Chapter Sixteen #2
That confused Rachelle more than anything. “Why?”
“He’s not shared the purpose in his masquerading as a Christian still. Although I suspect it has something to do with our young king.”
“I pray Erik the Bald opens his heart. His daughter deserves to be happy.”
Two days later, after the morning meal, Kara headed for the stables.
Determined to speak with Aaron alone, she decided not to make the same mistake as she had the other day.
Confiding in a servant, who obviously had strong feelings for Jarl McNally, hadn’t helped.
She’d experienced this kind of blind allegiance before.
With maids in her father’s household who fostered her brothers after their mother died.
Those women protected her brothers day and night, refusing to properly discipline them, even after they’d disobeyed their father.
The only person capable of giving her advice was in the king’s camp—why hadn’t she brought Amelia along?
Kara waited patiently, while a stable boy saddled her mare.
She gazed toward the main house. Thankfully, Wolinda worked in the kitchen and would stay busy until afternoon.
And Kara saw no reason to disturb Tyr and Rachelle.
She’d been given permission to ride anytime.
Why not alone? She’d reach Aaron’s steading in no time.
“Here’s your mount, milady.” The boy offered her the reigns.
“Thank you.” She swung her leg over the saddle as confidently as any warrior. “If anyone asks about me, tell them I’ll return for the eventide meal.”
“Aye,” the servant said.
She galloped over the hill to see the river.
Golden sunshine reflected off the water.
Beautiful. Everything was in bloom—the gardens and fields, forest and hills.
Sheep and goats were grazing in the valley.
Although Lagenheim possessed natural charms, the Trondelag captivated her.
At a distance, snowcapped mountains ringed the lowlands, reminding her of the presence of the ice giants. The gods were never far away.
She reached the main road. A mile north, a group of women and children carrying baskets full of berries waved at her.
She smiled. One day, she’d take her children into the woods to pick flowers and berries.
After everything she’d been through over the last two months, she welcomed anything mundane.
Regret motivated her today. She’d violated Aaron’s trust by abandoning him the moment a stranger accused him of a crime.
Her stomach tightened. Would he accept her apology? Give her a chance to explain?
Reaching the edge of the forest that overlooked her lover’s home, she paused momentarily.
She imagined what it would be like living there with Aaron.
Making love every night, assisting the women in the kitchen, planning feasts, welcoming family and friends.
She coaxed her mare into a trot. No reason to appear overly anxious.
As she approached the open gates, three men chopping wood stopped and glanced her way.
“I’m here to see Jarl McNally,” she announced.
One of the men stepped forward, wiping his hands on his shirt. “You’re welcome here, Lady Kara,” he said. “My name is Amund.”
This stranger knew her name? Surprised, she pursed her lips. “Were you expecting me?”
“Jarl McNally gave specific instructions for your arrival.”
That made her feel edgy and unsure. She shook her head. Aaron had expected her all this time? Further proof of his conceit. “Is your master here?”
“No,” he answered. “He’s in the woods.”
Perfect, she thought, I wanted time alone with him. “Is he close?”
“You can wait for him inside.”
“I prefer to visit him now.”
Amund removed the scarf from around his neck, then wiped his forehead. “Shall I escort you?”
“I don’t wish to interfere with your work. Point in which direction I should ride and I’ll go.”
“I cannot believe you arrived here without a guard.” Amund stared over her shoulder.
“Jarl Sigurdsson had other matters to attend to this morning.”
The man didn’t appear convinced. Nor did he seem comfortable with her demand.
If Aaron or his cousin knew she left the safety of Steingard without a companion, they’d suspend her riding privileges.
Not that she’d blame them. Asking for sanctuary meant more than providing her a place to sleep.
By accepting her request, Jarl Sigurdsson became responsible for her very life.
She’d yet again demonstrated her selfishness by leaving another place unescorted.
“Please.”
Amund sighed. “He’s likely a mile west. If you see black flags tied to the trunks of trees along the trail, you’re headed in the right direction.”
“Flags?”
“Aye,” he answered. “The jarl is hand-selecting which trees to use for roof shingles.”
Aaron never ceased to amaze her. A military captain undertaking such domestic work. She smiled inwardly. “I’ll be quick, Amund, thank you.” She turned her mount westward.
Minutes later, just as Aaron’s servant suggested, she found black linen secured to several branches as she passed.
A narrow trail cut through the thick woods.
Little sunshine penetrated the dense canopy.
Although she encountered a few patches of wildflowers, this was mostly a wet, swampy tract of land.
“Jarl McNally.” She slowed down, searching carefully for him.
“Are you looking for me, Kara Dalgaard?”
Her heart leapt upon hearing his voice again. What should she do? Stay on her horse or jump down? Hide her emotions or run into his arms? “Who else would I seek in this dark place?” She chose to stay astride.
Aaron peered from around a tree. “Dark place?” he asked, sounding insulted. “This is one of the most valuable stands of trees on my land.”
“I have no doubt, but that doesn’t mean I want to come here every day searching for you.”
He laughed, then walked beside her horse. “Do you wish to dismount?”