Chapter 5

During the day, Vicki trailed Valerie around closely and was shown the Viking way of life. She had been introduced to many women and some men. Valerie had pointed out a few of the men. A huge bear of a man named Rollo was watching her. Valerie said he wouldn’t hurt her but it would be best if she avoided him. She went on to explain her own first meeting with him and how she had dumped him ass first into a pool of warm water. Another man she pointed out she declared was semiharmless, Haki. Just lusty. And yet another she declared harmless. At least, his wife would kick his behind if he touched her. The man’s name was Geirr. She also learned an older man, Varr would cause her no harm. He spent much of his day doting on his small baby boy—a gift from Odin. The village had thought his wife to be barren.

Vicki felt a bit more at ease—now able to toss a man to the ground. Valerie had instructed Vicki to grasp at a man’s wrist. She was then to pull forward then swing his arm back up around behind him fast. The spinning motion had a cartwheel effect. Valerie explained she had been taught the technique by a cop who had been a date.

Hott had good-naturedly allowed Vicki to practice on him. She wondered if he felt it would score him brownie points. The huge blond man was good-natured and patient. Vicki’s fear had lessened of him while in the clearing. She had even found herself able to smile a few times. True to Valerie’s word when any man had ventured near Vicki, the ‘good-natured’ blond man turned rabid. Before long, Vicki had sensed the word had been spread in the village and no other man came near the small clearing. This reassurance helped Vicki to relax enough to really listen to Valerie’s lesson.

It was now later in the afternoon and many women had gathered in a huge cabin. Vicki found it remarkable. Supplies hung from high rafters or were stored in rooms dug out well below ground level to keep baskets of fruit and vegetables cool. There were many hearths lit for light and warmth. There were a few adjacent rooms with thick solid doors. When Valerie had shown her through she had pointed out a room with a large bed. Vicki learned it was where women went to give birth. The idea made her cringe…no hospitals.

After so many introductions and so many sights to see within the cabin, the day seemed to race by. Vicki was happy to see some of her fantasy life before her. Huge hearths, giggling playing children. They looked well-fed and comfortable in their surroundings. She was happier to see women laughing and unafraid, interacting with the warriors.

Ulfr had been elusive until dinner. He strolled into the huge cabin with a plump deer slung over one shoulder and rabbits and fowl tied together over the other. A woman clapped her hands in delight and Vicki was amazed when the woman tossed the deer over her own shoulder and strode off with it like it was no more than a vacuum.

Ulfr looked around the room obviously searching for her. He scowled when he spotted her and saw one of her attackers nearby. Vicki was surprised the young man had moved so close; she had seen Hott watching her. When the man had entered the cabin, Hott had narrowed his eyes, but didn’t interfere when he ventured a little closer, then settled at a table. The man seemed content to keep his distance. Valerie explained it was a communal area, and all were welcome. She told Vicki to ignore him. It had been hard at first, but she had been so busy Vicki had forgotten all about him. Now as Ulfr strode angrily over, the man moved away.

Ulfr pulled her into his arms and crushed her to his chest. He snapped a few words at Hott. His brother looked unconcerned and said something back. Vicki looked at Valerie in confusion wanting to know why Ulfr was so angry.

“Ulfr is pissed Hott let Volundr get so close to you,” Valerie explained. “But Hott told him you ignored the man until you forgot about him. He thinks because the men will always be her and so will you, that you should forget what happened.”

Vicki grew angry. “How could I forget?” she snapped.

“You won’t, but remember the men had thought it was their right. I know that doesn’t make up for it, but Ulfr has explained no one is to touch you again. It won’t stop them from remembering what happened, too,” Valerie said.

“I wish I could go home,” Vicki mumbled.

Ulfr cupped her chin. “Home here,” he said.

