CHAPTER FOUR #3
He stalked out of the longhouse and made his way across the village square and to the forest beyond, but in the opposite direction of the bare fields. Instead, he made his way to the clearing in a valley of hills. The need to focus on his work, and not the maiden Seeress, quickened his step.
When he rounded the smallest hill, wooden fences forming a large enclosed pen came into view.
The usual excitement to see several horses grazing exhilarated him.
The beauty of the animals, with their lush manes and powerful bodies, always thrilled him.
Training his horses was as exciting as going into battle, perhaps more so.
As if sensing his approach, one of them, the grey stallion farthest away, lifted his head, dark eyes peering through the shaggy forelock.
Hradi climbed between the slats of the fence and made his way to the horse, who now trotted across the field.
When a few paces away, the animal stopped, shaking his head and pawing the ground, his sharp whinnies revealing his delight to see Hradi.
The animal's long and dark thick mane shimmered in the sunshine.
"You won't like me much today, boy," Hradi said, nearing the prancing beast.
The other four horses in the pen now ambled toward them, eager for the treats Hradi always brought.
With a grin, he pulled several carrots from the pockets of his tunic.
More excited neighs echoed in the crisp morning air.
Five horse heads closed around him and he laughed, feeding the beasts and scratching behind their furry ears.
The grey pushed the others aside in an attempt to take more of the treats.
This was his favorite time of day, when he could forget what troubled him, or other clan matters that demanded his attention.
The time with his horses soothed his worries and left him invigorated and ready to face whatever challenges rose throughout the day.
However, a part of him wondered if this time, he might have found himself facing a challenge he might not surmount.
Hradi shoved the grey back with a playful pat, his concern faded. "Easy, Hross. No need to be greedy. You will come with me today, let the others have their share."
When the stallion butted him in the chest, Hradi laughed and quickly slipped the rope around his neck.
Like he always did, the horse frisked backward in an effort to break free, but Hradi held firm, even as the other animals fell away, half-spooked by the stallion's agitation.
A few gentle words calmed the grey. Hradi stepped closer, still speaking soothing words in a soft voice, reaching out to pat the beast's neck.
The animal heaved a shuddering breath, which seemed heavy with resignation, then stood quietly while Hradi secured a more intricate halter around the stallion's head and turned toward the gate.
The grey allowed himself to be led from the field and back toward the village.
Hradi's thoughts were consumed with the red-haired witch possibly already awaiting him in the great hall.
He didn't really have a need to train the stallion today.
Quite simply, he needed to be away from Katrin, fearing he would give in to his desires, no matter who might be present and watching.
The time had not yet come for him to put his plan for seduction into play.
No, that must be tonight, when they were alone in his farmhouse, away from any possible intrusions.
In the meantime, he would focus his energy on preparing the horse for the upcoming races during Jul.
He made his way to the pen behind the blacksmith's building. The clang of hammer against metal resounded throughout the square. Hradi paused to greet the smith, grimy and sweaty from his work and the heat of the forge.
The grey snorted, apparently distressed from the sparks coming off the sword the smith fashioned. Hradi led the animal to the pen and tied off the rope to the fence.
He spent several minutes rubbing the animal with his hands, adding pressure along the stallion's spine and calming the animal when he grew agitated with the weight on his back.
Reaching for the soft pad woven from fine sheep's wool, Hradi laid it behind the horse's withers.
The grey pranced and snorted, jumping away from Hradi when he reached for him again.
"He's much calmer this time."
Hradi turned to find Kori leaning against the fence. "I will introduce the saddle today." He nodded toward the wood and leather seat resting near the gate. "Need to have him ready for the races before Jul time."
"You should wait until the planting festival." Kori bent and climbed through the fence.
Hradi continued to stroke the grey, who finally quieted, seemingly resigned that the pad would not be removed. As a reward, Hradi drew another carrot from his pocket and chuckled when the horse eagerly took it from his hand with a loud chomp.
"I think you are just trying to distract yourself."
