Page 112 of Viking Warriors: Vol. 1-3
Thoryn gave testament, having heard every foul confession from Sweyn’s lips, and Eldberg nodded in acceptance, as if having always known the truth of it. He’d retaliated against Svolvaen when no blame lay among its people.
“For my sake, for whatever love you bear me, you’ll set aside the past?”
He nodded wearily. “Not just for your sake, but for Bretta’s. ’Tis fitting that you wielded revenge on he who took her life. I shall never forget, nor forgive, but ’tis a door I must close or I shall lose my reason—and my will to remain in this world.”
I brought his hand to my cheek.
There was good in him; that I believed with all my heart.
* * *
Many had been injured, and many killed. The longhouse was filled with men needing treatment. Sigrid helped, with Ragerta and Thirka, though she would not speak to me.
She’d shown me nothing but ill-will, viewing me as an interloper. When Eldberg told her what he knew, perhaps her manner would soften. Meanwhile, I was content with friendship borne of true kindness, which those of gentlest heart had offered freely.
Thoryn was regaining his strength, and Eldberg, too, though neither would wield a weapon as they once had.
It was Eirik’s bedside I kept through the coming weeks—Eldberg having granted haven to all Svolvaen’s wounded. He’d come too soon to battle and had barely strength to endure this fresh wound, but I believed he would recover. My indomitable Eirik!
A signal had been cast from the clifftops soon after the battle, calling the waiting ships into the fjord. Leif and Helka sailed without delay, with those fit to take oars, returning them to Svolvaen and Bjorgen.
Our treaty was struck—for Skálavík to retain its independence, though the Bjorgen forces had brought those of Skálavík to their knees. Ships of both Svolvaen and Bjorgen would be welcomed in the harbour and given preference in all terms of trade. In times of need, we pledged each to come to the others’ aid.
I’d told Eirik of my capture and the bargain I’d made with Eldberg to keep myself alive. In the name of the peace that must be, for the good of Svolvaen, he accepted what was done, though I saw it ate at his heart.
As to the babe growing within me, once his wonder had passed, I saw the uncertainty that burdened him.
“There is something between you and Eldberg?” he asked. “You must tell me, Elswyth. If there is love—” His face contorted, for he could not speak all his fears. “And this child…”
“Nay, husband.” I brought my lips to his, letting him feel my love through my kiss. “Only you have my heart, and the babe is due but two moons from now.”
At once, hope replaced despair, but there was more to be said. I had to tell him everything. We could not build a future on half truths. “Almost a year ago, you went away, and much happened that brought me sorrow.”
“You told me of it,” Eirik replied. “Of Gunnolf’s cruelty and his demands of you. Had he lived, I would have challenged him to the death for how he treated you. As it is, the gods delivered their own justice for his betrayal.”
I shook my head, my eyes stinging. “But, the child—” My bravery failed me. “What if—”
Eirik spread his fingers wide over my stomach. “I will love the child, whether it bears my brother’s blood or my own.” He managed a weary smile. “I’ll teach the boy to be a brave warrior—that he may take the mantle of Svolvaen’s rule.”
“And if we have a daughter?” I raised an eyebrow, pushing away my tears.
“I’ll teach her just the same. She’ll be like her aunt, Helka.”
I pressed my hand over his, filled with new joy. Life was growing inside me. A child we’d raise together. Much had been lost: my mother and grandmother, and the boys with whom I’d grown up, my first home left behind, my lady Asta, and so many of Svolvaen.
Life was fragile, and happiness too precious to throw away. It was worth fighting for. I didn’t know if we could put aside all remorse, but I knew we must try.
“You can forgive me—for all that has happened? You believe me worthy of taking my place beside you as your wife?” I was almost afraid to meet his gaze, for I knew nothing would be hidden there, but he looked truly into my eyes.
“You’re stronger than any woman—even than Helka! By Odin’s blood, what you’ve endured! You’ve the determination of ten men! You’ve always been enough, just as you are. It is I who must strive to prove myself worthy of you.”
He buried his face against my belly. “I thank the gods you’re still alive, and beseech them that nothing shall part us while we yet walk this earth. There is no peace for me in a world without you.”
We kissed then, tenderly and long, remembering the feel of each other’s lips and the wonder that was our love. It would only grow stronger, for we had both learned what was real—belief and trust and belonging.
I touched the old scar that ran down Eirik’s brow and cheek. There were many more, across his torso and back. Of my own, most were hidden deep inside, but they were as real as Eirik’s. Once, I might have wished them away, but I knew better now. The scars were reminders of all we’d lived through. They were reminders of what we must learn if we were to carry on and start anew.
Epilogue
