“She is? Where? How?”
“You might want to sit for this, Magnus.”
They sat opposite one another near the hearth. Elspeth didn’t know where to begin really. She supposed at the beginning was as good a spot as any.
“Freydis believes she is on a spiritual journey and that I was a part of that. She was confusing the powers she believes she has with my gifts.”
“How is that possible? You and I shared visions, the tower, all of that couldn’t be just Freydis.”
“You’re right. That wasn’t Freydis. The truth is I don’t know where my gift originates. Based on my discussions with Father Fothad, I do not believe they’re from God. Perhaps the Celtic Goddess, Brigid has seen me worthy to be blessed with such a thing. I may never know.”
Magnus pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. Elspeth understood where he was coming from perfectly. She’d really believed Freydis was the answer to her journey. Now to hear the woman say she was mistaken didn’t make a whole lot of sense.
“So what now?”
“Now we do what we said we would do. We travel to Islay and begin our life together,” she said.
A knock sounded at the door and Magnus answered it. Sheona and Isobel entered with the contents of their evening meal and as she and Magnus ate, the maids began folding and packing Elspeth’s clothes into large chests.
“Your brother said you will be gone for the winter so we will make sure you have everything you need.”
They ate in silence as the maids continued to pack her belongings. It was strange to think it may be months or years before she returned to her chamber. One more night here and the rest of her life’s journey would begin. How many nights had she lain awake in bed dreaming of a handsome stranger whisking her away on a large white horse? Those silly thoughts didn’t seem so silly anymore now that she was about to move away from everything she ever knew to live in a Viking village with a man even her wild imagination could have never conjured.
“I should go speak to my brother,” she said. “I would like to reassure him this is my decision too.”
“Then I will go with you,” he said and held out his hand.
“Always my protector.”
“I will never falter in that regard,” he said. “I may make many mistakes as a husband, but I will always love you and I will always protect you.”
She didn’t doubt it for a second now and she never would again. Together they left her chamber and made their way to the hall. The second she crossed the salt threshold, her mind’s vision cleared. It was as though she’d been trying to see through a veil and that veil was now lifted.
Osgar sat alone in the hall bathed in firelight and candlelight. He appeared lost in thought as they entered.
“Have I failed you?” he asked without looking up as she drew near. His voice was solemn.
“Nay, brother, you have not failed me,” she said and sat near him. “The time has come for us to leave. My mind cannot find peace. These last few weeks have taken a toll on me and I do not want to add any further stress on myself or my husband. You must deal with Kenneth as you see fit and I fear I could no longer be objective where he is concerned. I am caught in the middle.”
“And what about these talks with the Viking healer?” he asked. “Do you have any resolution there? Was the Father any help? I feel like I have not been protecting you or helping.”
“You don’t need to protect me any longer, brother,” she said. “My husband will stave off the wolves at the door.”
“I am sorry for my part in keeping anything from you, Magnus,” he said. “I assure it was not done intentionally and Giric is writing his letter to your brother as we speak. He values the alliance more than you can imagine.”
“Maybe, or perhaps he is just afraid of my sister,” Magnus said. She appreciated him trying to lighten the mood in the room. This hall was supposed to be a comfort but at the moment it was filled with gloom. She couldn’t abide it any longer.
“We will retire now,” she said.
“I will see you off in the morning. Your belongings will be packed and ready to go.”
The sadness in his voice was difficult for her to accept, but she had no choice. Leaving here was a necessary part of her wellbeing now and her only concern going forward was Magnus.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The sight of the longhouse lifted his spirits. He never thought he would ever be so glad to see his home. He wrapped his arm a little tighter around Elspeth’s shoulders. The crossing had been calm thankfully, but it was cold and he was eager to get his wife inside where the fire would be warm and the company warmer. He’d had enough adventure and he was looking forward to some quiet days and planning the tower house. Contentment settled over him as the galley docked. All his life he has longed to leave this place and see the world. Now all he wanted was constancy with Elspeth.
“Welcome home, wife.”
