found little consolation in those words.
“There’s a stream beyond the last cabin where you can bathe.” He pointed. “Food and water. Clean clothes and a fire to keep you warm at night. You may walk freely amongst us, but if you try to escape, I’ll find you. What happens afterward won’t be pleasant.”
She’d already been a victim of his abuse—he didn’t need to keep reminding her what he was capable of. “For a brief moment, I thought you were going to act civilized.”
Erling leaned in and whispered, “There’s no justice in the forest—no kindness—no real law.”
“Where’s Amelia?”
“Safe and working with the women.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. Amelia’s safe-keeping depended on her willingness to cooperate. Suddenly, the thought of being married to Marteinn seemed palatable. He’d never hurt her. She missed her father and brothers and home. She’d been free for less than a week and look where she’d ended up. All her father’s blustering had proven to be correct. Men were truly beasts at heart.
“Join me. You need food to keep up your strength. We’ve a long day ahead of us.” He gripped her elbow and steered her toward the bonfire.
Kara stared heavenward. Where was the man she truly wanted?
Please, Odin. Send Aaron McNally to rescue me.
Kara gazed above. How long had it been since she studied the stars? Weeks? Seated between Erling and another man, this had become a daily ritual. Her place at the fire never changed. She often imagined ways to escape. Only, there was nowhere to go in this endless maze of trees. Erling had the perfect hideout. Wild animals lurked nearby. She heard wolves howling every night. And Erling’s guards followed her everywhere, although at a distance.
She shared a small cabin with Amelia now—the only comfort she had. After going to bed each night, she dreamed of her family. She missed her sire’s weatherworn face, Gunter’s ceaseless laughter, and Geilir and Marteinn’s teasing. By now, she hoped her father was out searching for her, but with each passing day, her faith wavered. She couldn’t imagine how furious her sire must have been when he’d returned home and found her gone. What she’d give to find out—to feel the sting of a switch on her backside for disobeying him.
Erik the Bald wouldn’t disown his only daughter. He’d exhaust every resource to recover her, maybe even petition the king. Offer a reward. Her captor hadn’t revealed his plans. What he did share terrified her. He intended to keep her and repeatedly described what he’d do if she left. She’d witnessed Erling’s barbarism first-hand. Just yesterday, he slit a man’s throat for taking an extra cup of wine without permission.
Trying to clear that gruesome memory from her head, she turned to Erling. “I wish to speak with my father.”
He answered without hesitation. “As you wish, we’ll ride to Lagenheim tomorrow.”
Sarcastic bastard.
Within a few weeks, this man had successfully groomed her into a submissive fool. She gaped at him, disgusted.
“Did you hear her?” he addressed his men. They laughed. “In good conscience, I cannot deny a lady’s request. Tomorrow, if Kara can defeat me in battle, I’ll grant her
every
desire.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why tease me? I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”
“I expect nothing less from you,” he said overly polite. “And out of courtesy, I offer you a fair way home.”
“Fair? The only thing you intend to do is provide entertainment for your pack of rabid dogs.” Emotions collided inside her; she wanted to shatter into a thousand pieces.
“I cannot deny it.”
What a manipulative, cunning beast. If she needed something, wanted anything, he made her earn it with sweat and blood. The only legitimate authority in this forest was Erling Solheim. “I despise you.”
“Then I’ve won. Imagine how exciting it will be once I bed you.” He gestured rudely with his hands, shoving his finger through the O he made with his other.
Kara knew what he was mimicking. She gripped her cup so tightly her knuckles turned white. She didn’t have the stomach to stay here and discuss it any further. “I’m overly tired.”
“If you get up, I’ll take you here.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Is that a challenge?” He licked his bottom lip.
Offended, Kara leapt to her feet. The bastard was drunk on more than just wine tonight.
“On second thought . . .” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “You should retire before I follow through on my threat.” He grabbed her arm and laughed. “Bolt your door.”
The thin scrap of wood that served as a barrier on her cabin provided no protection. A silk-slippered foot could kick it down.
Chapter 9
After
Three weeks after Aaron made conditional peace with his cousin, he sailed south to recruit more men. He landed in Floro, purchased twenty horses and supplies, then travelled inland with his escort. Late spring in Norway rivaled Scotland if the weather held. The endless number of lakes and rivers made it difficult to work when he’d rather fish and hunt.
