Chapter Two

The door burst open and I jumped, startled by the noise. Asvald entered, along with a small group of people, three men and two women. They looked at me with curious eyes, but they almost seemed bored, like they'd done this many times before and it didn't concern them. They each held a small candle, casting a soft glow around the room.

I turned my attention to Asvald. He looked at me with heated eyes and he stripped out of his clothes.

Embarrassed and afraid, I looked away and sucked in deep lungfuls of air.

He sat beside me on the bed and I flinched, ready to plead with him. Anything to get out of this. He lifted the crown from my head and slid beneath the blanket with me.

"Please," I whimpered and sobbed, pressing my palms to my eyes. "I cannot do this, please. Don't hurt me, let me go home," I wept.

"Shh," he hushed me and pulled my hands away from my eyes, making me look at him. "Consent to me and I will show you the tender loving of a man. But I am warning you, do not provoke my temper, lest this be a very long night indeed."

I had a temper of my own, but it was not enough to fight him. I glanced at the door, which was blocked by the witnesses. I would not be leaving this room. He could easily force me in moments. I could not fight him on this.

"Remember, you said your vows and my ring is on your finger. I am your husband now, whether you like it or not," he murmured and touched my arm.

"I am never going to sleep with you," I growled and hopped out of bed. Asvald grabbed my arm but I twisted it away from him and broke through the witnesses, though they all tried to grab me. The guests were too drunk to notice me as I ran out of the longhouse. Deciding to turn right, I raced down the dirt path, not knowing where I was going. But I didn't care, as long as it was far away from Asvald.

I heard his pounding feet behind me, catching up. Gasping for breath, I pushed myself to run faster.

The sounds of the ocean met my ears as my heart sank and I realized my mistake. In my panic, I had run myself right into the ocean.

Completely out of breath, I collapsed on the sand and waited for Asvald to come get me.

"It's over," I whispered to myself. "It's all over."

Then Asvald's face was above me, pale in the moonlight. He chuckled. "Where did you think you were going to go?"

I just panted and stared at him, surprised that he wasn't angry.

Instead he took my arm and pulled me to my feet. He shrugged. "I understand. This is all new to you, and you're scared. I suppose I cannot expect you to behave perfectly. And I understand that you do not want to lose your virginity in front of five people."

My eyes widened at his sensitivity. Was it sincere?

His eyes twinkled. "I have a plan to fool the witnesses." He pulled a small dagger from a pocket in the cloak he had covered himself with. "First I will place my cock between your thighs and thrust." He paused. "I will hide us both under the blankets but they must see the movement of my hips."

I blushed and looked down at the ground. "Go on."

"You will make a pained face and noise when I begin thrusting. When I am through, I will use this dagger to prick myself. I will smear the blood on the blanket underneath you to look like your virgin blood." He looked smug and pleased with himself.

For the first time that night, I smiled. "I like you plan. Shall we return?"

Nodding, he turned and we walked quietly side by side back to the longhouse together. The witnesses were waiting for us in the bedroom.

I laid down on the bed and Asvald followed me, leaving on his cloak until we were both under the blanket. He hid the dagger and removed the cloak tossing it away. He placed his hands under my knees and lifted them up, so my thighs were raised and close together.

Moving up closer to me, he ducked his head between my legs and laved his tongue along the inside of my thighs, making it moist. I gasped and cried out at the sensations it sent through my body. Embarrassed, I covered my mouth and closed my eyes.

Asvald raised his head. "It's alright, maiden. Feels good, does it not?"

I didn't answer him but kept my eyes on his as he placed his manhood between my thighs. Giving a little nod, he began to thrust.

Crumbling up my face in mock pain, I whimpered and allowed a tear to roll down my cheek.

Asvald grunted as he held my thighs together and thrust hard, like an animal. I stared at him with wide eyes, imagining what it would be like if he was moving like that inside me. It frightened me.

He reached out with one hand and tugged my nightdress down one shoulder and pulled one of my breasts free. He covered it with his hand and groaned, pumping harder.

I stayed still, eager for him to finish. I didn't like what was happening, but it was sweet of him to come up with a plan to avoid what I was uncomfortable with.

Finally, his head fell back and his jaw went slack. He covered his manhood with his hand and caught his seed in his palm, letting out several loud cries. Panting, he took his seed and rubbed it between my legs. I scrunched up my face in disgust but didn't say anything.

