Page 28 of Song and Sword
“I’ll be joining you,” said Hakon firmly.
“If that is Sif’s wish, young man,” said Baedi, with a hint of asperity.
“It is her wish,” said Hakon.
Baedi turned to Sif, who blushed and nodded. Hakon flushed with triumph.
The three of them walked to the grove with the fallen tree that Sif had used earlier. Sif sat down on the fallen tree where Hakon had spanked and taken her. She shared an intimate sidelong glance with the warrior. Hakon tried to hide a predatory grin. Baedi gave no indication of having noticed.
Sif and the older witch spent some time in muttered conversation which Hakon made no attempt to overhear. When the two had concluded their talk, Sif closed her eyes and murmured rhythmically. Soon it was clear that although Sif’s body was sitting on the fallen tree, her mind was elsewhere.
Baedi regarded Hakon steadily. “So you have laid a claim on our Ironwood Sister.”
He nodded. “She is mine. Sif has promised herself to me in exchange for my sword.”
“You’re a fortunate man.”
“And I know it. Sif is everything to me,” said Hakon.
Baedi gave him a measuring stare. “You say that like you mean it.”
“To the last drop of my life’s blood,” stated Hakon simply.
“Good,” said Baedi, then, “she wakes. Let us pray to the Goddess that she was successful.”
Sif opened her eyes, panting for breath. “I talked to him!” she gasped. “He sang no song in response to mine, but I was able to open the way.”
“Well done, my love!” said Hakon proudly.
“Well done indeed, Sister,” agreed Baedi. “What did the Jarl have to say?”
Sif’s expression grew grave. “Once he got over the shock, little enough. He told me to pass on that he will neither drive you away nor open his gates to you. If the Skraelings are on the way, he says, we will know soon enough.”
Baedi sighed. “Such a man of half measures is the Jarl. Trying to drive us away would cost him warriors. Letting us in would risk betrayal. So once again he waits, and cripples his own ability to defend Visby, as well as our ability to give him aid.” The witch gave Sif a quick but strong hug. “Well done. I will take my leave and tell Gunhilde and Sigrid of the Jarl’s decision.” Baedi stepped lightly into the forest.
Sif tried to get up then quickly sat back down, leaning heavily on the fallen log. Hakon sat down next to her, holding her and letting her lean on him.
“Easy now,” said Hakon, stroking her hair. “This sending took a lot out of you, it seems.”
“It did,” murmured Sif. “It’s so much harder to reach out to an unwilling person.” She took a deep breath and snuggled into Hakon more tightly. “Baedi says I will get better with practice, but that was so hard.”
“You did well, my love,” said Hakon softly. “Very well indeed.” He continued to stroke her hair.
“Thank you, Hakon,” said Sif sleepily. “I’m so glad you’re here. I always feel so safe when I’m with you.”
“Youaresafe with me,” rumbled Hakon. “Rest now, my love. I will keep you safe and warm.” He gently slid them both down to the soft turf, leaned against the base of the fallen tree, and drew Sif into his arms. Her golden hair fell into his lap. Hakon sighed and let himself settle into the base of the tree, watching the rise and fall of Sif’s chest. Very rarely, he felt, fate let you know that you were exactly where you were supposed to be.
There were battles in Hakon’s future, and he knew it. He did not fear them; Hakon was good at the craft of war. He loved to prove himself in battle, and for quite some time, his skill with sword and shield had been at the center of his world. Sif, however, represented something different, something more. Ultimately, a warrior had to fightforsomething,whether it be home, family, or his own honor. The woman who lay sleeping against him represented something worth fighting for.
As quiet fell, Hakon could hear the noises of the forest come to the foreground. He felt at peace with nature in a way that he had not for a very long time. Hakon had no need to sleep, but he let himself rest. Finally, as the sun rose higher in the sky, he felt the pattern of Sif’s breathing change, and she stirred. Hakon gently stroked her hair, bringing her back to wakefulness.
“Oh.” Sif opened her eyes, blinking. “Hakon,” she murmured, straightening and looking around. “I wasn’t expecting that. I was so tired!”
“You needed the rest, my love. And I was glad of the peace.” Hakon rose stiffly to his feet then helped Sif to stand up. He walked back and forth, shaking out his legs, while Sif stretched like a cat.
“That was the most restful sleep,” yawned Sif. “Thank you, Hakon. You were right. You kept me safe and warm.” She smiled at him.
A rush of feelings swept through Hakon, and he took Sif in a fierce embrace. “You are mine,” he whispered into her ear. “My woman.” His lips brushed over her ear, and Sif shivered.
