Page 38 of A Viking's Captive

“Over time, I was thankful I had a good husband who loved me and provided for me. In his own way, he was caring and loving. It took time for me to love him.

“I saw past his kidnapping. I looked at his good qualities and realized I needed to let go of the past to live in the present. I could nae change the past, as much as I wanted to. I looked at the benefits and blessings and did nae dwell on the negative.”

“Aye, we cannae change the past. I ken it could be worse. A beast of a man could have kidnapped me. Thank ye. I will think about what ye shared.” Later, Ilona left and walked to her home.

Without Rathnon, she was lonely. Ilona missed him. His ready smile that lit up his face when he looked at her that made her warm and content. His presence in bed next to her. It was nae a home without him. Feelings of longing filled her, and more tears streamed down her face to her pillow. Usually, Rathnon was her pillow.

Worried, Ilona meant to ask Sigrid questions about what happened to women if their husbands abandoned them. But they had spoken of other things.

Ilona tossed and turned from side to side. Frustrated, she could nae fall asleep even though she was tired.

Finally, she whispered to Rathnon, “I’m sorry, Rathnon. Ye do nae deserve my ire to continue for kidnapping me, even though I still want to ken how my parents are faring. I ken I cannae change the past, and neither can ye. I will try to forgive ye and show my appreciation for all ye do for me in the future. Please forgive me for nae being able to forgive ye yet. I miss ye and hope ye are safe, nae matter where ye are. Ye work for the king and must do as he commands ye. I may nae like it, but I must accept it is out of yer control and mine.”

Ilona fell into a deep sleep and dreamed of Rathnon. She was reassured the next morning when she felt her baby kick. “Wee bairn, do ye miss yer father too? Hopefully, he will return soon and forgive me. I hope he sends a letter to ken where he will travel and when he may return. Rathnon is a good man and he will be an amazing father.” Ilona washed, dressed, and walked to the longhouse. The sun peaked over the horizon when she left home. She wondered what the day would bring.Where are ye, Rathnon? When will ye return to me?

In a better frame of mind, Ilona wove a new design until she heard a commotion outside that drew her attention. She wondered what had occurred, as she heard many voices. After a few protracted minutes, an elder entered the longhouse and spoke with Sigrid, after which Sigrid approached Ilona.

“Ilona, would ye accompany me outside? There’s a problem ye may help with.”

Ilona got up from the loom and walked with Sigrid outside behind the elder. She was surprised to see a circle of men withconcerned looks on their grim faces. In the center stood a tall, commanding man who appeared regal in his bearing.

His black hair appeared wild and untamed, perhaps by haste in riding here or a lengthy journey. He raised Ilona’s curiosity about what could have caused such a furor. A striking man with vivid blue eyes and a black beard, he stimulated Ilona’s curiosity. His large muscles were evident beneath his clothes, and Ilona noted the curious looks the women gave the man.Who is he? What do I need to do?

To her surprise, the elder introduced her to the man. “Ilona, this is Erik Berg. He is the leader of another clan. His son is ill, and they have no healer. He is asking for our healer to travel with him to care for his son.

“As you know, Liv is not here and will nae return for a couple of days. He says his son cannot wait and needs the healer now. You can send him medicine to give to his son. Or you can travel with him with one of our warriors to protect you. I leave the decision to you. He is most anxious about his son and will give us more coins if you can heal him. He has promised his protection to you.”

“What is wrong with your son?”

“My son’s skin is hot to the touch, and he coughs a lot. He is not eating, and his skin is flushed. Nothing we have given him has helped. Please come with me. I beg you. I can’t bear to lose my son.” His anguish was visible on his face and in the tone of his voice.

“Has anyone else become ill who has cared for him or where you live?”

“Ingen (NO), No one else is ill—only my son. We must leave without delay.” Then he took in her pregnancy. “Can you yet ride a horse?”

“Ja, (yes) I can, but galloping fast may be uncomfortable for me.”

“Our journey is not far, and we will travel so you will ride at a comfortable pace.”

“I will go with ye. It will take a few minutes to gather the medicines I need to care for your son.”

Ilona went inside the longhouse and took the cloak she had worn early in the morning along with her healing bag and waterskin. She gathered another dress and put it in a sack with a few personal items. She walked solemnly to the healer’s hut and gathered additional herbs and placed them in the pockets of her cloak.

Minutes later, she returned to see her horse saddled and a warrior, Woden, a friend of Rathnon’s, already seated upon his horse. As Ilona drew near, she saw Erik clasp the arm of the elder.

Erik bowed to her. “Thank you for agreeing to see my son.” He lifted her into her saddle, jumped into his saddle, and they set off. True to his word, Erik acted solicitous and asked her to set the pace next to him.

Their path meandered through forests, next to rivers, and across meadows. A serpentine trek led them through the wilderness. Although Ilona sensed his underlying feeling of urgency, he refrained from rushing her or attempting to gallop.

Solicitous, Erik often asked if she needed to stop or take a break from riding. Ilona had missed riding, which she always enjoyed. With Woden accompanying them, she did nae fear for her safety.

“How long has your son been ill?”

“He has gotten worse over the last three days.”

“Has he been sick like this before?”

“Ingen (No), he has been blessed with a vigorous constitution and health in the past. I cannae remember when he was last ill. It is concerning, and he is my only son.”