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‘They’ve discovered I’ve gone! We’re doomed.’
‘Run, Blodvin, run!’ Sayrid grabbed the woman’s arm and started to pull her along. ‘Now is not the time to have second thoughts.’
‘But they’ll catch us.’
‘Not if I’ve anything to do with it. Go to the river. Tell Regin to cast off. I can swim.’
Sayrid shoved Blodvin forward, drew her sword and started to retreat. Each backward step was another victory. With any luck, Bloodaxe would not think to look in the river until it was far too late.
The sound of heavy footsteps caused her to freeze.
‘Who goes there?’ a commanding voice called out.
‘A stranger going about her business.’ Sayrid winced. She should have just said nothing, but she had to give Blodvin time to reach the river and safety. And she was willing to bet that at any more than the slightest hint of trouble, Blodvin would collapse in a heap. ‘What is it to you?’
In the dull light, an unfamiliar Northman stepped forward. His blue eyes gleamed. Hrolf Eymundsson, perhaps, or one of his men? He was far too well dressed to be one of Bloodaxe’s servants.
‘You have taken something which does not belong to you.’
Sayrid shook her head to clear it. Now was not the time to notice his broad shoulders or the way his light brown hair flowed. Or that his height was equal to hers. Or to wonder about his name. Now was the time to save her life and to get out of there without encountering Ingvar the Bloodaxe.
‘Why would I have done that? I’ve every respect for those who dwell here.’
‘A mystery to me, but here you are on this moonlit night.’
‘Perhaps I fancied a stroll?’ Her voice was a bit too breathless for her liking. She gave a little cough. ‘Walking after supper is good for you.’
‘Unlikely. I’ve no time for games.’ His gaze raked her form, making her aware of her slight curves. ‘Even with a Valkyrie such as yourself.’
Sayrid pulled the cloak tighter about her body. Normally she never thought about such things, but the way he looked at her made her intensely aware that she was a woman.
The faint sound of oars slapping the water gave her courage. Blodvin and Regin were safe.
‘No idea what you are talking about.’ Sayrid made a steady shrug, but her heart thrummed. Encountering a legendary sea king had not featured in her plan, but she could still make it work if she kept calm. ‘If you’ll forgive me, I’ve business elsewhere.’
‘I would speak with my intended bride. Fetch her.’
Sayrid sucked in her breath. Blodvin definitely needed her eyesight adjusting if she thought Hrolf Eymundsson grizzled in any shape or fashion. He might not be in the first flush of youth, but he was very easy on the eye.
‘Find a willing bride.’
The dimple in his cheek increased. ‘Are you offering to take her place?’
‘Hardly!’ She slowly curled and uncurled her hands to stop them trembling. ‘Next time, make sure the bride has not irrevocably pledged her heart to another.’
‘Her father claims she is free.’
Sayrid rolled her eyes upwards. ‘Ask him who else has paid the bride price.’
‘Shall we ask him together? You and I, Valkyrie?’
Time to melt into the shadows. Sayrid took another step backwards. All her muscles tensed, ready for the final piece of her escape. All she needed was one more step. ‘Another time.’
The warrior reached out and grabbed her arm, dragging her back against him. ‘The truth…Valkyrie. Why have you kidnapped my bride? What grudge do you hold against me?’
She matched his furious blue gaze with one of her own. ‘Ask Bloodaxe why he sought to cheat my family.’
He looked puzzled, but then a wide smile broke out over his face, transforming it. Her heart skipped a beat and her entire being was aware of him as a man. Sayrid angrily damped down the feeling. ‘Your grievance is with Bloodaxe, not me. But you should take this to the Storting and allow the jaarl to resolve it.’
‘You expect him to rule in your favour, Sea King? The jaarl is a man of law who won’t rule in favour of whoever pays him the most gold.’
Hrolf froze. The split heartbeat of hesitation allowed Sayrid to twist her arm out of his grip and start sprinting for the river.
Behind her, she heard the pounding of his footsteps, but she kept on running.
Five steps from the river, a heavy weight landed on her shoulder and spun her around. ‘Try that again and I won’t be responsible for the consequences.’
His furious face was inches from hers. Their breath laced and she was aware of his muscle-bound arms imprisioning her.
Sayrid forced her shoulders to relax as she scanned the darkened river. She spotted her brother’s rowboat, moving downstream. All she had to do was to let the current take her—the backup plan she’d worked out with Regin.
