Page 23 of A Shield Maiden's Earl
The slick mud made our dance of blades and shields especially treacherous, but she moved with ease and grace, dodging my every thrust. Where I thought her ultimate plan was to wear me down by staying on the defensive, she ended up circling away only to go on the offensive and come back at me hard. Navigating the slick ground with ease, she pushed me back with quick, clever thrusts that kept me on guard, smoothly putting me on the defensive, whether I wanted to be there or not.
If her battle prowess wasn’t enough, I realized, at least for me and without doubt many male warriors, the sight of her attacking was magnificent. Whether the polar bear adorned her shoulders or not, she fought with its ferociousness, her hair and eyes ablaze with fire in the late-day sun while she methodically sliced with her blade.
So, I came at her just as hard, thrilled at the feel of battling such a worthy opponent. On top of that, there was added excitement in the way we moved together. A fierce dance of sorts. Our aggression and rhythm were exhilarating in a way I suspected would be matched when we finally lay together.
And it only got better from there, ending in the best way possible.
Tossing our shields aside, we sparred with each other so rapidly that I slipped and fell to my back, only to find her straddling me seconds later, with our blades to one another’s necks at the same time. Where some men, especially ones as esteemed as I, might be put off by the equal draw, I was never so aroused or impressed.
Never prouder to call her my friend and wife.
The crowd had grown so quiet that nothing but the wind in the trees and waves crashing in the distance could be heard as the two of us breathed heavily and gazed into each other’s eyes. As it had been several times since we came back together, it felt like we connected in a way no one else could understand. In a fashion that was all ours. One that had belonged to us since the beginning of creation.
“Do you yield?” we asked at the same time, grinning at our synchronized question, our gazes holding for a long moment before she stood and held out her hand to me.
“Ja, husband, I yield.”
“As do I, wife,” I conceded, taking her hand and standing to roars of approval, reveling in everyone’s looks of pride and approval at Freya. She even earned a curt nod from Ivar before he left, but that was something. A beginning when it came to my obstinate second-in-command.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the moment, I addressed my warriors, all of whom were still present and witnessed Freya’s battle skills, earning their respect based on their looks of pride. She had gone up against the best warrior they knew and held her ground until the end, and I spoke to that.
“Whilst I promised Freya’s father she wouldn’t go to battle with us, but bear strong sons and daughters born of the bear and wolf, ’twas just seen ’twould be wasteful not to put such skills to good use,” I said loudly enough for all to hear. “Therefore, I would see that she helps train our warriors going forward until the day her father changes his mind, or something happens that makes it crucial for her to fight sooner.” Sheathing my blade, I gestured proudly at her. “For is she not every inch a shield-maiden and my equal in battle?”
When roars of approval and agreement rose, Freya lowered her head in thanks, then smiled at everyone. Though someone offered her an ale, she refused. Instead, she gestured at afemale warrior to step forward so that they might spar, signaling that practice should resume and drinking would follow later. Grinning, I nodded in agreement and joined my aunt, who stood nearby, with just as much pride.
“I always knew your mother was truly gifted with foresight, but this day ’twas never so clear, nephew.” She admired the ease with which Freya worked with her opponent, eloquent in the way she drew out the other woman’s strengths and weaknesses. “Whilst I disagree with her father’s wishes, I can’t help but suspect your mother foresaw Freya serving our people all the better right here, building already fierce warriors into the very best in all of Norway.”
Nodding in agreement, I took great pleasure in watching Freya over the next several hours. She embraced her inner warrior, the only way she could for now, but I sensed it was enough. When her eyes occasionally met mine, and I saw the excitement burning bright within them, resurrecting her in a way that had been lacking before, I knew how grateful she was. Moreover, how promising our future looked now that she knew I would never deny her the chance to battle so long as I kept my word to her father.
Not long after, the sun sank low in the sky, its brilliant crimson fading as it dipped into the sea behind black, churning clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, prompting the battles to come to an end, and people left to bathe and prepare for dinner. As it was every evening, except during times of celebration, many would go to the great lodge to dine and socialize, while others chose to remain in their cottages and feast with their families.
Typically, Freya and I joined everyone in the great lodge so that she could spend time with our people, and I expected no differently tonight until she surprised me on our walk back to our lodge.
“Might we dine alone tonight, Soren?”
The softness in her voice and the almost shy way she looked at me were at odds with the fierceness that had been on her face minutes before battling.
“Or do you think it better given my new role that I’m among our people tonight so that we might drink and toast to battles well fought, even if only friendly?”
No fool, I answered as any husband in his right mind would.
“I think our people would well understand if we wanted to remain in this eve, given we’re still newly married,” I replied, aware that Sten stalked along after us, now not just my protector but Freya’s. “And I would very much like it.”
Although I was unsure what it might mean or if anything sensual would come of it, I enjoyed her company, finding our friendship as strong as it ever was, so time alone was always welcome. To that end, I spoke to someone in passing about having our meal brought to us. Soon after, we entered our lodge to a freshly tended fire, a basin of steaming water, and ale and food to snack on.
Sitting in front of the fire, Freya poured us ale and grinned at me before downing half of it. When she smiled again, my heart warmed at her happiness.
“Yet again, I find myself grateful to you for all the kindness you have shown me.” Freya shook her head, seeming to marvel at it. “’Twas so much more than I anticipated and it has…” She seemed to struggle with finding the right words to express what was in her heart. “It’s made me so pleased that you sought me to be your wife.” Her eyes lingered on mine. “That you never gave up on me.”
“Nor would I ever,” I vowed, meaning every word. “You make me very proud, Freya. Not just years ago or today but always.”
“As do you, me,” she said softly, her gaze faltering a moment before she drank down the rest of her ale in one long swig andset her mug down. “So, I want you to know more about why I’ve feared lying with you thus far. You have earned the truth.”
Setting aside my ale without drinking it, I nodded for her to continue.
Even though she hesitated as if she might not go on, rallied her courage, and spoke. “’Twas a night much like this with a storm brewing.” She swallowed hard. “Mother had already died, and Father was away. Warriors from another tribe were passing through, and whilst most were good men, it turned out one was not and cornered me behind a lodge during celebrations.”
I tensed at the mix of frustration and sadness saturating her eyes.
