Lukaz’ gleeful laughter was joyful music to her fragile, healing heart.
Chapter 9
Lessons
“Mmmm,” Lukaz hummed as he took a huge bite of the wild plum tarte Ulla had made just for him. “Tarte aux mirabellesis my favorite! Do you like it too, Lady Ulla?” He licked his lips gleefully, bright eyes sparkling with unbridled delight in the late morning sun as he sat at the table in Ulla’s cheerful cottage kitchen.
She nodded in agreement, slipping a delectable spoonful of the sweet green plums into her mouth with a satisfied smile.He loves the pie, just as Laudine said he would. I am so glad I baked it!
When he’d finished a second slice, Ulla brought the two earthenware bowls and pewter spoons to the kitchen counter, rinsed them in a wooden bucket of water, and dried the dishes and utensils with a soft clean cloth. She placed them in the small wooden cupboard above the counter and returned to the table, smiling at the sight of Lukaz letting her wolf lick his sticky fingers.It seemsVill loves tarte aux mirabelles, too.
She placed a tentative hand on the back of Lukaz’ head and stroked the soft, dark waves which dusted his small shoulders.
At her touch, the lad looked up at her with large, inquisitive eyes. “Is it time to go back to the castle?”
Ulla ducked her chin and gestured for him to come along.
Lukaz rose from the chair, and Vill was instantly alert, eager to follow the little boy anywhere. Ulla mused how the two had already formed a close bond.These two have become fast friends. Vill’s devotion will strengthen Lukaz as much as the archery and hunting lessons. And with his own horse and falcon, Laudine’s Little Wolf will become as fierce as Finn.
Like the wings of her falcon taking flight, Ulla’s spirit soared in the cerulean sky.
****
“We saw my colt in the stables,Mamie! Master Quentin said Lady Ulla could write down some Viking names for him, and you could read them for me. I want my Friesian to have a Viking name, like Nåde.” Lukaz hugged Laudine around the hips, jumping up and down with excitement and enthusiasm.
“Well, that’s a fine idea. Ulla has a piece of slate here and some white limestone chalk that she uses for writing. Perhaps she can suggest a Viking name for your new colt.” Laudine fetched the items and handed them to Ulla with a soft chuckle.
Ulla wrote a few words on the tablet, which Laudine read aloud.
“Løpermeans runner. Do you like that name?”
Lukas wrinkled his face, and Ulla scribbled again.
“Mektig. It means powerful. How about that one?”
The grimace on his face spoke volumes. “I want a short name, like Nåde.”
Ulla reflected for a few moments, then scratched another suggestion onto the slate.
“Kol.It means dark, like your Friesian’s black coat.”
Large blue eyes widened in wonder. “Oui, c’est parfait!That’s perfect. My colt’s name is Kol.” Lukaz darted a glance up at Ulla. Worry clouded his bright gaze. “But what about my falcon? She needs a Viking name, too.”
Ulla grinned and scribbled a name for Laudine to read.
“Jegermeans hunter. Do you like it?” His grandmother raised her eyebrows as she smiled down at Lukaz.
Wavy brown locks flew as he shook his small head.
Chalk scratched on the smooth surface, and Laudine read the Norwegian word aloud. “Rask.It means fast, quick, or rapid. Like your falcon will be when she’s grown.”
“Yes! My falcon isRask,and my Friesian isKol.” He threw his sturdy little arms around Ulla’s waist and nestled a jubilant face against her flat stomach. “Thank you, Lady Ulla. Now my animals have Viking names, just like yours.”
Ulla’s heart overflowed as she gazed into Laudine’s grateful, twinkling eyes.
“You’ll have to tell me all about the archery and hunting lesson at dinner. Maëlys has roasted a goose, and we have fresh vegetables from the garden.” Laudine lovingly stroked her grandson’s soft brown locks. She looked up, suddenly shifting her attention to Ulla. “Would you like to join us? We’d be delighted to have you.” Affection evident on her kind, generous face, Laudine waited for Ulla’s silent response.
She shook her head, bowing humbly to politely decline the invitation. Scribbling a message on the slate, Ulla handed it for Laudine to read.
