Namitha took Usoff's advice.
Upon their farewell, she asked him a huge favour. That was to tell Lufner she was off to see her mother and to not bother come looking for her since she would be home soon.
Well, that evening turned over into the next day. And that day became three.
Namitha's visit did not please Belhild.
She made it clear as day when she made Namitha promise not to see her until the passing of 2 moons. It had not been a month and here she was snuggled and sleeping peacefully at her side like a babe that still groped for milk.
During that time, she wanted her daughter to get used to her new life and husband.
One visit she knew would have been difficult to pull Namitha away.
She had been well. Not better but well. She still had strength in her bones but had not enough to walk about at her leisure; still relying on the help of her servants.
Upon Namitha's seeing her, the poor child burst into tears and clung to her for hours.
Genzic had no complaints. He spoiled Namitha bitter. Before Belhild would have a say in the matter and Namitha grew to have a mind of her own but the child only grew stubborn.
For this, Namitha was made to swear that she would not come. That she would do as instructed and focus on her new life. But she loved her too much. So she said and nothing was going to change her mind.
"Luffy..." Namitha muttered in her sleep and Belhild could only imagine the state the poor man was in.
"Nami." She shook her daughter's shoulder. "Nami, wake up."
Namitha awakened, groggily at first but perked up upon seeing her mother.
"Return to your husband."
Her smile went away.
"I can't. Not yet. What if..?"
"I'll be fine. And by the gods, for the time being, I'll continue being fine. What about Lufner?"
"I haven't been gone for long. Luffy will understand. He has to."
"Three days is a long time. Especially with no explanation. If he were you-"
"Three days?" Namitha's eyes were wide and unblinking. "Surely it has only been a day."
Belhild was sorry she did not tell her sooner. Time waited on no one. Not even the young.
"No sweetie."
"I must go. I'll be back as soon as I can... Three days!" she hastily put on her shoes.
Namitha did not know what came over her. She thought it impossible to stray from Lufner's side without the nagging feeling of wanting to be close to him as soon as possible.
She liked him that much. Loved him that much and you did not have to ask for she knew: She was being a selfish, rebellious, thoughtless and unfeeling wife. And the chances for amendment were slim.
"Luffy will be mad. I just know it. So long by himself..."
How she went to sleep and woke was a long, lost distant memory. Had lost the sense of time, had lost all sense of who she was... what she was.
"What about those friends you told me about?"
"That's different. And you of all people should know that."
"Oh, I know. Some of us simply forget and in turn fuss about dying old flames."
Her words jabbed harder than intended.
"I'm here out of love and concern for you." Namitha pressed her face in her mother's arm. "Live. Please live. You have to get better. There is so much yet to see. So much to live for. I'll be alone without you."
"But you are not alone."
"I will be if I lose you."
Belhild in pain and with great difficulty sat up from bed and put her nimble arms around her daughter.
There was already the onset of tears but Belhild stood her ground. Scraping away at death's door, she still had strength left in her to be a mother.
"Thank you for all you have done for me, Nami. My sweet, sweet girl. Look at me." Namitha's nose was stained red and she regarded Belhild with wet, puffed eyes.
"I do not fear death. Come what may, I'll accept it with open arms.
Namitha's lip trembled.
"There's no doubt of the love you have for me."
"I love you so much."
Belhild smiled and gave Namitha a kiss just like she did when she was a little girl. Two on both cheeks and one more a little higher, just between the brows. Like magic, she smiled.
"There's my girl. I prefer you happy. With me, you will find only misery and anguish."
"That's not true."
Belhild shot her a look before sinking back on her sheets. Her body roared in agony but she made sure to not show it in hopes to avoid making matters worse.
"When our eyes meet, I'm met with tears and pity. You don't smile anymore so I rather you not come."
"How can you say that?"
"The truth?"
Belhild turned on her side and smiled in triumph as her daughter's feet stomped away pausing at the door only to finally leave her.
That Lufner Modig had the patience of the earth. Three days without his wife. Had it been any man, he would have torn the village down and given her a flogging for sure but Namitha said something about him during her rare moments of recollection when she was not fussing and carrying on. It was that Lufner was unlike anyone she knew and perhaps yes, he would understand. But there were some limits, Belhild knew should never be pushed and this was certainly one of them.
