Did any see the daggers strapped hidden beneath her skirts? Did they?!
A few menacing chuckles echoed in her ears from the barge’s crewmen. No – secret safe. Thank all!
“Lady Keirah,” Torsten cackled, “there is the grace beneath pressure we all remember. Ahh, shown bright once more.”
Aonghus glared at the heckler. The grin vanished off Torsten’s face, still bruised from the inn. Leaning closer toward her, he whispered, “Cluaran” – his breath was warm upon her lobe – “place your arms about my torso. I shall see you safe.”
She bit her lips, quelching the hysterical laugh trying to burn her throat at the irony by his words. Even now in the belly of the Northern beasts he still held every determination she would be safe.Lad,love you till forever!
A nod was her reply while he set her upon her feet then turned his back toward her. Carefully she wrapped one arm over his chainmailed shoulder, ignoring the bite from rough metal in the places his mantle didn’t cover. Then her other arm went under his bicep by the empty scabbard. Vengeance,along with Sir Brayden’s and Sir James’s weapons, had been commandeered by Svørn as soon as they set foot off soil. Her palms locked before his barrel torso. A few catches in breath sounded behind her when her Scotsman didn’t bother with the wooden ladder rungs but clasped the rope on the sides attaching to them then hauled up fibers as if they weighed no more than two hawk feathers.
She kept her dangling legs crossed under her skirts.Tighter – conceal the daggers – good. No prying eyes below belonging to Lord Kollungr nor passengers could see them. A few grunted exchanges sounded below as they were halfway up. She caught a single sentence from Svørn, who would be departing to Lord Kollungr’s nearby vessel after. His words floated toward her ears after the salty wind blew just right.
“The Scot is power.”He is, Svørn. Best take note of that, Northmen!
Aonghus didn’t seem to concern himself with the audience beneath. He called over his shoulder to her, “Cluaran, hold tight.”
We’re flying!She gasped when in a lone flawless motion he swung both his legs over the side wall.Thud. He landed onto the deck, with his feet loudly announcing their arrival to every Northman on the main deck.
A rustling sound came from behind belonging to Sir Brayden, who took his spot beside them while whispering wryly, “A warmer greeting one shall never find.” Aonghus set her down delicately then gently swung her before him. He circled his hand over her waist protectively when every set of gray eyes present narrowed on them ragefully.
“My lord king awaits,” Lord Kollungr said, giving a smirk moments later before lifting his arm toward the wooded passageway leading off the deck to below.
Her eyes glanced up a hard moment at the heavens above. Moon. A big, bright, bold moon smiling down at them as if mockingly saying,Nope. No storm for you Scots! Take a good look; I am lightin’ the way right to your doom. Step right up!Her gaze darted to the horizon. This was not good either. Not a cloud in sight dictating a storm. NO!
“If you seek prayer, Lady Keirah,” Torsten mocked, seeing her action, “’tis too late. Move.”
The door on King Håkonsson’s chambers opened in ease from newness. The cabin was built to reflect the rest of the vessel: enormous, demonstrating his power. It worked on Sir James, whose breath caught at spying the massive table flanked with oil lamps swinging from the tide’s wave. She took a deep breath: pine, from the newly built ship. She had left, but so much had changed since she was last here.
The king looks paler than the moon, huh. At the table’s far end, two guards clad in furs sat flanking King Håkonsson upon either side. Vastly different than the young king she had left at Ayr, with Håkonsson the years and wear had taken their due. A fighter whose Viking ancestors would be proud to call him their own, he now looked older than his age at fifty-nine years.Aye, he is really peely-wally.
A small sway infected her step, causing her foot to catch on the surcoat’s hem.Going down!Aonghus’s grasp upon her arm halted the falling flat on her face. She saw a mirthful glint mark King Håkonsson eyes when they gave a tiny crinkle at the lashes, spotting her signature clumsiness.
“Keirah.” His voice boomed through the cabin. “Or ’tis Lady Keirah MacCade now, I have been told.”
Had she ever fully feared him? No, that title belonged to her keeper whose smirk deepened on her left. Kollungr. The falcon appeared quite pleased with himself as one who had captured its prey.This may be the case, but don’t show it!
Strength. King Håkonsson praised this above all else. Straightening her spine, she stepped forward from her husband’s grasp, getting right to the truth only Aonghus knew.
“Lord King,” she said, chin high, “may I speak plainly?”
King Håkonsson’s look softened on her slightly. “You may, my lady.”
Sorrow with a pleading edge filled her tone. “Lord King, why have you come?” she began, feeling her words. “I warned younotto venture unto these shores as you would never set eyes upon your sacred Bjørgvin again.”
Sir James spat under his breath at her advance, “Traitor.”Stuff it, Rooster!
She flashed her eyes at the rooster. “To warn does not make one a traitor,” she challenged, then turned back toward King Håkonsson when he spoke.
“You did declare what the fates dictated, but, my lady, a king’s fate must be of his own making.” Håkonsson leaned forward in the throne. “I willnotrun from destiny, otherwise I would have fled from my kingdom years ago when but a boy. I stand to fight; my blood is Viking.”
She nodded; he had to refer to taking his rightful crown from Skule Bårdsson who had challenged him. The conflict between the pair had ended the hundred-year war plaguing Norway which crafted King Håkonsson into the ruler they nowfaced, taking her own shores in his grasp. Was he formidable? Aye, like a fire was red.
The king eyed her Aonghus. “This is the Scotsman who has won your affections?”
She nodded. “Aye, Sir Aonghus.” The king’s stare turned scrutinous. She stiffened.
Most would hide or cower under the intimidating gaze.Look at my knight! He turned into a greater giant when he rolled his shoulders taller. How did he seem to fill and take the room in his grip?
