Rough Warrior Read online

  “For her sense of safety if nothing else,” Ulrick replied. “Here, let me take that wood. Where will you be?”

  “I found a similar chamber behind the far wall. It’s tiny, but there’s enough room for me to start a small blaze and stretch out. When this is over I want to explore these caves. I suspect they hold many secrets.”

  “I agree,” Ulrick replied, relieving Magnus of the sticks and logs, “and I suspect Ailith knows some of them.”

  “Ah, that wouldn’t surprise me,” Magnus said with a grin. “See you at sunup.”

  “Yes, my friend. See you at sunup.”

  Though buoyed by his men’s show of allegiance, Ulrick felt the weariness seep through his bones. Entering the small cave, he glanced across at Ailith. She was lying down with the pelt draped over her body, but her eyes were open.

  “I heard everything,” she murmured as he placed the wood on the floor. “Your men honored you. I should have told you it’s not a long journey to the cove.”

  “That’s good to hear,” he replied, removing the tinder fungus from the pouch at his waist.

  Placing it on the kindling, he leaned over and blew, causing the oddly shaped mushroom to smolder, then set the thin sticks to flame.

  “How did you do that?” she asked, sitting up.

  “I’ll explain later.” Letting out a heavy sigh, he stretched out next to her.

  “Before we go to sleep, I found something. It’s of no use to me, but I’m sure it will be to you.”

  “You mean, here in this chamber?”

  “Yes, you can have it.” There was a titillating cheekiness in her voice, and though he was prepared for just about anything, when she opened her fingers, his heart skipped.

  Sitting in the center of her palm was a shimmering gold coin.

  Chapter Seven

  Ulrick stared at the gold coin.

  It glimmered in the fire’s dancing light.

  Questions blasted through his head.

  Why is she offering it?

  Are there more pieces of gold in the caves?

  Will the owner return for it?

  How long has it been here?

  Is it shiny because it’s new?

  Is it safe to sell?

  Is there a reward for its recovery?

  “Ulrick,” Ailith murmured, interrupting his thoughts, “don’t you want it?”

  He jerked his head up, the first question popping to the forefront of his mind. “Why are you giving this to me?”

  She paused. “Well, if I kept it and tried to sell it,” she began slowly, “I’d probably be attacked either for the coin itself, or the money I received. That’s assuming I was able to reach a place where I could find someone to buy it, which is unlikely. You, on the other hand, are always traveling and would probably be able to track down someone to buy it, and you could certainly defend yourself against robbers.”

  Though her logic was irrefutable, he found her confounding.

  “Don’t you want it, Master?” She’d lowered her head, but her unfathomable blue eyes were looking up at him beneath long, dark eyelashes. For a moment he thought she was peering into his very soul.

  Taking a breath, he took the coin from her palm and held it up to the light.

  The engraving showed no wear.

  One of his questions was answered.

  The coin appeared to be new.

  There had been tales of a ship carrying a queen’s riches being set upon and her treasure stolen, though the name of the queen remained a mystery. Was he holding a coin from the famous lost fortune?

  “Taking this would not change your place as my servant girl,” he said solemnly. “Nor would it buy your freedom or put me in your debt, but even so,” he murmured, his brow furrowing, “I will not accept it.”

  He noticed a subtle change in her expression.

  “Keep it safe,” he continued, handing it back to her. “One day it may be useful.”

  “I don’t understand,” she said softly, her crystal eyes sparkling.

  “My reasons are my reasons,” he said gruffly. “I don’t need to explain myself to you, and you speak too freely.”

  “Forgive me, Master,” she muttered, dropping her gaze. “I didn’t mean to anger you.”

  “It’s time to sleep,” he declared, removing his trousers and slipping beneath the pelt next to her. “You will press your body against mine for warmth and my pleasure.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Closing his eyes as her silken skin curled against his, he let out a long breath. A voice in his head scolded him, claiming he’d been a fool to turn down the precious coin, but another, stronger part of him felt deeply satisfied.