She didn’t want to argue with him, afraid he would tie her up and another mistake would be made. Ulfr took her by the hand. He gave one of the rabbits to Hott as well as a large goose. He then led Vicki from the cabin to his hut. When they arrived he indicated to her that he was going to clean the game and he wouldn’t be far. She nodded and went to the furs to sit exhaustedly. The day had been long and tiring. She felt her emotions again in turmoil. Vicki wondered about what Valerie had said. Valerie had been appalled and shocked she had been attacked and still Vicki felt she made excuses for the men.

She was now in a barbaric time. The men would never think any differently for another thousand years or so and some not even then. She pulled her legs up under her chin. She couldn’t go home. That meant she could find herself bent over being screwed again for a pot of honey. What did she need to help herself overcome her fears? Ulfr and Hott couldn’t watch her twenty-four-seven. How could she empower herself?

Vicki sighed heavily. The window flap rolled and snapped sharply against a gust of wind and she jumped back in fear. Something fell behind her when she collided with it. Vicki reached over and the tips of her fingers ran the length of the cool steel of her sword. She had forgotten about it after she had showed it to Valerie. She hefted it into her hand and felt its weight. She had always fantasized it had been made for her, but she knew it was a childish dream spun within her mind. She was no warrior, and she certainly wasn’t a man. She smiled, thinking of the rightful great warrior it belonged to. Musingly she wondered what adversity he had overcome. It had to have been forged around this era if she had been let through the mist with Ulf. She wondered if the sword of this era had merged with the one of her era and that’s why she saw the light glow from within it.

Ulfr strolled in and frowned when he saw the weapon in her hand. She set it back against the wall quickly. She had come to understand his displeasure with her wielding a sword. He had scoffed at her abilities by telling her she had no skill. She had understood him and had become angry. Maybe she wasn’t a fantastic swordswoman, but she was no novice. Either way it had been part of the reason why she had shouted obscenities at him and been gagged. She couldn’t risk showing any interest in her weapon while he was around.

Ulfr skewered thick slices of meat to hang over the fire. He wiped his hands on a square of cloth that looked to be made of hemp. He then stood and just watched her for a while. She became uncomfortable and shifted her behind further from her sword. Ulfr went to the wall of the hut and removed his flask. He took it to her. She pushed it away. He couldn’t possibly be thinking what she thought he was. Ulfr handed it back to her. His hand cupped her chin and he said a few words. After spending the day with the women she was able to understand a great deal of what he said and pieced it together.

“You are home; you are mine. I’m sorry the men hurt you. I want you knowing only me.”

Vicki felt wary. He wanted to brand his image into her mind. He really was a barbarian. She shook her head no. He sat before her and looked sad.

“Too frightened of mating?” he asked, trying hard to use words she would understand.

She knew it was important to him. She nodded.

“I’m not them. Never think to kill you. I would never leave painful marks on you.”

“I know,” she whispered and she knew he wouldn’t.

“I start very gentle,” he coaxed.

“I’m afraid it won’t feel the same anymore,” she said to explain. What had seemed deliciously naughty and fun was tainted with pain and fear.

“It will be the same. It’s me, not them.”

Ulfr leaned over and kissed her very delicately. His lips explored her mouth tenderly. He tugged her shirt over her head and Vicki covered her breasts. Ulfr gripped her wrists and held her arms away from her body.

“Beautiful,” he whispered.

She knew she wasn’t raped because she was beautiful. It happened because the men thought they were allowed. Ulfr pulled her close and rocked her against his chest. He said soothing words, some she understood others she didn’t. His hands rubbed up and down her back caressing her. He nibbled her neck and shoulders. Lower he moved until one breast found its way into his mouth. One of the men had sucked her breasts hard but the others were too eager for her. Ulfr didn’t hurt her as he licked and laved and suckled.

She was lowered back until she lay before him. Her pants were peeled off and Ulfr grunted and struggled a bit to remove them. Vicki admitted they were feeling too tight. He promised her by morning she would have clothes in her own size. She wondered if that was what the deer was for. He had probably given the woman the meat in exchange for her expertise.

