Tears of Amber

Chapter 5 Blackness Away

Dylla watched the giant in front of her struggle with his emotions.  She was suddenly too tired to think about her situation anymore.  Her father and uncle were both dead and she sat on a ship with a man that was indirectly responsible for her woes.  She wanted to hate him for bringing Raum’s wrath to her door, but she couldn’t fault him for acting with honor.

Before the tears that threatened her eyes began to spill over she spoke to him.

“I guess I should thank you for your hospitality.  If you find me a space that won’t bother your men I’ll try and stay out of your way.”

A confused look played across the giant’s face as he spoke.

“You will stay in my cabin.  We have to finish our trip to the trade post, but after that you will accompany me to my home.  You will have a place there if you choose, and I will provide for you since your losses are my fault.”

She didn’t know what to say to his kind offer.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I meant what I said about avenging my father.  As soon as I’m able I will make my way back to Wessex.”

“What if Raum is no longer on your lands?  If his goal was to force you into marriage then he will likely try to follow you.”

She hadn’t thought of that possibility.

“How would he know where to follow me?”

“He will assume that you will go to your uncle which would lead you right to me.  He is cunning and deceitful.  No doubt he will bring his pestilence to my door.  You will remain in my protection.”

Dylla didn’t like having her decisions made for her.

“I’m not one of your men.  You have no authority over me.”

The giant hulk pressed closer to her.  He was close enough to fill her nostrils with his musky scent.  Used to speaking her mind with her father, she feared she made a grave error in threatening this Viking.

“You are correct.  I have no authority over you.  At the next port we will see you safely to the shore and leave you to your wits.  How well do you think you will fare with nothing but the clothes on your back?  Are you prepared for the life of a slave?”

The truth in his words stung.  As much as she hated to admit it to herself he was right.  She had no money or anything of value except her sword.  Even if she could trade her sword for enough money to get home she had no protection.  A woman alone would be too easy a target for unsavory characters to resist.

She decided her best chance was to remain with the Viking and his crew until she could think of another plan.

“Alright Viking.  The truth in your words is undeniable.  What do you require of me to remain in your protection?”

His eyes suddenly smoldered.  His thoughts were unmistakable.  She stammered to correct her intended meaning.  A warm rush crept up her neck as she looked at the floor no longer willing to meet his heated gaze.

“Ah, what I meant to say was I can sew, cook, or even clean if you have need.”

“You owe me nothing.  Your uncle was a great man.  He sponsored my training as a soldier.  It would be a great honor to me to give aid to his family.”

She nodded her head, not knowing what else to say.

“My ship is fully loaded and I don’t have any room to spare.  You will have to remain in my quarters.”

It touched her that he was willing to give up his personal quarters to see to her comfort.

“I appreciate your hospitality.  I hate to put you out of your own space.”

He smiled a wicked smile at her revealing straight white teeth.

“What I meant to say I that you will be sharing this space with me.”

Anxiety filled her chest.  Would he expect her to share a bed with him.

“I know I have no right to be proud, but I want to be clear on your expectations.  When you say share this space with you, you mean what exactly?”

His wicked smile grew a little bigger as he listened to her words.  As soon as she finished speaking he made his way over to his bed where she was currently perched.  He bent down and placed one of his stalwart hands on the bed on either side of her.  As he towered over her she was forced to crane her neck to look up at him.  His bare chest, thick with muscle and sprinkled with soft, curly hair nearly touched her chin.  The overwhelming nearness sparked a curiosity that she had never felt before.  His warm breath tickled her face as he spoke.

“I am not asking more of you than you are willing to give, but as my future wife I think it might be wise for us to use our time together to get to know one another better.”

The world swam, she heard a faint pounding, and then blackness swept her away.