Rathnon’s Return
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 H?kosson 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. ”
“I know.”
“Find a way for her to send letters to her family. Later, when able, I know she will appreciate a visit to her home and family. Or for them to visit her. Speak to her of your love more than of your need of protection. With great love comes the need to love, protect, and cherish. When you are able, please bring your wife and babe to visit us. I will request my husband let you return to your wife right away.”
“Thank you, my queen. You are wise, and I appreciate your counsel. I have been too long in the company of men. And not able to fully communicate my profound feelings of love to Ilona. I miss her and wish to return to her soon.”
Unfortunately, the king’s meetings with dignitaries from other countries continued longer than Rathnon expected.
He wrote letters to Ilona explaining that the king commanded him to attend meetings with powerful men who could be great allies.
It resulted in expanded trade agreements, which Rathnon skillfully promoted and negotiated.
He and the king conferred often, and Rathnon elucidated the reasons to accept or reject the proposals. The king appreciated the manner in which Rathnon soothed ruffled feathers. Rathnon calmed others to make agreements with positive outcomes for all parties.
In his room at night, he wished he had brought Ilona with him. If only he’d known he wouldn’t be traveling, he could have taken her here. Rathnon missed her dearly. He wondered about her day and night. When alone with the king in his study, Rathnon confided in the king.
“My wife is expecting, as is yours. This is an especially vulnerable time for her since I stole her from her home without kin here. At your bidding, I was away for over three months early in our marriage. Honestly, I have difficulty focusing on our business endeavors during this time; please forgive me. I wish to conclude our business as soon as possible so that I may return to my wife.”
“I understand your concern for your wife and child. We both want what’s best for our families. I am equally eager to complete our negotiations. How can we speed up the process?” The men discussed further and made plans. Then they returned to meet the remaining dignitaries.
The day arrived for Rathnon to leave. He bid farewell to the king and queen. After he ate, he bid farewell to Nanna and Helga too. Rathnon readied his horse and rode through the city and into the country.
Eager to be reunited with his wife, he wondered why she had not returned his letters. Is she still furious with me? Rathnon imagined being in her arms again. As he commanded his horse with his legs, his trusty stallion sensed his tension.
Back at the village, Rathnon jumped from his saddle and gave his horse into the care of a lad. He sprinted into the longhouse in search of Ilona. Inside, he spied Sigrid.
She gave him a hug and welcomed him home, though she noted the fatigue on his face from his duties and travels. Before she could ask him about it, Rathnon asked, “Is Ilona at our home? How is she feeling?”
With a comforting hand on Rathnon’s arm, Sigrid said, “Rathnon, I know you are eager to be reunited with Ilona. You wish to be reassured by seeing her with your own eyes. Ilona and the bairn are well. Ilona is not in your home, however. She is not here.”
Rathnon glared at her as she continued. His heart clenched in fear that she had escaped while he was away.
“Woden accompanied her to keep her safe. He will protect and care for Ilona with his life. A few days ago, Erik Berg arrived here frantic with worry over his only son’s life.
Liv was not here, caring for a woman in a nearby village.
“Erik requested that the healer accompany him to his home to care for his son. He worried his son’s life was in acute peril and he would perish.
Ilona agreed to care for his son—he was the only one ill.
Ilona and Woden are still there.” Although swept with relief Ilona had not left him, another nagging worry inserted itself.
“Erik is a widower. He has not remarried.”
“Yes, he is, but I know he is an honorable man. Erik also will not jeopardize his son’s health to offend Ilona with any advances. I know his concern for his son’s welfare will overshadow everything else.”
“Yet, he is a man and I know what men do. My presence at her side to protect her will inform him she belongs to me and no other.”
“You will wish to travel to bring Ilona back home when it is safe for her to leave the lad. I’ll prepare food for you to take with you.
You should go to your home and bring another clean dress for Ilona.
When she left in haste, she packed only one dress.
Ilona will appreciate clean clothes and your thoughtfulness. ”
“Thank you. I will.” Rathnon left and ran to their home.
Ilona’s scent throughout the house calmed his thunderous heart.
He selected two amply roomed garments, a linen shift, and a pair of socks, placing them in a sack.
Then he returned to the stable and instructed the lad to saddle his horse again.
Rathnon took his clothes from the travel sack and substituted them with others more serviceable.
Sigrid handed him a cup of mead and a sack of dried food and fruit.
“Before you leave, I must tell you Ilona regretted letting you leave while she was angry. Ilona loves you but also loves her parents. Except for you, they are the only family she has. It has been difficult for her to forgive you for kidnapping her. I know you love her with all your heart, but you must learn to express your love and feelings to her. I know you do not think of her as your property, but you must convince her how you feel. It makes you no less a man or warrior. Her pregnancy has magnified problems and feelings for her.”
“I spoke to the queen, and she shared similar views. The queen helped me understand better a woman’s heart and this time of special vulnerability for Ilona.”
“Yes. I wish you a safe journey, Rathnon.” He hugged and thanked his aunt, returned to his horse, and rode away.
On his travel to Erik’s community, Rathnon couldn’t wait to see and hold Ilona in his arms again.
He hoped she had forgiven him and would be ready to return to their home.
He understood Erik’s concern for his only son and hoped he had improved.
While riding, Rathnon ate dried meat, bread, cheese, and fruit.
Finally, as he reached Erik’s village, armed guards confronted him and he dismounted.
“Who are you? What is your business here?”
Rathnon stood proudly, ready to pivot in a heartbeat if attacked. Alert to danger, he had his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I am Rathnon, a warrior for the king and husband to the healer who cares for Erik’s son. I will escort my pregnant wife home.”
“Welcome, Rathnon. We will escort you to Erik now, on the training field with his men.”
The guards introduced Rathnon as Erik sized up the man and warrior before him.
“Welcome, Rathnon. Come inside where you can partake of refreshments after your long journey. I’m sure you are anxious to see your wife, who cares for my son in our longhouse.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to your wife for restoring my son’s health.
He is improved, though not fully recovered. ” Erik led Rathnon into his home.