Page 39 of A Viking's Captive

“I am sorry he is ill, and I hope to restore his health soon, for his sake and for your family.”

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“How old is your son?”

“Hákon is ten years old and normally full of energy and always active. It is hard to see him placid and having such difficulty breathing.” They stopped, as Ilona needed to relieve herself.

They resumed their journey, since the horses did nae need to be rested. A short time later, when they arrived at Erik’s village, he lifted Ilona carefully to the ground while a lad took her mount. Rathnon’s friend, Woden, accompanied her as Erik led them to his son’s bedside inside his own family’s longhouse.

Ilona examined the lad and listened carefully to his breathing and cough. She asked for a cup of hot water and quickly prepared tea of willow bark. Lifting the lad’s head, she assistedhim so he could drink it. It would help relieve his fever and help with the pain from incessant coughing.

After preparing a tincture of fennel, which she gave to the boy, she prepared another tea of comfrey. A short time later, Ilona gave the boy a tea made with horehound. It would help clear mucus from his lungs and, hopefully, diminish his coughing.

Later, she applied warm oil and massaged his chest. The fever had diminished. Several women helped her, and they eagerly brought her whatever she asked for.

After several hours, Woden said, “Ilona, Ye need to eat and drink. I ken the boy is slightly better. If ye wish to continue to care for him, ye must eat now.” He handed her a trencher of delicious venison stew and bread. “What can I bring ye to drink?”

“Plain tea, please.” Quickly, she drank her tea and ate.

To the maid, she said, “Please bring me tea and honey.” Ilona gave it to the young boy, who eagerly drank the sweet liquid.

“Please prepare a chicken broth with carrots, onions, mushrooms, and celery. I will give it to him for dinner. It will help him breathe easier.”

“Right away,” the maid answered. “I will see to it.”

“Thank you.” Ilona pressed a cool compress to the lad’s forehead, and he appeared to relax even more. He did nae cough as much as earlier.

Erik left his son’s bedside initially but returned and watched Ilona with interest. He noticed each time she administered tea or tinctures to his son and saw their effects. Besides her greatbeauty, he noticed the loving way she cared for his son. Ilona was tender and caring as she lifted him. Placing more pillows underneath him to lift his head up enabled him to breathe easier. She fed him the soup, his breathing easier as he fell back to sleep.

Ilona was surprised that the lad’s mother did nae come to check on him. Erik had said the lad was his only son, and she saw the worry etched on Erik’s face as he gazed at his child with love. “What are his favorite things to do? What does he enjoy?”

“He loves many things. Hákon loves riding his horse and going hunting with the men. He enjoys hunting more than fishing as he considers it more manly. He does not like the smell of the fish but tries to mask his distaste. Hákon has trained with wooden swords and wants to be a fierce warrior when he becomes older.”

“Like his father, whom he nae doubt admires.”

“Being in a responsible position has its own challenges and duties. I have not been able to give him all the attention he deserves as I protect my family and teach sword skills.”

“No parent can provide a child all the attention they deserve. We must work and care for others. We all have duties. It is part of life, no matter whether man or woman. Do not be too hard on yerself.”

“Thank you. You have given me much to consider and have lightened my burden. I should have been able to prevent my son from becoming ill if I had paid more attention.”

“We cannot prevent every illness. Some illnesses strengthen us. It also helps us appreciate our blessings and those who care for us, right?”

“You are wise for one so young. Do you have children of yer own?”

“Not yet. This is my first,” she said as she rubbed her abdomen, soothing her babe and herself. “I am an only child. But I keenly observed and listened quietly to the healer’s conversations. I worked and learned from healers and from those I care for.”

“I feel a significant burden has been lifted from me since you are here to care for my son. He is breathing easier, and it relieves the heaviness in my heart.”

“It is a burden to carry the responsibility for everyone on your shoulders while you also care for your son and support your wife when she’s worried about your son’s welfare. I have not met yer wife. Is she well?”

“My wife is dead. She died many years ago when Hákon was a baby.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, I have had no one to share my concerns about my son with since her death. Nor a partner to share concerns for the welfare of those who live here.”

Ilona’s acknowledgment of his responsibilities, duties, and concerns lifted a portion of the darkness in his heart. Submerged in grief since his wife’s death, he’d buried himself in his duties. Erik wondered where Ilona’s husband was, if alive. He could offer his protection if she were alone. Appreciating her beauty and grace, Erik also admired her tenacity in helping care for his son.