Hradi avoided his brother's stare. "What are you talking about?"
"The little witch. You are anxious for her, and are using the horse to hide it."
"Nonsense," Hradi said, walking to pick up the saddle.
He approached the stallion cautiously, holding the high-backed seat before him.
The beast seemed to understand what Hradi intended and pulled against his restraining rope.
It held. Moving very slowly, Hradi lifted the saddle and placed it atop the pad.
For several moments, nothing happened. Then the horse renewed its efforts to be free, bucking and twisting and succeeding in tossing the saddle from its back. He shook his head and gave a loud whinny, stomping a front hoof. Hradi and Kori laughed.
"He's scolding you, brother," Kori said.
"He's going to be even angrier when I put it back on." Hradi strode to the saddle, the woolen pad caught underneath. He pulled the pad free and once more set the saddle on the top rail of the fence, before approaching the stallion with the pad and starting the process over again.
Seven more times, the horse threw the saddle from his back, and seven more times, Hradi returned it.
On the eighth attempt, the animal appeared to understand that the routine would continue, no matter how much he resisted.
He finally stopped fighting and stood still, albeit trembling, a thin coat of sweat shining on his furry flanks.
Hradi rewarded the animal with another carrot and took up a position beside his brother. "Now to tie the saddle on."
"May the gods be with you when you attempt that. If he was angry before, he'll be ready to trample you."
Hradi nodded. "I should put on my armor first."
Kori chuckled. "And you will have to return to the longhouse to retrieve it. Katrin may be there."
The woman had not been far from his thoughts all during the time with the stallion, though focusing on his work had kept his fanciful imaginings at bay.
Now an image of her face took over all else, accompanied by the recollection of her lips melting under his.
His cock stirred. Damn his brother for ending the brief respite of discomfort.
"Do you wish me to beat you?" he growled.
"For what? Reminding you of what you must do?
Tonight will be your first chance to find out if Gunilla is planning to betray us.
At the very least I think she means to obtain some of our wealth for herself.
But I cannot be sure she intends to help us in any way.
I fear she may be working with some of our enemies. "
"Who?"
Kori shrugged. "At this point, there is no way to tell. But I trust you'll figure it out once you are alone with Katrin."
Silently, he worried Kori was right, that Gunilla and her retinue indeed meant harm to the clan.
Some instinct told him Katrin did not share the same ill-intentions her mistress may possess.
Was he a fool? He'd been proven one before, hoping he might find a similar passion with his slave, just like his brother had.
Instead, he'd been publicly humiliated. Embarrassment from that day still lingered.
Disgusted with the path his thoughts had taken, he turned back to the horse, intent on continuing the task of training the animal. By next spring, he expected the beast to be one of the best warhorses he had ever owned. He wondered what Katrin would think of his skills.
Slapping his palm against his forehead, he let loose an oath that would singe her ears had she heard it. His brother scowled.
"Do not let your lust for her get in the way."
Hradi pierced Kori with a fierce stare. "She is innocent, and likely a pawn."
His desire for her had nothing to do with his insistence, or so he tried to tell himself.
That insistent gut feeling persuading him Katrin was not capable of the treachery of her mistress grew stronger.
Despite her fiery hair, something about her seemed light and innocent.
Genuine. Several times he had seen exasperation etched into her expression when listening to Gunilla.
Surely that meant she was not completely under the older woman's sway, in spite of her outward appearance of loyalty.
Kori spoke again. "Then think of this. Not only will you ensure we are not being betrayed, you will save her as well."
How had he not realized that? Suddenly, the urgency to return to her, to earn her trust, became more than using her as a conduit of information.
He could save her from a possibly miserable life serving the old witch.
What trick did the gods play with him now, making him think like a besotted fool?
His only concern should be protecting his family and his clan. No one else.
Hradi fixed a steady gaze on his brother. "I promise you, if the witch and her attendants mean us harm, I will make sure they do not succeed."
He ignored the inner voice taunting him about the desire heating his veins.