Chapter 4

Vicki sat on top of Ulfr’s furs. Valerie had left and she was feeling overwhelmed. She could see Ulfr outside talking to Valerie’s husband, Hott. She was trying unsuccessfully to digest the information the woman had given her. This hadn’t been Trisha’s idea at all. Valerie had explained Ulfr had indeed been looking for a woman. A Valkyrie. He claimed Vicki was the one. There was no way he was going to send her back. The idea of being in the ninth century was beyond shocking. Vicki couldn’t help but feel responsible. Ever since she was small she had dreamed of being a Viking. She ate, slept and breathed the idea. Any shooting star was her wish for the taking. Fingers and toes crossed, her eyes had squeezed shut as a child, a teen and now a woman. The saying is true—be careful what you wish for.

Vicki hadn’t thought of everything. She had looked at the Vikings through rose-colored glasses. She had only envisioned the men as powerful heroic warriors. Her mind had developed a love affair of presumed airs. She had overlooked the fact this was a barbaric era. Ulfr thought it his right to claim her. How could Vicki cope with such primeval thoughts? Barbarians of this era took what they wanted, from anyone. It had been proven to her in the most foulest of ways. Vicki choked on a sob. No one could help her. No one would save her.

Valerie had seemed startled by the fact Vicki had come through the mist without having had sex with Ulfr first. Valerie had explained she had been pregnant with Biorn. Both she and Hott were positive it was why she was allowed entrance into the past. Hott had made love to Valerie and she had felt a desperate need to join him. Vicki had looked at her for a moment bitterly. Valerie had been given a choice. Vicki had not. She had wanted Ulfr; there was no denying that. But she hadn’t been given a full understanding of the time difference. She felt stolen.

Valerie had then studied Vicki’s sword in fascination and declared she felt it really was authentic and because Vicki had been holding it she had been allowed entry through the time continuum. Or whatever it was she had stepped into, onto, or through. Valerie told her she wasn’t certain how it worked, though, and her best bet was to remain here with Ulfr guarding her. Valerie had then placed her hand on Vicki’s shoulder and told her she would demand Ulfr find her some clothing immediately.

Vicki shifted and winced. Her behind had stopped hurting, but her hips remained sore from where the men had gripped her. She felt a single tear drop remembering what happened. She had lain on the furs terrified when the men had come in. They had all been so big and they had looked so eager. With the gag on she was unable to plead for her life. They had stood her up and fondled her roughly and tossed her belly down over the table. The bonds on her wrists and ankles had been tied agonizingly tight. She hadn’t understood why, since she was already helpless. The first one to take her had been so cruel and she had cried and cried when he had fingered her roughly with grease first. He had been so large and impatient. When he finished, another started, then the other. They had come at her the moment Ulfr had left her alone. They kept taking turns with her until she lay still beneath them. All three of them had raped her behind repeatedly.

Vicki had felt so betrayed by Ulfr, thinking he had allowed them to have her, especially when he had stayed away for so long. Her mind had cried out for Ulfr to come and save her, but he hadn’t. Not for a long time. Vicki had thought it was more of his punishment when it went on and on. She knew she had made him angry. Vicki had been terrified while talking to Valerie. When she had explained a captive’s life, Vicki was terrified Ulfr would let it happen again and again. What would she do?

Valerie had explained how furious Ulfr was with the men. Valerie insisted he hadn’t meant for it to happen. She had then gone on to explain the men thought because Vicki was left alone and tied they were being granted permission to have her. Such was the way of a captive’s life in their village. Valerie tried to explain too that the women were coveted, not beaten. But the men’s way of thinking was just too much to grasp after what had just happened. Vicki had wanted to tune the woman out. Valerie had also confided at one time she had been faced with five men, and the men of this era were indeed sex-craving barbarians. Vicki shuddered with the thought. The three of them had been horrible enough.

When Ulfr returned from his discussion with his brother, he squatted before her and handed her a soft leather shirt. Vicki slipped it on and it hung just past her behind. When he moved closer she curled within herself, wanting to hide. His perch on the furs was tentative, unthreatening. Wanting her to come to him. All her thoughts swirled in a whirlwind. His gaze was soft, begging her to believe in him. How could she? He had left her alone. But she had understood a great deal of his words before he had left. She couldn’t have gone with him nude. Yet he could have found someone to find her clothing.

Vicki wanted to strike out at him for bringing her here. But even now she admitted she had felt something for him. She still felt something for him. When he moved to her side, she didn’t pull away. He wrapped his arms around her and said what Vicki believed to be an apology. She laid her head against his shoulder and he rocked her back and forth while she sobbed. He kissed her hair and her cheeks. His thumb wiped her tears until they stopped flowing. His forehead pressed to hers. He said a few words that held deep meaning to him. Vicki could tell by his expression he wanted to somehow make this right. He rose with her still at his side and led her to the door. Vicki stopped and looked at him fearfully. He motioned he wanted to take her somewhere. It was important to him.

