six

After her first encounter with Wulfric at Old Wiglaf’s, Arietta frequently found the two men together. At first it had been unnerving, especially after Wulfric’s declaration, but then she began to see a different side of the man, a side she hadn’t known existed.

Always before she had been as terrified of the Norsemen as anyone else in England, but having lived among them for the past several weeks, her fears had rapidly diminished. They were no different from any other humans, with just as many needs and wants. The fact that they had a violent past caused many to fear them, but Arietta had grown accustomed to their arrogant and fierce ways.

Sidroc and Wulfric spent many weeks building, but finally the day arrived when Gwyn’s new home was ready. Arietta had mixed feelings about the move. Though she was happy for her sister, she would miss her daily presence sorely. Gwyn had offered for Arietta to sell her own house and move in with them, but Arietta was reluctant. She had been on her own for so long, she did not think it would sit well with her to be under another man’s roof, no matter how large. Sidroc and Wulfric had spent much time preparing it, and instead of one long house where the whole family would live together, they had divided it into several different rooms.

Gwyn’s eyes glowed as she walked along to her new home, chatting feverishly with Arietta. Both of their arms were loaded with goods that Sidroc had brought with them from Norway. Bjorn followed along in their footsteps, leading a ram and two ewes, the beginning of Sidroc’s new herd.

A sharp scream brought them to a sudden halt. Arietta whirled to find Helga cowering on the forest floor, arms covering her head, and a goat standing over her. Arietta couldn’t help it. She laughed, and Gwyn joined in.

“Get up, Helga,” Gwyn commanded firmly. “You must not allow the goat to see that you are afraid of her.”

Bjorn frowned at his sister in disgust. “Afraid of a goat!”

Helga lifted tear-drenched eyes to her brother, glaring at him defiantly. “She bit me!”

Ever at a fault before a child’s tears, Arietta dropped her supplies and knelt beside Helga. She shoved the goat away and gently lifted the child to her feet, brushing down her clothes as she did so. “Where did she bite you?”

Helga lifted a red finger toward her aunt. Her swimming blue eyes asked for sympathy, and Arietta was quick to respond. Taking the finger, she gently wiped away the dirt and the small trickle of blood, then raised it to her own lips to give it a kiss. Her eyes met her niece’s, and she smiled. “Better?”

The child nodded, giving a final sniff. Arietta picked up her load, then took Helga by the hand. “Come, Helga. Since Bjorn is so brave and such a strong boy, we will let him take the goat as well as the sheep.”

Arietta’s twinkling eyes met her sister’s, and she closed one eye in a wink. Gwyn’s lips tugged into a smile. “I agree. Here, Bjorn.”

Bjorn reluctantly took the proffered leash. He looked from one to the other, stiffening his back at his sister’s thrust-out tongue.

When they finally reached the house, Sidroc and Wulfric were busy building a pen. Sidroc smiled at his wife. “Well, Wife. What do you think?”

Her sparkling eyes spoke for her, but she answered him, nonetheless. “It is wonderful, Sidroc. You and Wulfric have worked hard.”

Sidroc glanced at his brother askance. “So now Wulfric is free to travel on to Iceland.”

Wulfric’s look clashed with Arietta’s. She glanced quickly away.

“I am afraid that will have to wait until spring,” he said. “The seas will be too rough right now.”

Sidroc took the leads of the sheep and maneuvered them into the pen. He eyed his brother skeptically. “I think Ingvar will not be too happy with that news.”

Arietta smiled at Gwyn. “I will miss you.”

Gwyn took both of her hands, clutching them tightly. “We are not far. We will see each other every day.”

Arietta knew that was probably true, but still, things would be different. She had grown accustomed to her sister’s family about her small house. She would miss the children’s laughter and Sidroc’s gentle teasing.

And Wulfric? Would she miss Wulfric? Though she tried to deny it, something told her that she would. It was odd, but she felt more alive in his presence than at any other time.

The underbrush rattled, and Wendella came gliding out from the forest. She glanced at each one, but her baleful look rested longest on Arietta. She turned her attention to Wulfric. “We heard that Sidroc was finished with his house. Does this mean that we will be leaving for Iceland soon?”

Sidroc and Wulfric exchanged glances. Gwyn lifted one eyebrow, inclining her head to the side. “Hello, Wendella.”

Wendella’s face colored, and she looked apologetic. “I beg excuse, Gwyn. I did not mean to overlook you. Greetings.” She smiled at Bjorn and Helga. “And to you too.” The smile froze on her face when she turned to Arietta. “And to you.”