Then he quickly cut his finger with the dagger and smeared it on the blanket. Throwing back the blanket, he gestured for the witnesses to step forward and look. They all did, nodded and smiled, calling out words in Norse before finally leaving the room.

My heart was racing as everything that just happened sunk in. Asvald rolled onto his back and tucked his arm under his head. His breathing slowed and his eyes closed.

"Why did you do that?" I asked softly. My thighs felt sticky and disgusting.

He sighed and cleared his throat. "Does it matter?"

As I calmed down, I realized that I was still a little hazy from the drink Asvald had given me during the feast. "It matters to me."

"Like I said, no woman wants her virginity taken in front of five people. You may consider me a brute but I want that moment to happen between only us. I do not like every Norse tradition, Eachna." He glanced at me and smiled a little. His eyes were gentle.

"Thank you," I whispered and closed my eyes, trying to relax and sleep. "It is cold."

Asvald reached out and brought me closer to him. I stiffened against his body and stared at him, searching his eyes.

"Relax," he commanded, his voice low and rough. "I have already satisfied myself. My body is tired. We can use each other's warmth."

Too tired for any more resisting, I accepted his body heat and my muscles relaxed.

"Eachna?" Asvald spoke, breaking the blessed silence.

"Hm?" I responded without opening my eyes.

"Tonight I spared you. But I will be expecting you to lie with me as my wife in the future."

I opened my eyes and saw the seriousness in his face. I knew that just because he didn't force me tonight, didn't mean he wouldn't force me tomorrow. So his words didn't surprise me. I considered telling him that I would never be his wife and I would never submit. But that would cause another fight, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

I didn't respond and closed my eyes again, needing rest. After a long journey in the ship and such an eventful day, I quickly fell asleep.

I awoke to find Asvald still in bed with me, his lips parted as he breathed in his sleep.

My eyes flittered to the door and slowly, I swung my legs over and jumped out of the bed. Hurrying towards it, I tried to move silently. Just as my hand touched the latch, I heard, "Where are you going?"

I groaned and turned around slowly. "I have to relieve myself."

Asvald sat up in bed, reminding me that he was nude. "You can wait. Come back here."

"Commanding, are we?" I grumbled to myself but obeyed, despite my desire to fight him in every way possible.

Asvald threw back the blankets, patting the bed. He cocked an eyebrow. I slid in next to him and folded my hands in my lap. My eyes wandered the room for an escape and landed on the family sword leaning in the corner. Before Asvald could follow my gaze, I looked straight at him.

He stared back, neither of us moving. Then I threw back the blankets and dashed to the sword, swinging it out in front of me as Asvald approached, naked.

"Put it down," he said and held up his hands. "There is no need for violence."

I trembled and I had to use both hands on the hilt of the sword to hold it up. "Let me go."

He threw up his hands and groaning, looking upward. "Let you go where?"

I lifted the sword and pressed the tip into his chest. "Take me home," I growled and narrowed my eyes.

His eyes lost the gentleness I saw earlier and turned cold. He knocked the blade aside with his arm and before I could lift it again, he grabbed my wrist and squeezed, till I cried out and dropped the sword.

He kicked the sword away, his arm bleeding from where he pushed away the blade. Still holding my wrist, he twisted it behind my back and slammed me into the wall.

Tears gathered in my eyes as pain crashed through my body. His hips pinned me to the wall and his bright blue eyes sharp with anger. "What was that, kone? Would you kill me?"

My chest rose and fell quickly as I stared at him. His size intimidated me and I felt tiny being next to him. Fear coursed through me, my heart pounding against my breastbone. "I do not believe in killing people. Unlike you," I spat and pushed against his chest. He didn't move at all, solid as a wall.

He smirked and released me, stepping away. "You're a brave little thing. Quite a sharp tongue, yet I can see terror in your eyes."

I blushed and lowered my gaze. I was always told that my emotions always showed on my face.

Surprisingly, he gently touched my cheek and spoke softly. "No need for terror. But I cannot tolerate such behavior from my wife. You must learn to obey."

I gritted my teeth and looked away. "No, thank you." I brought my gaze back to him and smiled sarcastically. "I would rather stay stubborn."