The servant girl, Connisse, entered the room with a basin and a cloth and with permission she sponged Belhild clean.
"Where is the other woman? The new girl?"
That woman in mention was Earl Genzic's new bed slave. From time to time she helped Connisse with her husband's command but strange enough on this occasion she was not present.
Namitha made mention that from the moment she set eyes on her, she disliked the woman in an instant. Her ego being high enough to reach the gods all because she had the Earl's favour.
"Alvilda is not here, ma'am. The Earl sent her on an errand."
"Where to?"
"I cannot say."
On her way out, Namitha was stopped by the Jarl.
Unlike Belhild, Genzic was more than pleased to see his daughter. He was beginning to believe she had forgotten about them. Though her time was constant at her mother's side, it was good to have her presence in the house again. He missed her dearly.
"Where are you going at this time of night?"
"Home. I have to return to my husband."
"So soon?"
"Yes. I must go."
"It has been raining for hours. And it will, sure enough, continue into the night."
"But..."
Namitha was down-hearted, sad and troubled. But Genzic had reassurance. Good news in fact and he flattered himself for the goodwill he so graciously performed.
Before he would rely on his wife's council but had to rely on his wisdom nowadays and so far he had done a fantastic job. This great act of service being no exception.
Namitha pushed the door open and surveyed the weather. It was bad and she prayed that Lufner would not mind if she stayed the night. She would have to explain the reason for her absence however but still, she needed to see him.
She wanted to see him.
"There's no need," said Genzic, stepping from his chair. "I sent someone ahead."
Namitha at first was grateful. If someone had gone ahead and let Lufner know she was in good health and to expect her soon return, that would be ideal. However, that was a far cry from what her father was about to tell her.
"Are you not going to ask who it was that I sent?"
"Why? Was it not one of your men?"
"No, it was Alvilda."
"Alvilda?" The colour drained from Namitha's face. She never thought her father audacious. "Why would you send your whore to my husband?"
Earl Genzic shrank back in fear. Words struggled to leave his lips.
Namitha's frown grew deeper.
"You didn't just send her to relay a message did you?"
The Earl stuttered.
"You have been away for a three-day. It is not good for a newly married couple to be away from each other for too long. It soils connection. And Lufner Modig is a man. Men need comfort."
"You sent that woman to bed my husband without finding out if I was okay with it. How could you?"
She had never been so mad in all her life.
"I thought-"
"That I'd be okay with it?"
"Alvilda is a mature woman. Any man would have her favour. She'll take care of Lufner till your return. I did not expect it to be so soon."
Despite her distress, her father failed to read the room. Her feelings were disregarded. The man standing before her was an imposter. He was not the man who raised her all those years with love and dedication. He can't be.
"Do you still consider me your daughter?"
"Of course I do."
"So why have you chosen to kill me?"
Namitha's eyes narrowed at the Jarl. Her mouth peeled back in disdain.
"I have done no such thing. I will never..."
"If you think that Lufner is likened to an average man, you are wrong.
"To have such nerve to do such a thing... I will never forgive you."
Each word seethed passed her teeth. The anger was there, so was the sorrow.
"I am sorry. If I had known, this would have never happened. How can I make it up to you?"
The Earl tried to get close but Namitha stepped back and turned away.
Then and there he wanted to die. He hurt her. Something he swore he would never do.
"Do you love him?"
"Lufner gave me no choice. Of course I love him. And I never agreed on sharing him with Alvilda or with anyone. He is my husband."
"What will you do when he takes another?"
Namitha sent him a sharp look.
"Another what?"
"Another wife."
The thought scared Namitha. It was not unusual for a man who can afford it to have two or more wives. A fact that he or she never discussed. As they grow older and would start wanting different things. It was a dreaded topic that Namitha chose to avoid.
Just then, someone came through the doors dripping wet. Their cloak drenched with rain.
It was revealed to be the one and only Alvilda. A scowl on her lips and her brows dipped in quizzical defeat.
Her back was turned towards Namitha and Genzic looked bashfully between the two women. The air thick and heavy.
Alvilda flipped wet hair over her shoulder, dropped the cloak in the doorway and sighed. A hand placed firm on her hip.
