Page 56 of Merciful Salvation

“She advised her, milady—nearly forced her to admit she loved the jarl.”

“Nothing more?” Tyr asked.

The guard grinned. “Your probing maid hardly gave the girl time to think.”

“We should consider making Wolinda a freewoman,” Rachelle suggested. “She’s always been a useful servant to me.”

“Aye,” Tyr agreed. “You may go.” Tyr gestured for his warrior to leave.

“Are you convinced now?” Rachelle asked.

“Of what?”

“To invite Erik the Bald to our home?”

Tyr nodded. “Since the day Kara Dalgaard arrived here with my cousin on her heels, I’ve been convinced the gods intended for them to be together. What better match for my kinsman could I suggest? If theSigurdssons and Dalgaards are united by blood, the chance to expand our trading rights in the south will improve. Until now, I’ve struggled to negotiate successfully with King Olaf.”

“And the McNallys?”

“They, too, will benefit greatly. Scottish wool is still the best in Europe.”

“And we can always use more silk,” Rachelle reminded him.

“Yes,” Tyr chuckled. “McNally ships have helped protect the shipping routes from Miklagard. More silk means more gowns for my beautiful wife.” He caressed her cheek. “When Wolinda returns, summon her to our bedchamber, I’d speak with her privately.” He stood. “Allfather is with us.”

Odin’s supporters were far superior in the north, but after King Magnus died, pagans in the south had suffered. Unsanctioned attacks, murders, kidnappings, and economic sanctions had weakened their defenses. Although she usually kept her political opinions to herself because she was a Christian, Rachelle usually agreed with her husband’s ideas. Peace must be achieved. All craftsmen, regardless of their faiths, should be allowed to trade and sell freely.

“Shall I write the letter?” she asked.

“No,” he said. “I prefer to address my old friend. There will be no surprises—Jarl Erik is a volatile man. It will take every ounce of diplomacy I have left in my body to convince him to give his daughter to Aaron.”

“But Aaron is wealthy—a jarl in his own right.”

“And a pagan. But my cousin hasn’t revealed his true faith to anyone, but us.”

That confused Rachelle more than anything. “Why?”

“He’s not shared the purpose in his masquerading as a Christian still. Although I suspect it has something to do with our young king.”

“I pray Erik the Bald opens his heart. His daughter deserves to be happy.”

Two days later, after the morning meal, Kara headed for the stables. Determined to speak with Aaron alone, she decided not to make the same mistake as she had the other day. Confiding in a servant, who obviously had strong feelings for Jarl McNally, hadn’t helped. She’d experienced this kind of blind allegiance before. With maids in her father’s household who fostered her brothers after their mother died. Those women protected her brothers day and night, refusing to properly discipline them, even after they’d disobeyed their father. The only person capable of giving her advice was in the king’s camp—why hadn’t she brought Amelia along?

Kara waited patiently, while a stable boy saddled her mare. She gazed toward the main house. Thankfully, Wolinda worked in the kitchen and would stay busy until afternoon. And Kara saw no reason to disturb Tyr and Rachelle. She’d been given permission to ride anytime. Why not alone? She’d reach Aaron’s steading in no time.

“Here’s your mount, milady.” The boy offered her the reigns.

“Thank you.” She swung her leg over the saddle as confidently as any warrior. “If anyone asks about me, tell them I’ll return for the eventide meal.”

“Aye,” the servant said.

She galloped over the hill to see the river. Golden sunshine reflected off the water.Beautiful. Everything was in bloom—the gardens and fields, forest and hills. Sheep and goats were grazing in the valley. Although Lagenheim possessed natural charms, the Trondelag captivated her. At a distance, snowcapped mountains ringed the lowlands, reminding her of the presence of the ice giants. The gods were never far away.

She reached the main road. A mile north, a group of women and children carrying baskets full of berries waved at her. She smiled. One day, she’d take her children into the woods to pick flowers and berries. After everything she’d been through over the last two months, she welcomed anything mundane. Regret motivated her today. She’dviolated Aaron’s trust by abandoning him the moment a stranger accused him of a crime. Her stomach tightened. Would he accept her apology? Give her a chance to explain?

Reaching the edge of the forest that overlooked her lover’s home, she paused momentarily. She imagined what it would be like living there with Aaron. Making love every night, assisting the women in the kitchen, planning feasts, welcoming family and friends. She coaxed her mare into a trot. No reason to appear overly anxious. As she approached the open gates, three men chopping wood stopped and glanced her way.

“I’m here to see Jarl McNally,” she announced.