“Well perhaps I will tell you at the feast later.”
“Why not now?”
“Because although you have convinced my brother you are here with genuine intentions, I am not so easily convinced or swayed.”
“Well then we shall have to talk later,” Giric said and walked away from the man.
He was curious, but there was something about Magnus that was more than a suspicious nature. There was no doubt in Giric’s mind that he was fishing for information. Two years was a long time to be away and to return with such a loot of treasure begged a question. Just what in heaven’s name had he been up to?
If Short-Beard’s treasure was that great, how was that relative to Gunnar’s?
Saga had said their lands were about the same in size and so if that was the case, why not just come to an agreement on the border and be done with it. No, there was much more going on here than met the eye.
Giric jumped onto the ship and watched as the men unravelled and ravelled the rigging to ensure it was secure and easily loosed while at sea. Should they have a good western wind they would be home by dusk on their sailing day. Otherwise they may have to dock part ways across, though Giric did not think so. The storm on the way over had gotten them there in record time. Perhaps he would ask the healer to send up a favourable wind with some incantation for he was certain that was also a speciality of hers.
And it was no different in any of the villages near his lands. There were still plenty of pagans who practiced their ways, and he took no contest with it.
As he jumped back on the dock he noticed Saga walking toward him. Her beauty struck him again. She walked with such pride in every step. Her long golden hair flicked behind her, and her hand was ever on the hilt of her sword. Only in his dreams had he ever beheld such a vision.
Beauty and strength. Surely she was an angel cast in human form.
“I have come to talk with you, Giric of Alba,” she said.
“I am all yours,” he said in a low voice so the other men could not hear.
“Is this your ship?” she asked.
“It is one of my ships,” he said.
“And how long is the journey to your lands?” she asked.
“We can do it in a day with a favourable wind and calm waters.”
“Then I shall travel with you to your lands and see your castle.”
His heart caught in his throat. Gunnar must have spoken to her, and she’d agreed. His pulse picked up a notch. He had anticipated an argument, but this was a great surprise.
“Should I ask what brought about your change of mind? Earlier you had insisted on my return as well as the wedding here plus the year. Have you changed your mind?”
“Nay, I still wish to be married here. But I just spoke to my brother, and he does not wish me to be here until he is certain the village is safe. While I can wield a sword as good as most men here, he wishes me to get to know your people better so that we may call on your men as our alliance states should we need them.”
“Ahh, so it is a military strategist I return with to my home, not a warrior then?” he asked, teasing.
Frowning, she said, “I am not trying to deceive you,” she said.
Giric shook his head, “Saga that is not what I meant. I am sorry, I should not have teased you. The truth is I am delighted you will be returning with me.” He reached for her hand. “I did not know exactly how I would be able to sail away from you.”
His words brought a devilish smile to her face. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. Her full breasts pressed against his chest making his loins tighten and his breath catch in his throat. God’s teeth, but she would drive him mad with need.
Giric pulled back and studied her face. She gave so freely of herself with no pretence. He’d never known any woman like her. Most of those he knew were quiet with a polite demeanour and a masked expression, making a man wonder what they might be thinking pretty much all of the time. But not Saga. She wore her feelings out there for the world to see and did not make any excuses for them.
He took her hands and walked back toward the hall, noticing Magnus glaring at them along the way. If Saga noticed she did not say anything.
“My brother says if I am to leave here with you, we must marry here tomorrow,” she said.
Giric stopped abruptly and regarded her. “Do you speak true? You would marry me here tomorrow though you barely know me?”
“I know you enough to know the kind of man you are, Giric of Alba. My brother’s reason for me to accompany you is sound and I respect his request. Will you marry me by my laws?”