Vicki’s moccasins came off and she lay still before him, nude and shivering. His body covered over hers like a warm blanket. He licked at her chin, then moved to her ear and she couldn’t help but giggle and swatted his hand when he tickled her with his tongue. He smiled and gazed into her eyes. Ulfr was handsome, the same handsome man who had taught her what fun they could have together. If she could overcome her fear.

He felt so powerful under her hands, this Viking warrior. She bet he feared no one. While Ulfr kissed her neck, Vicki’s eyes shifted to the glinting steel of her sword. The fire’s flames danced across it lighting it up. If she were a real warrior she would never be afraid. If she were a warrior no one would ever hurt her again. A woman could be a soldier, why not a warrior? A plan began to form in Vicki’s mind. She was already a decent swordswoman. What if she could teach herself to get better? What if she learned to defend herself? She decided then and there she would find a way to fight with a sword like that. The idea gave her a modicum of peace.

Ulfr said something to her and she became aware his hand was traveling lower. She felt a bit embarrassed for forgetting about him when he was trying so hard to be patient and gentle. She felt his fingers rub against her clit and her back arched when he slipped his fingers inside her. The men hadn’t touched her here. She had wondered fearfully while they were screwing her behind why they didn’t all have her at the same time; they seemed eager enough. Valerie explained later the men respected another man’s right to have children. No one in this camp would touch her vaginally but Ulfr, and they most likely kept her gagged to keep her from screaming. They hadn’t been worried about Ulfr stopping them, thinking it their right when he claimed she was a captive, they just didn’t want to share her with even more men.

Ulfr moved lower, trailing fast hot kisses across her breasts, her belly and her mound. He settled between her legs and his tongue flicked out to taste her juices. Vicki moaned. She was happy it still felt good to have sex this way, but she was worried. She knew of Ulfr’s tastes and she knew sooner or later he would want her hard and heavy. She glanced at the sword for reassurance. Her hands locked in Ulfr’s hair when his tongue invaded her. She gasped and began bucking, Ulfr’s huge arms wrapped around her legs stilling her movements.

His tongue and mouth were coaxing against her flesh, not demanding. Though he held her it was with gentle pressure. At any given time she could push him away. It was a comforting thought. It helped her relax and concentrate on what he was doing, not what had been done without her permission. The climax inside her built. It surrounded her, invaded her body and mind. Her shallow pants increased.

Vicki cried out when she came. Ulfr was over her in seconds. His huge cock plunged up into her vaginal heat and she cried out again. He rocked steadily against her, keeping his bulk on his arms so he wouldn’t crush her. She clung to him and sobbed in relief. It still felt wonderful to have him. Her legs lifted to wrap around his waist and she shuddered when he howled his release. Vicki came again and when he rested on her she didn’t mind his weight.

“Wolf?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not afraid of that anymore.”

“Good. There is more.”

Ulfr rolled off of her. He strode nude to the hearth and checked the meat. He brought some to her. It smelled heavenly. She took a tiny bite; it was hot but so delicious. She nibbled more. Ulfr handed her a piece of bread covered in butter and honey when she finished the meat. She was very thirsty by this time and accepted the flask of fermented brew when he next offered it to her. After a few gulps she set it down. She took a few more bites of bread and Ulfr gave her the flask to drink from. By this time she was feeling the effects of the somewhat potent brew. This was a hard batch. She looked questioningly to Ulfr who was drinking ale from a mug.

“Bera make for you,” he said.

She remembered Bera was the older, motherly woman in the camp she had been introduced to by Valerie. The woman stood at least two or three inches taller than she and was in fact much broader when Vicki ventured a closer inspection of her later at the cabin. Vicki had been amazed most of the women in the village were taller than herself. But they were all still dwarfed by the warriors.

Bera had studied Vicki for a while around the men that day. She had commented on her fear. Valerie had said something to her and the woman had clucked a sympathetic reply. Bera had put her hands on Vicki’s shoulders and said something. The only words Vicki had caught were herbs, help and brew. She now wondered what Bera had given her to relax.

