Chapter Six #2
They traveled a couple more miles and found the perfect place to stop, a pool surrounded by spruce and oak trees.
They tethered their horses in the shade.
Soft grass and wildflowers carpeted the ground.
Kara stripped off her armor, then struggled to unlace her boots and get free of her tight braies.
Once she did, she felt as carefree as a wood nymph.
Careful to check the area before emerging from cover, she smiled after she confirmed they were indeed alone.
Praise the gods. She unpinned her long hair and then stepped out.
Amelia spread a blanket on the ground, then unpacked some food.
“Afraid to show yourself to the gods?” Kara taunted.
“Me?” the maid asked, wiggling out of her gown. “If I traipsed naked in front of the same man for eight years without blushing, I think I have the courage to face the gods.”
Kara eyed her admiringly. Tall and thin, Amelia had perfect breasts and finely muscled legs from years of hard work.
Why hadn’t she married again? Kara gazed at her own legs.
Father called her slender and graceful. She couldn’t disagree more, she felt awkward oftentimes.
It didn’t matter if she was wearing silk slippers or leather boots—she’d never feel comfortable in her own skin.
“Are you going to admire yourself or swim?” Amelia called over her shoulder as she headed for the lake.
“Etter at jeg sparke deg i raeva.”
“Catch me first.”
When Kara entered the water, her toes curled.
It was freezing. There was a flash of amusement on her companion’s face as her teeth chattered uncontrollably.
She swam several yards, then submerged herself, snorting and choking as she resurfaced.
Water dribbled down her chin. Amelia wasn’t as adventurous and stayed close to the shoreline.
Kara treaded water as she admired the dark woods across the lake.
Nothing pleased her more than being outside.
Free to explore, free to do as she wanted without her brothers harassing her.
She thought she saw movement, but realized it was nothing more than flickering sunlight and shadows.
The pleasure of the moment dominated her senses. Nothing could ruin it.
As she floated on her back half dozing, the thundering sound of approaching horses shattered her daydream. She twisted around and searched wildly for Amelia who disappeared into the woods. Kara rushed to reach the shore.
Please . . .
But before her feet hit land, six riders surrounded Amelia, who was now standing at the edge of the forest. Kara froze. She’d stupidly left her weapons by the horses. Now they had no chance of defending themselves or escaping. Two riders dismounted, striding toward her.
“Come out of the water,” the largest demanded.
Unwilling to shame herself by allowing these strangers to see her naked, she crouched in the shallow water. “Turn around first.”
“If you don’t comply, I’ll pluck you out like a wet rat.” There was nothing friendly about this man. His companions chuckled.
Silence ensued as everyone seemed to contemplate Kara’s next move.
She’d not risk Amelia’s safety by disobeying.
But, what if she could swim to the other side of the lake and find help?
Without clothing or money? Never. Swallowing her pride, she looked up.
The dark features of the man who demanded she come out scared her.
“Now,” he reminded. “If I wanted to rape you, you’d be on your back by now.”
She was trying not to overthink things, but failing miserably.
“Drit,” he yelled, then rushed her.
The moment his boots hit the lake, Kara filled her mouth with water, then shot up, spitting in his face. “Merciless beast.”
He wiped his cheek, his hot gaze sweeping over her body. She refused to tremble. Animals like him thrived on fear. Without warning, Amelia intervened. She ran to the beach, offering her cloak.
“Put it on and I’ll rip it off you. Do as I bid, now, and get out of the water.” He glared at Amelia. “You, move.”
“I have a duty to my mistress.” Amelia jutted her chin.
“Stay out of my way. Challenge me again and I’ll punish you.
” He shoved her to the ground and then grabbed a fistful of Kara’s hair.
She struggled to free herself, only to be dragged to land, then into the forest next to her horses.
The blanket and food Amelia had laid out was untouched. He pointed at the coverlet. “Sit.”
Kara obeyed. Fear filled her mind and heart. “Who are you?”
His dark eyes sparkled like a wildfire. “Erling Solheim, an avenging god, I assure you.”
“Devils aren’t gods.”
He slapped her face. “You’ll learn quickly enough that I have no patience for a sharp tongue. Do as I tell you or you’ll be bruised from head to toe before sunset. Understand?”
Kara nodded in comprehension.
“Where are your clothes?”
She pointed; her sword and shield were on the ground nearby. By Odin, she wished she had her sword in her hands.
“Lying to me about your clothing? You need discipline already. Your gown, where is it?”
“I dressed as a boy for my protection.” She sucked her cheeks in.
He gave her a smug smile. “I believe you. You’re Erik the Bald’s daughter.”
Kara gasped. “How—”
“The trees have eyes and ears.”
“And atrocious manners . . .”
“I’ve watched you train with your brothers in the forest for many months—I admire your perseverance.”
Her face heated as her gaze rested on Amelia’s pale, concerned face. “You attacked us? Injured my brother and killed one of my father’s guards.”
“I cannot take credit for that.” Erling waved at his fellow riders. “My men are solely responsible.”
Shame flooded her body. How could she and her brothers have been so absent-minded to let these bastards get that close? Even Marteinn had missed them. “Why? What did you hope to gain?”
“Access to you.”
“Are you going to rape me?”
Despite the dire circumstances, Erling smiled. “I think you already know the answer to that question.”
True, if the man wanted to violate her, he would have done so. “I don’t understand. Are you familiar with my father?”
“I know who he is,” he answered. “But this has nothing to do with your family, Kara. Sometimes a man needs a diversion. When I happened upon you in the woods, the seed was planted. I decided to take you. I’ll teach you to be ruthless—a real warrior.”
“What authority do you have? Are you a soldier?” She felt wretched standing naked and shivering in front of this animal.
“I’m a self-made man,” he said. “Discharged from the king’s service for insubordination and any other misconduct you can name. Instead of crawling back to my father’s home, I chose to establish my own steading. The forest is mine.”
She still feared for her life. Nothing made sense. “So you steal and kill for your living?”
“I do whatever I must to survive.”
A man without limitations. Kara cringed at the thought of spending time with him. Her heart beat so fast she felt dizzy. “You’re a criminal.”
“I’m a loyalist—against anyone who threatens the survival of my country and family. Now . . .” He shoved her. “Get dressed.”