When Skadi and Skjöld realized they were the only ones dancing, they returned to the table, faces flushed with joy rather than exertion.
Dáinn stopped playing hislyre, signifying that the feast had come to an end.
Dvalinn said, “Inga, replace the straw on my bed, and put fresh blankets and furs for ourLjósálfarguest.” He bowed his head to Skadi. “You’ll have my chamber tonight, my lady. Dáinn and I will sleep in Durinn’s quarters.” He turned to Gunnar. “Fetch blankets and furs. You and Dáinn, set up beds before the hearth for our twovitkar.”
Gunnar nodded and rose to his feet. Dáinn stood, grabbed his lyre, and spoke to Gunnar. “I’ll fetch the blankets if you get the furs.” The woodcutter and the Dwarven apprentice headed down the hall while Inga cleared the wooden plates and empty platter from the trestle table.
“The feast was superb,” Skadi said to Dvalinn, inclining her head in gratitude and respect to their swarthy Dwarven host. “And the oatcakes, rich with hazelnuts and honey, were a truly delightful dessert.” Skadi’s crystalline voice flowed like a freshwater spring.
As if flustered from the effusive praise, Inga blushed, tucking wayward strands of dark hair back into her braid, which had come loose from dancing. “I’ll go check on Durinn,” she informed Dvalinn, grabbing a leather pouch of herbs from the wooden shelf. She smiled at Skadi. “And sprinkle the fresh straw on your bed with crushed juniper berries and thyme—to keep away bugs and help you sleep.”
When Inga disappeared down the hall, Dvalinn refilled the mugs of mead. “You said you and Skjöld were headed to Vågan, to meet the crew of your ship. And sail south to the Land of the White Chalk Cliffs.” He took a pensive pull of mead, brows furrowed in contemplation and recollection. “The Viking territory ruled by Richard the Fearless, ally of your grandfather, King Harald,” he said to Skjöld.
“That’s right,” Skjöld agreed, drinking from his pewter goblet. “AndJarl Rikardis my grandfather as well. My mother Ylva is his daughter.”
Gunnar and Dáinn returned with armfuls of blankets and furs, which they arranged in two beds on the stone floor before the hearth. Inga reappeared and announced that Durinn wassleeping soundly and that Skadi’s bed was now ready. “I’ll fix us oat porridge with lingonberries, hazelnuts, and honey fordagmál. With barley bread, hard cheese, and dried fish.”
“And Inga will pack food for your voyage,” Dvalinn said with a gruff grin. “If the wind holds, you’ll make Vågan before sunset tomorrow. If not, then you’ll have provisions fornattmálwhen you make camp.”
“Many thanks,Fjallvörðr.Skjöld and I are grateful for your warm Dwarven hospitality.” Haldor inclined his head, as did Skjöld.
“Come, my lady. There is a basin of spring water and herbal salve for you to wash with. I’ll see you to your chambers, and assist you in preparing for bed.” Inga wiped her hands on her apron and smiled at Skadi before saying goodnight to Haldor and Skjöld. “I’ll see you fine gentlemen in the morning.”
“Thank you for the delicious feast, Lord Dvalinn.” Skadi bent to kiss the Dwarven blacksmith’s bristled cheek. Dvalinn grunted but grinned from ear to bristled ear.
“Goodnight, Lord Falk.” Skadi inclined her pale blonde head to Haldor, then flashed a bright smile to Skjöld. “Goodnight, Skjöld.” Violetfrostfireblazed in her ice blue eyes as she held Skjöld’s raptured gaze.
Skjöld took hold of Skadi’s sleek hand and bent at the waist, lowering his blond bearded lips to bestow a gallant kiss. “Goodnight, my lady. Sleep well.” Skjöld’s longing gaze followed the sway of Skadi’s slender hips as Inga led the lovelyLjósálfardown the dim hall.
“Rest well. May the mountain’s strength refresh you. See you at dawn.” Dvalinn ducked his bearded chin. With a reverent nod, Gunnar and Dáinn followed Dvalinn, leaving Haldor and Skjöld alone to settle down on furs before the fire.
Haldor removed his boots, the belt at his waist which contained the small bronze box, and sank into the soft pile with a contented sigh. “Tomorrow, we’ll return to theLáhpitribe to say goodbyebefore we sail to Vågan. We’ll show Jaskka the Sámi sail on your new ship. He’ll be pleased to learn that the dragon in flames from his vision wasyou.”
Skjöld’s white teeth shone like moonlight in the darkened hearth room. His deep murmur was heavy with emotion. “After living amongst them for the past two summers, it will be very hard to say goodbye.”
“Indeed it will. And difficult for you to leave Skadi.”
“Já.” Skjöld sighed with audible yearning, pulling a thick reindeer hide over his rugged shoulder. With a groan that was more like a moan, he turned his back to Haldor and settled down to sleep.
Flat on his back in the pile of furs, Haldor bent an arm across his forehead, closed his heavy lids…
And dreamed of offeringFreyja’s Eyesto Úlvhild.
Chapter 9
Entwined by Water and Flame
Skjöld was restless.
He tossed in his furs, his body throbbing with need. Yet his longing for Skadi was more than mere lust, for his magic surged, the inked runes on his forearms flooding his veins like ocean waves inundating the fjord. And frostfireflames licked at his soul.
Her soft whisper caressed his wandering mind. “Skjöld…”
A pulse of magic tugged at his spirit, drawing him inexorably to her.
Skjöld raised his head and glanced at Haldor, asleep in his furs. Unable to resist Skadi’s call, Skjöld rose from his bed and slipped silently across the hearth room.
At the end of the dark hall—where violet and green northern lights swirled through the narrow windows of the cave—Skadi stood in a sheer white gown which clung to her alluring curves. Luminous with innerLjósálfarlight, her long blonde hair flowing in waves to her narrow waist, she appeared like a water goddess, haloed in violet ice. Gossamer sleeves cascading to the cold cave floor, arms outstretched to welcome him, she invited Skjöld to share the starlit night.
