Free Wild Viking Princess by Anna Markland Page A

definitely a Viking.
    Roar squirmed. “I captured it. In the raid.”
    Margit scoffed. “From a woman?”
    His eager answer shocked her. “ Ja! ”
    A woman at Reider’s encampment? She chewed her lip as jealousy gnawed at her. “A woman at Husembro? Who was she? Describe her.”
    Roar shook his head, eyeing the dagger. “I know not. She was hidden in a lodge and I stumbled over her. I thought there was a chance Reider might be hiding inside. She was a blonde. Long hair down to her waist. I had to flee before I had a chance to kill her. She had a mean dog. A man came to her rescue and our boat had pulled away—” His voice trailed off.
    Coward!
    “—he was not a Dane.”
    This captured her attention. “Not a Dane?”
    Roar sweated still. “He was not dressed like a Dane, and Ivar Sigurdsen was with them. We were outmanned.”
    She waved her hand in dismissal. “Be gone. You sicken me.”
    He turned to leave, then had the temerity to look back at the dagger, a question in his eyes. She smirked. “ Nej , Roar. The dagger is mine now.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
     
    After long deliberation, Dagfinn’s battle plan was deemed the most likely to succeed. The best time to attack Gorm was at night. Not only would darkness provide cover, most of the drunkards and malcontents who had supported the usurper would be well into their cups by nightfall.
    Sailing at night was risky, and a frontal attack from the sea fraught with dangers. Gorm and his cronies would be on the watch. Instead, Dagfinn proposed they sail in daylight to the opposite side of Strand, trek overland, wait until nightfall and attack from the rear.
    Though the rocky leeward side of the island provided few landing places, one of Reider’s farms had a small dock they could use.
    Kjartan was concerned that if their overland attack failed, they would have no means of escape by sea.
    Reider rubbed his chin. “You are right, my friend, but I think Dagfinn’s plan offers the best chance of success.”
    Kjartan scratched his head. “I agree. Every proposal has risks. I’ll prepare the men.”
    Reider and Dagfinn shook hands, and his father’s ally slapped him on the back. “The gods will favour us, Reider. We are fighting for justice and honour. Gorm has no honour. My commanders will ready our men. It is fitting we should help you regain your birthright.”
    Reider embraced his neighbour, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Thank you, my lord.”
    ~~~
    Reider and Kjartan were left with little to do while Dagfinn’s men prepared the fleet. They and their crew were outfitted with armour and weapons. Reider was glad to have his hand on an axe once again. It was his favourite weapon but he was out of practice. He and Kjartan had spent an hour in mock combat. Muscles Reider had not used for a while were already aching.
    “How fortunate we are to have such an ally, Kjartan,” he said as they paused for refreshment, marvelling at the number of boats and men Dagfinn had committed to the fight.
    Kjartan sheathed the dagger, his weapon of choice. “Indeed, but he and your father were friends, as well as allies. He knows you would do the same for him if needs be.”
    Both men wiped the sweat from their brows and bare torsos, then resumed their practice.
    It felt good to be engaged in hard physical exercise again. They had trained during their exile, but now there was purpose to it, a feeling it was real. Vengeance was within reach.
    Though the prospect filled Reider with more determination than ever, something was missing. Would vengeance be enough? What then? Strand would need a strong ruler. Was he equal to the task? With Ragna he could be.
    Preoccupied with this startling thought, he swung at Kjartan, but his friend nimbly sidestepped and Reider stumbled forward.
    Kjartan sheathed his weapon and bent at the waist. He put his hands on his knees, catching his breath. “Your thoughts are elsewhere, my friend. I could have plunged my dagger to the hilt in your gut.