Tyr pledged twenty warriors to the king’s cause, shielding the families who lived closest to his steading from the draft. Three of those men were now permanent members of Aaron’s personal guard. Rumors of outlaws living in the forest, close to Erik the Bald’s home, drew Aaron back to Lagenheim. However, he questioned what really made him go. He couldn’t forget Kara. In a few days, he’d see her again, kiss her, hold her in his arms, and declare his intentions. The visit with Tyr convinced him it was time to start his own family.
While camped two days outside Lagenheim, during the eventide meal, four threadbare riders showed up. Aaron watched while his captain, Tayte Olavson, greeted and disarmed them before they were permitted at the fire. When the boys were offered plates of salt fish, boiled cabbage, and cups of wine, they devoured their food. Aaron suspected something was wrong.
“Where are your families?” he inquired.
“Dead,” the eldest droned. “Our parents perished in a fire weeks ago. These are my brothers.” He pointed to them. “Dane is a bastard.”
Aaron stifled a sad laugh as he looked the fourth boy over. He had exceptional features, tall with long arms and legs. He’d make an excellent archer. “Can you swing an axe properly—hit a target?”
“Aye,” Dane answered.
He addressed the eldest brother again. “What are your names?”
“I’m Buri. This is Dusten and Ivar.”
“Where did you ride from, Buri?”
“Naustdal Valley—ten miles east. Driven out of another camp.”
“I know the place,” Aaron said. “Who cast you out?”
“I don’t know. We were never introduced, milord.”
Aaron flicked a measured gaze at Tayte. Outlaws. Perhaps the very ones who had attacked Kara and her brothers. He’d give a king’s ransom to meet up with them again. The poor lads were in rough shape, underfed and in need of warmer clothing. The kindest thing Aaron could do was provide opportunities for each one to make an honest living as a soldier.
“The gods blessed you today,” Aaron said. “This is King Olaf’s camp. I am recruiting young men like you for his army. You can thrive without scavenging and stealing food.”
His words piqued Dane’s interest the most. “I considered enlisting a year ago, sir.”
“Are you sincerely interested in serving your king?”
“All of us?” Buri queried.
Buri and Dusten appeared old enough. The youngest, Ivar, looked too frail to fight, but sturdy enough to work as a cook. “The offer is legitimate. If you prove loyal, the king has guaranteed great reward in the future.”
Dane whistled.
The brothers embraced, openly appreciative of their change in fortune. “Whatever you ask, milord,
will
be carried out,” Buri assured him.
Aaron believed him. “Tayte, give these men proper gear and sleeping quarters.”
“Aye.” The captain grinned, then escorted them to a nearby tent.
The Naustdal Valley was so desolate, it seemed unfit for anyone to live in. Aaron’s gaze swept the area. With Buri leading the way, Aaron hoped to find the camp where the boys had been just a couple nights ago.
“How much farther?” he asked the lad.
“Maybe a mile.”
Aaron rode alongside Tayte. “We’ll split up after we’ve gone halfway. Keep four men, the rest will follow me. We’ll infiltrate this camp and question the heartless bastard who turned a group of children away in the middle of the night. If any of the men I faced in Lagenheim are amongst them, I’ll know. If we’re not back within the hour, send for reinforcements.”
Ravens circled overhead as they plunged deeper into the woods. Why did Allfather send the brothers of his messengers, Hugin and Munin, to taunt him while he was on official business for the king? Or was this a good omen? He remembered the birds that landed on the stones during his conversion. Hardly superstitious, he still respected the sacred symbols of the gods. If a man listened, he would hear what messages the gods sent.
Half an hour later, Buri halted on the narrow trail. He dismounted, then tethered his horse to a nearby tree. “I believe this is the place, milord. I smell smoke.”
Aaron slid off his horse. “Aye. I do, too.” Whatever he found, he’d be prepared. He inspected his weapons; his axe and sword were sharp and clean. Then he strapped his shield across his back. “You eight will accompany me from here.” Trouble between Christians and pagans was enough to keep him busy for the next year. He’d flush every criminal from this place if it was the last thing he did.
