Page 9

CHAPTER 9

The fortieth day of the men’s sojourn on the island

The sun was high in the sky as Astrid walked the short distance to Frida’s dwelling, yet she tugged her shawl tighter, chilled by her recollection of the dank atrocities she and J?rgen had discovered.

Something was wrong—not just in the cave but with the island itself and the waters that surrounded them. Astrid hadn’t wanted to admit such a thing, but Freyja had guided her to face her fears, and there could be no doubt.

She faced the dilemma of what to do with that knowledge, though.

Dread woke her at night, furling around her body when she should have been content in J?rgen’s arms, cold tendrils twining about her limbs.

That unease settled upon her, repelling the sun’s ardor.

She’d pondered long on whether to seek out Frida’s guidance. She and J?rgen had avoided speaking of what they’d experienced in the malevolent cavern, but the memory of putrid death haunted her. Would Frida see what lingered in her mind, regardless of what Astrid revealed in her words?

‘Twas a risk she had to take, for there were other things she needed to ask, and she trusted in Frida’s gifts to provide the answers.

If Frida does gain insight into what we found?

Astrid would deal with that if the situation occurred.

It might even be a blessing to share that horror with someone she could trust. Of all the women on the island, ‘twas with Frida that she felt the most affinity. If she explained why the secret needed keeping, Frida would understand, wouldn’t she?

Of that, Astrid couldn’t be certain.

Approaching, she was met by the sight of Frida wrapped close to her man as he leaned upon the wall beside their doorway. His arms snaked about her middle, and they were laughing over something in that intimate way only lovers share.

Gunnar nodded a friendly welcome at her over Frida’s head.

“Astrid!” Turning, Frida rushed to greet her, bringing her into an embrace. “‘Tis wonderful to see you.”

“And you.” Astrid noticed how Gunnar’s eyes shone with affection for Frida, his gaze following her.

Did J?rgen look at her that way?

She wasn’t sure.

“How are you both?” Pushing away her melancholy, Astrid untangled herself from Frida.

“We’re well.” Frida’s smile was coy, conveying just how well their relationship was blooming.

“‘Tis good to hear.” Astrid was pleased for her friend, despite the sudden blade of slicing envy.

She deserved a love like that—a man who craved more than carnality, one who yearned for a union of souls as well as bodies.

J?rgen worshipped her with his mesmerizing physicality but had yet to offer Astrid more.

Meanwhile, she slid ever deeper into her feelings for him. She was in love, that much she knew. As for J?rgen, she feared he viewed her as no more than a convenient distraction until he returned to Skálavík.

“How is that rascal, J?rgen? Not giving trouble, I hope.” Gunnar threw her a mischievous wink.

“He’s well enough.” Astrid forced herself to return his good humor. “We shall have to arrange a visit, so the two of you may talk.”

“Indeed.” Picking up the crutch propped nearby, Gunnar hobbled a few steps to touch Frida upon the shoulder. “I’ll walk in the fresh air while you speak privately with Astrid, but don’t fear, I won’t go far, my love.”

“How is J?rgen, really ?” Frida ushered Astrid inside, gesturing for her to sit. “Is he still having his… dreams?”

“We don’t talk about it. He…” She hesitated, suddenly unsure of how much to confide.

“What is it? You can tell me, Astrid. You’ll receive no judgment.”

Astrid sighed. “He says naught troubles him, but the dreams continue, and I sense they disturb him. He thinks I don’t notice.”

Frida placed her palm over Astrid’s. “Let us read the runes; we may see what they have to say.”

Astrid nodded. Some thought Frida’s power was wrong—terrifying even—but Astrid believed Frida had been blessed by the gods. She trusted in their wisdom and was sure the runes would help to settle her mind.

Frida drew out a small pouch from her pocket. “I had a feeling someone would come today, seeking their guidance. I’m glad ‘tis you.” Indicating for Astrid to hold out her palms, she shook the contents within them—some bone-carved, others marked upon weathered stones, each etched with a symbol. “Think hard upon what you wish to know. Ask the runes, then cast them here.”

The pieces were strangely warm. Astrid cupped her hands around the mysterious fragments, turning her thoughts to what burned in her mind. Then, with a quickening pulse, she dashed the runes across the tabletop.

At once, Frida took stock of their positions, spanning her fingers above where they’d fallen. She leaned close, as if not only to see but to hear what they might whisper to her. “There are… mixed messages.”

“Tell me,” Astrid urged. “Please.”

Frida’s tone was hushed. “I see… something rising from the depths, bringing terror.” She pressed her fingers to her temple. “It reminds me of the darkness in J?rgen’s thoughts when I saw him last…” She paused. When Frida looked up again, meeting Astrid’s eyes, the expression in her own was anxious. “Do you think the place he sees in his dreams is real?”

A strained silence hung between them as Astrid considered how to reply. Just thinking of the cave inspired nausea.

“I know not,” she said eventually, her heart hammering at the lie. Nothing good could come from disclosing the details of the poisonous cavern. It must remain hidden… for everyone’s safety. “As I say, he doesn’t like to speak of it.” That much was true, at least.

Perhaps sensing Astrid’s lack of honesty, Frida frowned. However, she made no attempt to push her on the matter.

“There is more. This rune speaks of love.” She cast her fingers over the gnarly stone. “It suggests you and J?rgen share a powerful bond, one that nothing shall separate.”

“Truly?” Astrid had faith in Frida’s reading of the runes. Nonetheless, ‘twas hard to believe. Her separation from J?rgen seemed as inevitable as the rise and fall of the tides. She’d accepted what must be. He’d return home as soon as the men’s ship allowed the journey.

Frida’s brows lowered. “Is there more I should know?”

“Nay,” Astrid answered hastily. “Only that I’m… surprised.”

“The path of love is oft bewildering.” Frida gave her shy smile once more. “But no matter any seeming division, trust all shall be well. Your union is being divinely guided. I see much joy for you.”

“A baby?” Despite her worry over raising a child alone, Astrid’s hopes swelled.

Frida’s voice remained even. “I see fulfillment and completion—that whatever your heart desires shall come to fruition. A child, perhaps, but you must have patience. All that you need is being prepared for you.”

“‘Tis good news.” Astrid had been so certain that she and J?rgen were destined to heartache. If the gods had other plans, she was happy to be wrong.

Frida reached for Astrid’s hand. “Your future is bright, but a tempest is to be overcome before those sun-filled days are yours.”

A tempest.

A chill raced along Astrid’s back. Their skies had been unpredictable of late, sudden gales blowing in and departing just as quickly. Was that the sort of tempest coming, as had blown J?rgen into her life? Or was this storm of another sort, connected with the sinister cavern?

“I understand.” Astrid, like all the women of their island, had seen her fair share of tumult. Experience had made her strong.

I can bear any suffering, knowing J?rgen won’t forsake me .

“Keep faith in the gods, Astrid. They’ll show you the path.” Frida scooped the runes back into the pouch, tucking them away in her pocket once more.

Astrid rose to her feet, thanking Frida.

The runes promised happiness. She’d nurture that prospect, feeding it with her conviction until it truly blossomed.

It lifted her heart as she walked out into the light.

Better days were coming.

There was hope.

Perhaps J?rgen loved her, after all?