Her Heart's Surrender Page 16

  The fighting hadn’t progressed to the shelters, but it wouldn’t be long if they didn’t find a way to end it. She pulled Eoghann’s cloak tight around her shoulders. Its weight would slow her progress, but it kept her knife hidden and concealed her identity well enough.

  Ealasaid’s heart dropped at the scene outside the shelter. Bodies littered the ground and blood stained the parched grass in varying shades of red. Her stomach turned. She buried her face in the rough collar of the cloak while she forced bile down her throat. How could they stand killing one another on a man’s whim? Didn’t they have respect for their fellow humans, no matter what their origin?

  They were indistinguishable from one another on the crowded hillside. Blood coated everything. It appeared as though every man on the field bore some sort of wound. If Diarmaid was out there, she’d never find him, much less Hella.

  “Come. Stay close.” Erik gestured for her as he raised his sword and charged into the fray.

  The cloying scent of blood and other putrid fluids filled her nose. She froze when Erik ran a man through with his stolen sword then pushed the body away and kept moving.

  He didn’t look back for her but went deeper into the battle.

  She searched for a man with the golden bull emblem, but many of them wore dark brown or blue stained with blood. They blurred together. An axe swung close to her head, and she yelped before crashing against Erik.

  He spun and thrust his sword at the attacker, narrowly missing by inches.

  The Saxon’s filthy face split in a grin. “A woman. I think I’ll keep you for my—”

  Blood exploded from his mouth as a sword punctured his midsection. The blade ripped free, and the man fell.

  Hella stood over the body, breathing hard. His hair tangled as it streamed from beneath his helmet. “Ealasaid?”

  Speechless, Ealasaid threw herself at Hella and locked her arms around him. “You’re alive.”

  Erik knocked another soldier away from them with a deadly blow and leaned on his sword.

  “You’re supposed to be on your way to Solstad.” Hella sounded incredulous. “Erik, why is my wife with you? What happen to...” He choked on the words. “Diarmaid caught you.”

  Erik nodded. “Now we’re out to catch him. I’ll survive, but I mean to see he doesn’t.”

  “Eoghann is bound in one of the shelters. We must find Diarmaid,” she said. “Unless you’ve already dispatched him?”

  Hella shook his head. “I’ve not crossed his path. If I had, he’d be dead. You shouldn’t be here, wife.”

  “I have Erik to watch over me.” Before today, she wouldn’t have trusted him with the job.

  “You must get to safety. Erik is wounded and you are unequipped to fight. I’ll see to Diarmaid’s death myself.” Hella set his jaw, then relaxed it. “I worried when I couldn’t find you and now I see you’re unhurt. I wish for you to remain that way. Erik, you will take her back to Freysteinn until this is over. We will speak of everything then.”

  Erik glanced between them. “I will do what I can to protect the queen.”

  He appeared so worn, an ill-timed punch in the teeth would take him out of the fight. But his loyalty meant everything to her.

  “I won’t leave. Eoghann is my prisoner, and I will have him kept alive.” She lifted her chin. “This is my fight as well as yours. Those are my warriors too.”

  “Did you know Skuld joined us on the battlefield? She’s dead and I won’t have the same thing happen to you.” Hella’s stern face melted into an expression of desperation. “Please.”

  Sorrow pulled at Ealasaid’s heart. Skuld’s children were motherless because of this destruction. A scream of pain rent the air close to them, and Hella turned away with his sword raised. He fought with a Saxon and their swords clanged together.

  Ealasaid’s breath caught when the enemy’s weapon slid along Hella’s. She clutched her dagger and approached. Erik plucked at her sleeve. He released her when another soldier swung a mace at him. She moved nearer to the man Hella faced, but a strong arm snaked around her neck.

  “Hello again, sister.” Diarmaid pressed his sword blade to her throat. Their father’s life ended in a similar fashion—at the hand of a man who knew nothing about mercy. The slick steel warmed against her neck.

  “Don’t,” she whispered.

  “‘Don’t’,” he mimicked. “You’re a traitor, Ealasaid. I should have killed you when you entered the camp. Our father would have been disappointed in me for showing leniency.”

