Page 40 of A Viking's Captive

“What of the father of your child?”

“My husband is a fierce warrior under the king’s command. Recently the king called him to duty, and I do not ken when he will return. I hope he can return before our bairn is born. I was taken from Orkney Island, so I have no kin to aid me.”

As he considered her words, she stood and wet the cloth over the child’s brow, touching his abdomen and noting his fever gone for now. She listened intently to his breathing and gave instructions to the maid to bring more hot water for tea. Hákon slumbered fitfully, and she awakened him long enough for him to drink the medicinal tea. Ilona repositioned the pillows into an upright position underneath his shoulders and head to ease his breathing.

Ilona asked the maid where the outhouse was and she gave her directions. Ilona excused herself briefly and returned to care for the young lad.

As she tended to Hákon, Ilona sensed the heated gaze of his father as she worked. Even so, Erik appeared burdened and fatigued with all of his duties. Mayhap while here, she could further lighten his burdens. Ilona wished to help him be more present with his son so that their relationship could grow. In healing, Ilona found she needed to administer care and understanding to the caregivers or parents along with care for her ill patient.

“Your son’s breathing has eased. I will remain faithfully by his side and care for him with the help of your staff. You need to sleep.”

“I will remain here, where I will be available, should you or my son need me.” Retrieving a blanket from the maid, Ilona tucked it around Hákon. Ilona sat next to him and sipped teawith Erik, who previously had held himself rigidly. It seemed he never let his guard down.

Now she could see him visibly relax over time, until he finally fell asleep. His head lolled to the side. While he slept, Ilona gave his son more willow bark tea and massaged his chest with a paste of aromatic herbs. Later, she gave Hákon more tincture of fennel and horehound tea.

In the night, the fire crackled on the firepit, leaving a lingering smell of peat. The scent, a comfort to Ilona, reminded her of her home. She was thankful for her parents, who loved her, even though they were now separated by miles of ocean.

The flames of the fire danced. Light and shadows flickered across Erik’s face. Ilona hoped to lift the signs of grief etched into his skin. She had seen the pain in his eyes and wondered when he had last smiled. While the night passed, Ilona continued her care of Hákon as his father slept soundly in the chair next to his son’s bed.

As dawn was breaking in the sky outside, she set Woden and the highest-ranking older woman to stand watch over Hákon for a few moments.

Women arrived in the kitchen and started preparations for the mid-morning meal for Erik and his guests. Despite the increasing level of noise, Erik slumbered on. Mayhap he had little to nae sleep the last few days with the onset of Hákon’s illness. Although tired, Ilona had been used to little sleep when she tended the ill.

Hákon awakened and smiled at Ilona. He still had a low fever and a cough, but his breathing effort had decreased. Ilona had the women prepare more chicken soup for him as before.

“The soup was delicious. Thank you. I have not seen you before. You are beautiful. Where did you come from?”

“Your father rode to my village and requested I come to care for you as a healer. How do you feel? I’m glad ye like the soup. There will be more food if you are hungry.”

“I am better but tired, like I ran a long race up a mountain. Thank you for coming to care for me. I know my illness would have continued if you had not come.”

“Tell me about your favorite things. Your father tells me you are training to use swords.”

“I still use a wooden sword but am eager to use a real sword. I love to ride my horse, Thunder. I miss him.”

“I know he misses ye too. But the staff will care for him until you are fully healed. It will take time for you to be well enough to ride. Do you read, write, or play games like chess?”

“I read and write and play chess with my father. But I am not as skilled as my father.”

“When you are up to it, we can play together. You may learn new skills and how to beat your father.”

“I did not know women play chess too.”

“Women can do almost anything a man can do—if given an opportunity. Many women do not play because no one took the time to teach them the skills.”

Erik awakened slowly as he heard low murmuring nearby. He kept his eyes closed and listened to the discussion between his son and the healer. His son had improved enough to awake and hold a conversation.

Opening his eyes, it amazed Erik how good he felt after the best night’s sleep in years. He heard the eagerness in his son’s voice. Erik had not seen hopefulness in his eyes in a long time. How had he overlooked this for so long?

“Now, it’s time for you to eat to regain your strength. There’s bread for you to eat too, if you like. No cheese or milk for you for a week after you are better.” Ilona fed him until he took the spoon from her to eat independently again. Meanwhile, she told him amusing stories and made him laugh with delight.

“My father was amazed the fish he pulled up was smaller than the one I hooked. The fish surprised my father when it jumped off his fishing line. A magical fish that still lives in the loch.”

His eyes sparkled as Hákon thought about a magical fish. Erik was equally fascinated as he let it be known upon awakening. He kissed his son’s head. “How are you?”

“Thanks to Ilona, I am much better, Father.”

“I’m glad, son. But it will take more time to fully recover. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He left and relieved himself, washed, and dressed in clean clothes. Erik met with the elders and his head warriors and gave them instructions for the next couple of days, since he intended to spend time with his son and the lovely Ilona. She made him want to be a better man for his child.