"It will cost you dearly," he said roughly, his eyes piercing into mine.

I returned his stare and felt my courage returning. "I already have. There is nothing left for me to lose."

He cocked his head to the side. "I can take your life from you."

I raised my hands in surrender and felt tears of anger prick my eyes. "Go ahead, this is not a life. If you want it, take it. I have no further need of my life, if that is want you want to call this hell." Shaking my head, I went to the door and put my hand on the latch. Asvald did nothing to stop me so I continued out the door and out of the longhouse, into the dull sunshine outside.

Clouds misted the sky and as I glanced up at the gray expanse, I felt as if I was staring at my own soul.

Folding my arms over my chest, I took in the sight of the surrounding village. The land was not as green as Ireland and all color seemed pale and worn. Mountains rose high and steep all around us. I'd never seen mountains so close to the coast before. Trees were sprinkled about, and some grew in thick patches toward the base of the mountains.

The village was a scattered array of longhouses and small farms, with dirt paths winding through it. The wind blew in off the ocean, making the air damp and salty.

Leaning my back against the wall of the longhouse, I closed my eyes and tried to control the whirlwind of emotions inside of me. A scream was building up inside of me that needed to come out, but I suppressed it.

My thoughts turned to last night and I felt shame as I remembered the feeling of Asvald's thrusting between my thighs, the friction on my skin. I blushed as I thought of his hot seed and how he touched me when placing it on my womanhood.

"Enough of that," I scolded myself and shook my head. There were more important things to think of. Such as how much I longed for my family and how I could escape and return to them.

Asvald stepped out of the longhouse and glanced around for a moment before he noticed me.

I groaned and folded my arms over my chest. A moment's peace was all I wanted yet he refused to give me any room to breathe.

He came and leaned with me, our arms close enough to touch. "This is a beautiful village, isn't it?"

"It is the same as any other," I snapped and shifted away from him. His nearness had a strange effect on me that I refused to acknowledge.

"You will learn to love it and it will become your home." His tone was gentle but regardless of his words, I did not trust him. He was as unpredictable as fire. One moment it is just a spark, then a small flame, then a raging wildfire. Finally it burns out as quickly as it started.

"Ireland is my home. We are speaking in the Irish tongue, not your tongue. I am Irish and will stay Irish for the rest of my days. I may wear your clothes and eat your food and live in your houses but I will never be one of you," I growled and glared up at him.

He smirked down at me, in an irritating way. "You are so feisty. I cannot wait to tame you."

I huffed and glanced away, trying to disguise the fear I felt suddenly pumping through my veins. I hated myself for fearing this man who ripped me from my family. I didn't want to be afraid, I wanted to fight. But how could I fight such a powerful man? I wouldn't stand a chance against him. "You are a Norseman pig," I hissed, figuring I could fight back with my words, even if that was the only thing I could do.

"And you are a spoiled Irish lass who thinks only of herself," he said calmly and glanced down at me with a raised eyebrow.

I whirled on him and poked my finger in his chest. My body flushed hot. "How dare you call me selfish after I gave up my freedom, my life, for the sake of my family? You are an ignorant fool."

He turned so he stood in front of me and folded his arms over his chest, his gaze no longer gentle. The fire in him was once again beginning to blaze. "Perhaps, but I am still your husband." he grasped my hand and held it up and pointed to the ring on my finger. "Do you understand what that means?"

I snatched my hand away and reached out to smack him across the face. He caught my wrist and squeezed till it hurt. But he quickly released me.

"I did not mean a word I said last night, Asvald," I said softly and tried not to glare at him. Perhaps we could be civil.

He shrugged and glanced away. "It matters not. What does matter is that you said it and you cannot take it back now."

We remained silent for a while, before finally he said, "I have work to attend to." He turned and started to walk away. "Tonight I will bed you. Talk to my mother if you wish for advice on how to please a man."

I gasped. His bold and crude language shocked me. He heard my gasp and laughed with his head thrown back until he was out of sight.

"Eachna!" Asvald's mother called from inside the longhouse and I jumped, startled.

I went inside and blinked as my eyes adjusted to the dim light inside the house. Groa smiled at me and tossed her braid over her shoulder as she leaned down to lift a basket full of clothes. "Care to give me a hand with the washing? I have to stay and attend to the little ones, but could you do this for me?"