  She swallowed. “You’re hesitant.”

  “I’ve often thought it might be a wondrous thing to watch a vikingr go berserk. Do you think King Hella will lose his mind when I spill your life on this cursed hillside?” He chuckled. “Too bad you won’t see who comes out the victor.”

  Her breath came in quick gasps, and her hand slipped on the hilt of her hidden dagger.

  Hella killed the man he fought and turned. His fierce snarl fell away when he saw Diarmaid. A roar left his throat, and he charged at them. Weighed down by chainmail and dragging a gore-soaked cape, Hella moved slowly across the ground.

  She held his gaze through the flurry of snowflakes and through the pain of her brother’s wickedness. Then she angled her dagger up and plunged it through her cloak into Diarmaid’s side. He grunted, and she twisted the hilt with a sharp jerk.

  His grip on his sword failed. It clattered to the ground at their feet. He staggered and dragged her with him. “Why did you...” Diarmaid pulled her hair, forcing her head back. “You’ve always believed you were special. Kirsteen called you sheehy. You shouldn’t be on a battlefield. You’re a curse, the reason the vikingr came to our homeland. I will put an end to you, and I will stop this scourge.” He squeezed her throat as Hella skidded to a halt before them. “Not another step, false king.”

  “Release her.” Hella’s teeth were bared in a feral snarl. “Release her and I’ll make your end swift. Hurt her and you will suffer.”

  She choked when Diarmaid squeezed tighter.

  He reached down and wrenched the dagger from his flesh. “You shall suffer as I have suffered.” He lifted the blade high.

  Ealasaid closed her eyes and tensed. A loud crunch made her cringe. Hot liquid drenched the back of her head.

  Diarmaid pushed her forward and turned her loose.

  Hella grabbed her and shoved her behind him, but she peeked around his arm. Sticky blood dripped from her hair as she shivered with shock.

  Diarmaid twitched at Eoghann’s feet. He gazed down at Diarmaid and the axe in his hand fell. His brow creased and he frowned. For a moment, he met Ealasaid’s gaze. Then he kneeled and bowed his head. “I yield, King Hella.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The attitude of Hella's people remained solemn despite the victory. There were men to bury, words to say, and feasts to hold in honor of the deceased. Ealasaid tended Skuld and Njord’s bodies before they were laid to rest. In death, the pair seemed no more at ease with one another than they had in life. Near them, Idunna said her final goodbye to Ask. She’d wept inconsolably when they brought his body back to Freysteinn. Caring for Fulla seemed to ease some of her grief, but Ealasaid knew her friend’s sadness wouldn’t heal right away.

  Hella took Eoghann prisoner and kept him locked and under guard during the days it took to bury the dead. Even the ones from the enemy camp were laid to rest on the bloodstained hillside where the battle raged. Some of the living men swore fealty to Hella, others were held accountable for their crimes. Many more managed to escape because there weren’t enough men left in Hella’s army to keep them there. Slowly, the villagers from Freysteinn returned to their homes, but Hella and Ealasaid remained in Hilmir to stand in for the absent jarl.

  “We must go home soon,” Hella said. “These dusting snows tease us with worse to come. Birgir will want to see us.”

  Ealasaid cradled Fulla and brushed the little tuft of hair back from her forehead. “I miss him fiercely. Caring for Skuld’
s daughter makes his absence worse.”

  “We should send her to Njord’s brother in Normandy.” Hella stood at her shoulder and peered down at Fulla. “She needs family.”

  “I know,” Ealasaid whispered. “But it’s foolhardy to travel this time of year. She’ll have to remain here until spring.”

  “Aye. Sending a ship out in this weather might mean death for her and a crew. Her mother would be pleased you’ve chosen to care for Fulla.”

  Ealasaid glanced toward the doorway, but the curtain remained still. Idunna stayed close by to help care for the baby. Ealasaid didn’t want her friend to know they were discussing her, but she pitied Idunna for her loss. “Idunna tells me she has no wish to return to Jutland. I suggested she come with us to Solstad. There will be work for her and perhaps a new husband if she desires it.”

  Hella took the baby. His hands dwarfed her, but he held her securely. “She can stay in our hall as a guest while she helps you care for the baby.”

