Page 42 of A Viking's Captive

“We have one loom, and several women weave for everyone in the village. Do you weave often?”

“Ja (Yes), I weave frequently and find it very pleasant. It is enjoyable to search in the forest for plants to make colors for yarns, spin the wool into yarn, and weave the yarn into wool fabric.

“I try to help as best I can by churning butter, making bread and cheese, working in the gardens, and gathering healing herbs. I like to hunt and fish since my father taught me.”

“You are an amazing woman,” he said appreciatively. “How long will it take my son to recover?”

“I cannot tell yet. He can have a relapse if he does nae get enough rest. I will tell better over the course of the next few days. So he does not overtire, exercise or strenuous work needs to be gradually introduced. I am pleased with his progress.”

Returning to the longhouse, Erik said, “As am I. I cannae thank you enough for what you have done for my son and myself.”

“It has been my pleasure. You have a wonderful and considerate son. I hope he will fully recover and have more energy.” Erik sat beside Ilona and engaged her in conversation. She talked about her experience growing up in Orkney Island and Scotland.

Erik realized how lonely he had been. Ilona had reawakened his soul and yearning for something more. He felt alive again.He thought of how difficult it must have been for her husband to leave her behind when attending to the king. Perhaps the king had sent her husband on more raids.

As they spoke, Ilona shared that her husband had built them their own longhouse. “It resembles more closely the homes in Scotland with bedrooms. He surprised me with it after we married. During his absence last year, I added to our home. Did you grow up with your wife?”

Erik had not spoken of his wife in many years. “Ja (Yes), we grew up together. But I was away for a few years. When I returned, she had transformed from a lass into a lovely woman. I knew she would be a good wife and mother; we married and had Hákon. We had hoped for further children, but she died of a wasting disease before we could have more.”

“I’m sorry. I ken you miss her. You must see her in Hákon. It sounds like you had many happy years you shared while she lived. That is a blessing. Many people never find the love of their life nor have much-loved children.”

“I haven’t spoken of her for many years.”

“We honor those who have died by talking about them and the good things they created for us to enjoy. What do you think? How do you feel talking about her and the blessings ye enjoyed with her?”

“It is helpful to look at it as you described. I miss her. I think I need to speak to Hákon more often about her life. She was a blessing to us.”

Erik insisted Ilona sleep in his bed again after they spoke late into the early morning hours. His admiration for her grew themore time they spent together under the watchful and wary eyes of Woden.

Woden noted how Erik devoured Ilona with his eyes when he thought no one saw. Although Ilona laughed with Erik and others in the village, she never looked at Erik the way she gazed at Rathnon. Woden slept at night on the floor close to Ilona to ensure she remained safe, day and night.

Hákon’s health continued to progress, and his curiosity and enthusiasm grew under Ilona’s influence. Warriors, villagers, and elders in the village noted the surprising change in the previously dour-looking Erik. Laughing more, he seemed to enjoy life. The healer had healed not only his son but Erik too. In the last couple of days, they enjoyed her company and recommendations for health. Shortly, it would be safe to return to her village, for Hákon had made amazing progress.

As Ilona shared part of her life with Erik and Hákon, she wondered about her husband and their child. Ilona continued to care for Hákon as his health improved and he recovered. She made aspects of his recovery fun for him, and his playfulness increased.

The pain and anguish in Erik’s eyes slowly dissipated. However, they were replaced by other feelings toward Ilona. Woden intervened to put greater distance between Erik and Ilona and to ensure she cared for herself properly.

In this time away and missing Rathnon, she compared him to others and saw more clearly his loving actions toward her in every aspect of their life. Ilona missed him more each day.

She finally admitted she needed to forgive her husband for stealing her to truly love him as he deserved. Rathnon waseverything she admired in a man and in a husband. Ilona yearned for him and kent he would be a loving father—if he ever returned.

Although he knew it was wrong, secretly, Erik wished her husband would not return to claim her.

Chapter 13

Rathnon’s Return

As he rode away from Ilona and home, Rathnon berated himself for how he had handled his conversation with his wife. He would smooth things over with Ilona. He wanted her to understand how much he loved her. Forced to attend to the king, if he could have turned around and returned immediately, he would have. But the king commanded him.

After Rathnon left Ilona, he remained restless to return. Anxious about her welfare, he was bereft leaving her when she had been angry at him. He was not happy having to leave her at all; Rathnon did not want her to give birth to their child while he was not present to support her. Especially as he had robbed her of her family. He felt guilty about expressing his deep need to protect her and her interpretation that she was his property.

As he rode, he had plenty of time for contemplation and reflection.I must show Ilona the depth of my love for her. I do not consider her my property.When he told her, “Ye are mine,” he only meant he claimed her as his wife. Ilona was not meant for any other man. His treasure alone and most precious to him.But how can I convince her?

At the castle, he spent time in the queen's company. King Håkosson entertained his guests, trusting Rathnon to keep his wife, Magrete, both safe and entertained.

“Pardon me, but I need your advice” Rathnon said. The queen nodded for him to continue. “My wife was not happy with me when I left. I am compelled to protect and care for her. I love her with all my heart. When I tell her of my need to protect her,she interprets that I think of her as my property. What can I tell her to understand my need to keep her safe without thinking I consider her my property?”

The queen’s laughter tinkled in the air like happy bells pealing. “You are frustrated, and she is still angry you stole her from her family and home. Especially as she is expecting your first child, and she has no family to support her. Your aunt and the healer will care for her when she’s ready to deliver your child. But it is not the same without family at your side. A woman is most vulnerable during that time. A woman has little control over her life. Where she lives, who she marries, and when her child is born are out of her control. It is a time a woman feels powerless and needs the greatest reassurance.”