Page 44 of A Viking's Captive

Rathnon let out a deep breath of relief at seeing Ilona again as she bent over the boy in his sickbed. He imagined Ilona doing a similar action for their child, and a special warmth flooded his heart at the thought. In a low gravelly voice, overcome by emotion, Rathnon said in the tongue of her homeland, “Ilona, I have returned for ye. I left the king’s palace early this morning. Sigrid told me where I could find ye. How is the boy?”

Rathnon’s hopeful and loving eyes spoke volumes to Ilona. In seconds he was at her side and took her into his arms and loving embrace. They both felt whole again. Rathnon kissed her head and inhaled her scent of heather and wildflowers.

“Thankfully, Hákon is feeling better. Hákon, this is my husband, Rathnon, a mighty warrior for the king of Norway.”

“It is my pleasure to meet you. I am most grateful Ilona came to heal me. Thank you for coming to visit me. Have you met the king?”

“I have met the king and queen many times. I do work for the king.”

Hákon’s eyes shone brightly in admiration of Rathnon. “Have you been on raids and waged battles in other countries?”

Rathnon had his arm around Ilona’s waist, and he rubbed her back as he stood next to her.

Ilona interrupted their discussion. “You can chat with Rathnon later, after you take a nap. Maybe later you can persuade him to play chess with you. He is a masterful opponent, like he is in battle.”

Before he settled down to sleep, Hákon confirmed Ilona’s suggestion. “Will you play chess with me later, Rathnon?”

“I will, after you awaken from your nap and do as Ilona directs.” Hákon nodded and closed his eyes. Moments later, he fell asleep.

Rathnon saw Woden standing behind them. They clasped arms and greeted each other.

Erik outstretched his arm to the table laden with food and drink. “Thank you for indulging my son. Please sit and relax and refresh yourself.” Demonstrating his possessiveness, Rathnon resolutely kept his arm around his wife’s waist as he led her to the table.

During the meal, it became apparent to Erik how much Rathnon loved his wife. Erik observed the look of love and devotion reflected in Ilona’s eyes as she gazed at her husband. It reminded him of how his wife used to gaze at him.

Although bittersweet after his conversations with Ilona, he could now recall the sweetness and devotion of his wife instead of focusing only on her death, and that she was no longer present for them.

During their meal together, they spoke of village life and its challenges, before their conversation turned to politics. Erik enjoyed conversing, especially with Rathnon and Woden with their broader insights. Erik had been focused on his community and his son, and had entertained no visitors, nor had he visited other communities.

Rathnon gazed at Ilona during their discussion and saw the fatigue in Ilona’s pale face, and her eyes looked sleepy. In Gaelic he said, “Ilona, I ken ye are tired and need to rest while Hákon sleeps. Where can ye rest now?”

“Aye, I’m afraid I am tired and will feel better after a nap. Please excuse me. Erik gave me his bed across the room to use. He slept on a pallet on the floor by his son.” Rathnon stood and took Ilona’s hand in his as he walked her to her bed.

Rathnon lovingly removed her shoes and longed to join her in the bed. His joining her would need to wait until they were in private. He put his need for Ilona aside for now and covered her with a blanket, then kissed her lips tenderly before rejoining the men. “I love ye, Ilona. I missed ye every day and night,” he whispered for her ears alone.

Ilona gave him a sleepy smile. “I missed ye too, Rathnon. I’m sorry I was angry before ye left.”

“All that matters is we are together. I love ye more than all the stars in the sky. More than my life. Sleep well, my love.”

Rathnon stood and returned to the men, feeling a little relieved. The men spoke softly of experiences and travels, not wanting to awaken Hákon or Ilona. They passed the time amicably until Hákon awakened and Erik excused himself to see to his son’s needs.

Woden inclined his head to Rathnon, and the two men walked outside into the forest in private to discuss matters between them.

“How are you?” Woden asked.

“Better now that I am here with Ilona. Thank you for accompanying her here and ensuring her safety. I admit I worried when Sigrid told me Ilona had come here to care for a widower’s son. How have things been?”

“I am relieved you are here now. Erik was consumed with worry over his son, who was very ill. I don’t doubt that if Ilona had not arrived when she did, his son would have died. Erik has been reserved and respectful, but you know your wife is an incredibly beautiful woman. Recently I saw how he looked at Ilona. Like a drowning man. From what people tell me, grief has consumed him for years since his wife died; Erik submerged himself in his work, training, and the needs of his community.”

“I am grateful you saw to Ilona’s welfare while I could not.”

“When Erik looks at Ilona now, it is like he is a man reborn. I shared with Ilona that we needed to leave as soon as his son was no longer in danger. I slept by her bed on the floor to ensure her safety and well-being. Erik has been appreciative and attentive to Ilona’s needs. He insisted she take his bed, while he slept on the floor by his son, and he frequently offered her food, drink, and rest. He is most grateful to Ilona for his son’s care and the marked improvement in his condition.”

“I understand and appreciate your vigilance. I, too, am eager to take her back home, especially as the time comes closer for her to deliver our bairn. Ilona needs to be well rested before then. I cannot imagine riding a horse for long in her condition to be very comfortable. After I check with her privately this evening, I will ask her when she feels safe to leave the lad. I will let you know. Thank you, Woden. You are a great friend.”

“You would do the same for me.”

Later at dinner, Hákon sat with them at the table, entranced by the stories Woden and Rathnon told about their travels. Hákon asked, “What battles have you fought?”