Njörd arose from the table to help the unsteadyvölvadescend slowly from her elevated chair. He guided Úlvhild back to her seat across from Elfi.
The seeress beamed at Njörd, her blue face serene and sublime. “That is how you may summon theLjósálfarwho defends thePays de Caux.The Light Elf who will forge the white wolf weapons prophesied to protect your fated mate. Lugh is drawn to Elfi’s beautiful music. He often comes to the cave to hear her play.”
Elfi leapt to her feet, her face alight with joy. She grasped thevölva’sbony, catskin-gloved hands. “Thank you for revealing my fate. I cannot wait to meet theLjósálfarwho will craft thewhite wolf weapons. Or the nine mermaids of theÎle de Seinwho will teach me to use my inherited gift.”
Njörd rose from the table and adjusted his belted sword. “Takk,Úlvhild. Thank you for casting the runes and invoking aseiðrvision. Now I understand why Elfi is essential for the upcoming voyage. She will learn to control the sea!”
“Her mother was asjóvættirsea spirit. One of the nine billow maidens with the power of the ocean’s waves. A mermaid, like theGallizenaepriestesses of theÎle de Sein.They will teach Elfi about her heritage. And how to wield her innate poweras a daughter of the sea.”
The black cat jumped off the bed and curled around the legs of Elfi’s long, dark blue gown. Kól’s contented purr was a deafening roar in Njörd’s sensitive lupine ears.
Elfi stroked the cat’s silky black fur while Njörd handed Úlvhild a few silver coins. With a deep intake of breath and a glorious smile, Elfi hooked her arm through his. Said goodbye to the purring pet and the Vikingvölva. And walked with Njörd out the carved oaken door.
Chapter 15
Lugh
Njörd retrieved their horses behind Úlvhild’s hut and helped Elfi into the saddle. Pulse pounding, limbs trembling, she gazed down at her alluring betrothed, admiring the glossy brown hair which tumbled to his broad, wide shoulders. The thick beard, braided with beads that glinted in the golden sun. The deep blue eyes that beckoned like lulling waves of the Narrow Sea.
Through thevölva, Njörd had discovered his heritage and shapeshifting ability as a wolf warrior of theÚlfhéðnar.Thanks to Úlvhild,Elfi now knew that she possessed a latent power as well. And through the Viking seeress, they had also learned how to summon theLjósálfarwho would craft the Light Elven weapons from the bones of the sacred white wolf.
Elfi was descended from asjóvættirsea spirit. A shape shifting mermaid who had once protected the sheltered inlet near the waterfall cave.
No wonder I have always been drawn to the Mermaid Cove. My mother’s spirit lingers there. She was a billow maiden. A shapeshifting mermaid. And the mermaids of the Gallizenae will teach me to wield the power I inherited through her.
Njörd climbed into the saddle, made a soft clicking sound to his horse, and nudged the black Friesian with his knees. “Let’s stop by my longhouse to pick up the bones. And my white wolfskin cloak. I want to be wearing it when we meet Lugh.” His dazzling grin stole her breath and stirred her heart.
The meandering path through the village was crowded with vendors sellingtheir wares, children and animals scampering about, and carpenters repairing damaged homes. Amid gleeful shouts, bleating sheep, hammering and hollering, Elfi followed Njörd through the winding streets, toward the enormous longhouse that Jarl Rikard had converted into a royal hall for Njörd and his Danishhird. When they arrived, the two of them dismounted, and he led her through the carved entrance door into his lavish home.
Inside the dim interior lit by candles and a blazing fire in the central hearth, Elfi spotted several thralls preparing food on tables while others wove wool on a standing loom. As she followed Njörd into the longhouse, the servants bowed before their jarl and greeted him as he entered the large room. While he instructed them to continue their work, Elfi admired the elaborately decorated oak walls with carved images of Norse gods. She noted the richly woven tapestries embroidered with silken threads which depicted valiant heroes of skaldic legend. The delicious aroma of garlic, rosemary, and roasting meat blended with the salty brine of the Narrow Sea which wafted in through the open door.