  It seemed fair, but Eoghann’s predicament weighed on her too. “And what of my brother? He must be punished, I know, Hella, but in the end, he saved me and he saw Diarmaid’s actions were wrong.”

  “We’ll gather the leaders from surrounding villages and decide his fate. He’s promised to swear loyalty to me and renounce his oath to Ironfist, but I feel troubled. Can he be trusted?” Hella’s blue eyes were shadowed with weariness.

  The leaders involved in the gathering would decide whether Eoghann deserved to live. As a woman, Ealasaid could attending the meeting, could speak during it, but her words would carry little weight. Just as well, because she didn’t know whether Eoghann deserved their forgiveness. She wanted to say yes because he’d saved her life and the lives of the remaining men fighting for their king. But if they placed undeserved trust in him what would stop him from running back to Cuthberht Ironfist and forming another army?

  “I hope he can.”

  Hella sighed. “I’ve longed for a moment’s peace so I could hold you again without feeling guilty for what other families have lost.”

  He’d come through the battle with nothing but a few scrapes and bruises, faring much better than many of his men.

  “It was a close thing and I beg your forgiveness for my folly, m’lord.” She rested her head on his shoulder.

  “It wasn’t all in vain, my love. You convinced Eoghann to turn the battle in our favor. His surrender meant our villages continue.”

  “I like to believe he would have done the same even if Diarmaid hadn’t held me.”

  “Mmm, perhaps.” His lips brushed beneath her earlobe. “No matter, because you are here with me. We should celebrate.”

  “I agree, m’lord. How shall we celebrate?” She loosened the string on his trousers and slipped her hand into the material. His length swelled when she rubbed him.

  “Perhaps we should ask Idunna to take the baby for a while,” he suggested.

  “A wonderful idea.” She gave him a squeeze, then took the baby. “Give me a moment to find her.”

  She stepped out into the hall. The thralls were preparing an evening meal, and Idunna sat with some of the other widowed women who were sleeping inside Hilmir. Idunna’s sad expression faded when she caught sight of Fulla.

  Some of the sparkle came into her smile when she grinned at Ealasaid. “Need some quiet time, eh?”

  Ealasaid ducked her head. “Only a short while.”

  “Take all the time you need. I’m happy to care for her.” Idunna ran her finger over the baby’s cheek. “I volunteered to carry food to your brother. So many of his meals turned up missing the first few days. You must ask Hella to speak with the men guarding Eoghann.”

  She hadn’t been to visit him yet. There were too many wounded to care for, too many bodies to prepare. Precious time disappeared easily with her new duties. “How is he?”

  “His spirits are low, but whose wouldn’t be? He killed his own brother to put an end this. No one thanks him for it.” Idunna shrugged. “They call him terrible names. Eoghann the Fallen, Eoghann the Traitor, Kin Killer, Brother Slayer. It’s terrible. I wish they’d have the meeting and get it over so he wouldn’t have to suffer any longer.”

  One way or another, he might find some peace if he wasn’t imprisoned.

  “I’ll go see him soon.” She couldn’t imagine what they’d have to say to one another. Perhaps she could thank him for saving her life, but it would be difficult to forgive him for being part of the problem.

  “He asks after you nearly every day. Please do visit.” Concern carved lines on Idunna’s face. “You’re not alone anymore, my queen. You have a brave husband, a dear son, and a brother who would make up for his failures if given the chance. It’s more than some of us have, and you shouldn’t take it for granted.”

  Ealasaid nodded. “I’ll think of a way to help him, Idunna. And see to it you get some rest too while Fulla sleeps.”

  She returned to the bedchamber but paused in the doorway. Hella laid on his stomach, bare ass illuminated by the firelight. He snored softly and his hair spilled over his shoulders, dark as coal against his sun-bronzed shoulders. After a few days without a trim, his beard grew unruly, but it added to his appeal.

  She undressed and laid her things aside then settled across the blankets next to him.

  Hella’s eyes opened a fraction and his lips curved up. “I’m having a good dream.”

  “Oh? What happens in it?” Ealasaid brushed hair from his cheek. Beneath the pads of her fingers, his coarse beard tickled her. A shiver of anticipation rocked her.

