He walked to the side of the sled, fell to his knees, and bowed his head. No shame in demonstrating his obedience to the man he loved more than any other. Anundr was a living legend in these lands, a famous warrior who single-handedly slayed dozens of Varangians. Injuries left him crippled, but the man lived to tell his own story.
Strong hands rested on his head. Randvior looked up to see the rare glimmer of paternal pride in his father’s stark blue eyes. He imagined there was a pair of lips buried somewhere underneath the thick curls of his beard. Randvior laughed at the golden beads decorating the braids on his face. After all this time, his father still chose to adorn himself like their ancient forefathers.
“You have prospered, my son,” his father said, appraising the outbuildings. “While I squandered my wealth, you practiced frugality. If not for your mother’s skills as a spaewife, we might have been begging at your door.”
“What is mine is always yours.” Randvior leaned over the sled and embraced his father in a bear hug. “Are you aware of why I summoned my mother?” He let go and sat back on his haunches.
“Aye,” Anundr nodded. “Your ever-faithful captain explained everything to me. I demanded to come along as the legal representative of my household. Regardless of her deeds, Lauga is still my wife. If these charges are true, your mother has shamed me.”
Randvior stood. With a stiff nod, he turned and unhitched the sled from the horse. Aud picked up one end and Randvior the other. They carried it inside to a thickly padded chaise lounge that one of the slaves placed on the dais. He lovingly lifted his father and settled him in the chair. Anundr arranged himself and sat back with a deep sigh. Furs from the sled were brought for him and spread over his legs. Randvior pushed an ale horn into his father’s hands and excused himself.
Formal preparations must be made immediately. Although his father’s visit was unexpected, he deserved every special consideration. “Announce my father’s arrival, welcome all who wish to enter this hall and feast with him,” he instructed his men.
When he unlocked the cellar door and started down the steep stairs, Randvior nearly fell, he was so distracted by the joyous occasion. He desperately wanted to share this moment with his wife. Women and children flocked around him when he appeared. He wheedled his way past them and searched for Noelle amongst the sleeping bodies that littered the floor. He finally found her curled up with Unnr.
He paused over her.Odin, have mercy.He knelt and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Time to wake up.”
Thick lashes fluttered open as delicately as butterfly wings. Once she realized who it was, Noelle shot up and flung her arms around his neck.
He smiled. “Important guests await your company upstairs,” he informed cryptically. Anundr’s presence made him feel like an awkward boy again. How he wanted his sire to fall in love with his wife.
Noelle and Unnr scrambled to their feet and smoothed their skirts.
“Who has come for a visit?” Noelle asked.
“My father.”
“Your father?” she repeated.
“Aye,” he confirmed. “I am freeing all the women and children. We are safe for now. Few people have had the opportunity to meet my father and will want time to prepare. Never fear, my love,” he pinched her cheek. “My sire is composed of the same flesh and bone as me. His presence in my home is an honor we must celebrate. He is worthy of the highest esteem. I want him to meet you.” He picked sprigs of hay from her hair and chuckled at her general state of disarray.
Noelle disappeared behind a far wall and changed into the clean dress she had packed. He nodded approval and reached inside his pocket when she emerged. Much to her delight, hehad her morning gift. The stones reflected beautifully in the torchlight. He hooked the necklace around her neck.
“I feared it was lost forever.” She fingered the stones lovingly.
He smiled. “Not a chance.”
Both his wife and the necklace had cost him a small fortune and he’d be damned if he’d lose track of them again. His heart pounded furiously as he stepped back and admired her.
After a long moment, his smile faded. Unfortunately, there were more pressing things to discuss.
“After I left, I decided it was time for my mother to answer for her crimes. Many have gathered to hear her testimony. My father, who hasn’t left the privacy of his home in many years, found it important enough to travel with her. Few nobles face a judge—especially in a kinsman’s court.”
This news should make her feel better. Instead, her eyes darkened and Noelle looked away.
Randvior took her hand. “I may ask you to testify.”
She faced him again and visibly stiffened.
“No one will ever harm you again, I swear it.”
His tiny Valkyrie had killed a man with no fear and stitched up his body without batting an eyelash. But she hated being the center of attention, especially in a public setting. Randvior moaned and pictured her tiny hand plunging that knife into the man’s back. It sent shivers up his spine. He had no right to make more demands, especially where his mother was concerned. Noelle had been a victim of her viciousness for weeks. Yet, he believed his people would respect her more if she had the courage to speak up.
He placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “I will be your strength.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The Reaping
