Page 11

CHAPTER 11

The forty-ninth day of the men’s sojourn on the island

J?rgen was weary, ill-tempered, and heavy of heart. Being obliged into Eldberg’s company was doing little to lift his spirits.

They’d been working upon a tree they’d felled, clearing off the side branches and bark for Rutger to work upon. Taking respite from their labors, they sat upon the trunk, drinking from their water pouches but exchanging barely a word.

He’d come clean to his jarl, letting him know Astrid was privy to their plans. Eldberg hadn’t seemed much to care, as long as Astrid kept her silence.

The sun was dipping to its final portion, blazing the sky in shades of gold. Dusk was a special time. He and Astrid would oft sit, looking across the bay as twilight fell, sharing moments from their day or snatches of memory. Then, he’d lead her into the privacy of her home, where kisses led to other intimacies.

Sweet Astrid—the only woman I’ve ever loved or e’er shall.

And I’ve ruined it all.

How had he let that happen?

After Svala’s death, he’d been eaten by grief. The last thing J?rgen had imagined was deserving a family of his own. That belief had kept him at Eldberg’s side, seeking nothing beyond shallow pleasures.

‘Twas ill-judgment, failing to ask permission for the sail, but he’d told no lies, merely omitting to keep Astrid fully informed. He’d been upfront about his desire to leave the island, and they’d agreed, hadn’t they, after discovering that ill-favored cavern? When the men departed this place, it went without saying that he intended to take Astrid with him.

All the men would do the same, surely, bringing their wenches? Even without Eldberg’s edict that they persuade their womenfolk to take up oars alongside them, what man would want to leave behind his bedpartner?

He’d made it clear to Astrid that he needed her. How many ways did a woman need to be shown that a man cared? He was a considerate lover, he cooked for her, heated water for her bath, chopped firewood, and kept the hearth tidy. Odin’s teeth, he’d even braided her hair.

What more did she want?

“Ah, here’s the wastrel, joining us at last!” Eldberg glowered at Rutger as he emerged from between the trees. “You’ve barely enough daylight to make it worthwhile! Let’s hope you’ve put the day to use in other ways, eh? Buttering up that wench of yours. Just make sure you’re here at dawn to continue the work.”

Rutger scowled but didn’t contradict his jarl. Instead, he set to work with his chisel, shaping one end of the trunk.

Eldberg took a swig from his water pouch. “We can slide the mast down the hillside tomorrow night, then roll it across the beach, concealing it beneath the hull.” He cracked his knuckles. “Only a few more nights, and we’ll be ready to make our departure. Think of that! Back to Skálavík, lads!”

“Aye. The sooner we’re off this island, the better.” J?rgen kicked at a stone.

Astrid would go with them, willing or not; Eldberg would see to that. He’d tie her to the mast if given no other choice. That thought made J?rgen’s blood boil, but Eldberg would kill him afore he’d let Astrid slip his grasp.

“For all its beauty, this place makes me uneasy.” J?rgen suppressed a shiver. “I shan’t have peace until we’re far from here, preferably with our own fjord in sight.”

Eldberg slapped him upon the shoulder. “Spoken like a true man of Skálavík. As for Astrid, I trust you’ve won her over sufficiently to do all you command. She’s not the only one with knowledge of our plans. I’ve made a pact with Elin and with the old woman Bothild to safeguard the wellbeing of any woman who comes with us. They may remain in Skálavík, and I’ll safeguard them like my own kin or aid their return if they wish it.”

“And you’ll hold fast to such a pact?” ‘Twas not the first time J?rgen had pressed the point.

Eldberg’s eyes narrowed. “A man is only as honorable as his word. Even if we bundle women on the boat by force, ‘twill be for their own good. I’ve little doubt when they’ve tasted what Skálavík has to offer, they’ll be glad we brought them.”

‘Twas not an answer that reassured J?rgen.

Rutger had said little since his arrival. They both knew the truth. Eldberg’s actions would be governed by what suited him when the time came.

“We’ll be five… ten with our wenches,” Eldberg went on. “At least four more strong arms are required on the oars. Six would be better. They need only row as long as it takes to get us out of the bay. Once we’re in open waters, the sail and wind will take over.”

“Why only five?” Rutger looked up from his work. “Are Rangvald’s injuries still severe enough to preclude him from taking an oar? In any case, Elin will want to do her part.”

Eldberg’s expression hardened. “Rangvald won’t be coming. I’ve not burdened you with the truth, but that cur tried to kill me. He’s been locked up, and there he’ll stay.” A sneer entered his tone. “Once we’re gone, the women may do as they like with him.”

J?rgen cast another sideways look at Rutger. If Rangvald had been foolhardy enough to challenge his jarl, he’d lit his own death fires. J?rgen could hardly pretend regret. There was no love lost between him and Rangvald, and he suspected Rutger felt the same.

J?rgen had felt sorry for him, of course, learning of Rangvald’s injuries. They were severe enough that he’d likely never wield a weapon with his former skill. Even so, his compassion only went so far. Rangvald was not a man to inspire loyalty or friendship.

“And keep that information to yourselves,” Eldberg growled. “‘Twill go easier for these women if they believe us to have their best interests at heart. Discovering they’ve a would-be-murderer in their midst won’t help anyone.”

J?rgen bit his tongue.

The island’s women had more to worry about than Rangvald, wretch that he was.

Only a few more nights…

He had to make Astrid change her mind, for he couldn’t remain upon this black-hearted island, nor did he wish to leave her there. Something terrible was coming, and he wouldn’t abandon Astrid to an uncertain fate.

He’d been pretending that his dreams had abated, but the opposite was true. He still woke to a dagger skewering his temple and a mouth of bile.

The monsters of his imagination drew closer, and they were showing their teeth.