Page 41 of A Viking's Captive

Erik returned and saw Hákon engaged in a game of chess with Ilona. His son’s face flashed with eagerness to learn as he intently studied each play. Ilona easily beat him but took the time to instruct him in strategy and alternate plays. She explained the benefits and risks of each play. After their game of chess and more healing teas, his son fell back to sleep.

“Ilona, it is time for you to rest and sleep. I will stay by my son’s side. You need your rest. I appreciate all you have done for my son, but you must think of your child. You will sleep in my bed across the room to be comfortable. The linens are clean for you.”

“I do not need to sleep in a bed. I can sleep on the floor as I have done many times before.”

“You will sleep in my bed. I will not have others calling me a brute in my treatment of you. Go to sleep now. If my son needs anything, I will call you.”

A maid accompanied Ilona over to the enormous bed adorned with furs in the same room. She helped her remove her dress and shoes behind a curtain, then Ilona crawled under the covers and fell asleep.

Erik was more relaxed than he had been in a long time as he studied his son’s visage while he slept. Much later, Erik paced the room as his son and Ilona slept. Ilona was beautiful in slumber, like an angel. Her pink lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly.

He felt a stirring in his loins he had not experienced since his wife’s death. Erik had felt dead for many years in the wake of her death. His heart clenched thinking about how long it had been since he had had a woman in his bed. Not that he intended to pursue Ilona in that manner, but her presence had a profound effect on him.

Brightness and vitality appeared restored in his son when he awakened hours later. His son relieved himself in a chamber pot; Erik attended Hákon himself, knowing he would not want a woman’s help. Hákon explained that Ilona had taught him muchabout playing chess. Erik chuckled at his son’s enthusiasm and hopeful look. He knew his son hoped he could beat him.

When Ilona awakened, she pulled her dress on over her head before she withdrew from the bed. Sleep had restored her. She checked on Hákon, who had returned to sleep, his fever abated.

“Hákon woke up for a short time and fell back to sleep. He shared how excited he was to learn and understand chess better after your guidance. Thank you for your care and instruction. I haven’t seen him this excited about learning something new in quite a while.”

“It is my pleasure. I’m happy that he is recovering. Please excuse me, I will go outside and return in a few minutes.” Ilona used the outhouse and then washed outside before returning to Erik’s longhouse. She received curious looks and smiles as she went about her business. A meal was set on the table for Ilona to eat. Meats, cheeses, and fresh bread with fruit were served, and Ilona ate heartily.

Woden left to be with the men, satisfied by the care Erik and his staff showed for Ilona. When he returned, he checked with Ilona to see if she needed anything or had any concerns he could allay.

After she completed her meal, Ilona returned to caring for Hákon. She prepared more medicine and tea and gave it to Hákon when he reawakened. Ilona told him a story her grandparents had told her; she ken the boy might like the story since it related to a brave warrior defeating his enemies and winning a woman he rescued and loved.

When the story ended, she judged from the satisfied smile on his face that he had enjoyed it. Erik relished the adventurestory and appreciated Ilona’s excellent storytelling skills. But afterward, she took the story further, asking both Hákon and Erik questions about it.

“How did the warrior prepare for battle? What choices did he make to claim the woman he loved? What would have happened if he had not prepared for the battle? What made the most difference?”

Erik gained insight into his son’s young mind and added extra insights for him to consider.

“My father taught me that chess is a game of strategy. From stories of courageous men and brave women, we can learn strategy and prioritization. These we can use to prepare for battles, whether literal battles or overcoming problems. We must recognize that we need more information to make wise decisions.

“We should not overlook people who have unique skills or status. In our village, everyone has good ideas to contribute. What would the oldest woman in the village tell you about growing food? What could you learn from the oldest man, and what made the critical difference? How would the carpenter tell you to build the best house or ship? Are there lessons in building a house similar to waging battles?”

“Your father is a wise man.”

While they dined, Erik talked about his parents and grandparents, and the lessons he had learned from them. Hákon asked him many questions before tiring and needing to sleep again.

Ilona observed their interaction, pleased with the results of her intervention.

Erik loved his son but did not want to be seen as weak and did not know how to communicate with his young child.

At the same time, Hákon loved and admired his warrior father but feared his disapproval. Hákon wanted to reach out to his father but did not wish to anger him. He understood his father held massive responsibilities and duties and was stressed enough as it was.

“With yer permission, I would like to take a walk outside for a few minutes.”

“I will accompany you since Hákon is better and sleeping. The women will watch over him.” He spoke to a woman who agreed to stay with his son.

Ilona wrapped her cloak about her and remained quiet while she walked alongside Erik. Her thoughts turned to Rathnon.Where is he? How long will he be gone?Ilona missed Rathnon and wished they were together again.

As she looked about her while they walked, Erik explained the buildings and their uses. The village appeared similar in many respects to Rathnon’s, but Rathnon’s was much larger. Ilona enjoyed seeing the gardens and spoke to one woman about what healing plants they had.

“Before I leave, with Erik’s approval, I will show you how to identify more plants with healing properties,” Ilona offered. “I will explain how to prepare them for the winter when less plentiful.”

The woman thanked her, and they returned to the longhouse. Ilona’s kindness to others shone like a beacon of light at sunset.

“Do you have a loom for the women to use to weave wool for making blankets and clothes, or do you barter with other villages for those things?”