Chapter Twenty-One
Brodie had caught up with Nicol and Inga just outside of the village and made arrangements for their travel.
They agreed to stay together until they found Loki and Celestina.
He came down the path in time to see his wee wife running in the opposite direction with a club held over her head, straight at a group of Norsemen.
Loki was running to join her, and Nicol and Inga were on horseback headed straight for Loki.
As he watched, his friend swooped down to pick up the wee lad.
“Celestina!” he screamed his wife’s name as loud as he could. He had to get to her before that group of warriors did.
“Celestina!” he yelled again and she finally glanced over her shoulder. The crazed look in her eyes told him he needed to get to her and fast. He galloped toward her with full force and yelled, “Arms up!”
She slowed and turned her head sideways but kept running forward. She had almost reached the Norsemen now.
“Celestina, arms up, remember my story about my sisters? Arms up! Face me!”
The warriors started to whoop in excitement.
She turned toward him and held her arms up, still running, a haunted look in her gaze.
“Drop the club, love,” he shouted.
She threw the club behind her just before he leaned down to grab her around the waist, and plucked her off the ground. “Arms around my shoulders. Hang on to me.”
She grabbed onto him, fighting to hang on. He struggled to right her and she floundered. “I have you, trust me.” She relaxed and he settled her in front of him right before he rode past the group of warriors.
“Loki! Where is Loki?” she yelled.
“He’s fine.” Brodie pointed to Nicol who was not far behind them.
Celestina turned to make sure Loki was safe and promptly collapsed in sobs against her husband. She held a death grip on his tunic, and he whispered calming words in her ear. He held her as she cried and cried until she had no tears left inside.