“In two or three days. We could go today, but the men earned some rest before they haul sacks and barrels. They deserve a couple nights’ sleep on cots before sleeping on the ground after several days sleeping on the decks.”
“That’s generous of you.”
Liam shrugged. “They’re good men who work hard. I don’t take that for granted.”
“A nobleman who respects his warriors.”
“A man who respects those who he leads and those who are older than him.” Liam glanced toward the birlinns. “Dermot’s my age, but the rest have known me since I was in swaddling clothes. At least one of them has wiped my runny nose after I’ve sneezed on him. I owe them a good deal.”
“Sneezed on them?” Elene grinned.
“Mayhap not sneezed or a runny nose. But they’ve known me all my life, and they each helped me become a warrior. They trained me in the lists, and now train alongside me. There’s time, so why not let them rest?” Liam shrugged again.
Elene nodded, unsure what to say next. Liam watched her, appearing equally uncertain. He tucked his thumbs into his belt to keep from fidgeting. He’d never been so nervous around a lass, but neither had he ever shared such an earthshaking kiss with one as he did with Elene the previous night.
“Than—” Elene started.
“I mea—” Liam spoke at the same time. He gestured for her to go first.
“Thank you for walking me back last night.” Elene’s cheeks heated. She didn’t know if she should thank him for the kiss, too, or pretend like it never happened. The awkwardness between them wouldn’t let either of them forget.
“You’re welcome. And I meant what I said. I’ll respect your privacy, but I still wish to accompany you if you go out alone.”
“I appreciate that.” Elene’s gaze met Liam’s, emeralds and sapphires sparkling in the sunlight. “I would like that.”
“I thought to go fishing today. I want to offer Janet something since I will share their meals. Would you show me where the best spot is?”
Elene nodded, a smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “Do you have a pole?”
“Yes. On the birlinn. Do you?”
“Of course. Are you inviting me to stay and fish with you?” Elene cocked an eyebrow.
“I was going to, but you saved me from worrying that you might say no.”
“But I didn’t say yes. I just wanted to know if you were inviting me.” When Liam’s smile faltered, Elene giggled. The youthful sound surprised her, making her cease as her cheeks flushed brighter. Why was she blushing so often these days? She was certain she looked like a permanent hazel berry. “I’d like to come.”
“Meet you here in five minutes?”
“Yes.” Elene hurried to her croft, and Liam watched her cross the village before he recalled he needed to gather his own pole and tackle. They were soon walking along the beach, both enjoying the feel of sand between their toes while they carried their poles in one hand and their shoes in the other. “Just around those rocks is an inlet that’s quite deep. The fish like to gather there.”
Liam spied the spot and noticed there was a place between two rocks that would be wide enough for them to sit together, with their feet hanging over the ledge. They were quiet while they both set up their poles and dropped their lines into the water below.
“Has your family been on Orkney for many generations?” Liam asked. It was all he could think of to say.
“Yes. About ten generations on my father’s side. Has your family always been at Varrich?”
“Yes. About as long as your family has been here. My however-many-ago grandfathers married a Norsewoman, actually. That man’s cousin left as a young woman and moved to the Trondelag after the Norse raided her home. She married the jarl.”
Elene’s head turned as her brow furrowed. Something about Liam’s story reminded her of the tales her father told. “Do you know this woman’s name? The jarl’s?”
“Lorna Mackay. It’s quite the legend among my clan. She married Rangvald Thorson.”
“Who had Erik Rangvaldson and married Freya Ivarsdóttir,” Elene supplied.
“How did you know? Freya’s brother, Leif, and his wife, Sigrid, had a daughter. She married the laird’s son. Alex Mackay was Lorna’s cousin.”
“I didn’t know that part.” Elene’s mouth turned down for a moment. “But I know they had friends. Bjorn Jansson, Tyra Vigosdóttir, and Strian Eindrideson.”