  He sighed again.

  He could find no peace between the two. But his mind was tired and his body weary. Telling himself the entire episode would be clearer in the morning, he surrendered to sleep.

  * * *

  Holding the gold coin tightly in her hand, Ailith melted into Ulrick’s powerful body and let her eyelids grow heavy. He reminded her of a mighty tree providing shelter from the rain, shade from the hot sun, and towering over the many inhabitants of its forest.

  The outside of the trunk was rough and could scratch the skin, but peeled away, the white, tender bark revealed itself. If soaked and properly treated, it could be woven into strong rope. The tree’s flexible branches sprouted with thick, tender leaves, able to sway in strong winds, and hold the creatures swinging from one to the other, or perch upon to view its surroundings.

  Now she knew the tree was solid.

  There was no disease in its core.

  It was as mighty as it appeared.

  Our way is the same as the rest of the world.

  His words danced in her head.

  He was right, but it didn’t diminish the pain and suffering he and his warriors inflicted on the simple village people. It was something she wanted to come to terms with, though she would never condone it. A piece of her still hated him for what he’d done, but it was slowly being eroded like the ocean washed away the sand. As her worn-out body succumbed to sleep, she realized she no longer felt a strong desire to escape.

  To be free, yes.

  But not to escape.

  * * *

  Waking from a deep, dreamless sleep, Ulrick sensed a weight on top of him. It wasn’t heavy, but light and soft. Opening his eyes he found no glow from the small fire, or noise from the large cavern. It was still late in the night, but Ailith’s face was leaning into his, and her breasts pressed against his chest.

  She kissed him softly, but as he slid his fingers into her amazingly sleek hair, the kiss grew fervent, and his stiffening cock sprang to full life.

  Roaming his hands down her back, he fiercely squeezed her bottom, evoking a sharp gasp. Feverishly needing to impale her, he clutched her waist and pulled her up, but before he could whisper his wishes, her knees fell on either side of his torso, and gripping his manhood, she lowered herself down.

  Closing his eyes, he savored the rapturous feel of her slick, wet womanhood wrapping around him, but as she began moving, he barely managed to stifle his groans.

  Ailith had a more difficult time staying quiet.

  When his rough hands suddenly grasped her full, luscious breasts, she let out a squeal.

  “Hush,” he breathed. “You’ll be heard.”

  Her startled eyes darting down to his, she bit her lower lip. He nodded his approval, then pinched her nipples. Though her brow furrowed and she gazed at him with pleading eyes, she remained silent.

  His lips curling in a satisfied smile, he continued kneading her fleshy mounds, then returned his hands to her waist and bounced her up and down on his member.

  But he wanted more.

  Holding her still, he began thrusting upward, pumping into her channel with strength and vigor. As her breathing grew ragged, he increased his pace, and when she suddenly threw back her head and sucked in her breath, he knew she was at the brink.

  Tightening
his hold, he rammed even more forcefully.

  Her body writhed, and her face contorted in silent ecstasy, hurtling him into his explosion. Jerking violently, his cock released his essence, and with his heart thundering, he swallowed back his deep groans until the last spasm passed.

  His hands dropped from her waist, and as he slipped from her depths, she fell limp on top of him.

  * * *

  When Ailith woke up, she found herself lying on her side cradled in Ulrick’s arms. Hearing the murmuring of the warriors in the cavern, she let out a yawn and tried to stretch, but his bear hug was too strong.

  “Master,” she said, wriggling against him. “You need to wake up.”

  “I am awake. I’ve been awake for a while.”

  “Uh, the men, they’re moving around. Won’t they be looking for you?”

  “I appear when I choose to appear,” he replied, not loosening his arms, “but I suppose it must be sunup. Is the pasture for the horses on the way, or will it be a side trip?”

  “It’s on the way.”

  Letting out a grunt and finally letting her go, he sat up and raised his arms above his head in a long stretch.