Although Arietta distrusted the Norsewoman, she truly wished to make amends for her earlier treatment of her. She smiled and held out a hand. “Come see the house, Wendella. Sidroc and Wulfric have done a wonderful job.”

Surprise flashed through Wendella’s eyes. Though she did not take the offered hand, she moved to join them by the door of the house. Her look was veiled when it rested on Arietta, but she smiled at Gwyn. Gwyn looked from one to the other doubtfully, then preceded them inside.

The house was far larger than Arietta’s, though her house was considered by many to be rather grand since it had more than one room. Sidroc had built this house with an eye to having privacy. In the center of the main room was the fire pit, with benches built into the walls around it. Off to one side was a separate kitchen area, and beyond that two other rooms. The daub-and-wattle walls still smelled of the fresh mud used to supply them, and Sidroc had chosen to use a shingle roof rather than one of thatch. Arietta had to admit she was impressed with all the hard work that had gone into its construction.

When they exited the house, Sidroc awaited their reaction.

“It is a wonderful house,” Arietta was quick to assure him.

Gwyn smiled at her husband, and it was obvious that hers was the only reaction he was really interested in. “I love it, Sidroc. You and Wulfric have done well.”

Sidroc shrugged, clearly pleased by the praise. “I could not have done it without Wulfric.”

Wendella crossed to Wulfric’s side, her teeth flashing brightly in a sly smile. “Wulfric can do anything.”

Arietta’s brows drew down into a frown, but when she caught Wulfric’s defiant grin, she quickly turned away. She handed Gwyn the last basket she had been clutching, smiling half-heartedly. “I must go now. I promised Edwynn that I would help him with a few things.”

Gwyn looked as though she wanted to say something, but a warning glance from her husband silenced her. She took the basket and hugged Arietta at the same time. “You will come later?”

Arietta nodded, her look grazing each of them. She smiled at Helga, and the girl smiled back. When she turned to leave, she found Wulfric’s gaze fastened on her. He said nothing, but she could feel him watching her until she disappeared into the forest.

Wulfric waited until she was well on the way before he turned to the others. “I will see that she gets there safely.” He ignored Wendella’s glowering frown as he picked up his ax and followed after Arietta.

It did not take him long to catch up with her. She turned to him in surprise, lifting an eloquent eyebrow. “Did you wish something?”

His supercilious look made her grind her teeth together. “I was going to the village. I thought I might as well go with you and keep you safe.”

She gave him a frosty look. “And am I safe with you?”

He grinned but said nothing.

“I thought not,” she told him in vexation.

Arietta was trying to decide how to voice the question that had been plaguing her for some time. She knew that Wulfric wouldn’t hesitate to tell her to mind her own business, but she was thoroughly curious. “Wulfric, is it you who has been supplying Martha with food?”

He continued striding along beside her. “Why do you ask?”

“Because her son said that he saw a huge Viking drop a sack beside their house. That sack contained fresh game. Was it you?”

He shrugged.

“And was it you who has done the same for several others in the village?”

Arietta laid a hand on his arm, causing him to stop. He avoided looking into her eyes, but when he finally did, she could see uncertainty.

“Thank you.” It was all she said, but it was enough. His shoulders relaxed, and they moved on.

They traveled some way in silence before Wulfric reached out a hand, pulling her to a stop. His eyes were unusually serious. “Edwynn is not the man for you.”

Surprised, Arietta could only stare. She loosened his hold from her arm and pushed him away with unnecessary force. “That is not for you to say.”

His look darkened considerably at her physical rejection. Before she could ascertain his intentions, he grabbed her by the forearms, pulling her close. She did not resist him, except to glare into his icy blue eyes.

“You need a man to keep you warm on long winter nights,” he murmured roughly.

She lifted a brow, tilting her head arrogantly. “I have a man who will do so.”

Wulfric drew in a jagged breath. He pulled her closer, studying her face, and Arietta thought it time to put a stop to this odd conversation. She tried to free herself from his hold, but once again his superior strength had its way.

Wulfric dropped his lips to hers, and suddenly the whole world receded into nothingness. Arietta struggled against him briefly, but she couldn’t deny the intense feelings engendered by his kiss. Her struggles lessened, then ceased altogether, until she was returning his kiss with a fervor she hadn’t realized she possessed.

When Wulfric finally pulled back from her, his eyes had darkened with his feelings. “You need a man,” he told her huskily, “who will make your blood sing when he kisses you.”

Arietta took several deep, steadying breaths. When she pushed against him, he released her instantly.

“I am not an animal, Wulfric. God gave me the ability to use my own mind, and He would expect me to keep my promises,” she told him, appalled by her unexpected response to his kiss.