When they exited the hut, Vicki could see the three men who had attacked her and she would have run screaming if Ulfr hadn’t held her so tightly. He whispered urgent words into her ear and she understood the word for strong. He wanted her to be strong.

The first man who had taken her moved forward. Vicki felt her teeth clattering and her knees knocking together. He had been the scraggly looking blond brute who had peeked into Ulfr’s window. Vicki had felt certain this man had been going to kill her no matter what Valerie said. The man’s left eye was black and swollen shut and he had a deep cut over it and Vicki remembered Valerie saying that Ulfr had thrown him off her after finding her in distress. This was the cruel man who had taken her for a third time. The man glared at Ulfr and then said something to her in a gruff voice that held no remorse. The man handed her a pair of leather moccasins. In fact he practically threw them at Vicki. He then strode away.

The next man came forward with a fur hide and handed it to her. He looked neither contrite nor happy nor angry. His gaze deliberately settled onto her for a few seconds. She was unsure what his emotions were by his poker face. At a small noise, Vicki looked over to her left and saw Valerie watching, she was scowling at the men. Many in the village, especially women were gathered around. They all glared daggers at her attackers. Vicki realized then the men were making restitution. She also knew from the way Valerie had declared it their right to have her, they weren’t happy about the situation.

Vicki didn’t know what to think, except that she wanted to throw the items back at them and scream and strike out. Until she realized this probably pissed the men off to no end—being forced to pay for a crime they felt they hadn’t committed in front of the entire village. The last man who stepped forward was the youngest of the three. He said something that sounded suggestive to her. Ulfr snarled at him and he shrugged sheepishly. The man handed her a large wooden container filled with honey. Ulfr looked at him and nodded. He obviously approved of the item. The man grinned and winked at Vicki.

Ulfr then handed the honey and moccasins to Hott. He led her down a path away from the prying eyes of the villagers to a fast-flowing stream. The water was freezing, but she removed her shirt and waded in. She washed herself. Her hands scrubbed over the bruising red marks at her hips. When she was finished she sank down to her knees, as her body shook with the cold. The water rushed over her. Ulfr came in after her clothed. Gently she was picked up into his arms and carried to shore. He wrapped her in the large fur the second man had given her. He picked her up and carried her to the village.

Vicki’s entire body was concealed from everyone. Ulfr lifted her higher in his arms and shouted something. It sounded like a warning. She saw a few of the men nod, but the one who had been so rough with her just scowled and the look he leveled on her made Vicki shudder. She knew without a doubt if he ever caught her alone, he would rape her again.

Ulfr took Vicki into the hut and closed the door. A thick latch was settled across the wood. Once more, he helped her pull the leather shirt over her head. He sat her down at the table and she noticed there were many different foods before her. She wondered if the women of the village did this. Valerie had told her they would all sympathize with her. At one point almost all had been forced by a man.

Ulfr handed her a chunk of bread and encouraged her to eat. His remorseful gaze settled onto her. Vicki nibbled the food. He gave her a thick slice of cheese and mutton. From wooden plates he gave her salted fish, parsnips and some meats she was unsure of. He filled a mug from his flask and set it before her. When she finished what he had given her, and he seemed satisfied she was full, only then did he eat. His appetite seemed as stilted as hers. Neither bothered with words.

When done, Ulfr led her to the furs. He took her face between his palms and kissed her eyelids, her cheeks and her forehead. The backs of his fingers gently traced the marks on her hips. The endearment he said was something akin to ‘sweetheart’ Valerie had told her when she asked.

When he lay down he remained clothed. He pulled her head onto his shoulder and tugged the furs over them, tucking them around her. His hands roamed her body, away from intimate places, soothing her with his touch. Again he said what she felt was an apology. She allowed him to snuggle her closer against his side. Though his grip wasn’t tight, it was possessive. The next words he said were low and deep, a soft growl accompanied them. She knew from his tone and the way he tensed he was damning the men for their actions. Vicki knew he hadn’t meant for her to be harmed.

A blazing fire had been started in the hearth and the hut was warm. Through the lone window Vicki could see darkness falling. The leather across it flapped lazily back and forth and she guessed a tie had come loose. She closed her eyes.

Vicki thought about the day. There were so many thoughts swirling in her mind. Her life was forever changed. She tried to forget the feeling of the men’s hands on her and inside her. She didn’t want what they had done to spoil the feelings she had with Ulfr. He had never done anything sexually to her she hadn’t wanted. When Ulfr had taken her bound she had been excited. It had felt kinky and deliciously wicked and naughty. There had been no fear. When the men had taken her bound she had been terrified. She had thought they would kill her and the one man had been not just brutal but vicious. He had attacked her just to cause her harm.