Ulfr handed her the flask and she refused, already feeling a bit woozy and hot between her legs.

“Little more,” Ulfr encouraged her when he hefted the container, gauging its weight.

Obviously Bera had instructed him how much to give her. She closed her eyes and swallowed the beverage lazily, unable to push his hands away and feeling so hot between her thighs she didn’t want to.

Ulfr turned her onto her belly, his hands rubbed and soothed over back and behind. She moaned, it felt wonderful to be so completely relaxed. Ulfr was straddling her back and he leaned over her to kiss at her nape. His tongue licked and kissed at her shoulders and back. He moved lower and his body slid down farther until he wrapped his huge arm around her waist lifting her hips. She felt his fingers slick with grease gently push up her behind. She whimpered. He spoke soothing words and she felt his cock gently begin to slide into her ass. She remembered the man who had taken her first, Falkor; he had been vicious with her. His voice had been cruel when he had said a few words, but she didn’t understand him, just knew the tone of his voice was fierce. Another man, Volundr, had said something to him, but the man behind her only grunted and had continued to ram painfully against her while she struggled for breath. He had been even larger than Ulfr and gave her no chance to get used to his size slowly, instead he had wanted her to have it all at once while she lay tense and terrified.

Ulfr rocked against her. His entire length was now buried deeply within her. The second man had said nothing to her. His hands hadn’t been vicious on her hips. His thrusts had been eager, not sadistic. But he had hurt her. The third man, Volundr, who had taken her wasn’t brutal; he was out for sex, and not to hurt her from the way Valerie described him. His hands hadn’t been so painful on her either.

Ulfr wasn’t being brutal; he was gently moving his hips back and forth while his hand stroked her back in a loving gesture. She couldn’t help but go through her attack while Ulfr was doing this. She remembered everything: the way the men had smelled, the way they had sounded. The way each one thrust against her. How much she loathed and feared them. Ulfr began to move faster and she groaned. He wasn’t hurting her, but she was warring with herself.

Ulfr thumped against her bare bottom, his arm was wrapped protectively around her middle to cushion her. She gasped and groaned remembering the feel of the hard table beneath her digging into her. After the two men had taken her and the last one had her, she had thought they would leave. She had hoped they would leave and not slit her throat with one of the deadly knives they wore at their belts or cut her in half with their swords. But they hadn’t left, and they hadn’t killed her. The first man was hard again and had again taken her just as cruelly. She had been exhausted from fear and her heart pounded so fast. She had slumped on the table in total submission. When the second man had her again it hadn’t hurt as much; he too had just been interested in fulfilling his sexual needs. When the third man took her the second time he had been even more gentle. He had rubbed at her shoulders and said soothing, lulling words. He had kissed her back and the sides of her waist tenderly. She was mortified she’d had an orgasm. How could that be? She hadn’t wanted it, it hadn’t mattered that he was gentle, she had still been terrified. She had felt so ashamed. The same feelings of shame resurfaced.

She heard Ulfr howl and she knew he had found his release, but she hadn’t. She was sobbing when he rolled her over. His thumb wiped the tears from her eyes. He pulled her to his chest.

“Not your fault,” he said.

“I know, I was tied.”

“Not fault with Volundr,” he said.

She looked up at him stunned. He knew? “How did you know?”

He shrugged. “Men talk. You not want those men, you not want come.”

“No,” she whispered.

She buried her face into his chest. He didn’t look mad or annoyed or outraged for her. He was a Viking warrior. He thought what happened to her was a misunderstanding, no more. Vicki determined harder to learn to defend herself. She had to. Who knew how long the pill would last? She could already be pregnant. What if she had a daughter? If Vicki couldn’t even defend herself, how would she defend a daughter? It was a terrifying thought.

