Page 43 of Wolf Pack

Elene's radiant smile lit up her whole face and her eyes sparkled. She rushed over to stand before Isobel, her posture eager and ready to learn. She was determined to improve her sword skills.

It could be because she never wanted anyone to retake her as a captive. Isobel completely understood that feeling, as she felt the same way herself if she were ever faced with the prospect.

The sound of clanging metal filled the air as Elene and Isobel sparred, the sharp ring of swords clashing and the grunts of exertion echoing around them. Elene struck Isobel’s sword as hard as she could, nearly knocking it from Isobel’s hand.

“Good! Do it again!”

Elene's face was contorted with determination as she swung her sword at Isobel, but her opponent quickly raised her shield to block the attack. Elene laughed heartily at her own forgetfulness; she often neglected to use her shield in battle, but she was determined to improve through practice.

She pressed on, relentlessly striking at Isobel's sword, but no matter how much force she put behind it, she couldn't knock it out of Isobel's grip.

Elene had made much progress in her training. It proved easier here when she was allowed to train than when they had to do it secretly. Isobel struck at Elene’s shield, rather than her sword this time, trying to get her used to wielding it for protection.

Elene fell back, but Isobel dropped her sword and grabbed Elene’s arm to keep her from landing on her arse. Elene struck Isobel’s shield, making her fall back, and she crouched down as quickly as she could to retrieve her sword. Then she thrust her sword at Elene. This time, Elene moved her shield to protect herself, and Isobel’s sword hit it with a thunk.

“Aye!” Elene said with glee.

“That’s exactly how you need to do it,” Isobel said, proud of her.

“I have so much to learn,” Bessetta said.

“You will do better with practice, believe me. If I didna practice, I wouldna do half as well.” Isobel glanced at the other women watching them and raised her brows. “Would any of you like to try?”

One redheaded woman vigorously raised her hand, her rebellious curls bouncing around her shoulders and back with her motion.

“That is Rheba, our midwife,” Bessetta said.

Rheba seemed meek, almost timid at first, but as Bessetta gave her a shield and sword, she straightened her spine and strode forth with determination. Her chin was lifted, her blue eyes narrowed, and her grip on the sword was firm, ready to engage in sword fighting.

Isobel watched her with interest, sensing a familiarity in the woman's features. She couldn't quite place her, but something about her stirred a memory. And then it hit her. The woman had been one of the prisoners taken by the Vikings and held captive on the beach near the longships with the rest of them.

Isobel's heart went out to her, knowing the horrors she must have endured. But here she was now, standing tall and ready to learn how to defend herself. Isobel found herself filled with admiration for the woman's resilience and steadfastness. She made a mental note to speak to her after the training session.

Isobel demonstrated different techniques and movements with the sword and shield. Rheba followed along eagerly, her movements awkward, but she was determined and kept trying to improve her sword thrusts and using her shield for protection. Isobel could see the resolve in her eyes, and she couldn't help but admire her strength and bravery.

As the training continued, Isobel was surprised at how quickly the woman picked up on the movements, improved her stances, and struck back purposefully, not using anger or frustration. Isobel would gladly work with her again.

Once Rheba smiled and said, “Thanks be to thee for killing the one guard before Alasdair eliminated the other and freed all the captives on the beach.”

“Aye. I intended to kill both, but Alasdair beat me to the second guard. Imagine my surprise to learn you and he and his kin and friends were wolves like us and could see us in the dark.”

Smiling still, Rheba inclined her head. “I was so excited to see someone coming to rescue us, but when I saw you were, but a woman—and the Viking you were planning on taking on was so big and armed with an ax and sword—I had no hope for a rescue. You proved me wrong.”

“I had to take advantage of stealth and attack when he couldna fight back.”

“You fought dishonorably then,” Mege said.

“What is wrong with you?” Rheba said, turning on Mege. “She helped save me and all the other hostages!” Then she smiled again at Isobel. “I would be honored if you would continue to work with me so I can improve my fighting skills. When you need a midwife…”

Rheba didn’t finish what she had to say but glanced in Alasdair’s direction. To Isobel’s surprise, she realized he, Erik, and several of their kin were drinking ale and watchingher. Weren’t they supposed to be practicing their swordsmanship?

“I would be honored to work with you.” Isobel glanced around to see if other women wanted to fight her, but no one stepped forward.

Though Mege, Marioziota, and Theebet, the women interested in mating Alasdair, cast her glowers, looking like they wanted to kill her if they could.

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“One of you then?” Isobel pointed her sword from her supposed rivals—Mege, then to Marioziota, and Theebet. Their scornful looks would not intimidate her. But she would show them they had never better draw asgian dubhor sword on her, or they would be sorry if they were brave enough to test her.

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