The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 18

“Ann!” Eric shouted as he ran towards her. He held her tightly in his embrace as she cried in his arms. He pulled back and gently brushed her cheeks to wipe her tears.

“Ann I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I’m sorry I didn’t come to get you sooner. Please say you’ll forgive me and be my wife.”

Ann smiled up at Eric through her tears. “Yes of course I forgive you and I will be your wife. If Head Mother will allow me to leave.”

Everyone turned to look at Head Mother, not entirely sure if she would agree.

She smiled and said “My dear Ann, I’ve always known that taking the vows was never truly in your heart. Of course you may go, as long as this man promises to take good care of you.”

Eric quickly responded “Yes of course I will.”

“Then it is settled. Why don’t you two go and pack while we see if there are any extra provisions we can give your party for the journey” Head Mother said.

Ann and I nodded. She pulled away from Eric murmuring that she wouldn’t be long. He seemed reluctant to let her go. I glanced over to Halvor, who remained expressionless. I gently grabbed Ann’s hand and said “Come Ann, let’s quickly pack so we can be on our way again.”

Ann nodded and we made our way up to her small room. As we packed her trunk she bombarded me with questions. I explained how I came to know Eric and filled her in on the details of my marriage thus far. Ann and I were exceptionally close, so I even told her about how Halvor wouldn’t consummate the marriage until he determined I was worthy.

“What? Why bother having an arranged marriage then? What strange customs they have in the north” Ann replied. I suddenly realized how much I would love having her with me.

“Ann I’m so sorry I left you here alone before. I was a fool and I didn’t realize your situation.”

“Don’t be sorry Sylvia! Head Mother forbade me to tell anyone, even you. I know I should have, but somehow telling you would have made my situation real. Being able to pretend that I would leave her one day made it bearable.”

“I understand Ann. I’m just glad that we were able to come and get you. And I’m so happy I’ll have a friend with me in the north. I’m not sure what kind of place we are headed to in all honesty.”

Ann walked over to me and clasped my hands in hers. “We will face it together Sylvia. Or should I say Queen Sylvia now?” She giggled and I said “Absolutely not! It’s just Sylvia for you always Ann.” We laughed and I gave her another hug.

We walked back down to the main hall once we had packed her trunk and Head Mother sent two knights to bring Ann’s trunk down. I noticed that Sir Roderick was standing off to the side with Sir Nolan, while Halvor stood several feet away with his warriors, glaring at Sir Nolan.

I quickly walked over to Sir Roderick and greeted him. He gave me a big smile and said “I’m glad to be able to see you again Sylvia.”

“And I you Sir Roderick. Have you been well these last weeks?”

Before he could respond Halvor appeared at my side with a menacing look on his face.

“Oh, Sir Roderick allow me to introduce my husband, King Halvor of the Northern Kingdom.”

Sir Roderick’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly bowed to Halvor. As he straightened he said “My apologies, I should have greeted you properly just now Queen Sylvia.”

I blushed and vigorously shook my head. “Please Sir Roderick no need for apologies, I’m still getting used to the title myself.”

“We should leave, I want to make it to the next town by nightfall” Halvor said abruptly. I nodded and turned back to Sir Roderick.

“It was nice to see you Sir Roderick. Please take care.” He bowed again to me and once again I was saddened by our parting. I never thought I’d have to do it twice. I said goodbye to Head Mother, who once again curtsied to me. It was still weird.

As we rejoined the rest of the warriors everyone cheered once they saw that Eric emerged with Ann. Ann blushed and tried to hide her face in Eric’s shoulder. I smiled at the scene.

“What did that knight mean about you being a good fighter?” Halvor said suddenly appearing beside me. He caught me off guard and I jumped a little.

I looked at him and shrugged. “I’m sure he just meant that I was good for a woman who grew up in a nunnery. Halvor clenched his jaw and said nothing.

I looked back over to Eric and Ann. Eric was helping her up onto his horse and they both had huge grins on their faces. I realized that I wouldn’t be riding with Eric anymore during our journey. I glanced back at Halvor and said “I’ll be riding with Gunnar I suppose.”

I turned to go find him when Halvor grabbed my arm. I whirled back towards him and he said “No. You’ll ride with me from now on.” My eyebrows shot up at the shock of his statement. I couldn’t figure him out.