* * * *

Ulfr made tender love to her into the early hours of the morning. He was patient and gentle. His large hands handled her as though she were a delicate flower he feared would wilt in his touch. Gripping her waist with care he straddled her over him. Vicki chose their pace. Her head fell back as she rocked with him in sync. He did feel wonderful like this. There was no vulnerability in this position. She was in control. Ulfr smiled up at her and she felt her lips tug upwards ever so slightly. They made love at a leisurely pace.

When finally sated, she dropped to his side and nestled against him. His hand caressed her hip. Ulfr rose at a knock on the door and opened it while nude. Vicki huddled under the furs. She heard Bera’s voice but couldn’t see the woman past Ulfr’s bulk. She saw Ulfr nod and heard him thank her. When he turned he held soft hide and wolf pants almost identical to Valerie’s. As well, he had a fur cloak. Valerie dressed and was beyond pleased she could breathe in the pants. The morning was chill and she wrapped her new cloak over her shoulders. Ulfr donned his own pants and moccasins but still went bare-chested. Valerie told her some of the men were so resilient to cold they went bare-chested until almost December.

Ulfr trailed her from the hut and she met Valerie, the children and Hott on the pathway, followed by Petal. Ulfr indicated he needed to go hunting again. He wanted a warmer fur for his little Valkyrie when the cold weather struck. She was too small to retain heat. Vicki went beet red, especially since it was a complaint that he believed to be true.

Valerie and she washed again at the river. Vicki wasn’t feeling so uncomfortable this morning, until she saw Volundr grinning at her from a distance. He thought, in his dumb tiny mind, that because she had an orgasm with him, she wanted him. Well she didn’t. She stuck her tongue out at him while glaring and he laughed.

“Never mind, Vicki. You won’t change him,” Valerie said and glared at the man as well. “He’s one of the morons who attacked me, too. He can only think with one head, and I don’t mean the one on his dumb shoulders.”

“Did he hurt you?” Vicki asked.

“No. I flipped him on his stupid barbarian ass!”

Vicki giggled and she could now see Volundr scowling. Valerie waved to him and mimicked him falling in the water onto his behind. The other surrounding women laughed uproariously and Volundr left. Valerie grinned over at Vicki who grinned back.

After their wash, Vicki went to Ulfr’s hut. She was told Hott would be right back and she was safe, Hott could see Ulfr’s hut door entrance from his own hut. Once more the sword gleamed in the firelight as though beckoning to her. She picked up the sword. She wanted to learn but she knew Ulfr would be angry. Nevertheless she spun the weapon back and forth getting a feel for it. She froze dead on the spot when she heard a man chuckle. She sagged in relief when she saw Hott standing in the doorway blocking the sunlight and others’ view of her. He was smiling. Valerie muscled her way past him.

“Can you use it?” Valerie asked curiously. “You seem to know what to do with it.”

“I’m used to lighter swords. My father taught me to duel from a young age. He expected something I guess from a warrior descendent named Vicki Valhalla. He should have had a son. I’m their only child. I was never good enough though, never pretty enough, too big, too fat.”

Valerie said something to Hott and his eyes rose in shocked surprise.

“Not big—small, not fat. Mmm, nice,” he said and held out his hands squeezing them in the air like he was fondling her tits.

Valerie smacked him and shoved little Biorn into his arms.

“I need to go to the cabin. Do you want to come or go practice with your sword?” Valerie asked her.

“I would like to practice, but where?”

“Hott can take you to the clearing and keep an eye on you,” she replied.

“You won’t mind him leaving you alone?” she asked startled. She was terrified to be alone. And Valerie had two children.

“He just needs to walk me to the cabin. Alfarin is there and Bera. I’m about four months pregnant so they watch me like a hawk. They adore my boys. Hrolf loves to imitate Alfarin, the man is somewhat like a grandfather to him and Biorn. Besides, the men stopped bothering me long ago when I started pitching them on their asses. It got to be pretty embarrassing for them.”

