Rathnon’s Return #4
Over dinner, Rathnon spoke about sailing vessels on the oceans, completely captivating the young and impressionable lad. He spoke of learning directions, currents, and reading maps and constellations. “Learning to fight is good. You can protect yer family. But it is not the only measure of a man.”
After dinner, Ilona and Hákon took turns reading.
The next morning, Ilona carefully examined Hákon and spoke privately with Erik.
“Thank you for your hospitality. Hákon is well and ready to resume activities to regain his strength and energy. You have seen how his appetite has returned and grown. He sleeps less and breathes easier. Hákon’s lungs are clear.
It is time for us to return to our home today. ”
“I understand. You need to prepare for the birth of your child.” Erik glanced at them with sorrowful eyes. “Both Hákon and I, as well as others, will miss you. Hákon will be disappointed to learn of your leaving him. You are the first woman he has grown close to since his mother’s death.”
“The women here can help you supervise his activities. Hopefully, you can continue his studies long after we leave. He made mention to me of his visiting us. I told him only once he could use a real blade, and with your permission, he could write a letter to my husband, requesting to visit. You may wish to further discuss it with my husband before we leave after dagmall. Do you have any questions for me?”
Erik asked about the medicines she’d used, and she explained their uses and benefits. “The ladies ken how to prepare them. I told them with your permission, our healer would be happy to teach them a few more healing skills in the summer. You may also wish to discuss this with Rathnon.”
“Thank you, sincerely, for all you have done for my son and myself, Ilona.”
“You are welcome. I will explain to Hákon that we must leave soon.” When Rathnon returned from talking to Woden, Ilona told shared her conversation with Erik and their plans to leave after the meal.
Ilona approached Hákon, immersed in reading. “It looks like you are enjoying the story.”
“Ja, I am, very much. Thank you for teaching me how to read better.”
“You are welcome. You are better now and can slowly increase your activities outside again. Heed the counsel of your father and ladies. Since you are much improved, it is now time for us to leave and return to our home. I must prepare for our child’s birth.
You can write to me and tell me about your life, if you like. ”
Hákon appeared crestfallen, never having considered Ilona and Rathnon would leave today. “Thank you, Ilona, for making me better and teaching me more about chess, reading, and writing. If ye stayed longer, I could learn even more,” he said hopefully, with an impish smile.
“It was my pleasure to teach you, Hákon. I hope you continue your studies with your father. It will make me very proud to learn of your continued studies and accomplishments.”
Hákon hugged Ilona carefully, mindful of her abdomen, as he whispered, “I will miss you.”
Ilona lovingly brushed her hands through his hair as she said, “I will miss you too, Hákon. You will grow to be a good man and warrior.”
Turning away, he wiped away his tears so the men would not see.
Hákon strode outside to the stable for a few moments before returning.
They shared a delicious mid-morning meal, and Rathnon and Woden readied the horses for their journey.
Rathnon had taken their sacks and tied them to his horse’s saddle.
Rathnon bid farewell to Erik and Hákon. “Your father and I have spoken, and when he deems you ready, you may come visit us and be our guest. You must write to me in advance, allowing us time to prepare a place for you to stay. We will ensure the elders agree about the timing of your visit. Your father is proud of you. Work hard to keep him proud of your accomplishments.”
“I will. Thank you for teaching me about chess too. Ilona, I will never forget you,” he said as he gave her a bunch of wildflowers he had picked for her. “I hope you like heather. I picked it for you.”
“Thank you for the lovely bouquet. I will not forget you either.”
Rathnon carefully lifted his wife into the saddle and mounted behind her.
They waved their farewell to the entire community, who had assembled to see them off.
Rathnon followed behind Woden, who picked the easier trail home.
They stopped often for Ilona to relieve herself and walk for a few minutes.
Relief washed over Rathnon when they spied their home. He took Ilona straight there, bypassing the longhouse. Rathnon got buckets of water from the burn and poured them into iron pots suspended over the hearth for Ilona’s bath.
After several trips, he poured the heated water into the tub for her to bathe. He helped her dry and dress and insisted she take a nap while he went to see Sigrid. Rathnon planned to inform her they had returned, get food from her, and tell her they would eat alone tonight to allow Ilona rest.
As Ilona slept after her bath, Rathnon gave thanks his wife had accompanied him home. The ache in his heart had eased.