She needed to separate the feeling of fear in her mind. She knew Ulfr wouldn’t harm her; he had never left painful marks on her or bruised her. He was domineering but coaxing. Each time he had taken her, he had given as well. The emotions he stirred where exhilarating. His touch made her come to life. The others who had touched her made her want to hide from the world. Perhaps that was what she could focus on. She could find safety in Ulfr’s arms…until Valerie could show her how on earth she was to flip a massive Viking warrior onto his ass!

* * * *

When morning came, Valerie brought Vicki a pair of fur and leather pants. They were very snug, but she struggled to get into them. Vicki guessed they were Valerie’s, but the woman was at least three inches shorter and much slimmer. Vicki was surprised she could shove her own fat ass into them. She was already in the shirt Ulfr had given her and she wore moccasins on her feet. She had at first balked at the idea of wearing the footwear one of her rapists had given her. She had straightened her shoulders and had a thought. Each time that man and the others saw her wear her restitution, they would be reminded they had paid for a crime—not a right.

After Vicki was dressed, Valerie leveled a piercing look onto Ulfr that had Vicki’s eyes raise in surprise. It had her wondering about their relationship. Valerie then snapped a command at him and he just nodded. Ulfr took Vicki into his arms and kissed her forehead. Valerie explained Ulfr needed to go hunting and he was leaving her in the capable care of his brother. Vicki almost panicked. Valerie reassured her that she would be safe. No one would touch her. Vicki watched as Ulfr picked up a bow and arrow and a long spear. He kissed her once more and said an endearment, then smiled softly into her concerned expression. After all, the last time he had left her, she had been attacked.

“Safe with Hott, little Valkyrie,” Ulfr said, he winked at her.

All Vicki could do was nod. Ulfr left.

When the women exited the hut after him, Vicki stood a bit fearfully as Valerie’s huge blond Viking husband came near her. She had learned from Valerie this man was Ulfr’s brother. Their build was identical—massive and muscled—but Ulfr’s look was darker, while this man was very fair with long white-blond hair and blue eyes. He was stunning, and powerful. Her body quivered with apprehension. Would he hurt her, too?

Hott was holding a baby boy of about eight months in his arms. A child of about six stood close to him flanked by a large dog and, oddly enough, a stout little pig. The boy’s face studied Vicki. Hott handed the baby to Valerie.

“Is she the captive?” the boy asked excitedly.

“Shush, Hrolf,” Valerie admonished. “Vicki, these are my sons. Hrolf and Biorn.”

Vicki blushed to her toes, understanding the boy’s words. She guessed by now everyone in the village had obviously heard what had happened. She was fearful the men still all thought it their right to have her. The thought was terrifying. She shied away from Hott when he approached and Valerie introduced him.

It was apparent Hott saw her fear and he said something to Valerie. The woman turned to her. “Hott says he doesn’t want you to be afraid of him. He won’t hurt you. He’s going with us while we wash at the river. Soon it will be way too cold and we’ll have to hike water up for our baths. Ulfr is going to trade for some clothing for you. That’s why he needs to hunt.”

Valerie took Vicki by the hand. Valerie turned, stopped and then glared at a man who was smiling at Vicki. Vicki eyed him warily, frozen to the spot. He had been the youngest one of the men who had attacked her. The man laughed, but when Hott snapped something at him, he moved off.

“How can I stay here with those men wandering free to do as they please, acting like it was their right and always watching me?” Vicki moaned. “They should be locked up. Instead, I feel like the prisoner. When I look at them moving freely about, unrestricted, I feel raped again.”

“I know it’s not easy. And I know saying things are different here doesn’t help. Most of the men in the village have their own women or find a willing woman. Ulfr made it clear no one was allowed to touch you ever again. Captive, married or engaged, all women here rely on a protector,” Valerie explained. “Ulfr and now Hott will always be close to protect you.”

“Why is your husband willing to protect me?” Vicki asked.

Valerie looked at her and smiled. “Two reasons. When Ulfr hunts, he will be expected to bring game home for Hott. Something like payment. Also, haven’t you noticed him checking you out?”

Vicki gasped when she looked at Hott who did in fact have those blue eyes of his centered on her breasts. “Doesn’t that bother you? He’s your husband.”

“Nope,” Valerie said dismissively.

Vicki’s eyes widened in surprise, the woman looked serious.

They reached the river and Valerie began stripping herself and her children. Vicki looked around self-consciously. There were many men, women and youngsters, except only the women and little ones were washing and most were completely nude. She continued to stand there feeling lost and unsure.