Valerie told her to lock the latch in place until Hott returned, and she did. It took only a few moments for Hott to drop Valerie off before he came back for Vicki. She was both excited and fearful. She stood for a moment in front of him shaking. He was so big and she was going to be alone with him.

Hott cupped her chin. “Poor little Valkyrie. So frightened. Some men are cruel. I’m not cruel, you will see.”

“Ulfr doesn’t understand why I’m afraid,” she whispered.

“When you understand our words better you can tell him. Valerie explained to me. Ulfr had you tied and you wanted him,” he said.

“But I didn’t want those others,” she replied, her eyes desperate for him to see.

“You thought they would kill you. There were three, all huge, one very cruel. They took you many times. Ulfr is one man. He will not kill you. You don’t understand our ways. Our women would have been fearful of some pain and Viking warriors have great stamina, but they would know none would dare kill them. How could you know?” he said kindly. “Volundr brags you wanted him.”

Vicki groaned. Does everyone know? “I didn’t want him,” she ground out between clenched teeth.

“Good. Anger is better than fear.” Hott took the sword in his hand and hefted it. “Small and light, made for woman warrior,” he declared.

“No,” Vicki scoffed. “A great warrior owned it, a man.”

“Must be very small man,” Hott insisted.

Vicki just shook her head. What is with men and size?

Hott led her down to the clearing. They were alone. Vicki swung her sword and thrust. Hott nodded approval. He removed his own huge sword and Vicki shied back.

“Come at me,” he demanded.

She looked at him uncertainly, remembering her last battle and how that ended, with her terrified and naked and in another century. His fingers motioned her forward and he was grinning in a nonthreatening gesture. Taking a deep breath, Vicki lunged. He turned at the last moment, grabbing her sword at the hilt from her startled hand and she went face first into the ground. Hott helped her up.

“Move with sword, don’t run at opponent. Watch my eyes as well as my weapon,” he said.

Vicki watched him move with his weapon. He was fantastic and powerful, his muscles rippled and flexed with his awesome strength, and she was intrigued. For hours, he showed her many moves, so much more in-depth than what she had learned over the years and she was panting in exhaustion when she finally fell to the ground. Her breasts rose and fell as she gasped air in and out. Hott lifted her easily to her feet. He was studying her intently.

“You big?” he asked.

She shuffled her feet in embarrassment. “Yes.”

“I’m big,” Hott said.

That was an understatement, he was massive. “Very big,” she said, nodding.

“I’m a man.”

“Yes,” she replied, wondering what he was getting at.

“Here hold.”

He thrust his sword at her, pushing the hilt into her hands. She couldn’t raise the tip from the ground it was so heavy and yet he stood before her not breaking a sweat or puffing like she was.

“It’s too heavy,” she said.

“You are not big. You do not have a man’s strength. Even if untied, those men would have taken you. One of those men could have taken you, alone.”

She knew that. “I know it wasn’t my fault,” she insisted.

“Not your fault no, and not what I mean. You will never have a man’s strength.”

What was he getting at? That she could never defend herself? “I could have daughters one day. And strength isn’t all you need. It takes skill to defeat an opponent, not just brute strength,” she stormed at him.

“You only want to feel safe and will not run from Ulfr or try to fight, he is too powerful. He is my brother,” he said. “He worries for you. You cannot run or you could be hurt worse.”

Her eyes rose in surprise. “I would never take up arms against your brother, besides where would I go? The mist is gone. I really do only want to feel safe again.”

Hott nodded. “Perhaps I should teach Valerie to use a weapon. Although the woman could send a giant flying on his ass.”

“Don’t you worry for your daughters’ safety if and when they are born?” Vicki asked.

“Yes.”

“Then teach your wife to use a sword. Give her back some power over her destiny. Please help me take some power back to feel safe again. I need this.”

Hott grinned and nodded. “I will have Alfarin make a sword to match your own for Valerie, and I will teach you both,” he declared.