They advanced soundlessly, the acrid smell of smoke guiding them deeper into the woods. Buri gestured ahead as Aaron slipped past the boy. The camp perimeter came into view. Stunned by the lack of defenses, he trudged across a small clearing, kicking trenchers of food on the ground aside.
“Attacked?” Tension racked his body. “Who abandons full plates of food so carelessly unless—”
Shouts revealed the location of the inhabitants. Aaron turned, holding his finger to his lips to silence his men. Next, they heard a chorus of cheers. The midday meal overlooked for sport? The gods couldn’t have been more generous. Striding toward the noise, Aaron took cover behind a thick tree trunk. The throng was so engrossed in watching a fight, they didn’t hear his approach.
He stared at the competitors in the ring. The slighter of the two looked oddly familiar and the crest on that blasted silver helmet she wore infuriated him so deeply his hands shook. Her opponent clipped her in the legs with the edge of his shield. She staggered backward. “Kara Dalgaard,” Aaron screamed, rushing in.
“Aaron?” She swung around.
Rage consumed him as he slammed into the back of the dark-haired bastard that hit her. His opponent groaned as he crashed to the ground, his head smacking a large rock. Aaron raised his axe, ready to deliver a death blow. He wanted to carve a path straight through this blackguard’s heart.
“Tis my fight.” Kara touched his arm from behind.
“Your fight?” Aaron repeated, unbelieving, his gaze fixed on his target. He sucked in a breath, trying to clear his mind. “Men aren’t permitted to fight women in the real world. I will kill him.”
“Please,” she pleaded. “I must win my freedom from Erling.”
Her freedom? How long had she been here? Hatred swelled inside him. He shook his head.
Odin, grant me understanding.
Shouts rang out. Aaron looked left, then right. His men had joined the fight. It mattered little. He couldn’t focus on anything but the man on the ground. “Get up.” Aaron kicked him in the ribs.
“What can I do?” Kara asked.
“I suspect this man is an enemy of the king. Step aside.” Erling didn’t move. Perhaps the blow to his head had killed him? “Are you alone?”
“No, Amelia is here.”
“Listen carefully,” he instructed. “Follow the footpath near the fire out of camp. My soldiers are posted nearby. “After I’m done, I’ll find your maid. Go. Now.”
The mule-headed girl didn’t budge. Aaron motioned with his head which way she should run. Finally, the lass fled. Once she disappeared, he sheathed his weapon, then knelt beside Erling. Breathing, but barely conscious. “Prepare to die.”
Something heavy slammed into his back. A sharp pain ripped through his body as he fell over Erling. Aaron twisted in time to block a second strike from his attacker. He recovered, then climbed to his feet, delivering a debilitating blow with his axe. It left a deep gash down the center of his assailant’s chest. Erling moaned. Aaron whipped around. His need for blood increasing at an alarming rate.
Although he suspected Erling was guilty of many crimes, kidnapping and murder to start with, he’d rather arrest him and deliver him to Oslo. His men had cleared the area. Justice must be done. As he weighed his options, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flash of a knife.
Bless the gods for making the choice for him.
Aaron sunk his axe into Erling’s shoulder, then yanked it out.
Erling sank to his knees, covering the injury with his right hand. “Will you leave me to die?” His wound bled profusely.
“Odin will decide.” Aaron grinned. Erling deserved to be carved into little pieces and fed to a pack of wild dogs.
With Erling mortally wounded, Aaron could now focus on finding Amelia. When he finished here, he’d deal with that breeches-wearing shrew that wouldn’t get the hell out of his head. It would serve both women right if he left them here. But there were better ways to punish foolish females.
After a short search, he found Amelia crouched behind a cabin with six other women.
“Jarl McNally,” she greeted him without surprise, almost as if she’d expected his appearance.
“Come,” He grabbed her arm. “Your mistress waits.”
“Mine or yours?” She smiled.
He didn’t appreciate her insinuation. Did the wench want to stay in this dirty sprawl of a place? He tightened his hold. “Save your words for later.”
Kara stumbled out of the woods to find Aaron’s men with their horses. They offered her water and barley cakes. She accepted a water skin and choked down every ounce her belly could hold.
“Where did you come from?” one of the guards questioned.