“It’s all right, Vicki,” Valerie called. “Hott won’t let anyone near you. When we’re all gathered together we are safe. No one would dare touch you with this many women around with large rocks at our disposal.”

Vicki watched for a moment longer. Many of the children were laughing and splashing at each other, including Valerie’s boy, Hrolf. The men who had attacked her weren’t around. None of the other men were gawking at her. The other women didn’t look distressed. Vicki clenched her fists. This would be the first step in her recovery. Taking back her own body. She wasn’t about to begin changing in closets or in the dark and washing from bowls in the hut. Vicki quickly tugged off her clothing and practically jumped into the freezing river. She heard Hott laugh behind her. Vicki moved closer to Valerie.

“Hott says you have a nice ass,” Valerie told her.

Vicki just shook her head. She had always thought she had a fat ass. “Doesn’t it bother you that he said that?” she asked.

“No,” Valerie replied. “When I first came here, most of the women and all the children had been murdered in a raid. Hott and Ulfr had their hands full protecting me. I told you before those men wouldn’t have killed you. There would have been no need. If you were dead they wouldn’t be able to have you again. Which is no doubt what they planned, until they realized a mistake had been made.”

“A mistake?” Vicki said bitterly.

Valerie climbed out of the water and dried the baby off first, handed him to Hott, then struggled with a squirming Hrolf who, once released, took off after the other children followed by the dog and pig. Valerie then dried herself off with a leather towel. Vicki climbed onto the bank beside her and Valerie handed her a soft skin. She dried and dressed quickly.

“The men here can be rough and sometimes brutal,” Valerie began. “But there is far worse. I was stolen by cruel, evil men, the ones who raided this village. The men here are lustful dogs but they would never beat you or kill you because you’re a woman. Their barbaric mind-frame thinks women are meant for one thing, sex—and lots of it. You’re back in an age where men think nothing of just taking a woman when they feel like it.”

“What do I do? I want to go home,” Vicki whimpered.

“I’m sorry, Vicki, but I don’t know how to get you home. The mist isn’t always there. I don’t know how it works. Hott had to get me pregnant before I could go through. I don’t know if just holding the sword was the reason you came here. As for what you can do, I’m going to show you,” Valerie said. She smiled kindly at her and took her by the hand.

Vicki was introduced to an older woman. She had long graying hair. She was tall, taller than Vicki. She also had a good solid muscular build for a woman. Vicki thought she was magnificent. The woman, Bera, smiled at her and reached for Biorn. She promised to keep an eye on Valerie’s children while she was busy with Vicki.

Valerie led Vicki to a small clearing away from the prying eyes of the others. Hott settled himself on a large rock, crossed his arms over his chest and smiled…until Valerie pointed at him and called him over. Hott argued with her for a second. There was a lot of arm flapping gestures and she could tell Hott wasn’t happy about something. Vicki caught a few words and heard Ulfr mentioned. Finally Valerie stomped her foot and called him a baby. Looking resolved, Hott held out his hand to his wife and before Vicki’s stunned eyes, the massive warrior was flipped onto his ass!

“How did you do that?” Vicki exclaimed.

Hott was rising rubbing his behind.

Valerie smiled and rose on tiptoe to pat at her disgruntled husband’s cheek. He swatted her hand away, and grumbling, he went back to delicately perch on the rock he had vacated. Valerie chuckled.

“You use their big hulking weight against them,” Valerie declared.

“Will you teach me?” Vicki asked shyly.

Valerie put her hand on Vicki’s shoulder. “I will teach you. Vicki. What happened wasn’t your fault. There was nothing you could have done. You were bound and gagged, unable to even scream. Even if you hadn’t been bound, I doubt there was anything you could have done. I’ve heard some women complain about how cruel Falkor can be. He doesn’t get off on the sex unless it’s mean and he knows you’re terrified. I know how frightening it must have been.”

“Wolf took me while I was bound, but it felt so different with the other men. With them it had been so frightening. With Wolf it wasn’t scary at all,” Vicki said and she felt her face flame. She guessed immediately which one had been Falkor.

Valerie smiled. “It may surprise you to know that Hott shared me with Ulfr when I came here.”

Vicki gasped.

Valerie chuckled. “Ulfr is one of the lusty dogs I was talking about. Believe me, I’m aware of his sexual tastes.”

“You had to have both men?” Vicki said with concern.

“I wanted both men,” Valerie corrected. “Hott is, well, hot. Ulfr is gorgeous and can be very persuasive. Neither forced me, but as you know Ulfr can get a little rough. He is…uh¼incredibly enthusiastic in the furs. Both men can be.”

Vicki looked at her with concern. “Is that why you aren’t annoyed Hott checked me out? He and Wolf don’t plan on…”

“They will only do what you agree to,” Valerie said. “And if they get pushy just flip them on their giant arses.”