  “I’ll fetch us something to eat,” he declared, abruptly rising to his feet and reaching for his trousers.

  “Will you check on the weather?” she called after him as he left.

  Though he had already disappeared, she heard him call back something in reply. Spotting the coin on the ground, she picked it up, then pushed off the pelt and hurriedly dressed. Making sure no one was near the entrance to the small chamber, she slipped the treasure back into its hiding place.

  * * *

  Entering the cavern, Ulrick discovered his warriors were busy eating their morning meal. Greeting them as he passed, and picking up a few morsels, he moved outside and smiled at the day. White puffy clouds floated against a blue sky, the gale had softened to a breeze, and the ferocious waves were now gentle ripples on the shore. Striding past Bjørn’s boat, he was surprised to see him on board.

  “Bjørn!”

  The sturdy man jumped, then stared down at him and shook his head.

  “Ulrick! You gave me a scare.”

  “Why aren’t you eating with your men?”

  “I have already. I just wanted to check on things after that weather last night. What about you?”

  “I came by to tell your men to bring the horses out to the beach. Let them know we’ll be taking them to a field.”

  “Where?”

  “Ailith knows. It’s on the way to the cove,” Ulrick replied. “We should set out shortly. The sun is higher than I would have liked.”

  “I think we were all exhausted from last night,” Bjørn remarked.

  “It was a rough one,” Ulrick agreed with a nod. “I’ll see you later.”

  As Bjørn waved and returned to whatever it was he was doing, Ulrick hurried to his boat and climbed on board. The horses were none the worse for wear, and Frey even nickered as he approached. After instructing the horse carers to unload them, he stopped into his small cabin and stuffed a large pouch with supplies he thought might be useful, then headed back to the caves.

  Entering the cavern, he was once again struck by its size. Recalling Magnus’s desire to explore the intriguing area before they returned home, Ulrick glanced around in search of his old friend, but he was nowhere to be seen. Growing concerned, Ulrick quickly gathered food to share with Ailith and hurried back to their small chamber.

  “Master, I was worried, you were gone a while,” Ailith declared as he stepped in and handed her the bread and dried fruits.

  “I ran into Bjørn on his boat, and I picked up some things I might need,” he replied, placing the pouch on the ground, then shook his head, wondering why he’d felt the need to explain himself.

  “How’s the weather?”

  “Warm and dry,” he replied, “but I must check on Magnus.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “I don’t know,” Ulrick said briskly, turning to leave.

  “Wait, I’m coming with you.”

  “You must ask, not assume,” he scolded, abruptly spinning around and scowling at her.

  “Sorry, Master, I’m trying.”

  “Try harder.”

  “Please, may I join you?” she asked softly. “Now I’m worried about him too. Perhaps I can help you find him.”

  Ulrick paused.

  She knew the cavern.

  “He told me he’d found a small chamber against the far wall.”

  “Oh, I know it,” she exclaimed, hurrying past him.

  “Of course you do,” he muttered, shaking his head as he followed.

  “It’s just through there,” she said quietly, pointing to an entrance that was barely discernible. “Do you want me to wait?”

  “For the moment,” he replied, moving past her and into the dark grotto. In the light of the small fire still burning, he saw Magnus was lying on his side, curled up with his arms crossed.

  “Magnus,” Ulrick said softly, crouching next to him. “Are you all right?”

  “Ah, Ulrick, no. I’m sorry to say I’ve been taken by the chills.”

  The man’s hoarse voice told Ulrick everything he needed to know. Quickly standing up, he hurried back to Ailith.

  “Magnus is sick. Bring the pelt.”

  As she moved quickly away, Ulrick strode through the men in search of water and ale. Carried in small, lidded barrels, he seized one of each, along with a cup, and marched swiftly back to his friend. Ailith had already returned and was covering him with the fur.

  “I’ll sit him up,” Ulrick declared. “Pour some water.”

