Page 18 of Wolf of the Nordic Seas (Valiant Vikings #2)

The Mermaid Cove

Elfi plopped down at the vanity table in her private chambers, spluttering with exertion and frustration. “Freyja be thanked, that’s finally over!” While Sif quickly plaited Elfi’s hair into a long, thick braid down her back, the Heiress of étretat reflected on the flurry of ongoing activity unfolding throughout le Chateau Blanc .

She’d spent the entire morning with her grandmother Oda, supervising the thralls and servants who were preparing sumptuous dishes for tonight’s feast, decorating the Great Hall, and setting up tables on the castle grounds for the weekly wedding celebration. Today was Friday— Frigg’s Day—when traditional Viking weddings were performed. Every week since Njord and his warriors from Denmark had arrived in étretat, Jarl Rikard and Count Sk?rde had organized mass weddings for the Danes who had come to Normandy seeking fertile farmlands and willing wives. And, because the recent attacks by the Count of Soissons and his Frankish army had left hundreds of widows in desperate need of husbands, each Frigg’s Day had seen between twenty and thirty couples joined in wedding ceremonies performed by a goei— a Norse priest who honored the pagan rituals of the Viking people of the Pays de Caux .

“I polished your armor, so the leather is supple and smooth. And gleams in the sunlight.” Sif tied the ends of Elfi’s braid with a leather cord and strode across the room to fetch the lamellar armor, which she displayed with a proud smile before laying it on the bed. “First, the gambeson.” She helped Elfi don the padded garment worn under her leather armor. Not only did the linen absorb sweat and prevent chafing, the thick padding offered a cushion against blows from her opponent. Njord.

Elfi’s heart raced at the thought of sparring with him. Not only had her skills greatly improved since Njord had resumed her training, she positively thrilled at the challenge of combatting a wolf warrior of the úlfhéenar.

Sif securely tied the laces of the gambeson and helped Elfi into the lamellar armor, fastening the sturdy cowhide plates with strong leather cords.

“Dag had a skilled craftsman engrave runes into these plates.” Elfi ran appreciative hands over the intricately tooled leather. “ Algiz , the elk ,” she murmured, tracing the Nordic rune for protection and defense. “ Tiwaz , symbol of the god Tyr, for courage and victory in battle. And Kenaz, the flame. For Odin’s wisdom, ferocity, and guidance.” Tears welled up in Elfi’s eyes at the memory of her beloved brother. He had been so proud to wear this fine Viking armor which was now hers. As she strapped her sword Shadowbane— which had also belonged to Dag, before Jarl Rikard commissioned Lugh to craft Galadir— Elfi reflected how she would always be grateful to her bróeir for her prowess with shield and sword. He had trained her to become a skilled Viking shieldmaiden.

A warrior worthy of Freyja’s Valkyries.

Elfi inhaled deeply to summon her strength and regain her resolve. When the Count of Soissons released her father and returned Galadir , she would organize a triumphant celebration, a glorious feast, and a sacrifice to honor the Nordic gods. And above all, she would ensure that Dag’s Ljósálfar blade was honorably buried with her valiant Viking brother in his commemorative haugr of the sacred grove.

With a forceful exhale, she secured her sword and returned her thoughts to the present. As she envisioned the imminent dance of swords with Njord, vivid memories of their glorious afternoon in the waterfall cave flooded her with desire. Today, she would bring him there again. The thought of his warm lips and skilled tongue. his majestic body, rippled with muscles and covered with dark hair… her loins ached with an empty hollow that only he could fill. Today, after making love, she would invite him to swim in the Narrow Sea that had joined them together.

In the Mermaid Cove of the waterfall cave.

Elfi shook her head to gather her wits and turned to face Sif. “I need to bring a gown and chemise. With a linen tunic and pair of breeches for Njord.” At Sif’s puzzled expression, she explained. “I want to swim with him after our dance with swords , and we’ll need dry clothing to put on. We won’t want to don our sweaty armor after a swim in the Mermaid Cove.”

Sif disappeared down the hall to fetch the clothes for Njord. When she returned a few moments later with items that had belonged to Dag, Elfi swallowed another lump of grief as she accepted the tunic and breeches from Sif. “These are perfect. Thank you.” Elfi placed them inside the leather bag where she had stored a soft chemise underdress and a dark green linen gown. “I’ll be able to carry my armor in this satchel when I slip back into the castle.” Hoisting the bag of clothing over one shoulder and her quiver of arrows over the other, Elfi grabbed her bossed shield and prepared to depart.