Genzic inquired. He was not expecting her till the morn. "Were you lost?"
Namitha sent her father a cross look and he was quick to ask the question that mattered most.
"What happened?"
"I have never been more insulted. I went to see that Lufner Modig as you asked. And he-he...
She paused, reevaluating her life.
"I'm beautiful, aren't I? A rare beauty. All the men in the village want me. I'm irresistible. I share the bed with the Earl of these lands."
Earl Genzic nodded more than needed. He coloured at the sight of her shapely form.
Namitha became sick to her stomach. Not that she minded her father having other women. All her years knowing her parents, she had not once seen them intimate. Their relationship Belhild said was a mutual agreement to raise her on the day of her discovery. They were great partners but did not share the fond togetherness of a married couple.
The problem Namitha had was the type of women he chose to bed. Common beauties, common whores.
This one fit right in.
"No one- and I repeat- No one has ever refused me."
From the corner of Genzic's eye, he saw triumph blazing on Namitha's face.
"He must favour men."
"I assure you he does not."
Alvilda spun around in surprise and glared at the girl. She wanted to wipe the smug look right off her face but held back. She was in the presence of the Earl and may the gods help her hold her tongue.
"Can we go elsewhere?"
"No. You're not leaving here until you tell of what business you had with my husband."
"Some women would think that I've done them a huge favour. A wife days away from home without a word. You must really care about him."
That was an attempt to get under Namitha's skin and it failed miserably.
"I went to the house. He was home but I was not the person he wanted to see which he made clear by the slam of the door. Even though I made mention that I was sent by you, Earl Genzic, the bastard left me out in the rain. Imagine that!
"I say he not go unpunished. He refused an act of goodwill. It is a shame and such a waste of a handsome face."
"How dare you?"
Screw composure and screw patience. At this rate, Namitha had none. She stomped over wanting nothing more than to rip her throat out. Those were big words coming from a mere servant and Namitha made it her duty to remind her of her position.
"How dare you speak of Lufner in that way? You know nothing of him and you have no say in what should be done with his life!"
Before she could grab the woman, Genzic stepped between them, hurrying Alvilda out the room.
She left but in no hurry. With a swing of her hips, she walked away as proud as can be as if victory was hers.
"Now that is cleared up, you must be very happy."
"You are wrong, father. Not only have you failed to consult me, you chose to defend her over me."
Genzic's mouth fell open.
"I want her gone."
"Be reasonable, Nami."
"How else do you expect me to forgive you?"
"I'll give you anything you want. Just name it. Please."
Beautiful women like Alvilda who gave themselves willingly were hard to come by. He could not give her up. Not yet.
The wager did not take a century and a day. Namitha knew just the thing.
"Have little to nothing to do with my private life especially where Lufner is concerned."
"You have my wor-"
"And," Namitha was yet to finish.
"Wherever Lufner goes, I go if it is to my choosing. He needs me as much as I need him."
"Where is it that he has to go?" The Earl did not like the sound of that. Namitha's safety was important.
"Do I have your word?"
"Yes."
What more could he say? He valued the relationship he shared with his daughter. To have that destroyed was worse than cutting one's self open with a knife.
"Good."
"You'll stay the night, won't you?"
Namitha did not answer and the Earl went away to have one of the maidservants prepare her room.
When Genzic returned, his daughter, as well as Alvilda's discarded leather cloak, were gone without a trace.
The Earl released a forlorn sigh. Such a head-strong child she was.
He headed to Belhild.
At her side, he sat and sighed yet again. His wife's hand on his shoulder made things a little better.
"Make me guess. Namitha is upset with you."
"How did you know?"
"Nothing else gets you this upset. Either that or the whole village has lost faith in you as their leader."
Equal rights for everyone, a fair share of food as well as adequate opportunity for everyone to practice and learn a trade. Those were the measures put in place recommended by Belhild. Without her, he would have never made it this far.
Be kind to the people; listen to them. Let them know that you care. As a result, the village of Cocoyash had prospered for years and years and will continue doing so for many more to come.