“Come, my private quarters are over here.” Njörd led her across the vast hall of the rectangular longhouse where, at the far end of the enormous chamber, black woolen drapes embroidered with gold and red images of dragons, wolves, and Nordic runes cordoned off his sleeping area. He parted the curtains so that Elfi could enter and followed her into his chamber.
The rush-covered earthen floor was strewn with sweet-smelling herbs. The cleansing scent of basil, chamomile, and sage perfumed the still air. No fire burned in the empty hearth along the left wall, for since it was still summer, the heat would have been stifling. An elaborately embroidered tapestry hung on the right wall, and at the back of the spacious room was a rear exit door. A carved oak chest with intricately wrought iron hinges stood at the base of a huge bed piled with furs, As she stared at the soft, silky pelts, Elfi’s pulse raced at the thought of lying there with Njörd.
As if reading her thoughts, he smiled seductively and drew her into his arms. His soft lips parted hers, and the tip of his tongue traced the inner lining of her slightly open mouth.
Elfi pressed her body against his, warmth flooding her at the hard length which poked against her soft stomach.
He moaned as he trailed kisses down her throat, then abruptly released her, stepping back to shake his long hair. He exhaled, as if to compose himself, and adjusted his clothing. “You drive me wild, Elfi of Étretat. I cannot wait to make you mine. But not here, not now. We need to go to the waterfall cave and meet Lugh.” He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. Regret and longing shone in the tempting depths of his dark blue gaze. “Soon,elska minn. Very soon.”
Njörd withdrew a key from the leather pouch at his waist, knelt on the ground, and unlocked the latch of the wooden trunk. He lifted the hatch, fetched the white wolfskin cloak, and retrieved a parcel wrapped in wool, which was tucked protectively inside the thick lupine fur. “These are the bones of the white wolf. If Lugh does come to the cave, as I hope he will, I’ll give them to him today.” He tucked the parcel into the scabbard at his waist, donned the wolfskin cloak, and grinned at Elfi.
She resisted the urge to throw her arms around his neck and pull him down onto the fur covered bed.Freyja help me, I want him. And he wants me, too. How can we wait three more months until we are wed?Swallowing her repressed desire, she smiled up at him, hoping he could see the yearning which surely blazed in her eyes. “You are magnificent, my Wolf of the Nordic Seas. I cannot wait to make you mine.” She raised up onto her tiptoes and kissed his irresistible lips, suppressing another wave of desperate longing. With a soft smile, she asked, “Are you ready to go?”
He nodded, locked the wooden chest on the floor, and tucked the key into his pouch. “I am. Let’s ride back to the castle.”
They said goodbye to the busy thralls, returned to the awaiting horses,and rode back up the grassy hill tole Château Blanc.When they dismounted, servants greeted them at the enormous oak entrance door.
“I’ll run up to my room and grab Dag’s flute while you return the horses.” Elfi smiled up at Njörd. “I’ll meet you downstairs in the castle foyer in a few minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting,elska minn.” As she darted into thechâteau, he handed the reins to the two grooms who led the horses back toward the stables.
Sif was tidying up Elfi’s chambers, waiting for her return. “Would you like to don your armor now? I have everything prepared. And your grandmother is taking her nap.” She flashed a conspiratorial grin.
Elfi was so overwhelmed with her new knowledge,she didn’t even know where to begin. Mouth dry, palms damp, she grasped Sif’s hands and shared her exciting news. “This morning, Njörd took me to visit thevölvaÚlvhild. She cast the runes to reveal my past and foresee the future. I learned that my mother was asjóvættirsea spirit. One of the nine billow maidens who control the ocean’s waves. A shapeshifting mermaid!”
Sif’s mouth dropped open, her expressive eyes widening with awe.