Breathless anticipation laced Sif’s tremulous voice. “Tonight, at the wedding feast, I’ll dance with Bodo around the bonfire while you swirl in Njord’s arms. I plan to weave wild thyme and sweet violets in my hair, and wear this purple dress that my mother and I dyed with woad and madder.” Golden brown eyes aglow with sheer delight, Sif dashed to the table under the window and lifted up the garment for Elfi to see. “While you’re training with Njord, I’ll embroider the neckline with silver thread, so it will shimmer in the firelight and catch Bodo’s eyes. Oh, Elfi, I can’t wait for tonight!”

Elfi gave her an affectionate hug and kissed Sif’s cheek. “Neither can I. You will look lovely in this lavender dress. We’ll weave wildflowers in each other’s hair… I even have a necklace with amethyst stones and silver beads that will look beautiful with your purple gown.” She adjusted the bow strapped across he r back, the satchel on her shoulder, and grabbed a lit torch as she headed toward the hidden stairwell. “I must go now. Njord will likely be in the sacred grove, waiting for me. I cannot wait for our dance with swords …and our swim in the Mermaid Cove!”

Sif laid her gown upon the table and crossed the room, lifting the heavy tapestry which concealed the hidden door. “I don’t want to bar the door and lock you out, but I don’t dare leave the door unlocked and unattended, either.” She gestured to the purple gown on the tabletop under the window. “I’ll wait here and finish the decorative stitching on my dress until you come back. That way, I’ll be ready to clean your armor—and hear all about the swim in the Mermaid Cove—when you return.” With a sweet smile and a soft laugh, Sif opened the door.

Holding her torch high to light the way, Elfi disappeared down the secret stairwell.

****

Njord was indeed at the clearing in the sacred grove, hurling his dagger toward the wooden target affixed to the trunk of the huge beech tree. Although he owned impressive chain mail, which he always wore in battle, today he was clad in leather armor, like Elfi, for flexibility during their dance with swords. But while hers was lamellar armor made of connected plates of tooled leather etched with Nordic runes, Njord’s armor consisted of boiled reindeer hide for resilience and strength. His white wolfskin cloak lay neatly folded on the leaf-strewn ground at the base of a nearby oak.

Elfi tried to sneak up behind Njord to catch him off guard, but his keen lupine hearing made her stealthy approach impossible. He swiftly unsheathed his sword and whirled to face her, a feral glint in his dark, gleaming eyes.

She positively thrilled at sparring with him, for--just like her brother Dag--Njord not only challenged her, but respected her as a skilled, worthy opponent. She blocked his blow with her bossed shield and lunged with a strike of her own.

“Odin’s eye, you’re quick! At least let me fetch my shield,” he laughed, dodging her thrust and leaping back, just outside the range of her reach. With a wolfish grin, he loped across the grassy glen toward a round wooden shield which leaned against the tree trunk near his fur cloak. When he picked it up, Elfi noticed the remarkable image of a fierce white wolf intricately painted across the front.

“A new shield?” She rushed forward to examine the exquisite detail. “It’s magnificent!”

Njord’s dazzling smile drenched her in waves of want. “The woodcarver Sven crafted it as a gift, to thank me for saving his life. He delivered it to my longhouse this morning. I’m truly impressed with the quality and craftsmanship.” Pride glimmered in Njord’s immensely pleased gaze. “It’s made from oak, for superior strength and durability. With iron around the rim, etched with Nordic runes. For protection and ferocity in battle.”

Elfi ran appreciative fingers over the fearsome lupine face painted on the shield. “He symbolizes you. The white wolf of the úlfhéenar. A Volsung descendant of Odin.” She traced the engraved pattern of Nordic runes along the outer edge. “ Wolf of the Nordic Seas . Imbued with the strength of the gods. Invincible in battle.” She gazed up at him and whispered with wonder. “Skalds will sing of your glory. And one day, this shield will hang in the Great Hall of le Chateau Blanc . To commemorate your victories and incomparable valor.”

He tossed back his thick brown mane and roared with laughter. A feral glint in his provocative eye, Njord positioned his shield and sword, preparing to attack. “Are you ready, shieldmaiden? Show me what you’ve learned, Elfi of étretat.”

Two hours later, exhausted but exhilarated, she collected her satchel, shield, and quiver of arrows, bringing Njord across the sacred grove and into the hidden entrance of the forested tunnel which led to the waterfall cave. As he followed her into the limestone grotto behind the thunderous cascade, she quickly discarded her leather armor and padded gambeson, laying them upon the earthen floor. She unbraided her hair and shook it free, the long brown tresses falling to her bare hips. She removed the trollkors talisman, placing it carefully atop her lamellar tunic, enormously pleased to see the unabashed lust in Njord’s appreciative gaze.