His countenance darkened with anger. “You would marry a man knowing that you have feelings for another man.”

“I never said that I had feelings for you.”

“You did not need to,” he returned softly. “Your lips did it for you.”

Arietta felt that she was fast losing this argument. One thing she had learned about Wulfric: He could be ruthless whenever he wanted something. She suddenly, inexplicably feared for Edwynn.

“In two weeks I will be wed to Edwynn,” she told him inflexibly. “That is my decision, and I would be pleased if you would keep your hands to yourself.”

“Would you?”

She turned abruptly at the knowing look in his eye and started back to the village. He followed but did not attempt to accost her again. Still, she could feel his eyes on her back. She wasn’t certain if her heart was pounding with such intensity because of that or because of her own rigid pace.

Wulfric left her at the edge of the village, and Arietta continued on alone until she reached the outskirts at the other end. She found Edwynn, his leather apron tied around him, working the bellows. Although it was early morning, he was already covered with ash and soot. He glanced up when she entered his shop.

“I will be with you soon. Have a seat.”

Arietta seated herself on a stool, watching with interest as Edwynn continued to fire the furnace with the bellows. The temperatures were cold outside, but the shop was extremely warm, even with the large opening in the roof.

Sweat poured from Edwynn’s face, and he brushed it aside with his shoulder.

“You wished to speak with me, Edwynn?”

He glanced at her briefly, his look resting briefly on her flushed cheeks and the wild disarray of her hair. Though the color in her cheeks could be attributed to the warm furnace, her mussed hair could not. When Edwynn’s eyes met hers, Arietta’s color deepened. She looked away, certain that he knew what had transpired between Wulfric and herself.

When Wulfric sauntered by the shop, he grinned at Arietta through the open door, giving Edwynn a brief, unsmiling nod.

“He wants you,” Edwynn said unemotionally, watching Wulfric’s retreating back.

Arietta gave a brittle laugh. “Do not be foolish.”

Edwynn looked back at her, his eyes traveling over her in quiet inspection. He lifted his eyes to meet hers. “I am not being foolish. I have seen the way he looks at you. It is the same way Ingvar looks at my forged sword.” He nodded to the gleaming instrument hanging over the door of the shop. The bright alloy shone with pure intensity. Though the core was made of iron, it contained a rare steel edge. Edwynn had been offered a fortune for the piece, but he resisted all offers, saying that the sword was his perfect masterpiece.

Trying to lighten the mood, Arietta smiled. “Are you comparing me to a sword?”

Edwynn did not return her smile. “All women are like swords. They can cut the heart out of a man and leave him useless.”

Arietta’s eyes widened at this statement. “Edwynn,” she asked hesitantly. “Have I done that to you?”

His surprised look turned to her. “I was not referring to anyone in particular,” he denied softly. “It was just a thought.”

Arietta somehow doubted it. There was something infinitely desperate in his low-toned voice.

“Wulfric cannot want me,” she told him. “He has another woman. A Norsewoman. Her name is Wendella.”

Edwynn turned back to the furnace, breaking open the bottom corner of the smelter. “Ah, the fair Wendella.”

His sarcasm surprised Arietta. “You know her?”

He glanced at her briefly before turning back to his work, but in that split second, she knew. It was there in his eyes.

“I’ve done business with her,” Edwynn answered carefully.

“You are in love with her,” Arietta stated unequivocally.

His stunned eyes met hers, sudden color filling his face. “Now do not be foolish yourself.”

Arietta sighed with resignation. She raised her face to the ceiling, closing her eyes, then stared hard at Edwynn. This is what she had been praying for, yet she was inexplicably hurt by the knowledge of his defection. “Edwynn, I release you from your vow to me.”

He said nothing for a moment. He tapped off the slag from the smelter, revealing the ore bloom. Arietta could see that he was thinking hard about what to say.

“I have not asked to be released,” he finally stated.

Arietta got up and went to him. She handed him his file from the shelf, and he took it slowly, his eyes lifting in em-barrassment to hers. “Nevertheless,” she told him firmly. “I release you.”

“And who will take care of you?”

Placing her hands on her hips, Arietta glared at him. “I have taken care of myself for some time now. I can continue to do so.”

Edwynn snorted, moving his hands over the warm ore. He would not look at her. “Have you really taken care of yourself, Arietta?”

She opened her mouth to answer him in no uncertain terms, when suddenly she hesitated. Ever since her father had died, Edwynn had come to her to buy certain things. She made his bread, she wove his garments, and she sold him vegetables from her garden. There were others he could have purchased such goods from, but he had always come to her. Now she understood why. It was so that she would have an income for the things she couldn’t do for herself. She looked at him, suddenly realizing all he had done for her.