Sighing, I nodded and took the basket from her hands. "You trust me to go to the river on my own and not run away?"

Groa met my eyes and placed a cake of on top of the clothes. "Yes, I do. I expect that if I give you freedom, you will be inclined to respect my trust in you."

Groa hadn't done anything to hurt me and I figured that for now, I wouldn't try to run away. Not today, at least. I needed more time to form a plan and prepare.

As I strolled down the dirt path, I glanced around at the trees and the steep mountains rising in front of me. How could I possibly escape through those mountains? I would die. The only other way to Ireland would be by ship, but that was impossible as well. All I could do was pray that someday I would be returned to my family.

I reached the river and knelt on the grassy bank, setting the basket down beside me. The water rushed by and the sound calmed me, along with the sweet birdsong from the trees.

"How did I get here?" I whispered to myself and felt sorrow seep into my chest, settling there like a rock. Tears began to course down my face as I pulled a shirt from the basket and began to scrub in on a rock in the water, using the bar of soap that reminded me of the scent of Asvald's skin. It haunted me, mocked me even.

It took a long while to finish scrubbing every garment, but I was grateful for the task, since it gave me time to think and it seemed to comfort me in some strange way.

I spread the garments out on the grass to dry and finally sprawled out myself. Gray clouds still covered the sky, and soon my eyes lost interest and drift closed.

When I awoke, most of the day had passed. My journey here had stolen my strength.

No one had come looking for me, so I took my time gathering the clothes and placing them back inside the basket.

As I approached the longhouse, the scent of roasting meat met my nose and I inhaled deeply, realizing how hungry I was after not eating all day.

When I stepped inside, I saw Groa standing by the fire, turning the spit where a hunk of meat cooked. She glanced up at me quickly before returning her attention to her work. "Just set it down and come help me with the meal."

I did as she said and took some dough she was kneading for dinner. As Groa and I worked together, she told me all about her children, and their ages and their names. Asvald had two sisters named Halla and Inga, who were fifteen and eight, and four brothers. Ragi was sixteen, Sibbi was ten, Thord was five, and Ulf was two. As I met each member of Asvald's family, I felt the lonely pain in my heart ease a little.

But when the meal was nearly complete, Asvald and his father Bork came through the doorway. Asvald's sister brought them a bowl of water to wash their hands and face in, and they did so while laughing and talking loudly in their own language. Groa left her work for a moment and went to her husband, turning her face up to him. He lowered his lips to hers and they shared a passionate kiss.

I blushed and glanced away. My parents had never kissed like that, at least not in front of me. The Norsemen were a bold and honest people. It would take some time for me to adjust to that.

My eyes met Asvald's and he motioned for me to come to him. I hope he didn't expect me to greet him that way.

I shook my head at him and folded my arms over my chest, sitting down on a bench by the fire.

His mouth set in a firm line, he stroke to me and grasped my chin, yanking it so my face was raised to his. He began to lower his head but I struggled away from him and leaned away. "I have never kissed a man before."

Asvald's eyes softened and he released my chin. "Well, that will have to change. But for now, you will keep your virgin lips." He stared down at me as I stayed silent, and then he turned toward his mother. "She will help you serve the meal."

I didn't mind obeying that command.

They spoke in their own language as they enjoyed their meal, and I ate and listened quietly. Asvald had two sisters and four brothers, and I sat amazed as the family shared this time together.

I had two older brothers that left the house to marry when I was still young, and with a sister a year older than me, I was used to a bit more quiet.

We finished our food and still they talked. Though I couldn't understand them, it seemed as if Bork and Groa were telling a story together for the younger children. Sibbi, Thord, Inga and Ulf all giggled, while Ragi, Halla, and Asvald watched with smiles.

It amazed how a family could show such love for each other, then turn around and destroy other families.

When they finished their story, Bork wrestled with Sibbi and Thord as Groa, Asvald's sisters and I cleaned up after the meal.

Asvald played with Ulf, his face tender as he tickled the little boy and tossed him in the air. For the second time since arriving in this strange land, I felt my heart soften toward him.

The mess cleaned up, Groa went to her loom and sat with Inga, showing her the workings of weaving. Halla joined Asvald in playing with Ulf.