“You’re as eager as I am.” He grinned and reached for her, but she slipped into the tumbling waterfall, shouting for him to join her.

“Follow me. Let’s swim!” From the rocky ledge of the white chalk cliff, Elfi dove into the turquoise depths of the Mermaid Cove.

When she plunged in, the icy water jolted her entire sweat-drenched body. Rejuvenated and revived, she swirled beneath the sparkling surface, her long hair floating amongst the gentle waves, her skin tingling and alive.

She felt the impact when Njord jumped in behind her, reveling in the exquisite sensation of his warm, rough hands sliding up her long bare legs. Rising to the surface for a much-needed breath, she delighted in his explorative touch as calloused fingers caressed her shivering body and his dark head arose from the depths below.

He shook the water from his thick hair and wiped his mustache and beard, grinning from ear to ear. “I never expected you to dive off the cliff!” Treading water to stay afloat, he gazed up at the towering white chalk cliff, where the thunderous waterfall tumbled down over the mouth of the cave and into the secluded inlet behind them.

He floated over to her, warm lips nuzzling her neck as he wrapped his legs around hers. “I’d enjoy making love here in the water, but I can’t touch the bottom. Let’s go back to the cave.”

Elfi kissed his bristled cheek. “A wonderful idea. Follow me.” She swam to the shoreline, climbed onto the white sand, and wrung out her long hair, delighting in the gentle kiss of the late summer sun on her cool, drenched skin.

When Njord emerged from the turquoise waters of the inlet, Elfi watched as rivulets trickled down his rippled body, through the dark hair on his chest and over the black scrolls and runes intricately inked upon his sinewy limbs. His magnificent body responded to her ardent gaze, flooding her with liquid warmth.

“Like what you see?” He pulled her close and lowered his lips to hers, swallowing her murmured agreement.

“I do indeed.” Elfi’s knees weakened with desire, but she managed to step back, take him by the hand, and lead Njord up the grassy slope to the opening of the sheltered cave behind the plummeting cascade.

Inside the grotto, he spread the white wolfskin cloak upon the limestone floor, a ravenous hunger in his piercing gaze as his eyes roved over her bare skin. Like a famished wolf, he prowled toward her, seizing her like delectable prey. Strong arms wrapped behind her back as he drew her against his hardened body, his eager lips seeking and claiming hers. His tongue probed and penetrated the depths of her mouth while greedy hands gripped her hips and kneaded her bottom. He parted her thighs, his long fingers exploring her delicate folds as she moaned into his mouth. Njord lowered Elfi onto the wolfskin fur and spread her legs wide to feast first with his hungry gaze, then his warm mouth and skilled tongue.

“Odin’s eye, I want you! Your taste drives me wild.” Njord groaned, positioning himself between her thighs and nudging them further apart. He slid his hands under her bottom, tilted her hips up, and impaled her with a savage thrust.

Elfi moaned at the sudden rush of pleasure. She wrapped her legs around his hips, her arms around his taut back, clutching him tightly inside and out. As he pounded her with a fierce, relentless rhythm, the mounting tension in her loins curled and crested like a peaking wave. When Njord arrowed into her, filling her with his ample seed, wondrous waves of pleasure flooded her like the ocean crashing against the white chalk cliffs.

Limbs quivering, she held him tight, kissing his shoulder and the side of his neck, savoring the sensuous taste of his sweet, salty skin.

With a gruff chuckle, he lay down beside her, cradling her upon the soft, dark hair which covered his broad chest. “Mmm,” he hummed, the deep reverberations rumbling into Elfi’s bones. “Let’s do this every day after training. All next week until Lugh comes.” He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her with brawny, intricately inked arms. “The sensation of the icy waterfall…diving into the cool water to wash away the sweat…and then plunging into your luscious body…by the gods, it’s Valhalla on earth!” He rocked her in a snug embrace. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

She nuzzled the dark hair on his chest and twirled it with gentle fingertips. “Dag and I used to swim here as children.” She raised her head, immersing herself in his deep blue eyes, inviting as the turquoise waters of the sheltered inlet below. “I used to pretend I was a mermaid, so he named this the Mermaid Cove.”

Njord pushed a strand of long, light brown hair away from her face. “Perfect for my siren with the sea goddess eyes.” He kissed her softly and sighed in resignation. “I must return to my men. We’re installing the palisades along the western wall. I need to work for a few hours before tonight’s wedding celebration and feast.”

Elfi arose and reached for her satchel. “I brought a change of clothes for us. I knew we wouldn’t want to don our sweaty armor after a glorious swim in the Mermaid Cove.” She handed Njord the tunic and breeches. “These belonged to Dag.”