  “A woman of aos si blood visits me. She possesses me, heart and soul. I give in to all her whims because I can’t resist her milk white flesh, dark hair, or her ruby lips.”

  “She’s a temptress. You should take care. She could be dangerous.” She pressed the tip of her nose to his. “The fae are tricksters, you know.”

  A rumble of laughter came from his chest. “This one likes her tricks, but she wants something more from her Norse lover.” He grabbed her by the hips and lifted her as he rolled into his back. Hella settled her over his pelvis. “She wants to spend her life with him, as his queen.”

  “This dream sounds familiar,” she whispered.

  “The aos si feared him once but no longer. He hopes he can be the man she needs.” Hella’s brow furrowed. “Life has not always been easy for her in his village or around his people.”

  “I assure you, m’lord, her life is much less tolerable without a particular Norse lover.” She shifted her weight to position his shaft near her opening. “She regrets her deception. All of it. She would do nothing to endanger her lover’s affection for her.”

  “He knows.” He slipped his tip inside her but held her up to prevent her from sliding down on him fully. “I don’t know whether to punish you for disobeying or praise you for turning Eoghann’s mind from destruction. You saved us.”

  She squirmed against him. “Not soon enough. I failed to keep many people safe, Skuld, Njord, Idunna’s husband. Erik is badly injured, and there are many others who are grieving.”

  “You didn’t fail.” He released his hold on her buttocks and arched up with a quick thrust.

  “But—” Her argument disappeared on a bolt of pleasure.

  “You saved me, Ealasaid. You helped me gain my father’s treasures, but you gave me far more than gold and riches. That’s no failure.” He raised his head and teased her nipple with his tongue.

  Ealasaid sank her teeth into her lower lip and pressed closer to him. She stretched as she took his length deeper.

  He slipped his finger between them and circled her nub in quick strokes. The strokes matched his hungry tongue on her breasts.

  She writhed against him. Her thighs trembled as she fought to hold herself upright. “Hella, my love.”

  He gazed up at her and grinned. “Ten thousand strong men could not prevent me from loving you. My wife, my queen, my Ealasaid.”

  Her name no more than passed through his
lips, and she shuddered with release.

  * * * *

  The meeting commenced in the same spot where Ealasaid and Hella exchanged vows to one another in Solstad’s village center. She sat beside Hella in smaller versions of their thrones. The assembled crowd moved and gossiped restlessly in the mild weather. She wished for a colder wind. Perhaps then the meeting and her brother’s judgment would have gone quicker.

  Erik stood in as the leader of Freysteinn and three other jarls from nearby villages allied with Hella came to see the man who’d been part of the plan to wipe out the Norsemen. They were a fierce lot of leaders who seemed inconvenienced over the trouble caused by one man.

  The burns and bruising on Eoghann’s cheek were the only color on his face besides his beard. He stood alone, bound in chains, but he’d been given clean clothes and a bath before they brought him out into public. A smaller crowd had gathered to witness the burning of his bull’s head jerkin. They’d cheered as it curled and crumpled into ash.

  Ealasaid clenched her hands together when Hella rose. The crowd fell silent under his stare.

  “We are gathered here to decide what must be done to Eoghann Kentigern, one of two men who led an army onto our lands and plotted to destroy our people.”

  Shouting drowned out Hella’s words. He lifted his hand and swiped it through the air. The noise faded into murmurs. There wasn’t any softness in his face as he stared at Eoghann. “He intended to kill as many Norsemen as he and his army were able, but Queen Ealasaid and Jarl Erik Agmar subdued him. During the battle, he freed himself from the bonds with a knife he’d hidden. When the intruder Diarmaid raised a knife to kill our queen, Eoghann raised a weapon against his brother and ended the invader’s life. He did not attack the queen but fell to his knees and begged for mercy.”

  “It means nothing,” one of the jarls snapped. “If he’d stopped his brother before the pair of them left Edinburgh, this could have been avoided.”

  “Agreed,” a second said. “Our enemies will think us weak if we leave him alive. Kill him and let’s drink to a Norse victory.”