  “This was brought by the storm,” Magnus croaked as Ulrick helped him. “I was too wet for too long, and I couldn’t get warm during the night.”

  “Don’t try to talk,” Ulrick said as Ailith handed him the cup. “Drink this, then I’ll pour you some ale. That will help you sleep, or do you want to return to the boat and stay there?”

  “I would, but I don’t feel up to moving,” Magnus replied, taking the drink and urgently downing it all. “Ahh, thank you. I can’t remember ever being so thirsty. This is so bothersome. I wish I could join you on your journey to the cove.”

  “There’s no question of that,” Ulrick said firmly. “Perhaps I should leave a man here to take care of you.”

  “No, no, I don’t need anyone here fussing.”

  “Excuse me,” Ailith said. “There are berries nearby that will make you better very quickly. Master, can I show them to one of the men caring for the horses when we leave? He can bring them back. Magnus should have them frequently.”

  “I’ll fetch Varig and you’ll take him there right now,” Ulrick declared.

  “But you must be on your way,” Magnus protested.

  “You know better than to argue,” Ulrick replied. “Ailith, stay with him. I’ll be back shortly.”

  * * *

  As Ulrick left the room, Ailith helped Magnus prop himself up against the wall, then poured him more water.

  “You must drink as much as you can,” she said earnestly.

  “I admit, I am still craving it,” he said gratefully, immediately taking in large gulps, then leaning his head back, he let out a long sigh. “Ailith, you are an old soul. You see things others don’t, and you know truth from lies when people speak.”

  “Sometimes.”

  “All the time,” he said with the hint of a smile.

  “So do you.”

  “Not like you. Your gift is rare,” he said knowingly, then narrowed his eyes. “You need to listen to me. Really listen. Will you do that?”

  She paused, then nodded.

  “I understand you’re angry. You were taken against your will, but sometimes our destiny comes upon us in ways we could never have imagined. Don’t hold anger toward Ulrick. It’s the gods who chose how the two of you should meet.”

  “Excuse me for saying so, but what happened to my village doesn’t seem
very godlike.”

  “As clever as you are, there will be things in life you’ll never understand,” he said solemnly. “That’s something you must learn to accept. We both know if you really want to escape, you will, but I hope you choose to stay. Ulrick needs you, and though you may not know it yet, you need him.”

  Chapter Eight

  Ailith had led Varig to the berry patch and returned with a bucketful, while Ulrick had been with his warriors preparing to leave for the trek over the cliff, and unloading the horses to take to the grazing area. Returning to the cavern to check on Magnus and collect Ailith, he found him a little better. The pelt had warmed him, and he’d stopped shivering.

  “Don’t worry about me,” Magnus managed. “Go! Deal with that traitorous bastard.”

  “Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat more berries,” Ailith said firmly. “They’ll make you better in no time.”

  “I will,” Magnus promised. “They’re very tasty. I eat one and I want another.”

  “Rest and be well,” Ulrick murmured, his brow set in a worried frown. “Varig, you’ll stay and watch over him.”

  “It would be my honor,” Varig replied.

  Leaving the chamber with Ailith following, Ulrick strode across the cavern and out to the beach. His men had gathered and the horses were ready to leave, but turning around to speak to Ailith, he discovered she was gone.

  His heart skipped.

  She’d been directly behind him.

  Wondering how she could have slipped away unnoticed, he raced back into the cavern and stared across the large, empty space.

  “Ailith!”

  His shout echoed.

  He waited.

  “I’m here.”

  Her willowy frame appeared from the small chamber where they’d slept.

  Flooded with a rush of relief, Ulrick hurried toward her. “What are you doing? Don’t disappear like that again or I’ll have to tie your hands and—”

  “Master, if I want to escape, I will. I thought you knew that.”

  “What I know,” he blustered, “is that you have to be spanked—and hard.”

  “Perhaps,” she said with a tilt of her head, “but I needed a moment of quiet. There’s something important I must tell you.”