Compassion shone in Njord’s grateful gaze as he softly thanked her. “ Takk, elska minn .” He accepted the clothing and donned the breeches, securing the drawstring waist.

As Elfi pulled the linen gown over her cotton chemise shift, Njord spun his head, instantly alert, as if he had heard something outside the cave.

“What is it?” She quickly tied the trollkors talisman behind her neck and tucked it inside her gathered bodice.

Njord handed Elfi her sword, Shadowbane , which she strapped on her hips. “Stay hidden in the recesses of the cave until I return. Use the blade to defend yourself—but only if directly attacked.” He squeezed her hands for reassurance, but dire warning flared in his fierce gaze. “My lupine senses are superior to my human ones, and I run much faster as a wolf. Remember, stay hidden until I return.”

In a sudden shimmer of otherworldly light, amid contortions of muscle, claws, and fur, an enormous white wolf now stood before Elfi. His thick white fur was wiry, dense, and coarse, his massive jaws revealing rows of sharp, pointed fangs. But in the mesmerizing depths of his intense blue eyes, Elfi recognized Njord. And sensed the innate bond between them in the essence of her soul.

He nudged her with his cold, black nose, as if reminding her to hide in the darkened passage around the corner.

When she retreated toward the concealed area behind the curve in the limestone wall, the mammoth wolf bounded out of the waterfall cave.

Elfi waited in the darkness, her limbs shaking from adrenaline. The trollkors talisman—imbued with powerful Norse galdr magic and Njord’s lupine blood —lay securely beneath the bodice of her gown. The prophetic words of úlvhild, the mystical Viking volva whose striking blue face was streaked with black runes, floated to Elfi on the briny saline breeze. “ The man who hunts you has allied with the Dokkálfar Dark Elves and a shapeshifting troll. But your talisman will alert you if a Dark Elf is near, for it will become warm. And should you come in contact with a troll, the amulet will become hot, warning you of his presence that even the úlfhéenar cannot detect.” Struggling to calm her racing heart, Elfi took comfort in knowing that if a Dokkálfar or a troll did indeed touch her, the defensive wards of the iron amulet would burn her enemy from the inside out.

Mouth dry, muscles twitching, she waited in the darkness for what seemed like hours before she finally heard him return to the cave. “Elfi, I’m back. You can come out now.”

Relief flooded her at the reassuring sound of Njord’s deep voice. He’s in human form again if he can talk. When she rushed out to greet him, he wrapped her in a snug embrace. “It was just a doe and her fawn. No trace of anyone else.” With a curved finger, he lifted her chin and kissed her softly. “Let’s go back to the castle.”

Elfi released the breath she was holding. “Odin be praised it was just a deer. I was terrified that I would encounter a troll.” She strode across the cave, placed her leather armor inside the satchel, and strapped the yew bow across her back. While Njord slung her quiver of arrows on his shoulder and laid his leather armor over his arm, Elfi said, “Sif is so excited about dancing with Bodo at tonight’s wedding feast! She dyed a gown purple and embroidered it with silver thread. She’s hoping my father—when he returns to étretat—will grant her freedom, and that Bodo will ask for her hand.”

Njord gave Elfi her shield and grasped his own. He lifted the slow-burning torch, the pine resin of the glowing tip a stark contrast to the dim resignation in his sorrowful gaze. “Bodo does not plan to come to the feast tonight. He says he can’t dance with a maimed foot. Nor can he bear the look of pity in Sif’s eyes. He insists she deserves a man who is whole. Not the lame stonecutter, Bodo le Bo?teux .”

“Sif will be crushed if he does not come. She’ll believe he doesn’t want her because she is a lowly thrall.” Elfi gazed up at Njord, imploring him with pleading eyes. “Could you speak to him? Convince him to come? Even if they don’t dance, he could sit with her near the fire.” She adjusted the satchel on her shoulder. “Bodo’s maimed foot is of no importance at all She cares for the man, not his ability to dance.”

Njord’s mouth curled up into a wistful smile. “I’ll try my best. But he thinks áki is a better choice. He’s noticed how Sif has caught áki’s eye.”

A wave of panic surged through Elfi. “As a thrall, she would not be able to refuse áki. He’s a Danish warlord, who could demand the right to bed her. I’ll have to keep Sif busy as my personal attendant whenever he comes around.” Elfi spotted a few wild roses growing in the grass just outside the waterfall cave. She plucked a few and explained to Njord as she tucked them into her bodice. “ These églantines will make a fine offering to Freyja. I’ll pray that the Goddess of Love hears my plea. And makes Bodo come to the feast.”

With a deep chuckle, Njord held the lighted torch high and escorted Elfi back to the sacred grove.