Cum For The Viking (4 page)

Chapter Six

Upon waking, I washed myself with
freezing water, as did
Matheus
. He dressed in black
garments, the black mink cloak wrapped around him and a sword at his side. He
looked entirely too handsome with tufts of thick, nearly black hair and a pale
complexion. I wore my dresses, but they would require a needle and thread
because portions had been torn, by eager, lusty hands.

There was something in
Matheus’s
look, his slightly unhappy
features,
that
gave away his displeasure at the prospect of leaving. He stared at
me, his expression unreadable, yet serious. I played with my hair, running a wooden
comb through the tangled strands, and gazed at the fire, wondering why I also
dreaded his departure.

“Do you think you’ll return?”

“I’m a merchant by trade. I’ve
brought back oil and leather from Italy. It’s likely, but by that time, the
Vikings will be long gone.”

“And your home is Denmark?”

“Yes, Roskilde. What will you do
here?”

“What I always do. Live in my little
house on the cliff. Maybe I’ll leave and find my mother.”

“What about a husband?”

“In this village?” I laughed, the
bitterness evident in my voice. “No one will marry a witch.”

Bram had returned, the smell of sea
air lingering in his cloak. “It’s done then. Your ship’s ready.”

“Good.”

The men embraced. “Now that half my
debts are cleared, I can breathe easier. I’ll manage the rest when I return.”

“I’m sure you will.”

“Come say farewell to your Danish
lover, Lora. Let’s see him off.”

I wrapped the cloak around my
shoulders, stepping into leather slippers. “Fine.” Fresh air would do me good.

We wandered to the dock, where a
contingent of Viking ships had amassed, moored securely, their sails furled.
The port bustled with the invaders loading looted items from my people and the
nearby churches. It was disheartening to watch, and I felt sympathy for those
who had suffered, but I had never been one of them. I was always a stone’s
throw away, literally. I couldn’t count the times I had been pummeled with objects
that villagers had flung at me. There was a scar on my forehead, above my left
eye, from a rock, although it had faded considerably.

I wrapped the rough wool of my cloak
around me, shivering in the cold, the moisture in the air seeping into my
bones.
Matheus’s
ship was different from the dragon
Viking ships. It was shorter and fatter, built for cargo rather than warriors.
It was dependent on sail power rather than oars. I would remain with Bram, I
supposed, and more than likely fall pregnant. I knew which herbs to brew to
expel the unwanted condition, but I was loath to have to do it. I had always
wanted a child or two, but fate had other plans for me.

Matheus
drew me into his arms. “You’re a
fine woman, Lora.”

“That means little coming from a
Danish pig.” I spoke those words, but I didn’t truly believe them.

“I should steal you for my own. I
should take you with me.” His face was in my neck. “You’d warm the cold nights.”
I hadn’t a response to that statement, other than agreeing with him.

Bram had overheard what he said.
“Well, I could sell her to you for the other half of my debt. I’ve no use for a
woman other than a warm hole to fuck. Take her as a slave.”

Matheus
stared at me. “Perhaps, I will.”

“I won’t go. I know nothing of your
character. You might be a wife-beater or worse.”

“I’ve never touched a woman in anger,
nor will I ever.”

“Good for you.”

“Do we have a deal?” Bram held out
his hand. “I can find ten wenches to replace her, but that debt would be a
burden off my shoulders.”

Matheus
shook his hand. “I do believe we
have a deal.”

“Now wait one minute. I’m not
property to be used and sold. I’m not leaving England with this…this person.” I
stepped closer to Bram, but if I thought he would protect me, I was wrong.

He shoved me away. “Listen to your
betters, Lora.
Matheus
Hrolf is a man of wealth and
character. He’ll be able to provide for you and your children.”

“I’ll not be beaten.”

“I’ll gladly take you over my knee.”
Matheus
grinned. “In the privacy of my cabin, of course,
with our clothes off.”

I gasped. The description of what he
was suggesting was far too vivid in my mind. “If you prove to be a woman
beater, I shall stab you in your sleep. Do you hear? I won’t be abused.”

The darkness of his eyelashes made
his look smolder. “Fine. If you’re unhappy, you may murder me.”

Bram laughed, “I’ve never seen a
happier couple. You’ll do well together.” He slapped his friend on the back. “I’m
off to celebrate with drink. See you both in Roskilde. You can have me over for
supper.”

“Good luck with your raids. Have
mercy on the children. Don’t let them suffer.”

“None have been harmed.”

I stared at
Matheus
,
remembering my mother’s prophetic words. “
I
see two men, but only the dark haired one will be your love, your protector.
He’s foreign
.” Mother had been right. I was going to leave England with a
stranger and begin a new life. The future was wide open, and, as I placed my
hand in
Matheus
’, I
smiled,
knowing that the last words she had spoken to me had come true.

The End