He stripped and took her into his arms. Her world righted itself the moment he kissed her. No matter what befell them in the future, as long as they had this, all would be well.
* * *
She had fallen into a deep slumber and so Giric quietly left the chamber. He was not used to tempering his lovemaking to her, but he was certain she was not yet back to full strength regardless of her pleading. He would take no liberties with her health and safety.
He made his way back to the hall to where Osgar, Vigdis, and a brooding Magnus waited.
“What news?” Osgar asked.
“How fares my sister?” Magnus asked.
“Your sister is sleeping and I have much news to impart. The king will arrive here within a fortnight and looks forward to blessing my marriage and the alliance we have forged.” Giric looked pointedly at Magnus who folded his arms across his chest.
“Your marriage for now,” he said.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I am here on behalf of Gunnar who is none too pleased at the lack of care put into my sister’s safety. I must be satisfied that she is properly secure and there is no remaining threat else she is to return with me to start divorce proceedings.”
Giric stood and placed his hands flat on the table. “I assure you your sister is safe with me and there is no remaining threat. Further to that, there will be no talk of divorce now or ever. We have been married before God and that cannot be undone.”
Magnus stood as well. “We do not recognize your God. Only Odin can decide our fate.”
“Enough!” Saga’s shout from the other side of the hall caught Giric off guard. By God he would need strong rope to keep that woman abed to heal.
“You should not be up,” Giric and Magnus said together.
“I will get up when I please, as I see fit. And I concur with my husband, Magnus. There will be no talk of divorce. This marriage has been blessed by both our Gods and that is the end of it. I appreciate you coming here to rescue me, however, as you can see, I do not need rescuing. Now, husband, will you please enlighten us all as to what you learned on your quest.”
She sat next to Giric and folded her hands in front of her. He admired her strength. He prayed she never lacked it again, but if she did, he would be there to carry her.
“As I said, the king will be here in a fortnight or less to bless this marriage. He is more than pleased with our alliance and is interested in further securing it. He believes the assassins who attempted to take my wife’s life were sent by Athelstan. He said he has seen that sort of attempt before and that is why our alliance is more important than ever.”
“I don’t understand,” Osgar said. “Why would Athelstan try to kill Saga?”
“For the exact reaction Magnus has displayed. To divide us. He knows we are stronger together and that is a threat to him. News must have spread quickly about our marriage and as the king suspected, Athelstan’s spies are never far away.”
“All the more reason for Saga to return home.”
“Nay. All the more reason for us to secure this alliance and ensure we are both well protected.”
“Something we did not need before you came along.”
“Oh, and the other inhabitants of Islay are all friendly now are they? And that’s why Gunnar stayed at home and sent you to do his bidding?”
“I volunteered and no they are not our allies, but we know how to anticipate them. These assassins of yours have no honour.”
“On that point we agree, Magnus. They have no honour, and their king has none. We will take stock of every man, woman, and child within these castle walls and the town. If there is anyone who does not belong, they will be brought to the dungeon and kept there until they can be properly assessed by the king. Magnus, you are welcome to stay here until the king arrives; however, he wants to meet Gunnar. I can send someone else with that message or I can send you. The choice is yours.”
“I will go as soon as you show me how your security for this castle is set up. Gunnar will expect a full report.”
“There is no better time than now.” Giric realized Gunnar had been more than tolerant of him and his proposal than others of his clan. He dug deep to find the patience he would need with Magnus, but he’d come too far to stop now.
Together they left the hall and turned first toward the stables. Giric was proud of his horses and was even more so when Magnus started asking questions about breeding and training.
Next they visited the gardens and the kitchen, all well within the stone wall of the bailey.
“You plan to conquer your enemies by feeding them?” Magnus asked.