“I can take care of myself,” she repeated, suddenly uncertain that it was true. “You are free.”

He dropped both ore and file to the ground, rising to stand beside her. His eyes were suddenly dark with fury. “Why, so that you can have Wulfric?”

“I never—”

“You can forget it. You may have released me, but I have not released you.”

“But Edwynn—”

“This time next week,” he said forcefully, “we will be wed.”

Arietta’s nostrils flared with anger. “I refuse.”

“Do not make me take you before the folkmoot.”

The color drained from Arietta’s face. Never had she heard such a tone of voice from Edwynn. It frightened her almost as much as being threatened with the council. Her chest rose and fell rapidly in agitation. She stared at him, trying to find the jest in his words, but there was none. Turning, she left swiftly, knowing that he was still watching her.

Wulfric came to stand beside Edwynn, startling the other man with his sudden presence. Already angry, Edwynn’s brow lowered further. “What do you want?” he snapped.

Wulfric’s brooding gaze locked with Edwynn’s wary one. Wulfric lifted his ax, stroking his thumb slowly along the edge.

“Gramr here needs a new edge,” he answered softly.

Edwynn wavered, but finally motioned the Viking inside.

Wulfric lifted the ax to him with both hands, but when Edwynn reached to take it, the Viking’s grip remained. Edwynn looked at the Norseman and almost recoiled from the darkness of his eyes.

They stood holding the ax together, both men aware that the other was a rival for both the woman, Arietta, and a place of honor in the village.

Wulfric slowly released the ax, watching as Edwynn turned to his whetstone. He did not trust the Englishman, and he stood tense, awaiting the man’s next move.

It took Edwynn but a moment to bring a gleaming edge to the Norseman’s ax with his grindstone. He hefted the tool, checking the edge with his own fingers. He looked at Wulfric and suddenly threw the ax to him. Wulfric deftly caught the instrument, his eyes never leaving Edwynn’s.

“She is mine, Norseman,” Edwynn said in an icy voice. “She will never have a pagan.”

“There are some who have been added to your church by baptism that I would give the same name to,” Wulfric told him, his voice dangerously low. “Many of my people have been forced to accept baptism and claim Christianity, yet in their hearts they are not. I see the same here.”

“I do not know what you are talking about.”

“Do you not?” Wulfric shifted the ax from his left hand to his right. “You may have her now, but can you keep her?”

Edwynn shrugged. “Arietta and I will be wed next week. I know that Viking women are allowed to divorce their husbands whenever they choose, but it is not our way. Besides, Arietta would never do such a thing.”

Wulfric dropped the ax to his side, his mouth tilted into a half-smile. “You do not really want to marry her, do you? There is another you wish to have instead.”

Edwynn met Wulfric’s knowing eye. The Englishman brushed a sooty hand through his already dark hair, unable to withstand the Norseman’s gaze. Edwynn’s body grew rigid with anger. “I have said that we will marry.”

“And if there was an opportunity to do otherwise?”

Edwynn glanced at Wulfric suspiciously. “What are you suggesting?”

“In my country, when two men want the same woman, they go to a small island.”

“And?”

Wulfric’s eyes gleamed. “Only one returns.”

Edwynn’s eyes grew large. His gaze shifted to the ax clutched in the other man’s hand, and he swallowed hard. “You are suggesting a fight?”

Wulfric merely lifted an eyebrow in challenge.

Edwynn picked up the ore and file he had dropped earlier. Taking the file, he swiped it across the surface of the ore. It tested with incredible hardness. He smiled slowly, looking at the Viking. “I have no need to fight when I have already won.”

“I heard Arietta say that she released you,” Wulfric countered harshly.

Edwynn stood uncowed. “Then you also heard me say that I refused to be released.”

Wulfric folded his arms across his chest, his ax shining wickedly against his arm. “You would marry a woman who does not want you?”

“I promised her father that I would look after her.”

Wulfric smiled slowly. “She will be looked after.”

Edwynn’s smile was just as slow. “You do not know Arietta like you think you do. I believe that, perhaps, you are in for a mighty surprise.”

“You have been fair with your advice,” Wulfric stated. “Now let me give you some. Never let Wendella know that you are interested in her.”

Edwynn did not answer, and Wulfric turned to leave. He glanced back over his shoulder. “I will never submit to Christianity for any woman,” he declared.

Edwynn looked rather alarmed. “Then you will never have Arietta.”

“We shall see.”