I soon realized I was the only one sitting by myself. Asvald looked up at me. "Come join us, kone." It was an invitation instead of an order.

Smiling, I knelt on the floor and held my arms out to Ulf. He giggled and sat in my lap, clutching a wooden toy in his chubby hands. He held it up for me to see and his bright blue eyes went wide as he said a word in Norse.

I nodded and gently took the toy from him, moving it as if the horse was running along the little boy's leg. He giggled and snatched it back, running back into Asvald's arms.

Asvald buried his face in Ulf's neck and kissed him repeatedly, making the child squeal with laughter.

We played for a while longer, till finally Groa stood and spoke softly but firmly. Asvald and Bork stopped wrestling with the younger boys, and Halla helped Thord and Ulf wash their faces, the rest of his siblings changing onto their nightclothes.

It shocked me to see the family doing such personal things right in front of each other. Bork had caught Groa up in his arms and kissed her, his hands groping her backside.

Once again I flushed and glanced at the children. They didn't even seem to notice it as they got into their beds and turned their backs to their parents' bed.

Asvald and Halla tucked Thord and Ulf into their bed, then Halla changed and got into her own bed.

I stayed still, watching in astonishment as Bork lifted his wife's dress over her head. Groa's body was thick and amble after giving birth to seven children, yet Bork caressed her heavy backside like it was his greatest treasure. Groa sighed and they stood forehead to forehead, sharing the air between them. Bork whispered deeply to her, intimate words I was glad I couldn't hear. She clasped his wrists and brought his hands to her sagging breasts. He moaned and gently fondled them. It amazed me to see such loving and desiring touches between a husband and wife.

She returned such touches, her eyes shining in the firelight with love so strong it made me wish to be on its receiving end. He kissed her again and lay her down on the bed.

Asvald came to my side and touched my arm, nodding toward his bedroom door. I allowed him to steer me inside his room, still surprised from what I had just seen.

The door shut loudly behind me and the click of the lock brought me back from my startled daze. I could feel how red my face was. "The children do not mind?"

Asvald shrugged and walked a half circle around the room, so I had to turn to still stand facing him. He lifted his shirt over his head, preparing himself for bed. "They know what a man and wife do in their bed at night. It is nothing strange or embarrassing to them." He met my eyes. "Or to me."

I realized we were alone in his room, him being half naked and suddenly blocking my way to the door. "You truly are savages then. No sense of morality or decency."

Asvald went to a table that held a pitcher of water and a bowl with a cake of soap. He poured water into the bowl and washed his face. "There is much for you to learn, little kone."

I folded my arms over my chest and remembered how Asvald planning to take me to bed tonight. A fight was about to happen.

Asvald dried his face and came toward. "Do you like your new dress?"

I glanced down at my garment and shrugged. "It is just a dress."

"Yet you wear no underthings, isn't that true?" He smirked and continued toward me.

I moved away from him to my back hit the wall. Asvald pinned me in with his hands on either side of my head.

"It is true," I whispered, feeling like crying. I had never known a fear quite like this before in my life.

"Norse women do not wear underthings like you Irish do. How does that feel? Does it make you feel free...or exposed?" His eyes glittered with lust and my stomach twisted.

I covered my mouth with my hand and lowered my head. "I am going to get sick."

"No, you are not," he murmured, and his eyes traveled over me. "Your hair is so beautiful, like the bark of a tree."

If I wasn't so scared, I would have laughed at his strange compliment.

Taking some of my hair in his fist, he lifted it to his nose and inhaled.

I felt like I was going to be sick. "Please," I said, my voice weak. I felt like all my strength was draining away. "Don't. Not tonight, please." I met his eyes. "Please."

He smiled and tangled both hands into my hair. "My virgin does not know the pleasures of a man."

My whole body stiffened. "I am not your virgin. Now remove your hands from me!"

His grip on my hair tightened and I tried not to show any pain. "You are mine, Eachna. All mine." He lowered his mouth to my neck and began to kiss me.

"Stop. I do not consent!" I cried and shoved against his chest. He released his hold on my hair, though his face hardened with anger.

"I am trying to be patient and gentle with you, but you are making it nearly impossible. Now if you don't shut your mouth and give in to me, I will take you by force, and it will not be pleasant for you," he threatened, his voice deadly calm.