As to how he managed to gain the position as Jarl, Belhild was of royal blood and Genzic was the son of a trusted friend of her parents. He grew up under the guidance of her father who was the Earl before him and had acknowledged Genzic as his successor. He was not skilled in combat like his daughter but he made up for other things. Being a man was one of them for he had no sons. Genzic and Belhild's marriage was arranged and the people respected the command of their late Earl and had revered Jarl Genzic ever since.
"What are we to do?"
Belhild hardly knew what he meant.
"Do about what?"
"About Nami... our daughter. Sooner or later, she'll forget about us. She is still that head-strong girl."
Behild rolled her eyes. Must a sick woman such as she be forced to listen to the tantrums of a grown man?
"She is married now. And happily married too."
"Did she tell you she was happy?"
"She spoke highly of Lufner. He is someone she respects and has come to love with all her heart."
"I did not want her gone. It was you who insisted on it."
"It was for the best. And you know that."
Genzo nodded and hooded his eyes taking Belhild's hand. A sad expression on his face.
"Though you might not have seen it, she cried every day and worries ardently for my life. I failed to get better and so Nami lost the shine in her eyes and I was afraid she would soon forget what it was like to be a human being. What it was like to laugh, smile and play and to hope for better days.
"Don't you see, Genzic? We could no longer make her happy."
Those words were displeasing to the Earl's ears. Genzic, when it came to Namitha, was a stubborn and bias fool.
Belhild exhaled a long exhausted breath. Many times she had been disturbed that day and wanted nothing but to rest.
"If it was up to you, Namitha would have grown to be an old-maid. She is finally able to manage her own home and it has taken her mind off of things. Namely, me. She has to start living for herself, her dreams and her future family. We have done our part.
"Lufner is a well enough husband. Our Namitha will be just fine."
Genzic did not appear to be listening. Not that she minded much. What was done was done whether he liked it or not.
Although they got along, one of the reasons Belhild married Genzic was because of the urging of her parents. They wanted grandchildren.
All Belhild wanted was to fight. She did not care for men or settling down. But as the years piled up, she fancied the thought of being a mother much more than she would have liked all those years ago. And since both she and Genzic could not part from the child, they decided to marry. Not because of love but of duty. She was proven barren but relished in the thought of raising Namitha as her own and the arrangement was a success. Belhild loved being a mother and Genzic, a father.
"Do you remember the day we found Namitha?"
"Yes. It was a stormy day on the shore. We were escaping the winds and rain and heard the cries of a babe. We found her wrapped in cloth with no mother in sight."
"She was so scared and alone."
"And the most beautiful child we have ever set eyes on."
Belhild smiled and patted his hand with her eyes closed. Genzic acknowledging her tiredness secured her covers.
"We suspected that a nearby boat must have got done-in by the storm. Thor was angry that day but the chances were low. It was unlikely that a baby could survive such a storm on her own. The next day, we searched for bodies but found none."
"It was all so strange."
"I mused," Belhild laughed, "That she was gifted to us from the sea. I imagined that the very waves must have carried her to shore."
"And I thought that notion ridiculous."
"But what if it was true? The jötunn, Ægir and the goddess, Rán of the sea, had nine daughters personifying waves. I've always thought that nine was such an odd number."
"It is."
"So why not ten?"
Genzic will admit that he gave it some thought but instead owed it to coincidence. Who in their right mind would have abandoned such a child, he had no idea. How she made his day when she began sharing her smiles. He so fiercely wanted to protect her.
"That's nonsense talk."
"You cannot deny that our Namitha always had a connection to the sea. Her hair grew in the manner of waves and orange like the sky at sunset.
"As a little girl, she asked the world of questions about those waters more than anything else. Like where do the waves go and how much she loved the sounds they make. She longs for them."
"The sea is a dangerous place. There is no way I'll allow Namitha on those waters."
She had snuck away on many occasions to the ocean to wade about. And had taught herself to swim. Genzic scolded her each time to the point he forbade her from going to the sea at all. Not only could she drown, it was the ideal place to be snatched away by a tradesman. He was afraid of losing her. And hating to see her parents worried sick, Namitha listened.
It had been years and Genzic had hoped that she had lost her passion ages ago but he was wrong.
The bargain so unknowingly made between them had set her free forever.
And there was no turning back.
To be continued...