Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

Elin made her way back to her dwelling. Many of the women were busy about their tasks—tending the vegetables they grew on the foreshore and seeing to their hens and goats. Others were carrying buckets to where the channeled water now flowed from the hillside. Some way off, their small band of children were seated with Sigrid, who appeared to be showing them how to make a kite. At the farthest end of their settlement, two of the men were on the roof of one of the huts, weaving fresh stalks into the thatch.

All was calm.

In the past weeks, those who'd once been strangers had found a place among them. They'd brought a renewal of hope and a sense of peace.

Yet it is all founded upon straw, all too easily blown away.

Elin's mind was turning—not just upon what she wanted from Rangvald and what she was willing to give in return, but the need for honesty between them.

However short their time together, he ought to know what had happened to Bj?rn, Ulrick, and the rest of their menfolk, at least as far as she could make sense of it, for there was much about their fate that remained a mystery.

And once Rangvald knows, he'll surely share that knowledge.

No matter what transpires, I'll speak on behalf of these men. ‘Tis wrong to hold them here against their will or to deny the truth of this place.

Nearing her dwelling, Elin noted the door was slightly ajar. She was about to enter when a hushed voice carried from within.

"…good progress with the oars; already, he's carving the last."

Elin drew back immediately. Of course, Eldberg had said he would visit Rangvald.

"All are hidden upon the hillside. We need only select a trunk to become the mast, and J?rgen has procured an old sail. He's mending it when he has the opportunity."

So, it's as I thought…

Elin had surmised that the desire to depart must be upon the men's minds, but it took her aback to hear Eldberg speak so candidly. How long had they been making their plans?

And how long has Rangvald known and said naught?

It hurt to think of what they'd shared while he'd been thinking all the while of how soon he might go. Had she been no more than a passing amusement, then—just as she'd feared?

Elin didn't want to hear more—of Rangvald telling his jarl how easily he'd won her over. No wonder he wished her to call him ‘master.' Had his hope been, when the time came to set sail, to command her to provision them with food for their journey home? To speak for their cause and persuade a portion of the women to give aid? She guessed Eldberg would promise some payment to lure them. If they helped the men leave, Eldberg could later return them to H?y in a ship laden with things they needed, but such an agreement would rely on trust.

How had she not seen it before? She squeezed shut her eyes, her misery keeping her rooted where she stood.

Listen and let Rangvald's words sink into my heart. ‘Twill make it all the easier to set him aside when I must, knowing he has never truly cared for me.

"You presume too much." Rangvald spoke now, and there was a bitterness to his voice. "Always, you expect us to follow orders, but we are no longer in Skálavík."

"Of course I expect it. I am your jarl." Eldberg's voice grew louder. "You are mine to command, e'en though you have but one arm to row with. We need every man to navigate out of this treacherous bay."

"Is that all I am? An arm for the oars." Rangvald spat his reply.

"Aye! Mayhap!" Eldberg's temper was rising. "Once we're on the open sea, the wind and rudder shall serve, and you may whine all you wish. Though if you endure in your moaning, I can't promise none among us shall tip you over."

Elin jumped at the sound of something heavy being thrown.

Dear gods! Do they mean to fight?

"What if I've no taste for returning?" Rangvald snarled.

"Ha!" Eldberg's laugh was cruel. "You think to stay here in this backwater of women?"

Is Rangvald really thinking to remain here with me?

Elin's pulse raced. She'd never entertained the possibility. For a man such as Rangvald, was it feasible that he could be content in this ‘backwater,' as his jarl put it?

Rangvald's retort was immediate. "Why should I not? Better to rule here than be your dog in Skálavík!"

A fist closed over Elin's heart.

Nay! He cannot be thinking…

She was going to retch!

Lurching away, she cornered the hut and bent over, clutching her stomach.

He means only to use me… as a means to control H?y?

‘Twas a delusion, if so, for no matter how respected Elin might be, she knew the women would never again let a man govern them. If any were to hear Rangvald speak so, his life would be forfeit.

And why should you care? Did you not hear? He has no love for you nor for the island, only wanting to escape the thumb of his jarl.

Her tears sprung hot.

Better that he'd never come, that I'd never laid eyes on this man.

Except that she'd been only half-alive in the time before Rangvald. The weeks with him had changed her in ways she could not begin to express.

He speaks only in the heat of the moment, in this quarrel with his jarl. He does not mean his words.

Though she trembled, Elin made herself return close by the door. She pressed her forehead to the wall and listened again.

The two men had fallen silent, but then she heard Rangvald once more.

"It should have been me favored by Beornwold, not you!" His voice dripped pure ice.

Eldberg made a scoffing sound. "You may be good enough to command the Watch, but do not overreach, my friend."

"You're a cuckoo in the nest," Rangvald snapped. "Consuming far more than was ever your due… not just the jarldom but a bride to seal the contract. ‘Tis no wonder the gods took Bretta from you, for you never were her equal."

"You dare speak her name!" Eldberg growled. "What is it, snake? You wanted the daughter of Jarl Beornwold for yourself? Is this your grudge?"

Elin's mind whirled. ‘Twas unnatural for a man to have such desires for a woman of his own blood, but such things were not unheard of.

"My sister was worth ten of you!" Rangvald sneered. "And my father less than the mud upon my boot. Did you never wonder at his death, sudden as it was? Some said it was his heart, but there was talk of poison from the first. Did you never hear those rumors? Perhaps none dared utter them in your presence, for who other than yourself would have done such a thing—the very man to benefit from his demise?"

"‘Twas you that caused his death? And Bretta was…" The shock in Eldberg's voice was evident.

A great crash sounded from inside the hut and a roar of anger. Were the two men about to kill each other?

Nay! Eldberg is far stronger. Rangvald shall have no chance to defend himself!

As Elin flung the door wide, she beheld Eldberg charge at Rangvald, pinning him to the table, scattering bowls and cups to the floor. His hands clasped about Rangvald's throat.

"Stop!" Elin rushed at Eldberg's back, hammering her fists.

She gasped as Eldberg swiveled to loom over her, his face reddened and the veins bulging at his temple. He glowered and with a curl of his lip, stepped aside.

However, at that very moment, Rangvald leapt with an outstretched arm. Too late, Elin saw the knife, the edge glinting as it plunged in her direction.