Page 11 of Summer Warrior

CHAPTER 5

RAGNHILD THOUGHT PERHAPS she should not have had that last goblet of her father’s best wine. But mayhap her lightheadedness was due more to the company of Lord Somerled, for he was fine to look at, an adroit dancer and courtly in his manner.

As their palms came together, their heads neared. “You spoke of hearing much about me. Tell me, what have you heard?”

He smiled, his white teeth gleaming in the torchlight. “Only that the Princess of Man is a termagant.”

Her mouth dropped open and she paused in her dancing at the outrageous description.

“Nay, I but tease, my lady. In truth, I have heard only that you are as beautiful as you are intelligent and wise.”

“First you tease,” she said, resuming the dance, “now you flatter.”

“Nay, not flattery but truth. For I have seen with my own eyes your grace, the spirit in your emerald eyes, like sparks on a dark night, and your laughter that brightens the hall and draws the gazes of your father’s men.”

She blushed at his words but, being familiar with the compliments of men, she returned him a skeptical look. When they came together again, she said, “It is told you mean to chase the Norse pirates from the Isles. That will be a difficult task. They are a vicious lot.”

“Indeed, they are. Yet the tide has turned, my lady. We were once few in number. Now we are many. My men have become bold warriors. Were I not a believer in the one true God, I would say the fates are with us.”

Inwardly, Ragnhild smiled. So, he was no pagan. “Is your goal merely to drive the Norse from the Highlands and the Isles? Back to the Orkneys mayhap?”

“Or farther. And, no, I do not merely seek to be rid of them. I imagine a new kingdom in which the sea lanes are protected by castles at strategic places, assuring we live free of invaders and foreign rule.”

She studied the determination in his expression, the set of his jaw. He did not appear to be bragging. Rather, he merely stated what he believed to be fact, what he would one day accomplish. “You speak of castles. Are you impressed by my father’s stone castle?”

He looked high above them and then around the hall, his gaze taking in the tapestries, shields and weapons adding dignity to the walls. “I am impressed by the fortress, yea, and its location, protected against the king’s enemies. But there is more. I see a woman’s influence and I doubt it is all Queen Affraic’s doing.” His blue eyes bored into hers as if he knew the embellishments had been hers. “One day, I would have such for myself.”

Was he speaking only of the castle? The possibility of his wanting more—perhaps her—was intriguing. “Mayhap you shall,” she replied, trying not to smile.

“There is time, I think, unless the jewel has been committed to a particular setting.”

He spoke in veiled terms but Ragnhild well understood his meaning and her heart sped apace. Many men had sought her hand. And while she had no desire to marry anytime soon, when she did, would Somerled be one of her suitors? Yet there was her father’s will to consider.

Her dowry would be a rich one with lands and an alliance with her father that would bring ships to make her future husband a wealthy, powerful man. Somerled would know all this yet she detected none of the avarice in this man she had seen in others. Still, she would not let him see her interest. Shrugging, she tossed her braids. “Who can say?”

He laughed and her smile grew into a grin.

“Might you show me more of the castle tomorrow morning after we break our fast?” he asked.

His interest in her home drew a smile. “I would be pleased to do so, my lord.”

When the music ended, gesturing to the side table, she invited him to have some wine.

He nodded and they walked together to where the flagons sat. He poured her a goblet of wine.

“I perceive you are both Norse and Gael,” she said between sips, “and with courtly manners besides. Why have I never heard of you?”

“You perceive correctly,” he said, smiling down at her. “I am Norse by my mother’s blood and Gaelic by my father’s. I spent my youth in Ireland, where my family was banished from the lands of our forefathers by the Norse invaders. In those days, I was known to no one save my family. I returned to Argyll with my father, engaging in battles with the Norse pirates. When those were lost and my father slain, I lived simply. But, then the clans sought my leadership against the pirates. I could hardly refuse. Now, I seek to take back my forefathers’ lands and free my people from the Norse that have long preyed upon them.”

She considered this late risen champion. Could he be believed? Would he succeed in so great a venture where others had failed? Still, for all the uncertainty, there was something about him that made her take seriously his words. She wanted him to win. “I believe you will accomplish the task you have set for yourself, Lord Somerled.”

He inclined his head to her. “Your endorsement means much, my lady.”

“I am curious about your family, Lord Somerled. Is Angus your only sibling?”

He took a sip of his ale. “I have a sister, Bethoc, wed to Malcolm MacHeth.”

Her brows rose at the name for she knew of him. “The one in rebellion against King David?”