Halldora handed me an innocent-seeming drink. I learned much later of its potency for one who was not used to it. It was smooth and light, not quite the syrupy liquid of the mead. I drank it greedily, hoping it would numb my ill feeling.
We began to move from table to table. I could understand very little of what they said, but I knew enough that Halldora handled her ale better than I could, as she flirted and moved between them, introducing their Jarl’s lady wife and disarming them with flattery.
Thorkell began a toast in our honour, while I was still sober enough to understand his words. ‘May your children one day inherit these lands and explore the world in your names.’ He raised his ale. ‘May Thor bless your union.’
They all roared. As soon as I drained my cup, it was filled again. The more I drank, the more slippery my thoughts became. Making it easier to forget all that I had left behind. This time, I found myself among the Jarl’s shield maidens.
‘Should you like to dance, Lady Olith?’ Halldora oozed.
‘I was never good at dancing, only hunting but I would like to drink more.’ I giggled into my cup. ‘It is a wonderous drink and I fear my cup is almost empty.’
All around me found it hilarious. I laughed with them, shaking my cup in Halldora’s direction. ‘To our union!’ I slurred.
‘That is enough toasts for one day, Lady Olith,’ Sigurd said as he rose to his feet, muscles flexing and stretching like a big cat. ‘It is time we went to bed.’
‘But I am having a wonderful time here,’ I waved a hand drunkenly, ‘getting to know these… sh…she..shield… Lady warriors of yours.’
He glared down at me. ‘I think the ale has gone to your head.’
He reached down and scooped me into his arms. I tucked my head beneath his chin.
‘He bought me like you would a prize sow,’ I tried to tell the other woman, ‘but he does smell very nice and although I imagine he is very good in bed, I shall not want to sleep with him.’
‘If you will excuse us.’ Sigurd bowed to the rest of the onlookers.
Drunk as I was, I felt my fear bubble up inside my throat until it was almost a scream.
The six men that had not taken their eyes off me since our wedding ceremony followed obediently. ‘And they…’ I gesticulated wildly. ‘They have ta come wi us?’
‘It is customary,’ he said.
I groaned. ‘Please, I canna bare my arse in front of these men.’ I glanced at their faces, cheeks burning. ‘I do not wish for an audience… I…My….’
I slumped against his chest again, my vision double. The coldness of Thor’s hammer pressed against my cheek and if mymemory serves, I woke the next morning with the shape of it indented there.
‘It would have been better for none of them to see you drunk.’
‘Pleas…’ I tried before my eyes closed again.
He let out a sigh, turning to the men. ‘You do not need to attend.’
‘But Jarl, to make it legally binding, the consummation must be witnessed,’ said the tallest of the men, though not as tall I Sigurd but certainly braver than I.
‘Do you think I would lie about such a thing Bjorn? Who here has more power than your Jarl?’
‘Only the gods.’
‘Witnessed by the goddess Freya and the All-Father and you think it is you who decides if my wedding has been consummated?’
‘But she is not one of us.’
My breath quickened as I felt the anger inside Sigurd grow.
‘You dare to speak to your Jarl and his wife in such a manner?’
‘No, Jarl Sigurd.’
‘Now leave before I make you regret it. I wish to take my new wife to bed. While I am gone, have the men dig a pit in the clearing.’