I crossed my arms over my chest and glowered at him. "You do not frighten me. I swear I will find some way to run away from here and I'll be lost to you forever."

"Oh, but if you run, I knew exactly where you'll be, so I'll just steal you again," he said with a mocking smile. He had a point. If I were to return to my family, he would just hunt me down again. The pain of losing hope cut through me and I fought to keep from bursting into sobs.

"Can I not see them again? It was a short journey and I long for them so," I said, searching his face.

He shook his head. "No, you must never see them again. Your home is here and it is time that you learn that. Now strip of your gown so I might take you to bed."

Desperate for anyone to help me, I made a dash for the door and had it open a crack before Asvald pulled me back and kicked the door shut. I struggled against him and bit into the flesh of his arm. He growled and pushed me away, though he did not strike me.

"Maiden, it will be worse for you if you do not calm yourself."

I pressed my hand to my forehead, my head starting to ache along with my belly. "I do not feel well, Asvald."

"You are upsetting yourself. Stop, for I promise I will not hurt you," he said softly and pulled me close against him. His body was warm and inviting but I couldn't make myself embrace him.

"All men promise that only to shatter our hopes," I murmured, avoiding his eyes. Instead of answering me, he tugged at the hem of my dress.

"Take this off," he commanded and gave me room enough to do it. I met his eyes, trying to beg him once more.

"If we are to join as one tonight, allow me to maintain some modesty while you enjoy the pleasures of my body," I whispered, feeling like a part of me was dying inside.

He cupped my face in his hands, his eyes gentle. "Would that make you happy, wife?"

"Yes," I whispered right before he touched his lips to mine in a tender, caressing kiss. It was my first kiss.

"You may leave your dress on. Now come and lie down on the bed," he said and I slowly did as he said, holding in my sobs.

"Don't look between my legs. Please," I whispered as he moved to kneel between my thighs. I could not bear the thought of him seeing the most private part of my body.

"I will look if it pleases me. No need to be concerned," he said, smoothing his hand over my thigh.

I growled at him. "As if that is why I asked. I don't care whether it pleases you or not, I simply wish for some dignity, something you clearly lack."

His face tightened with anger and before I knew what was happening, he flipped me over so I was on my belly and looped an arm around my hips, lifting them up. He pressed his aroused manhood onto the now bare flesh of my hind side.

"Since I lack dignity, maybe I should take you like an animal. Would you like that?" He pressed harder, closer to my entrance this time. I whimpered, fear slicing straight through me.

"No! No, no! Please, no! Let me lie on my back and I will spread my legs for you. But not like this, please not like this," I sobbed, feeling like my heart was being crushed in a fist.

With a sigh, he released my hips and allowed me to roll back over. I panted and stared up at him, waiting to see what he would do.

"I don't want an unwilling bride," he murmured and stroked my hair. "I will be good to you, and I will treat you with kindness. Forgive me for taking you from your home."

I spat in his face. "Never, Norseman chicken droppings."

He growled and wiped away my spittle. "I am tired of playing games with you. You are mine and I will have you tonight."

"You'll have to kill me first," I said and rolled to the side until my feet touched the floor and I swung out from under his arm and ran toward the door, flinging it open. I sprinted out of the sod house, the sky dark and the grass cold under my feet. Even if this lasted only a moment, I felt free for the first time in two days.
A solid mass of muscle knocked me flat to the ground. I tried to crawl away but he grabbed onto my ankle, pulling me back. I kicked at his face and made impact with his nose. He cursed and released his grip of my ankle and I pushed to my feet, running through the dark forest once again, not knowing where I was headed. Anywhere as long as Asvald wasn't there.

I heard his heavy footfalls behind me and I increased my speed, my side aching and my lungs burning for air but I couldn't stop now.

Once again I was thrown to the ground and groaned from the impact, rolling around to face Asvald.

"Damn you, woman! Damn you to hell!" he shouted, blood running from his nose. With his wild eyes, snarling mouth and bleeding nose, he looked terrifying in the moonlight. My fear reached its peak and I began to crumble inside.

"Please do not force me!" I cried before bursting into sobs. Soon I felt strangely gentle arms slide around me and lift me from the cold wet ground. I rested my head on his strong warm chest and before I could stop myself, I sunk into blessed darkness.